YOUR ULTIMATE GUI DE TO PARE NTING IN STYLE
STREET SMART
london
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 • £3.99
Hollywood star
Amy Adams
ON KIDS, FILMS AND LIVING IN THE PRESENT
B r ight
HOW TO GIVE YOUR CHILD FREEDOM IN THE CAPITAL
WHY WE SHOULD TEACH THE IMPORTANCE OF
gratitude TRICK OR TREAT?
HALLOWEEN PARTY IDEAS FROM CAROLE MIDDLETON
CLASSROOM COMEDY WITH DARA O’BRIAIN
W I N!
ONE O FIVE KIDF SCOOT S’ ER S
S PA R KS
POLICING YOUR CHILD’S SOCIAL MEDIA FUN SCIENCE BOOKS FOR YOUNG MINDS AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES : WHEN IS IT TOO MUCH?
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30 Bruton Street W1 91-95 Fulham Rd SW3 Shop Kids at stellamccartney.com
HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE
FROM A SELECTION SHOP.MANGO.COM
WELCOME Hello, and welcome to Little London’s ‘back to school’ issue – a chance to enjoy all the exciting things that come with the start of a new term! I still get the same thrill I did as a child when choosing colourful new stationery for my son, Jago (though to be honest, it doesn’t really get used, we’re still in the pencils and Pritt Stick phase as he goes into Year 1), and I felt quite emotional buying my daughter Georgia a keyring for her nursery book bag. Though she starts this term, she’s been telling everyone she’s already been at nursery for the past six months, so she’s definitely ready, and as she turns three in the first week, I’m sure she’ll be keeping the rest of her class in check! With the new school year in mind, we cherry pick the best fashion and accessories for the coolest kids in and out of the classroom (p.25) and we shoot the chicest coats for autumn (p.56). Dara O’Briain tells us all about the inspiration for his children’s book about space (p.35), and our very own bookworm Emma O’Donovan has chosen the best science books to inspire young minds (p.36). Rhiane Kirkby discusses whether after-school activities are overloading our children (p.98), and we advise on how to police your children when they start getting involved in the scary world of social media (p.95). Encouraging your children to be more independent and streetwise is also part of their education, but when and how should you do this in the capital? (p.65). And Georgina Blaskey looks at the importance of teaching your kids about gratitude and how it makes for happier adults as a result (p.70). Finally, adding a little stardust to proceedings, American actress Amy Adams tells us why mothers should go easy on themselves (p.50) and Carole Middleton shows you how to throw your spookiest party yet (p.68). Happy Halloween!
K ATE F R E U D, E D ITO R
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
A n d a fe w of my favour ite th ing s at the mom e nt…
KNITTED HEADBAND £10 MONSOON.CO.UK
BILLYBANDIT SWEATER £38 CHILDRENSALON.COM
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COTTON DRESS £18 JOHNLEWIS.COM
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TITLEE PIN £16 SCANDIMINI.COM
JACKET £65 SCAMPANDDUDE.COM
LEATHER SHOES £58 CLARKS.CO.UK
4 & 5 BEDROOM FAMILY HOMES IN RAVENSCOURT PARK READY TO MOVE IN PR I CE S FRO M £2,150,000 STAM P D UT Y PAID* SH OWH O ME L AUN CH 21 SEP TEMB ER, BY INVITATI O N O NLY PLE A SE REG IS TER YO UR INTERE S T A S H CH U RCHVILL A S.CO M 020 3504 53 41 @A SH CHURCHVILL A S
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C O N TocEtober Nnovember T S 2 017 FE ATU R ES
T R AVEL
30 MY LITTLE LONDON
81 TRAVEL NEWS
Tina Hobley talks family life in the capital
35 MEET THE AUTHOR : DARA O’BRIAIN The comedian gives the lowdown on his
Our round-up for globetrotting families
82 POSTCARD FROM NEW FOREST Lianne Kolirin reports back from the Hampshire hotspot
new children’s book
84 ISLAND LIVING 36 LITTLE SCIENTISTS The best science-inspired reads for kids
Caroline Scott and family enjoy a fun-filled break to Turks and Caicos
Hollywood actress Amy Adams talks films,
EDUCATION
family and changing priorities
92 EDUCATION NEWS
50 BEING AMY
Keeping you in the know
65 INDEPENDENCE DAY Georgina Blaskey discovers the secret to raising self-reliant little ones
70 THE IMPORTANCE OF GRATITUDE
95 CAUGHT IN THE NET How to keep your child safe online
98 AFTER- SCHOOL OVERLOAD? How much is too much?
Why thankfulness starts at home
100 MEET THE HEAD 72 HOW TO HELP A GRIEVING CHILD Newsreader and journalist Kate Silverton explains how to help children cope
Behind the scenes at Berkhamsted School
102 ASK THE EXPERTS We put your questions to four school heads
SHO PPING
R EGUL A R S
23 LITTLE LOVES
15 LITTLE NEWS
Take time to check out Snoopy and Co’s
The latest on all things big in kid world
latest collaboration
32 DIARY 25 HELLO AUTUMN
Dates to note for the next two months
We round up the season’s hero pieces, from coats to school bags, and everything in between
38 INSTA INSPO Meet Sergei Urban, aka The Dad Lab
54 MOTHER STYLE Nail comfort and style with this schoolrun-friendly wardrobe edit
ST YLE
68 PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON How to throw a spooky Halloween bash
76 GET CRAFTY New activities to enjoy from Leo Bamford
40 SNAP HAPPY Autumn’s new vintage-inspired pieces include gorgeous floral prints and PHOTOGRAPHY: KLAS STROM MODEL: JEMIMA CAPE COAT, £130, LE MU. SHIRT, £16, AND CARDIGAN, £25, BOTH RIVER ISLAND
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
105 AGENDA London events in October and November
embroidery aplenty
114 THE BUSINESS 56 RAIN OR SHINE Take cover in autumn’s outerwear offerings
9
We meet Alienor Falconer, founder of The Bright Company
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS LEO BAMFORD
KATE SILVERTON
Founder of my-baba.com
Broadcaster and journalist
Where do you live?
Where do you live?
I live between London and the countryside, so I get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
I live in south west London. I love the sense of community, the vast green spaces and living by the river.
What do you love about autumn?
I used to think my mother was crazy, always banging on about the change in season, but I now see where she was coming from! I love walking in Hyde Park with the children and our two dogs at this time of year, all wrapped up with a flask of hot chocolate. Leonora reveals her favourite autumnal crafts and things to do this season, on p.76
What do you love about autumn?
Autumn for me represents a time of change – this year especially, as my children start school. Where do you like to go with the family when it’s chilly outside?
We tend to wrap up and get out, whatever the weather. We especially love Kew Gardens or the WWT Wetlands Centre. Kate discusses how to cope with grief in childhood, on p.72
little london EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KATE FREUD MANAGING EDITOR REBECCA MOORE FEATURES EDITOR DANIELLE WILKINS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ANNIE QUINTON
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LEONORA BAMFORD, MARISSA HERMER, CAROLE MIDDLETON, EMMA FREUD
DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR CHLOË COLLYER DESIGNER NATALIE DOURADO
PUBLISHING PUBLISHER CAROLINE SCOTT BRAND MANAGER CHATTY DOBSON FINANCE DIRECTOR VICKI GAVIN DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER JAMES DOBSON CIRCULATION MANAGER DANIEL WEBB
ADVERTISING HEAD OF MARKET SAMANTHA HOWARD SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE JAMES WALDRON DIGITAL AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS MANAGER BEN LEEK SPECIAL PROJECTS TRISTAN COATES MANAGING DIRECTOR PAUL DOBSON
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DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE ROSS LITTLE LONDON IS PUBLISHED BY THE CHELSEA MAGAZINE COMPANY LTD, JUBILEE HOUSE, 2 JUBILEE PLACE, LONDON SW3 3TQ WEB: LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK EMAIL: EDITOR@LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK TEL: 020 7349 3700 FAX: 020 7349 3701
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Halloween costume wasn’t a hit. But the Goodies treats were pure magic!
#SmallWins
Great Taste. No Junk.
“The best pre-Christmas day out ever!”
Sir Elton John
“The Rolls Royce of ChristmasExperiences” Carrie Longton, Founder of Mumsnet
Father Christmas has been invitingUK children to his snowy home Lapland in Ascot Berkshire for
s r a e y l a c i g a 10 m
Visit the UK’s Best Family Day Out this Christmas
laplanduk.co.uk To book your invitation Open mid Nov - Christmas Eve
laplanduk.co.uk
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D A I S Y, F L O R E N C E & L O T T I E PHOTOGRAPHED BY EDDIE JUDD
Daisy, seven, Florence, five, and Lottie, four, live with their parents Will and Carla in Weybridge, Surrey. Daisy loves her hamster, Fudge, and dancing, while Florence adores gymnastics and drawing, and Lottie is tennis and swimming mad. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Childs Farm S E L B B U B BIG ! S E L B U O NO TR Toiletries for baby & child
. TH E REVO LUTI ON IS CO MI NG BATH RO OM . AN D IT ’S HE AD IN G FOR YOUR
bo dy wash is packed with d an ir ha r ou e us ca be ’s Th at ts an d, th an ks to love ly natu rally de riv ed ingr ed ien eo us to o. esse ntial oi ls, sm ells go rg s ev en su itable It’ s so mi ld an d ge nt le , it’ ro ne skin . fo r se ns iti ve or ecze ma-p ee bath tim es, So if yo u wa nt wo rry- fr volution. join the children of the re ch ildsfar m. co m
NEWS
little NEWS Updating you on all things big in kid world
IN HIS SHOES
Now your little one can be just like dad, with the junior footwear line from Wolf & Son. The Portuguese family business prides itself on quality craftsmanship and offers a fresh take on traditional men’s footwear. Based on the adult collection, matching mini-me styles include velvet trainers, tweed boots and smart suede lace-ups. wolfandson.net
Boden opens its first UK retail location in Chelsea this October. Founded as a mail-order business 25 years ago, the new store will stock the adult ranges, special lines and its Mini Boden collection. 20-23 Duke of York Square; boden.co.uk LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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NEWS
WHAT ’ S I N S TO R E ?
Shop the best independent and niche kids’ brands in one place at new online lifestyle hub Shopetino. Featuring décor, accessories and clothing – in sizes up to eight years – brands on board include XO Kiddo, Carlie Grace and Eva & Indie, with more new additions to be announced. Watch this space! shopetino.com
A fashion fairytale
The new-season collection from Marie-Chantal is as enchanting as ever, with dresses, coats and two-piece suits crafted from sumptuous velvet, tweed, cashmere and silk. Look out for beautiful floral and tartan prints, as well as pale pink, feathers, and regal touches of gold. mariechantal.co.uk
GAM E O N
Test your family’s wildlife knowledge with the Natural History Museum’s latest take on the classic game, Guess Who? The animal edition includes 24 characters, from mammals and marine life to insects and reptiles; work them all out before your opponent with a series of efficient questions and you’ll be king of the jungle! Suitable from age six. £20, nhmshop.co.uk
REMOTE GUIDANCE
Be in complete control of what the children can watch with the first ever bespoke TV remote for kids from TalkTalk. At the click of a button, the TV can be locked into ‘kids’ zone’, where they can choose from on-demand episodes of popular children’s TV shows. Parents can set viewing hours and a bedtime screen, too. £5 per month, talktalk.co.uk/shop
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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Handcrafted Natural Dolls www.ciaobimba.com /ciaobimbadolls
@ciaobimba.dolls
/CiaoBimbaDolls
NEWS
The dream read
Children’s Meditations In My Heart by Danish author Gitte Winter helps little ones drift into a peaceful night’s sleep through a series of musings. As parents read through each meditation, children are taught about the importance of self-love and self esteem, and how to be present and calm before bed. You may find the effects last into the next day, too. £14.95, amazon.co.uk
Move over, Hygge – meditation before bed is Denmark’s latest export
PURR-FECT PUMPS Who says you need to stop at paper when it comes to colouring in? Charlotte Olympia’s cool cat slip-ons from her ‘Incy’ children’s collection have been reimagined with a little help from Crayola. Fashioned from white canvas, each pair comes with a pack of fabric markers for colourful personalising. £195, charlotteolympia.com
P O P S O M E B U B B LY
PEN TO PAPER
Stationery lovers, take note, there’s a new online store you should know about. This Paper Life – sister company of children’s retailer This Modern Life – showcases a portfolio of carefully curated stationery brands. From notebooks and organisers to pens, pencils and accessories, you’ll find all you need to start the new school term right here. thispaperlife.co.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Give the kids their very own toiletries with the new 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash range from Weleda. Formulated with mild, plant-based ingredients to maintain skin’s natural moisture, the three scents – Very Vanilla, Lively Lime and Happy Orange – will have little ones excited for bathtime. £5.95, weleda.co.uk
NEWS
DO IT LIKE D I S N E Y
Superga’s latest collaboration sees none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse feature on its classic trainers. There’s four different velcro styles for kids, and – just in case you’re worried about missing out – two lace-up designs for adults in the same sweet prints. From £52, superga.co.uk
Doll up your décor
Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova has designed a range of children’s furniture for online retailer Made.com. Inspired by the Matryoshka doll – also known as a Russian doll – the nine-piece collection includes bed frames, storage units and rugs. A portion of the profits will go to Natalia’s charity, The Naked Heart Foundation, which provides outdoor play facilities for underprivileged children. From £45, made.com
STYLE SHOUT
New from Arcadia this autumn is Outfit Kids; an affordable, style-led childrenswear label for children up to 12 years. Debuting with a range of cool, casual pieces, keep your eyes peeled for the partywear line arriving later this season. Shop the range at Outfit stores or selected Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Debenhams stores. outfitfashion.com
S H OW YO U R S TR I P E S
Alex and Alexa has teamed up with French label Maison Labiche – known for its slogan embroidery – to create a line of tops encouraging children to be true to themselves. The unisex Breton t-shirts feature the words ‘just be you’ stitched in coloured thread, as well as a separate tiger motif – symbolic of power and strength. £38, alexandalexa.com
The Big Red Bus Club in Charlton Park is offering free stay-and-play sessions for families. Held every weekday, 12.30pm to 3pm, children aged five and under can enjoy activities in the park while parents socialise. thebigredbusclub.com 20
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
COMPETITION
WIN this scooter! 5 TO WIN!
worth £69.99
S PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
marTrike has joined forces with Little London to ensure kids ride to school in style this autumn, with five T5 Scooters to give away, worth £69.99 each. The two-stage T5 Scooter is perfect for children aged three and over, encouraging movement and development of balance and coordination. If your child is just starting out, stick to Stage One for upright,
forward riding. When the basics have been mastered, it’s all about Stage Two, with more complex riding and limited tilting. This scooter not only features a clever T-lock function and easy-reach foot brake, but also a handlebar which adapts to your child’s growing height. With five scooters up for grabs, available in green and pink, the journey to school just got cooler. Good luck! L
To enter, visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions SUITABLE FOR THREE YEARS AND OVER. COMPETITION CLOSES ON 16 NOVEMBER 2017
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FUNDRAISE ON JEANS FOR GENES DAY fri 22 sept
Join Mollie King and organise a Jeans for Genes Day in your workplace to help raise vital funds to support children with life-altering genetic disorders. By encouraging everyone around you to wear jeans and donate, you will be doing something amazing for these children.
