The Family Directory Isle of Wight - Winter 2012

The Rainbow Directory 02

Welcome

Welcome to the winter issue of The Family Directory. It dawned on me recently just how many parents use the Family Directory. My two children look like peas out of the pod yet their personalities are different and therefore their needs are also very different. So I hope this winter issue can help you find that club or class you are looking for. There is a lot to do across the Island, take a look at ‘Top Things To Do This Winter’ on page 20.

Front Cover Star for the winter issue is Lucas who is from East Wight. We love all the photos you send in and we will now be looking for the Front Cover Star for the spring issue. If you get chosen, you will be invited to join Mandy from The Wight Studio for a shoot. Email [email protected] with all your details by the February the 1st.

Don’t miss our great competition on page 29 where you can win one of the 5 signed Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day Books so enter now online via our website or post the answers to us by the 10th December.

Our summer feature ‘Try it, Test it, Review it’ with Usborne Books was great. To read some of the reviews go to page 32 or you can read them on our website www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk This winter Try it, Test it, Review it’ is with Primary Stars so if your child or children are learning their timetables and would like some extra help we would like to hear from you to find out more go to page 32.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter - find us at The Family Directory and become a fan. We update with events and news nearly every day. We love hearing your news and ideas www.thefamilydirectory.co.ukWhenever you use the directory, please mention you saw the advert in The Family Directory.

It’s so easy to advertise with The Family Directory Please call or email for a media pack. If you don’t tell families about your school, club, group or services they will not know about you. If you want more business then tell parents what you have to offer. Our advertising costs, starting for as little as £20, really does offer you value for money. Our directories are produced 3 times a year; winter, spring and summer and are distributed island wide.

Have a happy and warm winter !

Take care Polly01983 872191 email: [email protected]

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The Wight Crew, Channel Row 2013

Inspired by the Olympics? The Wight Crew certainly is! Seven ladies from the Isle of Wight who were so inspired by the sporting exploits of Team GB, and wanting to do our bit to ensure sport can enhance the lives of the next generation of sporting heroes, we volunteered to row the Channel (all 22 miles of it!) for charity in June 2013.

The oldest of The Wight Crew is 50, the youngest 26. One team member can’t swim, and three suffer from sea sickness. Six out of the seven of us are mums and none of us have any rowing experience. We are rowing in a fixed seat, wooden skiff…

The row will raise money for Ahoy www.ahoy.org.uk a fantastic London based charity, whose aim is to get children and young adults

who are from a disadvantaged background to try rowing in order to gain skills that can change the paths of their lives and give them a sense of self-worth. We aim to raise £12,000 for Ahoy, with any additional funds raised going to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org an Isle of Wight based charity that takes young people in recovery from cancer sailing to help them regain their confidence.

Please help us by Donating through www.justgiving.com/channelrow2013 Donating auction / raffle prizes for our Gala Dinner in March 2013 email: [email protected]

Spotlight IOW

Spotlight (IOW) Ltd run a variety of educational workshops, professional award winning shows and five busy stage schools located in Shanklin, Newport and Bembridge. We build children’s confidence by allowing them to be who they want to be while exploring the world of live theatre. Each 6 week term has a different theme. Pupils will be taught a variety of wonderful songs, dances and routines by our experienced professional tutors. At the end of each term all stage school pupils get to show off what they have learnt by performing their routines in an exciting show at Shanklin Theatre. Each year we use a number of Spotlight pupils in our incredibly successful pantomime. This Christmas at Shanklin Theatre our professional performers present the magical story of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Our sparkling cast of 30 promise to keep the whole family entertained, what a perfect way to spend a festive afternoon! For more information on stage schools, workshops and shows please see adverts page 8 and 26.

Wightbuzz

Wightbuzz was founded by Lyn Blackledge in Dec 2010 to help small to medium business owners on the Isle of Wight. Now nearly two years on, there are over 100 members and many new enhancements to membership are about to be launched.

Word of mouth really is one of the best forms of advertising and Wightbuzz offers this with various meetings across the Island as well as a website, facebook pages and a twitter stream. Members support each other and there are member to member discounts available as well as outside discounts. To find out how Wightbuzz can help your small business look at www.wightbuzz.co.uk or call Lyn on 07779 239122 or 01983 719975

Welcome 1News and Updates 2Activities 4Family Cooking 11Education 12What’s On this Winter 20Places to Visit and Eat 23Parties 28Competition 29Bumbs and Babies 30Try it, Test it, and Review it 32Services 33 Island Families 34Competition Winners 36

Premier School Sports Coaching

Premier School Sport Coaching Limited has arisen out of the ashes of Sandown and Carisbrooke School Sport Partnership, which due to the Government funding cuts to PE and School Sport Strategy, finished in August 2011. The staff who dedicated 6 years of work to the partnership set up Premier School Sport Coaching Ltd to ensure young people on the Island can still access high quality PE and school sport.

We are currently delivering PE and sports programmes in 21 Island schools, which include PPA time, After schools clubs, Leadership, Gifted & Talented & Active Lifestyles.

Children’s Sports Programmes: Held throughout every school holiday We also offer Community Gymnastics Club Community Trampolining Club, Handball Community Club,Key Stage 1 Football Club, Rock Climbing and Pre-School Gymnastics. For more information see advert page 5 and 7.

Water Babies Enjoy the experience of teaching your baby to swim with Water Babies, leading baby swimming experts and winners of 5 national awards as ‘Best National baby and Toddler Activity’. And with 7 teachers from Hampshire making it into the national final for ‘most outstanding activity leader for the under 5s’ it’s a record! Water Babies have created a course that will teach your child a core life skill, confidence in the water and ultimately, the ability to swim. Classes provide a structure and stimulating activity for your baby and you, using words association, games and songs. Classes in Cowes are held at UKSA on a Thursday and a Saturday. For further information please checkout our website on www.waterbabies.co.uk or call us on 01983 717005. (See ad page 5 and 10).

While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. The Family Directory does not imply an endorsement of the service of product.

