Toddle About Northamptonshire April - June 2011

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Need things to do? Search the Daily Activity Planner from page 25

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What’s New? 4Shop About 8Real Nappies 10Structured Physical Play 11Choosing a School 12

Susie’s Health Tip 14YOGA for Children 14Volunteering 15A Team Effort 16Toddle Models 18

Mums Making It 21Controversy Corner 23Daily Activity Planner 25The Directory 41Reviews 50

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in Toddle About is accurate and correct, we cannot guarantee that this is so and neither Toddle About nor Tim Freed can accept any liability for loss, damage or problems arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in content, nor from actions taken by readers based on information or opinions presented in advertisements or throughout the magazine. Images and information supplied by 3rd parties have been accepted in good faith and all liability for any legal transgression including breach of copyright remains with the supplying parties.

Contents

Family picture courtesy of M

ango Pictures

And welcome to the Spring issue of Toddle About!Well the daffodils are blooming and there are green shoots everywhere

- at last, Spring has finally arrived. And there’s plenty of ways to be enjoy-ing it with your little ones!

As ever, our Daily Activity Planner (from p. 25) lists hundreds of groups and classes that you can attend, and the Toddle About Directory (from p. 41) gives you dozens of fantastic local products and services especially for families with bumps, babies and toddlers.

This edition really is packed full of some great articles and features, most-ly written by local parents, and we hope you enjoy them. We have a new section for you as well - ‘What’s New’ on pages 4-5 where we keep you up-to-date with new goings on that should interest you. And of course we have our usual mix of activities to try at home, competitions, product and business reviews, interviews and our very own Controversy Corner feature, which this time debates the pros and cons of homeschooling.

On p.5 you will find details of a survey we are running to see how we are doing and we hope you will take the chance to complete it for us. As a thank you, we have some great prizes to give away too!

Thank you as ever for reading - we hope you enjoy this issue of Toddle About.

8,000 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter around South, Central & West Northants.

Hello!This furry little fella is Charlie! He’s hiding all over the magazine - why not see if your little one can find him while you read?Charlie wants to

say a big thank you to Mango Pictures for providing the stun-ning picture of little Harvey and his lamb for our front cover.New to this edition, he has also been busy adding a symbol to any advert that has a special offer voucher in the centre pages so you know straight away when you can save some money!And don’t forget! Everything you read in Toddle About and more is available on our website. We hope to see you there:

www.toddleabout.co.ukContact us on 0845 643 2483, or [email protected]

Tim & RuthPS. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to Toddle About completely for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk and we’ll post it to your door every quarter.

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New Holistic Massage Clinic With spring in the air and the days getting longer, our motivation levels naturally rise, paving the way for a good old ‘spring clean’. And, in the age of self-improvement, it’s the perfect time to add ‘yourself’ to the top of your spring cleaning list! Holistic Massage Therapies is expanding its services from April 2011 and will offer a range of new treatments from it’s new clinic at 146 Watling Street East, Towcester NN12 6DB, just above Jackie Oliver’s Estate Agents.During the launch in April 2011 there will be a range of offers from a relaxing massage to more specific treatments such as pregnancy massage, a range of massage treatments for neck and shoulder tension and lower/upper back pain, muscle pains and stress related problems such as depression, anxiety and insomnia.See Annukka’s special offer in centre pages. www.holisticmassage.uk.com.

Musical Minis Receives Triple NominationMusical Minis has been proudly nominated for three categories in the What’s On 4 Little Ones awards: Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity (newborn to 2 years), Best National Pre-schooler De-velopment Activity (2 to 5 years) and two franchisees for Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the Under 5s.

Musical Minis was founded over 21 years ago by Karen Sherr to fulfil a demand for music to be brought to pre-school children (from birth) so that they could enjoy and participate in music at an early stage of development. Karen herself is a psychologist, former play specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a mother of three. Amanda Perkins runs Musical Minis classes in Grange Park, Weedon, Brackley and Stony Stratford. Free Trial voucher in centre pages. www.musicalminis.co.uk.

What’s New?Take a NorthamptonshireActing, Performance & Singing LoveBallet is expanding its offerings to children in Daventry and surrounding areas by offering new Acting, Performance and Singing classes for 3 – 12 year olds on Tuesdays from 4pm at Nene Hall, The Grange. Acting classes are a fantastic complement to the existing dance classes offered by LoveBallet which include Tap, Ballet, Street, Cheerleading & Gymnastics. Acting develops confidence, and invokes creative minds to challenge and explore. The skills learnt will be with them forever and they will of course be having fun and making friends!

Easter Dance SchoolWould your child like to experience new styles of dance and try out lots of different dance genres? If so the Easter Dance School run by LoveBallet Dance Company would be just up their street. It takes place Wednesday 20th April and Thursday 21st April from 10.30am-1.30pm at the Grange Hall in Southam and is open to all ages from 6 years upwards. Only £35.00 for both days.They will have the opportunity to try Body Popping, Act-ing Performance & Singing, Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Gymnastics, Tap, Modern, Ballet, Jazz and Latin. No specific dance experience is required just come along and join in the fun. On Thursday 21st April we will finish with a short performance to the parents at 1.15pm.

LoveBallet run classes in Daventry, Long Buckby, Southam, Upper Boddington & Middleton Cheney. www.loveballet.co.uk. Free Trial class in centre pages.


Dates For The Diary

Northampton NCT Nearly New SaleSaturday 9th April, 11:15 - 1pm(10:30 start for members)Northampton High School, NN4 6UU

New Shows Coming to Royal & Derngate

www.royalandderngate.co.uk

The Gruffalo’s ChildFri 29th Apr - Sun 1st May

CBeebies’ Chris & Pui ShowTues 12 April, 11am & 1:30pm

The Aqualight AcademyThe Aqualight Babies ethos is simple; Treat babies and children with love, respect and knowledge. They also believe that children’s learning is most effective when they have fun – and this probably explains the recent decision of Aqualight owner Emie Kitson to extend their lessons from babies and toddlers all the way up to 12 year olds with the Aqualight Academy. As she says herself, “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing the older children don’t want to leave and now they don’t have to!”

Aqualight runs swimming lessons in Northampton. Visit www.aqualightbabies.co.uk.

As a birth and postnatal Doula, Claire (a.k.a. Mummies Birth Buddy) has worked with many mothers and their partners in Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties, providing emotional support and empower-ment before, during and after labour and birth. Claire loves every minute of what she does and now also offers extra support to new and expecting parents through pregnancy yoga, baby massage and parentcraft classes in Northampton. Claire keeps classes small to create a haven for parents to be able to ask those all important questions and have open discussions with others sharing the same journey. Claire is a recognised Doula with Doula UK and a qualified Birthing Lightly for Yoga teacher with Birthlight. See special offer in centre pages. Visit www.mummiesbirthbuddy.co.uk.

Relax, Explore and Be Nurtured During Your Pregnancy

What do you want?

But there’s only one way we can know if we’re on the right track, and that’s if you tell us!

So we have created a short, simple and quick survey for you to com-plete online. It literally takes 5 min-utes and the information you give us will help us to tailor everything we put in Toddle About to make sure it really is what you want.

We know how precious your time is, so as a thank you, we are giving away FORTY fab free gifts!And they’re not shabby little gifts... worth at least £11.99, the first 40 re-spondents who complete our survey will receive the gift of their choice*!So what are you waiting for? Visit www.toddleabout.co.uk/survey now!

Take our survey now! Go to www.toddleabout.co.uk/survey

Courtesy of Priddy Books, we have 5 sets of their new Lift the Flap Shadow books to give away (Worth £15.98). These really are great books - read our full review on our website.

We also have 35 copies of Vicki Io-vine’s bestseller parenting books, The Best Friends’ Guide. Choose between Pregnancy, Babies, Tod-dlers and Getting Your Life Back.

Free Gift for First 40 Responses!

We know what we want. We want Toddle About to be a magazine that you love - a resource that puts you in touch with all the things that are going on locally for young families and helps you love life with little ones. And we’d like it to be a good old read too!

*Titles will go on a first come, first served basis

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Everything You Need for a NewbornThe Mamas & Papas Brand newborn package consists of a Bibi Cot, Foam Mattress, 5 piece bedding set (quilt, bumper, fleece blanket, fit-ted and flat sheet) with Zoom pushchair (forward and parent facing seat unit) and carrycot with rain covers.Pink & Blue Baby World are currently offering this bundle as a Spring Saver Offer - for just £399 (saving of £350). Buy in-store on High Street, Daventry and don’t forget your 10% off voucher in cen-tre pages. www.pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk

Kooch Newborn Gift BundleBrand new designer label Kooch have taken a selec-tion of their favourite newborn items and bundled them together in themed gift boxes for new parents to cherish. The collections include body suits, rompasuits, tees, teddies and more - or you can choose your own items to create your own perfect package. The beautiful fabric labels for each gift bundle are hand made and personalised to your requirements as a keepsake. All Kooch baby clothing is 100% supersoft cotton and they also have a special 100% organic product box complete with organic packaging as a tempting treat! Prices start from £24.95 available at www.kooch.co.uk. 10% discount voucher in centre pages.

Dinky Dayz CastingsDinky Dayz create beautiful castings of your little one’s tiny hands and feet to tell a timeless tale.They offer a unique, bespoke fram-ing service to display your dinky keepsakes forever. Their framed packages really do make a beautiful and timeless gift. Perfect for the nursery or as a gift for relatives.Contact Della on 07973 213519 or [email protected] and use the voucher in our centre pages to claim £10 off!

Baby & Toddler Must-HavesSilver Cross Bedroom FurnitureSilver Cross, Britain’s much-loved pram manufacturer, has recently launched its first ever collection of children’s furniture and bedding. There are three classic styles of furniture – all of which include a cot bed, a wardrobe and a changing unit, which can be bought individually or as a complete nursery suite. The quality, as you would expect, is fantastic.From the beginning of April, you will be able to see the full range in-store at Pink & Blue Baby World on Daven-try High Street.


A Very Handy Birthday GiftDid you know that Phoenix Traders sell more than just cards? Well they do - and the quality we have come to expect from their cards is reflected in everything they sell.Phoenix is a great one-stop-shop for children’s birthdays. This height chart makes a lovely gift and you can even order your card and gift wrap at the same time!For height chart, card and gift wrap it costs just £8.50 at www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/charlotte Plus, Charlotte offers free P&P on all first orders. Bargain! See special offer in centre pages for how to claim a free card.

Littlelife Toddler Daysacks with Parent ReinThe Toddler Daysack is a cute bag for kids with a whole lot of practicality hidden

in it’s stylish little design. Not only is there enough room in each pack to hold nappies, snacks, wipes and those beloved toys that you can’t leave home without, but each toddler daysack has an extremely simple but useful addi-tion to it - a removable safety rein. This attaches to the top of the pack so that parents can keep their child close-by whenever necessary, and when not in use, the rein can be stowed away inside the pack.Buy for £13.99 (cheaper than Amazon!) from Pink & Blue Baby World on the

High Street, Daventry. www.pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk. 10% off voucher.

PlanToys® - Ethical, safe and educational toysPlanToys® is a carbon neutral company that is proving it’s possible to cre-ate beautiful wooden toys of superior quality and safety standards whilst also following a path of environmental and social responsibility.

They are committed to maintaining the highest standard of ethics while creating innovative educational toys for every developmental stage of childhood. The toys are made from non-toxic, natural materials such as organic rubberwood and enable children to play, learn and become closer to nature. They inspire children’s imagination as well as promoting their physical and intellectual development.

Prices range from £8.50 to a lot more. Visit Shirelings Toyshop at the Heart of the Shires Shopping Village near Weedon and don’t forget your 10% discount voucher in the centre pages. www.shirelingstoys.co.uk.

All prices shown are accurate at time of going to print, but are subject to change.

Named and FramedNamed and Framed create a beautiful hand-made gift with gold-embossed letters of your child’s name. The letters are then hand painted, mounted

and framed to make the perfect present for newborns, christenings and birthdays.With a choice of mounts and frames, names can be 3 to 9 letters long and an engraved brass plaque is avail-able as an optional extra.A name of 3-5 letters costs just £29.49 and 6-9 letters is £34.49. Visitwww.named-and-framed.com and get a massive 15% off with the voucher in our centre pages.

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Dispelling the MythsThe cost of washing real nap-pies does NOT wipe out the savings made. Extra washing comes to a surprisingly small sum of just £1 per week. You don’t need to sterilise, scrub or soak them. Liners can be used for ease and cleanliness. You don’t need to boil wash them (40 or 60 degrees is recommended).You don’t need to fold them. Modern real nappies are already shaped, much like disposable nappies and the pins have been replaced with Velcro, poppers or plastic grip fastenings.They’re not ugly - modern nappies come in a variety of different fabrics and fun, colourful designs.

By the time your baby is potty trained, he or she could have used as many as 4000 disposable nappies. Most nappies are made from plastic, which does not rot down; in fact, the first disposable nappies that were ever used, decades ago, will still be sitting in a landfill site today.The UK throws away 3 billion nap-pies every year, but there is an alternative that is not only good for the environment, but good for your pocket too.Using ‘real’ nappies instead of disposables can

reduce your household’s global warming impact by up to 40% and save you over £500 per child.Real nappies last for years so you can achieve further savings by using them again as your family grows. And, if you are a North-amptonshire resident, when you spend £60 or more on real nap-pies (new or second hand), North-amptonshire County Council will give you £25 cashback (call 01604 237440 for more information).Finally, once you’re finished with the nappies you could even make some money back by selling

them! There are numerous websites for buying and

selling second hand real nappies.

Nappies that won’t cost the Earth

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5For more information, please visit www.goreal.org.uk


By Charlotte Bedford

It probably won’t surprise you to find out that exercise is vital to the healthy development of children – research clearly shows that children can gain health benefits simply by becoming a little more active. But it’s interest-ing to note that the greatest benefits come from taking part in planned and structured exercise.

Structured physical activity encour-ages children to enjoy the challenges of developing new skills and gives them the chance to experience the satisfaction of success. It is wonder-ful to watch their self-confidence grow as result of this, and it was this that motivated the then coach of the British Olympic Gymnastics team, Bill Cosgrave, to found Tumble Tots more than 30 years ago.

