Win a delicious meal for two at Brookmans

The Herts magazine with the information young families want

Issue No. 60Jan/Feb 2015

FREE

Happy New YearHappy New You!· Nursery Feature

· After School Education

· What's On at Half Term

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From your Edi tor…As we emerge blinking into 2015, we wish a Happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers and distributors and thank you for your continued support – Families Herts would not happen without you.

Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Are you confident that you will achieve your goals? If, like many of us, you need some encouragement then we have got some tips from health and weight loss coach, Joanne Henson. Her advice will ensure you are successful in reaching the targets that you have set yourself.

Our Nursery Feature provides a concise explanation of the Early Years Foundation Stage; the framework upon which nursery education is based. If you have children who are approaching or have reached nursery age then this article should be useful.

If, as often happens, the bleakness of February gets you down then visit www.familiesherts.co.uk and click on the ‘What’s On’ tab for a pick-you-up.

We are already working on the March/April issue which shall be full of good things and it will be springing its way to you before you know it!

Shelley

In this issue:

News & Views: 4

Competitions: 5

After School Education: 6

New Year, New You: 8

Nursery Feature: 10

What's On: 15

Next Issue: March/April

Copy deadline: 6th February

Say you saw it in

Cover image © Tetiana Kolinkowww.depositphotos.com

Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue.

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

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News & Views

The Meerkats consulting with the builder

New research shows that persistent and unexplained crying can be a sign of cow’s milk allergy (CMA). ‘Is it Cow’s Milk Allergy?’ is a new campaign that provides advice to help parents spot the symptoms of CMA, which occurs when the immune system identifies a protein within the cow’s milk as harmful, and triggers an allergic reaction. CMA can affect up to 7.5% of children under one and is the most common type of food allergy in young infants. Symptoms of CMA vary from baby to baby and can also be mistaken for colic or eczema. A fact sheet, symptom diary and questionnaire can be found at www.isitCowsMilkAllergy.co.uk. You can use these and then discuss the information with your GP. Call The Allergy UK helpline on 01322 619898. Read an informative article about ‘Lactose intolerance’ on familiesonline.

Two local mums with young families, Meena and Kim, both love to cook (and eat) and together they have turned their enthusiasms into the Cinnamon Travelling Café. The café specialises in fresh, fast street food, serving authentic Indian and Caribbean cuisine, often re-working traditional family recipes. Cinnamon Travelling Café has already achieved a double award, winning both the Dacorum’s Den and the Dacorum’s Den’s Judges award in 2014. As well as their travelling café, Meena and Kim also offer catering (weddings, corporate events, private parties) plus cooking classes for adults and children. To find out more go to www.cinnamontravellingcafe.com or call 07725 300739

Cinnamon and Twice

Congratulations to the students of Hertsmere Academy of Dance and Performing Arts who have taken a total of 145 exams, all passing with Distinction and Merit. Students, aged from 5 to 18 years old, took levels from Pre-Primary to Advanced in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Musical Theatre with prestigious examination boards: the Royal Academy of Dance, ISTD and Trinity. This was an outstanding achievement for all the students who also gained a sense of confidence and pride. To find out more call 020 8207 3980 or go to www.inspiringherts.com

Dancers of Distinction

Is it cow’s milk allergy?

The number of 2 year olds eligible for free childcare is to double this winter, as around 40% will now be entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week, up from 20% last year. ‘Giving a helping hand to families that need it most will mean thousands more children get a brighter start in life,’ said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. ‘All parents need to do to check if they qualify is contact their local authority or children’s centre’. Find out whether your child is eligible at www.gov.uk/freechildcare

Free childcare to double

Lee Valley Park Farms throws open its doors to visitors on 14th February giving you the chance to see their new Meerkat enclosure.

The brand new habitat is designed to replicate the natural environment. Visitors will be able to get up close and see the cheeky Meerkat family scamper around their new home.