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE FUNDRAISING PACK JEANSFORGENES.ORG Jeans for Genes ® and ™, © 2017 Genetic Disorders UK. Registered Charity Number 1141583.
SHOPPING
little loves…
It’s been said that Snoopy is fashion’s cartoon du jour, teaming up with the likes of Vans and The Rodnik Band for past collaborations. Now, Timex is getting in on the comic-strip action, with four watch designs for children featuring Charles M Schulz’s adorable beagle. All the watches feature easyto-read dials with minutes marked for learning, and elastic straps to fit little wrists. And if you find yourself wishing you had one too, you’re in luck – Timex has also designed four adult styles featuring Charlie Brown and co. TIMEX SNOOPY WATCH £29.99 WATCHSHOP.COM
FROM A SELECTION SCANDIMINI.COM
PEPE JEANS COAT £125 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
NOBODINOZ PORTABLE TOY BAG £65 NUBIE.CO.UK
GUCCI BACKPACK £560 HARRODS.COM
Hello aut umn From coats to school bags and everything in between, take cover in these new-season buys
COTTON SHIRT £45 WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
CORDUROY SHORTS £49 RACHELRILEY.CO.UK
HUNDRED PIECES SWEATER £53.32 EN.SMALLABLE.COM
NEW BALANCE TRAINERS £48 YOOX.COM
IDO JUNIOR SKIRT £29 CHILDRENSALON.COM
OYOY HAND-STITCHED CUSHION £50 POSHTOTTYDESIGNS.COM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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SHOPPING
LOUIS LOUISE DRESS £73 SCANDIMINI.COM
COTTON SHIRT £16 MONSOON.CO.UK
ALPACA WOOL LION TOY £80 WADDLER.CO.UK
WOOL-BLEND SWEATER £46 LACOQUETAKIDS.COM
COTTON DRESS £90 HOUSEOFHACKNEY.COM
THE ANIMALS OBSERVATORY SWEATER £81 EN.SMALLABLE.COM
LEATHER SHOES £65 THELITTLESHOEMAKER.COM
COTTON-BLEND CARDIGAN £18 NEXT.CO.UK
COTTON DENIM DRESS £60 HORSESOFTHEWILD.COM
FABLE HEART CAPE £79.95 HARRODS.COM
COTTON-BLEND SWEATER £10 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
LIFETIME KIDSROOMS PULL-OUT BED £445 CUCKOOLAND.COM
3 SPROUTS TOY BOX £26.95 NUBIE.CO.UK
IL GUFO TROUSERS £35 YOOX.COM
COTTON-BLEND SWEATER £46 MOLO.COM
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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
With over 30 configurations and an integrated ride-on-board, the British designed and engineered iCandy Orange is packed with innovation. Featuring our trademark elevator adaptors, unique 'cinema' double seating mode and a 64 litre basket, the Orange leads the field whilst still being compact enough to fit through a standard door. Brilliantly flexible, beautifully crafted and absolutely futureproof.
Exclusively available from your local iCandy Stockist. www.icandyworld.com
Available from
Musical Elephant
Musical fun learning for babies 6 months +
and other leading toy retailers
www.clementoni.com • clemuk@clementoni.com •
Sandy, Cuddle and Words Helps baby learn ABC’s, numbers, colours and shapes
clementoniUK
SHOPPING
Tr e n d w a t c h Keep your eyes peeled for these hero pieces from Bubble London
CORDUROY DUNGAREES AND COTTON TOP £55 DOTTYDUNGAREES.COM FROM A SELECTION GRACEBABYANDCHILD.COM
COTTON SKIRT £70 UK.OILILYWORLD.COM
PRINTED LEGGINGS £32 MARMARK.DK
SUEDE SHOES £48.80 BENEDITA.CO.UK
TURQUAZ COTTON PYJAMAS (TROUSERS NOT SHOWN) £29 CHILDRENSALON.COM
ALEX EAGLE X ELFIE WOOL HAT £34 ELFIELONDON.COM
DENIM JACKET £75 SMAFOLK.DK
COTTON T-SHIRT £14 WEXBABY.CO.UK
WOOL COAT £110 JAM-BOUTIQUE.CO.UK
COTTON SWEATER £22 EVAANDINDIE.COM
WOVEN BASKET £42 LABASKETRY.COM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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INTERVIEW
VELVET FABRIC T-SHIRT £8.99 ZARA.COM Tina and her family live in Little Venice
Columbia Road Flower Market
Running in aid of gynaecological cancer with her girls
With her mother, Kathy
Herschel’s camo design is fir our te t se en e r ol rs n HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO CANVAS BACKPACK £60 SELFRIDGES.COM The family recently went to see comedy star Miranda Hart in Annie
Tina and her husband Oli married in 2006
With her eldest daughter, Bella
The family retreat to the Cotswolds for weekends
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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
My Little London
TINA HOBLEY THE ACTRESS, RADIO PRESENTER AND MOTHER OF THREE TALKS WEEKEND RETREATS, MUST-HAVES FOR THE KIDS, AND FAMILY FUN IN THE CAPITAL Tina presents the drive time show on Smooth FM
PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL COLTAS; ISTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; PAIMAGES/ MATT CROSSICK; PA IMAGES/NICK ANSELL; GETTY IMAGES/ DAVID M. BENETT; INSTAGRAM.COM/TINAHOBLEYOFFICIAL
Where do you live in London?
What items can your kids not live without at the moment?
Little Venice. It’s a hidden gem in central London with canal boats and green spaces. We love being by the water. Describe a typical weekend for you and your family.
We tend to leave town on a Friday evening and head to the Cotswolds where we have a little place. That means plenty of long walks, cycling, pub lunches – anything outdoors, in fact. Except in the winter when we love hunkering down in front of a log fire. The Cotswolds is like our second home. It’s our retreat after the madness of the week. We were married down there and the kids [Bella, 18, Olivia, nine, and Orson, seven] have loads of friends who live locally, as well as plenty of activities to keep them busy, like horse riding and quad biking. What kinds of things do you love to do in the capital?
We all adore the theatre, we recently went to see Annie, which was fabulous. You can guarantee there’s always something interesting on at the Southbank, and it’s always fun to go and browse the markets, usually Columbia Road or Portobello. Do you like to eat out?
The kids love international food, especially our local Chinese restaurant, Pearl Liang. They take their own chopsticks! Where do you shop for the children?
Zara Kids is our go-to day-to-day, with a little Caramel and Elias & Grace in Primrose Hill thrown in for special occasions. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
What, for you, is the best thing about being a mother?
It has just been a privilege to create these little beings and watch their personalities grow, they really do make me laugh every day. It’s taught me patience and tolerance, and given me greater imagination just listening to their views on things. How did motherhood change you?
I had Bella when I was in my late twenties, when I would often be filming for 12 hours a day. It was overwhelming at first, but with my mum’s help I was able to cope. In many ways that was the end to my carefree years – I had to learn how to look after my daughter and run a household while working. It was much easier second time around, with my husband, Oli. The five of us are a strong family structure, and he is a great support. How do you juggle your work with family life?
I’ve always worked, and one way or another you just fit it all in. In my early years on Holby City my mother was incredibly helpful with Bella. I’m currently presenting the daily drive time show on Smooth FM, so I miss the early evening time with the kids, but Oli – who works in PR – is usually able to get home for that, and I’m always home for bedtime. 31
Audio books are a big hit in our house right now; the children prefer David Walliams’ voice to mine! Their Isla bikes have given them great confidence – we all tend to ride together as a family. And they are also never without their Herschel Supply Co backpacks – my son’s is camouflage. He’s in adventure mode at the moment, and he takes his ‘survival pack’ wherever he goes! Where are your favourite places to holiday with the children?
The kids love adventure and so last year’s island-hop around Thailand was magical. This year we had a very different holiday at Forte Village Sardinia, where they had daily tuition from their sporting heroes and the freedom to run around a beach and acres of gardens. In both cases, they were kept very busy, and those are the kinds of holidays we love most. Where are your favourite date spots?
If Oli and I go out, we love nothing more than booking a sofa at an Everyman cinema and watching a film with a bottle of wine. What have you got coming up in 2018?
Bella will be off on her gap year; she’s learning to be a ski instructor in Canada. The younger ones started skiing at four years old, so we hope to go and join her at Easter. We would also love to plan a big Canadian adventure next summer. We’ve sold the kids on the idea of wild bears, water rafting and whale watching. Workwise I will be presenting the drive time show on Smooth as well as my regular Sunday show on the station. L
300 cars spanning 125 years, from early 19th century vintages to hi-tech cars of the future. Free. regentstreetmotorshow.com
5
It’s the most illuminating night of the year! Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night at one of the fantastic firework displays across London. Or wrap up warm, grab the sparklers, toast marshmallows and host your own party at home.
Walk your way into October with these new kicks from Clarks SUEDE SHOES FROM £34 CLARKS.CO.UK
DIARY
What to do and where to go in the capital over the next two months
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October
Adults, £68; children, £39.
dorchestercollection.com
1
A generation ago, 70% of us walked to school – now it’s less than half. Today marks the start of Walk to School Month, a project run by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Schools around the capital are doing their bit to get children involved, and you can too, helping to reduce congestion, pollution and enjoy some daily exercise. livingstreets.org.uk
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Another hour in bed! Don’t forget to put your clocks back an hour.
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WITCH FOR A WEEK £6.99 SIMONANDSCHUSTER.COM
Don your dancing shoes, masks and capes, and join PJ Masks Super Dance Party. Diddi Dance has teamed up with the animated series in aid of the Youth Sports Trust, with superhero-themed parties happening nationwide until 5 November. diddidance.com
5
Get ready for Halloween with a new read. Witch for a Week by Kaye Umansky tells the tale of a girl who offers to house-sit the mysterious home of a local witch. On sale today.
23 Dine like a princess at The Dorchester
Time for a treat? The Dorchester will be hosting its Sleeping Beauty Afternoon Tea this half term. Enjoy special entertainment from the English National Ballet School’s young dancers, narration, face painting, tutus and more, as you dine.
November
Parents, it’s time to do your homework at the Independent Schools Show. Have your education questions answered at one of the many talks taking place over the two days in Battersea Park. Pre-register for free tickets.
schoolsshow.com
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Is it ever too early to think about the impending festivities? The enchantment of Christmas at Kew is impossible to resist. The magic begins today as the gardens showcase a brand new winding trail that’s bigger and brighter than ever before. Adults, £18.50; children, £12. kew.org Celebrate Bonfi re Night in spectacular style
4
One of the capital’s busiest shopping streets is pedestrianised for the day as the Regent Street Motor Show comes to town. Spot more than
FORTY HALL ESTATE If you’re brave enough, families of all ages can explore Forty Hall’s haunted halls. Watch out for cobwebs! Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 October. fortyhallestate.co.uk
BATTERSEA PARK ZOO Find out which of the
zoo’s residents are joining the pumpkin fun with this year’s trail. Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
aged seven to 11 can find out, at a spooktacular sleepover with torchlight trails, storytelling and
MUSEUM OF LONDON Ever wondered what goes on at the Museum of London once the doors close? Now, those
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more. Friday 27 October. museumoflondon.org.uk
25 to Friday 27 October. fortnumandmason.com
FORTNUM & MASON
GAIL’S BAKERY
Get ready to perfect your pumpkin skills, as little ones are guided on how to safely and imaginatively carve pumpkins and create their own lanterns. Wednesday
At Gail’s stores across London there’ll be Halloween workshops galore, with gingerbread icing and more! Monday 23 to Friday 27 October. gailsbread.co.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
LONDON’S SPOOKY SPECTACULARS
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Dara has a eureka moment
MEET THE AUTHOR
Dara Ó Briain
Dara and his wife Susan have two children
Tell us a bit about your new book, Beyond The Sky.
It’s really a guide to the various ways we can explore space. People have been dreaming about space travel for centuries, but there’s still so much we don’t know. This takes you on a bit of a journey, and aims to show young people that sometimes the most amazing things can be seen
when we simply look up once in a while.
History of Time for Christmas when I was 16 and it still stands pride of place on my shelf – except now it’s been signed by the man himself. I’m looking at it right now!
You have a degree in maths and theoretical physics, where does your love of science stem from?
I always loved science as a kid – I guess it started with a teacher who went off-curriculum and said, ‘Look, now let me tell you about the really, really cool stuff.’ I loved space too. When I was younger, I’d always be looking out for the Big Dipper and all the constellations, especially when we went away on holidays. I thought I might end up pursuing it as a career but later on I ran away to the circus and fell in love with telling jokes instead.
You interviewed Stephen for BBC1, what was that like?
Incredible. Difficult – but incredible. It wasn’t like a usual interview because I had to submit the questions in advance, and you have to have patience because it takes 10 minutes for him to answer each question [Stephen uses a voice synthesiser and the muscles in his face to communicate], but you learn how to take it at a different pace.
Is there a book that was particularly special to you when you were younger?
Why have you decided to write a children’s book?
Kids’ books have come such a long way – what they do with
I asked my parents for a copy of Stephen Hawking’s A Brief 35
them now is absolutely great. It was like I’d written a script or something and the publishers just delivered it like actors. And Dan Bramall’s illustrations are great. I’ve worked with children before [Dara was a children’s presenter on Irish TV in his early career], I’ve visited them at schools and things, and they’re so enthusiastic, so I wanted to answer all the weird and wonderful, nitty-gritty questions that kids like to ask. Do you think there will be another in the pipeline?
We’d love to do another – and we’re already looking into it. There’s no end to the number of great questions to be asked, especially when it comes to science. L Beyond The Sky (£12.99, Scholastic) is available now
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW: DANIELLE WILKINS. PHOTOGRAPHY: REX IMAGES/KEN MCKAY; GETTY IMAGES/ALAN WELLER; ILLUSTRATIONS: DAN BRAMALL
The comedian, father of two and self-confessed science nerd talks school, writing for children and meeting Stephen Hawking
BOOKS
2-4 YEARS
5-7 YEARS
8-10 YEARS
Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System
Lift-The-Flap Periodic Table
How To Be A Scientist
BY ALICE JAMES
BY STEVE MOULD
BY DOMINIC WALLIMAN AND BEN NEWMAN
Embark on a mission of discovery with Professor Astro Cat. A perfect introduction to space for young readers.
Discover the 118 elements that are smelly, explosive, radioactive and essential to life, in this brilliantly accessible book for mini chemists.
With 37 experiments to try, this book will unlock the scientist within, encouraging inquisitive children to discover more about the world around them.
