IN THIS ISSUE
Education News Halloween Activities Online Safety for Kids Clubs & Classes What’s On
THINK BIG Open Day, Fri 5th Oct 2018
Kindergarten, Pre-Prep, Junior & Senior See our new STEAM HUB under construction. Hear about our new curriculum for the future taught from age 3. • Coding • Design Thinking • Project Management • Digital Design • Ethics • Material Science
Talbot Heath Independent School for Girls aged 3-18
Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth | Tel: 01202 761881 | talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding
Issue 2 September/October 2018
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Editor’s Welcome Welcome to Families Dorset Magazine. This issue has plenty to help you seamlessly navigate your way through the busy autumn months. Managing Editor - Keren Moseley editor@familiesdorset.co.uk 07518 514012
We share some great tips on how to get the most out of school open days, and give you some handy tips on how to choose the right club or class for your child. And as always, you can rely on our comprehensive What’s On guide to take you and your family through to the half term holidays, Halloween and beyond.
Advertising - Claire Clarricoates Claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk 07812 218331 Design - Matthew Craig mattcraigdesign.co.uk
In This Issue
Booking Deadline: 1 October Copy Deadline: 8 October
3
News & Views
5
Educating your Child about Social Media
6
Choose the Right Club or Class for Your Child
8
Making the Best of Open Days
Find Families Dorset Magazine on @FamiliesDorsetMag @FamDorsetMag Competition Winners Congratulations to our Issue 1 competition winners, David Evans, Danielle Keep & Vicki Weston
Best wishes,
Editor
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Next Issue November/December 2018 Christmas Activities & Days Out, Santa’s Grotto’s, Education & Early Years, Health & much more.
Distribution We distribute throughout Dorset including Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, Broadstone, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, New Milton, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Wimborne and more.
If you have anything you’d like to share with our readers – whether news, events or promote your business – please do get in touch. Plus, don’t forget to like us on Facebook for up-todate information, competitions and more.
10 Helping Your Child Cope with Stress
5 6 8 10 11 13
11 Halloween & Bonfire Night
© Families Dorset Magazine September/October 2018. 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.
13 What’s On this Autumn
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IN THIS ISSUE
Education News Halloween Activiti es Online Safety for Kids Clubs & Classes What’s On
THINK BIG Open Day, Fri
Kindergarten,
5th Oct 2018
Pre-Prep, Junior
&
Senior See our new STEAM HUB under construction. Hear about our new curriculum for the future • Coding • Design taught from age Thinking • Project 3. • Digital Design • Ethics • Material Management Science Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth
| Tel: 01202 761881
| talbotheath.org
Issue 2 September/O ctober 2018
Talbot Heath
Independent School
| Connect with us
for Girls aged 3-18
@TalbotHeathSch
| Day and boarding
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Families reaches 40,000+ involved parents & carers in Dorset. Families has over 75% re-booking rate, so what we do works. Families delivers content on the things that matter most to parents. Families outlets are cherry picked to reach the right kind of people. Families offers great value tailor-made packages & added extras. Families is more durable so your ads look great for longer.
If you think we’re on the same page, contact Families Dorset today & see how we can help your business do more. Contact Keren at editor@familiesdorset.co.uk
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Swim School Sponsors Little Teddy
Poole-based swim school, Puddle Ducks Dorset is sponsoring twoyear-old Teddy, who is partially sighted, to swim with the school for a year. This charitable initiative is aimed at giving children from all walks of life the opportunity to participate in activities that they might not have otherwise been able to. Teddy’s mum, Victoria said: “Swimming is such a fantastic skill to have and one that could potentially save your life and Teddy’s illness meant we couldn’t start his lessons as early as we wanted to.” Jane Bozic, owner of Puddle Ducks Dorset and West Hants, added: “Being able to give Teddy the opportunity to have swimming lessons has been extremely rewarding. He is becoming a very confident little swimmer!”
New Principal for Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Mike Mullen has been appointed as the new Principal of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Dorset. Mike trained as a Primary School Teacher at The University of Winchester and for many years, he has been an active member of various amateur theatre companies. Confidence and communication are increasingly being seen as two of life’s greatest assets. The aim of the Academy is to provide children with a self-development programme using a carefully constructed, progressive drama syllabus. Mike is looking forward with great enthusiasm to continuing the amazing work of the Academy in the Dorset area. “This programme allows children to develop key life skills at their own pace. Not only do they gain in confidence, but they also learn skills which can increase their ability to ask and answer questions with assurance, make friends more easily and converse with adults effectively.”
New Headteacher for Talbot Heath Talbot Heath has appointed Mrs Pugh as its new Junior School Headteacher. The former Deputy Head of the Junior School joined the school ten years ago as a Year 2 teacher and is a graduate of Law and History, passionate teacher and SEN specialist. Mrs Pugh is absolutely thrilled with her new role. She has a real love of teaching and learning and is committed to enabling every girl in her care to become the very best they can be. Her philosophy in life is to seize every opportunity, try your very best and always treat those around you as you would like to be treated. She is determined to ensure that the school continues to flourish, with an emphasis on aspirational, active, engaging learning, underpinned by compassion and Christian values, thus remaining true to the vision of its founder, Mary Broad.
To find out more about this unique programme, contact Mike at 07341 947883.
Two Thirds of Children Not Safe in Cars Parents are being advised to check their children’s car seats after a new study found that two in three children aren’t safe while travelling. The What Car? study, created in conjunction with specialist organisation Child Seat Safety found that 59% of children are sitting in car seats that have been incorrectly fitted or are inappropriate for them. The survey revealed that 36% were incorrectly fitted in the car, while 33% of those that had children in them weren’t suitable. Many of the mistakes were said to be “simple and easy to avoid,” and included tightening seat belts, incorrect head restraints or harnesses being in the wrong position. In the UK, children are legally required to remain in a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. Child Seat Safety Check Events: 5 September & 11 December 10am – 3pm at the Littledown Centre, Bournemouth BH7 7DX 24 October 10am – 3pm at the Ice Rink Car Park, Poole Park, Poole BH15 2SF More info at www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules
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CONSIDERING A VOCATION IN COUNSELLING? For a holistic approach to learning, choose Iron Mill College for your Education & Training in Mental Health & Wellbeing. Iron Mill College is a leading provider of counselling and psychotherapy courses, offering training from entry level right through to post qualifying. ▪ Entry level courses ▪ CPD workshops & Conferences
▪ University validated degrees ▪ FREE public lectures
Our Poole classes and workshops will be held at: Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NZ
For further information: 01202 743804 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk
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Only Half of Pre-School Children Being Read to Daily The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research. The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of preschool children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51%. The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t
feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books. The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.” More info at www.egmont.co.uk
Curiosity is Key to Early Childhood Success New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success.
“effortful control,” which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks.
Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls.
“Even if a child manifests low effortful control, higher curiosity may be associated with more optimal academic achievement,” the authors of the study wrote.
