Raring2go! Esher & Weybridge

TICKETS ON SALE NOW, SCAN TO BOOK LOOK OUT FOR DISCOUNTS/OFFERS FESTIVE FAMILY FUN / SANTA P4 raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2024/25 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD ESHER AND WEYBRIDGE WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO P6

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Welcome to the Winter edition! Raring2go! Welcome to the Winter Edition! Christmas is such a magical time of year, and this year there seems to be even more going on locally! Whether you wish it could be Christmas every day or you’re a bit bah humbug over the festive season, I hope we’ve got something for everyone, to ensure a wonderful Winter. Santa and his elves are already making final preparations for his busy travels on Christmas Eve. In this edition, you’ll find out where to meet Santa, together with lots of ideas for family days out. Make sure you remember to use any discounts offered. We are very lucky to have such fabulous local attractions on our doorstep, so please make sure you mention that you’ve seen them in Raring2go! when visiting. Although the winter edition is the last issue of the year, we don’t just put our feet up until Spring! Our social media channels and website gives you loads of family-friendly resources and information, including recipes, activities for inside and out, places to go, and more. If you sign up as a member, not only can you enter our local and national competitions and access our Raring2go! discounts and vouchers, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for all the latest news. Wishing you all a very wonderful Christmas! Kirsten Hackman xx Get in Touch: 07858 751776 esherandweybridge@raring2go.co.uk

November Festive Family Fun / Where’s Santa? Raring2go! Festive Family Fun / Where’s Santa? 4 raring2go.co.uk Saturday 16th Nov – Sunday 5th January Wimbledon Quarter Ice Skating at the Quarter Set within Wimbledon Quarter’s winter wonderland, our ice rink has DOUBLED IN SIZE providing weather-proof festive fun for families, friends and couples of all ages and abilities. Join us as we bring the magic to Wimbledon once again with a 20m x 14m real-ice rink, located inside Wimbledon Quarter – so we’ll be skating no matter the weather! There will be sessions for everyone including dedicated quiet and sensory-friendly slots and children’s skates and aids. So lace up your skates and join us at Wimbledon Quarter, where the magic of the season awaits! wimbledonquarter.com/event/ ice-skating-at-the-quarter-2024/ Saturday 16th Nov - Sunday 26th Jan Polka Theatre The Nutcracker A festive, magical quest for the whole family inspired by the story of ‘The Nutcracker’. Full of surprising rodent singalongs and featuring a sleigh-load of familiar festive bangers that’ll have you dancing in your seat. polkatheatre.com/ Friday 22nd November - Friday 3rd Jan Hever Castle and Gardens Christmas at Hever Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas in the Castle, witness enchanting reimaginations of classic tales on the trail and meet beloved characters. As darkness falls from 4pm, the grounds are magically transformed, as the castle, gardens and lake are bathed in festive lights. www.hevercastle.co.uk Friday 22nd November - Sunday 5th Jan Glow at RHS Garden Wisley It’s the brightest night of the year! Packed with sparkling new features for 2024, bring family and friends for an enchanting festive experience. See the garden transformed on a wonderful new illuminated trail, and enjoy festive food and Christmas shopping. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/ Saturday 9th Nov - Tues 24th December Garsons Esher Meet & Greet Father Christmas The Long Winter and the White Witch’s magic has been lifted. Book your tickets to meet Father Christmas in a magical Narnia setting. www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/GarsonsEsher Thursday 14th Nov - Sunday 5th January Festive Fun in Kingston Upon Thames From the charming Christmas Market to the magical Nutcracker Trail, featuring 15 life-sized Nutcracker statues hidden around the town centre, there’s something for everyone. Experience the magic of Christmas in Kingston with sparkly lights, late night shopping, live music, and more. kingstonuponthames.info/christmas2024 Friday 15th Nov - Saturday 4th January Windsor Great Park Illuminated Be captivated as woodland and water come to life at Windsor Great Park with dazzling NEW lights, spectacular displays of colour and breathtaking reimagined projections. windsorilluminated.com/ Saturday 16th Nov - Tues 24th December Chessington Garden Centre Santa’s Christmas Wonderland A cheerful elf sits beneath a towering, twinkling Christmas tree, inviting visitors to a short, magical Christmas story. Once the tale concludes, visitors step through the front door of a life-sized gingerbread house, entering a kitchen that’s a feast for the senses. Board a magical train that promises to whisk them away to a snow-covered Christmas town, and to the heart of Santa’s workshop… It’s time to meet Santa… www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

