IN THIS ISSUE Easter Family Fun Chores & Pocket Money Parenting Tips Helping Your Child Prepare For Exams Inspiring Kids Clubs & Classes Your Spring What’s On Guide
Recruiting Now!
Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle please call Vicki King • 07501 433 922
Issue 11 March/April 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
“Nappies: it’s time for a change!”
Pop along for a FREE independent check in
partnership with
Child Seat Safety Ltd
Let’s ditch our single-use nappy habit and make reusables the new norm Switch to cloth and save £30 from the cost of purchasing real nappies For more information visit:
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/realnappies
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Cloth
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Disposables
car seat safe?
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Is your child’s
65% of all car seats are not fitted correctly
Thursday 30th April 10am - 3pm Littledown Centre, Bournemouth See website for details.
bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ childcarseat
The Sheiling Ringwood School and College (6-25 years)
Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students who have special educational needs.
We offer an individualised and flexible approach to placements. Day and residential. We also offer respite services for our students during the holidays.
Call 01425 477488 www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk
2 Families Dorset
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Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk © Families Dorset Magazine March/April 2020. Families Dorset 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 Dorset are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Dorset. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Dorset, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Our magazines are produced from well-managed forests and/or recycled materials.
May Half Term, Parties, Summer Clubs & Camps, Education, Early Years and much more!
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Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012 Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331
Next Issue: May/June 2020 Booking Deadline: 3 April Copy Deadline: 6 April
Distribution: Throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.
WIN Season Tickets to The Blue Pool!
Make magical new family memories & relive old ones at The Blue Pool
A family favourite for generations, The Blue Pool is the perfect setting for young and old. Located between Wareham and Corfe Castle, it’s an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by 20 acres of spectacular woods & heathland to explore. Children relish the freedom to run around in a safe environment and enjoy three play areas, fairy door trails and the Teddy Bear exhibition, while grown-ups unwind in this idyllic beauty spot and enjoy one of the best cream teas in Purbeck at the Tea House. To celebrate The Blue Pool’s 85th anniversary, we’re giving you the chance to win 4 Adult Season Tickets so you can bring all the family! (Kids under 16 go free!) To enter, visit Local Competitions on our website or email your answer, name and address before 6th April to editor@familiesdorset.co.uk. Good luck!
Enjoy the Best Cream Teas in Purbeck
Kids under 16
FREE!
Grounds Open Daily March – November, from 9.30am Teahouse, Gift Shop & Wareham Bears Open Daily from end March, from 10am
Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR 01929 551408 | www.bluepooluk.com
When did The Blue Pool first open to the public? A) 1940 B) 1930 C) 1935
OPEN DA YS
WHERE DISCOVERY WONDER AND LEARNING IS AT OUR HEART 2 / -16 Co-eduCational, day and Boarding
21st Ma 10aM - 1 rCh 2.30p 12th Ma M y 9aM - 11 aM
1 2
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Experience the World in Your Own Home Few experiences can spark interest in the world like opening up your home and becoming a host family for an international student. Being a host family with EF is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all members of the family and an opportunity to create long-lasting relationships. Hosting with EF is a great way of sharing and learning differences in languages and cultures.
Camp Bestival is Back Join Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Liam Payne, Friendly Fires, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Becky Hill, Dick and Dom, Max & Harvey, Brainiac Live, The Sugarhill Gang, Sam & Mark, The Sherlocks & so many more at Camp Bestival. Taking place at the start of the school holidays (July 30th-Aug 2nd) at Lulworth Castle, this family adventure offers hundreds of things to see and do from music and shows to treeclimbing, woodland workshops, spoken word, arts, science and circus for all.
Parents are particularly spoilt at Camp Bestival; well, they do buy the tickets! Amazing live acts and DJs, raves, discos, parties, comedy, literary talks, cocktails, award-winning street food, likeminded people all in a big old field by a castle and the sea. Kick-start your summer holidays with a 4-day family festi-holiday - voted Best Family Festival in the UK Festival Awards. For line-up, info and tickets head to campbestival.net
You will experience true cultural exchange and demonstrate your community to the world. As a host family you become a vital part of our students’ time abroad and their experiences, helping them to gain a deeper insight into your local culture, pick up expressions with much greater ease and return home with a more authentic accent. Find out more, visit www.ef.co.uk/host or call 01202 767555 or email accommodation.bournemouth@ef.com
Over Half of Parents Feel Lonely New research has found that over half (56%) of parents with children under the age of 5 years experience loneliness at least some of the time. The study by the charity, Coram Family and Childcare reveals that the issue affects significantly more women than men, with twice as many mothers than fathers saying they often feel left out, as well as younger parents, with nearly 37% of parents aged 18
to 24 often feeling a lack of companionship, compared to 21% of parents aged 25 to 34. Loneliness is most prevalent around the birth of a baby, particularly if parents are unable to get out of the house easily and when the children are older but haven’t yet started school. Focus groups conducted by Coram Family and Childcare revealed that parents felt the best way to combat loneliness and isolation is to meet other parents by participating in activities that their child will enjoy. There’s plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you get out and interacting with other local parents in this issue. More info: www.familyandchildcaretrust.org
Fancy a Private Family Swim?
