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IN THIS ISSUE

Education and Early Years All the best local events & activities for families

Plus... News, Wear a Hat Day, why culture is good for the kids, and fun puzzle page!

Issue 86 January/February 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Solent East 1

• Indoor play barn • café • changing facilities

Family Fun

at Horizon Leisure Centres

Fun for little ones, whatever the weather

Swimming Inflatable Fun Sessions Adventure Play Toddler Groups Oceans of Play World of Play Teen Gym Workout Half Term Kids Club

With plenty of indoor spaces to explore, plus friendly animals to meet, Staunton is a great place to entertain little ones this winter.

*Kid sg FREE o !

Open all year round! *Hand in this advert to receive one free child admission with every full paying adult (up to two free children per voucher). Voucher can only be redeemed once. Photocopies and web copies not accepted. Expires 29 Feb 2020 (excludes 15 – 23 Feb 2020).

www.horizonlc.com info@horizonlc.com

www.hants.gov.uk/staunton

Waterlooville Leisure Centre

Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

023 9224 5900

Havant Leisure Centre

www.hants.gov.uk

023 9247 6026

0450 FN Families Solent East Advert (87x130mm).qxp 03/12/2019 15:46 P

FORT NELSON

War Games Week Half Term 17 – 21 February Fun, adventures & have-a-go activities National collection of artillery Victorian fort Special events Cafe & shop

Open daily Free admission Find us near Fareham | PO17 6AN www.royalarmouries.org

Managing Editor Caroline Roope Editorial and Design Caroline Roope caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 / 07967 597779 Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk Next issue March/April 2020 Booking deadline 3 February 2020

4 5 6 10 11 12

News

Good for Your Children

What's On

Short break ideas for 2020 Education and Early Years Five minute fun puzzles The Importance of Imagination Why Being a Culture Vulture is

To all our readers and their families, Thank you for your support in 2019 and a very happy 2020! If, like me, you'll be making some new year's resolutions over the coming weeks, why not make one of them supporting a charity?

Copyright: Families Solent East 2020 Families Solent East 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 Solent East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Solent East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Solent East; 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.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer

We're fortunate enough again this year to be working with the amazing folk at Brain Tumour Research to help promote their Wear a Hat Day on 27 March. By taking part in Wear a Hat Day, you'll be helping to raise vital funds for research into this devastating disease, which currently receives just 1% of the national spend on cancer research. Find out how you and your community can get involved in our News section on page 4. Here's to a happy, fun-filled 2020!

Caroline :-)

UMOUR Y A BRAIN T B D E T TA S A DEV SHOULD BE NO FAMILY

Just

of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease

FREE

FUNDRAISING PACK

www.wearahatday.org Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 3

News, Clubs and Classes Take the plunge with Portsmouth Penguins All ages and disabilities are welcome at Portsmouth Penguins disability swimming sessions. Join in the fun in an inclusive swim session where participants can swim in lanes or have a splash about with family, friends and carers. Every Sunday, 3pm – 3.55pm. £1.85 per person, carers are free of charge. To book call 02393 200403 or email charter@bhliveactive.org.uk. All children aged 5-8 years must be with a carer in the pool if they cannot swim unaided. A hoist is available, and the pool depth is 0.75-1.75.

See bhliveactive.org.uk for more details.

Happy 20th Birthday Perform! Perform is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Families chatted to founder, Lucy Quick.

How did Perform start? I was a musical theatre actress in Oliver! at the London Palladium and I loved working with children. I had a vision for a drama school that wasn’t about talent or auditions; where performing arts would be used to develop what we now call the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

Where is Perform at now? Starting with two classes in 2000, we now run 472 schools across the South East and West, employ over 250 teachers and have almost 8000 children attending weekly.

What’s the secret of Perform’s success? Can you help CLIC Sargent? Volunteers needed! World Cancer Day is February 4th 2020. CLIC Sargent, which is the leading charity for children and young people with cancer are looking for volunteers to help them with a bucket collection the weekend of 1st and 2nd February. If this is something you are interested in helping with or would like to organise your own fundraising for young cancer patients in February, please contact the local Fundraising Manager Liz on Liz.Blunt@clicsargent.org.uk or phone on 07944 696 858. Thank you very much.

We put child development at the heart of everything we do.

What does the future hold? Opening more Perform schools across the country – we’re just launching in Nottingham - and continuing our confidence crusade to help children fulfil their potential through drama, dance and singing.

What are you proudest of? My teachers. They are the most inspirational bunch of talented and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet.

Try a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Chichester, Fareham, Petersfield and Waterlooville. Quote SOL140220 for an introductory £40 discount when you book. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

www.clicsargent.org.uk/join-our-fight/ get-fundraising/

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-12s

Calling all families Wear A Hat Day needs you!

Perform is a unique children’s drama school with a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

The annual fundraising extravaganza Wear A Hat Day is coming back in 2020 – Families Magazine and Brain Tumour Research are calling on you to get involved! Wear A Hat Day 2020 takes place on Friday 27th March, at the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Over the last decade, this hattastic event has raised more than £1 million in support of the charity Brain Tumour Research. It has become a must-do event for many children and parents and their communities. Taking part is really easy and the charity has some great ideas on their website to help you plan and host wonderful hat-themed fundraising events. Register today to ensure you get your FREE fundraising pack in time: www.wearahatday.org Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. No family should be devasted by a brain tumour. Wear A Hat Day is a really important campaign to be involved with – not only is it great fun but with your participation, it becomes a powerful symbol of hope for all affected by this disease. Funds raised will continue to help the charity build a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence whilst influencing the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally.

Together we will find a cure. 4 F amilies Solent East

The curriculum ensures plenty of fun using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, music downloads and videos, keeping the magic of the classes alive at home. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit www. perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today or contact: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk. Quote SOL140220 for an introductory £40 discount when you book. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child's true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Venues: Chichester: St Michael's Church Hall, Summersdale Road, PO19 6PN. Mondays 4 - 5pm (4-7 year olds), 5 - 6pm (7 - 12 year olds) Petersfield: Salvation Army Hall, Swan Street, GU32 3AD. Mondays 4-5pm (4-7 year olds), 5-6pm (4-7 year olds) Fareham: Titchfield Community Centre, Mill St, PO14 4AB. Tuesdays 4-5pm / 5-6pm (4-7 year olds), 6-7pm (7-12 year olds) Waterlooville: All Saints Church Hall, Catherington Lane, PO8 0TD. Tuesdays 4-5pm (4-7 year olds), 5-6pm (4-7 year olds)

www.perform.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

options from riverside cottages in the Norfolk Broads, to luxury lakeside lodges in the Cotswolds to lovely seaside holiday homes. Theme Park Fun

Short Break Ideas by Claire Winter

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular with families in the UK. Budget airlines, busier lives, and the desire to see lots of different places in a shorter amount of time are just some of the reasons why families are opting for them. Apparently short breaks are also good for your mental health. Psychologists claim that people who take them are much happier than people who take long holidays. This is because people’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for their destination may start to wane after more than a week away.