Hundreds of other animals await your arrival including sheep, pygmy goats, giant rabbits, rare breed pigs, long-necked llamas and birds of prey. There’s also a toboggan run, play areas and the Orchard Café serving tasty fresh food.

Location, Location, Location

For more information go to www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms or call 01992 892 781.

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Join designer Jane Foster on an inspiring crafting journey and discover fifteen fun paper and fabric projects to make with and for children.

Jane shares ideas on how to get your children involved in making hand-drawn toys, polka-dot wrapping paper and vintage puzzle fridge magnets. Crafting with children will stimulate their

creativity and self- expression. It can be messy sometimes – but that’s all part of the fun and the learning process! There are also projects for making toys and accessories for children, such as a patchwork throw and ideas on how to decorate your child’s room with vintage treasures. Creative Craft with Kids by Jane Foster is published by Pavilion (www.pavilioncraft.co.uk). RRP: £14.99 To win one of four books enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 28th February

Win a copy of 'Creative Crafts with Kids' This fascinating journal follows baby Melisa,

from newborn to one year. With over 500 beautiful photos documenting each developmental stage.

Written in conjunction with the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck, University of London, this book explores the science behind a baby’s development and answers all those fascinating questions: why crying sounds the way it does; how babies bond and recognize their mother and how they communicate and make connections.

With the help of companion book ‘Baby Play for Every Day’ you can encourage your baby’s development and stimulate their imagination. This irresistible book contains a treasure trove of 365 age-appropriate activities and games; a different one for every single day of your baby’s first year!

Watch My Baby Grow (RRP: £16.99). Baby Play for Every Day (RRP: £12.99). Both books are published by DK (dk.com)

There are three sets to be won, to enter go to www.familiesherts.co.uk.Closing date: 28th February

WinWith its imposing presence at the heart of Brookmans Park, Brookmans is a classic gastropub set within a sympathetically restored 1930’s building. It offers fantastic food and drink in lovely surroundings, just minutes from Hatfield and Potters Bar.

Since taking over the pub in 2011, manager Lloyd Willis and his team have worked hard to make the pub a hub for the local area. Step inside and you’ll find a warm welcome with all the action centring on the big island bar, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a pint of beer or a glass of chilled champagne.

In the stylish eatery, diners can select from a menu of fresh seasonal dishes: top quality steaks from Royal Warrant Holder, Aubrey Allen; simple pan fried

sustainable fish and delectable home-made desserts. All dishes are made with the best ingredients the chefs can buy.

Brookmans is a great choice at any time, whether it’s a light lunch, a delicious dinner or a special celebration.

To find out more or to book your table online go to www.brookmanspub.co.uk or call 01707 664144.

For your chance of winning this fabulous prize* enter the competition at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Closing date: 28th February

*The prize is a three course meal for two people including a bottle of house wine and must be taken by 31st July 2015. Must be booked in advance by calling Brookmans on 01707 664144. Subject to availability.

Say you saw it inSay you saw it in

Competitionsa delicious meal for two at Brookmans

Win a copy of ‘Watch My Baby Grow’ and ‘Baby Play for Every Day’

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After School Education

teach children the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success. (www.readingeggs.co.uk).

The Centre4Excellence offers ‘Fast ForWord’. This is a computer based programme for children of all abilities, especially children with audio processing and reading and spelling difficulties. It helps improve memory, attention, processing speed and sequencing skills, towards better decoding, phonological awareness, spelling, understanding of syntax, reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The child works five days a week for 30 minutes a day, with an average expected reading age improvement of one to two years in three months. The programme is adapted to the child’s ability, whilst parents

and teachers get a weekly report analysing their child’s progress. (www.c4x.org.uk/fast-forword)

Try a Tutor?If your child has fallen behind a little at school, has a low level of confidence or a specific learning difficulty, such as Dyslexia, you may feel that extra tuition will help them. During the primary years tutoring will often be for literacy or numeracy and there are a variety of approaches on offer and different ways to access this support.