£9.99 • Flying Eye Books
£9.99 • Usborne
£12.99 • Dorling Kindersley
Fox In The Night This beautifully illustrated story about a young fox gently introduces the concept of light and dark, with questions to get little ones thinking.
13 ½ Incredible Things You Need To Know About Everything
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed The World
For children with an appetite for knowledge, these pages are filled with fascinating facts covering 80 subjects.
A stunning book celebrating the contributions of 50 trailblazing women.
£11.99 • Walker Books
£14.99 • Dorling Kindersley
£12.99 • Wren & Rook
You Choose In Space BY NICK SHARRATT AND PIPPA GOODHART
Lift-The-Flap First Questions & Answers: What Are Germs?
BY NICK CRUMPTON AND GAIA BORDICCHIA
Space-themed story combinations will keep budding astronauts entertained for hours in this bright and engaging book filled with joyful illustrations.
Take a closer look at those mischievous, microscopic bacteria in this fascinating introduction to hygiene, with tips on hand-washing and staying healthy.
Amazing fold-out landscapes envelope the reader in this definitive exploration of biodiversity. A bookshelf essential for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
£10.99 • Puffin
£7.99 • Usborne
£25 • Flying Eye Books
BY MARTIN JENKINS AND RICHARD SMYTHE
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BY RACHEL IGNOTOFSKY
The Amazing Animal Atlas
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERACTIVE
DIY Slime BY KARINA GARCIA
This cool and clever book contains 15 different recipes for slime to make in your own kitchen. Let the fun and chaos commence! £7.99 • Studio Books
Horrible Science: Explosive Experiments Safety goggles at the ready! Create and launch a rocket, watch a volcano erupt, and make a lava lamp. Each box is packed full of awesome experiments.
ILLUSTRATION: PROFESSOR ASTRO CAT’S SOLAR SYSTEM
£15.99 • Toys R Us
Pinball Science: Everything That Matters About Matter BY IAN GRAHAM AND OWEN DAVEY
Everything you need to create your very own pinball machine, while learning about concepts like gravity and force. £20 • QEB PUBLISHING
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Little scientists EMMA O’DONOVAN ROUNDS UP THE BEST EXPERIMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL READS FOR KIDS
GET THE KIT
THAMES & KOSMOS ‘STEPPING INTO SCIENCE’ KIT £28.99 JOHNLEWIS.COM
STRAWBEES CONSTRUCTION STRAWS £2.99 TOYELLA.COM
PLAYFOAM £4.30 LEARNING RESOURCES.CO.UK
I N S TA I N S P O
@TheDadLab This issue we’re seeking science inspiration from inquisitive dad of two, SERGEI URBAN
PVA GLUE £1.50 HOBBYCRAFT.CO.UK
H
aving started two years ago, Sergei’s videos of him doing science experiments at home with his two sons, Max and Alex, have become fascinating for fellow parents and kids alike. He has since amassed 549,000 followers.
FORMKNALL FRAMEWORK TOY £43.99 TOYELLA.COM
Why did you start your profile, The Dad Lab?
It was actually my other half who persuaded me to start my own account. I wanted to inspire other parents and, as it turns out, I’m quite good at it! Where does your interest in science stem from?
It was my desire to spend more quality time with my sons that led me to explore science. As a child, I loved smashing things to see what was inside – that’s kind of science, right? What have been your favourite projects so far?
Recently we did the classic ‘egg
38
in a bottle’ experiment upside down. We put birthday candles on top of a boiled egg, lit them and covered them with a wideneck bottle, but the boys also love any activity that involves mixing colours. You must have built up quite a collection of toys…
I am always on the hunt for unique educational toys, and toyella.com is great for these. For crafty projects we use just basic materials like glue, paint, tape and anything else we can find around the home. What advice would you give to parents who would like to get their children interested in science?
Experiments are definitely the most fun way to introduce kids to science. It’s amazing to look into your children’s excitable eyes and see their little minds searching for an explanation as to what just happened! L
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY STYLING: CHARLOTTE KEWLEY HAIR & MAKE-UP: ZOE KRAMER
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With thanks to: Models: Benji, Harlow, Sing-Yan. Model agencies: Grace and Galor, Kids London.
COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER
BENJI WEARS SWEATER, FROM £95, AND TOP (WORN UNDERNEATH), FROM £45. BOTH CARAMEL. TROUSERS, £138, BONPOINT.
Sh o p the
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Autumn days call for cosy cover-ups, and this season it’s all about those cuddle-me knits
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INTERVIEW
Amy married actor and artist Darren Le Gallo in 2015 after a seven-year engagement
50
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
The actress says that spending time with her family frees her from her perfectionist ways of thinking
Being
Amy HOLLYWOOD STAR AMY ADAMS IS ONE OF A GROWING NUMBER OF ACTRESSES WHO’S FOCUSING ON FAMILY AS WELL AS FILM, BUT CAN YOU REALLY HAVE IT ALL? JAKE TAYLOR FINDS OUT
W
ith more than a handful of Oscar nominations, BAFTA nods and two Golden Globes to her name, Amy Adams is in an enviable position: a Hollywood star in her forties who is giving the best performances of her career while managing to maintain the full family experience outside of it. Married to actor Darren Le Gallo, the pair have a six-year-old daughter – Aviana – and Adams has deservedly found herself breaking out of strong supporting roles to achieve leading lady status. With her breakthrough as naïve Brenda Strong in 2002 DiCaprio deception flick, Catch Me If You Can, putting her on the map, and then the stream of accolades coming for her part in the 2005 dramedy Junebug, at 42, Adams has an impressive portfolio. From comedy in The Muppets to bleak drama in last year’s Nocturnal Animals, via Superman’s Lois Lane and a lively linguist in Arrival – she now has the pick of the pack. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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One wonders: has motherhood changed the way the American Hustle star approaches her career? “Sure – it’s made an impact in the kind of projects I choose and wanting to play characters that make me happy,” she says. “I look at things differently now. I pay much more attention to being present and thinking more deeply about matters that affect my daughter. My perspective has changed completely.” Although Aviana’s arrival has meant that Adams is more dedicated to seeking out fulfilling roles, it has also thrown up a complication which any working mother – whether a Hollywood star or not – can fully sympathise with: achieving that elusive balance between home life and career. For someone as in-demand as Adams is right now, it’s keenly felt. “You want to be a responsible mother and not have any regrets when you’re looking back on this time in your life,” the actress admits. “It’s something you have to think about
INTERVIEW
Amy admits she wants to be more ‘present’ as her daughter prepares to go through school
as you go along and depending on the projects that come along. You’re chronically aware in this business that you might not have these same kinds of opportunities down the road and I want to take advantage of this time in my career when things are going very well for me. “At the same time, I’m having such a beautiful time with my husband and our daughter that any project I choose has to be one that I truly feel compelled to do. It’s not easy and it’s a question many working mothers face.” Her smile turns down a little. “Sometimes when I tell my daughter I have to leave for work and she can’t come with me, it’s hard for me to see her sad or upset.” And despite Adams’ uncertainty over how she is “going to manage things” at home and in Hollywood (“I want to be very present in the life of my daughter during this time as she starts to go through school”), the star is finding her time with Aviana to be a form of therapy and hopes other mothers can learn to accept their mistakes: the pursuit of perfection is folly in parenthood as much as anywhere else, she says. “Being a mother has given me a chance to ease up on myself and free myself from my perfectionist kind of thinking!” she laughs. “You can never be a perfect parent – it’s always going to be a process where you discover how you can be more patient
or more attentive. You can’t think in those terms, so I’ve become a lot more forgiving of myself.” It’s easy to see why Adams has elegantly assumed the role of motherhood given her own upbringing. She is one of seven children raised with a strong religious backbone in a family that moved around army bases until she was eight. It seems to have given her a seemingly unshakeable sunny disposition that is the key to her enduring appeal on and off our screens. But beneath that charm there lies a strength of character and desire to see a real change in the way women are treated on screen – especially those who’ve passed the age of 40. Indeed, there’s a whisper that the world of Hollywood is changing and the six-time Academy Award nominee stands proudly at the forefront of this change. “There’s a long, long way to go – we’re not there yet, not even close,” she admits. “But I’ve noticed small movements along the way and I think we’re on the right road. “Ageing is nothing but a positive thing for me as an actress because of the roles becoming available to me – they seem to be evolving as I evolve. I’m contented and comfortable with who I am; I’m not trying to meet expectations. And that permits a liberty in my work – a freedom I hadn’t ever explored before.” L 52
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/JON KOPALOFF; PA IMAGES/ KATRINA JORDAN/SIPA USA; REX FEATURES; PA IMAGES/F SADOU
You can never be a perfect parent – I’ve become a lot more forgiving of myself
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As the school run gets into full swing once again, pick pieces that are easy to pull on in a hurry, without letting style standards slip. Think hands-free bags, comfortable layers and a lightweight jacket MICHAEL KORS WATCH £229 JOHNLEWIS.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHY: KLAS STROM STYLING: ROXZANN WESTON HAIR & MAKE-UP: CELIA GUINEY
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With thanks to: Photographer’s assistant: Tom North. Stylist’s assistant: Paris Campbell. General assistant: Sam Hogsden. Donny the Tibetan terrier. Models: Cameron, Darcey, Jemima, Leyton. Model agencies: Grace and Galor, Bonnie & Betty.
COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER
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Sh o p the
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RUNNING HEAD
I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY DO YOU DO TOO MUCH FOR YOUR CHILDREN? GEORGINA BLASKEY DISCOVERS THE SECRET TO RAISING SELF-RELIANT LITTLE ONES
K
nowing when to give our children independence is a tricky dilemma. Is it OK to leave a child for five minutes to pop out for some milk? Can they walk to school on their own? When can you send them to post a letter for you? Like so many parenting conundrums, there are no hard and fast rules. But unlike other issues, this isn’t an area where you want to find out through trial and error. You can start to prepare a child to become more independent by letting them do things where they can safely learn to make choices – and mistakes. “It means giving them responsibility,” says Kristen Harding, childcare expert at Tinies. “This can be as LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
simple as pairing socks and delivering them to the right bedrooms, or helping set the table. It can be tempting for parents to step in as it’s easier, and faster, to do it themselves – but children need to learn.” Every child is different and understanding when yours is ready to take those first steps into the world without you, or have the responsibility of staying at home alone, is an individual choice for each family. If you’re preparing them to begin going out on their own, Kristen suggests you start small. “Maybe returning an item to a neighbour, where you can watch from your house, or getting them to drop a letter into the post box a little further down the street. For other excursions, 65
try letting them make choices while you are out – you’ll see what kind of decisions they make and where you might need to provide them with further information.” Jo Wiltshire, an author and parenting expert, agrees. “Don’t go nought to 60 all at once – teach life skills for each step. But don’t deny them the opportunities to be independent, as if they get to secondary school age and they’ve had no experience of doing things on their own, it could be more dangerous for them.” Part of this life lesson is understanding that actions have consequences, that certain responses are necessary in specific situations, and being mature enough to have that thought process.
RUNNING HEAD
Be careful how much responsibility you put on the elder sibling, if leaving them home alone
THE GUIDELINES According to the NSPCC: • Children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time. • Children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight. • Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone. • Parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’.
“If they don’t call when you ask them to, follow through with the consequence you set out before they left,” Kristen advises. How much freedom your children have could be subject to their location. Bringing up a child in the city means they’re more likely to go places without you, such as walking to school, so urban children are likely to progress sooner. Children in more suburban or rural areas are often more reliant on their parents to get them where they need to be. “Girls tend to be better at being independent sooner as they mature quicker; they also start arranging their own social life earlier,” says Jo. Mobile phones are a great way of keeping tabs on where your child is – either through texting them or using the Find My Friends app. When it comes to leaving your child on their own, the law doesn’t have a specific age, but it is an offence to leave a child if it places them at risk. “This is dependent on so many factors,” says Kristen. “How mature they are, where you are located, if there are neighbours at home that you trust, if your child feels
confident and knows what to do in case of an emergency. Problem solving is another skill you can teach. It helps them when they get into an unfamiliar situation – they learn to apply logic, think outside the box, figure things out when things don’t go to plan.” If you feel your child is ready to be left at home, it’s important to have general rules which your children stick to, and these are personal to each family. “They may be, for example, no using knives when in the kitchen, no climbing on furniture, no opening the door,” suggests Jo. Deciding whether to leave siblings alone together is another dilemma; think about what may happen if they were to have a falling out – would they both be safe? “You must be careful how much responsibility you put on to an older child,” adds Jo. By setting up your child for success, in their own time they should be ready for more independence. Running through ‘what if…’ scenarios can help, and knowing who to call if needed will reassure you both that they’re ready for this exciting new step. L 66
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU LEAVE A CHILD AT HOME ALONE • Does your child seem to be responsible and mature for their age and always do what you ask? • Would they be able to fix themselves something to eat, and would you be happy with them using the cooker or microwave? • Can you imagine how they’d cope in an emergency such as a power cut or a flooded bathroom? • Would they know what to do if the phone rang or someone came to the door? • Would they know how to contact you or another family member if they needed to? Do they have these contact numbers to hand? • How would they feel about being left alone – pleased to be given the responsibility or scared by the thought of it?
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Ghoulish ghost pizza MAKES: 1 large or 2 small pizzas PREP TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes COOKING TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS • 225g strong white flour • pinch of salt • 1 tsp dried yeast • 1 tbsp olive oil • 150ml warm water • 8 tbsp tinned chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp sundried tomato paste • 250g block of mozzarella • 12 large pitted black olives To make the pizza base, measure the flour, yeast, oil and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir in the water to form a dough. Tip onto a work surface and knead for about 5 minutes until springy. Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with cling film and leave to rise for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 200˚C. When the dough has doubled in size, tip onto a work surface and knead again, then stretch out to make a large circle. Place on a baking sheet. Mix together the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, and spread over the top of the pizza. Slice each olive in half. Put 3 halves onto the pizza and slice the remaining halves into thin strips to make the spiders’ legs. Slice the mozzarella into 4 pieces and use a ghost cutter to stamp out ghosts. Put the pizza into the oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then add the ghosts and put back into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until melted but the shape of the ghosts is still intact.
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Trick or treat!
These sturdy Jack-O’-Lantern buckets are perfect for collecting your goodies in this Halloween. £1.69 each, partypieces.co.uk
Carole Middleton
FINISHING TOUCH
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Get your little horrors shrieking with excitement and throw your spookiest Halloween party yet WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING FUN WITH PARTY DÉCOR, NO SEASON IS quite as fun as Halloween. From creepy craft critters hanging from the ceilings and doorways to a veritable feast of spooky themed treats, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the autumn. Give your party guests the chills on arrival by adorning your windows, pathways and doorstep with lit pumpkins (don’t forget to enhance their features with black felt tip pen). Also try magnetic spiders, creepy cobwebs and black gauze. Halloween games are a perfect way to kick off the fun before the trick or treating begins. Of course, bobbing for apples is a traditional option – add a touch of red food colouring to
the water to make it look like a blood bath. Or, for something different, try a spooky piñata filled with sweets, a treasure hunt trail, or ‘pin the face on the pumpkin’. You could even hold a fancy dress parade, with a prize for the winning costume. The children will no doubt be enjoying lots of sweet treats, thanks to the neighbours, so why not create a savoury spread to counteract all that sugar? A hollowed-out loaf of poppy seed bread filled with spicy tomato dip makes a great ‘witches cauldron’, or try garlic dough balls made to look like eyeballs (with the addition of olives). You could also make your own toffee apples, or mini mandarin ‘pumpkins’ by drawing faces on the orange fruit using a black marker. L
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EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
The importance of
GRATITUDE
ACCORDING TO RESEARCH, GRATEFUL CHILDREN ARE HAPPY CHILDREN. GEORGINA BLASKEY REVEALS WHY THANKFULNESS STARTS AT HOME
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y son came home with a chart from school recently in which they had to fill in three things every day for a week: firstly, a good thing about today; secondly, something I am grateful for; thirdly, I will make someone smile tomorrow by… It was a school-wide exercise for prep-age children to make them aware of the importance of gratitude, an emotion we experience most days as, ‘say thank you’ or ‘stop feeling sorry for yourself ’, but in fact, is a mindset with far-reaching implications way more powerful. Before we look at what methods such as a gratitude chart can teach our children, it’s vital to understand why it matters. Gratitude is healthy – physically and mentally – so as a practice, it’s as relevant to adults as children. Demonstrating gratitude can open up new relationships, as good manners can win people over, so teaching those please and thank yous from a young age will count. A 2012 study found that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people. Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology in America, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and wellbeing – his research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. When you practice gratitude, you’re less likely to feel stressed, envious and negative. In terms of self-esteem, studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who
have more money or better jobs – a major factor in reduced self-esteem in adults – grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments. Recognising all you have, even in the most challenging times, will make you mentally stronger. Imagine if we could train our children to practise gratitude so it becomes their default way of thinking. We could empower them to approach everything they do with hope and optimism. One of the key aspects gratitude gives us – both adults and children – is perspective. Educating children to understand that what they have – toys, clothes, privileges and opportunities – comes from someone else, which develops an understanding of how interdependent we are. By being aware of who and what makes their lives possible, kids should become less self-centred, appreciating what they have rather than what they don’t have. Parents can model this behaviour, too, by saying thank you to people, to each other, and even to their children! It teaches them that when someone does something for you it’s good to think about it and to verbalise it. The key is to be grateful for the small things, rather than looking to material items. Andrea Reiser, an author and happiness coach, has these tips:
NAME YOUR BLESSINGS Have a moment each day when everyone shares something they’re thankful for. Whether the list includes a favourite toy, a particularly good piano lesson or a birthday 70
card from granny, this daily tradition can help develop a positive frame of mind. Older kids might even prefer to keep a gratitude journal and write down a few things they are thankful for each day before going to bed.
RESIST THE URGE TO SHOWER THEM WITH TOO MUCH ‘STUFF’ The old adage ‘all things in moderation’ is a useful guideline here. Buying kids whatever they want, whenever they want, dilutes the gratitude impulse and can mean they don’t learn to value their possessions. They wind up having so much stuff, they don’t appreciate each toy or device, as they keep setting their sights on what’s shinier and newer.
HAVE THEM PITCH IN WHEN THEY WANT SOMETHING When kids themselves take the time to save up, they have an ownership stake in the purchase and gain an understanding of the value of money by working toward what they want. It also teaches restraint and encourages kids to appreciate what they have, as well as giving them a more realistic perspective on what you and others do for them. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
KIDS. REISER IS THE AUTHOR OF LETTERS FROM HOME: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR WEALTH & SUCCESS
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK SOURCE: ANDREA REISER, 11 TIPS FOR INSTILLING TRUE GRATITUDE IN YOUR
When your child complains or gripes, try to help them see things on the brighter side
KEEP THANK-YOU NOTES ON HAND They are a perfect way to encourage kids to express gratitude – and as an added bonus, it can make the recipient’s day. There are loads of opportunities for kids to thank those who have done something special for them, and it’s a habit that if they start young, they’ll naturally carry throughout life. It’s important that kids compose and handwrite the notes themselves, and we as parents can set the example by making sure to write our own thank-you notes on a variety of occasions.
SAY ‘THANK YOU’ SINCERELY AND OFTEN The values our kids embrace as they get older aren’t those we nag them into learning, but the ones they see us living out. There are LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
countless opportunities every day for us to model gratitude for our kids.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO GIVE BACK The old saying ‘it’s better to give than to receive’ has stuck around for a reason. It really does feel great to help someone else out. Depending on their age, kids can rake leaves for an elderly neighbour or volunteer a few hours a week. You might even make service a family activity. When kids give their time to help others, they’re less likely to take things like health, home and family for granted.
LOOK FOR TEACHABLE MOMENTS Sure, we all take the opportunity to have periodic conversations about values with our children – but the key is to keep our eyes 71
open for situations that eloquently illustrate our point. We need to seize those moments and be prepared to use them as the powerful teaching aids they are. When kids can connect the concept of gratitude to a real-life situation, the lesson we’re teaching will be much more likely to stick.
FIND THE SILVER LINING It’s human nature to see the glass half empty from time to time. When kids complain, it can be helpful to try to find a response that looks on the bright side. It’s called an ‘attitude of gratitude’ for a reason – it’s about perspective more than circumstance. Sometimes it’s tempting to wallow in selfpity; as parents we need to remember it’s more productive to teach our kids to be resilient, and refocus them on the positives. L
RUNNING HEAD
Sometimes the only thing we can do is to sit, listen and tell our child that their feelings are normal
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EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
How to help
a grieving child EXPLAINING DEATH TO A CHILD CAN BE HEARTBREAKING AND DIFFICULT. KATE SILVERTON EXPLAINS HOW BEST TO BROACH THE SUBJECT AND THEN SUPPORT THEM THROUGH LOSS
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
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ereavement charities like Child Bereavement UK say children grieve in much the same way as adults. They learn how to mourn by copying the responses of the adults around them but without adult support, we may see them move into a life of searching, longing and yearning. I interviewed a Canadian writer recently for BBC Radio 4’s obituary programme, The Last Word. She was paying tribute to a man whom she said had been like a “father figure” after her own father died when she was young. She said she’d spent decades experiencing a deep sense of loss and “longing” for the father she’d never had. And as a result it had affected all her relationships as she sought to recreate that father/daughter relationship. Her words were powerful testimony to the impact bereavement can have on a child. So when a child loses someone close to them, how best to address their grief? How might we spot the signs that they are not coping and decide what support we can provide? “At times there will be nothing we can do for our child except to sit with them and let them experience their grief,” says clinical psychologist Dr Laura Markham. She warns, however, if we are ourselves uncomfortable with dealing with loss, we give a destructive message that is far-reaching. “Accepting loss as a normal part of life is important for optimal mental health for all of us. The more we allow ourselves to grieve, the more joy we can also feel,” she adds. Children have a limited ability to put feelings and thoughts into words and tend therefore to ‘act out’ with behaviours rather than express them verbally. Therapists talk about creating a safe ‘holding environment’ whereby we acknowledge the upset; verbalise what it is a child might be feeling and then provide physical comfort, thus creating a secure space for them to be able to let go. When my father was suddenly diagnosed LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
with stage four lung, liver and bone cancer in June 2015, our family was clearly devastated. With two very young children at the time I instinctively wanted to shield them from the inevitable grief and upset that would follow. The fear of being abandoned prompts a deep and innate fear in children, as they know that without a parent around they will not likely survive. If someone dies it may prompt them to worry about those closest to them leaving too. I sought advice from Dr Markham, who advised a simple approach. “We can explain that grandpa/daddy/a friend has become ill. We can explain that usually our bodies are very good at getting better but sometimes they don’t work so well, and sometimes they stop working,” she says. Current advice warns against saying that person has gone to ‘sleep’ or has ‘gone away’ as a child can develop fears themselves about going to sleep – and if they feel someone has just left them it can create separation anxiety. I explained to my children that granddad did not want to leave us but it was part of the natural cycle of life and that most people live for a very long time before they die. I explained it was a very sad time, and when we are sad we cry, and that was normal. I said we should tell my father how much we loved him. I explained that love does not die 73
and that we should remember all the fun and lovely things we did with him. However, when a child loses a parent, the loss is commensurate, and neuroscientist Dr Jaak Panksepp and child psychotherapist Dr Margot Sunderland warn that just because a child appears to be coping well, it is not always the case. “To an adult who associates grief with being introverted and depressed, a child’s high level of activity seems to indicate a lack of grief. Then, like a plane flying into sudden turbulence, the child moves into bursts of heartbreaking crying.” A year after my father’s death, I read my daughter one of Dr Sunderland’s books, The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back which is aimed at helping children cope with loss. Just a few pages in to what appears to be quite an innocent story, my daughter was clearly and deeply moved. She sobbed uncontrollably for minutes and all I could do was hold her and gently tell her to let it out. My daughter’s tears gave us another opportunity to discuss what it means when people leave us. I realised for her there was still a fear that I might leave too – so as a parent these opportunities are good to take, even if your child seems unaffected, it does not always mean they are adjusting well. We do our children great service by explaining that loss is natural and it does not mean they have done anything wrong. Children can internalise grief and blame themselves in a way that would seem illogical to us as adults – but the key to remember is that nothing they say should be dismissed as silly or irrelevant. We just need to hear them, to tell them everything they feel is normal and that their feelings are valid. L
Kate Silverton is a broadcaster and journalist with a BSc degree in child developmental psychology. She is now studying child psychotherapy part time, and is mother to two children.
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MINI MAISON You can expect plenty of Maison du Monde’s stylish functionality as it launches its first junior collection this autumn. Designed with every child in mind, there’s plenty of colourful furniture, plus soft furnishings galore featuring wacky prints, from cactus motifs and clouds to pineapples and geometric graphics. From £19.19, maisondumonde.com
interior
NEWS
Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home
FUN FOR LITTLE FOLKS The brains behind British brand Little Folks Furniture have been designing bright, fun spaces for children for more than 25 years, so they seriously know their stuff. The label’s latest collections allow you to combine high or low beds with desks so you’ve got everything covered. From £60, littlefolksfurniture.co.uk
WILD WALLS With five children between them, Olli Ella founding sisters Chloe and Olivia Brookman know a thing or two about fun and games, like the brilliant new Playpa, a revolutionary roll of jungle- or road-themed colouring paper, you can play on or hang on the wall. Every kid’s fantasy! From £14.95, olliella.com
COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD
HANDCRAFTED HOME Maggie & Rose is famed for its family members’ clubs, but now you can get your own club feel at home with the brand’s new furniture collection. The range, made in the UK, includes shelves, tables and chairs. maggieandroseathome.com
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CREATIVITY
get CRAFTY
LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE AUTUMN-INSPIRED ACTIVITIES AND DAYS OUT
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have no idea where this year has gone – I actually heard people talking about Christmas last week! The October half term is one of my favourite school holidays; we always try to have an adventure. When we’re planning on going away, we love to have a few fun games to throw in a bag to take with us. The latest puzzle from Nanny Anita is a cracker, and will make the perfect game for any half-term travels. My little ones also love trick or treating, and this year I’m going to make a batch of Halloween-inspired orange jellies filled with fizzy worms and other sweet creepy crawlies for them to share with their friends. I was born on Bonfire Night, so I’m wired to love fireworks. This issue, Nanny Anita has an easy at-home ‘explosion’ craft to make using parts from around the house to inject a little excitement. Enjoy, but remember to talk to the children about safety around fireworks. I’ll also be making a batch of toffee apples and hot chocolates for the whole family! L
A new school term means stocking up on essentials!
MINI RODINI BACKPACK £57 CHILDRENSALON.COM
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CREATIVITY
HALLOWEEN JELLIES You will need: • gelatine sachets • 450ml fruit juice • red food colouring • jelly worms • hollowed-out orange halves Method • Put 50ml boiling water into a heat-
proof jug and whisk in the gelatine until fully dissolved. • Pour in the juice and whisk again. • Pour the liquid into the oranges, place in the fridge to set. • Once set, dot on the food colouring and place a jelly worm on top.
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT
London is a hub of activity around Halloween, and this year I’m planning on soaking up some culture with the children and braving the Museums at Night, where museums and galleries across the country open their doors for a special and spooky festival afterhours. The tours look particularly brilliant! Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 October, prices vary. museumsatnight.org.uk
FIVE FIELD KONO You will need: • paper • pen • 14 counters (seven in each colour)
FILM CANISTER FIREWORKS You will need: • empty film canisters • Alka-Seltzer (or dissolvable vitamin C tablets) • warm water • safety goggles
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
Method • Put some warm water into the canister (the warmer the water, the quicker the reaction). • Put half a dissolvable tablet into the canister. • Quickly place the lid on and turn it upside down. • When enough gas has built up in
the canister it will pop off and shoot up into the air! TIP Make sure everyone is standing back once you have turned it over.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
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Method • Draw your board as a 4x4 grid. • The idea is to try and get your counters into the starting position of your opponent. The first person to do this wins. • You can only move one space, and only diagonally. You can’t jump over other pieces, and you can’t land on a position that is already occupied. • You can move forwards or backwards.
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Working with
YOU SMOOTHIE There’s a brand new snack to try from The Super Yummies. Its fruity yogurt dairy pots are the perfect portion size for hungry tummies on the go, and are a great source of calcium, too. Fruit and berries are blended with milk to create the supercreamy texture. £2 (pack of six), morrisons.com
RECIPE REVAMP Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants – from Bread Street Kitchen to York & Albany – has launched a kids’ menu with help from the chef’s daughter, Tilly. Exciting new dishes, inspired by Tilly’s CBBC cooking show, include ‘slam dunk’ meatballs and ice cream sandwiches. Children under 12 dine for free, too, so there’s no reason not to give it a try! gordonramsayrestaurants.com/kids
KITCHEN PLAY
food
NEWS
The latest and greatest foodie finds for your mini diners EAT WELL, DO GOOD
Inspire a passion for cooking with food writer Joshua David Stein’s latest hardback children’s title, What’s Cooking?. Take your little one through the series of practical and playful Q&As on food preparation, such as, ‘can I fry a scoop of gelato?’ and have a giggle at Julia Rothman’s amusing handdrawn illustrations. Available from 16 October. £12.95, Phaidon
Pudsey has teamed up with Little Dish to raise funds for BBC’s Children In Need. Look out for the yellow bear on the sleeve of a new limited-edition meal – sausage and mash with beans, from 10 October. All the brand’s dishes are low in salt and sugar. Get one while you can! £2.35, waitrose.com
JELLY BELLIES Naturelly has launched a special pack of jelly pouches to celebrate the muchloved children’s cartoon, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, inspired by character Nanny Plum’s love of making ‘magic jelly’. The two new flavours include strawberry and blackcurrant. £1, oacdo.co.uk
A quarter of primary school children questioned by the British Nutrition Foundation thought cheese came from plants, and almost one in five believed fish fingers were made from chicken. More promisingly, though, almost half reported having their five-a-day. nutrition.org.uk LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Kids Ski Free! If you believe skiing as a family is one of life’s great pleasures, then Aspen Snowmass is the perfect resort for you. Your Ski Independence Ski Specialist will be your guide to the most convenient travel options, the best hotels and condos for your family and the most appropriate ski school choices, as well as offering advice on local kids clubs, crèches and private nanny services.
Save up to 40% at The Gant – book by 31 October. Call a Ski Specialist on 0131 243 8097 or visit www.ski-i.com
When renting children’s ski equipment (12 years & under) between 1 January and 15 April 2018, the child will receive a free lift ticket for the same dates and duration. Children aged 6 years and under ski free all winter with a paying adult. Terms & conditions apply to all offers.
ART IN MOTION Hertz has launched what is surely the best built-in entertainment for long journeys – the very first colouring-in car. The one-of-a-kind prototype has been made using specialised upholstery, featuring illustrations in desperate need of some colour. Visit the car for yourself at Hertz’s Heathrow branch, where it’s currently on display. hertz.co.uk
THE BIG CHILL Slope off with the family this winter with Ski Independence’s tailor-made trips. There are two luxury chalets and nine hotels in the collection, including Aspen Snowmass in Colorado, ensuring you can kick back in true après-ski style once you’ve had enough of the white stuff. ski-i.com
t ravel
NEWS
Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know SPORTS STARS
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
TEATIME TREATS
Your child’s holiday wardrobe just got cool with the latest drop from Mini Rodini x Adidas Originals. The two new prints feature on six pieces, including the tracksuit, cap and swimsuit. Sizes from three months to six years. From £22.95, adidas.co.uk
Visit the Joël Robuchon restaurant at Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo and, while you enjoy the food, the kids can brush up on their baking skills with its Little Chef sessions. Led by the restaurant’s head pastry chef, children can make cupcakes and customise chocolate eggs, which they get to take home.
The new prints include a cactus graphic and neon snake design
£230 per child, metropole.com
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HOLIDAY HIGHS Take your adventure to new heights with the new Tree Hopper junior course at Zip World, North Wales. Tackle the high ropes, zip lines and bridges above the forest floor, with a more difficult trail for the particularly brave. Suitable from five years, and adults can join in too. £18 each, zipworld.co.uk
Stopping for a selfie en route
POS TCAR D from
NEW FOREST THERE ARE FEW THINGS IN LIFE THAT CANNOT BE SORTED WITH A BREAK to a country cottage. The typically British home from home is an instant antidote to the sensory overload of city life, particularly when it’s surrounded by glorious countryside. Just a two-hour drive from London, the New Forest doubles as both an oasis of calm and a Mecca for adrenaline junkies. And with a brood in tow, self-catering makes perfect sense. Our cottage, complete with obligatory log fire, was located on a quiet country lane in Burley, in the south-west of the forest. Hardly a booming metropolis anyway, the tuckedaway spot granted us pure peace, aside from the clip-clopping of horses that passed by. While our three boys were more than happy to huddle around the fireplace sipping hot chocolate and playing board games, we did manage to persuade them to venture out. This was our maiden cycling voyage en famille. With more than 100 miles of cycle paths, the New Forest is the perfect place to get pedalling. The friendly staff at New Forest Activities armed us with our bikes and sent us on our way. We powered through crisp woodland and green meadows, stopping
intermittently for a family selfie. We were aiming for Buckler’s Hard, a historical shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River which you can take a tour of. The river was an irresistible temptation, so we booked ourselves onto a kayaking session. Our instructor (who also indulged us with a spot of archery) spent hours guiding us along the river, the banks of which are studded with the homes of the wealthy and well-known. Pedalling, paddling and shooting make for hungry work, so it’s just as well there are plenty of pubs to dine in, including The Three Tuns in Bransgore. While my other half and I would have been happy to hang out there for another couple of hours, the boys were keen to get back to explore our holiday home. With all that energy spent so fast, the rest of the break was a little more low key – country walks, gentle pony rides and trips to the Setley Ridge Farm shop, which is packed with arts and crafts, and a wide selection of home-cooked meals and fantastic fudge that our boys were only too happy to sample. L
The stunning woodland has numerous cycling paths
The boys loved the nooks and crannies of Oak Tree Cottage Family kayaking on the Beaulieu River
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LIANNE KOLIRIN heads to the Hampshire hotspot for an active break with her boys
A seven-night stay at Oak Tree Cottage (sleeps five) from £490 per week. newforestcottages.co.uk
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Little camper’s midweek breaks Throughout October | 4 nights
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Island LIVING
WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND PLENTY FOR KIDS, CAROLINE SCOTT DISCOVERS THAT THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE ISLANDS OF TURKS AND CAICOS
Caroline, her husband Richard and their son, Rupert
Where else would you get the chance to kick back with Elmo?
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ever has our holiday destination piqued such interest as when we announced we were off to Turks and Caicos. We were met with a barrage of questions from friends, many of whom had heard of it, some who’d considered it, but none of whom had actually been. We booked into a Beaches resort, the family friendly off-shoot of Sandals. There are three resorts of this kind, two in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos. Like Sandals, these are ‘luxury included’ holidays and this really does include everything, from unlimited diving to childcare and perfectly decent wine. Beaches Turks and Caicos sits on Grace Bay. There’s a reason why Grace Bay, with its white sand and gently sloping blue ocean, has been voted one of the best beaches in the world by everyone from Condé Nast Traveller to Trip Advisor and that’s because it is truly, truly beautiful. It’s also one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. The sprawling 75-acre Beaches resort incorporates four different ‘villages’ – Caribbean, French, Italian and Key West. There are an impressive 22 restaurants, 10 pools, the Pirate’s Island water park, tennis courts, kids’ clubs, various watersports and even a spa. We were whisked the short journey from Providenciales airport by transfer and received a warm welcome on arrival at the Italian Village. Immediately, we were thrown head first into the Beaches way of life – a rum punch thrust into our hands as we were led past the pool, where a DJ and personal trainer were putting guests through their paces in an aqua aerobics class, while just yards away a bustling swim-up bar was filled with new arrivals, and at the edge of the pool Elmo from Sesame Street was posing for selfies. It was quite the induction. There are 43 types of accommodation to get your head around, but we were staying in a
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RUNNING HEAD
Ernie and friends are always on hand to pose for photos…
Butler Suite overlooking the pool. The accommodation is geared largely towards the US clientele so everything is super-sized – the beds and bath tubs are huge, there’s an Xbox 360 in the kids’ bedroom, a wellstocked bar and plenty of space. On the first evening our butler brought us food and we turned in early for the night; every evening they deliver a list of the following day’s events and I went to bed wondering how we would fit everything into one week! On the first morning we only strayed as far as Barefoot by the Sea, the beach restaurant we had spied from our balcony. We gorged on Bircher muesli and breakfast burritos, while our son, Rupert, devoured a bowl of fresh papaya and pineapple, followed by a helping of French toast. For those guests staying at ‘butler level’, a cabana is reserved by the pool every day, and we were delighted to learn that this included a vast chest full of ice-cold
drinks, plus a steady stream of snacks delivered every few hours, from fresh fruit platters to cookies and nachos. On arrival we had been handed a mobile on which we could reach our butler any time of the day or night. It’s amazing how quickly you slip into the Beaches way of life and by the end of the first day I was joining in the pool fitness classes as my son played next to me and my husband snoozed in the shade. And while we would normally be ‘beach people’ there was so much to keep our son occupied – between endless activities, music and regular appearances by the Sesame Street characters – that we found it hard to pull ourselves away from the pool. Beaches prides itself on being ‘everything and anything for everyone’ and while this means it is dedicated to keeping all ages occupied, it also means you can make it the kind of holiday you want. While the activities
Caroline and Rupert take a dip
at the Italian Village pool were great fun for younger ones and the party-hard piña colada crowd, the beach was deliciously quiet and the resort’s other pools offered a different scene – Key West, for example, has an infinity pool and a chilled-out ambience. In the afternoons my husband would wander there for a cold beer and a plate of freshly prepared sushi, while he caught up on emails (there’s free WiFi all over the resort). Meanwhile, my son and I would hit the play park or go for walks. The whole resort is buggy friendly and the gardens are unbelievably well kept.
CABIN CREW
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SKIP-HOP TRAVEL PILLOW £19 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
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WHAT TO PACK
Dig out that beach bag and make space for these kids’ essentials
SUNGLASSES £74 RAY-BAN.COM/UK
COTTON DRESS £44 SUNUVA.COM
The water park is a hub of children’s activity
As the week went on we spent our afternoons at Pirate’s Island, either bobbing along the lazy river or braving the surf simulator. The water park is the biggest in the Caribbean and is at the heart of the tweens and teens scene. This is where you’ll find the Scratch DJ Academy, an Xbox Play Lounge and various other kids’ hangouts. The entertainment for kids carries on in the evenings; for the teens there’s boat parties, barbecues and under-18s club nights, while there’s shows for the younger children and a weekly Sesame Street parade. Camp Sesame is the crèche for under fives, opening early for parents going out on a morning dive. The joy of having a butler was that he instinctively knew which restaurants we’d prefer and he, without fail, always secured us the best table. The biggest surprise was the restaurant offering – we enjoyed some excellent Caribbean food and fresh fish, and found restaurants that had a lovely, laidback atmosphere while also being child-friendly. We were delighted to see our son trying new foods with gusto, from shrimp grits for breakfast to snapper for dinner. There
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The numerous activities and Sesame Street characters were a hit with little Rupert is every type of restaurant imaginable, from Japanese teppanyaki to The Jerk Shack (our guilty lunchtime pleasure), so you’ll always find something you fancy. Bearing in mind the dizzying array of activities on offer, our trip to Beaches was one of the most relaxing holidays I’ve ever been on. And the added bonus of having a butler meant we experienced luxury like never before. We were extremely sad to leave and let’s just say getting back to normal life in London, sans butler, was hard to bear! L Seven nights’ accommodation during half-term (10 to 17 February 2018) in a French Village Luxury Room starts from £7,658 for a family of four, including return flights from London Gatwick and return resort transfers. 0800 597 002, beaches.co.uk
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COTTON HAT £8 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
RASH VEST £10 NEXT.CO.UK SWIM SHORTS £85 VILEBREQUIN.COM
SANDALS £15 BIRKENSTOCK.COM
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BERKHAMSTE D
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Open Events 2017: Thursday 28th, Friday 29th & Saturday 30th September
To book a place visit www.berkhamstedschool.org or call 01442 358001 Part of the Berkhamsted Family of Schools
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School Registered Charity No. 310630
Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England
Junior School Open Day: Fri 6 October 2017 Senior School Open Day: Sat 7 October 2017
11+ Scholarship Day for Year 7 entry in 2018: Thurs 16 November 2017 T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE
EDUCATION Did you know? Finland continues to top the polls as having the best school system in the world, according to the World Economic Forum’s annual report.
T H G I R B YO U N G T HIN GS PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. SOURCE: INDEPENDENT.CO.UK
An essential guide to your child’s education
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EDUCATION SCHOOL OF LIFE
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP Researching schools
If you want to know more about schooling and want to plan for the future, check out our sister title, The Guide to Independent Schools. Published twice a year, this is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.
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ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independentschool-parent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
With one in 10 children suffering from a mental health issue, author and happiness researcher Andy Cope is campaigning for ‘positive education’ in schools. Andy, along with a group of heads and teachers, is trialling a ‘happiness Ofsted’ in which children are trained in a range of positive psychology topics, from resilience to kindness and gratitude. Visit the website to get your school involved. artofbrilliance.co.uk
education
NEWS
Everything you need to know about what’s going on in and out of the classroom
CEREAL READER
Bear Alphabites has teamed up with Puffin to create The Big Book Club, an online hub of engaging book content and downloadable activity sheets. You’ll also find limited-edition alphabet magnets inside packs of Alphabites, too. bigbookclub.bearnibbles.co.uk
TALKING POINT Kids today care more about politics than we might think. Beano Studios, which polled children aged six to 12, found that two thirds knew what ‘Brexit’ meant, and half of them would like the voting age to be lowered.
DRAMA CLUB Play in a Box from the National Theatre Bookshop teaches kids to create, direct and star in their own play, with character cards and a book of plot twists. Take your seats, mums and dads! £12.99, shop. nationaltheatre.org.uk
The cost of private education in London has increased by 25% in the last five years – four times faster than average earnings. The total cost, up to Year 13, is over £175,000 per child. lloydsbanking.com
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ur o y Bookit this vis umn aut
Nursery and Pre-Preparatory Schools, NW3 19 September 3, 10 & 31 October 14 November 5 December
North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form Schools
Preparatory School, NW1 5 & 20 October 10 November
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Senior & Sixth Form Canonbury, N1 21 & 28 September 14 October 1 & 16 November
Full event details on the website
Book onto an Autumn Term open event today northbridgehouse.com/open admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
020 7428 1520
The Mall is a successful independent prep school for boys age 4+ in Twickenham
From 2019 we will become an 11+ school and boys will leave at the end of Year 6 • Non-selective entry into Reception (4+) • Entry into our expanded Year 3 (7+) is based on assessment • Popular destinations include: Hampton, KCS Wimbledon, St Paul’s & Reed’s • Minibuses from: Richmond, Kew, Chiswick and Kingston
Autumn Open Mornings • Wednesday 20 September, 9.00am
• Saturday 7 October, 9.30am-12.00pm • Tuesday 31 October, 9.30am – For 7+/8+ entry only • Wednesday 8 November, 9.00am – For 4+ entry only
“We are very happy as we have found an amazing environment for our son where he is encouraged and motivated.” Reception parent
Bringing out the best in every boy 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 0208 614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk
• Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years
• • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities
• Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8)
Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel:Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD
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EDUCATION
CAUGHT IN THE NET Our children are growing up in age of social media overload, but how can we as parents police it?
T
he need for parents to be vigilant about internet safety is well known, but as the world of social media is increasingly being accessed by children still in primary school, a whole new list of online issues has arisen. According to a recent study by Internet Matters, 43% of children aged between 10 and 13 now use social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, and 86% of children aged seven to 11 use some kind of online communication, often without their parents’ knowledge. Indeed, the NSPCC is urging parents to make online awareness as much a priority as road safety, as their recent survey showed that less that a fifth of parents discussed this vitally important topic with their eight to 13 year olds.
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“Parents are the first port of call for a child when it comes to staying safe in real life and this is no different when it comes to their online life,” explains Claire Lilley, head of child safety online at the NSPCC. “Talking to your child and exploring their online world with them is the best way to keep them safe but it can be hard to keep up to speed with the internet, and some topics can feel more difficult than others.” Indeed, it can seem like uncharted waters for many mums and dads who may not even have a social media account themselves, let alone know how to navigate the many complex issues around their children’s use. For example, many adults are unaware that sites like Facebook and Instagram require users to be aged 13 and over. However, these restrictions are easily overcome by any child
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with a phone or an iPad who can simply enter false information. While this isn’t illegal, it is against the site’s terms and conditions, and if discovered these underage profiles will be deleted. And it’s not just a tech-savvy few. A recent survey by the BBC’s Newsround found that more than three-quarters of younger children at primary-leaving age were using at least one social media network. Once on these sites, children are exposed to all images and text posted by adult users all over the world. Around 70 million photos are shared on Instagram every day, many of which will be unsuitable for little eyes. “While we don’t condone children under the age of 13 using social media due to the breach in those sites’ terms and conditions, we are realistic. We know that kids are
CHILDNET’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS SAFE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
curious and will explore the many ways of using the internet, of which this is one,” says Gareth Cort from Childnet International, a non-profit organisation that aims to make the internet a safer place for children. “They discover social media in different ways. Maybe they see an older sibling or parent using Facebook or hear of their favourite celebrity or footballer posting on Instagram and they want to do the same. Then, of course, they tell their peers about it. But at such a young age they are unaware of the risks and dangers involved. “It’s essential to access all the security settings, make accounts private and know how to report anything suspicious or abusive,” he adds. Grooming or contact from strangers is of course every parent’s worst fear surrounding the online world, but it’s not just safety issues and inappropriate content that they need to worry about. Often the most immediate threat children face comes from bullying and peer pressure. Childline has seen an 88% increase in counselling about online bullying over the past five years, with calls coming from children as young as seven. “Talking to your child about how they behave online is absolutely essential,”
Be aware of the terms and conditions. It’s not illegal for a child under the age of 13 to have a social media account but these rules are put in place by sites to protect children. Protect personal information by using privacy settings. Make sure your kids know not to post things such as the name of their school or photos of them next a street sign. Turn off location services so they can’t be pin-pointed. Become their ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ to keep track of what they are posting and who is contacting them. Monitor screen time and set agreements about the amount of time spent online. Agree a time when all devices will be switched off and lead by example. The most important thing is to talk to your child about social media. Explain your concerns and help them understand how to use it positively. For more information, visit childnet.com and nspcc.org.uk.
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Cort points out. “Not only do you need to discuss safety, you also need a constant dialogue about what they post and the implications. They need to think about what they are saying online. Could it be offensive or hurtful? And remind them regularly that if they are unhappy with anything they have read or seen they can tell you about it. Teenagers tend to talk to their peers about their concerns but parents are still the first people a primary school age child will turn to if they are upset or scared.” But what age should parents allow their child to access social media? According to Rose Bray, a project manager in child online safety at the NSPCC, that is a decision parents have to make themselves. “You know your own child and you know when they are mature enough to have a phone and use social media,” she advises. “Explain the risks to your child and make it very clear what they can and can’t access. For example, they can only send messages to friends and must have a private Instagram account so that only followers you approve of can see their posts. “We have lots of information on the ‘Share Aware’ section of our website, including guides on the most popular sites and apps. It’s a great resource that can really help parents by breaking it all down into straightforward advice. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming and parents can monitor what their children are doing online.” However there are many who feel that children of this age simply do not have the level of maturity required to cope with social media where self worth is measured in ‘followers’, ‘friends’ or ‘likes’. “While you can start teaching responsible use of tech now, know that you will not be able to teach the maturity that social media requires,” explains Melanie Hempe, founder of Families Managing Media. “It does not make your child smarter or more prepared for real life, nor is it necessary for healthy social development,” she continues. “The longer parents delay access to social media sites, the more time a child will have to mature so that he or she can use technology more wisely as a young adult. Delaying access also places a greater importance on developing personal authentic relationships first.” Ultimately parents must decide for themselves how and when their child can access social media but, crucially, they must also remember that they always have the right to simply say ‘no’. L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. WORDS: MORAG TURNER
EDUCATION
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a
m i n i m i s
i n c i p e
Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18
Whole School Open Morning Saturday 14th October 2017
View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk
Open Morning dates: OPEN MORNING DATES: Wednesday 8 February th
FOREST SCHOOL FOREST SCHOOL London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a
th Wednesday 18thWednesday October 2017 •24Tuesday May31st October 2017 (Doors2018 open• 9.30) Thursday 22nd February Wednesday 23rd May 2018
London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex co-educational environment for girls and boys We are a city teaching in a coeducational environment for aged girls 4-18. and boys aged school 50 aacres grounds, located nextoftogrounds, Epping Forest. 4-18. with We are cityofschool with 50 acres located next to Open DayForest. takes place Saturday 23 September, 8.30am - 23 1.30pm. Epping Our on Open Day takes place on Saturday September, 11+ Information Mornings take place on 7 October and 25 November. 8.30am - 1.30pm.
(9:30am – 11:00 am Doors Open at 9:20am)
LYNDHURST HOUSE
Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School
www.forest.org.uk www.forest.org.uk 0208520 8520 1744 020 1744
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EDUCATION
AFTER- SCHOOL OVE RLOAD ? As parents book their children in for more and more after-school clubs, are we in danger of overscheduling them? RHIANE KIRKBY finds out
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ith the new school term about to start, for many parents it means juggling drop-offs, pick-ups and inset days, but also factoring in a weekly activity timetable. “In my day, there was only swimming, ballet, football, cubs and brownies,” reminisces one grandma. “Now it’s gone completely crazy.” Take a look at Annabel’s diary and you may be inclined to agree. Her children do a total of 13 different out-of-school activities each week. As a consequence they rarely eat their evening meal at home and usually do their homework in the car. And even though LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
EDUCATION
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YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DENYING YOUR CHILD OPPORTUNITY IF YOU DON’T PLAY BALL organising this weekly schedule appears to be a full time job, Annabel still finds the time to work as a lawyer and battle a long daily commute. “I’m really not a tiger mum,” explains Annabel. “In fact, I’m not competitive at all. I rarely watch my kids doing any of their activities as I’m usually working on my laptop.” So, you may ask, why does she put herself through this gruelling schedule? “In the old days, kids would come home and go running around in the street – that just doesn’t happen anymore, but they still need to burn off energy. Most of the activities we do are physical and that’s my choice, but I never make them do anything they don’t enjoy.” When asked whether she feels her children are missing out on time with family and friends or the chance to unwind after school, Annabel is quick to defend. “Childhood is about having fun and that’s what my kids are doing. They’re with their friends every night and we all sit down to family meals at the weekend. They go straight to sleep when they go to bed and I really believe they’re doing better academically because they’re burning up all that energy.” Interestingly, a new study, which is thought to be the first of its kind, into the link between participation in after-school activities and academic attainment supports Annabel’s belief. The research by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at University College London concluded that primary school children who take part in clubs and organised sports achieve more academically and have better social, emotional and behavioural skills than those who don’t. Annabel’s schedule may sound extreme, but she’s definitely not alone. Joanne’s two boys do eight different activities each week and she also volunteers to run one of their groups. “I don’t feel pressured by others,” she says, “but I do put pressure on myself. I think every child should learn to swim, and they love the other things they do – they’d be devastated if I decided to stop them.” Michelle, on the other hand, admits she does feel the need to conform. “Children should be allowed to play, be creative and run around the park, woods or playground, but LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
LOOKING TO SIGN UP? CLUB PETIT PIERROT Little ones have the chance to learn French through fun and games in these multi-sensory classes. Founded almost 25 years ago, sessions are run by French natives in various venues across the capital. clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
THE LITTLE LONDON MUSIC SCHOOL A great opportunity to introduce your child to the joy of music. Classes are divided by age group, where kids can enjoy opera-quality music, learn about a variety of instruments, and sing and clap. thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
PLAYBALL Watch as your kids learn the basics of sport, balance and coordination. There’s a wide variety of sporting activities to try; from tennis, football and cricket to baseball and volleyball. playballlondon.com
THE AVENUE COOKERY SCHOOL Children can learn how to cook a variety of dishes at this cookery school in Wandsworth. Best of all, they can take home their creations at the end of each session to share with the family. theavenuecookeryschool.com
MINI ARTISTS AT DODO STUDIOS Suitable for ages six and upwards, budding artists can flex their creative muscles at Dodo Studios in Dulwich. They’ll get to create their own masterpieces, while learning about different art movements and mediums. miniartists.co.uk
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if everyone else has tennis lessons from the age of four, football from five, swimming at six and is a proficient ballet dancer at seven, you feel like you are denying your child an opportunity if you don’t play ball.” Primary school teacher Laura points out that children need downtime too. “I think my two do the right amount of activities – two or three a week. I appreciate that’s on the low side, but I strongly believe that it’s important for your child to get bored. If they are constantly being ferried from one activity to the other then they will never stop and work out what they really want to do.” That’s something author India Knight agrees with: “I spent hours being bored as a child, something I consider extremely character forming. But no, not any more. The generation we’ve raised are lost without the slew of extracurricular activities their loving parents have organised for them.” So is it true to say that parents are actually fuelling this extracurricular craze? “Fear of missing out is rampant among parents,” says parenting coach Judy Reith. “We must be willing to make sacrifices to accommodate our children’s passions, and far better to be doing something healthy and stimulating than sitting at home with games consoles, but we really must try not to worry about what other families are doing.” For teacher Laura, the guilt factor also comes into play. “In my experience parents who tend to do loads of activities are often those with one child. They’re guilty they don’t have a sibling to play with. Or they’re full time working parents who feel guilty about working crazy hours and want to use the money they earn to give their children the best start in life.” That said, while experts agree that exhausting your children by pushing them into too many things or putting pressure on them to succeed where you may have failed can have serious consequences, few can argue the benefits of having the right balance of activities. And with only 21% of boys and 16% of girls aged five to 15 doing the recommended amount of daily exercise, after-school clubs are perhaps more important than ever before. L
RUNNING HEAD
The school has excellent facilities for art, design and food technology
MEET THE HEAD
Berkhamsted Prep School
We chat to JAMIE HORNSHAW, head of the Hertfordshire day school How long have you been at Berkhamsted Prep?
This is the start of my fifth academic year as headteacher at Berkhamsted Prep. Prior to this, I was head of the Junior School at the British School of Paris in France. Tell us a bit about the school’s history.
Berkhamsted School was established in 1541 in the town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. It amalgamated with Berkhamsted School for Girls in 1996, adding the respective Prep and Junior Schools in 1998. Historically the Christian Foundation derives from the founding of the school in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our patron, and visited in May 2016. The Prep School is co-educational and houses pupils in Years 3 to 6. In 2011, Berkhamsted School acquired Heatherton House
(Girls Prep School, Amersham) and in 2012, Haresfoot School, which is now the campus for Berkhamsted Pre-Prep & Day Nursery. What do you see as the school’s main strengths?
The buildings of Berkhamsted School form separate campuses in close proximity around the centre of a historic market town. This enables us to offer a small school feel within a larger infrastructure. The education offered by us is co-educational in the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools, with single-sex teaching in Years 7 to 11 for girls and boys, before returning to co-educational teaching in the Sixth Form. The Prep School campus has excellent facilities for its pupils including two science classrooms, bespoke Art, Design Technology and Food Technology rooms, a light and spacious library as well as three Eton Fives courts, newly
refurbished play areas and a large multi-purpose hall. Located across the road at the Girls’ campus is a 500-seat theatre, sports centre and six-lane indoor swimming pool which are used by Prep pupils on a weekly basis. The curriculum is broad, making effective use of class and specialist teaching. In 2016-17 the school qualified for national finals in five different sports, becoming champions in Tennis and Eton Fives. There is also an excellent after-school activity programme with more than 50 clubs currently available. The school offers a wrap-around care facility to parents from 7.30am to 6.30pm; plus a variety of camps each school holiday to help support our working parents. Why is Berkhamsted Prep an attractive option for London families?
Berkhamsted is a prosperous community surrounded by the
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Chiltern countryside, and is within easy reach of London Euston by train (approximately 35 minutes). The rare one-stop, 3-18 educational opportunity for families in this area is highly popular. Currently around 90% of Prep School pupils choose to move on to Berkhamsted Boys & Girls at Year 7 having completed the necessary entrance procedures. What’s coming up this new school term?
We have completed the second phase of a new adventure play area which has been generously supported by the Prep Friends’ parent association. Additionally, the school has invested further in mobile devices to enable crosscurricular technology skills to be applied by the pupils and staff. A new virtual learning platform is also being launched in the Lent term. L berkhamstedschool.org
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Bright children
Exceptional opportunities All the fun of the fair: recent excitements for
our littler children this year have included a Mad Science workshop, a visit from a menagerie of farm animals, trips to local London landmarks like the Museum of London and several visiting top authors.
Wet play? Not a problem. With three indoor sports halls and a huge 70m x 40m all-weather pitch, Newton Prep has plenty of space inside and out!
Our annual Open Day is Saturday 7th October, 9.30am-12.30pm, but we also run more personal
“Newton
combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.” Current parent
Headmistress’s Tours most Fridays during term-time: sign up via our website now!
We can offer 100% Bursaries from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.
A co-ed London prep school for children 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk
EDUCATION
ASK THE EXPERTS We put your schooling questions to four headteachers How can I be sure I’m choosing the right nursery and pre-prep?
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Choosing a nursery and pre-prep for your child can be a daunting experience. Parents have a bewildering selection to choose from in London and for some the process is inherently fraught – many are entrusting their child to carers outside the home for the first time. The first piece of advice I give is to look around. Don’t fi xate on one school to the exclusion of all others. You may have an initial preference but you will lose nothing by comparing several options. Inspection reports, The Good Schools Guide and talking to other parents are useful starting points. But there is no substitute for visiting in person. The most obvious question is, do the children appear happy and engaged? Children who are engaged, motivated and playing well together will be happy and will learn. There will be occasional tears, especially in the first few days, but children should rapidly settle down and look forward to going. Equally important is the attitude of staff. Do they celebrate and nurture the individual child, or are they more concerned to boast about the academic performance of the school? Ultimately, it’s a question of trust: are the staff caring enough to do the best for your child? I would also urge parents to look beyond pre-prep to any related prep school. Often pre-prep to prep is a natural progression. Look at the school’s prep offering – is the same ethos applied here and what are the senior school outcomes for the children? Finally, look at the facilities. Is the equipment well maintained? What are the play areas like? A word of warning, though: do not be distracted by state-of-the-art classrooms and piles of ipads. Technology is not a proxy for excellent teaching and shiny new buildings are no substitute for a great education. A school is made by the people in it, and parents would be wise to look to them first and last! Christine McLelland, head of North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools in Hampstead
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EDUCATION What are the benefits of co-educational learning at pre-prep level? The discourse around the benefits of singlesex and co-educational learning can leave many parents confused as to which choice is most beneficial for their child. As the first step of their educational journey, the pre-prep years should be a time for children to explore, socialise and learn, in a setting that offers security, nurture and challenge and where children are excited to come into school but most of all, happy to be there. While we know that young children recognise that there are boys and girls in their class, daily interactions in a co-educational setting at this age enables children to interact, play and co-operate across a spectrum of activities. In nursery and reception at Berkhamsted, our responsive daily planning takes into consideration the interests of the children who are leaders of their own learning. Such diversity of ideas within a co-educational setting allows children to experience the intrinsic elements of play that can be very different for boys and girls. As they move into Key Stage One (five to seven years) continuing to develop secure relationships based on excellent personal, social, emotional needs that promote acceptance and equality from everyone, helps to teach children about the importance of kindness and respect. Promoting opportunities across the curriculum that encourages them to collaborate in their learning equally and to value the contributions of their peers regardless of gender stereotypes. Pre-prep education is key to securing the foundations of learning that will develop the basic skills and learning dispositions, enabling children to go on to be successful at GCSE and A-level and beyond. It seems that to isolate them by gender at such an early informative stage would perhaps halve the possible learning opportunities and socialisation experiences that are evident daily in our school, and which make it such an exciting, vibrant setting for children to learn and play together. This, with an exceptional environment that meets the development needs of both girls and boys, gives children the very best start for life-long learning that will inevitably be across the gender divide in the real world. Karen O’Connor, head of Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery in Hertfordshire LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
THIS CAN BE A TIRING TIME AS CHILDREN SETTLE AND UNDERSTAND NEW ROUTINES What do you see as the benefits of creating your own curriculum?
What are your tips for settling a child into a new school term?
Being able to create a curriculum that will inspire all my pupils and develop their enquiring minds is a real privilege. At Heatherton, our planning is based on the National Curriculum, but we are able to go beyond the constraints many teachers experience, such as time, lack of resources or expertise and fi xed testing. With subject specialist teaching available from nursery, alongside class teachers until Year 4, our children experience high quality lessons and nurturing pastoral care. With less time restrictions, we have been able to introduce a programme which allows our girls to work in small, mixed-age groups, experiencing activities such as mindfulness, chemistry and team-building. Our curriculum is based around the principles of ‘Building Learning Power’, where we actually teach our pupils how to learn. We take the time to individualise targets so pupils know the skills they need to develop. Our Year 6 girls spend the last half term of their school year involved in a bespoke leavers’ programme, which is an excellent preparation for senior school. This is another advantage of creating your own curriculum, as we are not confined to preparing pupils for SATS. Our curriculum at Heatherton caters for all and is personalised and varied, giving them wonderful opportunities and, I hope, instilling in them a love of learning that will continue throughout their lives.
The start of the new academic year is always an exciting one and one that brings new resolutions, targets for the coming term and a great deal of anticipation. As they begin at nursery or reception classes they will then be clocking each event and interaction to work out how it feels to be a part of their new class. This is can be a tiring time as the children settle, negotiate new relationships and understand new routines. It may also be a tiring time for you too, as parents, possibly figuring out a new route for the school run, or dropping siblings off elsewhere, understanding new routines yourself, perhaps even returning to work now that your child has settled into a certain age or stage. I include some tips here which might help: • Talk positively about going to school. • Help your child to get into the routine of managing their own clothing, encouraging independence with daily changing. • Encourage your child to learn good habits and feel comfortable about going to school by arriving in good time for the start of the school day. • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and expect tiredness in the first months. • Trust the staff and talk openly about any concerns, however small. • Let your child tell you about their day in their own time – avoid 20 questions about the school day.
Debbie Isaachsen, head of Heatherton School, Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Christine McLelland North Bridge House
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Debbie Isaachsen Heatherton
Naomi Bartholomew, head of St Catherine’s Prep School in Bramley
Naomi Bartholemew St Catherine’s
Karen O'Connor Berkhamsted Pre-Prep
CHELSEA, BELGRAVIA, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PIMLICO E: chelsea.westminster@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8767 9827 PUTNEY, BARNES, FULHAM E: putneybarnesfulham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8480 6064 MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, HAMPSTEAD, KENSINGTON, NOTTING HILL E: hampstead.nottinghill@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8438 0189
WHAT’S ON
AG E N DA
DANIELLE WILKINS reveals what’s going on in the capital
PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL COLTAS
ANNIE Until Saturday 6 January 2018. Set in 1930s New York, this fabulous production follows the story of Annie, the brave young girl living a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. But her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Until 26 November, it is Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood who is set to play the spiteful Miss Hannigan.
HALF -TERM HORRORS
THE DREAM FACTORY
FUN PAL ACES
Monday 23 to Friday 27 October, 11am to 3.30pm. Don your Halloween costumes and enjoy creepy crafts galore at Eltham Palace this half term. As well as a fancy dress competition, there will be pumpkin-carving sessions throughout the week.
Saturday 11 November, 11am and 1pm. Suitable for little ones aged four to nine, this sensory puppet show tells the tale of a young girl who has lost her ability to dream. Find out how dreams are made – and what they look like – with wonderful storytelling and music.
Saturday 7 October, 10am to 4pm. This family day returns to the Half Moon Theatre with a huge programme of events. The pop-up Fun Palace will celebrate arts, culture and science with a collection of music, craft sessions and experiments. Plus, there’s tea and cake to be enjoyed all day!
Admission: Adults, £14.40; children,
Admission: From £20 each.
£8.50; under-fives go free.
Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman
Eltham Palace & Gardens, Court
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square,
Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse
Street, London W1D 7DY
Yard, Eltham, London SE9 5QE
King Street, London W6 0QL
Road, London E1 0ND
anniewestend.com
english-heritage.org.uk
020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk
020 7265 8138, halfmoon.org.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Admission: £8 each.
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Admission: Free.
WHAT’S ON
Junior Tennis
THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHER FURRY TALES Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November, times vary. The Half Moon Theatre storyteller is on the run from those three-headed monsters, as he brings tales from the Magic Land of Three using puppets and props. It features a soundtrack so infectious, you won’t be able to stop singing long after the show has ended! Admission: £7 each.
Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 020 7265 8138, halfmoon.org.uk
VEGFEST UK Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October. Foodie families should head to Kensington Olympia this month for the annual Vegfest UK, a show dedicated to healthy living and fabulous food. As well as a host of food aficionados, including sushi from Happy Maki, comfort dishes from Lazy Boy Kitchen and crafts beers from the artisan Pitfield Brewery, there will be entertainment, with a dedicated kids’ area, cinema, comedy and cooking demos. Admission: Adults, £15; children go free. Olympia London, Hammersmith
THE TELEGRAPH SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOW JUNIOR TENNIS
HALLOWEEN FAIR
Until Tuesday 31 October. Who said tennis was just for summer? The Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre returns with its junior programme this autumn, specifically designed for children aged three to 10. Led by friendly, LTA-qualified coaches, players are taught in four different group sessions lasting between 45 to 60 minutes, all equipment provided.
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Visit the Horniman Museum & Gardens this month for its annual Halloween Fair, featuring an arts and crafts market, food stalls, plus ‘spooky’ animal handling. Don’t forget to dig out your Halloween costume, too, and join in the goings-on.
Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 October. Even if skiing isn’t your go-to sport of choice, this makes a really epic family day out. As well as shopping a whole range of equipment, fashion and resorts for snowy holidays, families can enjoy delicious alpine-themed street food, ice skating and stunt shows. Hot chocolate, anyone? Admission: Adults, £22; children, £8; under-11s go free.
Admission: Free.
Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park,
Admission: From £40 per course.
Horniman Museum & Gardens,
London SW11 4NJ
Eton Manor, Leadmill Lane, Queen
100 London Road, Forest Hill,
skiandshowboard.co.uk
Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford,
London SE23 3PQ
London E20 3AD
020 8699 1872, horniman.ac.uk
visitleevalley.org.uk/hockeytennis
GUES S WHO?
MARITIME MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October, 9.30am to 5.30pm. If you pop by the WWT London Wetland Centre this half term, be sure to pick up your very own Guess Who? game card on arrival, and use your powers of observation to guess which wetland resident your partner has selected. It’s also the perfect opportunity to meet the animals.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November, 12pm to 4pm. This family weekend is dedicated to stories and songs of the sea, with performances from musical acts such as Hughie Jones and Keith Kendrick. Little ones will love learning to sing like a sailor at the foot-stomping sea shanty workshops, or get hands-on with nautical crafts. Best suited to children aged five years and over.
£6.50; under-fours go free.
Museum of London Docklands,
Admission: £13 each.
WWT London Wetland Centre,
No1 Warehouse, West India Quay,
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes,
London E14 4AL
Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
London SW13 9WT
020 7030 3300,
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
020 8409 4400, wwwt.org.uk
museumoflondon.org.uk
CHOCOL ATE TUES DAY Tuesday 24 October, 10.30am. Cocoa fans, rejoice! Delve into a world of chocolate at the Chelsea Physic Garden and spend the day exploring the history of the nation’s favourite sweet treat. The day will include craft activities, a garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to take your own chocolates home. Suitable for ages six to 10 years.
Admission: Adults, £11.50; children,
Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX london.vegfest.co.uk
KIDTROPOLIS Monday 23 October to Thursday 26 October. This huge event for children under 12 and their families is back for October half term, with live shows, kids’ characters and endless activities under one roof. Superstar dance troop Flawless will be showcasing their talents live, there will be story time with Peppa Pig, science with Captain Calamity and a special show from Sylvanian Families. Even Postman Pat, Sooty and Fireman Sam are set to make an appearance, and children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson will be bringing her Wild and Scary show to life with a number of animal friends. It really is the ultimate in family fun. Admission: From £13.50 each.
ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL kidtropolis.co.uk Kidtropolis
Admission: Free.
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WHAT’S ON
SUSHI - MAKING MASTERCL AS S
THE BIG DRAW AT ARTS DEPOT
Sunday 1 October and Sunday 5 November, 10am. On every first Sunday of the month, head to Sticks’n’Sushi in Greenwich for a fun sushi masterclass especially for little ones. As well as making their own sushi rolls and nigiri, the kids will be able to take away their handmade treats and a little goodie bag. Suitable for children aged six to 12 years.
Monday 23 October, from 11am. The Artsdepot is offering a bumper day of drawing and creativity, jam-packed with activities for children aged three and over to celebrate The Big Draw national campaign. There will be two great immersive theatre shows on during the event, too; create your own Tracy Beaker-style character in Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw Along (for ages six and over) or colour to your heart’s content in Ready Steady Go, for kids aged three to nine years.
Admission: £25 each.
Sticks’n’Sushi, 1 Nelson Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9JB sticksnsushi.co.uk
GLOWING GOLD Saturday 21 October, 11.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 4pm. Immerse your little one in the world of art and investigate the colour gold through storytelling, craft making and messy play in the tactile environment of The National Gallery. There are plenty of other free drop-in events happening at the gallery this month, too.
may cost extra.
Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 October, 7pm to 9am. Little ones aged six to 12 are invited to enjoy an evening of activities, a magical museum trail and storytelling, followed by a night’s sleep in the company of puppets, dolls and trains at the V&A Museum of Childhood. The following morning you’ll get to enjoy breakfast on the Marble Floor, before the museum opens to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Finchley, London N12 0GA
Admission: £45 each.
V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA 020 8983 5200, vam.ac.uk
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road,
accompanying adult.
London SE1 8XX
The National Gallery, Trafalgar
southbankcentre.co.uk
GO WILD ! FAMILY CLUB
Artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, North 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk
GIANT SNAIL TOUR Sunday 1 October to Thursday 26 October, times vary. Stop by one of the capital’s Royal Parks on selected dates this month for its Giant Snail Tour. Families and children of all ages have the chance to get up close to nature and learn more about the miniature world of invertebrates. The Giant Snail caravan will host storytellers, as well as activities like badge making, scavenger hunts, colouring-in, web weaving, grasshopper jumping competitions and more.
THE NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP
Saturday 21 October and Saturday 18 November, 12pm to 2.30pm. Head to East Ham Nature Reserve on the third Saturday of every month for den building, arts and crafts and minibeast hunts, as you learn more about the animals that live there. Wrap up warm and dress for mess!
Sunday 26 November, 10am to 5pm. Discover the world of classic ballet through dance, music, acting and storytelling at this wonderful beginners workshop for children aged four to 11. Each age group will take on a different scene from the magical Christmas tale, culminating in a presentation for parents. Sessions must be booked in advance.
East Ham Nature Reserve, Norman
Royal Academy of Dance, 36
Road, London E6 6HN
Battersea Square, London SW11 3RA
activenewham.org.uk
020 7326 8000, rad.org.uk
Admission: Free.
Admission: From £22 each.
The Nutcracker Workshop
Admission: Free.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID TETT/COURTESY ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
Admission: From £12 each.
Admission: £5 per child and
nationalgallery.org.uk
RBC RACE FOR THE KIDS
Greenwich Park (Sunday 1 October);
Saturday 7 October, from 10am. This 5k family fun run is back for its eighth year, this time in London’s Hyde Park. The race raises money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and is suitable for all ages and abilities. But even if you’re not planning on entering, you can join in the fun by supporting the runners on the sidelines. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
25 and Thursday 26 October);
Hyde Park (Sunday 8, Wednesday Brompton Cemetery (Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 October) royalparks.org.uk RBC Race For The Kids
Admission: Race entry for adults, £17; children, £11; under-fours go free. Hyde Park, London W2 2UH gosh.org/raceforthekids
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Sunday 22 October, 12pm. A magical opportunity to watch The Gruffalo’s Child on the big screen, with live music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Little ones can also get involved in some pre-concert fun, with free musical activities from 10am in the foyer.
Square, London WC2N 5DN
Admission: £4 each; some activities
MAGICAL MUSEUM SLEEPOVER
FUNHARMONICS FAMILY CONCERT
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WHAT’S ON
The Ravest Show on Earth!
THE RAVEST SHOW ON EARTH ! Sunday 15 October, 2pm to 4.30pm. The party people behind Big Fish Little Fish bring their award-winning family rave to the Museum of London Docklands, where little ones can enjoy a circus-themed party complete with multisensory dancefloor, live DJ, glitter cannons, bubble machines and more. Admission: Adults, £8.50; children,
£6.50; non-walking toddlers go free. Museum of London Docklands, No1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL museumoflondon.org.uk
LIGHT UP YOUR DREAMS : POETRY CRAFT FOR FAMILIES Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October, 12pm to 4pm. As part of the London Literature Festival happening down at the Southbank Centre this month, this drop-in event gives kids the chance to work with artists to record their hopes for the future.
The Big Draw at Buckingham Palace
THE BIG DRAW AT BUCKINGHAM PAL ACE
MATILDA MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
WHY THE WHALES CAME
Sunday 29 October, 10am to 4.15pm. Do you have a little star in the making? Children aged seven to 13 are invited to join in the Royal Academy of Dance’s workshop inspired by the West End show, Matilda. It’s is divided into two age groups – with no singing or dancing experience required for either – and closes with a performance for parents. Sessions must be booked in advance.
Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 November, times vary. This Michael Morpurgo tale is brought to life on stage. It tells the story of Gracie and Daniel who, after getting lost at sea, learn to unravel the secrets of the mysterious Birdman. Suited for children aged seven to 12 years.
Royal Academy of Dance, 36
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR
Admission: £13.50 each.
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888, polkatheatre.com
Admission: From £24 each.
Thursday 26 October to Friday 27 October, 11am to 3pm. Be inspired by the objects, stories and atmosphere of the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, and make use of it to celebrate The Big Draw. This year’s theme is Living Lines, so visit the Royal Mews to create your own short animated film. Design and create your own horse and backdrop, and work with the workshop leaders to bring your drawings to life! They’ll even email your film to you. As part of your visit, little ones can sit in the landau, tack up the beautifully carved wooden pony – just as the Queen’s royal horses would be for parades – and try on the coachmen’s livery.
Battersea Square, London SW11 3RA
Thursday 26 October to Sunday 7 January 2018. The capital’s famous ice rink is back, with the charming museum and South Kensington’s tree-lined streets as its backdrop. Don’t forget to enjoy Hotel Chocolat’s signature hot chocolate as a post-skating treat!
Monday 30 October to Sunday 5 November. Looking to the festive season already? This expertly curated shopping experience could be just the ticket, with stylish gifts for families and the home. Expect everything from children’s fashion to and homeware – not to mention everything you’ll need for the big day itself. There will be workshops, too, plus a food hall to feed the family.
children, £8.80.
under-12s go free.
National History Museum, Cromwell
Olympia London, Hammersmith
Road, London SW7 5BD
Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX
nhmskating.com
spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
rad.org.uk
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK
Admission: Adults, £12.65;
Admission: Adults, £24; children, £14;
Admission: Adults, from £10; children,
Spirit of Christmas Fair
£5.80; under-fives go free. The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA royalcollection.org.uk
Admission: Free.
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX southbankcentre.co.uk
APPLE DAY CELEBRATION Sunday 8 October, 11am to 3pm. This annual festival at Fulham Palace celebrates its Walled Garden apple orchard with tastings, live music, bee-keeping demos, baking competitions, storytelling and loads more.
PL AY IN A DAY WORKSHOPS Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 October, 10am to 4pm. Children aged five to 11 are invited to join in this Chickenshed Theatre workshop of singing, dancing, drama and play. Little ones will work together in the morning to develop their ideas, ending the day with a short show for parents. Admission: £32 each.
Admission: Free.
Osidge Primary School, Chase Side,
Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue,
Southgate, London N14 5HD
Fulham, London SW6 6EA
020 8292 9222,
020 7736 3233, fulhampalace.org
chickenshed.org.uk
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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF LAPLAND THIS WINTER
OUR FAMILIES LOVE IT, YOURS WILL TOO. In 2002 we pioneered specialist family holidays; by going on them ourselves. From multi-activity holidays, to authentic Father Christmas trips for younger children, to reindeer and husky safaris and Northern Lights experiences, we tested these holidays on our own families first. So when we say we know you will love our family holidays, we really do know you will. To find out more call 01670 785 072 or visit activitiesabroad.com
AA-winterad-202x129-2016.indd 1
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10/20/16 4:37 PM
ies s ub n in er Cl ru urs so N al ls & o ho Sc
Bocketts Farm Park 21st - 29th October 2017
WIZARDS &
WITCHES WEEK
LIttle house of science
ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT! Hundreds of Pumpkins
is a place to learn, experiment, explore & Play from 3-11 YEARS
Wizards Magician Show Creepy Crafts
Witches Quiz Trail Encounter awesome creepy crawlies and reptiles up close!
Reptile Roadshow!
PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN, WHATEVER THE WEATHER!
D AR AW WI NN ING !
www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Age adjusted classes
TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.
CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY AT BOCKETTS
Chelsea, SW3 & SW10 • High St Kensington, W8 South Kensington, SW7 • Notting Hill, W11 • Putney, SW15 Brook Green, W6 • Swiss Cottage, NW3 • Wimbledon SW19
Fantastic party package includes farm entry, private party room, party food, private animal handling and free entry for adults. Call 01372 363764 to discuss availability and prices!
Contact us for Little Maths (2-4yrs) & Little Discovery (6-24months) Classes e: info@littlehouseofscience.com • www.littlehouseofscience.com • t: 0800 092 1062
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The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years. Bookings now open for our New Autumn Timetable! Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development.
www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com +44 (0)7530 459 468
info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
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GROUPS AND CLASSES Our favourite things to get out and do BALLET CL AS SES
SUPER SCIENCE
FO OTBALL C OAC H I N G
After-school and Saturday classes.
West London School of Dance was founded in 1986 by Anna Du Boisson. The purpose of the school is to teach different forms of dance and provide students with the opportunity to perform in professionally staged productions, with classes for boys and girls aged twoand-a-half to 16 years old. The school’s philosophy is to inspire in its pupils a love of music, movement and freedom of expression. The classes are professional, all accompanied by pianists and taught by qualified staff. Unlike other ballet schools in London, the school does not follow an exam syllabus to measure progress; instead it offers the students the challenge and thrill of performance. Studios are located in W1, W2, W11, W12 and SW7. t: 020 8743 3856 westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk
LEARN TO SWIM
Fun and imaginative workshops.
Football fun for all the family.
t: 0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com
t: 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk
Little Maths, Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two fantastic afterschool workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps in the world of maths and science that much easier. Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, help to build confidence with quantities and numbers ranging from one to 10. Meanwhile, tackling that other difficult-to-grasp subject, the Little Science workshop, for three to eight year olds, introduces new scientific concepts in an age-adjusted way through an exciting mix of discussions, practical demonstrations and scientific experiments.
FUN FRENCH LESSONS
The very best football coaching for toddlers and children aged from 18 months, with Nippers from 18 months, Runners from two-and-a-half years, Racers from threeand-a-half years and Ligasoccer match play from five to 10 years. The classes are unique as they involve the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Get involved and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun. Parties, private tutorials, holiday classes, nursery and after-school sessions are also available. Kiddikicks is available to franchise, too. Sign up today to receive your free mini player’s kit.
MAKING MUSIC
Classes in Chelsea, Knightsbridge and South Kensington.
Classes in Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood.
Classes in Knightsbridge, Kensington and Notting Hill.
t: 07557 051904 swimmingrocks.co.uk
t: 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
t: 07530 459468 thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
Swimming Rocks has established itself as London’s most exclusive swim school. Its dedicated teaching team are well-known for their outstanding knowledge. Providing swimming lessons in luxury locations, courses are available for babies, children and adults either on a private or shared basis, or in a small group. And Swimming Rocks’ creative teaching pathway ensures every child develops their individual swimming style. Lessons are available daily during term time, as well as intensive courses in the holidays.
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Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating programmes for children from as young as eight months old. Led by a team of passionate, qualified native teachers, children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities. The contemporary songs from the club’s educational CD also add to the enjoyment. Language experts agree that learning a second language early on enhances overall cognitive skills and improves a child’s brain development.
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The Little London Music School introduces your child to the joy of music and builds the foundations for learning an instrument. Specialising in classical music, it offers classes and tuition for children aged from six months to five years. The Little London Music School classes feature a tailor-made curriculum for each stage of your child’s development. With professional musicians, teachers and orchestral instruments, its comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster enjoyment and understanding of music. Enjoy a free trial.
SING-YAN WEARS DRESS, £69, RACHEL RILEY. SOCKS, £12.50, MABLI AT LUNA & CURIOUS. SANDALS, £38, START-RITE.
STOCKIST INFORMATION ALEX AND ALEXA
ALEXANDALEXA.COM
BONPOINT
BONPOINT.COM
CARAMEL
CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK
CARLIE GRACE
CARLIEGRACE.COM
GAP
GAP.CO.UK
HARRODS
HARRODS.COM
KURT GEIGER
KURTGEIGER.COM
LA COQUETA
LACOQUETAKIDS.COM
LE MU
LE-MU.CO.UK
LUNA & CURIOUS
LUNAANDCURIOUS.COM
MARKS & SPENCER
MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
NEXT
NEXT.CO.UK
OH…MY! KIDSWEAR
OHMYKIDSWEAR.COM
OLIVIER BABY AND KIDS
OLIVIERBABY.COM
PATACHOU
PATACHOU.COM
PEACHY BOO
PEACHYBOO.COM
RACHEL RILEY
RACHELRILEY.CO.UK
RIVER ISLAND
RIVERISLAND.COM
SCHUH
SCHUH.CO.UK
SMALLABLE
EN.SMALLABLE.COM
START-RITE
STARTRITESHOES.COM
STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS
STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM
VERITY JONES
VERITYJONESLONDON.COM
WILD & GORGEOUS
WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
WILLABEANS
WILLABEANS.COM
YOUNG SOLES
YOUNGSOLES.CO.UK
SØREN’S HOUSE
MIMI & LULA
Set up only last year, Søren’s House brings the very best of Scandinavian-inspired design to the UK, with pieces that both you and your children are sure to love. From clothes and bags to toys and décor, new product lines are being added all the time, so keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous pieces from the latest designers. Recently added to the site is sustainable brand Plan Toys, which crafts truly charming furniture and toys from eco-friendly rubberwood.
Let your little one express her unique sense of style with the debut collection from Mimi & Lula. The children’s accessories brand offers colourful clips and hairbands, playful bags, jewellery and fun dress-up pieces featuring cool prints, glitter, pom-poms and more. You can shop the collections according to style; is your child a fairy princess or a cool kid? Party girl or school star? Mix and match to your heart’s content – getting ready in the morning has never been so much fun!
sorenshouse.co.uk
mimiandlula.com
CARAMEL
LA COQUETA
Founder and director Eva Karayiannis launched Caramel back in 1999, after spotting a gap in the market while shopping for her daughters. With an emphasis on clothing that is both beautiful and tough-wearing, only the finest materials – from cashmere and lambswool to linen and leather – are used to craft each piece. Add to that delicate embroidery and charming prints, and you’ve got a truly gorgeous collection.
Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother-of-five Celia Muňoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the sweeter, more oldfashioned Spanish aesthetic to perfection. Pretty smock designs, ruffled collars, vintagestyle frocks and delicate pointelle knits are given a contemporary twist with fresh cuts, rich colours and modern prints. Shop here all year round for truly charming clothes to see you through the seasons.
Stores across London caramel-shop.co.uk
5 Heath Street, London NW3 6TP lacoquetakids.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY
BOUTIQUES
21 Nov – 03 Jan
18 Nov - 06 Jan Bamboo fleece Bamboo fleece
Bamboo
Bamboo fleece Bamboo fleece
Traditional panto is back for another sensational year with plenty of festive fun in true Lyric style. So grab your glittery Converse and put the pumpkin into top gear as Cinderella heads to the biggest party of the season to meet a very charming Prince.
Written by Tom Wells Directed by Ellen McDougall Set Design by Oliver Townsend Costume Design by Katie Lias Lighting by Tim Deiling Composed & Arranged by Corin Buckeridge Sound by Nick Manning Choreography by Lainie Baird Musical Direction by Benjamin Holder Casting by Will Burton CDG
Ages 6+
A LYRIC HAMMERSMITH PRODUCTION
Tickets from £15 | Family Tickets £70 Family Tickets are for four people, must include two people under 16. Strictly limited availability. Family Tickets cannot be booked online.
www.lyric.co.uk | 020 8741 6850 Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
★★★★★ ‘MAGNIFICENT’ The Observer
Photo: Helen Maybanks Design: matthodgesdesign.com
22 Nov – 24 Dec
Don’t miss the return of Raymond Briggs’ famous family favourite.
For Under 6s | Tickets £10 @LyricHammer /lyrichammersmith
020 8741 6850 | lyric.co.uk
www.littlemouse.lt e-mail: info@littlemouse.lt
Registered Charity, No. 278518
Flying with children? You need a
TravelSnug
TM
Keep little ones cosy with this soft, fleecy carry - on cushion that fits perfectly into aircraft seats making it easier for junior passengers to get comfortable. Portable, light weight, washable, tumble dry -able, TravelSnug makes flying child’s play.
www.TravelSnug.co.uk
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Made in the UK
INTERVIEW
Alienor designs sleepwear for children and adults
THE BUSINESS Alienor Falconer founder of
THE BRIGHT COMPANY The designer talks multitasking, career highs, and juggling work and family What prompted you to set up The Bright Company?
After the birth of my son, I discovered some fantastic kids’ designers, but there was nothing in the nightwear department – only ill-fitting, gender stereotyped pyjamas. Sleep is really important to me, and I became quite fixated once I became a sleep-deprived mother! So I set about creating the perfect sleep environment for my son and myself by launching The Bright Company. What sparked your passion for children’s clothing?
I’ve always worked in fashion – I was a footwear product developer before I had kids. Children’s clothing became relevant when I became a parent, I guess, so I started to take a much more active interest then.
Describe a typical day for you.
I’m usually up at 7am. I get ready, wake the kids [Corwin, six, and Effie, four], get them dressed and we have breakfast before I drop them both at school. I’m in the studio by 9.15am. I’ll either work until 3pm and pick the kids up, or 6pm on the days my mum has them after school. My work varies so much – that’s part of the beauty of running your own company, you have to wear so many hats! But I always start the day catching up on emails and planning any social media activity. Then it can be anything from managing deliveries, designing the new collection, speaking to our retailers or diary planning. I am always home to see the kids before they go to bed and then I’ll usually go to the gym before coming home to eat, and do a bit more work before bed. What’s the best thing about your job?
I love being the driving force – design is what gets me excited. Getting a product just right with a good design, fit and function is such a great feeling. Are your children an inspiration for the brand?
Definitely. We test everything on them so we know it really works, and we can truly see how children The brand is known for its strong colourways and graphic prints
put them on, how the pieces fit and how the children wear them. How do you juggle family with work?
I work every night and I’m often working with the kids around, but I do try not to. You have to have some kind of discipline about when it’s family time, all the while making sure you have enough hours to work. What’s been your proudest moment?
Being stocked in Liberty. It was, hands down, the most exciting moment when they approached us. I worked there to pay the bills when I was a fashion student and I always dreamed of having my products sold there. What advice would you give to those wanting to launch their own brand?
Be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life and pay yourself much less than you would in a ‘proper job’! What can we expect from The Bright Company in the next 12 months?
We have more collaborations coming up, such as the one we have done with Muddy Puddles. And of course, lots more special editions – Halloween, Christmas, and a re-release of our first ever print! L thebrightcompany.uk
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The Matryoshka kids’ bedroom collection, from £45. Designed in collaboration with Natalia Vodianova, supermodel, supermum, superactivist. The Matryoshka collection will benefit The Naked Heart Foundation.