Image credits: Ethan Hu, Robert Keane and Peter Zagar. All available on Unsplash.

Adventure Awaits Taking a break to try a new sport or have an outdoor adventure will be popular in 2020. Whether it’s spending the weekend in a cosy cottage in North Wales to go on the world’s fastest zip wire (www.zipworld.co.uk) or exploring the stunning scenery of the Pyrenees. The Adventure Creators (www.adventurecreators.co.uk) are a small, friendly tour operator that specialises in multi-activity holidays in this mountainous area. Activities include canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and high rope adventures. An in-situ holiday manager is on hand throughout your stay to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as to give you recommendations for the best family-friendly restaurants in the area. Holidays are available May-September. Unusual European City Breaks Reykjavik is a perfect place to visit with a family because it is small in size and easy to explore, with plenty of colourful buildings, interesting food and cosy cafes in which to enjoy coffee and cake. You can take day trips to explore the stun-

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ning waterfalls and hot springs of the Icelandic landscape. Or why not visit Bari in Italy? With its host of historic buildings and winding streets, it’s fun, noisy and perfect for families that like to wander and soak up the sunshine. There are lovely beaches nearby and you can also enjoy the regular opera and ballet performances at the recently restored Teatro Petruzzelli. Eco-Friendly Stays With awareness growing of the effect of travel on the environment, think about travelling by train, which is much greener. Amsterdam, Bruges, Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg and Cologne can all be reached by rail in under 6 hours from London. Then there are eco-friendly destinations such as Slovenia (www.slovenia.info/ en) where 54% of the land is under protection. It also has beautiful coastal towns to explore and activities like white water rafting and hiking to try. Half of the country is covered in forest, so it is really one of the greenest countries in the world. Waterside Breaks Scotland is a fantastic destination all year round. The country is celebrating a year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 so there’s never been a better time to explore its beautiful rivers, lochs and coastline. You can also enjoy fantastic events as part of the celebrations, such as the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Scotland’s Shores at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will feature classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience. More information at www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/ coasts-waters/. Also check out www. watersidebreaks.com which has a wealth of waterside accommodation

Copenhagen has loads of fun things to do for families and is just a two-hour flight away. It’s also home to not one, but two amusement parks. Bakken, with its 82 year old wooden rollercoaster, is just ten minutes’ drive north of the city and is the world’s oldest amusement park, dating back to 1583. Tivoli Gardens consists of 15 acres packed with pagodas, roller coasters, and fairground rides, including the world’s tallest carousel. You could also check out Efteling: World of Wonders in Holland (www.efteling.com/en). It’s about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and has a fun, fantasy, storybook setting and a variety of novel accommodation options. You can immerse yourself in the enchanted forest, where there are carousels and fun rides for the younger children, while thrill seekers can battle dragons on the rollercoasters. Don’t forget to let us know your favourite short break destinations on our Facebook page!

Home from Home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Families Solent East 5

Education and Early Years Childminder

Nanny, Granny or Nursery? By Gabrielle Nash Decisions over childcare are some of the most challenging and important that working parents have to make. Whether it’s the cost or the suitability (or lack thereof), parents often grapple with childcare dilemmas right the way through a child’s pre-school and primary school years. So how do you go about finding the best for you and your family, regardless of the ages of your children? To start, be truly realistic about what the amount of childcare you need. It’s not just the hours you will spend actually at work. What about your commute? Do you have early starts, late finishes or unpredictable hours? Set or varied shifts? If you’re in a relationship, do you and your partner’s hours (and work pressures) match up or are they dissimilar? Can one or both of you work flexibly? Taking all this into consideration will help you assess the childcare options available.

Childcare Options: What’s Best? One of the best ways to learn about the childcare options in your area is to speak to other local parents about their experiences and recommendations. Of course, underpinning most parents’ choice is cost. What are your earnings after tax? Do you have access to tax-free childcare? What is your budget? For average costs in your area, check out this online tool: www.childcare.co.uk/costs

Nursery Day nurseries can care for children from when they’re young babies until school age, so once you’ve found a good one, excellent continuity is available. Nurseries vary in size and approach and it’s best to visit to truly see what they’re like. Remember: a regulator rating of Outstanding doesn’t mean the setting is right for you and your child. Offering year-round care, nurseries can be cost-effective (£242 per week average) depending on your earnings, especially for one child but make sure there are no surprise extras such as meals and nappies. Nurseries will often operate long hours but these tend to be set, with little flexibility. Think about your commute to work. If you choose a nursery close to home, is it easy to continue your onward journey from there? Is there enough time between the time you leave work and the time the nursery closes for you to comfortably get there, taking account of inevitable public transport and traffic delays? Would it be better to choose a nursery close to work if time will be tight at the end of the day? If it’s going to be difficult for your (or your partner) to routinely leave work at a set time, a nursery may not be the ideal option for you. 6 F amilies Solent East

Childminders offer childcare in their home with a small number of other children, often at a similar cost to a nursery (average £221 per week), so can be a very cost-effective option. Additionally, a childminder can offer a more flexible approach if you have irregular hours as well as offering care of your child in a home environment. They must be registered, which involves meeting numerous requirements (health and safety, development, nutrition, safeguarding etc) just like a nursery. They are also regularly monitored. You do need to consider what happens if your childminder falls ill. Do you have a back up plan? Contact your local authority for a list of registered childminders in your area. Laura and her partner have a 17 month old and only need 3 days childcare “We both are able to work 4 days a week, so we each do 1 day’s childcare and then for the remaining 3 days we have two different childminders, one of which is flexible which can be really helpful.”