With one to one tutoring, a teacher will work with an individual child at home, normally their’s (it’s a plus if they come to you!). To find a tutor ask other parents for recommendations or go to a specialist agency such as Fleet Tutors (www.fleet-tutors.co.uk).

Another option are providers that offer tuition in spaces such as a local community hall or school or even a shop location. Often, but not always, these may be run as franchises. Some may offer a free trial session.

Of these, Kumon Maths and English is probably the longest established. They aim to develop academic ability and for students to develop the mind-set and skills for self-learning. It is an independent study programme but students are not left alone. Instructors provide the guidance students need to take learning into their own hands, increasing their motivation to succeed and achieve. (www.kumon.co.uk)

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of

all abilities. Aiming to fit easily around family life, the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. (www.explorelearning.co.uk)

Abacus x Maths Learning offers a maths enrichment course. Using the Japanese Abacus and other materials, the course helps children with mental arithmetic, school maths, and even other subjects, by developing their concentration, reasoning, creativity, and tenacity. ( www.abacusmaths.info)

The Reading Eggs programme for ages 3 to 7, or older children struggling with reading, provides activities and games. Reading Eggspress focuses on comprehension and grammar. The programmes give a comprehensive range of online lessons that

Explore Learning www.explorelearning.co.uk

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New Year, New You

Are you planning a fresh start in 2015; to eat more healthily, exercise regularly or lose weight?

Statistics vary, but most estimates put the success rate for New Year Resolutions at around 10%. That’s a depressing 9 in 10 chance of failure. So how can you make sure you’re one of the successful 10% this year?

Joanne Henson, share’s her tips to help ensure your New Year resolutions are successful…

Set specific targetsHow much weight do you want to lose? How much fitter do you want to be? What do you want to be able to do in three/six/twelve months’ time? Write your target down and give it a date by which you want to achieve it. Without a deadline you’ll drift.

Get organisedThings go awry without planning. For example, you want to fit in three workouts per week, but you’ve not planned when. You’ve got that Monday feeling, so you put it off until Tuesday. But you’re meeting friends on Tuesday, so no workout. If you had diarised the workouts you would have fitted them in.

Make your plan achievableIs your goal actually possible, with the time and resources you are able to dedicate to it?

For instance, if you’re giving yourself six weeks to lose a stone, that’s going to mean pretty strict eating. Would you rather give yourself eight weeks and allow yourself a few nights out and treats along the way?

Track your progressThink about creating a journal or spreadsheet or download an app which you can use to record progress – you may only be recording small improvements, but they’re improvements nonetheless. When your willpower starts to wane looking back at the improvements you’ve already made will encourage you to stay on track.

Remember that one slip up does not equal total failureBe realistic, one slip up needn’t mean disaster. Don’t get so angry at yourself for one lapse that you forget about your successes up to that moment.

Stay focusedFocus on how good it’s going to feel when you reach your goal – the smaller size jeans, the increased energy, the compliments on how great you’re looking. Positive thoughts will help to keep you committed.

Avoid negative languageIf you talk only about what you are giving up, you are bound to feel deprived. Replace negative statements with more positive ones – instead of “I’m not drinking for the whole of January” say “I’m having a healthy January to improve my energy levels”. This shifts the focus from what you are missing to what you will gain - a healthier you.

Change your approachDo you make the same resolution every year? If something hasn’t worked for you before, it’s unlikely to work this time around.

Try a new approach. Get advice or ask successful people how they achieved their goals. For weight loss, ditch the quick fix diets and consider other ways of eating. If you want to get fit, but start off running every year and lose interest, investigate trying other forms of exercise.

Adopt these strategies in 2015 and you’ll have a practical and realistic strategy to be one of the successful 10%!