Bill developed a progressive system, where we use brightly coloured equip-ment such as bars, trestles, balance boards, ladders, balls and hoops to encourage all aspects of physical motor education including ball han-dling, locomotive skill development, rhythms, manipulative skills etc.

Careful study of child behaviour during their formative years shows us that children have different physical skill levels, behaviour and emotions at different ages, and structured programmes like Tumble Tots are perfectly placed to tailor their sessions to the changing stages of a child’s life. This ensures that whilst a child is challenged by the classes, they are not overstretched, or driven to do things beyond their ability level which could damage their self esteem.

For the same reason, Mum or Dad (or other carer) are encouraged to accom-pany their child through Tumble Tots classes up to their third birthday, after which they are typically confident and independent enough to go through the sessions unaccompanied. Children

Give it a go at home!You don’t have to wait for the next Tumble Tots session to see your child’s confidence grow through physical activity! Here are some really simple activities to try at home:

BalancingBalance a bean bag or soft toy on differ-ent body parts and see how many differ-ent places you can find to balance them.

Role Play“Let’s Pretend” is always great for kids and parents alike. Pretend

to be different animals for new physical experiences -you could be a kangaroo and bounce around or be a horse and gallop!

CatchUsing a ball or balloon, see how many times you can throw it in the air before you drop it. A great way to practise counting too.

How Many Ways?See how many different ways you can jump. Maybe you can try straight jumps, star jumps, forwards and backwards or hopping! Are there any more ways you can you find?

To find a Tumble Tots class near you, call Naomi on 01327 300807 or visit www.tumbletots.com. See advert on p. 25

in this age group start to learn listening skills and how to follow instructions, in addition to tackling more difficult tasks. By incorporating actions songs and rhymes, our programme also helps with children’s lan-guage development.

All young children will grow and learn best without the fear of criticism, so we foster a positive, loving and non-judge-mental environment at Tumble

Tots and this is something we encourage all parents to try to do at home (though we know it can be difficult at times!) A child that has the freedom to learn from experience without the worry of judgement is one who will try new things with enthusiasm, and will keep trying till they succeed. It is this success upon success that builds confidence and the element of fun keeps them coming back for more!

The Springboard to Child Confidence

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by Jaqui Bursnall

Jaqui Bursnall works at Beachborough School and her chiildren go there too. To find out more about Beach-borough nursery and school, you can attend their open day on Friday 6th May. See advert on p. 46

1. FriendsIt is very beneficial to a child’s confidence when starting school, to know some of their friends from nursery. When visiting a nursery ask which schools their children feed onto. If a nursery is part of, or has close ties to, a school then it will be more able to prepare your child for starting at that school.

2. Personal DevelopmentIt is important to find a nursery that focuses on the whole child’s development to build happy, confi-dent, well rounded individuals. Ask how they cater for the individual needs of each child, from those requiring remedial assistance, to satisfying the needs of the talented child, and also find out what extra, co-curricular activities they can offer.

3. Class SizesA smaller nursery class of 14 to 17 children will give your child far greater individual attention, helping to build their confidence and enjoyment of learn-ing and giving them a head start at school.

4. Manners and DisciplineEven if your child does not have discipline prob-lems, disruptive peers could take away from your child’s valuable learning time. Look for a clear policy on discipline that highly values good manners and encourages mutual respect and self control.

5. Morning and After School CareHoliday clubs and after school care varies enor-mously, so ask for details and check flexibility; for example what if you got held up at work? Many private nurseries offer longer day care for pre-schoolers, but again check if this costs extra.

6. AtmosphereHappy children enjoy learning. When visiting a school it is hard to measure the feeling you get in a

‘happy, caring atmosphere’, but you’ll know it when you get it! Look to see if the children are enjoying their lessons and engaging with the teacher.

7. FacilitiesAlthough great facilities do not necessarily make a great school, they do enable a school to offer an extensive range of activities. Nurseries which are part of a school have the advantage of being able to share these facilities.

8. Arts, Music and DramaThe best schools aim to achieve high academic standards whilst addressing other forms of educa-tion, and are not merely exam factories. Make sure your school will give your child the chance to discover the joys and benefits of sport, art, music and drama and that their approach is inclusive to children of all skill levels.

How To Choose The Right SchoolChoosing the right nursery and school for your child is one of the most important decisions you have to make in setting your children on the right path in life.Although this can seem very daunting, it is good to start shopping for schools before your child is due to start nursery. There are three steps I recommend to finding a nursery or school to suit your child’s individual needs: 1. Gather information from each school’s website, prospectus and Ofsted report 2. Visit your favourite nurseries and schools 3. Speak to other families currently at the nursery or school

Top 8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursery or School

But don’t forget to ask other parents for their opinion! Here is a small selection of the feedback we have received from parents whose children come to Beachborough School and Nursery:

“We liked the way Beachborough’s nursery and school focuses on the whole child, building happy, confident, well rounded individuals, whilst still achieving high academic standards.”

“The nursery children have access to the school’s fantastic facilities too; Forest School, computers, indoor sports hall, extensive sports grounds, farm, playing in the stun-ning grounds to name a few.”

“We were pleased to find a school which still highly values good man-ners and the wonderfully happy, caring atmosphere, naturally encouraged our children to enjoy being just that ........... children!”

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With busy parents, school work, music lessons, video games, competitive sports and the like, modern children are under an incredible amount of pressure for their tender years, and most do not yet have the life experiences or maturity to develop effective coping strategies. Yoga has been hitting the headlines in recent months as the possible answer.In the Guardian earlier this year, Oliver James suggested that yoga classes should be available on the NHS, or be made compul-sory as part of the school curricu-lum due to the health benefits

YOGA for Children

Susie’s Health Tip

Northants Breastfeeding SupportTHE PROFESSIONAL BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICE

We offer a one off breastfeeding preparation sessionduring your pregnancy plus follow-up consultations in thecomfort of your own home after your baby is born...

Coaching and support is available to help you: • Help your baby to gain weight • Have a contented baby in between feeds • Diagnose tongue tie • Treat and prevent sore and cracked nipples • Treat and prevent mastitis and thrush • Increase your milk supply • Breastfeed twins and premature or under weight babies • Integrate babies into breastfeeding after bottle feeding in hospital • Offer reassurance to breastfeed a baby with jaundice

For more information and prices, visit the websitew w w. n o r t h a n t s b r e a s t f e e d i n g . c o mor telephone Emma on 07528 553594

As a mum to a 3 year old, Susie Burgess has firsthand experience of neck and shoulder tension. As an Os-teopath and Pilates teacher, she helps patients with all sorts of conditions, including neck pain and headaches. Consider for a moment how much of your day is spent with your arms out in front of you. This raises tension in your shoulders and can cause pain and sometimes headaches.

Pat The Smelly Dog!No, not a Tourettic outburst – just a way to remember this simple stretch which could help ease shoulder and neck tension!

Remember, if you are in pain, seek professional advice. Things usually get better quicker when they are dealt with promptly.

Reach down with one arm to the side of you, as if patting a large dog on the head, pushing the heal of your hand downwards. Now lean your head away to the other side, taking your ear to the opposite

shoulder. Hold for the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat the other side.

Susie Burgess runs BackatEase osteopathy and pilates sessions. For more info, contact her on 07880 750258. See advert on p. 45.

Just what the doctor ordered?


By Sian Mander

that have been documented with its practise. A recent paper (Birdee, et al., 2009), containing the results of 34 studies between 1979 and 2008, has shown that yoga has particular benefits for children. The health benefits of yoga are well documented: physically, it increases flexibility, strength, coordination, and body aware-ness, whilst mentally, yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem through a physical activity that is non-competitive. Children who practise yoga often report that they sleep better and are less anxious, and yoga has also been shown to improve children’s concentration as well as the quality of their relationships, with less conflict being reported. It may be these benefits that underpin yoga’s effects in improv-ing the behaviour of children with

ADHD, and reducing stress levels. And it’s not just the children that benefit! Their parents report feel-ing happier and less stressed too.In fact, yoga during pregnancy leads to easier births. Breathing techniques help the mother deal with the pain of labour and the increased strength allows her to cope with the huge physical demands during the birthing process. In addition to this, the relaxation techniques employed result in the mother secreting less cortisol (a hormone that is

produced in response to stress). Cortisol passes through the pla-centa to the foetus, and lowering its levels is beneficial because it leads to a decreased risk of aggressive children or those with ADHD.With so many benefits for us all, and as a skill that children can take into adulthood, I’m inclined to agree with Oliver James - per-haps yoga should be taught as part of the curriculum as it would surely improve the health of the next generation.

Reanne Marshall runs yoga-in-pired activity sessions for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years called Tatty Bumpkin. If you fancy intro-ducing your child to the benefits of yoga, contact Reanne for more info on 0845 6804981. See advert on page 36 and her feel trial offer in the Toddle About centre pages.

by Reanne Marshall

5 Reasons to Volunteer1) Learn a new skill. From graphic design to budget-ing and management, you can try something new.2) Meet new people. As modern life and technology create a more atomised society, it helps you connect with your com-munity and make friends.3) Feel good factor.Volunteer work is, well, voluntary, and the sense of achievement from a challenge undertaken will-ingly makes you feel great.4) Improve job prospectsResearch has shown that employ-ers view volunteer work favourably and it helps you stand out.5) Sets an exampleYou want your children to have a fulfilling life? Show them how!6) Give BackThe obvious one- you are helping others and spreading happiness.

Making Friends and Helping OthersYour local NCT (National Child-birth Trust) branch has spaces for new volunteers! The NCT provides invaluable sup-port to over a million new parents every year through pregnancy, birth and the early days of parent-hood. It provides a network of friends and professionals who are

there to help you through the ups and downs of becoming a parent. Our local branches are in Towces-ter, Northampton and Daventry and the volunteers who organise branch activities are the back-bone of the NCT. Throughout the country there are about 4,000 volunteers who hold positions such as branch chair, treasurer,

membership coordinator, parent support coordinator, newsletter editor, fundraising coordinator. Many others run bumps and babies groups, host open houses, deliver newsletters, help at nearly new sales and do no end of other tasks where a few hours of time

can make such a difference. All of our local NCT branches currently have vacancies for vol-unteers to get involved, no matter how much time you would like to commit. To find out more, you can contact them on:Daventry: 0844 243 6102 Towcester: 0844 243 6299Northampton: 0844 243 6230

Your local NCT branch offers new & expectant parents:Ante-Natal Courses; Postnatal Courses; Bump, Babies & Toddler Groups; Nearly New Sales; Cheeky Monkeys Tea Parties; Breastfeeding Support; Mums’ and Dads’ Evenings; A Local Newsletter; Host Open Houses

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When we opened the Maple Tree Clinic six months ago,

we all had a vision. Practitioners of sixteen different health dis-ciplines, we all decided to work together under the same roof to create a new multidisciplinary clinic that was somewhat differ-ent to our existing practices. We brought our skills, our reputation, our expertise and motivation to open a clinic where all our patients would feel safe, relaxed and treated to a high standard by skilled practitioners. We aimed to make this clinic a key part of Northampton’s complementary and alternative health scene.

We did have few teething difficul-ties at the beginning, but now six months down the road we are happy with what we have achieved and where we are headed.

As hoped, having such a variety of disciplines in one clinic allows us the unique ability to take regular breaks during the day to keep in touch and exchange knowledge and guidance to provide all our clients with a little extra during their treatment. And when a client needs treatment from another discipline at the clinic, we can communicate to one another our notes, findings, diagnoses or suspicions (with the patient’s consent) which tends to speed up their recovery and cut costs down.

If you are interested in finding out more about how we can help, we plan to start running regular open evenings so that anyone can meet the team and ask any medical question they have of us. We hope to have set a date for the first open evening by the beginning of April – for more information please check www.themapletreeclinic.com and/or our Facebook page.

A Team Effortby Christophe Becquereau

Complementary health comes in many forms - here is a brief glos-sary of some disciplines we offer:

Hatha YogaThis is a slow-paced stretching class with some simple breath-ing exercises and often includes seated meditation. This is a good place to learn basic poses, re-laxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga.

PilatesPilates is an extremely popular form of exercise which emphasiz-es the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement.

OsteopathyOsteopathy is a hands on, drug-free treatment that treats and strengthens the musculoskeletal framework (joints, muscles and spine). Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the prob-lem area, but use manual tech-niques to balance all the systems of the body to provide overall good health and wellbeing.

ReflexologyReflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands in a specialised way

to treat ailments and improve health in other areas of the body

HomeopathyA medical system that treats symptoms using infinitesimally small doses of natural substances, which in large doses would cause the same symptoms, to stimulate an individual’s natural immune and defence system

AromatherapyUses concentrated essential oils from various plants to improve mood, cognitive function or health. Oils may be administered through massage, inhalation, compresses and baths.

KinesiologyFocuses on the relationship of muscle strength and energy flow. Applied Kinesiology uses the con-nection between muscle health and that of circulation and other vital functions to correct imbal-ances within the body.

Sedona MethodA simple, powerful and easy-to-learn technique that shows you how to uncover your natural ability to let go of any pain-ful or unwanted feeling, belief or thought in the moment to achieve whatever you desire in the areas of wealth & success, peace & happiness, relationships and health & well-being.

Angel TherapyA nondenominational spiritual healing method that involves working with a person’s guardian angels and archangels, to heal and harmonize every aspect of life.

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We love this competition! And it seems you do too... we have had record numbers of entries this time around with 63 of the cutest, cuddliest, funniest and laugh out loudiest pictures that we’ve ever seen being sent in. Alas, we didn’t have space to print all the entries here though we hope you enjoy the ones we could fit in - you can see all of them at www.toddleabout.co.uk. Our winner this time around is the cheeky but gorgeous Alessia Wilding who squeaked past the post before Keion Grant and Harriet Marshall who won second and third prize respectively.Thanks again to the Style Lounge hair salon in Northampton and Oriflame beauty products for donating such fab prizes. Alessia’s mum Angelina is getting a wonderful treat with a styl-ish colour and cut plus £50 of beauty products, and Alessia will

get her own haircut too! Keion and Harriet’s mums will enjoy some nice pampering too.If you didn’t win, but you would like to sample the Style Lounge treatment, or pamper yourself with some Oriflame beauty products, call Style Lounge on 01604 722224 or visit www.oriflame.co.uk for more info.