Nanny A nanny is the most expensive childcare option (average £400 per week) but arguably the most flexible. If affordable, a live out (or live in) nanny can remove the majority of logistical issues of childcare as they’ll come to your home at times that suit you. Remember though, that there is no legal requirement to have qualifications as a nanny so it can be sensible to use a nanny agency to recruit one and undertake necessary background checks or rely only on a recommendation from someone you trust. A nanny is particularly cost-effective if you have two or more young children, children with any additional needs or if you can set up a nanny-share with another family. Take into consideration that there are other costs involved though; the nanny’s tax and pension, in particular. To work out costs head to Nanny Tax’s online calculator www.nannytax.co.uk/what-we-do/free-toolsservices/salary-calculator

Family If you’re lucky enough to have a family member to help with childcare then you are very fortunate as it’s known to substantially increase a woman’s chances of returning to work. It’s estimated that 40% of grandparents in the UK provide regular childcare. However, although this may look like a cheaper option, it does still require assessment. Is the family member in good health? Does he or she have other regular commitments? Who covers granny or grandad when she/he is ill or on holiday? You may prefer to keep your family member as back-up childcare for when your child can’t go to nursery or school or even ask them to just do wrap-around for a shorter day at nursery, for example.

After-School Childcare Childcare should become easier when your child goes to school, shouldn’t it? Unfortunately, you may still need wraparound and school holiday care and this isn’t always easy to find. Claire Harding from Coram Family and Childcare says the childcare problem really doesn’t go away when children start school: “Breakfast and after school clubs aren’t always easy to find and holiday childcare can be familiesonline.co.uk

cripplingly expensive, especially if you have more than one child and aren’t lucky enough to have a flexible employer, or relatives who can step in.” Options can include after-school clubs (your school or local authority will have an approved list) or you could hire a regular babysitter, or an au-pair to help with after-school activities and meals. Irene has two children, 13 and 4, and has managed full-time childcare using a variety of options. “It’s always been a challenge, first we had a nanny, then a nursery. Now they’re at school my husband and I take turns doing drop-offs in the morning and then in the afternoon we use a mixture of after-school clubs and a babysitter. It’s not easy, but feasible.”

Childcare for Special Educational Needs The childcare system is not perfect, something that parents of SEND children are acutely aware of. Many parents struggle to find both affordable and suitable childcare for their child if they have additional requirements – something that continues into the school years when there are limited provisions during school holidays. It’s advisable to discuss your needs with your local Family Information Service. Ask for details of childcare options that have expertise to support children with SEND. Depending on the availability of services and your child’s needs you may want to look to a combination of specialist and mainstream care. Visit www.familyandchildcaretrust.org for more information on finding suitable childcare near you. Flexible Working If flexible working is something that appeals to you then consider in advance of asking for it what might work for your career and your family. Compressed hours could mean you do 3 or 4 longer days, allowing for you or your partner to cover one or more days of childcare and save on costs. But if overrunning deadlines make rushing for childcare pick-ups a headache, maybe it’s better to do the equivalent of 3 or 4 days but spread over a week, with earlier finishes to allow for easier evenings.

Dragonflies Arrive at Ditcham Park School Ditcham Park School is now welcoming 2½ to 4 years olds to Ditcham Dragonflies Nursery. The brand new, purpose built eco-style building blends perfectly into the woodland landscape. The nursery offers high quality provision where outdoor play and adventure combines with our beautiful setting in the South Downs. The school grounds are extensive and they include 16 acres of playing fields as well as woodland, play areas and lawns. The school is unique in the area having an age range of 2½ -16 years on the same site, promoting a very friendly, supportive and inclusive family atmosphere. The school provides an outstanding education which equips our pupils with excellent academic qualifications and prepares them for the future with an exciting Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme. For further information or to reserve a place at the nursery or the school please contact Admissions (Tel: 01730 825659, E-mail: admissions@ditchampark.com)

Parental Choice CEO Sarah-Jane Butler is a firm advocate of flexible working but often sees parents not planning childcare that fits with their career. “One key mistake that parents make, is to make the flexible working request and then try to make childcare work to what they envisage that to be like, it’s advisable to sort out what childcare you want first and then make the request.”

Free Childcare Despite not having the progressive approach to state funded childcare as some countries, British parents do enjoy some free childcare. In the last few years there’s been additional support for some parents from the government’s Tax Free Childcare scheme and the free childcare entitlement (for 3 and 4 year olds). In England if your child has additional needs or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit you can receive 15 hours free childcare from age 2. When your child reaches 3 everyone is entitled to 15 hours free childcare and if you’re eligible this extends to 30 hours. While the grim reality of an inflexible childcare system can be daunting, good quality childcare plays a hugely important role in your child’s development and independence. Need help navigating the system? Contact your local authority’s family information service. They can help you availability and your entitlements and they’ll also have a list of local providers from nurseries to childminders.

A nursery for 2½-4 year olds housed in a brand new, purpose built eco-style building blends perfectly into the woodland landscape. The nursery offers high quality provision where outdoor play and adventure combines with our beautiful setting in the South Downs.

Ditcham Park School, Ditcham Park, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 5RN admissions@ditchampark.com | 01730 825659 | ditchamdragonflies.com

For more follow Gabrielle Nash @TheLondonishMum familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 7

“fail the exam.” I asked everyone to be totally still and quiet. I asked to them to be very present and then to take deep breaths. For 5 minutes, we breathed in for 6 seconds and out for 10 seconds. The students themselves were amazed at their response. Their calmer and more confident energy left them in a better place to enter the exam. Performances