8 Tips for Successful New Year’s Resolutions

1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/190°C/fan 170°C. Pierce the leg all over with the tip of a sharp knife

and insert the slices of garlic into the holes. Season well and roast for 30 minutes per 450g – this joint should take just over 1 hour.

2 Combine the redcurrant jelly, mint and mustard. Fifteen minutes before the lamb has finished roasting, baste

it carefully with the redcurrant marinade. Return it to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, then allow it to stand for 15 minutes before carving.

3 Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender and steam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with

the vegetables.Fancy some gravy? For an extra ProPoints

value of 1 each, make up some gravy using 2 tsp lamb gravy granules per person.

12 ProPoints per serving

For more details and to find your nearest Weight Watchers meeting go to www.weightwatchers.co.uk and see advert on page 9.

Joanne Henson is a health and weight-loss coach, specialising in helping people to change their relationship with food and exercise for good. Joanne is the author of ‘What’s Your Excuse For Not Eating Healthily?’ and ‘What’s Your Excuse For Not Getting Fit?’ Both are available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format. Visit www.joannehenson.co.uk or follow Joanne on Twitter @Joannemh and @whats_yr_excuse

Want to lose weight?

Then try this tasty Weight Watchers recipe. It demonstrates that you can produce nutritious and healthy family meals and still lose weight!

Roast lamb with redcurrant glaze 950g (2lb 2oz) leg or half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed of all visible fat1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp Dijon mustard900g (2lb) new potatoes, halved if large 480g (1lb 1oz) frozen peas

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V is for VitalityWe all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s

clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30

clinical trials and studies.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference.

(Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label

Article supplied.

Nursery Feature

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We’ve all heard about the importance of early years education. Apparently a child who has gone to pre-school has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages, according to new research undertaken by academics at the Institute of Education.

So you send your child to nursery, in the hope that it will improve their education prospects. But what are they actually going to do there?

They’re not going to tell you! Teenagers struggle enough to recall what’s happened a few hours before, so you can’t expect detailed information from a 3-year-old.

To give you some idea of what will happen, you can look at the legal requirements for nurseries in the UK. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is a document that sets out the statutory welfare and developmental goals for children aged five years and under. It gives guidelines for safety, learning and development for all early years providers (nurseries, child minders, play groups, preschools and reception classes).

The EYFS explainedThe Early Years Foundation Stage framework document can seem daunting, but it’s there to ensure that all children receive a suitable level of care.

It sets out the legal requirements that keep your child safe and promotes their welfare. This includes:• Basic checks, such as staff security checks• Setting the number of children each member of staff can look after• Ensuring the facilities and equipment are safe and suitable • Checking the quality of the environment, e.g. recommending access to outdoor space

It also covers the seven areas of learning and development. These are:

• communication and language• physical development• personal, social and emotional development• literacy• mathematics• understanding the world• expressive arts and design

The activities they will do at nursery, to support their learning and development will be unique to your child’s needs. They will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuous provision’, this means that there needs to be high quality resources and activities available all of the time, so your child can learn through play in lots of different ways.

AssessmentThe EYFS also lays out assessment guidelines. Soon after your child turns two, you will get a written summary of how your child is progressing in communication and language,

What to expect from your child’s nursery education

physical development and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where they need extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage.

The next written assessment will come when your child is five, usually at the end of their reception year, which is the last year they are classed as being in early years education. This will include assessment of skills such as writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers. The school will give you a progress report including some of this information.

How will I know how my child is doing?Your child will have a ‘key person’ at nursery, pre-school or reception class, who is responsible for putting together information on how they are developing. This person will be your main point of contact, and it’s important that you work together and communicate well. Any worries about your child should be discussed with their key worker, and they will be able to build on what your child is learning at home.

See the full document at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

For a detailed parent’s guide to the EYFS go to: www.foundationyears.org.uk

For more general advice for parents: www.ndna.org.uk/parents

Image courtesy of © Robert Kneschke - Fotolia.com

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Nursery Feature

opportunities to make decisions for themselves. For more information call 07731 399 773 or go to www.littlelionspreschool.org.uk

12.15pm Monday to Thursday and 12.15pm to 3.15pm on Fridays, during term time only.