5 Raring2go! Festive Family Fun / Where’s Santa? Friday 22nd Nov - Sunday 5th January Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Skate Through History Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is the perfect way to glide into the season. Lace up your skates, bring your loved ones, and get ready for an enchanting experience on the ice. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/ Saturday 23rd Nov - Tuesday 24th Dec Father Christmas at Godstone Farm! Father Christmas has his wellies on and is ready to welcome you to his enchanted grotto. With so many magical activities to enjoy, from ‘Jingle and Jangle’s Christmas Adventure’, an interactive and captivating show, to festive cookie decorating and crafts, this promises to be a Christmas like no other! godstonefarm.co.uk Saturday 23rd Nov - Tuesday 24th Dec Hobbledown Epsom / Hobbledown Heath A Christmas encounter to remember! With twinkling lights and festive treat trails, step into Santa’s magical grotto - he’s heard so much about you, and has been waiting all year to meet you... New offerings for 2024 include After School Santa’s Grotto and Toddler Storytime with Santa. www.hobbledown.com Saturday 23rd Nov - Tuesday 24th Dec Squires Garden Centre Meet Santa in his magical grotto Be welcomed by one of the jolly elves and chat with Santa himself - you can ask him what you’ve always wanted to know! Running on selected dates and centres. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk Saturday 23rd Nov - Tuesday 31st Dec Chessington World of Adventures Winter’s Tail Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Winter’s Tail, with our brand new Christmas Village, promising a sleigh-full of festive delights for the whole family to enjoy! With the help of our jolly elves step into a world of wonder as you journey through a festive wonderland to meet the big man. Take a break from decking the halls and dive into the excitement with select rides and amazing attractions PLUS a Christmas Panto! After Christmas, dust off those Christmas blues and join us with your nearest and DEERest for some post-Christmas fun. www.chessington.com/explore/events/christmas/ Saturday 23rd Nov - Saturday 4th Jan London Transport Museum Christmas at the Museum All aboard for festive fun! Santa will be landing his sleigh at the Museum to meet families from 23 November until 23 December. Step into a magical winter scene in our Transportorium Garden where little ones can climb aboard Santa’s interactive sleigh adorned with buttons, bells and lights for imaginative play. Activities will also run right through to the new year. www.ltmuseum.co.uk/ Saturday 23rd Nov - Saturday 4th Jan Peacock Theatre The Snowman Make your Christmas a cracker with this family treat that will melt your heart. Join the Boy as his Snowman comes to life and they embark on a magical adventure far across the world. This is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. peacocktheatre.com Saturday 23rd Nov - Sunday 5th Jan Polesden Lacey A Christmas Masquerade See the extravagantly decorated house styled as a Christmas masquerade ball, ride on the Christmas carousel and enjoy the festive family trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/polesden-lacey/ Thursday 28th Nov – Sunday 5th January Epsom Downs Racecourse Epsom on Ice Ice skating for the whole family with fun guaranteed! PLUS enjoy a wide variety of delicious festive food and drinks! The ice rink is covered, with free on-site parking. thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/events-tickets/ice-skating Friday 29th Nov - Tuesday 24th Dec Battersea Arts Centre Santa’s Grotto Setting up shop in our historic building, we’ve decked the halls and created a cosy nook for Old Saint Nick ready to meet your loved ones this festive season. bac.org.uk/whats-on/santas-grotto-2024/

Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go 6 raring2go.co.uk FATHER CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO GODSTONE FARM! Father Christmas has his wellies on and is ready to welcome you to his enchanted rotto. With so many ma ical activities to enjoy, from ‘Jin le & Jan le’s Christmas Adventure’, an interactive and captivatin show, to festive cookie decoratin and crafts, this promises to be a Christmas like no other! ALL DECEMBER Jingle & Jangle’s Christmas Adventure Experience the magic of Christmas in Kingston with a Nutcracker Trail, sparkly lights, late night shopping, live music, and more. @inkingstonuk Discover more kingstonuponthames.info/ christmas2024

