Little London Oct/Nov 2015

Five mumpreneurs share the secrets of their success

Trick or treat

Questions you want to ask their teachers

explore

LONDON

Fun new ways to enjoy the capital

with CAROLE MIDDLETON

9 772055 336694

WORK IT!

DARE YOU?

IN STYLE! Update their autumn wardrobe

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TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF SCHOOL

10

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be happy!

SWISS

MADE

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Funny Hours 2015 Collection

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NEWS

1 Go back to school beautifully with this drawing book and snazzy notebook

2

3

4 Embrace the great outdoors on p64

5

I’ve been keeping myself organised on maternity leave

Trick-or-treat time with Carole Middleton p54

1. DRAWING BOOK FOR CHILDREN £7.99 SHOP.TATE.ORG.UK 2. STUDIO SARAH NOTEBOOK £12 THE-MINI-EDIT.COM 3. SCOTCH & SODA CABAN JACKET £116.78 SMALLABLE.COM 4. PINEAPPLE SPONGE BAG £85 JESSICARUSSELLFLINT.CO.UK 5. HALLOWEEN PARTY BAGS – RED BERRY APPLE £1.50 NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

We'd love to know what you think of our latest issue

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EDITOR’S LETTER

T

his time of year always feels like a new start, however many years ago we might have left the world of academia behind! As our Little Londoners launch themselves into the adventure of a new school year, it does at least signal a little more time for parents made weary after a long summer holiday… for finding any time for yourself is one of the biggest challenges for busy parents in my book, and the idea of finding enough of it to actually get creative on your own projects is almost unheard of! That’s why I was so intrigued to find out how three high-profile mothers working in artistic industries manage it (p36), and hopefully you’ll find some tips in there to take away with you.

It’s also the time of year to enjoy the novelty of wrapping up against chillier autumn days and we have plenty of gorgeous autumn/ winter fashion finds – from fabulous capes for the girls to super-cool coats for the boys (p24) – as well as our railway fashion shoot (p42) and a moodier, texture-led shoot, filmed for a Channel 4 documentary, and perfect for a new season (p66).

As tempting as it might be to hunker down once the days start getting shorter, we’ve got lots of advice from Muddy Puddles 7

MD Natasha Ascott on getting your family outdoors (p64). Plus we have brilliant ideas for encouraging creativity both at home and outside (p62) from the ever-resourceful Leonora Bamford.

And to add to the mix, Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne deals with the modernday dilemmas of being a school-gate dad (p76). Model and mother-of-two Portia Freeman spills the beans on her London life (p28), and further afield, we’re checking out tree houses with the major wow-factor – a trip to Lapland and the ultimate work trip (with four kids in tow) to the Far East.

So as I head off on maternity leave for a few months, I’ll be leaving the magazine with Susannah Warren, mother-of-two, who for this issue has investigated the growing trend of teaching mindfulness in schools. At this rate our children will be teaching us how to meditate! Hopefully, we’re all heading into a new academic year feeling cool, calm and collected… and long may it last!

KATE FINNEY, EDITOR

CON T E N T S

Fashion designer Tabitha Webb tells us what it's like being an artistic mother

OCT/ NOV 20 15

36

28

52 FEATURES 28 MY LITTLE LONDON

92 BABES IN THE WOOD

We talk to mum-of-two, British model Portia Freeman about family life in the capital

Olivia Falcon heads for the trees for a treehouse adventure in the New Forest

32 BOOKS FOR LEARNING

The best books for your littles ones with an educational approach 36 ARTISTIC MOTHERHOOD

21 LITTLE LOVES

A comic cardigan 23 CAPES AND COATS

54 PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON : HALLOWEEN

26 DESKS

Wrap up in style this autumn Time to get studious

STYLE

57 SPOOKY TREATS

42 RAILWAY CHILDREN

The creepiest cupcake recipe to scare your little monsters

All aboard! Classic style for children

59 PUPPY LOVE

Look the part with the round-up from our railway fashion story

Marina Fogle shares her heartwarming story about the family’s Labrador

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SHOPPING

Lisa Carter talks to three mothers who balance creative careers with being a mum

Carole Middleton shares her top tips on throwing a ghoulish extravaganza

PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY SMYTH MODEL: ISSY DAISY DRESS, £46, HOW TO KISS A FROG AT LITTLE GIANT

54

64 BACK TO NATURE

The best ways to embrace the great outdoors this autumn 9

52 SHOP THE SHOOT

66 FLIGHT OF FANCY

We showcase the best fashion from a Channel 4 photoshoot in collaboration with Bizzykidz model agency

CONTENTS

little london

64

EDITORIAL

EDITOR KATE FINNEY MANAGING EDITOR REBECCA MOORE SENIOR SUB EDITOR NATALIE MILNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS CAROLINE LEEPER, LILY SMITH

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LEONORA BAMFORD, OLIVIA FALCON, MARINA FOGLE, CHIARA HUNT, CAROLE MIDDLETON, SUSANNAH WARREN

DESIGN GROUP ART EDITOR CHLOË COLLYER SENIOR DESIGNERS PIO BLANCO, EMILY WELLER DESIGNER MARIA SAGUN

PUBLISHING PUBLISHER ANNABELLA WARD BRAND MANAGERS STEPHANIE ORGAN, CHATTY DOBSON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR VICKI GAVIN MARKETING MANAGER WILLIAM DELMONT

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DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER JAMES DOBSON DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR ANDREEA DRAGOI

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER LESLEY MCDIARMID

Get the school low-down with our special education section

EDUCATION 73 EDUCATION NEWS

Keeping you in the know 76 SCHOOL RULES

Alex Payne’s guide to being a school-gate dad 78 PROGRESS REPORT

Glynis Kozma shares how to handle parent-teacher meetings 80 MIND OVER MATTER

Susannah Warren explores the pressures schoolchildren are put under and how mindfulness can help 82 MEET THE HEAD

We catch up with Mark Waldron, head at Ryde School

TRAVEL 85 TRAVEL NEWS

The round-up for little globetrotters 86 NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Emma Oliver and her two girls head to a winter wonderland in Lapland to see what’s on offer for families

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SALES EXECUTIVE AMY THACKER SALES EXECUTIVE KATIE AMPS MANAGING DIRECTOR PAUL DOBSON DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE ROSS LITTLE LONDON IS PUBLISHED BY THE CHELSEA

89 FAMILY AFFAIR

Mixing business with pleasure: a roundthe-world work trip with four kids in tow

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Leonora Bamford and Nanny Anita share their best-kept secrets for autumn fun

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

96 EAT THE RAINBOW

The Cooking them Healthy team create some deliciously colourful creations 103 AGENDA

What’s on in London this autumn 109 GROUPS AND CLASSES

Activities for your little one 112 BOUTIQUES

Our guide to shopping in the capital 114 THE BUSINESS

We speak to Emma Davison, the co-founder of Olivier Baby and Kids 10

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CONTRIBUTORS

SUSANNAH WARREN

DANIEL PANGBOURNE

EMMA O’DONOVAN

Contributing editor

Photographer

Bookworm

Where do you live?

Where do you live?

Where do you live?

I live in Shepherd’s Bush. It has great pubs, delicious places to eat and Ravenscourt Park to kick about in with the kids.

I live with my wife and two children, Oscar and Freya, in Clapham. Clapham Common has been our saviour for London living.

I live in Dorking, Surrey.

Do you practise mindfulness or meditate in any way?

Alas, I’m afraid the answer is no. Not yet! I could definitely do with taking some time to reboot as I live life at 100 miles an hour.

What do you love about motherhood?

Life is just more fun. My kids just crack me up and are (mostly!) excellent people to hang out with. I also love being able to relive my own childhood through them, especially when we’re down on the farm in Cornwall where I grew up.

Susannah looks at mindfulness on p.80

What’s your first school memory?

A combination of my homemade shoe bag for indoor and outdoor shoes, packed lunches in Tupperware and the smell of plasticine!

Why do you like working with kids?

Children are creative, fun, imaginative and energetic. I find them inspiring and I’ve had the most surreal conversations with kids.

What’s your favourite thing to do in London with kids?

My kids and I love rummaging through our favourite antique and bric-a-brac shops.

See Dan’s shoot on p.66

What was your favourite thing about school life?

The smell of powder paint, the art of making pasta necklaces and little bottles of milk with blue straws.

First book memory?

Huddled under a patchwork quilt with my grandmother, Betty, reading Corduroy by Don Freeman.

What’s the best thing to do on an autumnal day with your kids?

Puddle jumping, Gruffalo hunting and decorating things with icing and glitter, or both.

Emma shares the best books on p.32

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NEWS

little NEWS

GIRL POWER

GapKids has joined forces with Ellen DeGeneres and her new lifestyle brand, ED, in a global partnership with one aim: to support and celebrate girls. The combination of the quintessential style of GapKids and ED, which is inspired by the iconic personality of Ellen, has created both a clothes collection and social movement, encouraging girls to embrace their strength and individuality. And to help them with the campaign, Gap has sought out some of the most inspiring real-life girls to feature alongside Ellen, including a professional skateboarder, a young entrepreneur and a professional drummer. You go girls! The collection is available online at gap.co.uk and in all GapKids stores in the UK. Prices are between ÂŁ9.95 and ÂŁ29.95.

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NEWS

HAPPY FEET

Harrods has relaunched its children’s shoe department and has transformed it into an enchanted forest of fashion. The floor offers a showcase of the chicest shoes, with styles from top designers and a new ‘sneaker wall’ of trendy trainers from the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and Moschino. As well as the shoe selection, there’s also a new entertainment space and interactive play area, so that the shopping experience can be as enjoyable as possible for both parents and children. harrods.com

food NEWS

SUPER SPREAD For a healthier chocolate hazelnut spread turn to MuscleFood.

Nicknamed ‘Prutella’, it contains less than a quarter of the sugar and half the calories of the leading chocolate spread brand. musclefood.com

Your little one will be free to roam in in Dotty Dungarees

HAPPY SNACKING Kallø Kids Milk Chocolate Rice Cake Minis hit shelves recently and are made with wholegrain brown rice and coated in the finest Belgian milk chocolate. A great alternative to biscuits. kallo.com

DOTTY DAYS

The adorable Dotty Dungarees brand only sells one thing: dungarees! Founders Alice Goldsmith and Georgie Parr know that dungarees are created for exciting escapades and daring deeds, and so have designed the dinkiest dungarees for such use. Created for newborns to five year olds, they come in a range of bright and beautiful colours. Perfect for all sorts of autumn fun. dottydungarees.com

EASY PICKINGS Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has collaborated with Food Maestro (who provide information on ingredients in packaged food products sold in the UK) to offer handy digital educational tools to help manage food allergies and intolerances. foodmaestro.me

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NEWS

STORY TIME

Ladybird Books and Toddler Fun Learning have launched a delightful new YouTube series called Story Time that aims to combine education with entertainment in a fresh and innovative way. The YouTube channel will present stories from the iconic Ladybird books, read aloud by a different famous face each week, including The Great British Bake Off’s Miranda Gore Browne and presenter Dan Snow. toddlerfunlearning.co.uk

Three million children every year are adversely affected by second-hand smoke in their family car. As a result, the Department of Health is implementing a new ‘smoke-free’ legislation that will ban smoking in cars with children. From 1 October, anyone caught smoking in a car with children will face a £50 fine.

NEAT IDEA

PEPPA PIG APP

If a hallway of clutter sounds all too familiar, Scooterpeg could be the answer to your prayers. It’s exactly what it says it is – a peg to keep scooters off the floor to help avoid nasty trips or falls.