The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were. That was true even when the students weren’t very good at a self-control measure called
Digital Citizenship Classes Required for Children
Ms Longfield recommends interventions from government to make sure children are better equipped to make safe and informed choices online. She recommends that children should study "digital citizenship" to learn about their rights and responsibilities online and that social media companies should rewrite their terms and conditions in far simpler language.
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More info at www.nature.com
News In Brief New Preschool Opens in Broadstone An exciting new preschool is opening in Broadstone. Trailway Tots Preschool is committed to ensuring a ‘home from home’ environment. Children will gain new experiences, from growing food to baking, to develop their independence and life skills.
The internet and social media are a permanent part of modern childhood and for most children they offer huge opportunities to learn and connect, according to the Children's Commissioner for England. However, children are now the internet’s biggest users and Anne Longfield believes they have inadequate skills to negotiate their live online and are frequently giving away personal information.
The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement.
Children already learn about using the internet and staying safe online at school but Ms Longfield wants to make this learning part of the curriculum from age 4 with the focus on ‘digital resilience. She has produced a ‘Digital 5 a Day’ guide which sets out ways in which families can make sure time online time is productive. This guide can act as a base for family agreements about internet and l device use during term and holiday time. More info at www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
The preschool based at Liberal Hall, accepts for children aged 2-4 years from 8am – 4pm weekdays during term-time.
Local Tennis Junior Graces Wimbledon An Academy Junior at Bournemouth’s West Hants Tennis Club has reached the second round in Doubles at this year’s Wimbledon tournament. Erin was selected from the club’s ‘Wildcards Programme’ from a state school and joined the club at age 4. Erin follows in the footsteps of other Academy alumni who have played at Wimbledon and represented Great Britain.
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Did you know?
Educating Your Child About Social Media
The legal age for social sites like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is 13
By Claire Winter
During the primary school years, it’s understandable to want to bury your head in the sand when it comes to the issues and challenges of mobile phone use and social media. If you have children under 10, you may feel you don’t need to pay attention to this yet. However, by Years 5 and 6 many of your children’s peers will start to actively use apps like Snapchat and Instagram and you need to start to understand how to help your child navigate the online world. The legal age for children to use social sites like Facebook, Instagram, Musical.ly and Snapchat is 13. But, according to a report by the Children’s Commissioner, around 75% of 10 to 12 year olds have a social media account. The study makes sobering reading stating that children face a ‘cliff edge’ when it comes to using social media when they go to secondary school. Getting comments and likes on their posts becomes a priority, especially when their whole class are now using mobile devices and have social media accounts. They become more concerned about how they look and feel anxious about staying connected at all times. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) becomes much more prevalent.
Set limits on social media interaction
Class WhatsApp groups and the like mean that whilst your child has their phone they are connected to their peers 24/7. This is the equivalent of having the “noise” of the playground with them at all times. It makes it impossible for children to leave behind the social
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interactions of the day, including any negative ones, and switch off emotionally. It means your child is at risk of being negatively impacted by any hurtful throwaway remarks or comments made by their peers which may not even have been intended to be hurtful. Social posts without accompanying tone, facial expression and gesture are more likely to be interpreted negatively or the meaning questioned than words delivered face to face. In short, you need to set limits on social interaction if your child is going to remain sane and grounded.
• Follow them or add them as a friend on your social accounts, so you can see what they are doing. Many parents make this a condition before allowing their child to have an app, especially if they are younger.
Here are some things to consider before your child becomes active on social:
• Tell them not to share private information about themselves, like where they go to school or their address.
• Explore the privacy settings on all the apps your children will use and explain how they work. Make sure their accounts aren’t public and are only available to their friends. • Explain they should only friend or follow people they know on all their social media accounts. • Stress that it is crucial for them to tell you if someone they don’t know is trying to contact them. Explain not everyone is who they say they are online. • Remind them they can block people they don’t know or users who are giving them unwanted attention (including their peers). • There are many things your children should not see on the internet. Ensure your children feel comfortable talking about what they have seen online or things that have been sent to them. Conversations need to be open and frank because sexual and violent content can only ever be a few clicks away.
• If you are not on the social platform, explain that you will want access to their account to see what they are doing (actually follow through on this). Some people may feel this is an intrusion on their privacy, but even young teenagers need some supervision.
• Remind them not to post, snap or chat about something that they don’t want to be shared or seen by a wider audience. Remind them pictures can be captured by screenshot and shared with people they don’t know. • Tell them that bullying should not be tolerated in real life or cyberspace. If they are being bullied or see someone being bullied, tell them to tell a trusted adult. • Limit how long they can be online. Put the Wi-Fi on a timer or set a daily limit of time for how long they can be on their device. As parents, we need to lead by example, so limit the time you spend on social platforms when you are with your child. Accept that your child is bound to make some mistakes on social media. The key is to have an open dialogue with them about it so they can ask for advice if things go wrong and learn how to create healthy boundaries around their online activities.
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Choose the Right Club or Class for your Child By Claire Winter
Choose the Right Club or Class for your Child By Claire Winter
Picking the right activities for your child can be overwhelming, so here’s our guide on how to choose the most appropriate club or class for your child. A good place to start is to ask your child what they are interested in. It’s likely that they will enjoy the activity if they have picked it themselves.
Things to Consider: Will your child enjoy the class/club? If they enjoy something, whether it’s art, football, animation or French they are likely to look forward to training with their team or attending a class every week.
Try Before You Buy Trial classes are a great way for them to experience something before you sign up for a term or group of classes. Many clubs and classes offer a free trial before you sign up.
Try a Variety Variety is the spice of life. If your schedule allows it, get your children to try a few different things on a trial basis. If they are not keen on trying something new, get them to go with a friend.
Can you Commit? Some activities involve early morning practice or games at the weekend. Can your family life and schedule accommodate the commitment needed? If your child plays sport competitively, it can often mean training daily or at least three times a week.
Think about Cost Some activities are more expensive than others. 1:1 tuition or private lessons are more costly, whereas classes and team sports tend to cost less. Guiding or Scouts is an inexpensive club to join, and it’s great for team building and trying a variety of different activities. Investigate this option ahead of time though, as there can be waiting lists.
How Many? How many activities are too many? This is really up to you but if you are tired of driving your children to all of their activities, it’s likely your child will be too; perhaps you are doing too much. Equally, if your children are bored at home and asking to be entertained, maybe it’s time to sign them up for something new. Again take the lead from your child. Some children thrive from lots of extra-curricular activities while others get overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Listen to them and adjust their schedule accordingly.
Make a Splash at Ferndown Leisure Centre! Learning to swim is an essential life skill that allows you to enjoy a range of fun activities in the water. Our 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. We’ve got plenty of spaces available so if you’re interested call us on 01202 877468 or visit www.ferndownleisurecentre.co.uk for more information.