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8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What to Do and Where to go Saturday 7th – Monday 23rd December West Horsley Place Meet Father Christmas Guess who is coming to town this holiday season! Running on selected days, your festive experience will of course include meeting the big man himself, but so much more besides including crafts and biscuit decorating. www.westhorsleyplace.org/ Saturday 7th Dec - Sunday 5th January New Wimbledon Theatre Jack and the Beanstalk Don’t miss Wimbledon’s GIGANTIC panto spectacular! Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams and the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime! www.atgtickets.com/shows/ jack-and-the-beanstalk/new-wimbledon-theatre/ Saturday 7th Dec - Sunday 5th January Richmond Theatre Beauty and the Beast Dreaming of a happier life, Belle finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a terrifying beast. To her surprise, the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress. Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Or will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart? www.atgtickets.com/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/ richmond-theatre/ Saturday 7th Dec - Sunday 5th January Claremont Landscape Garden Countdown to Christmas Trail Join us for a festive walk as we countdown to the big day! Peek behind doors, enjoy festive fun and games and get into the Christmas spirit with the family on a wintery walk around Claremont. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/claremont Sunday 8th December Royal Albert Hall My Christmas Orchestral Adventure Calling Santa’s little helpers! My Christmas Orchestral Adventure returns this December for more family festivities! www.royalalberthall.com/ Friday 29th Nov - Tuesday 24th Dec Battersea Arts Centre The Holly King and The Oak King This brand-new festive adventure invites you on an unforgettable journey across the seasons. As the story unfolds through puppetry and performance, the whole family becomes part of the action in this theatrical trail with plenty of surprises along the way. bac.org.uk/whats-on/ the-holly-king-and-the-oak-king/ Friday 29th Nov - Sunday 5th January Shakespeare’s Globe Hansel and Gretel Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel, as a new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage transforms the Globe Theatre with poetry, songs and hope this winter. www.shakespearesglobe.com/ whats-on/hansel-and-gretel-2024/ Saturday 30th Nov - Wednesday 1st Jan Christmas at Ham House and Garden Enjoy the festive season at Ham House and Garden with sumptuous decorations, family-friendly trails and more. nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden Saturday 30th Nov - Sunday 5th January Painshill 12 Days of Christmas Trail Can you find all the Christmas gifts and complete the carol as you explore Painshill? A trail sheet will be available to pick up from the Visitor Centre. painshill.co.uk/events/12-days-of-christmas-trail/ Friday 6th – Tuesday 31st December Princes Hall, Aldershot Beauty and the Beast Be our guest as we follow Belle, a beautiful young woman, and the Beast, a handsome Prince who has been placed under an evil spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the spell will be broken, and he will return to his true self. But time is running out... www.princeshall.com Friday 6th Dec - Sunday 2nd February Polka Theatre The Snowy Day Discover a world blanketed in wonder in this brand-new dance adaptation of ‘The Snowy Day’, specially designed for 1-4 year olds and their grown-ups. polkatheatre.com/