That’s why BCP Council libraries are launching a new Booktrack challenge to children: read 100 books and collect badges along the way. There’s no time limit and no set books - just read what you like, discover new authors and have fun! Sign up in any library now.
Book private use of our beautiful, warm & clean swimming pool in the centre of Ferndown!
This wonderful private pool provides the perfect introduction to the water for your little ones, or groups of families and friends. Facilities are wellequipped for family use with floats, a large shower area, children’s play corner, baby changing, hairdryers, coffee machine, poolside wheelchair access and even a docking station for your own music! The pool is beautifully clean and warm too.
4 Families Dorset
Did you know? Children who read for pleasure are happier, healthier and do better in life than those who don’t.
A Swimming Pool All To Yourself!
Do you want somewhere clean, warm and quiet for your baby’s first swim or some quality family leisure time? Secluded Swim’s beautiful state-ofthe-art swimming pool for hire in Ferndown is for you.
To book or find out more, call 07403 400 641, email bookaswim@gmail.com or visit www.secludedswim.co.uk/book
Take the Booktrack Challenge
First Swim Special Offer Available
Perfect for: baby’s first swim, families & groups.
Book Today!
www.secludedswim.co.uk/book • 07403 400641 Pool Time Pro, 352 Ringwood Road, Ferndown BH22 9AT
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Age Appropriate Chores
Chores & Pocket Money By Lauren Bassett
As parents, it’s important to teach children to gradually take on more responsibility and grow into adults who can take care of their own basic needs. Completing household chores can be the first step in this journey. But how do you encourage children who are reluctant to lend a hand? Here are some useful tips to help get your child on board.
Start Early When it comes to chores, toddlers are often very keen as they like to copy and mimic your behaviour. Take advantage of this stage whilst it lasts! Remember, any chore requires training. Do a chore with your child, then, once they are confident, encourage them to do it alone. Praise the effort and next time show your child how to improve.
Child Friendly Equipment Child-sized household equipment will help encourage little ones to pitch in. Items such as small brooms, dust pans or watering cans will go a long way to making your child feel helpful.
Plenty of Praise Praise liberally and before they’ve finished the chore. You want to build positive momentum, especially with young children.
Be Specific
How Much?
You need to be very clear with your child about what you expect. Rather than say “tidy your room,” be explicit and say: “Put your toys in the toy box.”
Pocket money surveys are rarely consistent on a ‘going rate’ for children’s pocket money. Amounts vary significantly depending on the age of child and where you live. The Money Advice Service advises that what matters more is that children learn how to value and manage their own money. You may also be already giving your child money to spend, so you won’t be any worse off setting a regular amount and making sure they understand that they are responsible for the ‘one off’ things you have been paying for.
Add Some Fun Change things up every so often, adding chores as children get older. For younger kids, add music or make chores part of a game.
Pocket Money for Chores There are differing opinions about paying children for chores. For some parents the idea of earning all your money sends a good message. Others think children should help out because they are part of the family. Some parents give a regular amount of weekly pocket money but allow their children to earn extra by doing chores. Whatever view you take, as children get older and the novelty wears off, you may find it more difficult to motivate them without a reward. As it’s a parent’s job to teach children the value of money, it makes a lot of sense to link their pocket money to at least some of their chores to show them it has to be ‘earned.’ For more info: www.growingkids.co.uk & www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Trying to Reduce Your Single Use Plastic?
SWITCH & SAVE
£30
Ditch the single-use nappy habit and make reusables the new norm! Forget thinking of reusable nappies as being messy and inconvenient. Modern reusable nappies are easy to clean, quick to dry and designed to fit baby without leaks. They are made from hi-tech machine-washable fabrics, can be easily fastened and are available in many styles, patterns and sizes, making them a fun part of baby’s wardrobe. If the family is growing, putting subsequent children in real nappies will only involve the cleaning costs. Once your babies have been pottytrained, you can sell them on and maybe even make your money back! Switch to cloth and save £30 from the cost of purchasing real nappies. Visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ realnappies for more information.
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At What Age? Many parents start when their child is around 4 or 5 years old, while others wait until they’re older. As a rule of thumb, if your child understands you need money to buy things, they are probably ready to start managing pocket money.
Not all chores are suitable for all ages and as children get older, the types of chores they can handle will inevitably change. In general, preschoolers can handle one or two simple one-step or two-step jobs. Older children can manage more. Keep in mind they can probably do more than you think. If they are mastering a complicated computer game, they can easily turn on the dishwasher!