Fabulous Fun at Jo Jingles Jo Jingles provides pre-schoolers with lots of fabulous fun. We don’t guarantee an “X Factor” star but we do offer a wonderful musical experience for grown-ups to enjoy with their children by encouraging group interaction, speech development, coordination and social skills. There is also singing, dancing and percussion instruments for the children to play. Parents tell us it’s their favourite weekly activity so why not come along and give it a try! We are also looking for a new owner for our Bournemouth business so if you are looking for a wonderful new challenge then please get in touch.
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Clubs & Classes
Round Up Baby & Child Development Baby Sensory www.babysensory.com Hartbeeps www.hartbeeps.com Jo Jingles www.jojingles.com Fun music, singing & movement classes to encourage group interaction, speech development, coordination & social skills Mini Monkey Gym www.minimonkeygym.co.uk Sing and Sign www.singandsign.co.uk
Cookery School of Flavours Cookery www.flavoursschoolofcookery.co.uk
Creative Arts University Bournemouth www.aub.ac.uk/courses/saturday-art-school Kids Camera Action www.kidscameraaction.co.uk Little Learners www.littlelearnersuk.com The Creation Station www.thecreationstation.co.uk
Dance Baby Ballet www.babyballet.co.uk Blackwell Dance Academy www.blackwelldanceacademy.co.uk Dorchester Ballet & Dance www.dancedorchester.org Prompt Corner Academy of Dance www.promptcornerdance.co.uk TLW Dance www.tlwdance.co.uk
Football & Rugby Just4Keepers UK www.just4keepers.co.uk Little Kickers www.littlekickers.co.uk Rugby Tots www.rugbytots.co.uk Simon Francis Football Academy www.simonfrancisacademy.com
Gymnastics Gymstars Gymnastics Academy www.gymstarsgymnastics.co.uk Splits Gymnastics www.splitsgymnastics.com
Martial Arts ForFit Fitness www.forfitfitness.co.uk Mike Bushell Martial Arts Academy www.mbmaa.co.uk Muscliffe Karate Academy www.muscliffekarate.com
Music Coda Music Centre www.coda.org.uk Moo Music www.moo-music.co.uk Music Bugs www.musicbugs.co.uk
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Musical Steps
Award-winning music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Give your child a wonderful start by joining in our inspiring classes full of songs, rhymes, musical stories, percussion playing, movement and activities all designed to develop your child’s key communication skills and we have lots of FUN! We start with babies from 6 weeks old in our gentle Tiny Tunes for Newborns course, who then graduate through the steps of each specific age-grouped class until they finish in the Music Express class, all ready for big school! Choose from our venues in Christchurch, Bournemouth or Westbourne and book in for a FREE TRIAL class.Email heather.smith@ musicalsteps.co.uk or call 07768 663773 or Facebook @musicalstepsbournemouth www.musicalsteps.co.uk
Multi-Sports Ferndown Leisure Centre www.dcleisure.co.uk Keep your children active & healthy with a range of sports classes including swimming, gymnastics, badminton, squash & trampolining The Junction Sports & Leisure Centre www.thejunctionbroadstone.co.uk Dorchester Sports Centre www.1610.org.uk
Performing Arts Big Little Theatre School www.biglittle.biz Centre Stage www.centrestagedance.org Charlie’s Chimps www.charlieschimps.co.uk Helen O’Grady Drama Academy www.helenogrady.co.uk Fun & inspiring drama classes helping young people’s development from 2 years JASS Studios www.dance-school-bournemouth.co.uk Stagecoach Performing Arts www.stagecoach.co.uk Stagewise www.stagewise.co
Science
Self-Development Drama Classes The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy offers a self-development drama programme for children that’s designed to encourage enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life. It also develops confidence and self esteem, verbal communication skills and effective social interaction. Classes are available at Winton (Mon), Verwood (Tue), Swanage, Ferndown & Christchurch (Wed), Colehill & Southbourne (Thu), Branksome & Ringwood (Fri) and Broadstone & New Milton (Sat). To find out more or to join a waiting list in other locations, contact Mike at 07341 947883. www.helenogrady.co.uk
Come & join our crew! Book a free trial today
Mini Professors www.miniprofessors.com
Swimming Littledown Centre www.littledowncentre.co.uk Pelhams Park Leisure Centre www.bhliveactive.org.uk Puddle Ducks www.puddleducks.com Waterbabies www.waterbabies.co.uk
Tennis Max Tennis School www.edltcc.com The West Hants Club www.westhants.co.uk
Water & Snow Sports Rockley Watersports www.rockley.org Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre www.snowtrax.eu The Watersports Academy www.thewatersportsacademy.com
helen o’grady drama academy
Fun packed drama classes specialising in developing confidence and communication skills.
For children aged 2-18 years Dorset office: 07341 947883 bournemouth@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk
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Making the Best of Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours.
What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to. During an open day, prospective parents are shown around the school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and the school environment. You will be able to see the children in lesson and talk to the teachers and pupils. Sometimes pupils are given the task of showing parents around the school. This is a great opportunity to ask them how they enjoy being at the school. How settled, relaxed and confident these children are can give you an idea of how happy the children are there. Usually, the head teacher or a senior member of staff also gives a talk which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos. This is often followed by a presentation by the head of admissions or the relevant head of the section of the school (for example, head of reception, or sixth form).
When are they Held? State schools generally hold Open Days in September and October aimed at children and families looking for a school place for the following year. It’s a good idea to start looking a year in advance. So if your child is starting school, start looking at schools when they are three. If you are looking for secondary school places, start looking in year 5 (when your child is nine or ten). You can then revisit the schools you are most interested in with your child the following year. Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a school-specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you need find out the criteria for entry to the school and visit well in advance.
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How are Open Days Organised? Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days to allow working parents to visit the school too. Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday. All schools put a lot of care and organisation into the events and they all want to show their school in the best light. However, there may be a lot of people attending so do be sure to turn up on time and follow the school’s directions during the event.
Tips for Visiting an Open Day Take your child with you. There is no point in falling in love with a school only to find your child does not want to go there. What is your general feeling about the school? Your gut reaction is very important. Do the pupils look happy and engaged?
School Open Days this Autumn Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster Saturday 22 September 10.30am – 12pm www.clayesmore.com
Dumpton School, Wimborne Friday 5 October 9.30am (Nursery to Year 8 entry) www.dumpton.com
Knighton House School & The Orchard Pre-Prep School, Blandford Forum Saturday 6 October 2018 9 - 11.30am www.knightonhouse.co.uk
Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask the pupils what they think of the school.
Friday 5 October www.miltonabbey.co.uk
Don’t make decisions on individual teachers. They often move on and large departments have a variety of teachers that will rotate every year to teach your child a particular subject.