9 Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go Wednesday 11th Dec - Tuesday 24th Dec New Wimbledon Theatre The Night Before Christmas It’s the most exciting night of the year and as Woody and Milly attempt to fall asleep, all the magic and wonder of Christmas Eve reveals itself! atgtickets.com/shows/the-night-before-christmas/ studio-at-new-wimbledon-theatre/ Guildford Spectrum Aladdin on Ice Friday 13th - Sunday 15th December Get ready to be whisked away on a thrilling adventure this festive season as Spectrum Ice presents Aladdin on Ice! Join the courageous Aladdin as he embarks on a whirlwind adventure filled with wishes, genies, and a touch of festive magic. Witness the beauty and wonder of Agrabah come to life on ice at Guildford Spectrum. www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/ Friday 13th December - Sunday 5th Jan Fairfield Halls Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Mirror, mirror on the wall… What’s the greatest panto of them all? Poor Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen. In true rags-to-riches style, Snow White manages, with the help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome Prince and make her dreams come true. With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a naughty nurse, a hilarious jester and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s not to be missed! Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a truly magical treat for all the family. This festive extravaganza is on sale now so book your seats today! Heigh-Ho… Heigh-Ho… It’s off to Fairfield Halls panto we go! www.fairfield.co.uk/ Saturday 14th - Tuesday 24th December Carols at the Royal Albert Hall Christmas isn’t complete without carols at the Royal Albert Hall. We’re hosting 15 performances of sing-along carols across six days. A festive favourite! www.royalalberthall.com/ Sunday 22nd Dec: 1.30pm and 4.30pm Mozart Symphony Orchestra The Snowman (at Cadogan Hall) The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns for its annual performance of The Snowman, with the film showing on the big screen and a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack. 15-year-old Alice Mackenzie sings the aria made famous by Aled Jones: ‘Walking in the Air’. Plus, The Gruffalo (composed for orchestra and narrator by Philip Mackenzie) returns alongside its sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child with each character represented by a different instrument of the orchestra… what will the Gruffalo be? This concert is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family. cadoganhall.com/ Sunday 29th - Tuesday 31st December Royal Albert Hall The Nutcracker It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker! Created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes and dazzling projections, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class ballet dancers and orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Experience the true magic of Christmas, as Clara’s toys come to life at the stroke of midnight. Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. www.royalalberthall.com/ Saturday 15th Feb - Sunday 30th March Polka Theatre The PEA and the Princess Leap into a high velocity adventure, into the world of a Ninja Princess on a mega-mission, a practical Prince concocting the best inventions, a Queen with a slightly worrying crown obsession, and a very green baddy indeed. Featuring super catchy songs, some familiar fairytale faces and a brand-new twist-in-the-tale, this is a story that you definitely wouldn’t want to sleep on! polkatheatre.com/

BOOK NOW Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall My Christmas Orchestral Adventure // The Nutcracker // Carols

11 Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Winter’s Tail on select dates from 23 November – 31 December 2024. Our festive extravaganza promises a sleigh-full of Christmas delights for the whole family to enjoy including NEW FOR 2024: Christmas Village! Take a break from decking the halls and dive into the excitement with a selection of our magical rides and attractions PLUS a Christmas Panto! Whether you’re planning on a winter getaway in one of our Resort Hotels or a festive day out – don’t miss out on Winter’s Tail! Book your Winter’s Tail ticket from £35pp or a festive short break from £49pp*. Tickets are on sale now, visit chessington.com Embark on a magical adventure in the Christmas Village where you will be guided by our jolly elves through a snowy forest to a cosy woodfire grotto to meet Father Christmas. Then venture through Enchanted Hollow, the underground town where the Elves have set up their Toy Workshop and will be ready with an early Christmas gift from Father Christmas. *£49pp based on family of four in a standard room. Price correct at time of print.

12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go Set Sail for Hoebridge’s Crazy Golf Course Lost your way through the Surrey Hills and looking for an adventure through lost pirate territory and broken seas? Oh, you have found the right place, explorer. Festooned with obstacles, Mr Mulligans’ Pirate Golf offers an exciting 18-hole adventure, perfect for those seeking a fun-filled outing. Using just a club, you will have to navigate your way around a huge pirate ship, lakes, waterfalls, rafts, cannons and even the resident crocodile! A great attraction for all ages, Mr Mulligans’ Pirate Golf is perfect for a day’s outing and ideal for children’s parties, team building exercises and corporate events. As you embark on this pirate-themed escapade, you’ll face challenges that will test your skills and creativity. Every corner reveals a new surprise, turning each moment into an exciting part of your pirate journey. With laughter, excitement, and a touch of pirate lore, Mr Mulligan’s Pirate Golf promises a memorable adventure for everyone. Gather your crew and set sail for a day of swashbuckling fun and unforgettable moments! Whether you’re a seasoned mini golfer or a first-time player, the imaginative course design and engaging atmosphere ensure a fantastic experience for all.