Age 2 to 3 • Pick up toys/books • Choose clothes to wear • Put dirty clothes in basket • Put shoes away
Age 4 to 5 • Make their bed -pull up duvet and arrange pillows • Water flowers • Feed pets • Take utensils out of dishwasher and put away
Age 6 to 8 • Set and clear table • Keep bedroom tidy • Sweep the floor • Make their bed neatly
Age 9 to 10 • Dust furniture • Hang/fold clean clothes • Put groceries away
Age 10 to 12 • Vacuum carpets • Wash car • Fold laundry • Unload dishwasher
FREE Child Car Seat Safety Checks
30th APRIL Littledown Centre, Poole
Child Seat Safety are working with BCP Council’s Road Safety this year to provide more check events. These are a perfect opportunity for anyone to get their child car seat checked in their car and to answer to any concerns and questions they may have about transporting their children, grandchildren and friends safely. CSS deliver training and advice across the country and have many years of experience in the field, including working daily with the emergency services, car seat manufacturers retailers and health professionals. There’s no need to book, just look out for the team in the pink jackets, they’d love to see you there at the Littledown Centre in Poole on 30th April.
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FREE TRIAL CLASS
Enter the Stage Door At the Stage Door School of Dance & Drama, they feel it’s so important that young children start their dance journey the right way. That’s why Stage Door teachers are DBS checked, insured and fully qualified - Maureen and Julie are ISTD Examiners. The school has been training and nurturing children for nearly 50 years, inspiring some to follow performing and teaching careers but always developing a love of dance, singing and drama while promoting confidence in all. Book your free trial class today.
Make a Splash at Ferndown Leisure Centre!
No.1 Dorset’s
Dance Ballet Tap Jazz Modern Spanish Drama Musical Theatre
School
Classes for Children from 3 Years & Adults Welcome
01202 291497 stagedoordance.co.uk Find us on Facebook Bournemouth & Sopley
Gymnastics Classes for All Ages
Learning to swim is an essential life skill that allows you to enjoy a range of fun activities in the water. At Ferndown Leisure Centre, lessons are taught by qualified, friendly teachers who focus on the fundamentals of swimming in a positive, encouraging way. Teachers follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Free swimming is available for all children on swimming lessons so that they can come swimming with you at other times to develop their confidence. There’s plenty of spaces available; if you’re interested call 01202 877468 or visit ferndown.placesleisure.org for more information.
At Gymstars Gymnastics Academy children’s classes start from just 18 months. From their fully-equipped, professional gymnastics facility in Ferndown, Parent & Child sessions are a great introduction to gymnastics, with action songs and structured time on gym apparatus where children learn how to jump, balance, swing, climb, roll and more. Moving on, Stand Alone classes for 3 – 4 year olds follow one of the British Gymnastics ‘Fundamental’ themes with the emphasis on fun and working towards a badge each term. Stepping Stone sessions from Reception age allow children to familiarise themselves with the vault, bars, beam and floor while introducing them to gymnastics foundation skills. Find out more and book your child’s place at gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk
Whatever place you’re into
Fun Gymnastics Classes for ages 18 months to 18 years
Swimming Lessons at Ferndown Leisure Centre Learn a life skill at Ferndown Leisure Centre with our Swimming Lessons. We teach from age 4 months old through to adulthood.
Book your place today! Call 01202 986871 or email info@gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk www.gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk Ferndown Ind Estate, Wimborne BH21 7RQ
Find out more at ferndown.placesleisure.org Ferndown Leisure Centre 01202 877468
6 Families Dorset
Places for People Leisure Ltd. working in partnership with Dorset Council
“
Great teachers, fantastic facilities, my daughter loves it! Customer
“
Parent & Child Classes from 18 months Stand Alone Classes from 3 years Stepping Stone Classes from Reception age Gymnastics For All Classes from age 5-17
Term-time Classes | Holiday Sessions Parties | Pay & Play Drop In Sessions
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FREE
Football is Fun at Little Kickers
BCP Kids Cycle Safety Courses
Little Kickers is THE home of pre-school football. Children are given a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, fun and pressure-free environment.
Bikeability is like cycling proficiency, but better, giving children aged 10+ the skills to cycle on today’s roads.
There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and seven years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life.
Level 2 equips them with the skills to cycle on local roads, developing safe cycling skills and understanding of the road and traffic environment.
CLASSES
Level 1 teaches trainees to control and master a bike in a playground area, developing basic cycle control skills.
Level 3 is for successful Level 2 graduates, who are an experienced, confident cyclist. It provides the skills to tackle a wide variety of traffic conditions, different road layouts and challenging traffic scenarios.
Classes are available in Bournemouth & Poole. Please contact Gary Darling for details on 07896 009 651 or email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk.
Find out more about BCP Council’s Saturday sessions at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability or call 01202 454636 to book.
Approved soccer training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years Approved soccer training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years
Local classes at a venue near you Local classes at a venue near you
Call 07896009651 Call 07896009651 For Details Email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk For Details Email gdarling@littlekickers.co.uk
Where Where Learning’s Learning’s a a Ball Ball FR !
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Action-Packed Easter Fun at The 115 Club
EARLY BIRD
Are the school holidays a challenge in finding suitable clubs for your children? Help is at hand at the Bournemouth-based 115 Holiday Club!