A simple yet effective idea. Available in pink, blue, yellow, green or grey for the interior-design conscious. scooterpeg.co.uk

Delight any little Peppa Pig fans with the new app, featuring all the friendly and familiar faces of the award-winning TV show. Peppa Pig’s Golden Boots invites players to join Peppa on an adventure in search of her missing shoes, engaging them in immersive, creative and numerical activities along the way. peppapig.co.uk

HUNGRY CATERPILLAR It is the UK’s most read children’s book and has sold 38 million copies across the world. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has wiggled its way to phenomenal success. To celebrate, there’s a new line of products, including caterpillarthemed books, such as this nature walk scrapbook, as well as crafts, gifts, breakfast sets, bedding and stationery.

Nature Walk Scrapbook, £7.99, available at all good bookshops.

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17

NEWS

LITTLE LONDON AWARDS

Celebrations are in order! We’re super excited about our Little London Awards 2015 sponsored by GapKids and The Hurlingham Club. The awards have been created to champion excellence in pregnancy, baby and children’s brands and products. Four of the categories will be judged by our panel of experts, but the rest of the winners will be decided by you.

You can vote online to give your favourite brand the recognition it deserves – but don’t delay as voting closes on 30 September.

Vote online at: littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/llawards2015

LOVE WOOL

To kick-start Wool Week 2015 (5-11 October), visitors will be welcomed on 5 October to the Savile Row and tailoring houses event to learn how wool is used by the British tailoring industry. We love this amazing material, which can ensure a healthy night’s sleep. A cruelty-free sustainable alternative to feathers and down, wool bedding means no night sweats or dust mites, while helping those with asthma, breathing difficulties or feather allergies. Naturally flame retardant, it’s a super-safe option for children.

We are big fans of Southdown Duvets – its luxury duvets will ensure your little ones sleep like lambs! southdownduvets.com

Vote in the Little London Awards and be in with a chance of winning a luxury holiday

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ABI CAMPBELL

TIPPY TOES

A charming new boutique, Tippy Toes Kids, selects the best of children’s fashion from across the globe, including established brands such as Little Marc Jacobs and Mini Rodini, and smaller, independent designers, such as Les Enfantines and Milk & Soda. tippytoeskids.co.uk

The smart Urban stroller.

Stokke® Scoot™

stokke.com

Available at

and other leading nursery stores.

Stokke® Scoot™ design: Hans-Cato Slotterøy, Alf Vegard Fjelland, Hilde Angelfoss, Oskar Johansen, Eivind Halseth.

SHOPPING

little loves…

Channel Charlie Brown in this Peanuts-inspired cardigan and you'll be the ultimate survivor

The British just love an underdog, and few characters embody this as much as Charlie Brown, Snoopy’s downtrodden master in the long-running comic strip, Peanuts. As loveable as the loser himself, this GapKids + Peanuts collection cardigan hits stores on 16 October.

CHARLIE BROWN CHEVRON STRIPE CARDIGAN £24.95 GAP.CO.UK

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Meet Jessica, the Hampshire farmer who has become known as ‘The Duvet lady’ Her Southdown sheep provide the perfect wool for her award-winning bedding – luxury duvets, pillows and mattress covers

But Southdown bedding is limited and bespoke so don’t wait too long...

Call Jessica today on 01730 827 148 –

She can help you sleep like a lamb southdownduvets.com

SHOPPING

SANDY FLORENCE CAPE £151 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD £96.99 LE-MU.CO.UK

NEON-DROP CAPE £72.38 NOE-ZOE.COM

CAPE RAINCOAT WITH HOOD £19.99 ZARA.COM

CAPES

Your little one will love channelling Red Riding Hood chic, whatever her style WOOL CAPE £836 DOLCEGABBANA.COM

TARTAN CAPE £41.99 NECKANDNECK.COM

COLLARD CAPE £89 OLDBROWN.CO.UK

MSGM TWEED CAPE £178 CHILDRENSALON.COM

MOUSE CHARACTER CAPE JACKET – WILD THING FUNKY LITTLE DRESSES £55 NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

BIRD-PRINT CAPE £37 MAINIOCLOTHING.COM

MAYORAL CAPE £58 MELIJOE.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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OSCAR DE LA RENTA WOOL CAPE £183.09 SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

SHOPPING HOODED SWEATSHIRT £37 MAINIOCLOTHING.COM

HOODED JACKET £85 ABC123ME.COM

EMILE ET IDA CAT PARKA £107.33 SMALLABLE.COM

LIMITED EDITION PETIT BATEAU X K-WAY £48 PETIT-BATEAU.CO.UK

COATS

The cosiest cover-ups to keep your little chap stylishly snug as autumn turns to winter DL FRONTED PARKA JACKET £141 JESSIEANDJAMES.CO.UK

WOOL-BLEND DUFFLE £212 HUGOBOSS.COM

TRADITIONAL FIELD COAT £148 OLDBROWN.CO.UK

ESK 3-WAY REVERSIBLE JACKET FROM £55 TOOTSAMACGINTY.COM

IL GUFO COAT WITH FEATHER PADDING £252 MELIJOE.COM

GREY DUFFLE COAT £54 PATACHOU.COM HOODED DUFFLE COAT £17 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

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W HE

RE DRE AMS B

Children’s Bedroom Specialists Approved Retailers of

CONNECT WITH US

EGIN...

SHOPPING

NEWPORT COTTAGES DESK £1,914 GIGIBROOKS.COM STABILO GLOW IN THE DARK £4.15 IGLOOKIDS.CO.UK

EAMES STYLE EIFFEL TABLE £76.50 GREATLITTLEROOMS.CO.UK

DARLA KID’S TABLE £20 HABITAT.CO.UK

DESKS

Create the perfect space where they can lose themselves in a little world of learning

HONORÉ DESK – HARTÔ £699 MADEINDESIGN.CO.UK PEAR MEMO NOTEPAD £4.90 HEDGEHOGSHOP.CO.UK

LOVELY ANIMALS MEMO PADS £2.95 DOTCOMGIFTSHOP.COM SENTOU HANSEN DESK £1,287.90 SMALLABLE.COM DITSY PENCIL SET £8.50 CAROLINEGARDNER.COM

LOLA DOLLS HOUSE DESK – SISTERS GUILD £930 NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

MINI STROLLER DESK £229 MADE.COM A5 NOTEBOOK £12.99 FILOFAX.CO.UK

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Th eB r oo iD e iff ce

ren

Our stringent commitment to providing the very best environment for your child has been rewarded

by Greenguard awarding us their highest ‘Gold’ level of accreditation for all our collections -

To achieve Greenguard Certification means that products have been tested and certified to meet some of the world’s strictest, third-party chemical emissions standards – helping reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments to improve health and quality of life.

Find out more about our commitment to creating healthier indoor environments at

www.boori.co.uk

INTERVIEW Portia loves to get out of town and often heads to the Sussex coast

Adjusting to being a family of four has been relatively straightforward and Portia has made sure there is no jealousy

Two of Portia's three beloved boys, partner Pete and three-month-old baby Rudy Portia’s crazy dog, Lola

Kenwood House is one of the family’s favourite places to have picnics and go for walks

The couple love living in London as there is so much to do right on their doorstep

A model since she was 16, Portia is looking forward to ‘playing dress-up’ again in the coming months

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INTERVIEW

MY LITTLE LONDON

PORTIA FREEMAN WE CHAT TO THE BRITISH MODEL AND MOTHER-OF-TWO ABOUT FAMILY LIFE IN THE CAPITAL AND THE PROSPECT OF GOING BACK TO WORK Portia had baby Rudy three months ago and is loving her family of four

Where do you live in London and what do you love most about the area?

I live in Crouch End, North London with my partner Pete, two sons Dylan and Rudy, and our crazy dog, Lola. I love ‘Crouchie’, from all the cosy, country-vibe shops and pubs, to Rosie (named by Dylan) the barn owl in our garden, who loves to show off her impressive hooting at night. I’ve always been very keen for my children to grow up surrounded by good schools, tree-lined streets and fun places to explore. Until we make that move to the country, Crouch End will do just fine.

What’s the best thing about having a family in London?

I love how so much is on your doorstep. We really are so lucky with what London has to offer with small children in tow. There’s always something to do for all ages.

Where do you go to escape the city?

I always head to my mum’s in Surrey. She has a lovely cottage. Such a great location if you fancy going to Brighton or the New Forest.

PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM, ENGLISH HERITAGE

Tell us what a typical weekend is like in your household?

A typical weekend would involve homemade pancakes – Dylan’s favourite every Saturday morning – long walks, movies, cosy pub lunches, more long walks and lots and lots of giggles. Dylan’s currently learning to ride his bike, so that’s also definitely involved.

What is your favourite family hotspot in London?

It has to be Kenwood House. We spend so much time there having picnics, walking, feeding the ducks or even looking around the LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Where do you shop for your boys?

I shop all over for my boys. We love Mini Rodini, Alex and Alexa, H&M for jeans and t-shirts, Stella McCartney, Petit Bateau, Gap, The White Company, Finger in the Nose, Scotch Shrunk, Zara, the list is endless.

How have you adjusted to becoming a family of four?

house itself. Then there’s the Heath, which is attached, so more walking. Think you’ve guessed, we like a good old walk.

And where’s your favourite place to go for some ‘me time’?

If I’m honest, the best place for me to have some ‘me’ time right now would be… work.

Or working out.

You’ve been a model since you were 16. What do you do now to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

I’m keen to get back into shape after Rudy, so I’ve started working out with my personal trainer, Peter Cobby. He’s a dude and it’s a great feeling getting back into the swing of things. Mentally it’s great, too. I’m eating super healthily, but making sure I keep my energy levels up and get lots of sleep.

Dylan is a beautiful little boy. Do you think he may follow in your model footsteps?

Aww, thank you! He’s a little charmer. I’m a firm believer that beauty comes from the inside, so as long as he carries that with him, I’ll support whatever he wants to do.

If an opportunity came up for him to do a modelling job, I’d consider it providing it didn’t disrupt school.

29

It didn’t take much adjustment, to be honest.

The only thing we really work hard on is that Dylan doesn’t get jealous. I’m keen to still spend quality time with just me and him together, to keep our bond as tight as ever.

How do you balance your work and family time?

For me it’s simple. When I’m with my babies, work can wait. But when I’m working, I know my boys are looked after by Pete or by someone we trust, so I can really get my teeth stuck into whatever I’m doing at the time.

There’s a healthy balance. If I didn’t have my job I think I’d go crazy.

You lead a busy life – what do you do to de-stress?

It’s as simple as having a bath, working out or getting my hair done. Easy!

Can you share what’s in the pipeline for you workwise?

I’m working with Black Book Co-op Management and Eleventen Communications on a selection of global fashion and beauty projects, which will be launching in 2016.

I am excited to be coming back during London Fashion Week in September and shooting some new editorials. I finally get to play dress up again! L

ADVERTORIAL

PICTURE BOOK

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NOT SURE WHAT TO READ WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE NEXT? PETR HORÁCEK’S LATEST LITTLE MOUSE BOOK HITS THE SHELVES… The Mouse Who Reached the Sky by Petr Horácek

Little Mouse sees something red and shiny hanging from a tree and thinks it’s a marble, but Mole is sure it’s a balloon and Rabbit says it’s a ball!

None of them can reach it by themselves, so how will they discover what it really is?

The Mouse Who Reached the Sky by Petr Horáček perfectly captures the adorable mixups children make when they are small, in a charming story to be shared time and time again.

To find out about the very best new children’s books and get free activity sheets visit: picturebookparty.co.uk

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MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR As a child, Petr grew up in Prague in the Czech Republic. In Prague he studied at the Academy of Fine Art for six years. He received his Master of Fine Art degree in 1994 and then moved to England permanently, with his girlfriend Claire. The couple got married soon after and now have two daughters – Tereza and Cecilia.

It was after becoming a dad that Petr was inspired to make his first children’s book.