Supporting your child to be a Confident Communicator By Lindsay Maclean I was a particularly shy child who didn’t like speaking in front of people. For me it was a lonely and painful place. In light of my experiences, one of my main objectives has been to encourage confidence in my 6 year old boy, Sam. While hearing him speak so freely and clearly on the radio recently, I smiled, turned to his dad and said “there is no way that either of us would have been able to speak so confidently as a child.” So how can we encourage children to speak up confidently? During the course of my work in schools, I have come across shiny students in the classroom who put their hands up to ask questions and aren’t afraid to challenge me with a naturally charming confidence. But, on the whole, most children I meet at school don’t like putting their hand up in class or speaking up. Fear of failure and social judgement interferes with confidence and, in my view, social media is exacerbating this problem. So here are some tips for addressing this: Specific Praise for Speaking Up I often ask Sam if he answered or asked questions at school or I ask him to relay his understanding of a book to me. I praise him for putting up his hand and speaking up and for talking clearly to me. Now, he often tells me that he’s good at speaking up. He believes it. Being told I was “shy” by teachers made me feel even more shy! Positive Affirmation This ‘can do’ attitude is really important for speaking in front of people. I have a video of Sam learning to ride his bike. He fell into stinging nettles and felt reluctant to get back on. I bent down to his level and asked him to repeat the phrase “I can do this, I can do this.” In the video he gets back on to the bike, repeats this phrase over and over and off he goes. He often repeats this to himself before he faces any challenge now. I encourage this technique in the classroom and it’s amazing how it visibly helps students. Singing A child is more likely to feel confident when they are happy. Studies suggest that the endorphins released through singing create an immediate feeling of pleasure. So before school, belt out the tunes with your child. This can set them off on a positive path for the day and encourage them to unlock their voice. I’m aware lots of children don’t need help in this department but it’s a great habit to add to the morning routine! Deep-Breathing Techniques Recently I was delivering a stress management programme to year 11. There were several students who had a drama exam straight after and they were incredibly nervous. They said their hearts were beating fast; some were visibly biting their lips or nails; others kept telling me they were going to 8 F amilies Solent East

Have fun! Encourage children to perform in front of you or anyone. It could be reading a poem out loud, acting out a story, playing a teacher. Anything. It’s great for getting children used to people watching and listening to them. In most schools, there is currently no specific lesson for learning how to speak up confidently; yet in the business world the requirement for this skill is tremendous. It’s easy to get to evening and feel exhausted by the amount of parental challenges you’ve faced from the minute you woke up. I get it! However, it’s worth reflecting back over the day and considering how much you’ve praised your child’s efforts for speaking up and communicating. If they can absorb the belief that they can do this when they are young, it will help them with many life situations.

Lindsay Maclean is the author of the book Speak Up & Be Heard, priced £10.99 (Amazon)

Helping children become confident communicators – how schools can help By Paul Marshallsay Headteacher, Portsmouth High Prep School In a recent discussion I was asked what made our girls such good communicators, both in one to one situations and in front of an audience. It is an interesting question for which there is not one definitive answer, rather it is tied in with our entire approach at the school. The four main principles of the ‘Explorers’ approach we have here at Portsmouth High Prep School is to help pupils become confident, composed, committed and courageous. They are all elements of what is needed to be a good communicator and they underpin our entire curriculum. Alongside giving the girls a voice and encouraging them to speak out, we offer numerous opportunities in performance and public speaking. Every girl in our Reception Class had a speaking part in a recent production which means that they became role models for Pre-School girls. This principle continues right through the school, culminating in Year 6 performing a musical where all of them play a significant part. Together with the myriad opportunities for the girls to perform and speak are challenges to communicate effectively from day to day. In lessons there are constant chances for the children to speak out and those that might be more vocal are not allowed to dominate. As with many skills, if something becomes the norm then it loses the ability to induce fear. Such is the situation with the confidence of the children when they interact with adults and other children. The skill of the teaching staff helps the girls find their own voice and make it heard. One pupil, several years ago, found standing in front of others hugely stressful and completely froze. In order to help her one of the teachers suggested that she try speaking whilst wearing a mask that fitted in with the assembly theme. To our amazement she delivered her lines with not a hitch. This continued a few more times until the mask was not needed any longer and she has since become one of our best speakers. Rather than give up an innovative solution was found and what started as an experiment saved the day.

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Education and Early Years Explore, Discover & Learn at Ryde School Beach and Forest School sessions have long been a part of the Junior School with Fiveways at Ryde School. Alongside the vibrant academic curriculum, children spend time immersed in nature, learning skills invaluable to their wider development, broadening their learning through discovery; building confidence and fostering their natural desire to learn and explore. At the heart of a school day is a traditional academic curriculum, enriched with an introduction to Spanish, Mandarin and Latin and a wide ranging extra-curricular programme. Inter-schools maths challenges, explosive science sessions in the Senior and the Junior School Science Labs and fun, educational residential trips like a night in a museum or a trip to Valencia help children ignite their passion for learning. Team sports matches against other schools, on and off the Island and sailing competitions in the Schoolâ€™s own fleet of dinghies also embed the team spirit and healthy competition that are part of the Junior School with Fiveways ethos. Our next open morning is on Saturday 1 February 10.00am until 12.30pm. Come and join us for interesting activities, a tour of the school and a complimentary family lunch. For more information please call 01983 617970 or email admissions@rydeschool.net.

Outdoor Learning Experience at Portsmouth High School Immerse your daughter in the world of outdoor learning on Portsmouth High Prep Schoolâ€™s Outdoor Learning Experience morning. Join us on Saturday 7 March in our spacious grounds from 10am to 12 noon for forest school, science, nature and art activities including animal tracking and treasure hunting. Activities are suitable for children aged 3 to 11 years. There are many benefits to learning outdoors from a very young age including healthier self-esteem, increased concentration, improved overall fitness and the development of a sense of responsibility towards caring for the environment for a sustainable future, a key component of learning. Please register your interest via www.portsmouthhigh. co.uk and find out more about outdoor learning for your daughter from Pre-School and beyond.

First Steps at Portsmouth Grammar School Nurturing and developing a lifelong love of learning is at the heart of our provision for our youngest children, who benefit greatly from a caring and supportive approach to their personal development. It is so important that our children feel happy, that their contribution is valued from day one and that they learn to value the contribution of others. Our small class sizes, supported by a full time Teacher and TA, ensures that this is possible. From their first day at school, the children are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy alongside the personal skills of sharing, respect and independence. They do this in a happy, coeducational environment in bright, spacious classrooms. The foundations provided in Reception year ensure not only a smooth transition into Year 1, but that every child has developed a love of learning that will stay with them for life. If you would like to visit, please do call us on 023 9236 0036.

Outdoor

Farroeuned Care

Wrap 0am to from 7.3 ver y e m 6.00p ay l o o sch d

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Learning Experience Saturday 7 March 10am to 12pm For girls from 3 to 11 years

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fo Ju r k st id s!

Five minute fun puzzles - can you complete them all?

PICTURE CROSSWORD

WINTER FUN

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword? 1

Find these winter words in the grid. Then read the remaining unused letters on the bottom three lines from left to right to find a secret message!