Offers End 17 March
This Easter holiday, our Under 8’s can look forward to Deputots, a story telling and drama workshop. Everyone can enjoy an Easter party with a bouncy castle and in Week 2 we go crazy for creepy crawlies with an art workshop and a trip to Blashford Lakes for some pond dipping and bug hunting.
Saturday and School Holiday Cycling Courses Three Bikeability levels: Level 1 & Level 2 (10 to 15 year olds) Level 3 (11+ up to further & higher education)
Spaces fill up fast particularly for the trip days so book early to avoid disappointment and take advantage of our Early Bird Discount available until Tuesday 17th March!
Easter Holiday Club Let the Fun Begin!
Moordown St Johns School, Bournemouth BH9 2SA
For children who live or go to school in Bournemouth. Sessions take place at King’s Park Cycle Centre with our fully qualified instructors.
Inspiring & Engaging Holiday Clubs for Children Young & Old
T. 01202 454636 E. road.safety@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
*Excluding: 10 April 2020
Dates and booking details: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability
6 - 17 April* From 8am – 5.45pm
Fun Activities & Day Trips for Under 8s, Over 8s & 11 Plus | From £24
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Early Bird Offers End 17 March!
Book now! 115club.co.uk
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Exam Preparation Techniques for Different Learning Styles By Claire Winter
Whether it be for SATs, 11+ or school exams, your child is likely to need to do some preparation at home. So how do you help equip a primary school child with the techniques they need to revise? One popular theory on the different ways people learn, the VARK model, identifies four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/ writing, and kinesthetic. Each learning type responds best to a different method of teaching. Most pupils don’t learn in just one way, so often using a combination of techniques will work best. Once you have established your child’s preferred learning style, you can try a variety of these methods to help your child prepare successfully for exams.
Mind Mapping A mind map is a visual representation of information, introduced in an organised, but innovative method and is great for visual learners. Mind maps can organise notes and suggestions
around bigger, connecting ideas, around one idea, or around several topics. They can enhance memory and learning by 15%.
Creating Visual Reminders Note-taking and highlighting are mainly reading-based learning techniques, but flashcards, post-it notes, and mind maps all take advantage of visual recognition too. If your child is naturally creative, then making flashcards with essential keywords or formulas on them can help them recall learning. Try sticking flashcards or post-it notes around the house and when your child comes across one, encourage them to describe them in more detail.
Organising Information Children who learn by reading and writing will like planning their work by topic. This not only helps them access the information much faster, but the act of planning can make a child feel more in charge of their learning. Visual learners can use colour coded post-it notes about the different topics too.
Building Happy Life Habits
Note Taking Taking notes on important facts from current classwork can be a good way for your child to keep the essentials in mind. If your child likes writing and reading, then they may find this highly effective. For younger children, highlighting important information can be just as efficient.
Verbally Explaining Another great revision technique for auditory learners is to ask your child to verbally explain something as they retain more information revising this way. Asking your child questions about their classwork such as: “Can you tell me more about Xyz?” will encourage your child to use memory recall to remember the important facts. You can also use questions to identify any gaps in their knowledge. An excellent revision game is to make your child the teacher and get them to talk about certain topics as if they were teaching themselves. This is a great learning technique for primary school kids that enjoy drama and acting things out.
We all want our children to be happy. We want them to be confident and be able to deal with the everyday challenges of life. Trick Box, as seen on South today and BBC Online News, aims to equip children to do just that. Evidenced with over 1,000 children, Trick Box offers interactive stories, fun activities and engaging ‘tricks’ to help children to develop a range of positive personal habits and skills. Accessed through Nurseries/Pre-schools, First and Primary Schools and supported at home by
Listening to a Recording or Watching a Video Auditory learners can record information (even in the form of songs they make up!) and listen to it. Watching videos is also a good way to revise.
Assembling Charts and Diagrams Kinaesthetic learners learn by assembling charts and creating diagrams. Flashcards can also help kinaesthetic learners; if you physically turn them over and write on them, it engages many different parts of the brain. Keeping fingers busy, tracing words or tapping out sequences can help your child retain knowledge too. Using a mixture of many learning techniques is the most successful way to help your child retain information. You will soon learn what they like doing and what helps them most.
parents, Heads have described it as “inspirational” and “a powerful whole child approach” with the Nursery Manager of the Year saying, “Children love it! It makes a positive impact, bringing children, parents and practitioners together.” With wellbeing high on the agenda we could all do with a few tricks up our sleeves. Ask your Nursery or School about Trick Box or visit trickbox.co.uk
Skills for Life at Sheiling School & College The Sheiling Ringwood School and College offer a broad, balanced, developmental curriculum, covering all the subjects in the national curriculum, including the ASDAN Personal Progress qualification and the OCR Life & Living Skills qualifications. At the Sheiling, students are encouraged and supported to become resourceful and caring individuals, to explore the world of feelings,
8 Families Dorset
behaviour and values. We focus on building confidence and skills in different environments and social groups, whilst also developing functional independence, in preparation for adult life. We build positive relationships with students that acknowledge their value, believing that every young person can be empowered to find meaning and purpose in life.