His stories, often about loyalty and belonging, are told with an instinctive warmth and humour and are beautifully brought to life through his evocative use of colour and texture.

Petr has won many awards around the world and A New House for Mouse was shortlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012.

“Petr Horáček is one funny guy, as well as a natural-born teacher and a whizz with a paintbrush. Put him down as the thinking tot’s Eric Carle.”

To enter visit littlelondonmagazine. co.uk/competitions. Closing date: 12 October 2015 at 11.59pm.

WASHINGTON POST

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

31

BOOKS AND MULTIMEDIA

2-4 YEARS

5-7 YEARS

8-10 YEARS

Get Ready For School

On the Construction Site

BY JESSICA GREENWELL AND HANNAH WOOD

BY CARRON BROWN AND BEE JOHNSON

Don’t Wipe Your Bum With A Hedgehog

A huge fun-filled collection of educational activities to get your little one ready for ‘big school’. This bright book contains over 1,000 stickers.

Watch a skyscraper spring up with this interactive book! By holding the book up to the light, readers will be able to discover how buildings are constructed.

If the title doesn’t grab you, the contents will. Highly entertaining facts delivered in bite-sized nuggets.

Usborne • £12.99

Ivy Kids • £10.99

Doubleday Children’s • £5.99

I want to be a Firefighter

I Didn’t Do My Homework Because…

Creature Teacher

BY BENJAMIN CHAUD AND DAVIDE CALI

BY SEB BRAUN

BY MITCHELL SYMONS

BY SAM WATKINS

A brilliantly inclusive, thoughtfully curated exploration of different careers.

Each job is cleverly illustrated relating to specific occupations, a visual feast.

The perfect post-summer-holiday read. It will encourage creativity and imagination in the most delightful way.

Jake’s class get more than they bargained for as their new teacher isn’t quite what he seemed. Will they be able to keep Mr Hyde’s monster secret?

Simon and Schuster • £8.99

Chronicle Books • £9.99

OUP Oxford • £5.99

Charlie and Lola: One Thing

Web Design for Kids

BY LAUREN CHILD

BY JOHN VANDEN-HUEVEL

Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans!

A new Charlie and Lola story is always cause for celebration. This is a beautifully illustrated story about everyday encounters with numbers.

A fun lift-the-flap guide introducing coding. It covers the core topics needed to understand web design – rapidly becoming an essential skill.

Behold a bonkers blast-from-the-past, filled with mayhem and historical facts.

Young readers will be mesmerised.

Orchard Books • £11.99

Weldon Owen • £7.99

Walker Books • £8.99

An eye-catching guide to numeracy that brings numbers to life beautifully

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BY GARY NORTHFIELD

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

RUNNING HEAD

MULTIMEDIA

Toca Store Let your kids play shop without any of the cleaning-up afterwards! From deciding which products to stock to calculating change, this is an engaging and entertaining role-play tool.

Toca Store• £2.49 • Tocaboca.com

BOOKS for Learning EMMA O’DONOVAN ROUNDS UP THE BEST BOOKS WITH AN EDUCATIONAL EDGE

Listen and Learn French Words Master more than 100 everyday words in French using clever and easy-to-use language cards. An ingenious fun-filled soundpanel to encourage little ones to listen and learn. Completely delightful.

Usborne • £9.99 • Amazon

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

The Incredible Intergalactic Journey Home A breathtaking story following a child from the depths of space to their own front door. The most technologically advanced picture book ever. £24.99 • Lostmy.name

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33

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Mango Allsorts is good at all sorts of things, not just karate and chess. Bambang is an Asian Tapir and most definitely not-a-pig and is now lost in a very busy city. When the two unexpectedly meet, a friendship begins, filled with adventures, and of course, plenty of banana pancakes.

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l am A LITTLE bit

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Starting school is one of life’s big steps.

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INTERVIEW

ARTISTIC

MOTHERHOOD

LISA CARTER TALKS TO THREE MOTHERS WORKING IN THE ARTS TO FIND OUT HOW THEY FIND THE TIME AND SPACE TO BE CREATIVE

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

INTERVIEW

TABITHA WEBB

FASHION DESIGNER How has being a mother influenced your work as a fashion designer?

It has made me more aware of how wearable and practical things need to be. So I focus on creating easy pieces with an edge. I do this by using bold and contrasting prints and colours – but on easy silhouettes.

How do you find the time to be creative?

It is often a grabbed moment when I least expect it. Some days, I will go downstairs to the studio with the team and we’ll make things – we are very organic in our design. I recently collaborated with Pippa Middleton and we created an exclusive dress and scarf in aid of the British Heart Foundation, too.

Does your daughter get involved with feedback and ideas yet?

Well, she is only three. I always ask her about colours and which her favourite prints are.

Sometimes when I show her something, she will say, “Mummy, that is sooooo beautiful,” and it does make your heart soar, even though you know that probably means it is awful.

Has your childhood had any influence on your career?

It must have done. I have travelled a lot all my life, and I grew up in the States until I was 10.

We never stayed in one place for long and this exposed me to a lot of different aesthetics. I definitely did a lot of shopping research.

When did you realise you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Pippa Middleton models the dress designed with Tabitha in aid of the British Heart Foundation LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

37

I have always been an entrepreneur, much to my family’s horror. I love colour and creating so I think that when I put those things together, it led me to fashion design. tabithawebb.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Santa relishes the fact that being a mother only enriches her writing and creativity

SANTA MONTEFIORE NOVELIST

How has being a mother influenced your work as a writer?

The more experience one has as a writer the better the books are going to be, and what are we if not sums of our experience?

Having children has given me a depth I didn’t have before, an understanding of love but also of fear – because a mother’s anxiety is a tremulous layer beneath our day-to-day lives. I understand motherhood only because I’m a mother, and that is something I love to explore in all of my novels.

How do you find the time to be creative?

I only write when the children are at school, so I have to be very disciplined. I make sure I'm at my desk around 9am and refrain from emailing and taking phone calls until I feel I’ve done enough. I light candles in my office, put flowers on the desk, play music – make my office as comfortable as possible so that I can’t wait to get back to it. I would say the one vital tool I require to unleash my creative energy is music: big sweeping movie soundtracks. My favourites for my Irish trilogy are Howard Shore, John Williams, David Arkenstone.

How do you explore themes of family in your work?

All my novels are about family. Family is where we get our opportunities to learn and grow on a spiritual level. The older I get, the more I understand the complexities

of relationships and there’s no better place to explore the entire spectrum of human emotions than within the family. My new novel, Songs of Love and War, available now (£16.99, hardback), is about four generations of a family based in County Cork starting in 1910. I've had such fun exploring all the different and very complex relationships.

Human nature is eternally fascinating.

Do your children get involved with feedback and ideas?

Not at the moment. I hope they will one day.

My son has come up with a really good idea for a children’s book, which my husband and I are now writing together. Watch this space.

Sasha, who is 12, wants his name on the cover and a very large portion of the advance.

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Has your childhood had any influence on your work?

My childhood has influenced me enormously.

I grew up on a beautiful farm in Hampshire.

We built camps in the woods, played on rafts in the pond that my father built us, roasted marshmallows on fires and played outside all the time, creating our own fun.

I worry for children these days with all the computer technology to stifle and destroy their creativity. If kids aren’t allowed to be bored, their imagination will be a place they never visit. The Jacobean house where I grew up features in many of my novels and my love of nature is something that comes through in all of them. I would write very different books if I’d had a different kind of childhood.

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INTERVIEW

CAMILLA RUTHERFORD ACTRESS AND BLOGGER How has being a mother influenced your work?

How do you explore the theme of motherhood in your work?

As an actress, you are always observing people and thinking about what makes them behave as they do. Each child is a new personality, and when they are your own, you have the amazing privilege of watching them in different circumstances. This closeup observation is good for understanding a character, which is key to playing different roles. Until recently, I have played women who are very young – at the start of adulthood – and watching children is extra helpful for that. I have begun to play older women and my role as a mother with its protective, nurturing instincts has been helpful in creating a more mature character.

In my latest film project, Alleycats, I play a mother who is expecting her second child.

Her husband is a lying philanderer. It was easy for me to feel her pain, her anger and her protectiveness towards her daughter and unborn child. The love of children brings out an almost wild instinct to protect someone other than yourself. This powerful emotion can be can be readily called upon should a role require it.

How do you find the time to be creative?

Being creative is part of who I am. Mostly my “creations” are a form of styling. I draw, paint, take photographs – and I love to style

Camilla painted this artwork in a day, it represents herself in the state of pregnancy

and restyle my house, my children and myself.

I set up my website, The English Mother, to document this process.

Do your children get involved with feedback and ideas?

When I am drawing, or painting, dressing or arranging – my children are full of opinions.

Sometimes it is best not to ask them, on other occasions they can really help and it becomes a joint project. I have to be in the mood for teamwork. I don’t ask them much about acting, only what they might do in such and such a circumstance.

Did your childhood have any influence over your career?

I was brought up with old-fashioned values, doing things in traditional and sometimes elaborate ways. I feel especially comfortable in period pieces because of this. There have also been some strong, outspoken characters in my family who have influenced me and I would generally prefer to play a strong woman rather than a feeble one. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

theenglishmother.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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BROOKE WEARS BRISTOL BLACK COAT, £276, BONPOINT. VILLAGE PRINT SKIRT, £86.50, MONNALISA AT HARVEY NICHOLS. IVORY CHIFFON PUSSY BOW BLOUSE, £77, LITTLE WARDROBE. TALLULAH PAVEMENT LUREX SILVER CARDIGAN, £48, NO ADDED SUGAR. ALEXIS SHOES, FROM £48.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE. HAT AND SOCKS STYLIST’S OWN.

R A I LWA Y C H I L DR E N PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY SMYTH STYLIST: COURTNEY ROBINSON HAIR AND MAKE UP: JESSICA WINTERBURN

ARTHUR WEARS GREY BRIGHTON COAT, £276, BONPOINT. BOYS’ BLUE SWEATER, FROM £33, CARRÉMENT BEAU AT HOUSE OF FRASER. WHITE AND NAVY STRIPE DOT SHIRT, FROM £63.50, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR. TAN CHINOS, FROM £67, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR. SHOES, FROM £65, ANGULUS. KIERA WEARS ALEX EAGLE X ELFIE OTTOLIE DRESS BLUE, £60, ELFIE. RED COAT, £99, HOLLY HASTIE. PATENT RED SHOES, £132, BONPOINT. ALICE BAND, £3, VERITY JONES LONDON. ISSY WEARS TARTAN DRESS, £78.99, LE MU. YOLAINE SHOES, FROM £49.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE.LARGE HAIR CLIP, £6, VERITY JONES LONDON.

ARTHUR WEARS SHIRT, FROM £44, GUESS AT FENWICK. MUSTARD SWEATER, FROM £29, CARRÉMENT BEAU AT HOUSE OF FRASER. NAVY HOODED PARKA, FROM £159.50, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR. COBALT JEANS, FROM £63.50, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR. RABBIT HI-TOP TRAINERS, FROM £93.50, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR.

MAIA WEARS CREAM CARDIGAN WITH BOWS ON POCKETS, £240, POLO RALPH LAUREN. CREAM AND NAVY DRESS WITH HEART JEWELS, £102, MONNALISA AT HARVEY NICHOLS. SMALL HAIR CLIP, £2, VERITY JONES LONDON. SHOES, STYLIST’S OWN. SCARLETT WEARS WHITE PIN TUCK COTTON BLOUSE, £59, LITTLE WARDROBE. TARTAN PINAFORE, £54, JIGSAW. PATENT BUCKLE SHOES, FROM £49.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE.