Moyles Court School, Ringwood
If your child has a particular interest in a subject, make sure you visit the department and look at the kind of work they will be doing. What extra-curricular activities do they have? Are there clubs that will engage your child and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests? While exam results aren’t everything, every parent wants their child to do well. Academic performance is a top priority for many families. It’s a good idea to see how the school is performing compared to other local schools, using exam league tables and Ofsted reports. If, after the all your initial visits, you are still undecided, go back and visit the schools on your shortlist again during a normal working day. Finally, in making your decision, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts; you know your child and you are best placed to ascertain what is right for them. If your child is older, do take account of their preferences too and include them in the decision making process. The best decision will undoubtedly be the one you all agree.
Saturday 29 September 10am - 12.30pm www.moylescourt.co.uk
Sherborne School, Sherborne Saturday 6 October & Saturday 8 December www.sherborne.org
St Martin’s School, Bournemouth Friday 5 October 4.30 – 6.30 pm www.stmartinsschool.net
St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Friday 21 September & Friday 9 November www.stmarys.eu
Sunninghill Preparatory School, Dorchester Friday 5 October 9.30am – 12pm www.sunninghillprep.co.uk
Talbot Heath School, Bournemouth Friday 5 October 2 - 4pm (Junior) 4 - 7.30pm (Senior) www.talbotheath.org
Yarrells Preparatory School, Poole Tuesday 2 October 9.30 – 11.30am www.yarrells.co.uk
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Talbot Heath School Innovating for the Future Talbot Heath School has taken a bold, fresh approach to education with a groundbreaking educational model to equip children for a rapidly changing world. Our new model will incorporate expertise from teachers, university staff and industry experts. Pupils will learn to approach tasks from an interdisciplinary perspective, and artificial boundaries between subjects will be broken down, allowing learners to draw on their breadth of experience.
Open Day Fri 5 October 2 – 4pm Jnr
Tomorrow’s world 4 – 7.30pm Snr will need people who understand that global problems require global solutions and we owe it to our children to educate them for their future, not our past.
We integrate design thinking, material science, digital proficiency, problem solving and ethics into the curriculum at every age, and aim to develop an understanding of the link between design, function, sustainability and purpose.
At Moyles Court, we believe that being confident, happy and stimulated leads to a successful academic experience. Small class sizes, individualised learning, great teaching, extensive after school provision, tailored transport and excellent pastoral care provide your children with the best possible start in life.
Open Day
A Warm Welcome Awaits at Dumpton School Dumpton is a family school, and takes pride in its warm, nurturing environment. The school motto ‘you can if you think you can’ and the main school rule ‘treat others as you would expect to be treated’ are reflected in all aspects of school life – to work hard, aim high and, most importantly, be kind to each other.
Children get the Best Start in Life at Moyles Court
Fri 5 October 9.30am Nursery to Year 8 Entry
School has to be fun, as a genuine, life-long love of learning will be increasingly important in our ever-changing world. At Dumpton, everyone tries everything – so that each pupil finds things that they are good at, giving them the confidence to face new challenges. The wide-ranging academic and co-curricular opportunities ensure that pupils can aim for both breadth and excellence.
Moyles Court is a smaller independent school with pupils aged 3 to 16 years. Come and absorb and see what wonderful work happens here every day by visiting on an Open Morning or arranging an individual visit. Richard Milner Smith, Headmaster Open Morning says, “Our core values Sat 29 September are at the heart of our 10am – 12.30pm fabulous school, and every child benefits. We offer individualised learning, a flexible approach to travel and wrap around care – making us accessible to so many families who want their children to be happy, learning and achieving in our glorious New Forest setting.” Come and join us at our Open Morning on Saturday 29 September from 10am 12.30pm. Visit www.moylescourt.co.uk or call 01425 472856 for details.
Get Qualified in Mental Health Iron Mill College is a leading provider of creative and inspiring training, in the field of mental health and wellbeing. Whether you're exploring counselling or psychotherapy for the first time or already practice in this field, Iron Mill College has an opportunity for you. The college prides itself on offering high standards of creative and inspiring teaching, delivered in a very special learning environment.
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You can learn more at the college's fun and interactive Taster Day in Poole on Saturday 8 September, or at their Open Day on Saturday 1 December.
Taster Day Sat 8 September
Open Day Sat 1 December
For more information, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, call 01202 743804, or email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk.
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Helping Your Child Cope with Stress
By Claire Winter
Stress in primary school children has risen to worrying levels according to school leaders. 78% of school primary teachers in a recent survey reported a general increase in stress and anxiety among primary pupils. According to the report by the website, Key, a national school support service, 27% of teachers surveyed attributed the increase in anxiety and stress to tests and 37% to social media. Thankfully MPs have finally acknowledged the adverse side-effects of SATs and have A healthy proposed eliminating them for routine can help seven year olds by 2023.
combat stress
Get Enough Sleep Sleep improves our memory, sharpens our attention span and helps us maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding gadgets an hour before bed and doing more relaxing activities such as reading or having a bath can make all the difference to the quality of your child’s sleep.
Always Eat Breakfast Make sure your child starts the day with a nutritious and healthy meal to set them up for a full day. This will boost their energy and can also improve memory and decrease stress levels.
Check-in with your Child
The government has also committed £300 million to improve young people’s mental health. Many educationalists argue that this is too little, far too late. With evidence of self-harm, eating disorders and stress being on the increase in schools, what should we as parents be doing to help our kids feel less stressed?
If your child seems stressed, for instance, if they are not sleeping well, not eating well, behaving more emotionally than usual or are less interactive or more clingy, you need to get them to talk and not bottle up their feelings and worries. Set aside a time when you and they are not too tired, like on the walk to school, or after you’ve eaten your evening meal and ask them how they are really feeling.
Get Talking
Exercise
According to a poll run by Time to Change, 55% of families do not openly discuss mental health. Katie Buckingham from the social enterprise, Altruist Enterprises (altruistuk.com) believes families should talk more about their problems. She believes the first step to combating this problem is to simply start a conversation.
Getting regular exercise can reduce stress. Try to walk to walk to school with your child, visit a playground or park on the way home or get out for a walk at the weekend. Encourage your child to participate in a sporting or physical activity which will build exercise into their schedule automatically.
Here are Katie’s six tips (think APPLES) when you talk to your child:
Approach casually: mention well-known celebs like Adele who openly discuss their issues Positivity: avoid negative language Patience: no one likes to be pressured Listen carefully: ask open-ended rather than leading questions Encourage your children to pursue things they love Support: seek extra help if you feel it’s needed
Create a Healthy Routine Dr. Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director, and GP at Your Doctor (www.your-doctor.co.uk) says that having a healthy routine can help combat stress, particularly when your child is making the transition to a new school or starting the new school year. Here’s what is important:.
Try Mindfulness Anxiety and stress can be selfEvidence of self-harm, perpetuating, eating disorders and your child is anxious so only stress are on the focusses on the increase in schools things in their life that are causing them to feel stressed. Encourage them to have a positive outlook but also allow them to voice their fears. If you help teach your child about resilience and how to cope with the tough times, as well as the good ones, you will be teaching them a great skill for life.