At Little Lions every child is unique and treated as an individual. The staff are dedicated and enthusiastic with experience and knowledge in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and who believe in empowering children by offering them

The nursery years are a wonderful time and Berkhamsted Day Nursery provides the perfect environment, situated in the tranquil and idyllic environment of Berkhamsted Pre-Prep site. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, 50 weeks a year.

The welcoming atmosphere for children aged from five months to three years, enables each individual to thrive and grow. All needs are met through freshly cooked meals, excellent practitioners and fantastic facilities. Children participate in age related planned activities that include Beats and Bops, Dinky Dancers and Spanish for the older children. Regular family and charity events are held as well. The next nursery Open Morning is on Saturday 7th March from 10am–12noon.For more information call 01442 358276 or go to www.berkhamsteddaynursery.org

Ye Ha! Westbrook Hay Goes WestThe Middle School children from Westbrook Hay Prep School in Hemel Hempstead all performed brilliantly when they visited the old wild west for their Christmas production of ‘Ye-Ha!’. Mad Dog McNut and his gang are running wild and Wilbur Hubbard, cowardly cook at the Fordoor Saloon lands the job no-one wants - Sheriff of Splodge City. When Billie-Jo Brisket offers to help, therace is on to save Splodge City.

And now to the nursery. Children join the nursery starting at the beginning of the term in which they will turn three. Children will learn through play and by interacting with their peers. Variety and stimulation are the key values and the children benefit from a small, attentive environment. The nursery, along with the Reception and Year 1 classes, is located in a well equipped new building with light filled and spacious classrooms.The next school open morning will be on Saturday 7th March, 9.30am – 12.30pmTo find out more about the nursery or to register your attendance at the open morning call 01442 256143 or visit www.westbrookhay.co.uk

The great Christmas bake-off at Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery Pupils at Beechwood Park Montessori had great fun making festive cakes to take home to their families for Christmas. The little cooks worked hard weighing, mixing, stirring and tasting. When the cakes had been baked the children added jam, marzipan and a traditional white icing. Finally they enjoyed decorating their cakes with holly leaves and berries made from coloured icing.

Amanda Wilkins, Head of Montessori commented: ‘All the children love cooking and were really excited to bake a cake for Christmas tea.’

Beechwood Park Montessori Nursery caters for children aged from 2 to 5 years old and is the nursery department of Beechwood Park School.For more information call 01582 840333 or visit www.beechwoodpark.net

Little Lions Pre-school & Nursery Little Lions Pre-school & Nursery will be opening with a roar in Hatfield in February.

They offer care and education in a stimulating environment for children aged two to five years. Sessions run from 9.15am to

Berkhamsted Day Nursery

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Positive Steps Day Nursery Positive Steps Day Nursery in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, offers children a very warm welcome. In its carefully designed rooms children learn through play and exploration in a happy, safe and stimulating environment.

Children enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities devised and delivered by fully qualified early years practitioners. Activities include: construction, physical games, crafts, sensory play, cooking, stories, role play, singing and ‘Tiny Mites’ music sessions. The pre-school room for children aged over three is led by a qualified teacher and, in addition to a range of activities, children also enjoy fun French lessons.

The in-house cook prepares tasty, nutritious, homemade meals daily and the nursery has been awarded five stars by Dacorum Borough

Council. The nursery is rated ‘Good’

by Ofsted and is open from 7.30am to 6.15 pm and offers childcare for babies and for children up to five years all year round. During school holidays places for children up to seven years are offered..

For more information call Anna on 01442 266119 or email apsley@ positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

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Nursery FeatureOutdoor Child Nursery Outdoor Child, offers childcare with a difference. The nursery was established two years ago and is an Ofsted registered outdoor based nursery in Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead, that also offers holiday and parent and child provision. Katerina and Karolina, the nursery's founders, have a wealth of experience working with children in an outdoor setting.