13 Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go The gift bearer to all good creatures is arriving for The Chronicles of Christmas at Garsons, Esher. Book tickets and secure your session to meet Father Christmas in a magical Narnia setting. BOOK NOW for Father Christmas at Garsons! The Long Winter and The White Witch’s magic has been lifted. The gift bearer to all good creatures is arriving for The Chronicles of Christmas at Garsons. Book your tickets to meet Father Christmas in a magical Narnia setting at Garsons Garden Centre. During the special visit, each child will receive a Christmas gift, and there will also be an opportunity for additional family photo gifts. Father Christmas will be at Garsons Esher from 9th November until Christmas Eve. Tickets are on sale now. We recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets are not available to purchase in-store. The cost per child is £15.50, £1.50 booking fee applies. Visit Garsons What’s On website page for bookings, as well as other children’s Christmas activities such as colouring competitions and Father Christmas letters. www.garsons.co.uk/activities TICKETS ON S SCAN TO

BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE KIDS ENTRY FROM £10* DISCOVER *When you book tickets online in advance of your visit. Children aged 4-17. Children under 4 go free. WEYBRIDGE, Surrey

Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go 15 Find out more & book at Painshill.co.uk Days of Christmas 30 November - 5 January Cobham, Surrey Set within a stunning landscape Registered charity 284944 Coming to Painshill this festive season Trail A Touch of Nostalgia at Painshill Painshill is a stunning 160 acre 18th century landscaped garden nestled in Cobham, Surrey boasting incredible views and a surprise around each corner. Inspired by the festive song, The 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill for 2024 will see visitors searching out each of the gifts mentioned; from two turtle doves through to twelve drummers drumming and of course, a partridge in a pear tree! With a touch of nostalgia, figures will be made from traditional wooden materials and each one will be individually hand-painted. Children can pick up a Trail Sheet from the Visitor Centre to help them to complete the Trail. The Trail is included in general admission and tickets are cheaper if booked online in advance. Find out more and book at Painshill.co.uk

16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Caring for Pets this Festive Season

17 Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go *Selected dates Meet Santa in his magical grotto at Squire’s Shepperton, TW17 8SG From Sat 23 Nov – Tue 24 Dec* £9 per child, includes wrapped gift. £1 from every child ticket will be donated to charity. Visit squiresgardencentres.co.uk for details. Book at: westhorsleyplace.org FATHER CHRISTMAS Meet Dates and times at: westhorsleyplace.org Santa will be making a special appearance at ten Squire’s Garden Centres from 23rd November to 24th December on selected dates, helping make Christmas even more special for many young local visitors this festive season! With a proportion of the sale of each ticket being donated to 10 local community causes, Squire’s Grottos aim to raise a significant amount for each participating centre’s ‘Charity of the Year’. Come along and meet Santa in his Magical Grotto and receive a warm welcome from his jolly elves and have a chat to Santa himself, ahead of the big day! Each little visitor will receive a wrapped gift and a special ‘I’ve seen Santa’ badge. Tickets cost £9 per child (first two adults are free, £1 per additional adult), with £1 from each ticket sold donated to the centre’s ‘Charity of the Year’. Tickets may be purchased on the day of visit in-store (NOT AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE). Grottos are outside, so please dress accordingly.