Transform Your Child’s Confidence in Maths! Caroline Cutress, a former Maths teacher, believes that it only takes a small amount of extra Maths practice at home to transform your child’s self-esteem. Drawing on over 20 years teaching experience, much of which was gained in one of Hampshire’s most successful schools, Caroline devised ‘Maths Club by Post’ for 6-12 year olds. Maths Club by Post delivers a fun workbook direct to your child’s letterbox. Each month, members receive their packs which include puzzles, mazes, crosswords, colouring problems, codewords and games. Once completed, the workbooks can be returned to Caroline for marking by FREEPOST. For more information about Maths Club by Post, and to get your child’s FREE first workbook, visit mathsclubbypost.co.uk
You can TRANSFORM your child's confidence! .CO.UK
If you are concerned about your child, please make sure you seek help from a medical professional.
10 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk
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Halloween Custard Desserts
: How to Make
Your little ones will absolutely love this custard and chocolate spooky treat – perfect for a Halloween night in.
Pour the custard into a large bowl and drop two spoonfuls into the base of the serving bowl you are using.
What you will need:
Next, place a few of the brownie pieces into the glass on top of the base layer of custard, ensuring they go right against the edge for that layered look.
• Chocolate brownies (make your own or buy) • Mini marshmallows • Chocolate buttons
How to make it: Begin by crumbling up the brownies into mini bite sized pieces.
Bonfire Night Safety
Spoon more custard into the bowl until it reaches the top. Pop two mini marshmallows on each and place a chocolate drop in the middle of each marshmallow to make eyes.
Did you know that sparklers burn at 2000 Degrees Centigrade - 10 times hotter than cooking oil? Whether you’re planning sparklers in the garden or a fullblown bonfire and fireworks, here are some simple tips to keep you safe this Bonfire Night. • Sparklers should not be given to children under 5 • Keep a bucket of cold water outside in case of burn injuries • Children can be sensitive to loud noises, consider investing in a pair of ear defenders • If you are planning to let off fireworks, consult the Firework Code at www.rospa.com • Keep pets indoors. Animals have acute hearing and loud noises disturb them • Remember, the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display
Bonfire & Fireworks Displays Near You You don’t have to go far to be part of the crackle and fizz of Bonfire Night. Community Guy Fawkes events are a fun and safe place to enjoy a good family night out. Here’s our round-up of some local bonfire events coming soon.
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27 October Flameburst Firework Display and Bonfire The Fuzzy Bit, Verwood BH31 6QF Fireworks and entertainment including family fairground, street entertainers and face painting. Gates open at 6pm with Junior Firework Display at 7pm and main display at 8.45pm. Tickets £4. Under 3's free.
1 November Fabulous Family Fireworks St Katharine's CofE Primary School, Bournemouth BH6 4NA A fabulous family fireworks event with a spectacular fire throwing display and entertainment for the whole family from Jamie Jambo. Plus BBQ, bar, refreshments, stalls and flashing toys! £4 adult, £2 child in advance. £5/£3 on the door. 5.30 - 7.30pm.
Your Guide to Guy Fawkes Night By Olivia Malaure If the idea of being outdoors with very young children on a cold November evening sends a chill down your spine, here are some ideas to help you enjoy Bonfire Night at home. Start with a Bang: Kids love listening to the popping of microwave popcorn that they can munch on. Add some Colour: Make a rocket! Wrap silver paper around an empty kitchen roll tube and stick down. Cut out a circle of coloured card (approx 9cm) and make a cone shape. Tape the cone to the top of the cylinder. Decorate the cylinder with stickers and stick strips of red or orange cellophane to the bottom for flames. Kids can fly their colourful creations around the garden! Bonfire Baked Potatoes: Cook up edible bonfires! Fill jacket potatoes with childfriendly toppings. Sprinkle some Red Leicester cheese on top for flames, or put the fire out with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top! Light Up the Night Sky: Kids love torches and they’re a fun, safe way for them to play in the dark and enjoy the atmosphere of Bonfire Night.
3 November
5 November
Bonfire & Fireworks Display
Bonfire Night Fireworks
Stanpit Recreation Ground, Christchurch BH23 3DX
Poole Quay, Poole BH15 1BW
Christchurch Rotary host their annual bonfire and fireworks. Gates open from 5pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6.15pm and fireworks start at 7.45pm, with live music. £18 Family of 4; £7 adult, £4 under 16s.
Fireworks Extravaganza Sherborne Castle, Sherborne DT9 5NR Come along to enjoy fantastic fireworks, a blazing bonfire, and lots of entertainment too. Bonfire from 7pm and fireworks at 7.30pm.
Lyme Regis Fireworks & Bonfire Night Front Beach, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ Watch the fireworks over the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ Lyme Bay and stay warm by the bonfire on the beach. Fireworks on the Cobb at 6.30pm followed by bonfire on the beach. Free.
One of Poole’s biggest nights of the year with live music, family entertainment, jugglers and fire performances throughout the evening. There’s also children’s rides, bouncy castles and workshops. From 5pm, fireworks start at 8pm. Free.
Bonfire Night & Guy Fawkes Celebrations The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7NF Enjoy the traditional community Guy Fawkes celebrations with fireworks, a Guy Fawkes competition, fun fair and beach bonfire. The climax of the evening will be a fabulous international firework display over Weymouth’s moonlit bay! From 3pm. Free.
Families Dorset 11
Spooktacular Halloween Fun It’s one of the best times of the year for children, but how can you help your child get into the spirit of Halloween? We’ve come up with some ideas to get you into the Halloween spirit and spooky local events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. 6 October – 5 November
22 - 26 October
24 - 25 October
27 – 28 October
Happy Halloween at Paultons
Deano’s Spooky Craft Den
Halloween Stories
Halloween at Highcliffe
Paultons Park, Ower SO51 6AL
Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe BH23 4LE
Get in to Halloween and try some spooky crafts for kids, painting, making, and creating! No need to book. 1 - 4pm. £2 per item.
Get into the Halloween spirit with Julia Donaldson’s popular children’s story ‘Room on the Broom’ before making your very own mini broomstick to fly away home with. Booking essential. 10.30 11.30am. Age 4 - 8yrs with help from an adult. £4.50 child.
The friendliest, most frightful fun fest with over 2000 pumpkins, ghostly scenes, spooky meet and greets, Freaky Fancy Dress competition, the thrilling Little Monsters Ball finale and Paultons fun rides and attractions all included in the price! Shows from 20 - 31 October only.
18 – 23, 28 October The Enchanted Illuminations Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury DT3 4LA Come and see the gardens in a different light. A large section of the 30-acre gardens will be magically lit with a wonderful array of colour. From dusk until 8.30pm. Normal admission applies.
20 – 28 October Creatures of the Night Knoll Beach Visitor Centre, Studland, BH19 3AQ Take part in our nature-themed Halloween trail on Knoll Beach. Daily 10.30am 3.30pm.