At Outdoor Child the focus is on outdoor play and learning. This approach originated in Scandinavia and it offers child directed development in a natural environment. When children have the confidence to interact and grow in an organic environment they become more aware of their surroundings and develop an inquisitive, informed and positive mind.

Each child is given the support they need to nurture and facilitate their development and to ensure that they learn at a pace that matches their individual needs. The activities include: den building, which develop skills such as team work, communication and planning; tree climbing; nature walks; seasonal learning and other fun experiences that will help to give your child a rounded and healthy upbringing. For more information call 01582 855054 or email: theden@outdoor-child.com. Facebook: Outdoor Child.

Abbot’s Hill SchoolIn early December last year children from Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2 performed their magical Christmas Nativity production of ‘Baubles’. The quirky production of the traditional Christmas story included some not-so-traditional songs like ‘I’d Rather Have a Bale of Hay’ and ‘Stop That Knocking!’ as well as familiar characters with unfamiliar traits such as directionaly challenged kings, a moody donkey and a sleepy sheep. Prep School Head, Kathryn Twinn congratulated the children on their wonderful performances and thanked the all staff who worked hard behind the scenes.

Abbot’s Hill is a thriving and dynamic school for girls aged 3-16 and boys aged 3-5 situated in over 70 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead. The school is a happy and united community in which every pupil is known as an individual. The small classes,

Young Children Love the Woods!It has been proven that spending time in nature improves a young child’s overall wellbeing. Connecting with the seasonal changes in nature enhances their senses and produces a sense of wonder and joy. And it’s wonderful to exercise in the fresh air! But it’s not always easy to find the time to get out there with them.

Now a new Woodland Toddler Group at the Steiner School in Kings Langley offers parents and their little ones the opportunity to venture in to the woods regularly.

The purpose of the group is not to "teach" about woodland life, it is an opportunity for parents to meet and observe how their children explore and sense the woods. For the children, it is a refreshing opportunity to experience nature, build up their stamina, develop a sense of rhythm and routine, and practice walking. They will soon familiarise themselves with the route of the walk enjoying the stopping points where they can play and explore. Warm tea and a healthy snack is also provided.

The group meets in all seasons and has no fear of rain or snow… it’s all a beautiful part of our natural world!For more information visit www.rsskl.org or email silviala@rsskl.org

Artisans Kindergarten Artisans Kindergarten, for 2 -5 year olds, combines the principles of Montessori education with the Early Years Foundation Stage creating a stimulating environment which maximizes a child's natural curiosity and desire to discover, preparing them for a happy education.

Fully qualified Montessori and Primary teachers organise the activities and learning of the children who thrive with a broad range of experiences and activities suited to their individual needs and interests. Flexible times are offered and parents can discuss their child’s needs with staff on a daily basis.

Artisans Kindergarten cherishes the individuality of each child. To find out more call 07787 535 135 or email info@artisans.uk.com

excellent teaching and personalised support ensure that all pupils are inspired to achieve their potential. For more information call 01442 240333 or visit abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

ACTIVITIES, CAMPS & DAYS OUT

ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK

Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 3AT020 8953 9602www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Half Term Arts & Crafts 16-20 Feb - 11am-3pm Ages 4-12Cost: £2 per child. Adults free. Car park charge of £4.50 applies

ARTSCAPE

Unit 8, Southdown Industrial Estate, Harpenden, AL5 1PWwww.artskool-kids.com

Half Term Arty Morning 18-19 Feb - 10am-12 noonCreative arty fun - drawing, painting, games. Ages 4-12 (drop off). Cost: £14 per child / 2 children £25

ASHRIDGE ESTATE

Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT01442 851227www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Lantern Making 16-20 Feb - 10am-4pmCreate your own decorated lantern. Cost: Child £1

Candlelit Walk20 Feb - 5.30-8.30pmA family candlelit walk in the woodland. Cost: £1 per person

COURTYARD ARTS CENTRE

Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA01992 509596www.courtyardarts.org.uk

Art & Craft Workshops17-20 Feb – contact for times Junk modelling and making a model village. Age 5yrs+Cost: £10 per session. Includes materials

GOSLING SPORTS PARK

Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE01707 331056www.goslingsports.co.uk

Go Kids Holiday Camp16-20 Feb9am-3.30pm (8am-6pm with extended hrs): 4-16yrs9am-12noon: 3-5yrsTrampolining, skiing, badminton, dodgeball, golf, football, spinning, athletics. Cost: £12-23 per session. Extended hrs extra.

Ski Camp18, 20 Feb - 8.30am-12.30pmSuitable for all levels. Improve your skills. Each day ends with a ride on the Fun Rings! 7-16 yrsCost: Members £18 per day.Non-members £20

HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE

231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9AJ01992 628403www.hymb.com

Half-Term Activities 16-20 Feb Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, caving, climbing, fencing, archery. Cost: £15 per session. £120 five days.

LEE VALLEY ATHLETICS CENTRE

61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, London, N9 0AR 020 8344 7230www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Star Track16-20 Feb – 10am-2pm (8-12 yrs) 17-19 Feb – 2.30-5pm 6-8 yrs)Expert tuition in a range of athletics skills, from javelin to long jump. Cost: 5 days £68. 3 days (6-8 yrs) £28

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF 01992 892781www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Opening Weekend at the Farms14-15 Feb – 10am-5pmSee who's sleeping in the stables & plodding around the paddocks. Animal handling and join the Dino-dig. New Meerkat enclosure.Normal admission prices apply

MILL GREEN MILL & MUSEUM

Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD01707 357850www.welhat.gov.uk

Make a Mask17 Feb - 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pmMake an amazing super hero mask.Cost: £3 per child

PANSHANGER PARK

Nr, Hertford, SG14 2TDwww.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Scavenger Hunt19 Feb - 10am-1pmFun for all the family. Donations appreciated

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

The Abbey, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org

Family Discovery Morning 19 Feb - 10am-12.30pm. (Arrive before 11.30am)An activity trail followed by a craft session. Ages 3-11 (adults must stay). Meet in the North Transept. Donations gratefully received

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM

Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

February Frolics14-22 FebNewborn lambs plus farmyard animals, adventure play, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and under cover activities.

THEATRE

ALBAN ARENA

Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD01727 844488www.alban-arena.co.uk

Dinosaur Zoo 19 Feb - 11am, 2pmObserve and interact with life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative, funny show. Tickets: £15, £12

BROXBOURNE CIVIC HALL

High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson

Old MacDonald had a Farm 15 Feb - 2.30pmShow based on the classic nursery rhyme. Tickets: Adults £9.50, Children £8.50, Family(4) £32

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 21 Feb - 1pmLive music, puppetry, and dastardly dinosaurs! Tickets: Adults £13, Children £11, Family(4) £44, Under 1s £5

HARPENDEN PUBLIC HALLS

Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD 01582 767525www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk20 Feb - 2pm

POPIllusion, comedy and a massive balloon! Word-free clowning and magic. Ages 3-8.Tickets: £11.25. Child £9.25

THE HAWTHORNE THEATRE

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX01707 357117www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Decomposed!19 Feb – 2pm, 4pmDown on his luck, Will is forced to move back in with his smelly twin, Igor. Ages 6+.Tickets: £6

THE RHODES ARTS COMPLEX & BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM

1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG01279 651746www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk18 Feb - 12noon, 2pm

Puss in BootsClassic tale brought to vivid life by Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies. Ages 4+. Tickets: £8. Conc £6

Go to www.familiesherts.co.uk and click the What's On tab for lots more events and activities

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What's On at Half Term