The Data Protection Act requires that we inform you that your company or service is listed in this Directory, it is on our computer.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form. or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. Copyright C The Rainbow Directory and The Family Directory

What’s on this winter, page 20

ContentNews and Updatesph

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ActivitiesActivities


Baby Signing TinyTalk Emily 07900 803521 01983 612577Baby signing classes from newborn to 2 years - allows your baby to express themselves long before they can talk! We sing nursery rhymes and learn everyday baby signs (BSL), followed by play time with drinks and biscuits! Classes are fun and relaxed. For your FREE Trial Class please call or email [email protected]

Dance, Drama and MusicDance Vibez Ann Abe 01983 403175Classes for toddlers and up-wards (adults and professional dancers) ballet, tap, free style, hip hop, performing arts, Melody Bear classes, Parent and toddler classes, exams, show work (including west end shows and charity work ) Plenty of fun for all ages and an exciting way to stay fit and healthy. Just Jhoom Bollydance and Pop Dance also. Students can now gain points into uni and we are working towards a West End show at The Royal Albert Hall and all students over the age of six may be able to take part. Ann Abe member of United Kingdom Alliance. Professional dancer and teacher

Gillian Cartwright School of Dance 01983 730401 Classes in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Aerobics for 3 years to adult. Exams, Festivals and SHOW WORK. Studios in Shanklin and Lake. Qualified teachers of the R.A.D. - I.S.T.D. and B.T.D.A. The Islands most award winning dance school.

PJ’s Theatre School www.pjstheatreschool.co.uk 01983 611791Children’s classes held in RYDE and NEWPORT, Singing, Dance & Drama, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Tiny Tots & Parent/Toddler dance. Exams & Awards, local & west end shows, Festivals/displays & Panto. Learn with working professionals - Qualified Fellow with the U.K.A. - Matrons IOW Council for child Ents - Members of C.D.E.T. - fully CRB.

The Island Dance and Theatre Company 07707 414494 01983 863615Studios in: BRADING. GODSHILL and SHANKLIN, Why not Keep fit and healthy! We offer a range of classes for different age groups including classes for children with special needs; all are welcome from 2½ years - from Tiny tots to Adults Offering: IDTA exams (Recognised by Ofqual) awards, carnivals, shows (local, West End and abroad). Fully CRB’d, insurances etc. Qualified teacher of the I.D.T.A, R.A.D and N.A.T.D. Only £2.30 per class. Why not join us for our next show! www.theislanddance.co.uk

Rhythm Time (See ad page 6) 07950 501763

Stage Skool Ryde (See ad page 6) 07898 893449

Spotlight Stage Schools (See ad page 8) 07813 849803

StreetdanceLearn To Street Dance 01983 531306 07772097184Sat mornings in Totland - Fun community Street dance class with former dance champion!www.learntostreetdance.co.uk

FootballPremier School Sport Coaching Limited 07810 693182Key Stage 1 Football Club at Ryde Academy Astro turf

Horse RidingAllendale Equestrian Centre (See ad page 7) 01983 840258

Hill Farm Stables and Pony Club Centre 07748 253899 01983 752502Family run stables where you can learn to ride and look after ponies, established 47 years. Join The Pony Club, stay for the day, make friends, have fun with ponies/horses. www.hillfarmstables.com

Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre 001983 854858 07790 305108We help develop self confidence through experiences with horses on the ground contact Mrs Jo Boddington or email [email protected] (See page 7)

Singing LessonsSinging Lessons 07866 927547Singing lessons for all ages, abilities and styles. Call Emily on 07866927547

SwimmingJane McGregor Swimming Academy (See ad page 6) 01983 563139Swimming classes for all ages and abilities.

Pamela’s Swimming School - UKSA Cowes 07732 641125ASA Swimming lessons from 2½ years to adult. small class sizes: 1:4 for non-swimmers/beginners.

Swim with Sev and Claire - www.swimiow.net 01983 615878Waterside Pool, Ryde. Toddler / Pre-school Classes, Private 1:1 and 1:2 lesson

Water Babies (See ad page 10) 01983 717005Swimming lessons for babies and toddlers. Classes are held at West Wight Sports Centre and the UKSA in Cowes. For further information please contact us or email [email protected] or check out our website on www.waterbabies.co.uk

Snowy letter from Santa.Make Christmas 2012 an extra bit special for your child or loved one with a letter from Santa. See inside back cover for Snowy Letter from Santa. www.snowyletterfromsanta.co.uk

Activites


Activities

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Stageskool

Stageskool has successfully been teaching students to sing, dance and act on the mainland since 2008 and has recently decided to cross the water and open up in Ryde.

At Stageskool it is our dream to make performing arts accessible to all 3-20 year olds by providing exceptional part time training and making it affordable to all.

Stageskool aims to nurture each students potential through the 3 disciplines of performing arts; dance, singing and drama. Each 3 hour session will be educational, develop essential life skills such as self esteem, confidence, communication, physical awareness and teamwork as well as having fun and making new friends.

All teachers are fully qualified and experienced in their field and have current CRB’s ensuring all students can work in a safe, caring and protected environment. Fees are approx £4.00 per hour, which offers outstanding value for money for quality, fun, inspiring performing arts training.If you want to get involved in performing arts in a funky, fresh and vibrant atmosphere and want to have the opportunity to perform in a prestigious local theatre then Stageskool is the place for you.

First session is FREE, so come along and see what we do. You will have an amazing time. See advert page 6

Allendale Equestrian Centre

Allendale offers riding for children (as well as adults) of all abilities from 4 years of age. The stables is the only one on the island having a BHS registered instructor as well as being the only approved training centre so children will be in safe hands. Lessons are on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well as during the week after school and in holidays. Hacking is also available for competent riders.

Once children have learned the basics they will have the opportunity to join Allendale Rangers Club, a fun club for children aged 7 to 17 years. Rangers ride as well as learning to look after horses and those of a higher standard can compete in shows with a horse from the stables (supplied free of charge). Some of our children have gone on

to great things, most recently runner up Isle of Wight hunt supreme champion at the age of 16!