E T A L O C O H C T O H

3 3 4 5 6

9 7

G A D D R N E N P V P I

S O S O L E T R C E U D

C U S N O W M A N L D E

A H M G C U K T I O D L

R O A H A N O G L T L S

F H R O E M E R M S E N

O Y W Z M E P I T O T T

R E O L E O E O B H H E

I R A U L A B C P F A R

F K V S K I R S I F I W

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Y L O R R O B I N A N W

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C L N E F E B A K H U S

ski thaw puddle

ice sled robin scarf frozen snowman hot chocolate

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When you’ve finished, why not colour it in?

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10 F amilies Solent East

Join the dots to create a creature you may see in your garden this winter!

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familiesonline.co.uk

The Importance of Imagination By Dr Neel Burton Einstein held that imagination is more important than knowledge: “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” It’s hard to disagree. Imagination is the highest form of thought, and almost divine in its reach. With enough imagination, we could identify and solve all of our problems. With enough imagination, we would never have to work again—or, at least, not for money. With enough imagination, we could win over, or defeat, anyone we wanted to. But our imagination is so poor that we haven’t even imagined what it would be like to have that kind of imagination. Most children begin to develop pretend play at around 15 months of age. What are children doing when they pretend play? And why are they so absorbed in works of imagination? When I was 7 years old, I would devour book after book and plead with my parents for those not already in the bookcase. By playing out scenarios and extending themselves beyond their limited experience, children seek to make sense of the world and find their place within it. This meaning-making is full of emotion—joy, excitement, awe—and finds an echo in every subsequent act of creation. Think back to your favourite teacher at school: for me, a French teacher who wept silently as he read to the class from a novel by Marguerite Duras. The teachers whom we hold dear to our hearts, who changed the course of our lives, are not those who assiduously taught us the most facts, or fastidiously covered every bulleted point on the syllabus, but those who moved and inspired us, those who fired up our imagination and opened us up to ourselves and to the world. Despite its importance to the individual and society, our system of education leaves very little place for imagination. Our schools and universities and wider society are often forced to prioritise knowing over thinking, and equate thinking with reasoning, and reasoning with logic. This has done, and continues to do, untold harm. Instead of digging ourselves in deeper, we need to make more time and space for thinking, and we need to rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition such as imagination, inspiration, and emotion that can support, supplement, or supplant familiesonline.co.uk

reason and return us to wholeness. In recent years, I’ve been trying to recover the bright and vivid imagination that I left behind in primary school. For that, I’ve been doing just three things, all of them very simple to explain: Being aware of the importance of imagination.

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Encourage reading, make sure there are plenty of age- appropriate books around.

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Encourage story-telling and writing.

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Encourage pretend play, even if it gets messy!

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Spend time in botanical gardens, zoos, art museums, science andnatural history museums…

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Spend a lot of time outdoors.

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Travel to different places: forests, beaches, mountains, abroad.

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Encourage contact with different people and cultures.

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Encourage thoughtprovoking questions, and ask some yourself.

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Try not to impose pre-conceived notions, especially pre-conceived notions of what it means to be successful.

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Allow your children to follow their enthusiasms, however eccentric, impractical, or disruptive they may seem. You never know where they may lead!

Making time for sleep and idleness. Taking inspiration from the natural world. How might that translate to you and your children? Don’t skimp on sleep. Don’t fill every hour of the day with scheduled activities. Make time for idleness, for daydreaming, and long walks in nature. Above all, don’t worry about ‘wasting time.’ While we are idling, in bed, in the bath, on the bus, our unconscious mind is busy assimilating and processing disparate pieces of information, and making all sorts of novel connections and projections. Time is a very strange thing, and not at all linear: sometimes, the best way of using it is to ‘waste’ it. Here are 12 tips for nurturing imagination in your children: •

Allow for unscheduled downtime, even for ‘boredom.’

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Discourage passive TVs, tablets, and other electronics.

Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, out now, priced £12.99. To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com

Families Solent East 11

Being a Culture Vulture is Good for Your Chidren By Claire Winter Did you know that full participation in cultural and artistic life is a basic human right for children that is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? Giving children an education in art and culture is a way of broadening their knowledge and experience of the world. By sharing different experiences with them, whether art, theatre, dance or music, you are offering them a window into other people’s perspectives, lives, imaginations, hopes and dreams. An arts education helps children learn how to observe, describe, analyse and interpret. A cultural education is not only hugely enriching, it can boost academic achievement and improve the self-confidence and self-esteem of children. Research also shows that participating in art projects can also lead to an improvement in social behaviour helping to engage even the most disconnected students. An arts education can boost tolerance levels in children too. Being immersed in a dance show or art installation allows them step out of their own lives and put themselves in another’s shoes. At the same time, they are introduced to other cultures. Community-based art projects can involve the whole community, helping society become more cohesive, inclusive and tolerant. Not only this but regular exposure to the arts can encourage children to take up an artistic project themselves, whether it be drawing, painting, performing or dancing. In this way, they can actively explore their own creativity and emotional world, expressing their feelings with or without words. However, there are still too many children for whom education in the arts and culture is inaccessible. For instance, 27% of secondary school students who claim free school meals and 14% of students from low-income families choose not to study subjects like art and drama due to the related costs, compared to 8% of students from wealthier families. Additionally, a recent study shows that the learning opportunities for students in arts and culture have significantly declined in many state schools because of a lack of funding. Schools need increased support from the government to ensure that children are engaging with the arts and culture throughout their education. Programmes that promote the value of arts and cultural education for children, irrespective of their class, wealth, gender, ethnicity, or religion, are needed so all children can benefit. We have a long way to go in terms of parental engagement, training teachers, out of hour’s activities and funding for school trips, to ensure that an arts education is accessible to all children in the UK. Clearly, parents can help expose their children to the arts by taking them to performances, exhibitions and galleries. However, this can be costly. We are lucky that there are many free art galleries and museums across the UK at which you can inspire and educate your children. I remember taking my toddlers to Tate Britain in London and sitting them in front of a giant Constable painting. They were given large bits of paper and crayons from art carts so they could draw. It was a completely 12 F amilies Solent East

free service that totally captivated them. You can also take advantage of the live screenings of ballet, theatre, and opera that are regularly shown in cinemas across the UK. For the price of a cinema ticket, you can see The Royal Ballet and many other famous actors and musicians perform. It’s also worth getting on the mailing list of your local arts centre as they often hold events or festivals that are free, partially free or subsidised, particularly in school holidays. Not only is art good for education, it is also good for our economy. According to recent Government statistics, the creative industries are worth £8 million an hour to the UK economy. Additionally, according to ‘As Others See Us’, a recent British Council report says that arts and culture are regarded as the number one ‘selling point’ in the UK among people ages 18 to 34 years from China, Brazil, India, Germany, and the US. If the UK is to continue attracting tourists, students, and business investors from overseas, we must continue to highlight the importance of educating our children about art and culture. Images courtesy of The National Trust and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

Magic and Mystery with Havant Orchestra Magic, mystery and the story of a certain bear from Darkest Peru will all feature in Havant Symphony Orchestra’s family concert on Sunday 8 March at Oaklands School, Waterlooville at 2.30pm. Written to complement the television animation series shown in the late 1970s, Paddington’s First Concert by Herbert Chappell is the perfect way to introduce children to a live classical music concert.