Raring2go! Focus on Jump In Trampoline Parks Jump into jolly this Christmas at AirHop and Jump In trampoline and adventure parks! The perfect indoor leisure experience for the whole family, whatever the weather. With three parks in Surrey alone you are never too far from ultimate bouncing fun! Choose from a selection of fun packed activities at Guildford, Camberley, or Esher. Whether you are 4 or 54 we can guarantee that you’ll leave with a big smile on your face! All our sites feature wall-to-wall trampolines, airbags to jump into, fast and furious dodgeball games, and much more! Scale to new heights at our Esher and Guildford sites, which not only feature a trampoline arena but also indoor clip and climb centres with lots of exciting climbing activities to complete. Guildford’s indoor climbing zone is brand new and only opened in October! Make the most of this exciting new feature with a Jump & Climb ticket or choose a climbing party for your next celebration. Let your little ones bounce in a safe and fun environment in our Toddler Takeover sessions, suitable for ages 1-6 years. Ages 4 and above can bounce during Open Jump sessions or choose to experience their favourite trampoline park in a cool night club atmosphere during their bargain 2-hour After Dark sessions on Fridays and Saturdays evening 6-8pm for only £19.50. Get UNLIMITED Open Jumps for the price of one hour with the Unlimited After School Jump offer. Available Mondays – Thursdays after 3pm during term time. Or save with the brand new After School Antics, also available Mon – Thu, offering 60 minutes jumps for two people plus one Margherita pizza – for a bargain £24.95! AirHop parks are the perfect day out or party venue for larger groups as well. Choose from a range of hassle-free party packages, all including party host, party room or area, decorations and clean up. Save 15% on term time parties, Monday – Thursday, using the discount code WEEKDAY15. School trips, youth group days out, and corporate team building can all be catered for with group package options starting at £10pp. Looking for something a little more specific? A bespoke session can also be created for your requirements, perfect for a Christmas party with a difference! Give the gift of jumping for joy this Christmas with one of our gift cards! Valid for one year from the day of purchase. Jump into Jolly For more information and to book visit www.airhop.co.uk/ Or call 0330 223 3333

Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go 20 raring2go.co.uk

Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go 21 The Look Out Discovery Centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Tel: 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be The Look Out Discovery Centre R2GAUTUMN2024 Over 90 activities of hands-on science and discovery fun for children of all ages! BOOK ONLINE and enter RARING2024 at checkout for 10% off admission www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery @thelookoutbracknell

22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Tutoring with Elite Tuition Collective In recent years, the private tuition industry in Surrey has experienced exponential growth, reflecting broader societal trends such as the increasing competition for higher education placements, a shift towards individualised learning and closing gaps in educational achievements. In 2021 it was estimated that 30% of children in the UK had received some private tuition. Fast forward to 2024 and approximately 43% of students have had private tutoring at some point in their academic career. The upsurge in the demand for private tuition is for a variety of reasons. For parents, investing in private tutoring has become a popular strategy to boost their children's academic performance, particularly in crucial subjects like mathematics and English. With the looming pressures of standardized exams such as SATS, GCSEs and A-Levels, many families believe that bespoke, tailored support can make all the difference to their child’s future. The Rise of Private Tutoring in Surrey by Lauren Bowles, Director Elite Tuition Collective The impact of COVID-19 on children's education has been profound and multifaceted, affecting many aspects of learning and development. Large quantities of pupils experienced significant gaps in their learning, particularly in core subjects like mathematics and English. In addition, parents are now more involved in their children’s education than ever before as the pandemic provided an insight for parents into the education system. Both one to one and small group tuition has substantial results on a student’s academic development. Small group tuition has an average impact of 4 months’ additional progress over the course of a year. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has shown that access to one-to-one tuition can help students make up to 5 months of additional progress during a school year. Whether a child is being home schooled, has additional needs or requirements relating to their education, it is imperative that parents make the right choice for their child in terms of hiring tutors and deciding whether one to one or small group sessions are best for them. The tuition should be tailored to suit the learning styles of the child and tailored to close any gaps in their knowledge.