Halloween Spooktacular Family Fun Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole BH16 6EU Low-key spooktacular family fun for little witches and monsters! The “Boo Crew” will entertain your little ones with extra spooky daily activities. 10am – 5pm.
22 – 31 October Halloween at Crealy Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter EX5 1DR All our rides and attractions are open, along with spooktacular activities including The Creaky Hotel, the Treehouse Trolls, and the Creepy Crawly Collection show. Try pumpkin carving & enter daily competitions. And see PJ Masks on 23 & 29 October. Every child receives a free pumpkin.
23 October Bedlam & Broomsticks
Ghoulish Goings On
Nothe Fort, Weymouth DT4 8UF
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester DT1 1UY
Guided ghost hunts and stories plus face painting, mad Merlin the magician and his magic show, and potion making. Please come in scary fancy dress for your chance to win a prize. 11am – 4.30pm.
The 200-year-old Dorchester court will be host to ghoulish goings on and hair-raising family-friendly activities. Ghost, spooks and skeletons will be on trial across the week, with slime oozing in the cells below the courtroom. ‘Little monsters’ in fancy dress get free entry.
Half Term Halloween Fun Abbotsbury Children's Farm, Weymouth DT3 4JJ There’s plenty of family fun with owl displays, spooky barn, witch telling stories, and colouring competition. Children in fancy dress welcome. 10am – 5pm.
Halloween Fun Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA The Victorians loved Halloween so come along for spooktacular crafts, workshops, trails and a ghoulish treasure hunt.
Happy Halloween Events Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne BH21 1DY There’s plenty of Halloween fun this Half Term with Halloween Quizzes, Spooky Fun & Magic Shows from 23 – 25 October, and a pre-Christmas Fair & Halloween Costume Parade on 27 October.
Family Explorers The Priest’s House Museum, Wimborne BH21 1HR Fun activities for all the family with Halloween arts & crafts activities, story time, and trails from 10am – 2pm. £1.75.
Meet the Gruffalo Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch BH23 6BA The Gruffalo is making special appearances throughout the day. Come and enjoy the park’s rides & attractions including the giant hedge maze of cobwebs, curses and creepy characters, for a family-friendly spooky adventure. For the extra brave all sorts of scary and ghoulish creatures appear for the night time Monster Bash between 6.30-9pm on the 26-27 October (pre-booking essential).
23 – 26 October Spooky Fun at Lulworth Castle Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth BH20 5QS Meet Merlin the magician, play in the leaf pile, hunt the bats or make a spooky mask! There will be plenty to do for all the family to enjoy!
24 – 27 October Halloween Family Fright Nights Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury DT3 4LA The perfect way to join in the Halloween spirit in a fun and not too frightening way with free face painting. Fancy dress welcome. Come and meet the Bugs and stay for the Bug show. From 4.30 - 9pm.
26 October Museums at Night Celebration Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA Take part in national Museums at Night after hours for some dark and scary fun! Enjoy spooky story-telling, face-painting, Halloween crafts and refreshments. Suitable for children of all ages. 6 – 8pm.
Spooky Dinosaur Decorations Craft Workshop Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA If you love dinosaurs and you love Halloween, this workshop is not to be missed! Come and find out how to make fabulously spooky 3D hanging dinosaur skulls! Free. Normal museum admission applies. 10am – 4pm.
26 – 27 October Halloween Trail Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth BH6 4EN Come along and follow our spooky Halloween trail. No need to book. Starts at the Visitor Centre from 10.30am - 3pm. £3 child.
27 October Poole Zombie Fest Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, BH15 1TB A free, family-friendly day of spook-tacular activities within Falkland Square, in the Dolphin Shopping Centre with a zombiethemed escape room, zombie photo area and fair rides. Come in zombie fancy dress and join the Zombie Parade from Falkland Square to Town Quay from 4pm. Prizes for the ‘Worst Dressed’ zombies.
This family friendly Halloween event sees the castle come alive at night! Do the owls have some secrets to tell? Explore the rooms of the castle and complete fun games and activities as you go! 2-7pm. £5.
Halloween Ghost Hunt Brewery Square, Dorchester DT1 1QZ Spot all the spooky images around the shops and restaurants to win a free Halloween treat! Forms can be collected from The Concierge Office opposite the Dorchester South Station. From 10am - 3pm.
Halloween Party Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET Join in the Halloween hilarity at Moors Valley’s Halloween party. Try blindfolded apple bobbing, potion making, face painting, pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts, and more. Fancy dress is essential, adults included! No need to book. 1.30 4pm. From £2.
27 October – 4 November Haunted Haynes Haynes International Motor Museum, Yeovil BA22 7LH Complete the Halloween trail sheet by finding all the Bats and Cats hiding in Museum and collect your reward from the Witches lucky-dip-bin, and have a go at pumpkin carving. Come in full fancy dress for free child entry. Venue T&Cs apply.
28 October Halloween Activity Trail Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE! Try out different activities as a family and follow the Halloween Activity Trail in the great outdoors! Advance booking required.
Pumpkin Parade Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ Take your finest carved pumpkin for judging with prizes for children and adults. There will be a pumpkin parade plus Halloween-themed activities.
31 October Halloween at Monkey World Monkey World, Wareham BH20 6HH Free entry for children in full Halloween fancy dress. Free fancy dress competition with prizes, and the Activity Centre is open for free Halloween fun. 10am – 5pm.
12 Families Dorset familiesonline.co.uk
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Throughout Sept & Oct
6 September
Active Fun at Ferndown Leisure Centre
Pramble
Ferndown Leisure Centre, Ferndown BH22 9EZ
Durlston Country Park, Swanage BH19 2JL
Keep your kids active & healthy, no matter their ability! Activities include junior Badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, dancing, squash & disability cricket as well as birthday parties & school holiday activities.
Highway Rat Activity Trail Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Join the Highway Rat on his forest adventure, completing fun activities and spotting characters from the story along the way. Daily from 9am - 4.30pm until 30 November. £3 per activity pack.
Lego Club Blandford Library, Blandford Forum DT11 7DW Come and let your imagination run wild and build amazing creations with Lego and Duplo sessions. Fun for all ages! Saturdays 2 – 3.30pm
Music and Mime Poole Museum, Poole BH15 1BW A fun music and signing group for babies and toddlers. Sing nursery rhymes, make music and learn simple signs for everyday communication. Suitable for 0-3 years. 10.30 – 11.30am Fridays. Term time only. Free.
Pottery, Craft & Model Making & More Create at the Cove, Wareham BH20 5SG Get creative at this charming and unique all-weather venue. Choose from a variety of craft kits, fossil digging, model making, decopatch, paint your own pottery, colouring & painting and much more. There really is something for everyone, and to suit most budgets. Open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Until 28 October Steam Train Steam Services Swanage Railway, Swanage BH19 1HB Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside, with awardwinning heritage steam trains running for 6 miles through the Purbeck countryside, between the Victorian seaside town of Swanage and Corfe Castle / Norden in Dorset.