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OPEN DAY
Independent school for boys & girls 4-11
6 March 10am-6pm
St Martin’s Small Class Sizes Celebrate Each Child St Martin’s is a happy, family-owned independent Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 4–11 years. We understand that one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent is choosing the right school for your child. The atmosphere is disciplined and purposeful, yet relaxed and lively. The relationship between staff and pupils is warm and respectful. As a healthy, active school our children are encouraged to enjoy sports in a confident, competitive and sportsman-like manner. Everyone takes part in weekly sports, football, rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders, netball, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, racquet sports, mindfulness & yoga. Teachers at St Martin’s are creative, adding fun activities into their lessons, keeping it upbeat & engaging. Our children enjoy music, drama, singing & gardening, and twice a year the whole school comes together to take part in show stopping performances. Come and join us on a journey through St Martin’s and discover your child’s path to happiness, maturity and academic success.
Traditional Values. BIG results. We prepare children for whatever path they choose to take for senior school, may that be a grammar school place, pursuit of a scholarship, local state or Independent school. We work together to achieve their very best!
Open day Fri 6th March, 10am – 6pm Book your place today!
15 Stokewood Rd, Bournemouth 01202 292011 | admin@stmartinsschool.net stmartinsschool.net
FREE TRIAL Book your one-week Free Trial now!
Bournemouth Winton Study Centre
OPEN MORNING 21 March 10am-12.30pm
07983 602826 Ability development for any child at any age Terms & conditions apply
kumon.co.uk
Learning FREE Success, the TRIAL Kumon Way At the Kumon Bournemouth Study Centre the aim is to develop students into confident, independent learners. With 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes have a long history of success. The Kumon Bournemouth Winton Study Centre is located Annunciation Church Hall on Charminster Road, Bournemouth. For more information, contact Instructor Helen Clarke 07983 602826.
Adopt a Love of Learning at Moyles Court We know how difficult it is to decide which school to select for your child’s first steps on the educational ladder. Here are Moyles Court not only can we offer an academic grounding but also much. Much more. At Moyles Court we believe that being confident, happy and stimulated leads to a successful academic experience. This experience starts
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from the moment your child sets foot through our door to begin their educational journey with us and our dedicated Pre-School is the perfect environment to nurture and develop a love of learning. Learning in a smaller, safe environment whilst having access to the whole school’s facilities and resources, enables your child to benefit from a rich and broad curriculum and to engage in our wider school environment.
Our school is set within the beautiful New Forest with extensive grounds, affording your child the most wonderful opportunities to thrive outdoors as well as in the classroom. Come and meet our Moyles Court School family at our Open Morning on Saturday 21st March from 10am to 12.30pm.
Families Dorset 9
You have what it takes to be a great EF host!
Call us today!
Hosting an international student is a wonderful experience to discover other cultures and meet new people.
Join the community today!
EF Bournemouth | 01202 767555 | accommodation.bournemouth@ef.com
10 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
MONDAY 25th MAY 12pm & 4pm
TIVOLI THEATRE WIMBORNE TICKETs: £12
BOX OFFICE
01202 885566 TIVOLIWIMBORNE.CO.UK
High Street, Christchurch
Sat 4th April 2020 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Adult: £15 Children: £13 (Under16)
Family: £50
(2 Adults & 2 Children)
Box Office:
01202 499199 Website:
regentcentre.co.uk
HOT ROck PRODUcTIONS PRESENTS
SUNDAY 5th APRIL 2:30pm
TIVOLI THEATRE WIMBORNE TIckETS: £14 OVER 60s: £12 UNDER 16s: £12
1 in 10 TIckETS FREE VIA BOx OFFIcE
A Fun Filled Easter Pantomime Written & Directed by Lee Redwood
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BOx OFFIcE
01202 885566 TIVOLIWIMBORNE.cO.Uk
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Highlights
Here’s our pick of the best days out, events and activities for all the family this Easter you won’t want to miss.
Brewery Square’s Swashbuckling Easter
Bournemouth Easter Fun Fair
There’s plenty of family fun at Brewery Square in Dorchester this Easter.
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Bournemouth’s Redhill Park from Saturday 4th April until Sunday 19th April.
The hugely popular Easter Egg Hunt is back from 10 – 13 April, as you’re invited to hunt for the Easter Egg images around the square in return for a free Easter prize! Simply collect a form from the Concierge Office (opposite the Dorchester South Station), and return your completed form to claim your prize!
Open daily from 1pm until 10pm, there’s fun for the whole family with all your favourite thrill rides, children’s rides, games and side stalls, as well as plenty of places to grab a tasty snack.
Popular children’s entertainers Cook and Line from CBeebies Swashbuckle are performing their muchloved pirate show on Saturday 11 April. This free family show is guaranteed to entertain, as Cook and Line act, sing and dance on stage. Two free 30-minute performances will take place at 11am and 1pm. Plus, there’s a competition for five lucky families to meet Cook and Line after their first performance, so keep an eye on Brewery Square’s social media for details.
And best of all, each ride is just £1 per person every day! (Excluding extreme rides.) Don’t miss all the fun of the fair at Bournemouth’s largest Easter event.
BUSINESS OWNERS!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REACH OVER 40,000 PARENTS IN OUR MAY/JUNE ISSUE?
BOOK NOW editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012
Warning! Extreme Fun Alert! Exciting Science, the brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from 4 years & upwards, as they put the “Exciting” back into “Science”. (See what we did there!) With fun and fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as our crazy scientists recreate a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster! So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop (and splurt!). Showing at The Regent Centre, Christchurch, 11am on Saturday 18th April so book your tickets now at regentcentre.co.uk
Fun For All at Verwood Hub Whether you enjoy live concerts or shows, watching the latest blockbusters, want to improve your health and fitness or simply need a place to meet and have a coffee, the Verwood Hub, Community and Leisure is the place to be. The Verwood Hub is a hugely versatile facility which includes the fantastic Merryfield Theatre, featuring a brand-new, digital surroundsound cinema showing some of the latest releases. Make the most of a state-of-the-art Technogym gym, 3G football pitches, sports hall, a licensed bar as well as free Wi-Fi! With an exciting and varied calendar of events including shows, theatre, cinema, concerts and cabaret evenings, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy! Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/verwood-hub
12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park Explore an amazing underwater world and journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Get up close to over 2,000 creatures, including our playful otters and rescued sea turtles. Then meet the world’s smallest penguins at Fairy Penguin Island. Native to Australia, they are the only colony that you can see in all of the UK! Plus, NEW for 2020! Our state-of-the-art attraction, NIGHT & DAY, opens in April! Experience the 24-hour wonder of a coral reef as it moves from night to day in our re-imagined Ocean Tunnel display. Dance along the bio-fluorescent tropical shore and then journey underwater, surrounded by Blacktip reef sharks, Green sea turtles, and a beautiful array of tropical fish species... We can’t wait for you to see it!
New Tree Top Trail at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre Launching this Spring, the Tree Top Trail at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre is an exciting high ropes adventure for all the family! Experience a thrill from new heights as you swing through the trees, cross rope bridges and zip line to the finish. Available for families and groups soon be the first to experience the adventure by following Avon Tyrrell on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.avontyrrell.org.uk
Horrible Histories: The Worst of Barmy Britain We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So, prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with the West End show that’s never toured before! It’s history with the nasty bits left in! What if a Viking moved in next door? Why not light up your life with the great fire of London? Will you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot? This fantastic show will entertain all ages with its hysterical historical journey through the barmiest bits of British history, at the Christchurch Regent Centre, at 1.30pm & 4.30pm on 4th April.
Panto time? Oh, yes it is! Join Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and finds herself in the most peculiar place she’s ever seen! She’ll need her wits about her as the evil, but hilarious, Queen of Hearts is after the secret recipe to create the best Jam Tarts for her tea party! Alice will need her Wonderland friends’ help to stop the evil Queen from stealing the recipe, as they fight good against evil and discover the power of true friendship.
Alice in (Wimborne) Wonderland
familiesonline.co.uk
Will they make it to the tea party? Come along to the Tivoli Theatre this Easter and find out!
GO EAST at Monkey World this Easter Monkey World are fundraising for their charity EAST (Endangered Asian Species Trust) who are preparing to release gibbons back into the wild in Vietnam. The gibbons were rescued from the black market trade, and to ensure their safety in the forest, the team need to buy new radio collars so they can track their journey back to the wild. Learn all about their work and join in on the stalls, trails, games & activities during the Easter holidays to help put gibbons back into the trees! You can also see over 250 rescued monkeys and apes. Many of the primates have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. Monkey World rehabilitates them back into family groups, where they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment. Over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, Monkey World will also be giving away free Easter Eggs daily to the first 100 children into the park. Visit www.monkeyworld.org for details.
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18, 28, 29 March Jumanji: The Next Level (12A)
es & ctiviti a y l i fam d. ide to ril & beyon u g e t p omple rch, A Your c nts this Ma eve
Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE The gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world’s most dangerous game. 4.30pm 18 March, 11am & 3pm 28 March & 2pm 29 March.
21 March Throughout March & April Active Fun at Ferndown Leisure Centre Ferndown Leisure Centre, Ferndown BH22 9EZ There’s a wide range of activities to keep your kids active & healthy, no matter their ability including junior badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, dancing, squash, Ability Counts football & disability cricket. Plus birthday parties & school holiday activities. 01202 877468.
5 March Yarrells School Open Morning Yarrells Preparatory School, Upton BH16 5EU A wonderful opportunity to see the school in action and the facilities as you tour the school and grounds with senior pupils, and meet with our friendly staff and our Head. Book your place on 01202 622229. 9.30–11.30am.
6 March St Martin’s School Open Day St Martin’s School, Bournemouth BH3 7NA Come along to discover St Martin’s and get a taste of life at our friendly, welcoming school. Experience the school while classes are taking place and see what a ‘day in the life’ at St Martin’s looks & feels like. We offer a happy, caring, family, focused environment with small class sizes within which your child can academically thrive and be themselves. 10am–6pm. Book on 01202 292011 or at stmartinsschool.net.
Talbot Heath School Open Morning Talbot Heath School, Bournemouth BH4 9NJ Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Junior Open Morning is a wonderful opportunity to see the school in action, the facilities and meet with staff. Advance booking. 9.30am.
7 March Autism Friendly Day Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Monkey World opens an hour early, exclusively for visitors with autism and their families. Sensory trails, a calm room, and drop-In room for support all ensure that Monkey World is a great day out for all. 9am–5pm.
The Wimborne Baby Show Allendale Centre, Wimborne BH21 1AS A day of shopping, learning and fun with local baby businesses and experts in the field of pregnancy, babies and toddlers, plus show offers, live demos and more. 10am–2pm.
14, 21, 28 Mar, 4 April Bikeability Level 1 & 2 Courses King’s Park Cycle Centre, Bournemouth BH7 7AF Give your child the skills to cycle on today’s roads. Level 1 & 2 cycle training for children aged 10 and over to help build the skills and confidence to ride a bike safely on the road. 2-day courses from 9am–12.30pm & 1–4.30pm. Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability to book.
Moyles Court School Open Morning Moyles Court School, Ringwood BH24 3NF Talk with pupils, teachers and parents and discover what Moyles Court has to offer. Experience this wonderful school at first hand and to get a feel for its ethos and see what incredible work happens there every day. 10am–12.30pm. Call 01425 472856.
From 22 March Magical Blue Pool The Blue Pool, Wareham BH20 5AR A delightful family attraction where many memories have been made since it first opened in 1935, this magical pool is surrounded by tranquil woods and heathland with sandy paths leading to many hidden places for all to explore. From 9.30am–4.30pm.
22 March Mother’s Day at Monkey World
Have a Go Day Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE A multi activity taster day for all the family. Want to tackle your fear of heights? Never tried archery or survival skills? Come and have a go! 10am–2pm. £6pp.
30 March Easter Mini Makes & Bakes Monkey Madness, Christchurch BH23 2BT Decorating Spring themed biscuits and Easter crafts, plus free soft play. Age 2–5. 10.30–11.30am. £8 for both activities.
31 Mar, 2–3, 6–9, 14–17 Apr Pouncing Panthers Holiday Club Durlston Court School, New Milton BH25 7AQ There’s a multitude of sports and activities this Easter, including tennis, football, netball and dodge ball, martial arts and street dance. Children can also try their hand at cookery, French, games, arts & crafts, performance arts and Easter activity trails. With plenty of adventures to be had, your child will fill their Easter with treasured memories and gain new confidence. Age 5–11 years. 9am–5pm. £33/day. pouncingpanthers.com
Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Mums get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Mother’s Day! Simply download their website voucher and present it at the entrance gate. 10am–5pm.
29 March Expectant Parent Event Smyths Toys Superstore, Poole BH17 0SS Are you expecting a baby? Browse & shop for your new arrival, chat to birth and baby-related specialists and services, and enjoy a special Smyths Toys discount. 10.30am–12.30pm. Free.
Go EAST at Monkey World this Easter! Join in on games, trails and activities at the park this Easter from 4th- 19th April to help us put gibbons back into the wild! All funds raised will go to our charity, the Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST), who are preparing to release rescued & rehabilitated gibbons back into the wild from their centre in Vietnam. Learn about our work in Vietnam, track gibbons around the park and experience the east, all from Dorset!
4 April Horrible Histories: The Worst of Barmy Britain Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with the West End show that’s never toured before! It’s history with the nasty bits left in! 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Adult £15, child £13, family £50.
EASTER WEEKEND
10-13 APRIL
FREE
Easter Eggs
for the first 100 children to enter the park each day from Good Friday to Easter Monday!
UK Charity No. 1115350
For more information visit www.monkeyworld.org Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH, 01929 462537
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8 April
The Ultimate Pop Princess Party is Back! Once Upon A Princess returns to the Tivoli Theatre for half term magic this May. The books in the Fairyland library have got muddled up and magic maker Fairy Muddled needs your help to put the pages back in the right books. Join her as she follows the clues to discover which princess will marry Prince Charming. So, come one, come all, you’ll have a ball! The smash-hit glittering production features all your favourite fairytale princesses plus a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics that will have the everyone singing and dancing!
Cook and Line Pirate Show
Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE
Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1QR
Ranger AJ has been everywhere! From the Amazon Rain forest to now The Verwood Hub! With a learning through laughter approach, Mad4Animals will introduce you to some incredible animals - with maybe a few screams along the way! 2pm & 6pm. £7. Book on 01202 828740.
Popular CBeebies Swashbuckle stars Cook and Line perform their much loved Pirate Show. See venue’s Facebook for a chance to meet them. 11am & 1pm. Free.
10–13 April Brewery Square Easter Egg Hunt Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1QR Hunt for the Easter Egg images around the square in return for a free prize! Collect a form on the day from the Concierge Office. 10am–4pm. Free.
Easter at Lulworth
Littledown Centre, Bournemouth BH7 7DX
Bournemouth Easter Fun Fair Redhill Park, Bournemouth BH9 2SP There’s fun for the whole family with all your favourite thrill rides, children’s rides, games and side stalls. 1–10pm. £1pp per ride (exc. Extreme rides).
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ Discovery Centre, Studland BH19 3AH Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA Discover the wonders of these National Trust locations as you hunt for your chocolate egg reward and take part in fun Easter activities. Check venues for times. Trails £2.50.
A children’s Easter Fun Fair for under 12s. Over Easter weekend, the Easter Bunny will be handing out free mini Easter eggs. Sessions at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm. 2 hours for £7.99.
5 April Alice In Wonderland Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne BH21 1LT This fun-filled family show features stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe tapping songs and bucket loads of laughter. 2.30pm. Adult £14, child £12.
6–17 April
Easter at The Tank Museum
Fundays
Tank Museum, Bovington BH20 6JG
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE
Experience the biggest day out in history with family activities, vehicle rides and live displays. 10am–5pm. Adult £13, child £8.50, family £36.
Easter Holiday Activities Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA Let your imagination run wild this Easter with fantasy themed trails, crafts, garden games and competitions. 10am–5pm.
Go EAST for Easter! Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Help us put gibbons back into the wild in Vietnam! Take part in fundraising games, activities & trails all to raise funds for EAST (the Endangered Asian Species Trust). 10am–5pm. Family of 4 £42.
Experience a whole day of exciting challenges and environmental discovery, from archery, high ropes, pioneering, adventure course to bushcraft, shelter building and more. Age 8–12 years. 8.30am–6pm. £28.
Easter Activity Trail Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE Hop around and explore the grounds as you enjoy outdoor activities, problem solving and hidden clues. Hatch your plan and work together to claim your chocolatey prize. 10am–3pm. Child £7.
18 April Exciting Science
The Mad Hatter & friends are back with themed trails, Easter hunts, crafts, soft play and crazy golf. 10.30am–5pm. Adult £8, child £6, family £30, under 4’s free.
Regent Centre, Christchurch BH23 1AS
Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH
Littledown Easter Fun Fair
12 April
Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth BH20 5QS
Easter Eggs-travaganza! 4–19 April
11 April
The Jungle Challenge
FREE chocolate Easter Egg for the first 100 children into the park every day over the Bank Holiday weekend! 10am–5pm. Family of 4 £42.
Easter on the Farm Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Verwood BH21 5RJ Easter activities include an Easter quiz, Easter themed creative arts & crafts, Pets Corner and visits from the Easter Bunny daily. 10am–4pm. Family £39.95.
Eggcellent Easter Event Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole BH16 6EU Did some ‘bunny’ say Easter Eggs? Bring a basket for the egg-cellent daily egg hunts and watch out for the ‘bandit-bunnies’ on the Tractor Ride! 10am–5pm. Family £45.
This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and as we put the “exciting” back into “science”. With fun and fact filled experiments, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop… and splurt. Age 4+. 11am. Adult £11, child £10.
Until 26 April Jawsome Sharks & Friends Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX Help Professor Finn find the missing Top Trumps cards to become a Jawsome Ranger. 11am–5pm.
30 April Child Car Seat Safety Event Littledown Centre, Poole BH7 7DX 65% of child car seats are not properly fitted. Get your child’s car seat checked by experts and car seat advice for choosing and fitting a new car seat. 10am–3pm. Free.
11, 12, 15 April Sonic the Hedgehog (PG) Verwood Hub, Verwood BH31 7QE Sonic and his newfound human best friend join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination. 11am & 3pm 11 April, 2pm 12 April & 4.30pm 15 April.
The 115 Easter Holiday Club Moordown St John’s School, Bournemouth BH9 2SA This Easter, our Under 8’s can look forward to Deputots, a story telling and drama workshop. Plus, an Easter party for all ages, an art workshop and a trip to Blashford Lakes for some pond dipping and bug hunting. 8am–5.45pm. Early booking discount until 17th March.
Outdoor Adventure in the New Forest
Leaping Lambs Easter Trail Poole Museum, Poole BH15 1BW Find the hidden lambs in the cases and peeking from behind our collections to collect your chocolatey prize! 10am–4pm. Free entry.
familiesonline.co.uk
DON’T FORGET
check with the venue before setting off just in case anything’s changed since we went to print. And remember to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!
avontyrrell.org.uk
WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL EVENT IN THE NEXT ISSUE? email editor@familiesdorset.co.uk
Families Dorset 15
NEW APRIL 2020
Vi Pay sit O Al nc lY e ea r!
Discover our ocean by night & day
Pre-book online and save! sealifeweymouth.com