Havant Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra will also entertain and thrill with short excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Bizet’s opera, Carmen, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations along with music from the film scores of Harry Potter and Star Wars. Bears must be accompanied by a child, and participation will be expected! Tickets are £5 per adult and £1 for every child. Further details can be found at www.havantorchestras.org.uk

Paddington Bear’s First Concert plus music from Harry Potter, The Nutcracker and more!

Sunday 8 March 2020, 2.30pm, Oaklands School, Waterlooville PO7 7BW Tickets: £5, Children £1 visit: havantorchestras.org.uk call: 03336 663366* Ticket enquiries email: tickets.havantorchestras@gmail.com call: 01489 877497 text: 07855 972057 *TicketSource - subject to booking fee The Havant Orchestras Havant and District Orchestral Society (HADOS) Registered Charity No. 288747

familiesonline.co.uk

Fun at Staunton this winter Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Messy Play is a fun and exciting class which fosters your little one’s curiosity, imagination and exploration.. Spaces are pre-book on the website only. £6 per child non-member, £5.50 per child for members. Bring a change of clothes and towel to each session (for your child and yourself)! 2.30 - 3.30 pm.

18 January Ensonglopedia of Animals We’ve scoured the area for local family events this January and February! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change. 8 January Bedtime Stories – Pirates! Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

Ahoy, me hearties! Join us for some bedtime adventures - pyjamas and teddies welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book, just drop in from 6 to 6.45pm.

9, 16, 23, 30 January and 6, 13 February Let's Get Crafty (2-5 yrs)

Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Spark your little one’s imagination! Children will go on a creative adventure, using paint, sticking, drawing and colouring. Sessions are suitable for 2-5 year olds. Pre-book only on the website. £6 per child non-member, £5.50 per child for members. 1.30-2.30pm.

9, 16, 23, 30 January and 6,13 February Messy Play (6mths to 2 yrs)

Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Messy Play is a fun and exciting class which fosters your little one’s curiosity, imagination and exploration. Spaces are pre-book on the website only. £6 per child non-member, £5.50 per child for members. Bring a change of clothes and towel to each session (for your child and yourself)! 10 - 11 am.

10 January Woodland Explorers (2-5yrs) Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 familiesonline.co.uk

www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Develop your child’s love of nature. Children will be free to explore the woodland setting at their own pace. Pre-book only on the website. £6 per child non-member, £5.50 per child for members. 1.30 - 2.30 pm.

10, 17, 24, 31 January and 7, 14 February Messy Play (2-5 yrs)

13, 20, 27 January and 3, 10 February Musical Moments (6mths to 2yrs)

Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, PO18 0JP. 01243 542075 www.aldingbournetrust.org/preschool-activities Aldingbourne Musical Moments class consists of a mix of structured singing, dancing, games and instruments and free play and stories. Suitable for 6 mths to 2 year olds. Pre-book on the website only. £6 per child non-member, £5.50 per child for members. 11.15 am - 12 noon.

13, 20, 27 January and 3, 10 February Family Messy Play (6mths - 5 Yrs)

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ ensonglopedia-of-animals A fun, family performance at Chichester Festival Theatre. Twenty-six animal songs, one for each letter of the alphabet. Expect extraordinary echinoderms, distressed damselflies, curious corals, batty birds and amazing arachnids. Expect the unexpected. And expect it to rhyme. Ages 5+. Performances at 11am and 2pm.

18 January Story Maker Session Winnie the Pooh Day

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT Celebrate author A.A. Milne’s birthday. Snuggle up, bring a bear and join in for adventures of Winnie the Pooh and crafts. Suitable for children aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited. 11am to 12noon.

21 January Children's Concert

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ childrens-concert-2 A fun, musical performance for schools and students of music. Southern Pro Musica returns with this perfect introduction to live music played by a full professional orchestra. Compered by magician extraordinaire Neil Henry and conducted by Jonathan Willcocks. Suitable for ages 5 – 11. £5 per student, email groups@cft.org.uk to book

21 January Junior School Tour Morning

The Portsmouth Grammar School, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2LN. 02392 360036 www.pgs.org.uk/admissions/opendays/ Visit Portsmouth Grammar School and see what opportunities the school can offer your child at their Junior School Tour Morning. Starts at 9.30am. Bespoke visits can be arranged by contacting the Admissions team on 023 9236 0036, or email admissions@pgs.org.uk.

Don’t let the rain stop the fun. Take your littles ones along to Staunton Farm for giggles and good times, whatever the weather this winter. With an indoor play barn, enclosed animal areas and a stunning glasshouse full of tropical plants to explore, you will find plenty to see and do. And when there’s a break between showers, you can feed the animals, navigate the maze and splash in a few puddles. Everything at the petting farm is on a size and scale that small children can enjoy. There are pigs, sheep, Shetland ponies and chickens and a selection of more unusual animals such as llamas, alpacas and a Poitou donkey. When it’s time to refresh and refuel you will find a café serving hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks. There is an undercover picnic area and full changing facilities too. The farm also has its own car park.

* Kids go FREE until 29 Feb 2020 with the exclusive voucher printed at the front of the magazine! (Excludes 15 - 23 Feb) *

Fun for Families at Horizon Horizon, the charity that runs Havant and Waterlooville Leisure Centres, has a range of fun activities to keep all families entertained. There are two fun themed indoor soft play centres for the kids to let off steam whilst you sit and relax! World of Play, Waterlooville Leisure Centre, is a unique ‘around the world’ themed play centre where children can travel the world visiting different countries and learning fun facts. Oceans of Play, Havant Leisure Centre, is an under the sea theme where children can jump aboard a ship and explore the ocean and all the creatures that live beneath. There are lots more activities for those of all ages to come along to including Adventure Play, Gym Tots, Pre-School Bounce and so much more!