A one hour, pram-friendly walk to enjoy fresh air, views and make friends, finishing at the café. Meet at the Castle. £3.
9 September Rockpool Ramble Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge BH20 5PE Take a guided Rockpool Ramble along the beach to explore the fascinating creatures of the seashore. Suitable for all ages. 2 -3.30pm. £3 adult, £2 child. Under 3’s free. Weather dependent.
29 – 30 September How To Spot An Alien
Pavilion Dance Terrace, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
Pavilion Dance Terrace, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It's just like a normal comedy club, but with a higher than usual chance of heckles! Performances at 1.30pm & 4pm. £10.
What do you do if you think your aunt is an alien? Join Jelly and Jonjo on their quest to discover the truth in a rip-roaring adventure through space full of friendship, fun and flying saucers. For space cadets age 5+. £10.
Poetry Day
Land: Nature Tales from the Mother of the Mound
Swanage Library, Swanage BH19 2NU
Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
Celebrate National Poetry Day with local author Di Castle reading poems from her very own book ‘Grandma’s Poetry’. Make your very own poetry washing line. All day drop-in event for children aged 5-11.
Thora, a 3,000 year-old spirit, waits to be woken. What pearls of wisdom will she reveal? Join local story teller Michelle O'Brien in the grounds of Corfe Castle as she awakens the Spirit of Nature. Performances at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.
29 September, 27 October Bugs and Buds
30 September
Knoll Gardens, Wimborne BH21 7ND A Saturday morning monthly toddler club to inspire a love of nature from a young age, by encouraging interaction with the garden's many wildlife inhabitants, trees and flowers. 10.30am – 12pm. £4.50.
Have a Go Day Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore BH23 8EE Never tried archery, canoeing, paddleboarding, high ropes? Now’s your chance to have a go as a family- and you never know, you may find a new passion or hobby to get everyone outdoors! Advance booking required.
15-16, 22-23 September Wildlife Workshops Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ Join local experts in our nature tent to find out more about some of the diverse wildlife of the surrounding Purbeck landscape. This is a unique opportunity to meet some of nature's curious creatures close up. Free. Normal admission fees apply. 10am – 5pm.
19 September Jungle Activities Little Fins Kids Club, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole BH15 1SZ Join Wilma the white tiger for a fun activity morning, and paint creative animal decorations or take part in the elephant peanut throwing game! Free.
22 September Mini Steam & Vintage Day Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne BH21 1DY Come and enjoy a collection of miniature steam traction engines for free trips around our model buildings. The Bear Cross Bus Company will be giving free rides around the local area and there’s a great line up of classic cars and motorcycles to see.
Brilliant New Attraction ‘Creating’ a Stir Create at the Cove is a unique all-weather, allyear-round attraction nestled between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door – the perfect environment to get creative whatever your age, skill level or experience. Choose from a wide range of activities, including Paint Your own Pottery, Decopatch, Model Making, Sand Art and more. There really is something for everyone, with prices starting from as little as £2. Our hand or footprint pottery keepsakes and children’s Pottery or Decopatch birthday parties are also very popular with mums. Open every day from 10am, just pop in for hours of fun and there’s no need to book. For the perfect stay, there’s baby change and accessible toilet facilities, a great coffee lounge and gift shop.
FINALIST 2018 Bournemouth & Poole Tourism Awards
Roald Dahl Crafts and Activities Swanage Library, Swanage BH19 2NU Dress up as your favourite character from the Roald Dahl stories to help us celebrate Roald Dahl Day in his birthday month. There will be craft activities, stories, revolting rhymes and more!
Check details with the venue before you come just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. And don’t forget to tell them you heard it first in Families Dorset magazine!
familiesonline.co.uk
29 September Comedy Club 4 Kids
CREATIVE ACTIVITIES GALORE!! Paint your own Pottery, plus lots more... Fabulous indoor space Coffee Lounge, Car Park
No need to book - no time limits
Tel: 01929 400270 www.createatthecove.com
Families Dorset 13
6 October
13 - 14 October
Fun Palace
Dinosaur World Live
Christchurch Library, Christchurch BH23 1AW
Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG
Christchurch Library Dorset is transforming into a Fun Palace! Free art and science activities for the whole family. 11am – 3pm. Swanage Library, Swanage BH19 2NU
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new family show. Meet a host of dinosaurs including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus! Plus, there’s a special meet and greet after the show.
Join Swanage Library for their first Fun Palace, beginning with this session of creating Horrible Science. Come dressed for mess! 2 – 3.30pm.
Harvest Activities
Fun Palace presents Horrible Science
Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children Sherling Studio, Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG Join award-winning musical comedian Jay Foreman for a devilishly cheeky hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages in this family friendly show. 2pm & 4pm. £8.50
7 October Family Fungi Foray Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Learn fun fascinating fungi facts with expert Phil Budd. An introductory walk aimed at families. Booking essential. 10.30am -12pm. £4.
17 October Little Fins Kids Club, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole BH15 1SZ A fun activity morning with Harry the hedgehog who will be watching the children create their own hedgehog scratch art decorations, plus get involved in the badger rolling games! Free.
20 - 27 October Half-Term Fairground Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED Come and join the half-term fairground down at the Weymouth Pavilion forecourt for a range of fun activities, perfect for the family!
20 – 28 October Half Term at the Tank Museum
Grandparents Day at Farmer Palmer's
The Tank Museum, Wareham BH20 6JG
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole BH16 6EU
See Tanks roll into action at 1pm every weekday with realistic lifelike explosions and expert commentary. Experience for yourself the thrill of riding in an M548 tracked vehicle, and take part in a range of family activities.
Free entry for a grandparent on Grandparent's Day with a voucher from their website. A fun family day out for all generations. Open 10am – 5pm.
Me and My Bee (This Egg) Dorchester Corn Exchange, Dorchester DT 1 1HF
Honey, Harvest and Hibernation
Climate change is massive. Bees aren’t. Our fuzzy little friends need our help and so they are launching a political party disguised as a party disguised as a show. A new comedy for children and adults alike. £25 family.
Join us for some fun over half-term; celebrate the harvest, autumn produce and all the beautiful autumn colour with a series of hands on activities. 10am – 6pm. Free. Admission charges apply.
Try Orienteering
Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET An opportunity to go orienteering and have a go at the basic skills such as map reading, identifying features, pacing and compass work. Booking essential. 1.30 3pm. Age 8+. £2.50.
13 October
Inject a sense of fun and adventure into your family days out. Head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active outdoors. Visit the fabulous Ranger Den and meet the park’s resident harvest mice, stag beetle and other animals. Open 1 - 4pm at weekends and school holidays. The Rangers also organise hundreds of fun family events throughout the year. Don’t miss your last chance to follow the Highway Rat Activity Trail, available every day until the end of November, and join in with the spooky fun at Moors Valley’s Halloween Party on 27 and 28 October. The full event programme can be found at www.moors-valley.co.uk
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA
October Half-Term at Corfe Castle Bring your brave teddy to rescue one of our knights and help them to escape down the zip wire from the Castle Keep. Witness a missile launch from Corfe Castle's resident medieval siege engine or follow our spooky trail. 10am – 5pm.
21 October The Greatest Show: Live in Concert
Giant Games Day
Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED
Christchurch Library, Christchurch BH23 1AW
Inspired by the hits from ‘The Greatest Showman,’ have a sing-a-long to all the greatest hits, performed by an all-star West End cast, with mesmerising circus acts, audience participation and fun for all the family. 3pm. £19.50.
Christchurch Library have been doing crazy experiments and all the regular games have morphed into giant ones! Drop in and see which games have gone giant! Suitable for all ages. 9am – 3pm. Free.
More to Explore at Moors Valley
FREE MAGAZINES for your school, nursery, café, shop, centre or club? Just ask! editor@familiesdorset.co.uk
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22 October Family Night Ride Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Don’t let the dark stop your family getting out and active. Enjoy the experience of riding through the forest in the dark with high powered night lights and an instructor to lead the way! Come back for a warming mug of soup and crusty bread after the ride. Booking essential. 6 - 7.30pm. Age 8+. £10.
Rapunzel Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth DT4 8ED In a far-off land and in a lonely tower lives the beautiful princess Rapunzel. Captured as a child by Mother Gothel, she uses Rapunzel's magical hair to upkeep her youth and beauty. When a handsome Prince stumbles upon the tower and wishes to help free Rapunzel, will Mother Gothel’s plans be ruined for good? £53 family.
22-26 October Half Term Fun Activities Pouncing Panthers, Mudeford Wood Community Centre, Christchurch BH23 4TR Get fit, get active and make new friends with a wide range of exciting and memorable half term activities for children aged 5 – 12.
23 October Feed the Birds Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath BH24 2ET Learn what to feed the birds during the cold winter months and make a fat & seed feeder to take home. 10am – 12pm. All ages welcome, no need to book. £2 per feeder.
Make a Scary Monster of the Deep
The Tale of The Cockatrice
Long Shot
Sherling Studio, Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG
Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG
Deep in the vaults of an ancient priory a deadly cockatrice is born! Bold knights flee in terror... Can a humble nun defeat the beast? Breath-taking puppetry and spine-tingling live music for monsterlovers. 2pm & 7pm. £8.50.
24 October
When failure is not an option, what could possibly go wrong? Join us for clowning, contraptions, comedy and courage, as one man’s belief in the near impossible is put to the test. £10.85 adult, £8 child. Performances 3pm/7pm.
18 November
28 October Little Baby Bum Live
‘Amadeus’ Animation Workshop
Poole Lighthouse, Poole BH15 1UG
Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA
Combining puppetry, live action and animation, audiences are invited to step into the magical and colourful world of Little Baby Bum Live. Join Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends on their latest adventure. Performances Fri 3.30pm, Sat/Sun 11am & 2.30pm. £14.
Join animator Matthew Dean and help to create a fabulous animation based on local children's book 'Amadeus' the adventures of an Ammonite! Free workshop event. Normal museum admission applies. 10am – 4pm.
Creatures of the Deep, Dark Ocean Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge BH20 5PE
2 - 4 November Diversity: Ignite
Discover the bizarre and creepy creatures that live in the dark depths of the ocean. Learn about their crazy lives and then make one to take home with you. 11am – 1pm, 2 - 4pm. £2.50 child. Age 5+.
25 October
Canford Park Arena, Poole BH21 3AP See Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity take the combination of street dance and circus to a whole new level. With street dance, acrobatics, death defying stunts, magic and feats of impossibility. Tickets from £30.
3 November
Beachcombing in the Bay
Dorset Bump to Baby Show
Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge BH20 5PE
Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU
Everything that the sea washes ashore has a story to tell. Unlock the mysteries of what a Mermaid keeps in her purse, or why some sea shells have tiny holes drilled through them. 2 – 3.30pm. £3 adult, £2 child. Under 3’s free.
Special event showcasing some of the best birth, pregnancy and baby related products and services available locally. Free entry.
South Coast Makers Market Corpus Christi Parish Centre, Boscombe Kick off your seasonal festivities and bring the family to this friendly, design-led Makers Market in Southbourne/Boscombe! We handpick a diverse mix of over 20 artists & designers, mixing up local talent with makers from further afield. There’s a children’s free craft table, local food producers, pop up cafe & creative workshops on offer. Find us at St James Square in Parkwood Road, just 10 mins walk from Pokesdown train station. 10.30am - 4pm. Free entry & parking. Support local creatives & shop independent this season! www.southcoastmakersmarket.co.uk southcoastmakersmarket@gmail.com
4 November Milkshake Live!
27 October
Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
All The World's A Stage
Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA
Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU
Using air drying modelling clay, make a scary Jurassic monster of the deep! Free. Normal museum admission applies. 10am - 4pm.
Stagecoach Performing Arts are celebrating their 30th year in a celebration gala night of singing, dancing and acting scenes from some of the most famous West End musicals. 6pm. £13 – £15.
Starring Milkshake! favourites Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wissper and Milkshake! Monkey, singing songs and sharing stories that young and old will know and love. £6 – £16.50.
Great Value Family Fares
Experience the Magic of Vintage Train Travel Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside. Steam trains run for six miles, weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside from Norden, home of the Purbeck Mineral Mining Museum, past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle to the sandy beach of Swanage, the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Swanage Railway offers an intensive heritage steam train service with trains running daily until the end of October. Dining services complement themed events, including steam and diesel galas and our acclaimed Santa Specials and Christmas Belles during the festive season.
UNDER
5
FREE
s GO
Steam s e daily un rvices til 28 th Octobe r
The easiest way from Castle to Coast
swanagerailway.co.uk
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01/08/2018 05:46 Families Dorset 15
oPeN day SAturdAy 29th SePtember 10Am-12.30Pm
We g r oW a n d n u t u r e in t ellig en ce t hr ou g h s p ir it, im a g in a t ion , id ea s a n d d es ir e. We g et t he bes t ou t of p u p ils in a s u p p or t ive, colou r fu l a n d ca r in g a t m os p h e re W her e in t ellig en ce em er g es n a t u r a lly.
Moyles Court sChool – a strong sense of plaCe
3 - 16 Co-eduCational, day & boarding Proven AcAdemic SucceSS - ScholArShiPS AvAilAble moyleS court, ringwood, hAmPShire, bh24 3nF. e: inFo@moyleScourt.co.uk t: 01425 472 856 www.moylescourt.co.uk
‘Home to Growth and Learning’
Friday 5th October 2018 at 9.30am For Nursery to Year 8 entry
Please call 01202 883818 to find out more
‘Independent Co-educational Day School age 2-13’ An Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and ISI ‘Excellent’ school in the heart of the Dorset countryside
Dumpton School is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No. 936623, Registered Charity No. 306222, Registered Office: Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF
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12/07/2018 10:06