The stables is situated directly on a bridleway in glorious riding country. For children with parents who can ride, what could be better than a family ride? Or why not join your children for lessons? For more information and details of prices please see advert page 7.

Jane McGregor Swimming Academy

Plunging into a swimming pool with your young baby for the first time can seem very daunting! So why bother?

Well according to experts such as Jane McGregor who has been a specialist baby swimming teacher for the past 20 years, swimming regularly can make a baby mentally sharper, improve strength and co ordination as well as advanced social and emotional development. Of course it is also an exciting and rewarding way to spend quality bonding time with your little one whilst teaching them a vital life saving skill.

At the renowned Jane McGregor Swimming Academy where thousands of babies and young children have learnt to swim, your little ones can take ‘The Plunge’ for the first time in an environment which is warm, intimate and friendly. In the purpose built Hydrotherapy spa pool babies along with Mum and Dad can feel totally safe, secure, happy and relaxed.

If you would like to ‘Take The Plunge’ or would like any advice on Baby Swimming ? Give Jane a call on 01983 563139. See advert page 6.

Activites Activities

Rhythm TimeRHYTHM TIME offers interactive music sessions for baby, toddler and preschool age children. We have varying levels of activities to suit specific ages and physical abilities, currently running our sessions in Cowes and Binstead. We also provide a session for under 5’s at JrZone in NEWPORT on Wednesday. You are able to join in our musical fun then stay and play for as long as you like!

Our fantastically written programmes rotate termly providing continued interest for both children and adults. All staff enthusiastically deliver sessions each week understanding how important they are for a child’s CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY and COORDINATION together with having a giggle! Activities range from dancing, singing, playing cymbals, drums, triangles, tambourines, woodblocks, sandblocks, chime bars, rhythm sticks, bells, shakers and xylophones. Using hoops, balls, scarves, lycra, puppets, bubbles, popcorn to paper plates and water!

To book your Free Initial Trial head to www.rhythmtime.net • ‘like’ our facebook page www.facebook.com RhythmTimeIsleOfWight • email [email protected] or call 07950 501763 for further information about parties, toddler group, nursery or preschool sessions.

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Family CookingActivites

10 The Family Directory The Family Directory 11

Its that time of year, dark evenings and everyone I know has a ‘to-do’ list as long as their arm. These recipes are easy and involve the children without any complexities of weighing, sifting, measuring and cooking for exact periods of time. My girls can pretty much get on and do these alone now, my 5 year old boy is a bit more of a liability though! My children love to bake both sweet and savoury meals. Sometimes though it’s hard to fit in a cooking session with three enthusiastic budding chefs. This isn’t so much a recipe, but more an activity to pacify their culinary urges when I am too busy to get hugely involved! Pre-Cook a pack of chipolata sausages. Isle of Wight Bacon Company has just been taken over by the Brownriggs and the sausages are superb. Hamiltons Chipolatas are also great to use too. I would suggest not leaving the children to cook though, I do this in advance. Allow them to cool so they are fine for the children to touch. Take a pack of ready rolled puff pastry and let the children cut 12cm squares...let them use rulers and concentrate on getting the sizes right (uses up lots of time!) Then diagonally roll the sausages into the pastry. Finish off by letting them crack and mix an egg, then let them paint each roll with egg wash. Bake for about 18mins on 180 to 200 degrees C.

Recipe by Louise Hart

Lazy Sausage Rolls


Speech & Language Independent Speech & Language Therapist www.speech-train.co.uk 01983 618757Specialist Speech & Language therapist with over 20 years experience offering assessments, and therapy to children aged 3 -18 years with a range of difficulties. Therapy starting from as little as £10.

Tuition Kumon English and Maths (See ad page 15) 01983 853643Complete after school English and mathematics programmes for children 4-14 of all abilities. www.kumon.co.uk

Music Tuition Katherine Maitland BA Hons, PGCE 07762 410112Flute and Piano Tuition. Beginners to advanced. Just for fun or for exams. Ryde area. Call for a trial lesson.

Andrew Pellow, F.G.M.S., F.A.S.C., Hon.F.N.C.M. 01983 612796N.E.Wight. Experienced Piano Teacher, Theory, Basic Jazz, Singing, Instrumental Accompaniment. Graded Examinations or Leisure. All ages and abilities.

Independent SchoolsFiveways Ryde School (See ad inside front cover) 01983 616272 High quality education for boys and girls aged 3 - 7 years in a secure, caring environment.

Hordle Walhampton, Lymington (See ad back cover) 01590 672013 Independent boarding and day school for boys and girls from 2 - 13 years. We provide the best possible teaching and have small classes.

Mayville High School 023 9273 4847Independent school in Southsea. Girls and Boys from 6 mths - 16 years. Small - Unique and Successful. Mini Bus picks up from the Hover Craft to the school and back each day.

Portsmouth High School (See ad page 15) 023 9282 6714One of the leading independent, all-girls’ schools on the South Coast

Priory School (See ad page 15) 01983 861222Priory School. Offers a independent education for girls and boys from 3 - 16 years with 23 subjects offered to GCSE Level.


Independent SchoolsEducation

Portsmouth High School

Education of a lifetime for your daughter just across the water…

Choosing a school for your daughter’s education is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. From her first steps in Nursery to receiving her A Level results, the right guidance, encouragement and individual attention are crucial to every girl’s success.

Portsmouth High School is one of the leading independent all-girls’ schools on the South Coast, offering seamless education for girls from Nursery to 18. We are committed to providing an education which is specifically tailored to the needs of girls, which rather than sheltering them, challenges them to confound expectations and stereotypes.

Until recently, the journey across the water has limited parental choice of schools, particularly at junior level, to what is available on the Island. Portsmouth High School has widened this choice of schools through offering a Hover Nanny service to give parents complete peace of mind and younger children a new confidence about crossing the water to school.

Visit our website www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk to find out the latest dates of our Open Doors events when you can visit Portsmouth High School. Alternatively, you are welcome to make an individual appointment at any time to meet the Headmistress and tour the school.

Please e-mail our Admissions Officer on [email protected] or telephone her on 023 9282 6714.

(See advert page 15).

Walhampton SchoolPupils and parents at Hordle Walhampton School, Lymington, recently had the privilege of hearing a first-hand account of the Second World War battle at Arnhem from Arthur Shackleton, a 94 year old veteran of the dreadful conflict. Mr Shackleton, who now lives in Dorchester, was a glider pilot and involved in the thick of the battle from which he eventually emerged badly wounded. During his visit to Hordle Walhampton, Mr Shackleton recalled some of his experiences and memories, creating a history lesson that few listening will ever forget. The visit was organised by Hordle Walhampton’s new headmaster, Titus Mills, in preparation for the school’s forthcoming visit to the battle site later this month. Before meeting Mr Shackleton, the pupils had had an opportunity to re-enact part of the battle on the school’s lawn, helping them to understand and appreciate the positioning and strategy of the conflict. Mr Mills, who has long had a personal interest in interviewing and recording the stories of veterans from World War 1 and 2, said: “We were so thrilled that Mr Shackleton agreed to come and visit Hordle Walhampton. He gave us ‘World War 2 living history’ and I think we all appreciate that such opportunities will become more and more infrequent as the years pass.

“As Hordle Walhampton moves forward into a new chapter of its development, it is important that we always keep a watchful and respectful eye on the past and Mr Shackleton’s inspiring and thought-provoking memories are a timely reminder of how fortunate we are to live in relatively peaceful times.”

(See advert back cover).


EducationIndependent Schools


Priory School at Whippingham

Priory School has now settled into its new home at Whippingham, with its wealth of history as the school of Queen Victoria, and is expanding rapidly with over 25% growth in 2011-12.

It has retained its maximum class size of 16, to ensure attention can be given to every child, re-building the larger classrooms at Whippingham to create smaller, more intimate units; adding a purpose-built music room, a library, two laboratory units for science and a large, well-lit Art Room.

The focus on small tutorial teaching in the Senior School and 6th Form (opened 2010) has just seen is first fruits in the A Level results for 2012, which were outstanding with 50% at A*/A (national average 27%).

The GCSEs repeat the success of 2011 when ALL leavers left with the national benchmark of 5 or more GCSEs at A* / C.

The recent Ofsted site inspection (July 2012) says it all:

“The outdoor play area is very spacious and attractive…The school provides a pleasant environment and assists the pupils to learn effectively.”

(See ad page 15).

FivewaysAt Fiveways we like to get out and about. There are so many lovely places to explore. Fiveways have discovered Forest Schools! If you delve below the branches of a woodland area in Knighton, you will find an amazing woodland learning environment.

All the materials are at your fingertips and you can explore and create to your heart’s content. Imagine making a book from a log? Our little log books have wooden pages and were chopped in front of our eyes.

Imagine being able to create a huge dinosaur from pinecones, leaves and twigs? Imagine making a collection of forest floor debris, to match different adjectives, instead of writing adjectives down on paper?

Everything is possible in the forest with Fiveways.

If you would like to know more about Fiveways, please call us on 01983616272 or visit our website

www.rydeschool.org.uk and follow the link to Fiveways.

(See advert inside front cover). Boost your child’s confidence and unlock their learning potentialWe all know the importance of maths and English. It has been widely shown, for instance, that young people with better literacy and numeracy skills are far more likely to succeed in gaining good employment and fulfilling their potential later in life. At the Sandown and Cowes Study Centres, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities.

At the start of a new term it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects and with the learning skills vital for academic progression. Kumon’s unique method of learning focuses on your child’s individual needs, providing them with transferable skills such as concentration and independent learning, time management and problem solving; abilities which will prepare students for the future.

Before enrolling, your child will benefit from a Free Assessment. This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that your child’s Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset. Once enrolled, your child will visit the centre every week and have daily worksheets to complete at home.

To give your child a head start this new school year, call Instructor Harry Vernon on 01983 853643 or email [email protected]


EducationEducation


Blackberry Lane Pre-School Cowes 01983 298344 Outstanding Ofsted approved pre-school. www.blackberrylanecowes.co.uk Casa dei bambini Montessori Nursery 01983 566188 A small run established private Montessori Nursery. Providing a good educational and caring environment. The nursery is open for children aged between 2-5 years.

Chatterbox Nursery (See ad page 16) 01983 616779 Nurseries in Ryde & Nettlestone, providing outstanding care and education. For the best start in life in a home from home environment.

Fiveways Nursery (See ad inside front cover) 01983 616272 3 - 7 years high quality education for boys and girls in a secure caring environment.

Haylands Pre-School (See ad page 16) 01983 617185

Island Day Nurseries (See ad inside front cover) 01983 5333345 Nurseries - Pre-schools Newport, Sandown, Wootton, Brading and St Helens.

Nine Acres Pre-School (See ad page 16) 01983 822163

Windmill Pre School (See ad inside front cover) 01983 873575

YMCA St Mary’s Day Nursery & Pre-school (See ad page 18) 01983 525423Children are provided with a wide range of learning experiences both within the nursery building and our extensive garden.

YMCA Winchester House Day Nursery & Pre School (See ad page 18) 01983 861073The nursery boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor space, with large playrooms and plenty of exciting play equipment suitable for different age groups.

Parents and Toddlers GroupsCatURpillars Babies and Toddlers Activity Session , Shanklin 01983 862485Thursdays 12.45 – 2.30pm and Fridays 10.00 – 12.00. Ride on car, ball pool, play dough, sorting toys, baby area, singing time and lots more. £1.00 per child £1.50 per family inc healthy drink and snack.

YMCA Winchester House - Baby & Toddler Group (Shanklin) 01983 861073Come and meet other parents and children (0-2yrs) for fun-filled indoor and outdoor activities in an OFSTED registered setting. Thursdays 10:00am - 11:30am, all year round. £1.00 per family including refreshments. Call and book today!

NCT Bumps & Babies 0844 243 6176 Bumps and Babies, Church on the Roundabout, Newport every Tues. morning 09.30 - 11.30 except term times.

NCT Bumps & Babies 0844 243 6176 Bumps, Babies & Beyond, Rookley Village Hall, Friday mornings, 10 - 12 except summer holidays.

EducationEducation


YMCA Nurseries

YMCA nurseries are dedicated to providing excellent year round care and learning through play for babies and children under 5. We have 7 nurseries across the south east with 2 fantastic nurseries on the Island; (Shanklin and Newport). Both nurseries are firmly embedded within their local communities and are easily accessible on main commuting routes with plenty of space for parking and safely dropping children off.

Our Shanklin nursery is in a beautiful seaside location. Alongside its quality daycare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, it also runs a Baby & Toddler Group every Thursday morning for 0-2 years.

Our Newport Nursery is conveniently located within the grounds of St. Mary’s hospital, perfect for parents living or working in Newport. We have the benefit of a beautiful woodland garden, where children can safely explore and play.

Our qualified and experienced staff seek to be inspirational role models, they will assess your child’s individual interests and develop them through activities tailored to your child’s needs. The YMCA is committed to supporting families and the local community and offers discounts for siblings and public sector workers. Pop in and see us, you don’t need an appointment.

861073 (YMCA Nursery, Shanklin, Winchester House)525423 (YMCA Nursery, Newport, St. Mary’s)www.ymca-fg.org

The Best Start in LifeChatterbox Ryde is located in Nelson Street in a lovely Victorian house. The baby department has been relocated from the basement to the first floor with a dedicated sleep room. It offers a lovely homely environment for your baby, which aims to provide the next best thing to mum.

Preschool is located on the ground floor where the children can access a lovely secure garden. There is an emphasis on offering good educational experiences at this age as well as having fun in a safe environment. Healthy nutritious food is prepared daily on the premises which complies with the governments new guidelines which aim to reduce salt, sugar and childhood obesity.

Chatterbox Nettlestone benefits from being in the grounds of the primary school. It operates a successful breakfast and afterschool club. Children attending Nettlestone enjoy a close link with the school which helps support their future transition. Both settings benefit from a graduate led workforce to provide high levels of care and education. Chatterbox offers a flexible approach to childcare including 2, 3 and 4 year old funded places. See advert page 16.

The Island Day Nursery opens a new baby room in BradingThe Island Day Nursery Group have been busy again and have added additional space to their Pre-school located at Brading Primary School. The extra space has enabled them to create a new baby room for children under two years of age, as well as a sleep area for the younger children. The new facilities were developed during the summer holidays and has enabled them to take small babies from six months upwards in these dedicated facilities. If you are looking for a nursery place, for a little one under two, contact them on 01983 405213 and they will be delighted to show you around. Obviously, children over two years of age are still extremely well cared for in the pre-school room which was opened last year.

With Christmas holidays not far off, The Island Day Nurseries can provide the flexibility that will suit most families needs. Holiday clubs for primary school age children run for the three days of the school holidays, after the festive break, on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th January in Newport, Sandown, Wootton, St Helens and Brading from 9am till 4pm. Longer care from 7.45am to 5.45pm can be arranged for an additional charge.

Outside of holiday times, for parents returning to work or study, babies to school age children are well catered for in Newport, Sandown, Wootton, Brading and St Helens. For older primary school age children, breakfast and after school clubs are offered as well. Owned and managed by husband and wife, Roseleen and Richard Cullen, together with an excellent team of managers and staff, they aim to provide a home from home atmosphere by working in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure that routines and preferences from home are followed in all the nurseries and pre-schools. See advert inside front cover.

Windmills Pre schoolWe are very excited about our new Pre-school building which has been refurbished this summer and is now a purpose built space in which children can thrive! Our experienced and highly qualified team can now provide the best care and education for 28 children from 2 years of age in our welcoming and homely environment with excellent resources.

We are situated on the new site of Bembridge CE Primary School with whom we have excellent links ensuring your child has the best start to their educational career. Our purpose built outside area and use of the school facilities ensure that children have daily access to the great outdoors come rain or shine, promoting health and learning with hands

on experiences. We offer funded childcare places for three and four year olds and have competitive rates for younger children. Come along and see what we have to offer! See advert inside front cover.



Top Things To Do Over The WinterTop Things To Do Over The Winter

Places to Visit and Eat


Winter Camps

YMCA Winchester House DaycampsYMCA Winchester House Daycamps in Shanklin provide fun filled activity programmes every school holiday to children from reception class up to 12 years of age. Daycamps are open from 8am - 6pm and give children the opportunity to try new things, make new friends and get stuck in to the large range of activities we have on offer.

Our Daycamps programmes all have exciting themes, and children are divided into age ranges for the activities, to ensure that they are age-appropriate and fun for everyone (Explorers, 4-8 years & Adventurers, 9-12 years). Activities include games, competitions, crafts, sports and exciting days out. A full programme of activities is available on our website prior to each school holiday period.

We also have support available via the Short Breaks scheme to provide extra staffing and support for children with disabilities, at no additional cost.

Remember that Daycamps are open weekdays during every school holiday and are great value for money.

To book or find out more contact us today.

Enquiries - 01983 862441Bookings - 01489 785228

Or book online and save 5% go to www.ymca-fg.org


Places to Visit and EatPlaces to Visit and Eat


Places to Visit and EatPlaces to Visit and Eat

The Needles Park Come to the Needles Park this winter for a great selection of gift ideas, with prices to suit all budgets, free parking*, discounts galore not to mention our amazing Santa’s Grotto open weekends 1st to 23rd December, a visit really is a must!

Got a sweet tooth? Isle of Wight Sweet Manufactory makes and sells lovely traditional sweets. Why not pop along to the sweet shop and browse the wide range of products on offer.

Grab that perfect gift from the Pier Head. The Pier Head Shopping Emporium is a must visit too, we have a wide selection of gifts for all tastes and budgets, from stocking fillers to beautiful hand crafted items so why not pop in and have a look?

Santa’s Grotto in the Sand Shop. Why not bring the kids out to see Santa in his Grotto in the Sand Shop. His wife Mary Christmas will be helping him, along with a workshop full of Elves! No need to queue as the Elves will help keep the little ones entertained in our stay & play area whilst you wait to be called. Santa’s first weekend is 1st & 2nd December. Please check our website for more details.

Free Unlimited Rides** See Santa arrive at 11am every morning by horse & carriage and stay for a free carriage ride. Some of our favourite children’s rides will be free too! Come & have a go on Vintage Cars, Spins & Needles Tea-cup ride or have a game or two of Pitch & Put golf with our ever popular Jurassic Golf.* Please note: parking is free from 5th November 2012 to 21st March 2013.** All rides are free however not all will be open at one time; unlimited rides will be limited by ride closing times, inclement weather and demand. Any Needles Park ride not mentioned will be closed for maintenance throughout winter. See advert page 23.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway - Santa Specials “It all knocked spots off what we had previously experienced anywhere else, including big London stores … and the quality of the presents the children received was just fantastic. A great day out and exceptional value for money. We’ll be coming back, often!”

Santa is making Havenstreet his special Christmas home again this year and is really looking forward to meeting you!

There’s always such a lovely festive atmosphere at Havenstreet Station with live Christmas music, a bustling Christmas market, the Christmas garden and lots of entertainment and magic shows just for children! Make sure you enjoy a stroll through Santa’s sparkling Winter Wonderland before going to see him … And if you’re good he’ll have a wonderful gift just for you!

Then relax with a cosy 10-mile round trip through the Island’s winter countryside, aboard a majestic steam train.

With seasonal fayre in our Refreshment Rooms and a shop packed with Christmas gift ideas, a visit to Santa at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is the perfect start to your family Christmas! … And don’t forget to look out for Santa’s elves! If you’re lucky you might see them on their special train taking Santa another sack of presents! See advert page 25

5 Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day Books to be won this winter. Great for Christmas presents and they will be signed by Philip Bell.

Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day follows the Christmas adventures of Jack and Boo on a wildlife walk in the country playing in the snow and seeing how wildlife survives the winter. Jack and Boo make snowballs, go sledging, make a den and build a snowman.

Written in free verse prose style, mixing illustrations and real photographs taken on the Isle of Wight, the book includes children’s activities to do on a winter day in the snow and a double-page winter wildlife spotter guide. Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day is published by Beachy Books, a family-run, independent children’s publisher based on the Isle of Wight.

Beachy Books are inspired by family trips out into nature by author and illustrator, Philip and Eleanor Bell, and Jack and Boo are based on their two children Ethan and Alice Bell. Jack and Boo books are a fabulous mix of fact and fiction for children aged 2 to 7. Perfect for bedtime stories and challenging reading and inspiring nature information for children in Foundation and Key Stage 1 of Primary School.

Price £5.99. ISBN: 978-0956298027.

To buy the book visit www.beachybooks.com for stockists. We have five of these great books to give away so simply answer the following question:

“Jack and Boo’s Snowy Day follows what kind of adventure ?

Please remember only one entry per child is permitted, please write clearly with your name address, aged and phone number and email address then send your answer to The Family Directory, PO Box 119, Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5WZ.

By the 10th December Or you can enter the competition if you visit www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk All winners will be notified by phone and by post. If you enter the competition your details will not be passed on.


CompetitionParties

Glitter Tattoo Artist 01983 822432To add that extra sparkle to your party please contact Maria or email [email protected] Jingle Jangle Club 07866 927547Interactive Children’s Musical Parties and Events Call Emily

Premier School Sport Coaching Limited 07810 693182Sport themed Birthday Parties: We can offer a wide range of sporting activities, allowing you to tailor make your very own Premier Birthday Party. Age: 4 - 13 Years

Rhythm Time Birthday Parties 07950 501763Singing, dancing and fun! Personalised for your child. Available for 1 - 5 year olds. For more information about Rhythm Time Isle of Wight please call.

West Wight Disco email [email protected] 0800 118 2484The Soundtrack to your party. All kinds of music for all kinds of event.

Help less fortunate children on the Isle of Wight with an extra gift this Christmas.

There are many children living on the Isle of Wight who, for various reasons, might be considered less fortunate (such as young carers, the sick, and those living in poverty). We believe that every child deserves to feel special at Christmas. We are working closely with the Isle of Wight Council, local causes and charities to ensure that your donations reach the children who need them most. You can donate a new unwrapped toy or gift to the IOW Christmas Toy Appeal from the 19th November to the 14th December. Please listen to IOW Radio & read IOW County Press for info & updates. Why not keep checking our official website and like us on Facebook to receive regular updates too www.facebook.com/christmastoyappeal and www.christmastoyappeal.org

Supported by The Bestival Foundation, IOW Radio & IOW County Press

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Bumps and BabiesBumps and Babies

Is your child protected?As a parent, you may not like seeing your baby or child being given an injection. However, vaccination is an important step in protecting your child against a range of serious and potentially fatal diseases.

Vaccinations are quick, safe and extremely effective. Once your child has been vaccinated against a disease, their body can fight that disease more effectively if they come into contact with it. There is a programme for routine childhood vaccinations. Some are given more than once to make sure the protection continues. This is called a booster. Other vaccinations may be given at different times, depending on when they’re needed.

An appointment will be sent to you from your Doctor to attend a vaccination clinic with your child. It is important that you attend this appointment. If you are not sure if your child is fully up-to-date with their immunisations, contact your Health Visitor, Practice Nurse or Doctor who will be able to help you.

Simon Bryant, Consultant, Isle of Wight Public Health said, “One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of protecting against serious diseases. Children should have their vaccinations at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of disease.”

For further information visit www.nhs.uk

Babysitting service from Little Laura Nanny AgencyIn addition to the Nanny Agency, Little Laura’s provide an affordable babysitting service. All babysitters are either qualified or have experience in looking after children. A thorough interviewing process and follow-up ensure that parents will be comfortable leaving their child in the capable hands of the babysitter, so they can have a well deserved break. Little Laura’s only accepts babysitters that have been police checked or are in the process of being police checked.

Parents pay a quarterly fee. For every babysitter then booked a fee is due. The Babysitter is then paid by the parents an hourly rate of £6.50 with a minimum of four hours booking (£8 per hour after midnight or before 7pm).

We can also provide babysitters away from the home, for example in a hotel or at a venue such as a wedding, - our rates are different for these type of bookings.

Please feel free to call or email Anna for further information.

Help with your babies skin. Sharon Lake a qualified Holistic Therapist and aroma-therapist is the Founder and Director of Naturally Wight Ltd a business based on the Isle of Wight that hand-makes a natural skincare range using local natural spring water and high quality natural and organic ingredients.

In June 2012 Naturally Wight Ltd scooped the prestigious Green Parent magazine’s Natural Beauty Award 2012 for the 2nd year running for their Organic Mandarin Face and Body Scrub; in 2011 it was their Organic Baby Oil that scooped the award against hundreds of other entries. Naturally Wight Skincare is an affordable, high quality, natural skincare range suitable for all skin types.

For more information visit www.naturallywight.co.uk or 0791713529.

Jane Hawksley Breastfeeding Counsellor 01983 402965 07986 621548 Offering pre and postnatal advice and support on breastfeeding in your home www.iowbaby.co.uk

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Starting school Sticker Book by Emily Pritchard

Daisy and Poppy’s Mum. Both my girls have always loved stickers and combining stickers with an Usborne book is always going to be a winner!

I gave the “Starting School” book to my daughter the summer before she started school and we had lots of fun working through the book deciding where to put the stickers. Each page shows a different scene depicting the school day from getting ready to go to school to being in the classroom, from playtime to PE, lunchtime to story time and finally home time.

There are lots of lovely stickers for each page and are easy to find as they correspond to the page numbers - I found it a good idea to take one page out at a time so that it was easier for little fingers to peel off and stick ! A lovely book and activity for a pre-school child - great fun!

Tried and tested by Sebastian Owen

Sebastian was a little apprehensive about starting school this September but this book really helped. We found it fun and easy to follow, and was a helpful insight into Sebastian’s first day. We read the book over a number of nights and he was always keen to join in and ask questions.

He particularly enjoyed the idea of the stickers which enable him to interact as we read the story. His favourite part must be “Time for PE” although he thought it was perfectly ok to dress as the Dragon for this.....

We’d like to thank Polly and Usborne Books for the copy and we look forward to reading many more Usborne Books. By Kim and Martin.

For more information on Usborne books call Tracy Hickson on 023 8041 0917

In the summer issue we had 4 Usborne Books to give away about “ Starting School ” We asked Island parents to write a review. This is what some had to say........

The next ‘Try it, Test it and Review it’ is with ZooBooKoo...ZooBooKoo fun learning toys and educational games - making learning and teaching fun with ZooBooKoo’s educational toys for children. You will find learning games in maths, spelling, reading, writing, science, history, geography and general knowledge. Education is important. We are all teachers. ZooBooKoo takes pride in their children’s toys and games

We all strive to educate our children so ZooBooKoo have offered us 5 Times Tables Learning Cube (Multiplication 1 to 12) to be tested. The times table cube Supports National Numeracy Strategy for 6 - 11 years. All you have to do is follow arrows throught the answers to the 1 to 12 times tables. Perfect size to hide the coloured answers for self-testing, siblings can test each other on the go. Excellent fun testing - numerals in French, German & Spanish.

The first 5 parents that email ZooBooKoo to polly@thefamilydirectory will be sent a FREE times table cube to try, test, review & keep ! For Information about ZooBooKoo please contact Lyn Blackledge on 07779 239122

ServicesTry it, Test it and Review it


C-R-Y Cardiac Risk in the YoungShocking new statistics that show the number of young people who lose their lives from the tragic condition sudden cardiac death now stands at 12 every week - a staggering 50% rise on previous estimates. In the UK unexplained sudden death is frequently recorded as due to death from natural causes.

3 local Islanders are trying to raise enough money to have a heart screening unit brought over to the Island to detect any undiagnosed heart defects. Tina Maretic whos daughter had WPW and Andrerw Quew who’s wife Gemma died last year are looking for anyone who might be able to help them with their fund raising or to kind make any donations.

CRY was launched in 1995, and works tirelessly to raise awareness and influence legislation to reduce the unacceptable number of young cardiac-related deaths each year. 12 young and apparently fit and healthy people a week in the UK die from Sudden Cardiac Death - this is widely accepted as a conservative estimate - the real figure is likely to be much starker. CRY’s robust campaign focuses on the urgent need for Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in all young people between the ages of 14 and 35, which could detect heart defects before a tragedy occurs. Expert diagnosis is vital however, and CRY advocates that. ECG’s must be interpreted by cardiologists with expertise in this specialist field.

To help us raise funds or find out more information call Tina 07898893449 or email [email protected]

If you would like to make a donation that will go towards the heart screening unit for the Island then please go touk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FransCRY

National Autistic Society

Christmas can be an exciting and fun time, but it can also be stressful. People with autism may be confused or distressed by all the new activity in the household at Christmas and this can be upsetting for the rest of the family. The National Autistic Society have a Christmas web section which provides tips and guidance to see you through the festive period. Written for parents, carers and family members, the NAS outline the difficulties experienced by people with autism and Asperger syndrome during the Christmas period and offers coping strategies via their website.

Ten ideas for a Happy Christmas. The very things that many people enjoy about the festive season are the things that people with autism can find difficult. Here are some suggestions from NAS members about how to make the holiday season easier found at www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/at-home/coping-with-christmas/ten-ideas-for-a-happy-christmas.aspx

Christmas and autism spectrum disorders. This web page offers practical advice on how to make Christmas less stressful and confusing for people with an autism spectrum disorder. www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/at-home/coping-with-christmas/christmas-and-autism-spectrum-disorders.aspx

Usborne Book Review

Abc Title


Katie, Meg, Wenna, Madoc, Duke, Rosie, and Ruby

Why do you like living in Gurnard?Gurnard is a quiet village. Our children are safe to go to the village shop as we know locals will look out for them. Gurnard has a beach and a lovely park. It is close to Cowes and the ferries to the Mainland.

Favourite Local ParkGurnard Beach play park is lovely. Safely fenced in, plenty of benches and near to a coffee and ice cream shop too!!

Favourite Local Club / ClassRuby loves Caterpillar Music and Tiny Talk

Favourite Child – Friendly RestaurantWe love the Bear Cafe over at Dalverton Garden Centre in Lake

Favourite Place on the IslandVentnor Botanical Gardens – the children can really let themselves go there! Plenty of room to run around. Great playpark and a lovely coffee shop too!!!

Best Children’s BookThe Belly Bitton Book by Sandra Boynton

Favourite BeachSteephill Cove. Reminiscent of an era gone by! Think Enid Blyton and lashings of ginger beer!!!

Kirstie, Iain, Felicity-Mae, Harrison and Logan LaneWhy do you like living in Cowes?We are close enough to Newport for all the shops but also get the stunning views and quieter life that Cowes has to offer.

Favourite Local ParkVenner Avenue Park in Northwood. It’s quiet through the day to take the little ones, but after school it’s a great place to catch up!

Favourite Local Club / ClassBoth the older 2 go to my dance school Lanestars School of Dance. Also Felicity is a keen gymnast with Carisbrooke Squad and at Northwood Brownies. I take the boys to Toddlers at Cowes Baptist Church.

Favourite Child – Friendly Restaurant The Fighting Cocks in Arretton. The play area is safe and brilliant for all ages. Over looks a horse field. Lots of choice on the menu, even for Harrison who is a fussy eater.

Favourite Place on the IslandWe have had some really lovely days out at The Island Steam Railway! We especially love the Christmas special. The volunteers that work there take care to make sure everyone is safe and they are very friendly.

Best Children’s BookAnything by Julia Donaldson is a winner in our house, her books are beautifully written and the pictures bring the story to life!

Favourite beach.Gurnard Beach is just down the road from us and is easily our favorite. We love to visit as a family or with friends for a play, bbq and splash in the sea.

TV or not TVIsland Families


that is the question.

“Mummy, what is a hy...dro...ther...mal vent?”, asked my 3 year old, one morning on our way to nursery.

Now, I knew his nursery school were advanced in their education policies but I wasn’t aware they had started teaching marine geology already. In fact, I was only able to explain the term myself after dusting off ancient memories of my science lessons!

Then my son started talking about those intrepid CBeebies explorers: Kwazzi, Peso and Captain Barnacles and I realised he must have acquired his recent knowledge of the sea bed from an episode of Octonauts. For anyone who’s been living under a rock on said sea bed for the last year or so, the Octonauts series is a cartoon thriller starring valiant animal adventurers who risk daring exploits, rescue sick sea creatures and generally save the underwater world from imminent disaster. Cleverly, it manages to combine fascinating science factoids with an overall boy-scout, help-thy-neighbour message - which of course is exactly the kind of telly we parents feel good about letting our children watch.

Naturally, I’m relieved the BBC are making TV programmes that a) my children enjoy watching and b) are simultaneously educational. But I can’t help harbouring a nagging worry about how much television is actually beneficial and how much will turn my darling children’s brains to mush.

After all, the very same BBC that makes enough children’s TV programmes to fill an entire day’s schedule, tells us that ‘the more TV a toddler watches, the higher the likelihood they will do badly at school and have poor health by the age of 10’. As neurologist Dr David Perlmutter explains, “When a child is watching television, he or she is not involved in play, not socializing with other individuals and most importantly, not receiving feedback as to the actions or consequences of his or her behavior. Television is a one-way street.”

That said, obviously there’s good TV and bad TV - even if you keep to the advised limit of under 1-2 hours per day. So if your child starts brandishing toy guns and beating up his siblings after watching his favourite kill-all-aliens/monsters/generic-baddies programme, then there’s a good chance he’s mimicking the aggressive behaviour he sees on screen and you might want to give it a miss.

Whereas, if by watching a nature documentary - or CBeebies cartoon - your child learns in graphic detail how Inuits live in the Arctic, the life cycle of bees or why the Egyptians built pyramids, then he’s learnt something that will enrich and maybe even inform his life. Of course, they can still read the information and pore over photographs in an encyclopedia but nothing quite brings a subject alive like a well-made TV programme.

As parents, our job is to be judicious about what our children watch and limit the time they sit passively in front of a screen, absorbing information but not actively using it. More usefully, we can watch with them and discuss the terms and topics that come up, or engage them in a mini ‘Question Time’ afterwards. Of course, that may mean we have to brush up on our own general knowledge...or in my case, marine geology. But that’s just one of the many perks of parenting!

By Island Mummy of two.

TV OR NOT TV:

Jay Miller Circus Competition Winners

“ Max said thank you for the circus tickets I liked the plate spinning act the best ”

“ Harry I have never won anything before so it was an excellent surprise ”

“ Becki was so excited she especially loved Peppi the clown ”

“ Ammara It was I great day out ”

“ Hannah said she thought the trapeze girls were amazing ”

“ Talia All the acts were good but if I had to choose one it would be the girl on the trapeze. ”

“ Joseph and Bethan, we had fun at the circus ”

“ We were taken to our ringside seat’s where Mabel and Nell watched the trapeze acts ”

“ Poppy, we had a front row seat for the plate-spinning, trapeze and acrobatics ! ”


Documents

The Family Directory Isle of Wight - Winter 2012