To find out more visit: www.horizonlc.com.

Families Solent East 13

What's on 22 January Pre-School Tour Morning at Portsmouth Grammar School

The Portsmouth Grammar School, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2LN. 02392 360036 www.pgs.org.uk/admissions/opendays/ Visit Portsmouth Grammar School and see what opportunities the school can offer your child at their Pre-School Tour Morning. Starts at 9.30am. Bespoke visits can be arranged by contacting the Admissions team on 023 9236 0036, or email admissions@pgs.org.uk.

23 January Afterschool Session – Bird Watch Craft Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

Join in with the Big RSPB Garden Birdwatch fun making binoculars and a bird spotting session around the library to get ready for the weekend to watch your own garden birds. Suitable for ages 3+ accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited. 3.30 to 4.30pm.

25 January and 29 February Family Days at The Novium

The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/32441/ Family-Days Join the Novium on the last Saturday of the month in the museum galleries to learn more about life in the Iron Age. Take part in mini-digs, craft and trails! 10am – 2pm. Free to drop in but craft activities must be booked in advance online or on 01243 816525.

25 January Charmane

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. thespring.co.uk/whats-on/family/ charmane/ A beautiful story about acceptance, courage and learning how to find your inner ROAR! A subtle exploration of gen-

der for children age 5+ and their family and friends. Tickets: £8, £7 for groups of 4 or more. Performance at 11am.

26 January and 21 February Relaxed Opening at the Mary Rose Mary Rose Museum, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 023 9281 2931 maryrose.org/events/2019/6/category/relaxed-opening

From 10am-12 noon the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. As always the wonderful team of volunteers and staff will be on hand to guide you through the experience.

28 – 29 January Meet Me A Tree: A Very First Opera

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ meet-me-a-tree-a-very-first-opera An interactive musical adventure for babies. Join the team to sing with blackbirds,march through fallen leaves and feel the wind on your cheeks in this multisensory journey through a year in the life of a tree. Performances at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm Suitable for ages 0 to 2. £15 (one child and one accompanying adult. £5 per additional adult)

28 January and 25 February Chilled Out Museum at the D-Day Story D-Day Story, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3NT. 02392 827261 theddaystory.com/chilled-outmuseum-14/

Autism friendly hours. The lights are turned up and the sounds turned off in the displays. Suitable for anyone who would like a brighter, quieter experience of the museum. Don’t forget we also have a ‘Quick and Easy’ guide to the museum that highlights key areas of each display available to borrow. 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm.

1 February Whole School Open Morning

Ryde School with Upper Chine, Queen's Road, Ryde, PO33 3BE. 01983 562229. www.rydeschool.org.uk/admissions/open-days-visits Join Ryde School for the morning; talk with pupils, teachers and parents and discover what Ryde has to offer. A complimentary family lunch is also provided. Please contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Becky Craik, on 01983 617970, or email admissions@rydeschool.net if you would like further details or a prospectus or to arrange an Open Day visit.

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1 – 2 February Guildhall Games Fest

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB. 08448472362 guildhallgamesfest.com/ Gamers, prepare to get your geek on as the ultimate retro and board gaming festival returns. From Pong to Pac Man and Mario to Minecraft, gamers can play on every console imaginable including the Vectrex, Game Cube, Playstation 1, Binatone TV Master IV and Xbox. For all ages – under 14s to be accompanied by an adult, under 4s free. See www. guildhallgamesfest.com for tickets.

1 February Imbolc: Celtic Spring Festival

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ whats-on/2019/10/10/imbolcceltic-spring-festival Celebrate the end of winter at Butser Ancient Farm. Join the team for the afternoon to celebrate the end of winter! Hosted by Jonathon Huet, from Walk With Trees, the afternoon’s entertainment will include storytelling, poetry, singing, firelighting and a light, warming vegan meal – all included in your ticket price! 1pm – 4pm, £15 per ticket.

6 February Harry Potter Night

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT A host of activities and games to celebrate the best night of the year! Dress-up in your wizarding robes and be transported into the magical world of Harry Potter. 3.30 to 5pm. £5 - - book early as spaces are limited

6 – 15 February A Monster Calls

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/amonster-calls Patrick Ness’s piercing novel A Monster Calls is brought vividly to life in the Olivier Award-winning production by visionary director Sally Cookson. A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing. See the website for performance times and tickets. Suitable for ages 10+. Tickets from £10.

7 – 8 February 1878: The War that Never Was

Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. royalarmouries.org/event/1878the-war-that-never-was/ A live-action promenade performance that takes you on a time-travelling journey back to the Victorian era, to experience life under siege. Performances at 6.30pm, 7.30pm & 8.30pm each evening. Evening event suitable

for ages 12+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Tickets cost £16 and must be booked in advance.

10 February Bedtime Stories – I Love you Blue Kangaroo Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT.

Join in for some bedtime adventures – pyjamas and teddies welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited. 6 to 6.45pm.

13 – 14 February The Bear

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ the-bear Adapted by Pins and Needles Productions from the book by Raymond Briggs, this is a wild and magical adventure about a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear, for ages 3+. Thursday at 2pm, Friday at 10.30am & 2pm. See website for tickets.

14 - 23 February Shipwreck Explorers - Royal Romance Mary Rose Museum, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 02392 812931. maryrose.org/events/2020/02/14/ shipwreck-explorers/shipwreckexplorers-royal-romance/

Discover how the Tudor’s celebrated Valentine’s Day with Royal Romance calligraphy and petal pomander activities. Meet King Henry VIII himself and learn about the loves of his life – his six queens. Explore the museum with a family friendly tour for a small additional cost, or why not upgrade to the Premium Pass! Normal admission applies. Craft activity - £2

15 February Out of the Hat

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ out-of-the-hat#tickets-36061 A performance especially for under 8's and their families. A story about friendship and the true magic of nature, full to the brim with lively songs. A feast for the senses and a spectacular theatre experience for everyone! Performances at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. Suitable for ages 2 – 8. See website for ticket options.

16 February BBC Concert Orchestra Family Concert

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ bbc-co-family-concert familiesonline.co.uk

Half Term Adventures at Fort Nelson Fort Nelson is a great place for a day out full of adventures. There’s a Victorian fort with its tunnels and ramparts to explore, plus a museum with over 350 massive pieces of artillery to discover.

and see how the palace would have looked in its heyday.