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24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Overcoming Reading Challenges Overcoming reading challenges with your children requires patience, creativity, and a supportive approach that recognises and addresses individual needs. Children may encounter various hurdles on their journey to literacy and it's crucial for parents and caregivers to adapt strategies that foster a positive reading experience. Firstly, identifying and addressing specific reading difficulties is essential. Whether a child struggles with decoding certain words, comprehension, or maintaining their focus, pinpointing the challenges allows for a targeted intervention. Tailoring the reading activities to the child's level of proficiency ensures that the material is appropriately challenging without causing frustration. Creating a supportive and encouraging environment is key to overcoming reading challenges. Positive reinforcement, praise for effort and celebrating small victories contribute to building a child's confidence and motivation. Patience is crucial; allowing children the time they need to progress at their own pace creates a deep sense of accomplishment and a more positive attitude towards reading. Incorporating a variety of reading can also be beneficial. Offering a mix of fiction and non-fiction books, graphic novels or audio books can provide diverse options that cater to different interests and learning styles. Interactive reading, asking open-ended questions, discussing the story, or relating it to the child's experiences, engages them in a way that enhances comprehension and critical thinking. Utilising technology can be a valuable tool in overcoming reading challenges. Educational apps and online resources designed to support literacy development offer a great interactive and engaging experience. These resources can act to supplement traditional reading methods and provide additional practice in a format that may appeal to more tech-savvy children. Above all, encouraging a love for reading is paramount. Making reading enjoyable through storytelling, creating a cozy reading nook, or incorporating themed activities can turn reading into a pleasurable experience rather than a daunting task. By tailoring strategies to individual needs and placing emphasis on the joy of reading we can guide children towards overcoming their challenges and build a foundation for a lifelong love of literature and reading. Overcoming Reading Challenges with Children

Vaccines protect everyone. They are the best way to prevent very unpleasant and sometimes dangerous infections like measles, whooping cough and diphtheria. Childhood vaccinations protect your children from these illnesses and many others. Many children have missed their measles,mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines, amongst others, in recent years and it’s really important to ensure everyone possible has had all the recommended doses. You can check if any of their vaccines are missing by: • Looking in their Red Book • Contacting your family doctor (GP) for advice You can always ‘catch up’ with missing vaccines. Vaccines can also help reduce the risk of Are you and your family all protected from vaccine-preventable infections? It’s never too late to get the vaccinations you are eligible for. serious illness from respiratory infections like flu (in winter) and COVID-19. There is a new vaccine this year to protect older people, pregnant women and their babies against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Check out www.healthysurrey.org.uk/ immunisations for helpful information about all vaccines, including eligibility, or scan the QR code below. Talk to your GP or practice nurse if you think you have missed any. Knowing about the vaccines that are recommended for you, your family, as well as those you look after, will help everyone make informed choices about protecting their health. Ruth Hutchinson Director - Public Health Surrey County Council

Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make!Raring2make! Butternut Squash Stew with Curly Kale 1. Add the oil to a large saucepan set over medium heat. 2. Add the onions, garlic and carrots and cook for about five minutes, until softened. 3. Stir in the turmeric, cinnamon and ginger and continue to cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant. 4. Turn the heat down to low and add in the lentils and passata, cooking for a further 15 minutes and stirring occasionally.(You may need to add a little more passata during cooking.) 5. Add the squash, black-eyed peas and stock to pan, then simmer for 30 minutes until the squash is tender. Ingredients l2 tbsp olive oil l1 onion (diced) l1 clove garlic (chopped) l1 carrot (diced)l1/2 tsp turmeric l1/2 tsp ground cinnamon l1/2 tsp ground ginger l50g red lentils l250ml passata l350g butternut squash (peeled & cubed) l 1/2 400g can black-eyed beans l750ml vegetable stock l80g kale (shredded) lPinch of salt lPinch of pepper l 2 slices wholemeal baguette. Savour the wintery symphony in a bowl that is butternut squash stew and curly kale. A medley of flavours, the sweet richness of butternut squash in gentle harmony with the hearty textures of curly kale. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is a tapestry of warmth and nourishment. This is how you do it! Each spoonful reveals the essence of seasonal abundance, and invites you to indulge in a comforting, wholesome experience that encapsulates the very spirit of winter. It is a culinary masterpiece celebrating the fusion of taste, colours and winter allure. Raring2make! Recipes to make as a family for the family 6. Once the squash has been cooking for 20 minutes, steam the kale for about 10 minutes, either over the stew or in a separate pan, until slightly softened but still bright green. 7. Stir the kale into the squash and lentil mixture, then season to taste with a bit of salt and pepper. 8. Serve in bowls, either alone or with slices of crusty wholemeal baguette. Makes 2 Portions, Suitable for home freezing, Preparation 15 minutes, 50 minutes cooking time, 140 C°, 275 F°, Gas Mark 1 26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Butternut Squash Stew

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