James Pryer, 4 yea

rs

Zara, 14 months Rhiannon, 2 yearsLewis Scott, 1 week

Levi Phoenix Cox, 10 weeks

Tilly Luckett, 3 weeks

George Lister, 20 mths Matthew Dunlop, 1 yrHarry Barnwell, 21 mths Reuben

Reed Harris, 2yrs

Sponsored by:Make us smile!

1

Alessia Wilding, 16 weeks

Keion Grant,

9 weeks

Harriett Marshall, 18 monthsRunners Up

2

3

19Subscribe to Toddle About for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.ukLaila Bland

, 1 year

Alfie Roginson, 6mths

Drew MacGregor, 9 mths

Alfie Jakeman, 16m

& Dad Daisy Pancoust, 4 yrs

Fintan Goodfellow, 4m

Izzabelle Baker, 4 yrsLily Howe, 2½ years

Niamh Perkins, 20 mths

Rhiannon Jones, 5 yrs Ruben B

odenstein, 21 m

Layla Willetts, 8 mths

Ashton Longman, 18 m

Luke Samuel, 8 mths

Harley Kuhn, 8 mths

Alesia Wright, 3 yrs

Harry Coombs, 3 years

Brendan & Zane Flynn

Jake

David Alexander, 1 yr

Jessica Baker, 1 year

Evie Wykes, 7 mths

Laura Kennedy, 5 years

Isla Rogers, 16 mths

Honor Blunt, 15 m

Summer Towse, 2 yrs

Luca, 14 months

Isabel Wiseman, 2 yrs

Ava, 7 months

Finley Robins, 18 mths

Noah Squires, 12 mths

Yvie, 6 months

Isaac Rymell, 2 yrs

Vaughan Jones, 3 yrs

Penelope, 10 months

Details on how to enter your child on the next page

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p h o t o g r a p h y

WIN LOADS OF COOL STUFF!

We are adding an extra element of fun to the next Toddle Models competition - captions!So... when you submit your picture of your little one this time, we would like you to add a comment that we can use as a caption. It might be a simple description of what the picture is about, but the funnier the better... I can’t wait to see what you send in!As usual, the winners will be chosen by public vote on the Toddle About website, and any new captions submitted with your votes will have a chance of being printed too. Entries should be submitted by email to [email protected] with the name and age of your little one by midnight on Saturday 28th May. Voting will begin for a week from Tuesday 31st May.

“But what can we win?” I hear you cry... well, loads of cool stuff, actually! Check it out:

1st Prize: 11-week Aqualight Babies Swim Course for 0 - 12 year-olds worth £125. www.aqualight-babies.co.uk

2nd Prize: A Fisher Creative Pho-tography ‘Summer Lifestyle Family Photoshoot’, including a 8”x10” picture. Have pictures of all the family captured having fun and looking natural in a gor-geous outdoor location- worth £85. www.fc-photography.co.uk.

3rd Prize: A babysitter for a night, courtesy of Fairytale Nannies! (For up to 4 hours on any night up till 11pm, valid until 23rd Dec 2011). Worth £47. www.fairytalenannies.co.uk.

4th Prize: A Pregnancy or Therapeu-tic Massage lasting 1.5 hours, courtesy of Mummies Birth Buddy, worth £45. www.mummiesbirthbuddy.co.uk.

5th Prize: A Mango Pictures photo session with free 12” x 8” print worth £45. www.mango-pictures.co.uk.

6th Prize: Half term for one child at Musical Minis classes in Weedon Bec worth £35.50. www.musicalminis.co.uk.

7th Prize: A delightful, handcrafted decorative name, mounted and framed and with an engraved plaque, courtesy of Named and Framed. Worth up to £34.49. www.named-and-framed.com.

8th Prize: From 1 Off Jewellery, an engraved pendant or keyring

with your winning photo in it. Worth £30. www.1offmoments.com.

9th & 10th Prizes: PixiFoto VIP Gift Experience costing £20 each. This includes 3 x Photographic sittings and a 12”x10” colour portrait at

each sitting PLUS 10% off ant portraits purchased at each sitting. Cost £20 each. www.pixifoto.co.uk

11th Prize: TWO free classes for either Tatty Bumpkin or Baby Bumpkin, worth £12. www.miltonkeynes.tattybumpkin.com.

12th Prize: £10 gift voucher towards a massage of your choice from Holistic Massage. www.holisticmassage.uk.com

13th Prize: A boy’s or girl’s height chart worth £6, courtesy of Phoenix Trader Charlotte Gurney. www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/charlotte.

Mummies Birth Buddy

Named and Framed

Sponsored by:


Success QuotesAlways bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.Abraham LincolnAction is the foundational key to all success.Pablo Picasso

I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.Bill Cosby

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.Michael Jordan

If you dream it, you can do it.Walt Disney

Eighty per cent of success is show-ing up.Woody Allen

MumsMaking it

So what’s your story?I moved to Northampton when I was 3 and still live here, now with my partner and two chil-dren, Hannah (4) and Hal (2½). I graduated in Product Design and most recently worked design-ing Children’s Playgrounds for Kompan. Here I learnt an awful lot about designing from a child’s perspective.When I had a baby I suddenly became aware of the lim-ited availability of interesting or unique clothing for children in Northampton and we began to buy most of our baby clothes on-line, brightly coloured and full of bold patterns and prints. As Hannah wore each item the response from people was of surprise and delight at the designs which planted that business seed! Several brainstorming sessions later, we hit on the name Kooch taken from the

‘koochikoo’ phrase. How long did it take?All in all it took us two years to create a range that we thought was strong enough to showcase at some local venues at the end of 2009. The feedback was good and we sold most of our original items and we then spent another 6 months researching the best equipment and developing our online presence. What inspires you?We get a lot of our inspiration from observing how our own children perceive the world around them; from the attraction

to bright colours to their creative drawings of everyday things. We want to recapture the innocence of childhood by hand drawing many of our designs as a refresh-ing change to all the character licensed clothing popular today. The idea that parents love an item of clothing, a toy or a canvas

as much as the child is important to us.How do you juggle children, house, life and your business?With great difficulty! I thought that when my daughter started school in September it would get easier but there seems to be even more tasks and activities that take up my time. We

spend most evenings after stories and bedtime working on Kooch until we drop! With housework, work and kids it feels like it never stops.Biggest challenges?Finance, time, other work com-mitments and tiredness!High Points?The first order felt exhilarating and seeing how good the prod-ucts looked together at our first exhibition.

Spotlight on Morag LarsenBringing Kooch to Life

WIN LOADS OF COOL STUFF!

This is only an excerpt from the full interview with Morag. She has some fantastic advice and there is plenty to learn from her experiences setting up Kooch: read the whole interview at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles.

Advice for others?Although life will get in the way, you should always keep hold of the fol-lowing three things: 1. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t achieve what you want to every day.2. Trust your instincts a little more than other people tell you to.3. Be honest to family and friends about how you are feeling if you need support.How can we see and order your products?All our products are available on our website www.kooch.co.uk and we will be exhibiting at various shows throughout the year so keep check-ing the website or sign up for our updates if you want to come to see Kooch. See advert on p.43.

The Kooch Stripey Rompa

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23Subscribe to Toddle About for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.ukJoin the debate at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles

Children can learn when they are interested If a child at school isn’t interested in the subject matter being taught, then they will not be very recep-tive to learning. And if they are interested, there’s only an hour before the bell goes and cuts them off mid-flow. Force fed learning is not only ineffective, but it turns learning into a chore, beating the natu-ral joy of learning out of children. Home educated children have the time and flexibility to pursue topics that they’re interested in, often resulting in them learning about topics in much greater depth than at school. Children can learn at their own paceIn school less able children often lose interest when the subject matter is too hard and more able children get bored if it’s too easy. Home educated children can learn at their own pace, spending more time on things they struggle with and moving on when they understand. School is a factory for passing examsCramming for tests may result in short term infor-mation retention but rarely results in permanent learning. The key question to ask here is, “How well do you think you’d do if you re-sat your GCSEs or A-levels now?” I know my answer to that question, despite earning good grades in my exams. It begs the question, is school really all that effective at educating children after all? Children can have their questions answeredAt home, children ask a seemingly unending stream

School teaches vital social skillsIf you educate your child at home, you are robbing them of the opportunity to mix with dozens of other children their age which provides a network of friends that are at the same level of development and are interested in the same kinds of things. Not only does this give them the chance to learn how to interact with others, but children who meet at school often become lifelong friends. Good facilities are importantSchools receive funding that is spent on books, computers, sports equipment, science equipment and umpteen other things used to stimulate and educate children. A home educating family will typically have to live on at most one salary, so could never have access to same kind of resources as a child who attends school.Training – I couldn’t teach my child!Teachers will have gone through at least 3 years of further education and have spent a further year earning a formal qualification in teaching. Single subject teachers become so knowledgeable in their subject that it gives school children access to experts in every field of learning. A parent with no formal teaching qualifications or no further educa-tion makes a poor replacement for real teachers. Parents need to earn a livingAt a very practical level, school serves the func-tion of free childcare, allowing both parents to go to work and earn a living. School is an invaluable asset in this way for the vast majority of families. In addition to this, many parents would struggle to be with their children 24/7 and the never-ending close proximity would create clashes and arguments.School is preparation for real life.Life is full of difficult people and difficult situations.

For Homeschooling... ... and Against

Parents often spend a lot of time researching which school to send their children to, but many are not aware that there is a much bigger decision to be made – whether to send their children to school at all.Many people think it is a legal requirement for children to go to school, but this is not so. In fact, in Section 7 of The Education Act 1996, the law states that every child of compulsory school age must receive “efficient full-time education ... at school or otherwise”. It is the ‘or otherwise’ part which gives you the choice to send your children to school or to educate them at home.If you are like most people (us included), your initial reaction will probably be one of instant disregard, yet the argu-ments for homeschooling are certainly compelling and it seems to me quite logical that one solution to education is unlikely to be right for all children. Here are both sides of the argument to help you make up your own mind.

The Home School DebateControversy Corner

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of questions. In school, research has shown that the reality is closer to just 3

per day, and the majority of those questions are functional ones such as ‘Where’s the glue?’

Learning naturally and spontaneously occurs when children’s curiosity questions are answered but with 30 in a class children quickly learn they have to ‘wait their turn’ - and the moment is gone.Learning is meaningful and relevant. Classroom based learning is often abstract and far removed from the real world. Home educated chil-dren have the opportunity to learn through doing – the most effective way to learn anything. Maths can be learned by visiting a shop, cooking or calculating measurements for a craft project, for example. Also, by witnessing their parents’ everyday activities and outings, children learn about real life, which is argu-ably more useful than academic knowledge.Homeschool develops social skills for real life.One of the biggest criticisms of home education is the perceived lack of social development. The real-ity is that a typical home educated child will learn to interact with people of all ages and walks of life, from the other children they meet up with at home education groups and the clubs they attend to the lady in the post office. Home educated families ar-gue that the school environment is not like real life. No bullies at homeUnless you’re a mean parent, there aren’t any bul-lies –or peer pressure for that matter - at home. The effects of childhood bullying can last a lifetime and by not having their confidence knocked at school, homeschooled children have higher self-esteem making them better able to cope with any bullying they may encounter later in life. No risk of getting a bad teacherOnly 18 teachers have been dismissed for incompe-tence in the last forty years. Rather than conclude that our training system is so fool proof that there are hardly any bad teachers out there, it is probably more accurate to assume that the bad teachers are hard to sack and are still in the system.Children start school too early in the UKIn most European countries children start school at 6 and end up with higher academic results in the end. Some experts believe that young children’s brains are not ready for formal academic learning until the age of 7 and they would be better off learning through play until then. Home educating allows children to do this.

The work place is not a dissimilar environment to school, where there is someone else telling us what to do and other people to get on with. When our children fly the nest, they need to be equipped with the skills to stand on their own two feet and handle these things. By keeping children at home to protect them from bullies, peer pressure or unwanted authority, homeschooling families are denying them the chance to learn how to deal with real life.School enables us to get a jobA prospective employer will always look at the education section on a CV to get an idea of an applicant’s intelligence. Admittedly, homeschooled children can still sit GCSE and A-level exams, but there is no requirement for them to do so. The lack of any formal education – and potentially exam results – would surely have a negative impact on an individual’s job prospects. Team sports, orchestra, choirs etc School is full of clubs and societies children can get involved in. From the football team to the school choir or orchestra, all are activities that require a team of people. These experiences are not only fun, but also fantastic learning opportunities for children to develop team skills. School helps develop independence.Being away from their parents all day gives children the chance to discover who they are and make decisions on their own. It takes away the crutch that a parent can be when they are around and allows children to develop their own independence.It’s funSchool isn’t all that bad! Being surrounded by friends all day without your parents breathing down your neck is enjoyable. Play time, art, P.E. - all these things are great fun!School worked fine for meWhilst there is certainly an element of logic to the arguments for home education, we all turned out alright despite it, didn’t we?

For... ... and Against

How Children Learn, John Holt; Free Range Education, Terri Dowty; Education Otherwise: www. education-otherwise.org

Further reading:

Controv

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Daily Activity Planner

In the Water Singing & Signing Physical Fun For PregnancyArts & Crafts

MONDAYSAbingtonAbington /Kingsthorpe NCT10:00 -12:00; Members houses; 50p donationRachel: 01604 403766 or 07867 521411For bump - 4. Everyone welcome!

BlackthornBlackthorn Children’s CentreChildminding Group: 9:00 - 11:45Breastfeeding Group: 13:30 - 16:00Longmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504

CliftonvilleActive Baby Company SwimmingCripps Recreation Centre, NN1 5BD9:00 - 10:00 ; prebook 6-wk termDenise - 01604 826066Swimming classes for 18 mths - 4yrs.

DustonDuston & Villages NCT GroupVarious members’ houses for bump - toddler10:00 - 11:30; 50p; Lucy - 07940 368828

Duston Mums & TotsDuston Village Hall, Sycamore Rd9:30 - 11:30; Termtime only

Kidz ‘n’ Co Mums and Tots Group13:30 - 15:00; Term time only. Harpole Baptist Chapel, nr Turnpike Pub NN7 4DD. Rosemary: 01604 588116; £1 per familyEveryone welcome, esp. Duston new build.

Duston Library Children’s Centre10.30 - 11.00: Duston Rhymetime14:00 - 15:00: Baby WeighPendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891

Far CottonGymBugs56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00: <2s; 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrsTracey: 01604 859412Enjoy ladders, beams & climbing apparatus

St Marys Tiddlywinks GroupSt Mary’s Church, Abbey Road, NN4 8EY9:15 - 11:00. For 0 - 5s. Termtime only

Grange ParkMusical MinisThe Pavilion, Foxfield Way, NN4 5BE10:00 - 10:45; £4 (book termly)Amanda Perkins: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Grange Park Tots GroupGrange Park Community Centre, School Lane9:30- 11:30; £2.00. Angie - 07816 484851. Free 1st session. Runs all yr.

HardingstoneCheeky MonkeysHardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA9:30 - 11:30; £2; Gwen - 01604 762954For 0 - 4 years

HeadlandsHeadlands Children’s CentreParents & Babies Group: 10:00 - 12:00

Family Worker Drop In: 13:00 - 15:00Bushland Road, NN3 2NS; 01604 411440; FreeP&B for 0 - 15 mths.

HunsburyPregnancy & Postnatal Pilates Classes13:30 - 14:30; The Maple Tree Clinic, 1 Overslade Close, NN4 0RZSusie Burgess, Back at Ease: 07880 750258Led by qualified Osteopath & exp. instructorWater Play Session: 8:45 - 10:30

Tots go free; Maximum of two children under 8Soft Play & Bouncy Castle: 9:15 & 10:00£3.00 (£2.50 with leisure card); 6 mths to 4 yrsPre School Gymnastics: 11:00 - 11:45£5.50 (£4.95 with leisure card); For 3 - 5sDanes Camp Leisure Ctr, Clannell Rd, NN4 0RX01604 837200; Term time

Northampton Multiples14:00 - 16:00; Camp Hill Comm Centre, Dayrell Rd, Camp Hill, NN4 9RRClaire: 07587 154104; £5 p/m + £1 per session

Kings HeathStay and Play Drop inCamrose at Kings Heath, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ9:30-11:30 (breakfast available) & 13:00 - 15:00Fri: 9:30 - 11:30; 01604 757694

KingsthorpeKingsthorpe Children’s Centre10:00-11:30: Messy Play12:30-14:30: H’lth Visitor Drop InSt.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Daily Activity PlannerNorthampton

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** SPECIAL OFFERS * SPECIAL OFFERS * SPECIAL OFFERS **

Exclusive Special Offers

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for Toddle About Readers

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Northampton BoroughLittle Signers ClubKingsthorpe Children’s Centre10:00 - 11:00: beginners01604 791537; Please prebookBaby signing fun for you and little one.

Little BillingActive Baby Company Swimming‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA10:00 - 17:30 (10 wks to school age)Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term30-min swimming classes. Booking essential.

Northampton CentreMini Springers Parent & ToddlerSprings Family Ctr, Spring Boroughs, NN1 2SN10:00 - 12:00; Free; Robyn - 01604 630457

ChatterboxMount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS9:30 - 11:15; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only.

Toy LibraryUnited Ref. Church, Abington Ave, NN1 4QA13:30 - 15:00. Toys available for 6 m-5 years.

Mini Music 9:30 & 10:30 (babies): £1Healthy Lifestyle Group: 13:00 - 14:30Little Movers: 15:30 - 16:30 Ante Natal Class: 16:30 - 18:30Me & My Dad: 18:00 - 19:00 Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE. Free; 01604 633894. Drop in sessions

SemilongBangladeshi Mums and TotsGateway Centre, Mill Rd, NN2 6AX13:00 - 15:00 ; Free; Kulsuma - 01604 624930

SpencerCamrose Breastfeeding Drop In GroupCamrose Sure Start, Streatfield Rd, NN5 7DF

9:00 - 12:00 ; Free; 01604 585219

Spinney HillTime 2 Play - Messy PlayParklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd9:15 - 11:00; £1; 01604 6421181st Tuesday of mth is H/V Drop In

St JamesSt James Parent and ToddlerSt. James Com. Centre, St.James Rd, NN5 5LQ10:00 -12:00 ; £1; Sarah - 01604 456231Sometimes open during holidays.

The MountsMounts Baths Water PlaygroupThe Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts14:00 - 15:30 ; Tots are free; 01604 837400.Max of two children under 8.

ThorplandsThorplands Children’s Centre9:30 - 11:30: Midwife Drop-in 13:00 - 14:30: Cygnets Tots Group (0 - walking)Little Signers Club: 13:00-14:0019:00-20:30: Dads Football @ N’pton AcademyFarm Field Court, NN3 8AQ; 01604 741131

WhitehillsSt. Mark’s Parent & Tots Group10:00 - 11:15, St Marks Church Hall, St, Mark’s Crescent, NN2 8EG£1.50 + 20p p/c. For pre-school ageSue - 01604 715342. Term time only.

TUESDAYSAbingtonAbington Tots GroupSt Gregory’s Church, 22 Park Ave N, NN3 2HS9:00 - 11:00; £1.00; Sarah - 01604 712347 Crafts, toys, books and puzzles for 0-5s.

Tea & Toast: 9:15 - 10:30Mini Movers: 14:00 - 14:45Booking only - Jenny: 07795 081953Abington Children’s Centre, Christchurch Hall01604 521175

BlackthornBlackthorn Children’s Centre, 13:00 - 15:00: Fledglings Play Session (book)13:00 – 14:30: H/Visitor Clinic. Drop inLongmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504

East HunsburyAqualight Baby YogaThe Maple Tree Clinic, Overslade Cl, NN4 0RZ 9.00 - 12:00. Emie - 01604 83 04 0545 min yoga sessions for parent and baby

Hunsbury RhymetimeHunsbury Library, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 702830

Ecton BrookCreative Crafts - Drop in arts & craftsEcton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY 9:30 – 11:00; Free; 01604 409280

Far CottonGloucester Parent and Tots GroupGloucester Nursery, Camborne Cl, NN4 8PH9:00 - 11:00; Rachael - 01604 762251

GymBugs56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY

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10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00, 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrsTracey: 01604 859412Enjoy ladders, beams, & climbing apparatus

GoldingsRainbows Childminding Group9:00 - 11:00; Old Barns, The Obelisk Centre

Grange ParkStepping StonesGrange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ9:15 - 11:00, every 2nd & 4th wk, For 0 - 4s Charlotte:01604 875188. Includes breakfast!

Child Health ClinicGrange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ9:00 - 11:00, 1st Tues every month Health Visitors - 01604 742420

HardingstoneMusic BugsHardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA9:45 - 10:25 & 10:45 - 11:25 Fiona - 0844 5781017 to bookFun music sessions: Book a taster session!

HeadlandsDrop In Bump & Baby Health ClinicHeadlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Rd9:30 - 11:15; Free; 01604 411440

Come & Play!Eastfield Primary School, St Alban’s Cl, NN3 2RJ10:00 - 11:00; Free; 01604 411440Play session for pre-schoolers & parents/carers

Family Worker Drop In11:00 - 12:00; Cedar Road Primary School01604 411440; Mthly, term time. Confidential.

Come and Play!Cedar Road Primary School13:30 - 14:30; 01604 411440Play Session for preschool children + parents.

KingsleyMums & TotsKingsley Park Meth. Church, Milton St, NN2 7JF13:30 - 15:00

Kingsthorpe Aqualight SwimmingFairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN15:30 - 17:30; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook!

Tuesday Tots - Mums and Tots GroupAll Saints School, Boughton Green Rd10:00 - 11:30; £1 + 50p p/c (<9mths free). Stacey: 07917 205544. Term time only.

Health Visitor Drop InWallace Road Nursery School, NN2 7EE9:30-10:30; 1st Tues of mth. 01604 713422

Kingsthorpe Children’s Ctre Drop Ins9:30 - 11:30: Spectrum (Autism group)16:00 - 17:30: Double Trouble TwinsSt.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Little BillingActive Baby Company Swimming‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA10:00 - 17:30 (10 wks to school age)Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term30-min swimming classes, Booking essential.

MoultonMoulton RhymetimeMoulton Library, Doves Lane, NN314:30-15:15; Free; 01604 646796

Northampton CentreEarly Learning Centre PlaytimeELC, 14 Peacock Place, Abington St, NN1 2DP9:30 - 11:30; Free; Sharon - 01604 626256Drop in to play with ELC toys! Restarts in Feb ‘11

St Giles Toddle InSt Giles Church Centre, St Giles Terr, NN1 2BN10:00 - 12:00; 50p/family; Sue - 01604 230360Termtime only - crafts, play and singing

Northampton Central Rhymetime10:15 - 10:45; Central Library, Abington Street, NN1 2BA. Free; 01604 4620403

Young Parents Lunch Club11:30-14:00, Alliston Gardens Youth and Community Centre, Semilong. 01604 633894For under 19s, free lunch included

Active Tots: 10:45 - 11:30 (£1)Yoga & creche: 14:15 - 15:15Nursery Tea Club: 15:15 - 16:15Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE01604 633894; £1 per familyA mini gym session using apparatus

SpencerDrop in Family Health Group: 13:00-15:00Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:30Camrose Children’s Centres, Tenby Rd, NN5 7DF01604 585219; Advice and baby weighing

Spinney HillTime 2 Play - Messy PlayParklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd9:15 - 11:00 & 13:30 - 15:00; £1.0001604 642118; 1st Tues in month is H/V Drop In

St JamesSt. James RhymetimeSt James Library, 138 St James Road, NN5 5LQ10:00 - 11:00; Free - drop in; 01604 762192

The MountsParent & TotsDuke St Evangelical Church, 4 Duke St, NN1 3BA10:15 - 11:30; Free; Moyra - 01604 635535For 0 - 4s. Termtime only

Northampton Borough

THE PERFECT FAMILY TREAT!FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GRUFFALO

ADAPTED FROM JULIA DONALDSON AND

AXEL SCHEFFLER’S AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK

FRI 29 APR – SUN 1 MAYBOX OFFICE: 01604 624811www.royalandderngate.co.ukGuildhall Rd, Northampton, NN1 1DP

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Thorplands Breastfeeding GroupFarm Field Court, NN3 8AQ12:30 - 13:30; Free; 01604 741131

Health Visitor Drop In: 14:00 - 15:30; Male “Whole You”: 11:15 - 12:15: Free Thorplands Children’s Centre, NN3 8AQ01604 741131; Advice & baby weighing

WoottonLittle Acorns Toddler GroupWootton Trinity Church, High Street, Wootton9:30 - 11:30; £2; For 0-5s, runs all [email protected]

Little Stars GroupSt George the Martyr Church, Church Hill14:00 - 15:00; Free; Toddler praise service.

WEDNESDAYSBlackthornBlackthorn Children’s Centre13:30-14:00: Music Time (<12m)14:00-15:00: Music Time (1 – 5yrs)9:30 - 12:30: Smoking in PregnancyLongmead Ct, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504

CliftonvilleActive Baby Company SwimmingCripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD9:00 - 11:00 & 14:00 - 15:00; 6-week terms.Denise - 01604 826066. Booking essential.30-min swim lessons for 10 weeks - 5 years.

DustonStay & Play- Baby: 9:30; Walk-4: 13:30Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle RdPlease drop in; Free; 01604 752891

Ecton BrookTiny Tots Drop In Stay & Play SessionEcton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY13:30 – 15:00; Free; 01604 409280

Far CottonFar Cotton RhymetimeFar Cotton Library, Towcester Rd, NN4 8LG10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 762192

GymBugs56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, Rothersthorpe Trading Estate, NN4 0RY10:00: 2-3 yrs; 11:00: 3-4 yrsTracey: 01604 859412; Enjoy ladders, beams, & climbing apparatus

Grange ParkTumble TotsCommunity Centre, School Lane, NN4 5FZGymbabes: 9:30: Toddlers; 10:30; 2-3yrs; 11:30; 3yrs+: 13:00 Naomi - 07779 785166Structured Play for 6m to 5 yrs all year. Book!

Music BugsKairos Centre9:30 - 10:10; Fiona Bayliss: 0844 5781017Music session for 0-5s. Book a taster session!

HeadlandsHealthy Walks - Bring along baby/toddler!Headlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS; 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 01604 411440

HunsburyThe Abbey Centre Toddler GroupThe Abbey Centre, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ.9:30 - 11:30; £2 (1 or 2 children), 50p p/sibAlicia: 07917 752533. Activities & toys!

Water Play Session: 13:15 - 14:45; Tots are free. Max two children under 8.

Pre School Gymnastics: 11:00 - 11:45£5.50 (£4.95 with leisure card); For 3 - 5sSoft Play & Bouncy Castle: 9:15 & 10:00£3.00 (£2.50 with leisure card); 6 m to 4 yrsDanes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Rd, NN401604 837 200; Term time only.

Kings HeathStay and Play Drop inCamrose Sure Start, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ13:00 - 15:00; 01604 757694

KingsthorpeHoly Trinity Church Mums & Tots10:00 - 11:45; Church Hall, Edinburgh Road

Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre13:00 - 14:45: Stay & Play Drop-in14:30 - 16:30: Midwife Drop InSt.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Little BillingActive Baby Company Swimming‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA10:00 - 17:30 (10 weeks - school age)Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term30-min swimming classes. Booking essential.

Lodge FarmPlay Sessions for 0-5sThe Barn, Community Ctr, Crestwood Rd9:30 - 11:30; Free; 01604 785969

Northampton CentreSpring Lane Baby Cafe Drop InSpring Lane Surestart, Spring Lane, NN1 2JW. 9:30 - 11:30; 01604 620484 or 07795 110109Free Breastfeeding support drop In group

ChatterboxMount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kettering Rd.9:30 - 11:15; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only.

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Aqualight SwimmingPark Inn, Northampton9:30 - 11:00; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook

Messy Play: 15:30 - 16:30; £1Baby Grow Drop In Group: 14:00 - 16:00; FreeDrop in, Drop off and Salsa! 16:00 - 17:00Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE01604 633894

Toy LibraryUnited Reformed Church, Abington Ave, Northampton, NN1 4QA; 10:00 - 11:30A range of toys are available for 6 mths-5 years

SpencerBreastfeeding Group: 9:00-12:00Stay & Play: 9:30 - 11:30Camrose Sure Start, Streatfield Rd, NN5 7DFFree; 01604 585219; Breastfeeding support

St JamesStay & Play & Mini Music MakersSt James Health Clinic13:30 - 15:30; Free; Spring Lane-01604 620484Health advice & baby weighing

Mums ‘n’ TotsGospel Hall, Spencer Bridge Road, NN5 7DP9:30 - 11:00: donations; Gill: 07749 520588Wide range of toys & singing session at end

SywellNature TotsSywell Country Park, Washbrook Ln, NN6 0QX13:30 - 14:30 (3rd Wednesday of Month)01604 810970; £2.50 - booking essentialA parents and tots group with a difference!

The MountsMounts Baths Water PlaygroupThe Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts, NN1 3DN

14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400Maximum of two children under 8.

ThorplandsStay & PlayThorplands Children’s Ctre, Farm Field Ct, NN313:00 - 15:00; 01604 741131 Informal group for children under 5 years old.

UptonTalking Point16 Mill Pond Drive, Upton, NN5 4EW10:00 - 12:00; Free; Marilyn: 01604 454243Bump - 8 mths. Meet other new mums!

Weston FavellEmmanuel Family TotsEmmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre. 10:00 - 11:30; £1; Maureen - 01604 402150Relaxed atmosphere & safe playtime

Tots GroupThe Salvation Army, Penistone Road10:00 - 11:30; Mrs Pitt - 01604 404891

Weston Favell RhymetimeWeston Favell Library, Shop Centre, NN3 8JZ10:30 - 11:00 fortnightly; Free; 01604 403100

THURSDAYSAbingtonActive Play13:30 - 14:45; Abington Children’s Centre, Abington United Reformed Church. 01604 521175; free

Museum Toddler Craft SessionAbington/Northampton Museum (alternates)13:00 - 15:00, twice monthly; FreeLiz or Lucy - 01604 838111

Boothville

Mummies Birth BuddyBaby Massage: 9:30 - 11:00 Pregnancy Yoga: 11:15 & 19:15Postnatal Yoga: 13:30-15:00 Boothville, NN3 6PAClaire: 07966 288236. Booking essentialBaby Massage - deepen your bond with babyPregnancy yoga - from 14 weeks onwardsPostnatal yoga - immeadiately after birth

BrackmillsBirthing Lightly with YogaImage Gym, Brackmills, Northampton, NN4 7EE19:30 - 21:00. With Mummies Birth BuddyClaire Morrow-Goodman: 07966 288236

CliftonvilleActive Baby Company SwimmingCripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD9:00 - 12:00; Book as 6-week termDenise - 01604 826066. Booking essential.30 min swim sessions for 10 wks - 5 years.

CollingtreeActive Baby CompanyHilton Hotel, Collingtree10:00 - 12:00 (6 mths+)Denise Wesson: 01604 82606630-min swim classes. Call to book.

DustonSt Luke’s Mums & TotsSt Luke’s CEVA School, St. Crispins Dr, NN5 4BL14:00 - 15:15 ; 01604 592008

Messy Play: 9:30; Story Time: 14:15;Coffee Shop: 13:00 - 14:00Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Rd01604 752891; For 0 - 4s; Free Drop ins

Sunbeams Stay & PlayUnited Reform Church, Main Road9:30 - 11:30, fortnightly; 01604 752891

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East Hunsbury Toddlers9:30 - 11:00; East Hunsbury Primary School£1.50 per family; For 0 - 4s. Term time only

Ecton BrookChildminders Group: 9:15 – 11:15Toddler Music: 9:30 & 10:00Baby Clinic: 13:00 – 15:00Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY01604 409280; All free drop in sessions

Grange ParkTalking Point10:00 - 12:00; 10 Foxglove Close, Grange ParkCharlotte-01604 875 188 or H/V-01604 742420Bump - 8 mths. Free. Meet other new mums!

HardingstoneMusic BugsHardingstone Village Hall, High Street, NN4 6DASessions at 9:15, 10:15 & 11:15Fiona - 0844 5781017Music for 0 - 5s. Book a taster session!

HeadlandsAutism Concern Parent GroupHeadlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Road9:30 - 11:00, fortnightly; Free; 01604 411440For 0 - 4s. Creche available.

HunsburyPregnancy & Postnatal Pilates Classes18:00 (beginners) & 19:15 (improvers)The Maple Tree Clinic, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ. Susie, BackatEase: 07880 750258Led by qualified Osteopath & exp. instuctor

Under 8s Water Play SessionDanes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Rd8:45 - 10:30; Tots are free; 01604 837200

Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Kings HeathStay and Play Drop inCamrose (Kings Heath), 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ9:30-11:30 (+ under 2s group); 01604 757694

KingsthorpeNorthampton Homebirth GroupWhitehills Nursery School, Acre Ln, NN2 8DF19:30 - 21:30, 1st Thur of mth; FreeKelly - 07716 017366Discuss home birth options with midwives.

Breastfeeding Drop In: 15:30-17:30Tic Tac Toe (Childminders): 9:15 – 11:00Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre, St David’s Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537

Time 2 Play Messy Play Baby GroupWallace Road Nursery, Wallace Rd, NN2 7EE9:15 - 11:00; £1.00; 01604 713422

Little BillingActive Baby Company Swimming‘The Venue’, Billing Aquadrome, NN3 9DA11:00 - 17:30 (10 weeks - school age)Denise: 01604 826066; £48 per 6-wk term30-min swimming classes. Booking essential.

MoultonToddle InnCarey Baptist Church, 34 West Street, NN3 7SB10:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 15:00. For 0 - 4s.

Boothville & Moulton NCT Group Various parents’ houses - call for location!10:00 - 12:00; Free; Carolyn - 01604 790496

Northampton CentreRendez Vous10:00 - 11:00; The Rendez Vous Cafe, 15 Peacock Place, NN1 2DP (run by Vernon

Terrace Children’s Centre). 01604 633894

Aqualight Aqua-Natal CoursesBarry Road Pool, Covington Street, NN1 5JU19:00 - 19:45. Emie Kitson: 01604 83 04 05; Fitness classes for pregnant & postbirth mums

Northampton Central Rhymetime10:15 - 10:45; Central Library, Abington Street, NN1 2BA. Free; 01604 4620403

Baby Massage: 13:30 - 14:30Stay and Play: 9:45 – 10:45Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE. 01604 633894.

Cupcakes & Cuddles Cafe for BabiesRoobarb & Custard, 12 Wellington Street, NN11:00 - 15:00; Free; Term time onlyStacy: 07880 558440. For babies in their 1st year.

Rectory FarmRectory Farm Toddler Group9:30: Rectory Farm School, Olden Rd, NN3 5DD

SpencerCamrose Stay and Play and Toy LibraryChildren’s Centre, Tenby Rd, NN5 7DF13:00 - 15:00; 01604 585219. Drop in session.

Spinney HillParklands Mums & Tots GroupCommunity Centre, Devon Way, NN3 6DX13:15 - 14:45; £2 entryEmma: [email protected]. Snacks, different activity each week & a raffle!

St CrispinsLittle Signers Club10:00 - 11:00, St Crispins (venue TBC)Angie: 07816 484851; £45 for 6 weeksBaby signing fun for you and your little one

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Northampton Borough

St JamesL’il Dynos Martial Arts ClassesSt James School, Harlestone Rd, NN5 7AG18:00 - 19:00; for 4 yrs+Phillip: 0800 9887986 or 07770622776; A fun-filled introduction to martial arts

Stay & Play Drop inSt James Health Clinic, St James10:00 - 11:00 (baby massage) & 13:30 - 15:30Free Drop in; 0-5s; 01604 620484

Lyncrest Primary Parent & ToddlerLyncrest Primary School, Lyncrest Ave, NN5 5PE9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family; 01604 7513360- 5s, inc. snack & drink. Termtime only.

The MountsAquanatal Fitness Class19:15 - 20:15; The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN01604 837400; £4 non-members; Plse prebook

ThorplandsLes Canetons French Singing GroupLodge Farm Barn, Crestwood Rd, NN3 8JJ10:00 - 11:00; £3.70 + 70p per sibling07985 712339;www.speaktheirlanguage.co.ukFrench Singing Group for Little People. All year.

Pregnancy YogaThorplands Children’s Centre16:30-17:55 - please book before attendingClaire (Mummies Birth Buddy): 01604 741131; Pregnancy yoga - from 14 weeks onwards

Teens & Tinies (Mums <19 yrs)11:30-13:00. Free; 01604 741131Thorplands Children’s Centre, Farm Field Court

Drop-in SessionsChild & Parent Ctr (NSPCC), 48 Waterpump Ct10:00 - 12:00; Free; 01604 493336For 0 - 4s. Toys, arts & crafts, music, etc.

Weston FavellTumble TotsSt. Peters, Church Hall, High Street, NN3 3JXBabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2-3 yrs: 11:30 Naomi - 07779 785 166Structured Play for 6m-5yrs all year. Book!

Wootton FieldsWootton Fields RhymetimeWootton Fields Library, Wooldale Rd, NN4 6TP10:15 - 10:45; Free; 01604 669213; Term time

FRIDAYSAbingtonSt Gregory’s Toddler GroupSt Gregory’s Church, Birchfield Rd East9:30 - 11:30 (term time); 50pCome & Play - Activities every week!

Abington Library Rhymetime14:15 - 14:45; Lindsay Ave, NN3 2SJFree; 01604 401402; Termtime only

Music BugsAbington Parish Rooms, Ashburnham Road9:10 - 9:50, 10:00 - 10:40Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 to bookMusic sessions for 0-5s. Book a Trial!

Rhyme Time: 10:00 - 10:45

Abington Children’s Centre, Abington United Reformed Church. 01604 521175; free

BoothvilleMummies Birth BuddyPregnancy Yoga: 9:15 & 18:00Postnatal Yoga: 13:15-14:55 Boothville, NN3 6PA. Booking essential.Claire: 07966 288236; £36 for 6 weeksPregnancy yoga from 14 weeks onwardsPostnatal yoga for immediately after birth

CliftonvilleActive Baby Company Swimming9:00 - 12:00, Cripps Recreation Centre, Northampton Hospital, NN1 5BDDenise - 01604 826066; Book per 6-week term30min swim classes for 10wks-4yrs. Pre-book

CollingtreeActive Baby Company13:30 - 15:30; Hilton Hotel, CollingtreeDenise Wesson: 01604 82606630-min swim classes. Book per 6-week term.

Earls BartonEarls Barton RhymetimeEarls Barton Library, Broad Street, NN6 0ND14:30 – 15:00; Free; 01604 810726; Term time

Ecton BrookEcton Brook Children’s Centre9:30– 10:30: Baby Babble (<12 m): 13:45 – 14:45: Soft Play (1–2 yrs): Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY. 01604 409280

Grange ParkLittle Signers ClubKairos Centre, Saxon Ave, NN4 5FB10:00: Drop in!, 11:00: Beginners (Prebook)Angie: 07816 484851Baby signing fun for you and little one

HardingstoneN H S Toddlers GroupNorthampton High School, Newport Pagnell Rd 13:30 - 15:00: £1.50 per session; 01604 667979For 2 - 3 yrs. Termtime only

HeadlandsAqualight SwimmingHeadlands pool, Northampton9:30 - 11:30; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim classes for 0-4yrs. Prebook!

Headlands Parent and Tots GroupHeadlands School, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS9:00 - 11:00; £1; Julie - 01604 413462Activities for 0 - 4s. Term-time only.

HunsburyPre School Gymnastics Sessions15:45 - 16:30; Danes Camp Leisure Centre01604 837 200; £5.50 (£4.95 with leisure card)For 3 years to School age. Term time only.

Abbey Centre Baby & Toddler GroupAbbey Centre, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury12:30 - 14:30; Karen: 01604 760194; £1.50

Kings HeathStay and Play Drop in: 9:30 - 11:30Action Kids: 9:30 - 11:30, 2nd wk of mthCamrose at Kings Heath, 16 Park Sqre, NN5 7LQ01604 757694

KingsthorpeYoung Parents - Drop in group for under 19sKingsthorpe Children’s Ctre, St David Rd, NN2 6NS; 13:00 - 15:00; 01604 791537

Kingsthorpe RhymetimeKingsthorpe Library, Welford Road, NN2 6AG10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 714021; 0-5s

Aqualight SwimmingFairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN12:00 -14:00; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim classes for 0 - 3s. Prebook!

Jamboree Parent and Tots GroupPastures Community Centre, Acre Lane10:00 - 11:30; Julia Pollard: 07748 670294; £1.50. All ages welcome and open all year.

Northampton CentreNorthampton Baby CafeFriends Meeting House, Wellington St, NN1 3AS10:30 - 12:30; Free; 07780 672939Breastfeeding support + drink & biscuit!

ChatterboxMount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS9:30 - 11:15am; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only

Mini Music & Baby MusicVernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE9:30 - 10:30, 10:45 - 11:45 (babies)£1; 01604 633894; Music, movement & songs

Baby MassageVernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN114:00 - 15:00; 01604 633894

Spinney HillChildminders: 9:00-10:45 (2nd Fri)Time 2 Play for Baby: 14:00 - 15:30Parklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd01604 642118; Free drop in sessions

SpencerBreastfeeding Drop In Group: 9:00 - 12:00Health Walks: 9:30 - 10:30 (meet at recep)Somali Women’s Group: 9:30 - 11:30Child Minders group: 9:30 - 11:30Camrose Sure Start, Tenby Road, NN5 7DFFree; 01604 585219

St JamesStay & Play Drop-InSt James Health Clinic, St James9:30 - 11:30; Free; 01604 620484

Elim Mums and Tots GroupElim Christian Centre, Gladstone Rd, NN5 7EG10:00 - 11:30; £1 per family + 50p per siblingMichelle: 07799 314241. Term time only.Crafts, food and fun in happy, safe environment

The MountsMounts Baths Water PlaygroupThe Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400Maximum of two children under 8 years.

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ThorplandsThorplands Children’s Centre9:00 - 10:30: Health Visitor Clinic 11:15 - 12:45: Baby Massage (book)9:30 -11:30: Midwife Drop In13:00 - 14:30: Toddle Tots Group (fortnightly) 13:00 - 14:30: Little Stars (fortnightly)Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ. 01604 741131TT is for walking to 3yrs. Little Stars for preschool children with additional needs.

Weston FavellTumble TotsSt Peter’s Church Hall, High St, NN3 3JX9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 13:00: 3yrs+ Naomi - 07779 785166Structured Play from 6m to 5 yrs. Book!

WoottonWootton Trinity Toddler Group9.30 - 11.30; Wootton Trinity Church, High St.£2/family; Mandy: 01604 764605; 0-5s. Term.

Preston HedgehogsWootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill9:30 - 11:30; £2.50/family; Nicky-07854 441062Play time & songs. Term time only.

SATURDAYSBlackthornDads, Uncles & Grandads Drop In GroupBlackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Ct.10:00 – 12:00; 01604 413504

Grange ParkLittle Signers ClubKairos Centre, Saxon Ave, NN4 5FB

10:00 - 11:00 - beginner’s class (Prebook)Angie: 07816 484851Baby signing fun for you and little one

KingsthorpeDads’ GroupChildren’s Centre, St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS10:00 - 12:00; 01604 791537

Northampton CentreMove, Make & DoRoyal & Derngate, Guildhall Rd, NN1 1DP14:00 - 15:00. 01604 624811; £5 per childDrop in for stories, drama, dancing and music

Aqualight SwimmingBarry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS14:00 -18:00; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim classes for 0 - 7yrs. Prebook.

Birth Preparation Courses with PartnerVenue TBC in Northampton9:45 - 16:30 - prebook onlyClaire: 07966 288236; £60 per coupleLearn breathing, positioning & partners roles.

SpencerDad’s Stay & Play: 10:00 - 12:00, last Sat of month. Starts 29th Jan. 01604 585219Ante-Natal Parent Craft Classes: 10:00 - 15:00, alternative months. 01604 585219Camrose Children’s Centres, Tenby Rd,NN5 7DF

The Mounts, NorthamptonMounts Baths family swimmingThe Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN14:00 - 17:00; Tots are free; 01604 837400Maximum of two children under 8 years.

WoottonTumble TotsWootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill.

Gymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2 - 3 yrs: 11:30; 3yrs - school: 12:45Naomi - 07779 785 166Structured play for 6m-5yrs. Book a trial.

SUNDAYSDustonLittle KickersThe Duston School, Berrywood Rd, NN5 6XA9.30 - 10:15: 2 - 3½ yrs & 3½ - 5th b’day10.30 - 11:15: 2 - 3½ yrs & 1½ - 2yrs 3mth11.30 - 12:15: 2-3½yrs & 5-6 yrsLynne: 01327 310373Football classes for 18 months to 6 years

HunsburyUnder 8s Tots Water PlaygroupDanes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Road8:00 - 9:00; Tots are free; 01604 837200Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Northampton CentreAqualight SwimmingBarry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS15:00 -17:00; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim classes for 0 - 4s. Prebook.

The MountsMounts Baths Family SwimmingThe Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN8:00 - 15:45; Tots are free; 01604 837400Maximum of two children under 8 years.

Weston FavellLings Forum Family SwimmingLings Forum Leisure Centre, Billing Brook Rd.10:00 - 11:00; Tots are free; 01604 837 300Maximum of two children under 8 years

Northampton Borough

MONDAYSBicesterSing & SignSalvation Army building, Hart Place, Bicester9:45-10:45 (advanced), 11:00-12:00 (beginners)£66.00 per 11 wk term. Corma: 01280 704705Baby signing with music, instruments & props

BrackleyPreschool Gymnastics ClubBrackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way13:45 - 14:45; Booking essential: 01280 701789For 3 - 5 years. Termly, termtime only.

Noah’s ArkMethodist Church, High St, NN13 9:30 - 11:30 Parent & Toddler group for 0 -5s

Tiddlers Stay & Play: 10:00 - 11:30 (1-2 yrs)More than One!: 13:00-15:00 (mthly, for multiple birth families)Book Club: 19:00-20:00 (pre-book)Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor RoadFree Drop ins groups; 01280 841674

Childminder Support GroupRun by Brackley Children’s Centre, at Women’s Institute Hall, Manor Rd, Brackley9:30 - 11:30, monthly. Laura: 01280 841674Free Drop in session for childminders

Buckingham

Musical MinisWell St. Centre, Well St, MK18 1EN10:00 - 10:45; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in offers

Middleton CheneyStay & PlayMiddleton Cheney Village Hall10:00 - 11:30; 01327 811426; Free.Drop in; Crafts, games & toys.

Milton MalsorMusical MinisMilton Malsor Village Hall, NN710:00 - 10:45; Amanda: 01908 259914Fun session for 0 to pre-schoolers.

RoadeSing & SignRoade Children’s Centre, Village Hall10:30-12:00: Beginners + ImproversBook with Children’s Centre: 01327 811426Baby signing with music & props (free)

TowcesterLittle Turtle Swim Company9:30 – 12:00; Gateway School, TiffieldZara - 01908 543384; £54 for 6 weeks30-min swim sessions for 2mths–5 yrs.

Breastfeeding GroupBrook Health Ctre, Swinneyford Rd11:00 - 12:30; Free; 01327 323900Very informal and open to all mums

Mighty Atoms Soft Play SessionsTowcester Centre for Leisure14:00 – 15:00; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480

TUESDAYS BanburyActive Baby CompanyBloxham School, nr Banbury10:00 - 11:30; £48 per 6-week termDenise: 01604 826066. 30-min swimming classes. Booking essential

Rugrats Twins and Multiples GroupRugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Rd, OX16 1QY10:30-13:00; £4/family; Simone: 07921 460086Fortnightly meeting - in hols too.

BrackleyMusical MinisLeisure Centre, Springfield Way, NN13 6JJ10:30-11:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Mighty Atoms Soft Play SessionsBrackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child 01280 701787

Little FishesBaptist Church, Waynflete Close, NN13 6AE9:15 - 10:30 or 10:45 - 12:00; For 0 - 5s

Brackley Children’s Centre10:00-10:30: Baby Rhymetime (0-9 m)10:45-11:30: BABS Breastfeeding Grp

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Brackley Library, Manor Road; 01280 841674Free Drop In Groups

Crafty Play13:30 - 14:45; Run by Children’s Centre at Brackley Baptist Church.For 2-5yrs, please book your place

BugbrookeBugbrooke Stay & PlayBugbrooke Comm Centre, Camp Cl., NN7 3RW10:00 - 11:30; Free. 01327 811426Drop in play session inc crafts & singing.

Tiny Tots Service14.30pm - 15:15; Bugbrooke ChurchSinging & story service then toy-timeDeanshangerTiny Treasures Baby GroupDeanshanger Holy Trinity Church10:30 - 11:45; 01327 811426; FreeFor 0-6 months, 4th Jan to 22nd Feb

DentonVillage TotsVillage Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DL14:00 - 16:00; Lucy: 07919 185149£1.50; 2nd Tues of mth =baby weighing.

LitchboroughLitchborough Play TimeVillage Hall, Northampton Rd, NN12 8JA; 13:45 - 15:30; £1.50 per familyVanessa - 01327 830823; For 0 - 5sCrafts & singing, term time and hols too

RoadeRoade Parent & Toddler GroupVillage Hall, Bailey Brooks Ln, NN7 2LS10 - 12pm; £1.50 + 50p p/c over 1Charlotte: 01604 863193

TowcesterSing & Sign Baby SigningTowcester Children’s Centre10:30-12:00: Beginners + ImproversBooking essential: 01327 811426; freeBaby Signing classes with music & props

Parent & Baby SwimmingTowcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, 9:00 - 11:00; £25.20 for 6-week course01327 322480; Swim lessons for 6 mth+

Mighty Atoms Soft Play Sessions9:30 - 11:30; Towcester Centre for Leisure, Springfields, £3.20 per child; 01327 322480

WEDNESDAYSBrackleyPreschool Football SessionsBrackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way16:00 – 17:00; Booking #: 01280 701790Termly football course for 4 yr-olds.

Brackley Story Time10:30-11:00, Brackley Library, NN13 6AJFree Storytime sessions open to all

Baby Massage: 13:30 - 14:30 (WI Hall)Grandparents Group: 13:30 - 15:00Toy Library Ordering: 9:00 - 12:00 (monthly)Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor RoadGrandparents: 1st & 3rd wks of mthBaby Massage: Please book: 01280 841674

DeanshangerDeanshanger Toddler GroupHoly Trinity Church, Deanshanger13:30 – 15:00; Free; Jennie - 01908 564725

Childminder Support Group

Deanshanger Community Centre9:30 - 11:30; £2 per childminderRachel: 01908 261864

Greens NortonTots Own Toddler Group14:15 - 15:15; St Bartholemew’s Church30p; Harriet - 07738 003418; Term time only

HackletonCupcakes & Cuddles Cafe for BabiesHackleton Village Hall, Chapel Lane, NN7 2AH13:30 - 16:30; Stacy: 07880 558440; free; All yrFor those with babies in their first year.

Kings SuttonSing & SignKings Sutton Children’s Centre10:30 - 12:00. Book: 01327 811426Baby signing with music, instruments & props

Middleton CheneyLove Ballet Dance CompanyScout Hut, Midway, OX17 2QW15.50 (4-6yrs); 16:20 (7-10yrs); 16:50 (11yrs+)Miss Lorraine: 07711 010404Street Dance classes for children 4 years+

Middleton Cheney RhymetimeMiddleton Cheney Library, Main Road, OX1710:00 - 10:30, 1st Wed of the mth; Free

PattishallPattishall Mums & TotsPattishall Parish Hall, School Lane13:30 – 15:00; £1.50; Term time only.

RoadeRoade StorytimeRoade Library, High Street, NN716:00 - 16:30; Free; For 4 - 8s. Free


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TowcesterBaby Steps Pregancy & Postnatal Belly Dance Evening ClassesNicholas Hawksmoor School, NN12 6JA07801 966198 - booking essentialFun, friendship and fitness

Wednesday Tots GroupSt John’s Ambulance Hall, Islington Rd, NN129.30 – 11:00; £1.40; Jane - 01327 352321For 0 – 5s Inc. sing-song. Termtime only

Baby & Me GroupUpstairs Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd14:00 - 15:30; Donation for tea; 01327 350182For new babies up to 6 months

WestonWeston Tiny TotsWeston Baptist Chapel, High Street, NN12 8PU10:00 - 11:30; £2; Rosemary: 01295 760720Term time only

WinslowMusical MinisWinslow Public Hall, Elmsfield Gate, Bucks9:45 - 10:30; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

THURSDAYSAshtonAshton Parent & Toddler GroupAshton CE Primary School, Roade Hill, NN7 2JH13:30 - 15:00; £1; Laura - 07825 371624

BanburySing & SignRugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Road.13:30 - 14:30 (beginners + improvers)£66 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705Baby signing with music, instruments & props

BrackleyMighty Atoms Soft Play SessionsBrackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child. 01280 701787

First StepsSt Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Rd, NN13 7BZ9:15 - 11:30 (10:00 -12:00 in holidays)Val: 01280 701864; £1.50 per familyBreakfast, chat, songs, bible stories, crafts.

Sparrows Toddler Group9:30am - 11:30; St Peters Church, Church Rd

Brackley RhymetimeBrackley Library, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ14:15 - 14:45; Free; Cathy - 01280 703455Free singing sessions open to all

Brackley Children’s Centre

Action Kids: 10:15 - 11:00New Baby & You: 10:00 - 11:30 (6-12m)Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor RoadFree; 01280 841674New Baby & You runs fortnightly. Free drop-ins.

Fit to be MumRun by Brackley Children’s Centre, at Women’s Institute Hall, Manor Rd13:30 - 14:30. book: 01280 841674; FreePostnatal fitness training

BuckinghamSing & SignTumblers Play Centre, Bridge Street, MK18 1EL10:00 (advanced) & 11:00 (beginners)Corma: 01280 704705Baby signing with music, instruments & props

BugbrookeBugbrooke Parent & Tots9:00 - 11:00; Sunday School, Church LaneFree; 0 – 4s; Toys , painting & crafts activities.

EvenleySing & SignEvenley Village Hall, Broad Ln, NN13 5SD9:45 - 10:45 (adv), 11:00 - 12:00 (beginners)£66 per 11 wk term; Corma: 01280 704705Baby signing with music, instruments & props

KislingburyKizzle TotsKislingbury Baptist Church, Mill Rd, NN7 4BB9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family; For 0 – 4s. Heather - 07962 157669; Term time only.

RoadeRoade Stay & PlayRoade Community Centre10:00 - 11:30; 01327 811426; Free drop in Activities include crafts, games & toys.

SilverstoneMusical MonkeysSilverstone Pavillion, Church St, NN12 8XA10:30 - 11:30; £3.50 (£4 for family). Vanessa - 07917 683330 Drop in for music, parachute and cake!

Silverstone Tiny Tots9:15am; St Michael’s Church; Open to all.

Silverstone TiggersMethodist Church Rooms13:30 – 15:00: £1.50; Catherine: 07854 309241Puzzles, books, toys & trampoline.

Stony StratfordMusical MinisYork House, London Road, Stony Stratford.9:30 - 10:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Stony Stratford StorytimeStony Stratford Library, 5-7 Church Street 14:00 - 14:30; Free; 01908 562562Story sessions for under 5s

TowcesterBaby Steps Pregancy & Postnatal Belly Dance Classes13:15 - 14:15, Wellbeing Fitness, Old Greens Norton Rd, NN12 8AX. Book: 07801 966198.Fun, friendship and fitness

Little Signers Club13:30 - 14:30; Venue TBCAngie: 07816 484851; £45 for 6 weeksBaby signing fun for you and your little one

Pregnancy & Postnatal Pilates ClassesBrook health Centre, Towcester11am - 12pm; Susie: 07880 750 258Led by qualified Osteopath & experienced instructor

Bumps & Babies GroupThe Chantry House, Watling Street. 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 0844 2436299Relaxed with baby toys and soft mats.

Towcester Toy LibraryTowcester Community Centre, Islington Road9:30 - 11:30; £1.50 per family. Sheila: 01327 860437Toy hire from 50p. Re-opening February ‘11

FRIDAYSBanburySing & SignGrimsbury Comm. Hall, Burchester Pl. OX16 3JT9:45-10:45 (advanced); 11:00-12:00 (beginners)£66 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705Baby signing with music, instruments & props

BlakesleyBlakesley Mums & TotsBlakesley Village Hall, Blakesley10:00 - 11:30; £1.50 per familyFor 0 – 5s. Includes drinks and biscuit

BrackleyTadpoles Toddler Group10:00-11:30, St Peters Church, end of Church Rd


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New Baby & YouBrackley Children’s Centre, Brackley Library, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01280 841674Advice and support for babies 0 - 6 mths

CroughtonCroughton Mother & Tots GroupCroughton Village Hall10:00 – 12:00; £2; Beckie – 01869 819734From birth - school. Term-time only.

DeanshangerDeanie TotsCommunity Centre, Deanshanger9:30- 11:30; £2 per familyRachel: 07710845865; Toys and crafts/activities

Deanshanger RhymetimeDeanshanger Library, Little London, MK1914:00 - 14:30, 4th Friday of mthFree singing sessions open to all

Nether HeyfordNether Heyford Little Fishes GroupChurch rooms, The Green, NN7 3LE11:00 - 13:00; £1 (free first session)Lia: 07709 020378; Bring sandwiches for lunch.

Stony StratfordMusical MonkeysYork House Centre, London Rd, MK11 1JQ10:00 - 11:00; £3.50 (£4 for family). Vanessa - 07917 683330 Drop in for music, parachute and cake!

TowcesterTowcester Twins GroupBrook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd14:00 - 15.30 fortnightly; FreeMelanie - 01327 351097; Ring for dates

Parent & Baby Swimming LessonsTowcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12

9:00 - 11:00; £25.20 for 6-week course01327 322480; 30-min swim classes for 6 mths+

Towcester RhymetimeTowcester Library, Richmond Road, 10:00 , 10:45 & 11:30, 2nd & 4th wks of mthFree 30-min singing sessions for 0-5s

Towcester Stay & PlaySt John’s Ambulance Hall, Towcester10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01327 811426Activities include crafts, games & toys.

WickenAkeley Wood Baby & ToddlerAkeley Wood Nursery, MK19 6DA10:00 - 11:30; Free; Nicola - 01908 571231For 0 - 3s. Free play with lots of activities.

SATURDAYSBrackleyKids & Co. for Dads & Male CarersBrackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road10:00-12:00, Runs monthly.Please call for info & book: 01280 841674Free stay & play session for male carers & kids

Mighty Atoms

Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way, 10:30 – 12:30; £3.20 per child; 01280 701787Drop in soft play sessions for 0-5s

Swimming LessonsBrackley Pool, Manor Rd, NN13 6EE9:00; £4.20 per 30 minute lessonBooking essential: 01280 704906Termly swim lessons for 6 mths - 3 yrs

RoadeRoade RhymetimeRoade Library, High Street, NN710:00-10:30, 1st & 3rd Sat of month; FreeFree singing sessions open to all

TowcesterMighty AtomsTowcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN129:00 - 10:15; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480Soft play drop in sessions for 0 – 5s

Little Turtle Swim CompanyGateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield10:45–14:15; Zara: 01908 543384; £54 for 6wks30-minute swim sessions for 2 mths - 8 yrs

Parent & Baby Swimming LessonsTowcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN128:30-10:00; £25.20 for 6-wks; 01327 32248030-min swim classes for 6 mths+

SUNDAYSTowcesterActive Baby Company SwimmingGateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN128:30 – 13:00; Book as 5-week termDenise - 01604 82606630-min swim classes for 10wks–7y. Book.



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MONDAYSBraunstonLittle Fishes Toddler GroupAll Saints Church, High Street. 14:00 – 15:00; 07762 620707 (Marian), 01327 702466 (Liz)For 0 – 5s. Termtime only. Free!

ByfieldBaby ClinicByfield Surgery, Church St. NN1114:00 - 15:30pm; Free; Philippa - 01327 260804Health clinic inc weighing. Appointment only.

Catthorpe, LeicestershireMusic BugsThe Wheel Room, Manor Farm Cafe & Shop, Catthorpe, LE17 6DB9:10 and 10:00; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017Fun music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book a Taster!

CrickCrick TotsCrick Village Hall10:30 - 12:00; £2/family; Cath: 01788 824344Includes fun activities, snack and drink

DaventryLove Ballet Dance CompanyNene Hall, Tamar Sqre, The Grange, NN11 4RBMon: 16:00 & 16:30: 3-5yrs; 17:00: 5-6yrsLorraine: 07711 010404Ballet classes for children 3 years+. Older children and adult classes run at later times.

Acorn Parent & Toddler GroupUnited Ref. Church, Foundry Place

9.30 – 11:00; £1; Rosemary - 01327 8726500-5s. Story time 10.30 & singing 10.45.

DABS Breastfeeding GroupDaventry Sure Start Centre, 14 Benbow Close13:00 - 15:00; 01327 313861: FreeBreastfeeding support drop in group

Adventure World Soft PlayDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN119:30 – 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144Indoor soft play area For up to 8 yrs;

HarlestoneHarlestone Tiny TotsHarlestone Village Hall10:00 - 11:30; £1.50 + 50p p/c 1yr+Janet - 01604 843991. Please call b4 coming!For 0 – 4s. On in holidays too.

KilsbyKilsby PlaytimeKilsby Village Hall, Rugby Road9:45 - 11:45; £1.50 + 50p p/cSusan: 07845 751449 or 01788 823079All carers welcome. Termtime only.

Long BuckbyYoga for PregnancyLong Buckby Community Centre, NN6 7WB18:15 - 19:45; £42 for 6-week courseLizzy Giles: 07950 573719Physical & emotional pregnancy support

Long Buckby Mums & TotsCommunity Centre, 41 Station Rd, NN6 7QB9.30 – 11:30

Stay and PlayLong Buckby Community Centre14:00 - 15:30. 01327 701604; Free

Drop in session

RugbyMusic BugsHilmorton Paddox Methodist Church, Dunsmore Rd, CV22 5HD14:00 – 14:40; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017Music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book Taster!

Tumble TotsOverslade Community Centre, Buchanan RdGymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30;2-3yrs: 11:30; 3yrs to school: 12:45Naomi - 07779 785 166Structured play for 6m-5yrs all year. Book trial!

ScaldwellScaldwell Mums & TotsScaldwell Village Hall, School Lane, NN6 9LD10:00 - 12:00; £1.50 per familyKathryn - 01604 882786Friendly group. Termtime only.

Upper BoddingtonLove Ballet Dance CompanyUpper Boddington Village Hall, Warwick Road9:30 (Nursery Ballet) & 10:20 (Adult Ballet)Lorraine: 07711 010404; Ballet for 2 - 5yrs & adults (no exp. necessary)

Woodford HalseStay ‘n’ Play: 13:30 - 15:00Midwife Drop in: 14:00 -16:00 (monthly)Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SUFree; 01327 264809; Drop in session.

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TUESDAYSBoddingtonBoddington Toddler Group9:30 - 11:30; Boddington Village Hall, CV47

BraunstonBraunston RhymetimeBraunston Village Hall, The Green, NN11 7HW12:45 - 13:15; 07544 726185; FreeStories and Songs for the under 5s

Braunston Toddler Group13:30 - 15:00; Braunston Village Hall, NN11

DaventryTumble TotsThe Saxon Suite, Leisure Centre, Lodge Rd.9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 12:45: 3yrs - school Naomi - 07779 785166Structured Play from 6m to 5 yrs all year. Book!

Love Ballet Dance CompanyNene Hall, Tamar Sqre, The Grange.Acting, Performance & Singing: 16:00 (3-5 yrs), 16:45 (6-8yrs) & 17:45 (9-12yrs) Tap Dance: 17:15 (3-5yrs) & 17:45 (5-8yrs) Adults: 18:15-Tap; 19:15-Street; 8pm:ZUMBAMiss Lorraine: 07711 010404

Middlemore Parents & Tots (NCT)Middlemore Farm Pub, Hidcote Way, NN11 5JZ9:45 - 11:15; £1 donation; Clare: 0844 2436102For bump - 3 yrs. Hot drink included.

Toddlers GroupHoly Cross Church, Church Walk 13:30-14:45, 2nd Tues of mth; FreePaula: 01327 877979Termtime only. Fun find teddy game!

Adventure World Soft PlayDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN1113:00 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144Soft play area for up to 8 yrs

Stay ‘n’ PlayDaventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close, 12.30 - 14.30; Free; Jenny - 01327 313861For 0 -5s. Inc. messy play

Mums & TumsDaventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close9.15 - 11.15, 1st Tues of monthJenny - 01327 313861Run by midwife for pregnant mums

Daventry Rhymetime10:00 and 10:30, fortnightlyDaventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130Free singing & music sessions open to all

Health WalksDaventry Country Park/Scout Hall9:30 - 10:30; 01327 313861; FreeHealthy and fun walks - please book

Hot Tots Soft Play GroupDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP; 01327 8711449-11:00; £1.35 <18m; £2.85 18m+For 6m+. Bouncy castle and soft play.

Long BuckbyLong Buckby Mums and BabiesBaptist Church, on Market Place10.30 – 12:00; Free; Jane - 01327 843453For 0 - 4 years. In school holidays too!

SparklesLong Buckby9:30 - 11:00, venue TBC.

Referal only - please call 01327 701604 Group for children with additional needs

NasebyBrixworth & Villages NCT GroupNaseby Methodist Church10:00 - 12:00; £1.50 per familyJo - 01604 881344Non-members welcome

RugbyMusic BugsBilton Methodist Church, Main St, Bilton, CV22 7NB9:30 - 10:10 & 10:30 - 11:10; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017Music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book trial!

WeedonLittle Goslings Baby & ToddlerWeedon Bec Village Hall, West St, NN7 4QU13:30 – 15:00; £1.50 per familySonia - 01327 349951Toys, crafts, song time + outside play.

Woodford HalseWoodford Halse Children’s Centre10:30 - 12:30: New Babes Group 14:00 – 16:00: Toddles GroupScrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809; FreeNew babes 0 - 12 mths & Toddles 12 mths+

WEDNESDAYSBadbyBadby Mums & Tots9:30 - 11:30 Badby Village Hall, The Green

BarbyChatterbox Baby & Toddler GroupBarby Village Hall, Barby, Rugby, 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50; Inc drink & biscuit

BrixworthNature Tots @ Brixworth Country ParkNorthampton Road, NN6 9DG10:00 - 11:30 (3rd Wednesday of month)01604 883920; £3.00 - booking essentialA parents and tots group with a difference!

ByfieldRhyme TimeByfield School Hall, Bell Lane, NN11 6US10:15 - 11:00; Free; 01327 264809For 0 - 5s. Please pre-book

DaventryLittle Signers Club10:00 - 11:00; Daventry: venue TBCAngie: 07816 484851; £45 for 6 weeksBaby signing for you and your little one

Daventry Story Time10:15 - 10:35 (fortnightly)Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130Free story session open to all

Younger Parents GroupAbbey Centre, Market Square, NN11 4BH13:00 - 15:00; Free; Rose: 01327 313861

Toddler TimeDaventry Methodist Church Hall, Golding Close10:00 – 12:00

Adventure World Soft PlayDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN1113:00 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144

Breakfast Club: 8:30 - 9:30Itsy Bitsy (Baby clinic): 13:00 - 14:30Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow CloseFree; 01327 313861

Health Visitors: baby-weighing + advice.

Active Baby Company SwimmingBarcélo Hotel, Sedgemoor Way, NN11 0SG9:15 - 12:15; Book as 6-week termDenise - 01604 826066. Booking essential.30 min swim class for 10wks-4yrs.

GuilsboroughBreastfeeding Drop InGuilsborough Surgery, High Street, NN6 8QE11:30 - 13:00; 01604 740210

HellidonHellidon Baby & Toddler GroupAfternoon, various houses. Call for location!Angela - 07973 659092.

Active Baby Company SwimmingHellidon Lakes Hotel, Priors Marston Rd, NN11 6GG; 13:30 - 15:30; Book as 6-wk termDenise - 01604 826066. Booking essential.30-min swim classes for 8m-5yrs.

Long BuckbyLove Ballet Dance CompanyLong Buckby Baptist Church, Market Pl., NN6Gymnastics: 17:00 (3-6yrs) & 17:45: 7-10yrs Cheerleading: 18:30 (10yrs+) Lorraine: 07711 010404

Tatty BumpkinLong Buckby (venue TBC)14:15 - 15:0001327 701604; FreeYoga-inspired activity sessions. Book.

Postnatal GroupLong Buckby Community Centre9:30 - 11:00. Book: 01327 701604; Free

PitsfordPitsford Toddler GroupPitsford Village Hall. 9:30 - 11:30; £2 per familyLorraine - 01604 881353Termtime only. Great selection of toys!

Priors MarstonPriors Marston Toddlers9:30 - 11:30; The Priors Hall, CV47

WeedonMusical MinisWeedon Village Hall, West Street, NN7 4PQ9:30 - 10:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages

Fun with Music Drop InWeedon Bec School, West Street, NN7 4QU10:30 - 11:30; Free; 01327 264809

West HaddonCaterpillar ClubWest Haddon Village Hall, The Green, NN6 7AN9:15 - 11:15: £1.50 per childSarah: 01788 510760Termtime only. Craft corner and singing

Woodford HalseBaby Massage10:00 - 10:30, Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU01327 264809; Free

THURSDAYSBrixworthOlive Shoots Tots GroupBrixworth Library, Spratton Road10:00 - 11:30, £1 per family; 0-3 yrs.; Term onlyMargaret & John - 01604 646300

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Byfield Toddler GroupByfield Village Hall, Byfield, NN11 10:00 - 11:30am

DaventryMonkey Mayhem: 9:30 - 13:00Adventure World Soft Play: 15:00-17:30Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP.01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s;MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90Soft play fun! Inflatables and frame equipment

Scrap BooksDaventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close, NN11 4JP13:00 - 15:00. Book: 01327 313861

Look at Me (Sibling Group)15:30 - 17:00: Southbrook Junior SchoolReferral/book: 01327 313861

Stay n Play9:30 - 11:00: Daventry Family Centre01327 701604; Free drop in

Baby Bumpkins9:30 - 11:30, Ashby FieldsBook: 01327 313861; Free

East HaddonEast Haddon Toddler GroupThe Pavilion, East Haddon Playing Fields, (turning opp. Red Lion Pub)10:00 - 11.30; £1.50 per familyMelissa - 01604 770024

EverdonEverdon Parent & Toddler Group Everdon Village Hall, NN1113:00 - 15:00 : £1 per familyAlison: 01327 361811Building to right of church on main road.

Great BringtonBrington Mums & totsThe Reading Rooms, Great Brington, NN7 4JB9:30 – 12:00; £2; Lucy – 07779 646074For 0 – 4s. In holidays too!

KelmarshParent & Tots GroupNagarjuna Centre Cafe, Kelmarsh, NN6 9LZ12:00 - 14:00; Sarah - 01604 686778Free drink with every panini order!

Long BuckbyStory & Rhyme Time10:30 - 11:15, Long Buckby Library01327 701604; Free drop in

MoultonYoga for PregnancyThe Old Cart Barn, NN6 9BB18:30 - 20:00; £48 for 6-week courseLizzy Giles: 07950 573719Physical & emotional pregnancy support

Hypno-Birthing Introduction ClassPitsford, near Moulton, Northampton20:00 - 20:45; freeGill Blayney - 01604 643356Free introductory Hypno-Birthing class.

OverstoneAqualight SwimmingOverstone Park, Northampton9:45 - 11:15; Book as 11-wk termEmmaline Kitson - 01604 83040530-min swim classes for 6m-3yrs. Book!

StavertonStaverton Mums & TotsStaverton Village Hall, Croft Lane , NN11 6JE10:30 - 12:00

WeltonWelton Parent & Toddler Group9:45 - 11:15, Welton Village Hall Lee: 07977 191054. £1.50With road safety themed ride on area!

Woodford HalseSpecial Needs Group: 10:00-12:00 (mthly)Adoption Support Group: 15:30-17:00 (mthly)Woodford Halse Children’s CentreScrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 26480910:00 - 12:00, Once a mth - call for dayFree drop in session

FRIDAYSBrixworthBrixworth RhymetimeBrixworth Library, Spratton Road9.45 - 10.20; Free; Jill - 01604 882153Free singing session. Termtime only

Stay and Play10:30 - 12:30, Brixworth Community Centre01327 701604; Drop in

Postnatal Group: 14:00 - 15:30 (book)Babies, Bumps and Breastfeeding: 12:30 - 13:30 Brixworth (venues TBC). 01327 701604

DaventryLove Ballet Dance CompanyNene Hall, Tamar Square, NN11 4RBFunky Dance: 16:15 & 16:45 (4-7yrs) Gymnastics: 17:15 (3-6yrs) & 17:45 (7yrs+) Street Dance: 18:15 (8yrs+); ZUMBA: 19:00Miss Lorraine: 07711 010404 Dance and Gymnastics classes for 3yrs+

Breastfeeding Support GroupUnited Reformed Church, Foundry Place, (next door to Dorothy Perkins)12:00 - 14:00; 01327 313861Breastfeeding drop in with Hlth Visitors

Hunny BeesThe Family Centre, Staverton Rd10:00 - 12:00; FreeSally (H/V) - 01327 708819Group for under 5s with special needs

Monkey Mayhem: 9:30 - 13:00Adventure World Soft Play: 13:00 - 17:30Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP.01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s;MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90Soft play fun! Inflatables and frame equipment

Two or More Group (Twins+)The Grange School, Staverton Rd, NN11 4HW9:30 - 11:30, once a month; FreeLiz: 07881911464, Jo: 01327700459Bump-3yr. Once a month - call for details plse.

Baby / Toddler Music ClassesChildren’s Centre, 14 Benbow Cl, NN11 4JP9:30 - 11:30. Book: 01327 313861

Healthy Cooking on a Budget9:30 - 11:30: Daventry Scout Hallreferral/book: 01327 313861

Long BuckbyLong Buckby Rhymetime

Long Buckby Library, Station Road, NN6 7QB14:45-15:15, 2nd & 4th Fri of mth; Free singing sessions. Termtime only.

RugbyRugby Breastfeeding CafeClaremont Children’s Centre, Claremont Road, Rugby, CV21 3LU12:00 – 14:00; Rosie - 07772 280302

Music BugsTownsend Memorial Hall, Church St, Clifton Upon Dunsmore9:30 - 10:10 & 10:30 - 11:10; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017Music sessions for 0-5s. Book a taster!

Buggy WalkStarting from Weedon Village Hall9:30 - 11:00; Free; 01327 264809Gentle exercise out in the fresh air. Drop in.

WelfordWelford Babes & Tots GroupWelford Community Centre, West St, NN69:30 - 11:00; 07981 197855; £2 + 50p p/siblingOpen all year. Warm welcome. 1st Session Free

Woodford HalseWoodford Halse Children’s CentreFamily Morning with H/V: 9:00 - 11:30Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809Free drop in group

SATURDAYSBarbyStagecoach Drama SchoolBarby Primary School3 hours every Saturday, term time only01295 760056 or 07887 543168; Drama school for 4yrs+- Act, sing & dance

DaventryLittle KickersDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Rd, NN11 4FP9:15: 2-3½ yrs; 10:15: 3½-4yrs; 11:10: 5-6yrsLynne: 01327 310373 Football classes for 18 months to 6 years

Adventure World Soft PlayDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN119:00 - 17:30; £1.65 <5s. 01327 871144Please call to check open on weekends

Upper BoddingtonLove Ballet Dance CompanyUpper Boddington Village Hall, Warwick RoadBallet: 9:00 (3-5yrs), 10:15 (5-7yrs), 11:30 (7-9yrs), 13:15 (9-11yrs), 14:00 (11yrs+), 15:00 (12yrs+)Gymnastics: 9:45 (4-6yrs); 11.00 (6-8 yrs), 12.45 (8 yrs+)Street Dance: 12:15 (6-8yrs), 14:30 (9yrs+) Lorraine: 07711 010404

Woodford HalseDads/Grandads/Uncles MorningWoodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU10:00 - 12:00; Free; Plse Book: 01327 264809One Saturday p/month - please call for details

SUNDAYSAdventure World Soft PlayDaventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN119:00 - 17:30; £1.65 <5s. 01327 871144Please call to check open on weekends

Daventry District

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Arts & Crafts 41Baby Equipment 41Baby Shops 41Breastfeeding Support 41Business Opportunities 41-42Children’s Toy Shops 43Children’s Fashion 43Groups & Classes 44

Health & Wellness inc. Pregnancy 44-45Indoor Play Centres 45Nurseries & Childcare 46-47Party Entertainers 47Photographers 47-48Preschools & Playgroups 48Shows & Events 48Sure Start Children’s Centres 48Unique Products & Gifts 48-49

Pink & Blue Baby WorldWebsite: www.pinkandbluebabyworld.comSee full advert on page 22

Cushi Tush - “The perfect babysitter”Website: www.cushitush.co.ukSee full advert on inside back cover

BabyWays Breastfeeding SupportSee full advert on page 10

Northants Breastfeeding SupportSee full advert on page 14

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The Maple Tree ClinicMultidisciplinary clinic in East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ

See full advert on page 17

Baby Steps Pregnancy & Postnatal Belly Dance ClassesTel: 07801 966198 | [email protected]: www.openartsurgery.co.ukDance to an easier pregnancy, labour and a faster recovery.

Health & Wellness for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond

Groups & Classes for Babies & Toddlers

Yoga for PregnancyPregnancy and Postnatal Yoga | 07950 573719


Mummies Birth BuddyPregnancy & Postnatal Yoga & Massage, Doula & Belly casting. See full advert on page 33

ABC Birthing ServicesHypnoBirthing Practitioner & Doula | 01604 643356


Active Baby Company: Swimming & MassageClasses across Daventry, Towcester & NorthamptonSee full advert on page 32

Musical MinisIn Grange Park, Brackley, Weedon & Stony Stratford See full advert on page 35

Music BugsClasses in Grange Park, Hardingstone & Abington See full advert on page 29

L’il DynosFun-filled classes for 4 years+ in Northampton See full advert on page 25

Move, Make & Do @ Royal & DerngateFun-filled sessions with dance, music, art & stories See full advert on page 28

Aqualight Babies: Swimming & Baby YogaClasses run all week across NorthamptonSee full advert on page 30

GymBugsClasses run Mon, Tues & Wed in NorthamptonSee full advert on page 32

Little Kickers (for 18 mths - 6yrs)Classes in Northampton, Daventry & RugbySee full adverts on pages 25 & 38

LoveBallet (for 2 years - adult)Dance, Gymnastics & Drama classes, many locationsSee full advert on pages 38

Little Turtle Swim CompanySwimming Classes: in Towcester & Milton KeynesSee full advert on page 37

Tumble TotsClasses in Northampton, Daventry & RugbySee full advert on page 25

Sing & SignBaby Signing classes across South NorthantsSee full advert on page 36

Swimming

Music

Martial Arts

Soccer

Dance & Drama

Baby Signing

Gymnastics

Musical Monkeys - Entertainment & refreshmentsSilverstone Pavilion, Church St., Silverstone, NN12 8XA10:30-11:30am every Thursday. Contact Vanessa SmithTel: 07917 683330 e: [email protected], parachute, bubbles, stickers, drinks & cakes!

Stagecoach Daventry & RugbyEnrolling now for drama and theatre classesSee full advert on page 13

Little Signers ClubKingsthorpe, Grange Park, Hardingstone & Weedon Tel: 07816 484851 e: [email protected]: www.littlesignersclub.co.ukTots love our interactive classes, bringing signs to life!

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Nurseries & ChildcareNurseries & Childcare

Photographers (more overleaf)

Akeley Wood Nursery & SchoolAddress: Wicken Park, Milton Keynes, MK19 6DAt: 01280 812000 | w: www.akeleywoodschool.co.ukBrand new nursery facility for children from 12 mths

See full advert on inside front cover

Party EntertainersMiss Tickle Magic Children’s EntertainerAlison Williams, 43 Oaklands, Bugbrooke, NN7 3QUTel: 01604 831483 / 07915 699322Website: www.missticklemagic.co.ukChildren’s Parties Silly Magic, Balloons and lots of fun!

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Sure Start Children’s Centres

Shows & Events

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Preschools & Playgroups

Brackley Library Children’s CentreManor Rd, Brackley, NN13 6AJ | Tel: 01280 841674

See full advert on Page 35

Daventry Cluster Children’s CentreBenbow Cl., Southbrook, NN11 4JP | 01327 313861

See full advert on Pages 6- 7

Chris and Pui Roadshow 2011Tues 12th April: 11:00 & 13:30 @ Royal & Derngate


The Gruffalo’s ChildFri 29th April - Sun 1st May @ Royal & Derngate


Northampton NCT Nearly New SaleSaturday 9th April: 11:15-13:00 (Members 10:30)


Towcester Scout Hall PreschoolOpen: Mon - Friday, Mornings and Lunch clubs tooAdd: Baden Powell Crescent, Towcester, NN12 6DS 07890 525116 | [email protected], friendly preschool in the heart of Towcester

Unique Products & Gifts

Hackleton Pre-School PlaygroupOpen: Mon - Friday; Morning, Lunch and AfternoonAdd: Hackleton Village Hall, Chapel Lane, NN7 2AH07561509635 | www.hackletonpreschoolplaygroup.co.ukWelcoming pre-school children from 2½ years

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Read the full reviews and many more at www.toddleabout.co.uk

Yoga for Pregnancy

Musical Minis - classes across Northants

Move, Make & Do - Royal & Derngate, Saturdays 2 - 3pm.

Kooch - Children’s ClothesFrom the beginning of my pregnancy I assumed that I would need all the medical intervention available to cope with the ordeal of giving birth.I joined Lizzy’s Antenatal Yoga class, because I saw it as something structured and safe for myself and baby. However, I found to my sur-prise that it was much more. As the weeks have passed I have learned many things that have helped to empower me about birth, including movement, focused breathing and relaxation. Knowing what to expect, and what I can do to help the process, calms the anxieties that I had and I am now looking forward to the birth.I know that giving birth is unpredictable and doesn’t always go to plan, but I now believe that I can have a positive experience. I’m 25 weeks now and it will be a pleasure to continue with the class until my baby ar-rives. Review by Brenda Jenkins. See advert p. 38

The class took place in a warm, clean and bright room. Amanda and her assistant were very welcoming, as were all the mums and children who go to the class on a regular basis.We started with Amanda and Melody the puppet singing good morning to all of the children individually with the group joining in. We then sung several songs sitting down and walking around in a circle. Music provided the basis for a ball game, keeping the balls in the circle and kicking them to each other…until the music stopped and all movement stopped too! Lewis saw his fair share of balls and touched them, even though the age range was mixed. Next a large box of instruments was brought out and the children were allowed to make as much noise as they wanted! We finished with a series of rhymes and the ‘Hokey Cokey’, which all the children (and mums!) joined in with wholeheartedly.Overall, Lewis really enjoyed himself and I would highly recommend Musical Minis to anyone whose child is inter-ested in music. Review by Gail Roe. See full advert on p.35 and free trial offer in centre pages.

In March, we popped down to one of the Move, Make and Do sessions run by the Royal and Derngate theatre, and we really enjoyed ourselves! The sessions are run specifically for under fives and are a rich mix of story telling, interactive role play, singing, dancing and craft activities. Every week, there is a new theme for the session and Miriam, the group leader, becomes a new character. The week we went she was ‘Gnomey’ the gnome. The sessions run for an hour (2 – 3pm every Saturday) and are followed by craft activi-ties. Throughout the hour, Gnomey took us to her pond (a gathering of brightly coloured sheets of blue material) where we sang about the little ducks who swam over the hills and far away. This was quickly followed by the children ‘diving under the water’ to find

the ducks, followed by dancing to music, a physical game, then more singing and all interspersed with some expertly crafted story-telling which held the children spell-bound and encouraged their participation. At £5 a child, Move, Make & Do is great value and a lovely afternoon’s entertainment. See advert on p. 28 for more info.

I can hand on my heart say that Morag Larsen has blown me away with her new Kooch brand.We were sent an item of clothing for each of our children to review. The packages arrived in brightly coloured parcels, with beautifully personalised labels, which were very exciting to open! On opening, we were delighted with the bright colours, tasteful de-signs and the overall quality of the products. Alice, 3½, was particularly taken with the designs. One T-shirt depicted a tall, thin building which she pointed out must be where Mr. Skinny lives! She was incredibly keen to wear her T-shirt and show it off to her friends.

As well as being stylish, all Kooch’s garments are ethically produced in Africa from 100% high quality cotton, free from chemicals which is reassuring.We are giving Kooch a big, fat 10/10 - it is definitely a brand worth looking at.

See advert on p.43 & voucher

Reviews Read full reviews and many others at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles

Toddle About Northamptonshire April - June 2011

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