This February half term Fort Nelson will be hosting an actionpacked War Games event for all the family to enjoy. From Monday 17 to Friday 21 February there will be games and craft activities to entertain all ages.

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/ whats-on/2020/2/17/februaryhalf-term

Come and have a go at a special Minecraft challenge, play board games in The Games Room or test your skills in Dice with the Enemy, a table-top strategy game. The museum is free to visit, some special activities carry a small charge. The Fort is open from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

www.royalarmouries.org

17 – 21 February February Half Term at Butser Ancient Farm

Each weekday step back in time and learn ancient skills with a hands on demonstration, take part in a themed trail around the ancient buildings and warm yourself with a hot chocolate. Check the Butser website nearer the time for more details of what will be on offer each day. 10am – 4pm.

17 – 21 February War Games Week

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. 01329 233734. royalarmouries.org/event/wargames-week/ February half-term activities at Fort Nelson. Get your game face on this February half term and battle it out playing games old and new. Activities suitable for ages 5+. Craft activities suitable for ages 3+. £3 to join in.

Join the BBC Concert Orchestra and help young composer Emily Presto to write a new piece of music! Meet terrifying trolls, explore space and dance with cowboys in an exciting musical adventure for all the family. Conducted by David McCallum with actor Lucy Wells as Emily. For ages 7+. Performance at 4pm. See website for ticket options.

16 February Squashbox Theatre present The Sea Show

New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. www.newtheatreroyal.com/ performances/squashbox-theatrepresent-the-sea-show/ The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Suitable for children aged 5+ and their families. Performances at 11.30am and 1.30pm. All Tickets £5.

17 – 21 February Live Like a Roman

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Salthill Road, Fishbourne, PO19 3QR. sussexpast.co.uk/event/live-likea-roman Drop into Fishbourne Roman Palace this half-term and find out what it was like to live in Roman Times! From potterymaking to dressing up, creating mosaics to spinning and weaving – it’s all about getting hands-on. While visiting the largest Roman residence in Britain, discover objects from 2,000 years ago familiesonline.co.uk

17 – 20 February Oi Frog and Friends!

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ oi-frog-friends Family fun at Chichester Festival Theatre. Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas and frogs sit on logs! Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. Oi Frog & Friends! is created for the stage by Emma Earle, Zoe Squire, Luke Bateman and Richy Hughes. Performances at 11am and 2pm. Suitable for ages 3+

18 – 19 February Creative Club

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DX. 01329 223100 www.ashcroft.org.uk/event/february-half-term-creative-club Come and get creative this February half term! For ages 6 - 12 years. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on the website or call the box office on: 01329 223100

18 February Airfix Extravaganza

D-Day Story, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3NT. 02392 827261. theddaystory.com/airfix-extravaganza-2/ Have fun making and painting your own genuine Airfix model to take home. Drop in any time from 10am to 4pm, no need to book.

20 February Dance Day

What's on

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DX. 01329 223100 www.ashcroft.org.uk/event/february-half-term-dance-day Join the team for a whole day of dance this February half term! For ages 6 - 12 years. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on the website or enquire at the box office on: 01329 223100.

22 – 23 February Planet Fantastic - Family Festival

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. In February half term, The Spring will be celebrating our amazing planet Earth in their annual family festival. Free themed craft packs and interactive climate change games will be running at venues throughout the area. There will also be workshops taking place at The Spring featuring eco-themed fun and crafts, and two family shows will be performed. Check the website nearer the time for full details.

22 February One Duck Down

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. thespring.co.uk/whats-on/family/ one-duck-down/ This family show is inspired by the true story (featured on Blue Planet II) that saw 7,000 rubber ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm. Featuring music, puppetry, clowning, a set made from recycled rubbish and a mighty storm, join us on an ocean clear-up adventure that would make David Attenborough proud. Performances at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets: £8, £7 for groups of 4 or more.

23 February Dig

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. thespring.co.uk/whats-on/family/ dig/ This gentle and simple first performance for children sees us join the gardener in his garden and meet the bugs, bird and butterflies. Dig is ideally suited to babies and children from 6 months to 2 years. 30 minutes followed by a 15 minute play session. Tickets: £5 for babies and children. Accompanying adults free.

26 – 27 February Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever

Kings Theatre, 24 Albert Rd, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ. www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/ whatson-event/peppa-pigs-bestday-ever Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter. See website for full details.

29 February Story Maker Session - Guess How Much I Love You? Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1BT

Join Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare as they discover that love is not an easy thing to measure in one of the world’s best loved picture books. Craft activity to follow. Suitable for children aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. FREE, no need to book but spaces are limited. 11am to 12noon.

5 March Open Doors at Portsmouth High School

Portsmouth High School, Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3EQ. 02392 826714. www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/opendoors-november-2019 From 9am to 11am you can see the school in action on a normal teaching day. Tour the school, drop-in on lessons and meet staff and the Headmistress informally over coffee. No need to book - simply turn up on the day and receive a warm welcome!

7 March Outdoor Learning Experience

Portsmouth High School, Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3EQ. 02392 826714. www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/opendoors-november-2019 Join Portsmouth High School in their spacious grounds from 10am to 12 noon for forest school, science, nature and art activities including animal tracking and treasure hunting. Activities are suitable for children aged 3 to 11 years.

25 February Play in a Day at Ashcroft Arts Centre

8 March Havant Symphony Orchestra perform Paddington Bear’s First Concert

Create a play in a day: learn how to develop characters and perform! For ages 8 - 13 years. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on the website or enquire at the box office on: 01329 223100

Magic, mystery and the story of a certain bear from Darkest Peru will all feature in Havant Symphony Orchestra’s family concert. Starts at 2.30pm.Tickets are £5 per adult and £1 for every child. See website for more details.

Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DX. 01329 223100 www.ashcroft.org.uk/event/february-half-term-play-day

Oaklands Catholic School, Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, PO7 7BW. www.havantorchestras.org.uk

Families Solent East 15

Pre-School | Junior | Senior | Sixth Form 023 9236 0036 | www.pgs.org.uk

Island School with a GLOBAL Outlook

An independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2 ½ to 18 2020 OPEN MORNINGS: Saturday 1 February 10.00am to 12.30pm Thursday 4 June 10.00am to 12.00 noon Excellent GCSE, A Level and IB results Scholarships and bursaries available for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and the Sixth Form FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk/open-days-and-visits Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE