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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Easter Activities Early Years Clubs & Classes
March/April 2021
Familiesonline.co.uk
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CONTENTS
In This Issue
Welcome
4
Local News
8
Education
10
Tuition Directory
12
Early Years
Spring is nearly here! And a very welcome one after what feels like the longest winter ever. With promise of the world opening up again soon, we hope you find inspiration, hope, ideas and fun within these pages.
16
Early Years Directory
18
Family Health
19
April Fool’s Day
20
Easter Activities
24
Easter Camps
26
Clubs & Classes
And there are some great suggestions for memorable staycation holidays in England, Scotland and Wales.
30
Family Life
Keep smiling everybody!
Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
We have lots of great family activities for Easter and some ideas for making outside time a little bit more exciting, now that the cold weather is easing.
Competition Winners from our Nov/Dec issue Weronika Puchala, Luna Smith, Kelly McGleish, Simone Ayres, Taya Freeman, Katie Scott, Melanie Oley, Jenni Weston, Annelien Bass, Virginie Renaut, Lauren Powell, Margaret Challen, Maria Jornet Escuet, Philomena Price, Sophie Venables, Vicki Wright, Stephanie Chan, Chalice Palmores.
Win a Smoby Playhouse! Choose TeePee or Nature Playhouse T&Cs apply
Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
ENTER HERE March/April 3
LOCAL NEWS
The World of Dinosaur Roar! Discover Trail – Coming soon! Something BIG is coming to Godstone Farm this Spring. If you’re a fan of The World of Dinosaur Roar! Or just love dinosaurs we have great news for you. We are delighted to be launching The World of Dinosaur Roar! Discovery Trail right here at Godstone Farm. The exciting trail will feature life-size dinosaur models in a natural woodland setting, a paleontology tent with interactives, costume characters, activities and events all aimed at young children. From this Spring you can join Dinosaur Roar and his dinosaur friends, completing fun activities and spotting characters from the stories as you go. Godstone Farm plans to re-open from 12 April in line with current government guidance. MORE INFO
4 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
LOCAL NEWS
Dynamic Theatre Arts Academy Celebrates its 20th Anniversary Dynamic Theatre Arts Academy (DTAA) is a friendly dance school in Sanderstead, South Croydon, and this year the school celebrates its 20th Anniversary. DTAA has a wonderful sense of community and the students are delighted to be able to return to face to face classes from 20 April. DTAA offers a wide range of classes for 2-18 years including ballet, modern, tap, acro, musical theatre and street dance. Students have the opportunity to take part in performances and be entered for ISTD examinations. New to the timetable for the summer term is the Pre-School Acro Class - a great introduction to acro for to 2-5 years. This class helps both children’s physical and creative development, is fun and a great way for little ones to burn off some energy, whilst learning new skills. MORE INFO
It’s Time for Your Child to Shine at a FREE Perform Class
To feature your business in our next issue call Tamar on 0794 7535 986
Perform classes are back in person this summer term and there’s no better time for your child to try a class. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, these weekly classes will help children get back to doing the things they love most. Book a no-obligation FREE trial at Caterham, Reigate and Oxted. Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 5
LOCAL NEWS
Learn to Swim With Sports Generation In Dorking
Enjoy Easter With the Belfry Shopping Centre
Rapid progress with personalised 1:1 or 2:1 swimming lessons for children. Calm learning environment in a warm private pool with world-class coaches.
The Belfry Shopping Centre is running a fun free photo competition and a self-guided free egg hunt this Easter. Both competitions run from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 April. The winner will receive £30 of shopping vouchers. While you are there join in their Egg Hunt! READ MORE
Book your FREE trial session taking place on 12 April. READ MORE
Everything you need under one roof!
redhillbelfry.co.uk 6 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
LOCAL NEWS
Unlock Your child’s Potential with Fire Tech Courses
Brighten Up Your home this Spring
Fire Tech’s courses for 8-17 years build future-readiness for the world of work. Through exciting and engaging projectbased work kids can learn skills from coding, working with AI to games design and digital music production.
Pet stains, body oils, skin cells, bacterium, viruses, dirt, allergens, and dust mites are just a few nasties that can lie embedded in your sofas and carpets. Assured Cleaning and Carpets have amazing machines and use the best brand stain removing, anti-microbial detergents. Find out More here.
READ MORE COURSES EASTER ONLINE
EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE
— Junior Inventor (NEW) COURSES — Creative Digital Design For Kids Aged 8-17 — Teen Coding with Python BeginGame 29th Design March — Video & MORE! — Python Coding — Game Design — Music Production — AI & MORE!
To feature your business in our next issue call Tamar on 0794 7535 986
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Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 7
EDUCATION
Free Maths Downloadables Use these high quality maths resources from PlanBee to help support your child’s learning.
Converting Measures Chart
What is the Question?
Fractions of Numbers Posters
This handy chart helps to convert a variety of different measures.
Work backwards from the answer to find the question.
Watermelon-themed posters that explain the concept of fractions.
Position Puzzles
Interpret positional language to put the shapes in the correct place.
Multiple Mazes
Identify the multiples of the 2/5/10 times table. 3 levels of difficulty.
Place Value Game
24-Hour Time Display
Times Table Booklet
Compare the Money Cards
Help your child tell the time on 12 and 24-hour clocks. 8 March/April
All the times tables in one handy booklet!
What numbers go in the place value columns to win the point?
Recognise coins. Use for playing Snap or Matching Pairs. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Why is My Child Teaching Another Child?
Is Online Tutoring Effective?
By Annabel Gray
By Lucy Spencer
Just before the pandemic struck, I was in a café when I accidentally overheard a conversation between two mums. One was expressing her outrage that, at school, her child had been teaching another child to read. Let me share with you a secret about this. READ MORE
If you’ve had time to breathe between home schooling, work and parenting, you may have wondered about the effectiveness of online tutoring. Like any online experience, the answer depends on many factors, particularly the facilitator, the goal and the environment. READ MORE
Essendene Lodge Preparatory School and Nursery
Book on to our summer open events Visit: www.dunottarschool.com/admissions for more information or contact our friendly admissions team admissions@dunottarschool.com
Are you looking for more than just day care? Are you looking for full time or part-time 51 week nursery for your child? Are you looking for a competitive all inclusive rate? Essendene Lodge School now has provision for 2 year old children. We have a child centred approach that ensures your child is ahead of age related expectations. We start our reading programme and focus on giving the pupils structure as well as play based opportunities to extend their learning. Come and visit our friendly school and find out what makes our children stand out from the crowd! Telephone:01883 348349 for more information or to arrange a visit to the school or email office@essendenelodge.surrey.sch.uk Free Stay and Play Sessions every Tuesday Term TimeCome Early 9.00am-10.30am. and Years, have a chat KS1ourand KS2 also with friendly staff places and see for yourself how much fun our children have! available.
Open 3 October 10am-12 noon ComeMorning to ourSaturday Free Stay and Play Sessions Essendene Lodge School, Essendene Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5PB
Familiesonline.co.uk
Call 01883 348349
office@essendenelodge.surrey.sch.uk www.essendenelodge.co.uk
March/April 9
EDUCATION
Academic Tuition Directory
Explore Learning
First Class Learning Various locations Expert English and maths tuition for all ages and abilities.
Various locations Reach Your Child’s True Potential with Extra Help with their Maths & English.
Learn Grow Create
Maths Masters
Morton Tutoring
Southern Tutors
Starlight Learning
Various locations Maths and English. Sats and 11 plus preparation.
Epsom, Tadworth & Dorking Redhill Private tutoring for 5-18 yr olds. A fantastic Professional, affordable maths tuition clubs for Tutor Centre in the children at Key Stages heart of Dorking. 1-2.
11+, key stage 2 and 11 plus tuition.
10 March/April
Kenley, Caterham, Purley, Coulsdon A small tuition group designed for children in yrs 3-6.
Kumon
Reigate All Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 tuition in literacy and maths, SATS preparation, 11+ and 13+ preparation.
The Learning Club Reigate Private English and Maths tuition classes for 4 – 11-year-olds.
Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Early Years to GCSE | Day & Boarding | Co-Ed
A friendly and dynamic school in the heart of the Surrey Hills
Find out more or take a virtual tour by visiting
www.belmont-school.org Familiesonline.co.uk
Tel: 01306 730852
March/April 11
EARLY YEARS
Like Mary Poppins – Turn Jobs into Games….
Games and play ideas from The Good Play Guide that help children learn life skills in a fun and engaging way.
Tidy Up Game
Laundry Game
Bedroom Tidy
Ages 2+. Children tidy away their things by the end of a song.
Ages 2-3. Get children folding, sorting and matching the laundry.
Ages 3+. Makes another fun game out of tidying up.
Drying Up Game
Odd Socks Game
Changing Rooms
Ages 3+. Children dry up, playing ‘pick up sticks’ game with cutlery.
Ages 3+. Fun way to develop colour, shape & pattern recognition.
Ages 4+. Children learn to dress/undress and how buttons and zips work.
Running a Café
I Packed My Suitcase
Cooking
Ages 4+. Develops role play, social play, food/nutrition, money/ counting. 12 March/April
Ages 4+. Develops memory and concentration.
Ages 5+. Cooking and baking teaches children invaluable life skills. Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Are you looking for a Nursery or School place for your child? Essendene Lodge School is an Independent Co-educational Preparatory and Nursery School in the heart of Caterham, providing an outstanding education for 2-11 years. They have a 51-week onsite nursery with flexibility to choose sessions and take advantage of the 15 or 30 hours funding. They also take childcare vouchers as contribution towards fees or wraparound services. The Early Years Department provides strong foundations for learning and pupils move seamlessly to KS1 and then progress to KS2. Children are welcome from 8am to 6pm during term time, as well as offering a holiday scheme during the school holiday periods. READ MORE
Godstone Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School Opening this Spring!
Sign up now IT’S FREE!
Surrey East
We all appreciate the undisputable benefits of getting outside and closer to nature, which is why the Godstone Farm Day Nursery will offer just that; lots of stimulating play in a natural environment. Tours will start late March, with official opening early May. READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 13
EARLY YEARS
When Do Babies Start Walking? By Andrew Campbell A baby’s first steps are an exciting development that every parent eagerly anticipates, marking the transition to toddlerhood. Babies begin walking at their own pace and each is different. Walking can occur from as young as 9 months but most babies take their first steps between 12 and 18 months. A range of factors can affect when a baby begins to walk. A ‘risk taker’ So what does each of these stages will want to get up and going involve? quickly, whilst a more cautious child may not want to walk until they can READ MORE do it well. Larger babies may walk later because they have to be stronger before they can carry their own weight. Ear infections can disrupt balance and delay the walking process too. A younger child may copy an older sibling and learn walking faster.
NEXT ISSUE Massive Outdoor Toy Giveaway!
There are key milestones you should expect to see on your baby’s journey to walking, as follows: Kicking, Wriggling and Rolling Grasping and Grabbing Supporting Head on Hands/Arms Sitting, Crawling and Bottom Shuffling Standing and Cruising 14 March/April
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EARLY YEARS
Independent school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2-11, where there’s more to a good education. Click to take a virtual tour of our school. SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737March/April 36360015 Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Early Years Directory
Daisy Chain Montessori
First Steps Nursery
Reigate Day nursery and preschool, taking children from 18 months-5 yrs.
Redhill Exceptional care and education for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 3mts-5 yrs.
part of the Toad Hall Nursery Group. Full and part time sessions from 3 mos-5 yrs.
Godstone Farm Nursery
Leigh Lollipops Nursery
Oxted Preschool
New Day Nursery and Pre-School opening in the grounds of Godstone Farm.
Reigate A happy and caring learning environment for children 2-5 yrs.
Shapes Day Nursery
Tadworth Tots Nursery
Family business with fantastic resourced setting for 0-5 yrs. 16 March/April
Children’s Trust School in Tadworth. Ages 2-5 yrs.
Horley Nursery
Oxted Pre-school has been playing a role in our community for over 50 yrs, offering sessions for 2-4 yrs.
Tots Village
de Stafford School in Caterham. Small, friendly nursery for children aged 3 months-5 yrs. Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Advertisement
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 17
HEALTH
FREE ‘End Emotional Explosions’ Online Course
Lucy Russell, mother and clinical psychologist at Everlief, a large child psychology clinic, has seen mental health issues in children accelerating in the last 12 months. EXCLUSIV In response to demand, Everlief has launched a parent E support site, They Are The Future offering free and paid online courses, masterclasses and blog. These include Calm OFFER & Connected, aimed at parents with pre-teens affected by stress, anger or anxiety. Everlief is offering Families readers a FREE 5 day mini-course in which Lucy teaches the Cup Approach, a powerful tool for preventing emotional explosions. You will learn the science behind emotional explosions, two distinct ways to prevent them and what is meant by filling your child’s “cup.”
Access the mini course HERE.
Boost Your Child’s Mood
Families are Different! #ItsAllNormal
With everything the last year has flung at us, it’s understandable that we’re feeling somewhat deflated. Children in particular can be prone to mood swings because they have not yet developed the emotional language to express their feelings. Try these activities to help banish your child’s blues. READ MORE
Tay and Chan Kabs, parents of the social media superstars The Kabs Family, spoke to Families about their new campaign with Haliborange - #ItsAllNormal. The campaign celebrates that we are all parenting in our own way, and it’s all normal. See #ItsAllNormal family stories on Instagram.
By Caroline Roope
18 March/April
READ INTERVIEW Familiesonline.co.uk
APRIL FOOL’S DAY
April Fool’s Day Prank Ideas In the Bathroom….
Bath Blues. Paint a bar of soap with a thin layer of nail varnish so it won’t lather. Shampoo Shock. Put some cling film between the bottle and lid of a shampoo/shower gel bottle. How long will it take your family to realise nothing is coming out? Wrap Attack. Place some bubble wrap under a rug or bathmat. Wait for the shriek! Toilet Bowl Alert. Remove the lid of the toilet cistern and pour in 10-20 drops of food colouring! Tooth Trouble. Pop a raisin inside the neck of a tube toothpaste and cover with toothpaste to conceal.
In the Kitchen….
Brick of Breakfast. The night before, fill a bowl with cereal and milk, half-submerge a spoon and then put it in the freezer. Add a touch of fresh milk before serving it. Cereal Confusion. Swap the contents of boxes of cereal, and watch the look of confusion as its poured out! Pudding Prank. Make an ‘ice cream sundae’ out of mashed potato... yum! Juice Joke. Put jelly in your child’s glass instead of juice. Browned Off. Announce you have just baked some “brownies” and present a plate of letter Es cut from brown paper.
Familiesonline.co.uk
Around the House….
Spiders on the Loose. Cut out spider shapes using black paper and place inside a lampshade. Television Terror! Place a very small piece of black tape over the sensor/light on the end of the TV remote. Shoe Trouble. Stuff the end of a pair of shoes with toilet roll so your family member can’t fit their feet in. Loopy Laces. Tie a family member’s shoe laces together so they’ll get nowhere fast…. Balloon Door Explosion. Tape balloons to the back of the front door before the family comes in.
Win a Smoby Playhouse! T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE Magazine
Choose TeePee or Nature Playhouse March/April 19
EASTER
Best Easter Craft Projects for Families
Paper Easter Wreath
Salt Dough Easter Eggs
Tin Foil Easter Egg Art
Easter Bonnet
Bunny Bunting
Sock Bunny
Bunny Corner Bookmark
Dye Easter Eggs
Bean Bag Easter Chick
20 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER
Set Up an Easter Egg Hunt
Use our clues to set up an Easter Egg Hunt in your house.
Laundry and Kitchen
With this clue, you’ll have to follow your nose, where does mummy put all your stinky clothes? (Laundry basket) In this place it’s very cold, “Close the door properly!!” you’re always being told. (Freezer)
Bedroom
In here, daddy puts his toes, take a big breathe though and cover your nose! (Shoes/slippers) Where do you go when it’s time for sleep? Take a look here, there’s some treats to keep. (Bed)
Find me in the kitchen, I’m a big cold white appliance. (Fridge)
You put this on when you’re cold, ‘Fasten it up properly” you’re always being told. (Coat)
I have a sound that goes beep, and my main function is to heat. (Microwave)
In this place you’ll find hundreds of pages, reading them all would take you ages! (Book shelves)
I take your clothes for quite a spin, but first, they get wet. That’s how I begin. (Washing machine)
Find me when you need to know how to spell a word. (Dictionary – Book shelves)
Other Rooms
In this place, it’s very wet, it’s where you and the duckies very first met. (Bath) I rain on you when you need a scrub, I’m very much like my friend the tub. (Shower)
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Sign up to our digital magazine and receive your free gift from K’nex!
In this place we’re supposed to wipe our feet, open the door to see who to greet. (Front door) This is where you eat your dinner, find the hidden clue and you’re the winner! (Dining table) I have hands but no arms, just a face and my hands move at a steady pace. (Clock) I have four legs, but I don’t have feet, I come in handy when it’s time to eat. (Chair) Familiesonline.co.uk
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March/April 21
EASTER
The Great Families Easter Bake Off
Easter Egg Cookies
Easter Bunny Pancakes
Chocolate Krispie Chick
Hot Cross Scones
Easter Egg Bark
Easy Easter Nests
Hot Cross Bun Doughnuts
Baa-lamb Muffins
Easter Egg Biscuits
22 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER EASTER
Make an
Chick
With Easter just around the corner, it’s time for some crafty creating with your children to celebrate. This simple craft from Kidzplay Playbox takes just minutes to set up and creates a colourful Easter chick. You will need: * Eyes, beak, legs and feet pictured here * Scissors * Glue * Yellow Tissue Squares * Feathers * Paper Plate
Step-by-step guide: Step 1 Cover the paper plate in glue.
Step 5 Fold the beak in half and stick to the plate and then add the eyes.
Step 2 Stick the tissue squares onto the plate.
Step 3 Fold the legs along the dotted lines to make them bendy.
Step 6 Finally stick the feathers onto the plate to make the wings.
Step 4 Attach the feet to the legs and then stick the feet on the plate.
Step 7 Leave to dry before displaying.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 23
EASTER
Easter Camps
Camp Beaumont
Camp 4 Champs
Hidden Gems Theatre School
Croydon, Epsom, Tadworth, Redhill Multi-activity day camps for 3-16 yrs.
Warlingham and Caterham Multi-skills activity camps for kids 4-14 yrs.
Easter Fire Tech Courses
Kids Clubs @ Craft my Day
Next Thing Education Camps
Sparks
SCL Holiday Camps
Supreme Camps
Leatherhead Starts 29 Mar Explore coding, video game design, music production and more.
Dorking Movie making workshop. 7-16 yrs. 12 - 16 Apr. 24 March/April
Worcester Park From 12 Apr. Different crafts each day.
Various locations 1-16 Apr. A fun-packed, themed Easter Holiday Club. 4-12 yrs.
Banstead, Coulsdon Hairspray musical. 15 & 16 Apr and Disney favourites 14 Apr.
Caterham, Leatherhead Easter tech holiday camps.
Caterham Action packed fun day camps! 4-12 yrs. 6-16 Apr. Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER
Learn to swim WITH SPORTS GENERATION IN DORKING
Rapid Progress with 1:1 or 2:1 personalised swimming lessons for children | Calm learning environment in a luxurious and warm private indoor pool
Call 0208 940 9431 or email contact@sportsgeneration.co.uk to book your no-obligation trial to experience the difference
Familiesonline.co.uk
BO A T OK TO RIAL DA Y
sportsgenerationswimming | www.sportsgeneration.co.uk
March/April 25
CLUBS & CLASSES
Local Clubs and Classes Directory Preschool and Toddlers
Aquatots
Dorking Ducklings
Various locations Swim programme for children from 10 wks-8 yrs.
Pregnancy & postnatal fitness sessions, baby & toddler classes, talks & family events.
Little Kickers
DTAA - Dynamic Theatre Arts Academy
Various locations Football skills for children. 18 mos-7 yrs.
Rugbytots
Fun and dynamic Pre-School play programme for boys and girls 2-7 yrs. 26 March/April
Sanderstead, South Croydon. Preschool Dance Classes. 2-5 yrs.
Sing Along
Banstead, Wallington, Coulsdon & Caterham Lively and fun singing group for the under 5’s.
Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics Club
Kindergym and preschool classes. 18 months-5 yrs.
Playball Kids
Various locations Ball skills sports programme for children 1-6 yrs.
Sing & Sign
Various locations Baby signing with Sing and Sign is easy and fun! Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Local Clubs and Classes Directory Performing Arts
C&C Dance School
Caterham Performing Arts
East Surrey Dance
DTAA - Dynamic Theatre Arts Academy
Godstone Dance Academy
Inspire Academy of Dance
Judith Essex School of Dancing
Perform
The Katie Cox Dance Studio
Nutfield and Reigate Dance & drama classes for pupils. 18 monthsAdult.
Sanderstead, South Croydon. Various styles of dance classes for 2 to 18 yrs.
Oxted, Hurst Green and Bletchingley Familiesonline.co.uk
Caterham Acrobatic arts, ballet, jazz, modern, Tap and more.
Godstone Dance classes and workshops in Godstone.
Caterham, Reigate, Oxted Weekly drama, dance and singing classes.
Redhill, Woldingham and Blenchingly Dance classes for all ages and abilities.
Reigate, Dorking, Horsham and Horley Variety of dance classes 2-Adult.
Warlingham. Dance and musical theatre training. March/April 27
CLUBS & CLASSES
Local Clubs and Classes Directory Active Sports
Active 1st
Various locations Active 1st run gymnastics, football, dance, multi-sports
Flexi Flics Gymnastics
Coulsdon, Reigate, Warlingham, Kenley Classes for children 4+yrs.
Reigate Sporties
Sporties offers a range of sports and activities for children. Preschool-6 yrs. 28 March/April
Axten 1-2-1 Private Football Coaching
Caterham Allstars Cheerleading
Great Waves Swimming Academy
Athletix Kidz
Across London & Surrey
Lessons for all ages and abilities. 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 lessons available.
Star Tastic Gymnastics
Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Reigate. Classes for all ages and abilities.
Croydon Football coaching for children 5-8yrs.
Reigate & Caterham The ONLY athletics play programme for children. 2½-8 yrs.
Sports Generation in Dorking Personalised 1:1 or 2:1 swimming lessons for children. Book your FREE trial session.
Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Local Clubs and Classes Directory Art, Language and Music
Art K
Art learning in the studio and at home, to suit every pupil who loves art!
Kingswood Surrey Music
Kids Craft Club with Craft My Day Worcester Park Variety of crafts activities.
Coulsdon, Tadworth, Banstead Fun French classes for children of all ages from birth-11 yrs.
Krafty Kids Club
Petite Ecole Reigate
Tadworth Teaching subject of music education.
Various locations Krafty Kids Club is an Arts & Crafts club for children of all ages.
Realistic Music Academy
Rock Project Croydon
Epsom Contemporary music academy. Familiesonline.co.uk
Kidslingo
Caterham, Purley Teaches 7-11 and 12-18 yr olds Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Vocals.
Reigate French classes every Saturday, for children from 4-16.
Surrey Sound of Music School
Mobile tutors in piano, singing, flute, violin, saxophone, clarinet, drums & guitar! March/April 29
FAMILY LIFE
Parenting Books that Don’t Shame! Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories selects accessible, evidence-based books that she’s appreciated as both a mum and a psychologist.
What To Expect Series
No Drama Discipline
A helpful resource covering pre-pregnancy to the toddler years.
Interprets neuroscience theory into practical parenting, with clear examples.
How to develop a secure attachment relationship with your child.
What Every Parent Needs to Know
The Danish Way of Parenting
Parenting Handbook
Calm Parents, Happy Kids
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
Pulls together up-to-date Advice on raising kids research into practical from the world’s happiest and accessible advice. people!
Why parents need to manage their feelings, and children need connection and empathy. 30 March/April
Relate how you were parented, to how you parent.
The Power of Showing Up
Make sense of every day challenges together with your child.
The Gentle Parenting Book
Helping parents become confident and calm. Putting gentle parenting into practice. Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
What is Family Mediation?
Talk, Read, Play: Crucial Skills for Parents
By Louisa Dickson
By Cristina Odone
“I’m getting divorced and need a solicitor.” Only Mums & Dads, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people through divorce, hears this statement daily. Their advice is always to try mediation first (where there is no domestic abuse) and if it breaks down, to try again. But why? READ MORE
Lockdown has kept us at home with our children 24/7. Under these circumstances, we’d be forgiven for switching to autopilot, managing through the day without paying any special attention to our children: we’re always with them, so no special effort is needed, right? WRONG! READ MORE
Get Your Kids Recycling! By Andrew Campbell
Everyone is responsible for creating waste, whether it’s leftovers on the dinner plate or the finished loo roll. And so everyone is responsible for sustainable waste disposal. Here’s some great ideas for teaching children about recycling and encouraging them to get more involved. READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 31
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Spring “Make and Do” Outdoor Projects
Make a Bird Feeder
Search for Tadpoles
Make a Nature Journal
Make a Rain Gauge
Grow Butterflies
Make a Butterfly Feeder
Build a Den
Plant Tomatoes
Go Stargazing
32 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
Fun Science Projects at Home Your kids will love these cool experiments and activities. Adult supervision may be required!
Make a Balloon Powered Car
Create Crystal Snowflakes
Build an Electromagnet
Make a Sensory Bottle
Create Giant Bubbles
Plant an Ice Garden
Make Magic Milk
Create a Cloud
Make Butter
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 33
ENVIRONMENT
Let’s Go Plastic Free! Start reducing your plastic consumption now. How many of these products do you use? How many can you try soon? Swap products or introduce new habits—one at a time.
A Simple Bar of Soap!
Compostable Coffee Pods
Buy Loose Fruit and Veg
Bin the plastic plunger container. Buy bars bar! We love these.
Swap to these Nespresso compatible compostable pods.
Bring your own cotton or cloth bag to weigh and carry it home.
Shampoo/ Conditioner Bar
Reusable Sanitary Pads
Re-Fill your Detergent Bottles
Plastic Free Toilet Paper
Shaving Soap
Widely available. Try Planet Organic or The Body Shop.
Loose Washing/ Dishwashing Powder
Sainsbury’s sells its own brand of powder. 34 March/April
Re-fill or make your Wash at home, save money or use reusable own with white vinegar & essential oils. mooncup.
100% plastic free. Free shipping (most orders).
100% natural. Hand made by disadvantaged women in Kerala. Familiesonline.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
Let’s Go Plastic Free! Start small. Choose one new behaviour you’d like to take on board and only move to the next once it is established as a habit.
Plastic Free Tooth Brushing
Plastic Free Bathroom
Buy Loose and in Bulk
Think bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste in tablets or a glass jar.
Cotton buds, dental floss, make up remover pads and more!
Buy larger quantities. Store in glass jars. Refill from zero waste shop.
Start your Own Food Group
Buy Oil in Larger Quantities
Plastic Free Meat or Fish
Buy products in bulk, save money, reduce your carbon footprint.
Think 5 litres. Pour in glass bottles at home.
Get your local butchers/fishmongers to wrap goods in paper.
Deodorant
Pasta in a Cardboard Box
Use Real Nappies
Widely available. Try Boots, Holland & Barrett. Familiesonline.co.uk
An easy switch that will further reduce your plastic footprint.
Wash and re-use nappies or use a laundry service.
March/April 35
TRAVEL
UK Holiday Inspiration Families top ideas for places to enjoy a brilliant staycation in the UK this year! Please adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines when travelling.
Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall
Rocks at Plas Curi in North Wales
Bovey Castle & Spa Hotel in Devon
4-star boutique hotel within the walls of the 18th century prison.
5* hostel near Snowdon + Zipworld. Family friendly luxury.
5*, child-friendly, relaxed, dogs welcome. Plenty of activities.
Crewe Hall in Cheshire
Eco Glamping in Wales
Eilean Shona in Scotland
Luxury stay, famed afternoon tea, family attractions nearby.
185 acres for walking, hiking and wild swimming.
Cottages on magical private island off Scotland’s west coast.
Winchcombe Farm in Warwickshire
Scilly Isles
The Little Retreat in Pembrokeshire
Five unique tree houses at this gorgeous glamping retreat. 36 March/April
Sand-fringed islands, warm waters, empty beaches. 28m from Cornish coast.
Luxury glamping in castle grounds in coastal National Park. Familiesonline.co.uk
TRAVEL
Feel Good Getaways with Away Resorts
Away Resorts offer a choice of seven fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, giving you the opportunity to fall in love with a new type of holiday. A holiday that puts you first, where your accommodation is off-thescale amazing and where new experiences await at every turn. READ MORE
Join the staycation nation...
Manchester Lincoln
Barmouth Bay
UK getaways from £151*
Boston West Birmingham
Mersea Island
• Stunning locations
Cardiff Bristol
• Unique accommodation • Fantastic facilities including swimming pools and on-site restaurants and bars • Outstanding entertainment
Tattershall Lakes
London
Sandy Balls Mill Rythe Plymouth
Whitecliff Bay
• Jam-packed activity programmes • Dog-friendly
Book your next getaway in confidence at awayresorts.co.uk or call us on 03432 496 310 @AwayResortsHolidays
@AwayResortsUK
@AwayResortsHolidays
*Price based on a 2-night stay at Tattershall Lakes in a Value caravan in June. Price correct at time of print. Any day arrivals are applicable to a 2-night minimum. For more information on our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee, please visit our website.
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 37
BOOKS
Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.
Pip and Posy: The Friendly Snail
The Whale Who Wanted More
The Cat’s Cook Book
By Axel Scheffler. Ages 0-2.
By Rachel Bright & Jim Field. Ages 1-5.
By Julia Donaldson. Ages 2+.
Hom
The Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Nature Trail
By Jeanne Willis & Paddy Donnelly. Ages 3+.
Draw with Rob: Build a Story By Rob Biddulph. Ages 3+.
38 March/April
By Julia Donaldson & Yuval Zommer. Ages 3-5.
The Invisible
By Tom Percival. Ages 3+.
By Benjamin Zephaniah & Nila Aye. Ages 3-5.
What Did the Tree See? By Charlotte Guillain & Sam Usher. Ages 4-6.
Familiesonline.co.uk
BOOKS
Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.
RuPaul
By Maria Isabel Sanches Vegara. Ages 4-7.
Wolfboy
By Andy Harkness. Ages 4-8.
Move Like a Lion
Rainbow Grey
A Tangle of Spells
Space Detectives
Best Bites Cookbook
Dragon World
By Laura Ellen Anderson. Ages 7-10.
By Omari McQueen. Ages 8-11. Familiesonline.co.uk
By Michelle Harrison. Ages 8+.
By Radzi Chinyanganya. Ages 5-7.
By Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola. Ages 7+.
How to Grow Up By Tamara Macfarlane. and Feel Amazing! Ages 8-12.
By Dr Ranj Singh. Ages 10-13.
March/April 39
ACTIVITIES
Support your Child’s Love and Learning of Music
Meet the Orchestra with the Royal Albert Hall Fun introduction to the world of percussion for young children.
Gentle Guitar
Online guitar school with lessons for children ages 5-12.
BBC Play the Noise
Explore the elements of a song. Play/clap along. Listen back to your own version. 40 March/April
Cbeebies Radio Prom Podcast
Enjoy an imaginary musical journey to the moon with this podcast.
On Stage at Home Nordoff Robbins & the Clangers
Young children have fun making music using household objects.
Virtual Musical Instruments
Chrome Music Lab
Naxos Music Box
Sing Up at Home
Fun, hands-on music Learn & create music. experiments. Make and Play instruments online learn your own songs. using PC keyboard/ mouse.
Interactive musical resource for ages 4-12. Activities, puzzles, quizzes.
Keep kids learning & singing. Free online resources and A-Z playlist. Familiesonline.co.uk