THIS PAGE BROOKE WEARS SOFT PINK COAT, £69, JIGSAW. TRUE TO FORM DRESS IN METALLIC FAN, £120, NO ADDED SUGAR. PATENT BUCKLE SHOES, FROM £49.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE. MAIA WEARS WHITE SHIRT, £85, BONPOINT. DRESS NAVY OSCAR DE LA RENTA, STYLIST’S OWN. GIRLS’ NAVY COAT, FROM £85, CARRÉMENT BEAU AT HOUSE OF FRASER. ALICE BAND, £8, VERITY JONES LONDON. SHOES STYLIST’S OWN.

RIGHT PAGE KIERA WEARS BLACK AND DENIM JACKET, FROM £95, GUESS AT FENWICK. METALLIC SWEATER, FROM £158, JOHN GALLIANO AT HARRODS. NAVY SHIRT WITH BOW TIE, £48.99, LE MU. PALE PINK AND GREY DOT SKIRT, £34, JIGSAW. ROSIE T-BAR SHOES, FROM £65, YOUNG SOLES.

MAIA WEARS BLUE TUNIC DRESS, £35.99, LE MU. MEDIUM HAIR BOW, £3, VERITY JONES LONDON. SHOES, STYLIST’S OWN.

FREDDIE WEARS BLACK WINTER COAT, FROM £260, STONE ISLAND JUNIOR AT BASEFASHION.CO.UK. WHITE SHIRT, £50, POLO RALPH LAUREN. MUSTARD SWEATSHIRT, FROM £56.50, PAUL SMITH JUNIOR. BLACK COTTON SHORTS, £49, LITTLE WARDROBE. ARTHUR SHOES, FROM £45.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE.

ISSY WEARS MOHAIR SKIRT MUSTARD, £65, ILOVEGORGEOUS. BLOUSE, FROM £72 AT CHLOÉ, CHILDRENSALON.COM. BLANKET COAT IN GREY MELANGE, £49, JESSIE AND JAMES. PATENT BUCKLE SHOES, FROM £49.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE. KIERA WEARS GREY JUMPER, FROM £115, JOHN GALLIANO AT HARRODS. STAR SLATE MARAIS DRESS, £65, ILOVEGORGEOUS. ROSIE T-BAR SHOES, FROM £65, YOUNG SOLES. ARTHUR WEARS BEIGE BARACUDA NYLON QUILTED JACKET, £105, POLO RALPH LAUREN. DIXIE DEAN BALTIC BLUE CORDS, £55, NO ADDED SUGAR. GOOD TRIP PITCH DARK CHECK SWEAT, £55, NO ADDED SUGAR. T-SHIRT WITH GORILLA POCKET, £18, POPUPSHOP.NET. CHAMBRAY SKULL SHOES, £29.99, TOMS. SCARLETT WEARS PALE BLUE RIDING JACKET, £69, JIGSAW. FEATHER CREAM BOHO SMOCK DRESS, £173, BONPOINT. BLUE SATCHEL, £135, CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY. ALEXIS SHOES, FROM £48.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE.

With special thanks to Location, Bluebell Railway and the lovely people at the Horsted Keynes Station. Photographer’s Assistant: Natasha Lee. Model agencies Bonnie and Betty, Grace and Galor, Urban Angels and models Arthur, Brooke, Kiera, Freddie, Issy, Maia, Scarlett.

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10/08/2015 21:26

Hide this spooky spider in your home to surprise guests

PARTIES

2

1

PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON

N E E W O L L A H

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OUR RESIDENT PARTY EXPERT SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR A SPOOKY SPECTACULAR

1 SPIDER POM POM I like to find decorations that strike the balance between beauty and spooky.

5 MOUSE TEE Just add some cute little ears, brown leggings and a pink tail for the perfect mouse!

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6 PUMPKIN LAWN BAGS Such a fun way to clear up those autumn leaves.

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3 TRICK OR TREAT BISCUIT TIN £38.50 BISCUITEERS.COM

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7 HANGING BATS £6.49 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

4 CAT DRESS I love this cat dress. It’s just perfect to accessorise with stripy tights and ears.

Don’t forget a tail! £44

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8 PUMPKIN CAKE TIN Kids can decorate this pumpkin cake with squeezy icing and toppings. £4 CRAFTCOMPANY.CO.UK

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9 PUMPKIN CENTREPIECE £2.29 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

10 SPIDER CUP Kids will have great fun pretending these spiders can crawl around the party table so don’t overfill cups. £3.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

11 PUFFY BAT JACKET Keep warm and look cool when trick or treating.

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12 CAT NAPKINS Wipe chocolatey faces with these fun cat face napkins. £3.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

Place ghosts, witches and spiders about the house

13 PETTISKIRT Combine this pretty skirt with an orange top and pumpkin facepaint. £25

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14 PUMPKIN BUCKET £2.29 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

15 TRICK OR TREAT PLATE

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£3.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

16 PARTY PICKS I also use these Halloween toppers for hot snacks like pigs in blankets.

£6.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PARTIES

7

Hang these somewhere your guests least expect and wait for the scream

8

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Extra little touches make a party theme work

CAROLE’S TOP TIP

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Make sure you’re well prepared for trick or treaters with a big bucket of sweets and treats!

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12 Get creative with party food and display your chosen treats on these wonderfully plates

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13 16 LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Bespoke party planning for little ones.

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PARTIES

Marshmallow Frosting • 250g caster sugar • 4 egg whites • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract • A pinch of salt

Share your spookiest Halloween creations with us #LLloves

SPOOKY TREATS

ANNIE RIGG SHARES THE CREEPIEST CUPCAKE RECIPE TO SCARE YOUR LITTLE MONSTERS

PHOTOGRAPHY: LOUPE IMAGES, WILLIAM LINGWOOD

H

alloween is arguably the best time of the year as far as kids are concerned. Not only do they get to dress up with abandon, but sweet treats galore also lie in store. With that in mind, it’s time to start plotting what scary delights you can cook up for the big night. Here, baking queen Annie Rigg provides a little spooky inspiration.

GHOSTLY CUPCAKES With its mound of glossy marshmallow frosting, these cupcakes are a spooky version of the much-loved ‘hi-hat’ cupcake and lots of fun to make. Just be sure to make the frosting on the day.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Red Velvet Cake Makes 12 • 175g sticks butter, soft • 250g caster sugar • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp red food colouring paste • 125ml buttermilk, kept at room temperature • 175g plain flour • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder • A pinch of salt • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1 tsp white vinegar • Black food colouring paste • Edible glitter

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Method: Preheat the oven to 180˚C (or gas mark 4) and line a 12-hole muffin pan with white paper cases.

Put the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and cream for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula from time to time.

Mix the red food colouring with the buttermilk until evenly coloured. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the cake mixture in alternate batches with the red buttermilk and mix until smooth.

In a small bowl, mix together the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, then quickly add to the cake mixture and mix until thoroughly incorporated.

Divide the mixture between the paper cases and bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until well risen and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean. Allow to cool in the muffin pan for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

To make the marshmallow frosting, put the sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract and salt in a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.

Whisk slowly with a balloon whisk until the sugar has dissolved, the mixture starts to thicken and turn white, and it reaches 60˚C on a sugar thermometer – probably about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk with an electric whisk on medium speed for another 3 minutes, or until cold, very thick and glossy white.

Spoon the frosting immediately into a large piping bag with 1cm nozzle and pipe the meringue into a swirly cone shape on top of each cupcake. Tint three teaspoons of the marshmallow frosting black using the food colouring paste and pipe eyes on the ghosts.

Finally, sprinkle edible glitter over the ghosts. Boo! L

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FAMILY

Puppy Love A GREEDY, NAUGHTY SHOE DESTROYER SHE MAY BE, BUT STORM HAS HELPED ME HEAL AND STOLEN ALL OUR HEARTS, WRITES MARINA FOGLE LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FAMILY

my heart wrenching as I felt her quiver with the unfamiliarity of her new environment.

That little pup showed huge heart as, torn away from the safety net of her whelping box, she cautiously explored her new home, braved the angry growls of Maggi (who at 14 was furious about the arrival of this new youngster) and took the excited playfulness of Ludo and Iona in her little stride.

But adding a new puppy into an already hectic household is trying for any mother.

Having got used to the 7am starts my good

style is more on the shabby side of chic, but there were a few casualties. She seems to have a particular fondness for shoes, but only ever one of a pair. It is safe to say the footwear industry has definitely benefitted from tooth-testing puppies.

And that playful bite, we soon learnt, could be very painful. The delighted shrieks of the children often swiftly turned into howls of pain as those sharp puppy teeth punctured their hands, legs and even faces. As her legs grew and she learnt how to jump, suddenly there was nothing out of her reach. With an innocent view of egalitarianism, it does not occur to her that the chicken on the kitchen worktop is not actually for her. She steals food constantly – in fact I’m amazed she’s not sick. This week alone she has eaten eight chicken thighs (bones removed thank goodness), a packet of butter, Iona’s dinner (twice) and my mother’s starter (mozzarella and prosciutto). Just when we think we’re over the worst, another stage emerges.

Now she’s going through adolescence and if she could stick two fingers up at me, I’m sure that’s exactly what she would be doing.

But all of that pales into insignificance when I look at the bond she has with the children. I remember all three of them racing around the Christmas tree just before bed and that feeling that there was some great multi-tasking going on – getting both children and puppy exhausted before bed. Having her has given them an appreciation of responsibility – clearing up her poos, walking her whatever the weather, feeding her and loving her no matter what she does. And on the many evenings when I curl up alone on the sofa, I am never alone.

As I clutch her to my chest, feeling her little heart beat against mine I reflect that while she could never be a replacement for the baby I lost, having something to cuddle, to sniff, to love, unconditionally has helped me heal. And while she crept cautiously into our house, she stormed into our hearts, which makes her name, Storm, absolutely accurate. L

The little pup showed huge heart as, torn apart from the safety net of her whelping box, she explored her new home sleepers allowed me – I had to set my alarm early to let the pup out, clear up the mess and feed her before I started with the children.

The ‘accidents’ were plentiful and increased when three days in she got a terrible bug that made her vomit and poo continuously for two days. Frantic midnight visits to the 24-hour vet, antibiotics, probiotics and cans of hugely expensive sensitive puppy food ensued and she pulled through. And then the chewing started – she had to put those razor sharp teeth to good use. Fortunately our interior 60

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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG, ISTOCK

S

hortly before Christmas a little black Labrador crept into our lives.

We’d made the impossible selection from a litter of half-black, halfyellow pups, who quite frankly all looked and behaved the same. We’d brought our children Ludo and Iona, then three and four and besides themselves with excitement, along to help us choose – but one playful bite from some razor-sharp teeth had Iona screaming to be removed from the whelping box.

As we deliberated, Ludo played contentedly with the litter while Iona rearranged the cushions on the sofa in their room. “Was this really a good idea?”

I wondered, knowing that I was doing this for my beloved children as much as for me.

Dogs have always been an integral part of our lives.

Ben and I met walking our labradors in Hyde Park and, for years before our children arrived, our beloved Maggi and Inca were our children, dominating our holiday photos, cosseted, petted and doted upon. The dogs were slightly confused when Ludo was born, but once solids were introduced they soon took up their positions underneath his high chair. They had never before met human beings who were so generous with their food. For the first time, they wholeheartedly appreciated the appeal of babies.

But time ticks by and we were heartbroken when in 2012 Inca passed away, quietly at home one summer morning. It’s one of Ludo’s earliest memories, our heartbreak evident in spite of our resolution to be strong in front of the children. We didn’t feel quite robust enough for another puppy for a while – and then I got pregnant again. While Ben mooted the idea of getting another, the time was definitely not right. Until tragedy struck.

Our baby was stillborn, and as I lay in intensive care, thinking how I would tell our children that their brother had died, I resolved we’d get a puppy.

One frosty Saturday we set off to go and collect the newest member of our family.

I held her tightly on my lap as we drove home,

#heyworld

Empower girls when you purchase from our new collection.

A collection in collaboration with – Ellen DeGeneres’ new lifestyle brand of products that embody her iconic style, values and charm.

CREATIVITY

Use autumnal colours like reds, greens and oranges

THE LAST MINUTE NO-CARVE PUMPKIN CRAFT WITH CRAYONS You will need: Pumpkins • Various wax crayons • Glue • Cutting board • Knife • Hairdryer • Paper • Place your pumpkin on a large piece of paper as this activity can get quite messy.

• Take the wrappers off the crayons and break each in half. On one side of the crayon use a knife to flatten the sides, which makes it easier to stick down.

• Glue the crayons to the top of the pumpkin.

• Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting and aim at the crayons, changing the direction of the warm air to get the wax to move and create beautiful and colourful patterns.

FIND THE NUMBERS

All you need is: Lentils • Rice • Food colouring • Pasta • Conkers • Dye your pasta and rice with food colouring. Leave to one side to dry.

• Write or paint numbers on each conker and leave to dry.

Once dry add them to the mix, number down.

• Now find the specific numbers, to practise number recognition.

Slimy Witches’ Soup

With Halloween treats, I always try and serve something slightly healthy for tea. This year, I’m going to fill a massive cauldron (aka a pot), with this spooky-looking soup.

• Fry an onion in a little rapeseed oil.

• Pour in a bag of frozen peas.

• Stir and then cover with boiling vegetable stock.

• Simmer for five minutes and set aside, before blitzing.

• For fingernail croutons, chop up a few plain tortillas into small jagged pieces and bake on a baking tray in the oven for five minutes. Can be served in a hollowed-out pumpkin.

A cool twist on the traditional pumpkin carving

All children love Nanny Anita’s Cookie Adventures, and with Guy Fawkes upon us, this one is very apt. This trip takes you from Westminster to Trafalgar, and although it’s just one long road, it does cover 1,000 years of history in half a mile.

Get crowned in Westminster Abbey, escape Guy Fawkes’ plot, pay your respects to the dead at the Cenotaph, and help Winston Churchill keep our country safe in the War Rooms.

Download a free printable trail on My Baba, filled with activities, fun facts and an eye-spy.

Nanny Anita’s Marvellous Treasure Map

You will need: Paper • Tea bag and water • Pencils • Matches/ lighter (optional) Draw your treasure map on the piece of paper, then ‘paint’ over the entire piece of paper with a wet tea bag. Leave it to dry. If you want to give it a really old look use a lighter or match to burn the edges of the paper – an adult task of course!

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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG, ISTOCK

NANNY ANITA’S COOKIE ADVENTURE

GET CRAFTY

get CRAFTY

LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA RUSTLE UP SOME SEASONAL AFTER-SCHOOL FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Craft boxes are buckets of fun for everyone and provide hours of enjoyment

THINGS WE LIKE...

Join Molly & the Wolf’s Craft Club and you can receive craft boxes straight to your door. We love the Raccoon Mask and Tail Craft Box.

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I

can’t believe my baby girl has just started school. I feel a wave of empty nest syndrome coming on but, for the first time in years, I have more than single-hour time slots on my hands and I’m excited about the next chapter. Nanny Anita and I have been dreaming up ideas for afterschool fun, and we’ve got a great seasonal craft for toddlers up our sleeves and a fun after-school treasure hunt.

I’ve been making some ghoulish treats for Halloween, and on bonfire night we’re taking the kids on Nanny Anita’s Westminster to Trafalgar Cookie Adventure. We’re mad about no-carve pumpkins, which are really easy to make and fun for the whole family and we love experiment and craft boxes, too! mybaba.com

PLAYTIME

Back to Nature NATASHA ASCOTT, MD AND CHIEF MUDDER AT MUDDY PUDDLES, DREAMS UP FUN WAYS TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

A

t Muddy Puddles we passionately believe in the value of children spending glorious amounts of time outdoors. We know it leads to healthier bodies, better concentration, bigger imaginations and amazing memories. Children under 10 years old now spend up to 28 hours per week looking at screens and 50% less time outdoors than they did 30 years ago. However, most parents want something different for their children.

One of the problems with getting outdoors can be thinking of what to do. It can be so much easier just to whip out the iPad. I have three children and so have pulled together a few things to do outdoors that suit their different ages.

muddypuddles.com

FOR TODDLERS Making mud pies: all you need is a nice dirt patch, a saucepan or tupperware, a couple of bottles of water and a wooden spoon. Little ones can while away the hours just filling up their pot and pan, cooking up a muddy gourmet storm full of leaves and twigs and the odd worm.

Making mud pies never gets old and will keep little ones entertained for hours

Hide and seek: this game is as old as the hills, but I have never known children of any age not to love diving into bushes or crouching behind trees.

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PLAYTIME

FOR SEVEN TO 10 YEARS FOR FOUR TO SIX YEARS Forest fairy land: all you need is the roots of a big old tree. Clear out a little knook and use twigs and leaves to make a roof and garden. Decorate it even more beautifully with daisies or holly berries ready for the fairies to arrive at night. Then, on the way home, find a perfect stick to take inside. Paint it and transform into a magic wand.

Hopscotch and chalk art: if there isn’t a park nearby, then a few pebbles and a box of chalk on the pavement by your house can be a brilliant way to spend a few hours, starting off with hopscotch.

Then make lovely pictures on the paving stones in chalk, which is so much more exciting than normal colouring-in.

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Obstacle courses: all you need is a few handy household implements like laundry baskets, brooms, old bits of rope and hose. Get your children to set up the course and make the challenges with you. It can be a whole afternoon of fun spent doing timed versions, silly-walk versions and adjusting the obstacles.

Go on your own nature trail: head out on a local walking route and aim to collect at least 10 different types of leaves along the way. Bring them home to identify them or use the brilliant Leafsnap app. Once you have finished sorting all your leaves, you can paint them, add glitter glue and create a lovely work of leaf art.

MOLLY WEARS GLITTER NET DRESS, £75, ILOVEGORGEOUS. FEATHER GILET, £90, TOPSHOP.

FLIGHT OF FANCY

PHOTOGRAPHER: DANIEL PANGBOURNE STYLIST: BECKY JOHN HAIR AND MAKEUP: SARAH O'KEEFFE

LAILA WEARS BLACK AND METALLIC DRESS, £185, JOHN GALLIANO KIDS. FEATHER CAPE, £50, TOPSHOP.

MACEY WEARS SILVER SEQUIN DRESS, £238, JOHN GALLIANO KIDS. GREY SPARKLE JACKET, £124, STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS. SHOES FROM A SELECTION AT BONPOINT.

DRAYDEN WEARS COPPER BOMBER JACKET, £100, SOMEDAY SOON. DISTRESSED JEANS, £104, DIESEL KIDS.

EMILY WEARS GOLD JACQUARD PARTY DRESS, £195, MARIE-CHANTAL. HEADDRESS, £350, ASTROBOHEMIA. SHOES FROM A SELECTION AT JOHN LEWIS.

With thanks to Photographic assistant, Vince Cerri. Location, The Factory. Model agency, Bizzykidz and models Drayden, Emily, Jack, Laila, Macey, Molly.

JACK WEARS FAUX SHEEPSKIN JACKET, £149, SCOTCH SHRUNK. ORANGE JEANS, £55, SCOTCH SHRUNK. HAT FROM A SELECTION AT SCOTCH SHRUNK. BOOTS FROM A SELECTION AT HUGO BOSS.

St Benedict’s, Ealing Independent Catholic Day School Teaching a way of living Co-education from 3 years through to 18

OPEN MORNINGS

NURSERY: 8 October, 5 and 26 November JUNIORS: 17 September, 3 October SENIORS: 15 September, 3 and 15 October

‘Outstanding’ Diocese of Westminster Inspection Report (Sept 2013) SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL To book a place at an Open Event or for more information please contact:

T: 020 8862 2254 E: enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk W: www.stbenedicts.org.uk We respect the dignity of all and welcome children of other faiths.

LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW

The live stage show

© Snowman Enterprises Ltd 1982, 2012

based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics

by Howard Blake

“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt” The Times

g Featurin

‘Walking in the Air’

LY £110 TICKET eON FAMILY, mu st includ one under 16 4 tickets

Max £2.50 Transaction fee applies.

25 Nov - 3 Jan 020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com 72 1 Untitled-1

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK 04/08/2015

15:56

NEWS

education

NEWS Everything you need to know in and out of the classroom

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools 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.

AWARENESS WEEK

If you have noticed signs of dyspraxia in your child don't be afraid to find out more

Order the latest issue now!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Visit chelseamagazines.com/ independent-school-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.

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Dyspraxia can make simple things difficult at any age, but especially for children.

Symptoms include poor hand-eye coordination, lack of spatial awareness, difficulty getting dressed and slower learning speed. New figures released by the Dyspraxia Foundation reveal that many young girls ‘slip through the net’ and are not diagnosed until later life. Such a delay can significantly impact their everyday lives, whether it’s struggling through nursery, school or university.

That’s why this Dyspraxia Awareness Week (11 to 17 October), the Dyspraxia Foundation will have a heavy focus on tackling the diagnosis divide between girls and boys, as well as aiming to raise funds for and awareness of dyspraxia in general. dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk

NEWS

OPEN DAYS EATON SQUARE NURSERIES Belgravia, 9 November Knightsbridge, 15 October Pimlico, 5 November eatonsquareschool.com/nurseries

EATON SQUARE SCHOOL 12 November eatonsquareschool.com

SUPER SCIENCE! Launching this autumn on CBeebies, Messy Goes to Okido is an animation series bringing science to life using stories, comedy and adventure. Directed by BAFTA winner Liz Whitaker from Bob the Builder, Pingu and Timmy Time, each episode sees Messy Monster pose a question in the real world and then magically travel to the extraordinary, fictional world of Okido, where he finds the answers.

FOREST SCHOOL 26 September forest.org.uk

LYCEUM SCHOOL

Omega 3 is well known for being great for brain function and development, but did you know it’s also scientifically proven to help with aggressive and antisocial behaviour in children? All the more reason to ensure your little one gets enough in their diet.

15 September, 6 October, 3 November lyceumschool.co.uk

PARKSIDE SCHOOL 2 October parkside-school.co.uk

QUEEN’S GATE SCHOOL 15 October, 12 November queensgate.org.uk

RAVENSTONE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 12 November, 10 March, 9 June ravenstoneschools.com

RAVENSTONE PREPREPARATORY SCHOOL 18 November ravenstoneschools.com

THE ROYAL SCHOOL 18 and 19 October royal-school.org

RYDE SCHOOL 3 October rydeschool.org.uk

It's never too early for your little one to don their ballet shoes

SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL 25 and 26 September sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL

LET’S DANCE…

The Danceworks International Ballet Academy is now enrolling for after-school and weekend classes for the autumn term. Set up by ex-professionals Kim White and Antonia Franceschi, the school teaches boys and girls aged six to 16. DIBA focuses on US training techniques and brings in adult dancers from renowned ballet companies to inspire the next generation. danceworks.net/ballet-academy

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3 October stbenedicts.org.uk

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE 2 and 3 October stgeorgesweybridge.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

COME&SEE Top 100 UK school for A Level results

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR EVERY SINGLE DAY INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL 3 - 18 YEARS

COME&SEE Top Top 100 100 UK UK school school for for A A Level Level results results

The Royal School VISIT US AT THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW BATTERSEA PARK, NOVEMBER 14 & 15

“The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent” Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report, 2014 Full, Flexi and Weekly boarding options available Excellent GCSE, A Level and IB results Exciting extra-curricular programme including competitive sailing 117 acres of safe, rural grounds around the Boarding House NEXT OPEN MORNINGS ON OCTOBER 3 AND FEBRUARY 6 FOR MORE INFORMATION Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE

An Island School with a Global Outlook



 

 The Royal School  INDEPENDENT SCHOOL 0-18 YEARS  The only school in Surrey to teach boys and girls separately from 

 Year 3 until A Levels.    

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAY SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER

 JUNIOR SCHOOL VISITS BY APPOINTMENT  

 Top 100 UK school for A Level results. Top school in Surrey for GCSE results*.   Co-ed Sixth Form from 2018.  TEACHING BOYS AND GIRLS  SEPARATELY   

(*total average point score per pupil at GCSE)

        

TEACHING BOYS AND GIRLS

SEPARATELY

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Independent Day Independent Day School Schoolfor forGirls Girls from 4 to 18 years from 4 to 18 years

Independent Day Independent Day School Schoolfor forGirls Girls from 4 to 18 years

Queen'sGate GateJunior Junior School School is is aa small, friendly school where Queen’s small, friendly where from 4academic to 18standards yearsschool individualityisis nurtured, are high individuality nurtured,where where academic standards areand high where a broad based curriculum ensures a well rounded and where a broad based curriculum ensures a well rounded education.Gate Junior School is a small, friendly school where Queen's education.

Queen’s Gate Junior School is a small, friendly school where individuality istake nurtured, academic standards Open Mornings place inwhere the Autumn and Spring Terms are andhigh and individuality nurtured, where academic standards Open Morningsistake place in the Autumn and Spring Terms andare high where a broad a well rounded we do hope that youbased will visit curriculum us to see what ensures makes Queen's and a broad ensures a Gate well we dowhere hope that you willbased visit us curriculum to see what makes Queen’s Gaterounded so unique. Please see our website www.queensgate.org.uk for education. so unique. Please see our website www.queensgate.org.uk for education. further details. further Opendetails.

Mornings take place in the Autumn and Spring Terms and Open placea private in the visit Autumn and Spring For a Mornings prospectus, take or to make to the School, pleaseTerms and wea do hope that will visit us tovisit see to what Queen's For prospectus, oryou to make a private the makes School, please Gate contact the Registrar, Miss Janette Micklewright, on 020 we do hope that you will visit us to see what makes7594 Queen’s Gate contact the Registrar, Miss Janette Micklewright, on 020 7594 so unique.

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further details.

Queen’s Gate Junior School Queen’s Gate Senior School For a prospectus, or to make a private visit to theSchool School, please 125-126 Gate 131-133 Queen’s Gate Queen’s GateQueen’s Junior School Queen’s Gate Senior For a prospectus, or to make a private visit to the School, please contact the Registrar, Miss Janette Micklewright, on 020 7594 125-126 Queen’s 131-133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 Gate 5LJ Miss Janette London SW7 5LE contact the Registrar, Micklewright, on 020 7594 4982London or email, registrar@queensgate.org.uk.

SW7 5LJ London SW7 5LE 4982 or email: registrar@queensgate.org.uk.

Queen’s Gate Junior School Queen’s Gate Senior School 125-126 Gate 131-133 Gate GateQueen’s Junior School Queen’s GateQueen’s Senior School 75 Queen’s 125-126 Queen’s 131-133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 Gate 5LJ London SW7 5LE London SW7 5LJ London SW7 5LE

FEATURE

SCHOOL RULES IF YOU’RE ABOUT TO BE A SCHOOL-GATE DAD, MAKE SURE YOU’RE FULLY PREPPED WITH ALEX PAYNE’S CANDID GUIDE

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FEATURE

A Sentimentality over your precious one's new school outfit will soon evaporate

lbert Einstein once said: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” Well, I hope Albert won’t mind but, having just put my daughter through her Reception year, I’m going to tweak his wise words: Education is actually what one learns when one’s child goes to school.

We may not have been carrying the satchel, but there have been some heavy-duty life lessons for parents over the last 12 months. Inevitably, the mothers compare notes and discuss these in detail, but for those dads making their debut at the school gates, here is your cheat sheet.

Leaving your child at the school gates will emit a range of emotions – for both of you! daily sobbing. Spot the early trait of parents prizing children off their legs and Velcroing them onto the arms of a teacher before fleeing the desperate wails and clutching arms.

Over the year, children evolve from bewilderment, into rabid hysteria before settling into unwilling exhaustion.

Adults’ emotions will develop from heartbreak to sheer exasperation. Ignore the smug parent whose child offers a high five and potters into school with a cheery smile and without looking back. It won’t help your cause. pick up

The first sight of your precious little darling robed in school uniform is the moment you ring the doorbell to middle age.

“How on earth did we get here?” is a common sentiment in the countdown to the first term. Best to steer clear with the nametaping process as mothers battle with a needle and thread, often proclaiming a good stitch like it is the Bayeux Tapestry.

Once everything is named, say goodbye to it all. You won’t believe your child’s ability to discard, rip and outgrow their school clothes. And don’t try to claim things back from the underworld that is lost property. You will never get out alive.

The best moment of the day for all involved. Huge hugs, beaming smiles and genuine overexcitement that school is out.

Which lasts all of 45 seconds. Once out of the playground, brace yourself for their low-blood sugar, a desperate need to shriek until bedtime and an impressive ability to ignore any questions about their day. My daughter’s favourite game on the way home was, “Guess what I had for lunch?” Nothing could be discussed until I had unlocked the combination of what had been on her canteen tray that day, making for an excruciating 15 minutes of Turkey Twizzler torture. That was until I struck a deal with the catering staff to have the week’s menu emailed through every Monday. Told you we’d learnt life lessons.

drop off

homework

The emotional big one. In week one, the tears are in the eyes of the parents. By week two, it’s the children who start the

As much of a pain now as it was when we were holding the pencils. Nothing brings on Sunday night blues quite like forcing your child through four pages of letter tracing. Or having to rate your favourite vegetables from one to 10. At one point last term my wife was made to do 400 star jumps in the kitchen, at the request of the homework sheet – as my daughter practised her counting. Homework is undoubtedly a teacher’s sweet revenge.

uniform

Over the year, children evolve from bewilderment, into hysteria then unwilling exhaustion

Remembering the names of your child's schoolmates is no easy task

classmates

Create an evidence wall – and add notes whenever you can.

Mensa couldn’t devise a test as complicated as the task of memorising your child’s new friends. Our class list this year includes Lyla, Aisla, Ella, Elsa, Isla, Layla, Lola, Willa and Lilla. Boys are either called Harry or Archie, which doesn’t make it any easier to know who does what, but it does give you a 50:50 shot at being right. parent evenings

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

If you thought you’d said goodbye to awkwardness at your last school disco, think again. It has been lurking in the corner of the gym all along. The scenes as parents struggle through quiz night in the sports hall would make for a brilliant Ricky Gervais sitcom. Under enormous papier-mâché heads and surrounded by signs telling you to wash your hands – the competitive juices flow as grown men argue over whether Aconcagua is in Argentina or Chile. All under the guise of raising funds for new Bunsen burners for the science block.

Surprisingly, given we’re on school grounds, alcohol tends to flow like the Iguazu Falls. Which, ironically, is in Argentina. Or is it Brazil?

It would appear that if school days are the best days of our life, we pay back into the pot as a parent. I’m still searching for Einstein’s theory explaining that. L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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EDUCATION

Progress Report AS THE SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS, GLYNIS KOZMA SHARES HER TIPS ON HANDLING PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS

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hether it’s your first parent-teacher meeting or not, you may be unsure how to get the best out of the experience. With just 10 minutes to discuss your child’s progress, it’s easy to leave a consultation feeling frustrated. Perhaps you didn’t find out anything new, or forgot to ask about a particular concern – or advice on an area where you feel your child is struggling.

There is an art to making the most of the short slot provided and eeking out the most useful information – so consider several things before you book in. First, do you need to take time away from work and sort out childcare? Find out well in advance if the meetings start at 4pm or later. There is no rule about taking a younger sibling, but a child who interrupts the conversation will distract you and the teacher.

Think about what you want to discuss.

This may be a combination of your child’s academic progress and their behaviour in school. Some topics are best discussed at other times as they require longer than 10 minutes.

Parents who overrun their time slot are not popular. These meetings are not for big issues: bullying, problems with friendships, serious health issues or changes in family circumstances. If this is a concern, arrange to see the class or head teacher at another time.

It can be a good idea to write a list of topics.

Some teachers will set the agenda, and launch into a discussion about how good your child is at art or maths, when actually you want to talk about their spelling and how the child they sit next to distracts them. Try to keep questions concise – it’s very easy to get bogged down with the results from last week’s spelling test then realise you have run out of time.

The main area to cover is an overview of your child’s progress in relation to their peers and personal targets. Are they behind in any

area of the curriculum or progressing ahead of their schoolmates and need more challenging work? What about homework? Too easy, too difficult or just right? How do they behave – are they confident, shy, friendly or not? It’s amazing how children can differ – what you see at home is not always reflected at school.

If you don’t understand the jargon, especially if the teacher talks about new curriculum levels, just ask. Also, ask about planned topics and targets for the new term as well as specific goals for your child – so you can work in partnership with the school.

If, by the end of your appointment, you need more time – ask if you can arrange a further meeting. And build your child’s confidence by finding something positive to report about the chat with their teacher. L

TOP TIPS

Must-have guide on how to build the best relationship with your child's teacher

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

• Plan time away from work and organise childcare if necessary.

• Decide what you want to discuss and take notes if needed.

• Keep within your time limit.

• Don’t be afraid to tell the teacher if they are not covering points that concern you.

• Always be polite regardless of any criticism of your child.

• Keep big topics for a pre-arranged separate appointment.

• Praise your child for good feedback you have about their work or behaviour.

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Friendships are strong at Parkside

Next Open Morning, Friday 2nd October 2015, 9:30am Headmaster’s Welcome To register for Open Morning please email office@parkside-school.co.uk

parksideprep

www.parkside-school.co.uk

parksideprep

Forest School www.forest.org.uk info@forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744

Little London.indd 1

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Our pupils experience a taste of two, very different, worlds: Forest is a London school located within 6,000 acres of ancient woodland.

See the School and hear about our unique diamond structure at Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2015.

11/08/2015 11:58:34

EDUCATION

MIND OVER MATTER WITH SCHOOLCHILDREN UNDER GREATER PRESSURE THAN EVER BEFORE, TEACHERS ARE TURNING TO MINDFULNESS, FINDS SUSANNAH WARREN

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hen my five-year-old daughter started tapping her forehead the other day and talking about her “prefrontal cortex”, I feared we might have a child genius on our hands. In fact, she had been learning about that part of the brain during a mindfulness session with her class teacher. And it seems she’s not the only one.

Mindfulness, once the preserve of hippies and Buddhist monks, has gone mainstream and is helping people of all ages to deal with their emotions and wellbeing.

If you’re not familiar with the technique, mindfulness is a simple form of meditation

worryingly, 43% of pupils who had educationtargeted counselling were under 11.

Such statistics explain the popularity of mindfulness in schools, as teachers look for ever more effective ways to improve the wellbeing and performance of students.

Phil Ward, head of Thomas’s Preparatory School in Clapham, introduced mindfulness into his classrooms last year and is a major advocate. “I am certain that mindfulness has a key part to play in supporting children to live happy, healthy and purposeful lives,” he says.

“The frenetic dash from home to school, often [after] too little sleep, a day of ceaseless activity and then trying to juggle homework

The technique has been proven to help treat problems like stress, anxiety and depression that focuses your awareness on the present moment, allowing you to acknowledge and accept your feelings, thoughts and sensations in a calm and non-judgmental way.

The technique has been scientifically proven to help treat problems such as stress, anxiety and depression, conditions that the young seem to suffer from more than ever before as they face growing 21st-century pressures.

Hardly a week goes by without another worrisome headline about the state of our children’s mental health. Childline reported that kids who received counselling for exam anxiety tripled last year. Even more

with chatter from electric devices proves too much,” he explains. “All of us, but especially our children, need calm in our lives.”

Ward established the practice at Thomas’s with the help of the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a non-profit organisation that trains teachers in mindfulness for schools.

The benefits are huge, says Sarah Silverton, co-creator of MiSP’s curriculum for kids aged seven to 11. “We have been overwhelmed by how children report that their mindfulness practise supports them in school and beyond.”

She cites improvements in concentration, decision-making and self-management skills, 80

Mindfulness is key to counteract increasing academic and social pressures

On image caption white

as well as a changed attitude to experiences.

Crucially, regular practise results in increased self-awareness, which allows students to focus on aspects of life that offer them happiness.

Getting started young is a bonus: “We believe that children at Key Stage Two are particularly receptive because they are at an age when curious exploration is their ‘default setting’,” says Silverton. “Offering strategies to develop healthy patterns of managing stress reduces the impact in later childhood.”

This is one of the major reasons Ward has embraced mindfulness with such gusto: “Prep schools have a unique role to play in doing their bit to avert the possibility of students developing mental disorders later on.”

Lessons for seven- to 11-year-olds delivered by a MiSP-trained teacher last anything LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDUCATION

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

On image caption white

from three to 10 minutes and are a mixture of short breath and body-awareness practises, supported by film clips. “It’s very interactive and experience based,” explains Silverton.

At Thomas’s, Ward has incorporated mindfulness into the school’s Inspiring Living (IL) course, which seeks to develop a culture of wellbeing at school and beyond. Each IL lesson begins with two to three minutes of mindfulness, led by MiSP-trained staff.

Assemblies and staff meetings also start with two minutes of stillness, led by Ward himself.

“It has encouraged us to bring calm reflection in our busy lives,” he says. “I am a convert!”

Silverton agrees that the popularity of mindfulness balances the strong-achievement focus in education: “The stillness and silence is a pause in a day that otherwise races from beginning to end, full of activity and learning, without many moments to just be.” L

HOW TO USE MINDFULNESS It only takes one or two minutes of mindfulness to reap rewards in primary schools. Claire Kelly, director of the Mindfulness in Schools Project, gives a taster of how the practice might unfold: • Students are asked to stand up and sense the soles of their feet on the floor.

• They will explore this sensation and feel the way the ground supports them.

• To conclude, they extend the focus of attention to the whole of their body while standing – before finally tuning their attention to a feeling of the body breathing.

mindfulnessinschools.org

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• “This technique is one that pupils say they find useful when they begin to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or would just like to have a moment of calm and quiet in the middle of their day,” says Kelly.

• But don’t be tempted to start leading your classroom or child in a mindfulness session until you have first had specialised training and established your own practice.

• “We don’t believe it is possible to fully teach mindfulness without having a solid experiential understanding and ongoing commitment to it first,” warns Kelly’s colleague Sarah Silverton.

RUNNING HEAD

MEET THE HEAD RYDE SCHOOL

WE TALK TO MARK WALDRON ABOUT THIS INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGED THREE TO 18 YEARS How long have you been the headmaster at Ryde School?

I have just completed my second year as head, having arrived from Prague in 2013. I have worked at Radley, The Leys and Sherborne, as well as a couple of years in Athens.

Describe the ethos of your school.

Like all good schools it is a caring community based on hope, generosity, fun and ambition.

There’s a lot of laughter here. We enjoy an enviable island setting, two hours from London but two minutes from the beach and that creates an ethos that is in harmony with our environment. There are many Island families who have sent several generations of pupils to us but we also have a strong boarding tradition and pupils from all around the world enrich and inform us.

Does the school have a long history and has it maintained its core values?

Ryde was founded in 1921, joined with Upper Chine in 1994 and absorbed Bembridge School in 1995. In that sense our current school represents three traditions on the Island, each about a century old. Our main boarding campus remains at Bembridge and

our liberal education fostered through outdoor learning sits alongside the rigorous grammarschool style education of Ryde.

What makes Ryde School an attractive option for London parents?

The safety and security of a beautiful island certainly, and a number of our London families are, perhaps unsurprising, keen sailing families. It’s a healthy choice too, our pupils breathe sea air daily, almost all our food is Island sourced and there are countless opportunities for water sports, hiking and cycling. But it’s important that such a lifestyle doesn’t become an excuse for complacency.

We are ambitious for our pupils too and justly proud of exam results, university destinations and international links.

How do you help ensure every student achieves their full potential?

Very dedicated teachers – and with 740 pupils between the ages of three to 18 we are small enough for everyone to know and support one another. For me ensuring pupils fulfil their potential is not about sending everyone off to a Russell Group university but seeing each pupil for the individual that he or she is and 82

equipping them to make intelligent decisions independently. In the last two years 10 pupils have gone on to Oxford and Cambridge but another 10 to art college, and a look at all courses followed shows real diversity.

What’s the future for Ryde School?

We will continue to attract pupils from beyond the Island, whether as boarders, those who ‘fly’ to school each day on the eightminute hovercraft journey from Portsmouth, or as families who feel they can make a positive lifestyle move and have access to the quality of education they expect on the mainland. If I am bringing anything new to the table it is perhaps a renewed emphasis on the global vision that I saw in Prague. Our pupils need the same hunger and resilience and also skills in language learning and entrepreneurship. But what pupils can also have, and it’s a privilege from our location, is to be educated in this beautiful, healthy and secure outdoor setting. L

Ryde School with Upper Chine, Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE 01983 562229 school.office@rydeschool.org.uk rydeschool.org.uk

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School Open House Thursday 12 November Nursery Open Mornings Knightsbridge – Thursday 15 October Pimlico – Thursday 5 November Belgravia – Monday 9 November Booking is essential Eaton Square School is an independent, coeducational Nursery, Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory school in the heart of central London, educating children from the age of 2 ½ to 13 years old. The main school is in Belgravia, with four nursery schools located across London.

79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP T: 020 7931 9469 E: registrar@eatonsquareschool.com

www.eatonsquareschool.com

Open Mornings Elvaston Place - Thursday 12 November at 9am The Long Garden - Wednesday 18 November at 9.30am Booking is essential Ravenstone Schools offer your child a unique, well-rounded education, with 2 locations in central London. Our Nursery & Pre-Prep is located next to Hyde Park (W2) and takes children ages 2 - 5. Our Preparatory is in South Kensington (SW7) and takes ages 4 - 11.

The Long Garden, St George’s Fields, Albion Street, London W2 2AX T: 020 7262 1190 E: admissions@ravenstoneschools.com 24 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NL T: 020 7225 3131 E: registrar@ravenstoneschools.com

www.ravenstoneschools.com

Open Mornings First Tuesday of each month at 9.30am Booking is essential

The Lyceum is a small, non-selective, independent nursery and school for boys and girls aged 3-11, with a unique educational philosophy delivered through topic-based learning. The school is situated in the City of London, near to Old Street and Shoreditch.

6 Paul Street, City of London EC2A 4JH T: 020 7247 1588 E: admin@lyceumschool.co.uk

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Phileas Fox Nursery School offers a unique learning experience for children aged two to five, specialising in Early Years bilingual education.

We are distinctive in offering traditional British Early Years and Montessori programmes with a choice of learning either Chinese, French or Russian language and culture simultaneously.

Other languages can be added to the curriculum based on demand.

We provide a happy medium between teaching the children academically and holistically through bilingual education, in a playful, fun, caring and educational environment. We offer excellent standard of daily care and education, a nurturing and safe setting with beautiful premises and vast outdoor areas.

Bilingual Baby Club from 6 months After School Activity Club from 2 years

OPENING SEPTEMBER 2015 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE. T: 020 7164 6018 E: enquiries@phileasfoxnursery.com W: www.phileasfoxnursery.com St Mary’s Square, London, W2 1SE

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NEWS

travel

NEWS

Share your holiday hot spots with the Smith Hotel Awards

Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know

SMITH HOTEL AWARDS Smith fans should check out the nominees for the Smith Hotel Awards 2015. Vote before 30 September for your top pick in each of the 12 categories, including Best Family Hotel, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £1,000 voucher to spend at any of the hotels in its luxury cherry-picked collection. smithhotelawards.com

Heathrow is to become the world’s first airport to welcome imaginary friends.

Staff will be taught the best ways to interact with children’s invisible playmates in its bid to become the friendliest family airport in the world. heathrow.com

TRAVEL TREATS

Allow Atticus & Gilda to add a touch of luxury to your children’s travel adventures.

The travel kits are super handy for holidays, prices range from £25 to £135. atticusandgilda.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: 2014 RACHEL JUAREZ-CARR

ELOISE AT THE PLAZA The Plaza in New York, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, debuts a collection of girlswear by designer Rachel Riley as part of the 60th anniversary of Kay Thomason’s Eloise at The Plaza storybooks. The collection is available at the ‘Eloise at The Plaza’ shop and online.

Or try the Plaza’s whimsical Eloise Suite, created by fashion designer Betsey Johnson. From $1,975 per night. rachelriley.com | fairmont.com/the-plaza-new-york

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RUNNING HEAD

Northern

HIGHLIGHTS

TRAVEL WRITER EMMA OLIVER TAKES HER FAMILY ON THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO EXPERIENCE ARCTIC CONDITIONS IN LAPLAND

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TRAVEL

D

o you want to build a snowman?

Or an entire snow family? Then this is the place to go. Families will appreciate all that Lapland has to offer – not just the magical Father Christmas experience.

Since 2002, the award-winning tour company Activities Abroad has been taking families (children must be over four) to Luosto in Finnish Lapland to revel in all manner of activities that the Arctic Circle has to offer: husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, amethyst mining, cross country skiing and, my particular favourite, ice fishing.

Just imagine sitting on reindeer skins holding fishing rods, the worm end of which dangles down through a drilled hole in the metre-thick ice. There’s no doubt that seeing

abundance of sledges that are free to use: you simply pick them up and then discard them when you’re finished. They were certainly the girls’ preferred mode of transport, gliding easily between the snow-capped fi r-lined paths and magical scenery.

The menu echoes the beautiful surrounds.

From reindeer burgers and juniper gravy to pickled fish salad, you certainly eat off the land. Incidentally, my six-year-old has a nut allergy and the kitchen handled it brilliantly.

In fact, nothing was too much trouble.

All outdoor gear is supplied, including boots. Cold can equal miserable, especially for children, and in such extreme temperatures (it can drop to -30˚C over Christmas) you will need to be prepared.

Layer up and you’ll keep warm – and with

We took six huskies on a 10km safari. The image of their beautiful ice-blue eyes will never leave me

PHOTOGRAPHY: ACTIVITIES ABROAD, LAPLAND HOTELS

Esme and Sofia had fun sledging around the resort

my young children doing things Eskimostyle is going to stay with me forever, but that’s the thing about this sort of visceral holiday: it is the trip of a lifetime.

We took a team of six huskies on a 10km safari. The image of their beautiful, ice-blue eyes as we climbed the iced track will never leave me. Another fantastic way of getting about is by snowmobile.

Everywhere you turn is Christmas-card pretty and Luosto is the perfect setting for a log cabin. An idyllic retreat, a log cabin not only creates an authentic Scandi-living experience, but will allow you privacy and your own log-burning fi re and sauna to boot.

The cabins are not far from the main hotel, so the restaurant, swimming pool and spa facilities are within easy reach. There is an

regular hot chocolate and sweet chai stops, there are plenty of warming moments.

On our last night we decided to head out at twilight for a walk around the frozen lake.

The children bounced their way along the snowy track, throwing snowballs, making snow angels and giggling all the way until we arrived at a Kota, aka a Lappish BBQ hut. Here we found kindling and logs and were soon toasting marshmallows.

Walking back to our cabin, the cloud that had hung over us providing so much snow finally cleared. Perhaps tonight the skies would turn the lights on? There is no guarantee that you will see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. But on the off chance they do come out to dance in the dead of night, you’re provided with a mobile phone and will be sent a text message alert so you don’t miss out.

We never did see the lights, and although this was disappointing, it was clear to me that Luosto offers so many other wondrous experiences, so many other northern highlights to enjoy, it really didn’t matter. L The Log Cabin Design Your Own trip in Luosto costs from £1,115 per adult and £690 per child (four to 14 years) for three nights’ half board based on two adults sharing with one child, including flights, transfers and instructors. activitiesabroad.com

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Keep the kids happy this summer and book them a camping adventure they will never forget. “Did you know 91% of kids say spending time exploring the outdoors with their parents would make them happy?�* From beach-side breaks to country retreats, our Club Site network offers it all.

With our friendly Holiday Site Managers on hand you can rest assured of a perfect hassle-free camping experience, wherever your next adventure takes you.

Talk to our friendly experts on 0204 7798 3808 or visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/regionalcampsites

*Get kids camping 2015: research conducted by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University.

TRAVEL

FAMILY AFFAIR

PINK LINING FOUNDER CHARLOTTE PEARL PROVES YOU CAN MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE WITH A SIX-WEEK ROUND-THE-WORLD WORK TRIP – WITH FOUR CHILDREN IN TOW

I

t was the day before we left to go to Australia and I was madly packing the bags of my four children. We were about to embark on what some would call an intrepid family adventure, while others might call it plain crazy. The time had come to visit our manufacturers in Hong Kong and see our South Korean distributor, plus we wanted to find a new partner in Australia. So my husband, Rufus, and I decided to combine LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

a much-needed family holiday with business and spend six weeks travelling across the world. It was the perfect time to go away: Amelia, 11, and Lucas, eight, had done their exams; Arthur, six, was still a year away from even having to think about his and Henrietta, barely one, well, she just had to tag along.

Lots of people have since asked how we coped with four children, one of them a baby, and with so many flights thrown into the mix, 89

but the excitement of actually doing the trip far outweighed the ordeal of getting there. It was such a family adventure and there was a real sense of teamwork. Each of the children carried their own rucksacks on and off the planes, even at the most ridiculous times.

The only time we nearly lost it was when an air stewardess on the journey from Hong Kong to Seoul told us we weren’t allowed to eat the donuts we had bought to avert any

TRAVEL

meltdowns. It turns out the smell can be distinctly offensive. We weighed it up and decided to eat the donuts anyway.

There were many wonderful times along the way, as well as a few nerve-racking ones, not least when we drove the 30 hours from Brisbane to Sydney and took on a once-in-ageneration storm in our A-Team style van. At one stage, I spied a tractor bob past, caught up in the floodwater alongside the motorway.

We spent a magical time on a remote island on the north coast of Australia. The sun shone every day and we played ‘spot the kangaroo’ in our garden at sunset. One night, we stroked dolphins at the sea’s edge and a koala casually ambled past. We were even able to fulfil Lucas’ dream of trekking through a

rainforest. We loved the food, the sunshine and the amazing outdoor lifestyle.

In Hong Kong, our manufacturers of 15 years took us to the Disneyland Hotel so the children could have lunch with Mickey and Minnie. While there we were also introduced to the local cuisine of dumplings and noodles,

where we chose food from photos, I decided to walk the children to the other side of the island.

I wondered why we were the only people in the water and why the locals were gazing on in such astonishment until all the children ran out of the water screaming. It turned out the sea was riddled with jellyfish – minor parenting hiccup!

I have a great fondness for Hong Kong and think it is a fabulous, buzzing city for children and adults. There are beautiful beaches, incredible walks (I loved the Dragon’s Back), sumptuous cuisine, and of course, Victoria Harbour with its magnificent light show.

Our last stop was Seoul. I marched us to the breathtaking Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also happened to be ‘children’s day’ in Seoul – an idea my children think we should export to the UK – and we took part in a special family festival. The vibrant traditional costumes and ancient ceremonial procession were dreamy.

The most enchanting aspect, though, was the beautiful Secret Garden, despite the fact we bought tickets for the Chinese tour and couldn’t understand a word.

The next few days we spent in back-to-back meetings with our South Korean distributors.

We were even able to fulfil Lucas’ dream of trekking through a rainforest which Amelia loved; Arthur attempted to love; and Lucas declared were “delicious”, while failing to eat any at all.

The kids then showed our manufacturers the Pink Lining samples, talking everyone through the whole process, from the initial drawings that the children see me doing at home to the making, shipping and finally to seeing the product in a shop. It’s important to us that the children understand how the business works and meet the people involved.

One slight misadventure occurred when Rufus and I took the children on the ferry to Lamma Island off Hong Kong. After lunch,

Off on their big adventure with their prized Pinklining rucksacks

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Our sales have grown more than 600% over there since last year and the children’s bags are a market leader, so it was very exciting to see our products in stores, as well as talking about product development and see in person what styles are suited to their market.

When the time came, we were all more than ready to go home. It had been a really wonderful family experience, but it made me realise that routine is a necessary thing – as long as every now and then we know we can throw caution to the wind in the name of a magical, big family adventure. L

pinklining.com

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TRAVEL

A private treehouse hideaway at Chewton Glen

OLIVIA FALCON DISCOVERS A TREEHOUSE ADVENTURE IN THE NEW FOREST THAT DELIGHTS THE WHOLE FAMILY

H

igh up among the oak trees, the wildlife is wincing as squeals of delight pierce the misty calm of the forest canopy. My daughters – Grace, four, and Georgia–Mae, three, are demolishing a plate of warm biscuits, lovingly iced with their names, with Cookie Monster gusto.

We’re perched rather majestically 10m up in one of the most spectacular treehouses I’ve ever been in. If you’re looking for a family adventure that’s a treat rather than a trial, look no further than one of the 12 exclusive treehouse suites at Chewton Glen, a fivestar hotel in the New Forest known for its

pampering pedigree and loved for its old-school charm.

Set a five-minute buggy drive from the main hotel, the treetop hideouts are approached down a leafy lane that winds up a steep bank to a clearing in the forest. From there, you stroll across sturdy bridges to reach them, preferable to taking on a rope ladder.

My kids are tough critics but this place had them at hello, or maybe even before, when we drove through the postcard-pretty villages of Burley and Beaulieu past old-fashioned sweet shops, wild ponies and fairy forests.

We opted for a two-bedroom Tree House Loft Suite, a genius mix of style and whimsy.

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A wood-burning stove cosies up the sitting room

In the slick kitchenette, all palettes are catered for. The purring coffee machine sits next to retro jars stuffed with mini marshmallows and chocolate buttons and homemade hokey, a delicious honeycomb crunch. There’s a wood-burning stove, huge tweed sofas and wraparound windows from which to admire the forest.

The sumptuous master bedroom and bathroom have panoramic views, too, although the kids were more excited by the flatscreen telly above the tub. This is rather more swish than Swiss Family Robinson.

Grace is first up a rather vertiginous Swedish ladder staircase, where she discovers the kids’ bedroom tucked away under the eaves. The twin beds are perfectly positioned beneath skylights for stargazing and come with take-home teddies and a great edit of age-appropriate toys, storybooks and games to keep them entertained if great British weather gets the better of us.

After my husband manages to nearly glue his jaw shut on the hokey, we venture out onto our viewing deck, which is safety screened with a thick glass wall.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG, ISTOCK

Babes in the wood

TRAVEL

Olivia enjoys some quality time with daughters Grace and Georgia-Mae

FURTHER AFIELD There are more squeals of delight – this time my own – as we spot a steaming Jacuzzi or “Coocuzi” as Georgia named it. The Coocuzi is the perfect place to admire the forest and its creatures. We spot deer, a family of rabbits and try getting a visual of Woody woodpecker, who is hammering away in the woods beyond. The children root themselves like whelks in the bubbly water and I only manage to pry them out with the promise that we’ll have another dip at dusk.

Although there is an excellent kids’ club that offers all manner of fun: nature walks, cake decorating, mask making, and excursions

The sumptuous master bedroom

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

to the beach, which is a handy 10-minute walk away, we opt for a family bike ride to the walled garden to look for Peter Rabbit and admire the beehive.

Head gardener Darren is a master at educating city kids on the marvels of a working kitchen garden. We help him pick runner beans and courgette flowers for our supper and then let the kids run wild in the surrounding wild flower meadow, which houses a giant teepee used for epic storytelling sessions. It’s a wonderfully simple and relaxed English country experience that makes me hanker after my own childhood and the time before electronic world domination.

Nature abounds, but despite the obvious charms of the Bug Hotel, a terrifying wood pile that houses all manner of creepy crawlies, the girls are keen to get back to the Coocuzi, so we head back to our treehouse for a forest feast (stuffed courgette flowers and lobster curry for the big people, mac ’n’ cheese for the small people), which we order up on an iPad. Everyone is suitably impressed when it arrives piping hot in a hamper half an hour later.

I’m usually the first one to slink off to enjoy the spa – and Chewton Glen does have an exceptionally good one with Linda Meredith facials and Ila massages – but our treehouse is so relaxing. Everyone’s in loving, rather than fighting, mode and I don’t want to break the spell. L Treehouse for four from £1,150 per night. chewtonglen.com

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To fulfil your wanderlust and experience a more exotic treehouse adventure, hop on a plane to one of these fantastic retreats: • Watamu Treehouse, Kenya Built high in the trees on the most picturesque stretch of Watamu beach in Kenya, this five-bedroom house offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and native forest. It also boasts its own private garden. treehouse.co.ke

• Manzanillo Tree House, Costa Rica Suspended 25m up in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife refuge, this two-bedroom retreat is the ultimate adventure treehouse. The experience starts with a 2km walk through the forest. Then, after a short climbing lesson, you’ll be up among the canopies enjoying the view. natureobservatorio.com

• Chale Luz, Brazil Hidden off road among the rainforest foliage outside the town of Itamonte in Brazil, this remote one-bedroom chalet overlooks a river and features a wood bath and sauna. With sheer walls and some glass roofing, you’ll feel at one with nature like never before. airbnb.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

HAPPY

holidays DO YOU FANCY ESCAPING TO THE SLOPES WITH KIDS IN TOW? POWDER BYRNE WILL SHOW YOU HOW

A

s autumn rolls into winter, many of us start to dream of an escape to the big white mountains.

However, with many operators catering for the family market, choosing one is no easy feat. Add to this the fear of letting our children loose on a pair of skis on the slopes and we’re soon a bag of nerves!

When selecting your tour operator it’s imperative to choose one that will give your children the very best start whatever their age, but above all they should provide you with complete peace of mind as parents, and confidence that your children will flourish in the safest possible hands.

Powder Byrne has been operating at the top of their field for 30 years, and has developed a range of award-winning kids’ ski programmes to suit all ages and abilities. They design

programmes for small groups of kids with the best ratio of adults to children to be found on the mountains. The Yeti Primer (three to four years) and Yeti (four to nine years) options are perfect for little Londoners. Ski along with dedicated English speaking instructors, who will always be assisted by a Powder Byrne member of staff. All instructors have been hand-picked for their skill and experience in teaching young children.

The unique Yeti Primer programme is a gentle introduction to skiing for intrepid three year olds where fun is the order of the day.

The nursery slope – likely to be filled with igloos, teepees and snowy characters – means the tiny tots on skis won’t even notice being taught the basics, as they are kept wonderfully entertained. Their afternoons are then spent in the pb crèche to rest their weary legs and relax after a fun-filled morning on the snow.

Offering the same level of quality, the Yeti programme consists of small groups of kids of similar ages and abilities so new friendships are guaranteed. Suitable for complete beginners or those who have mastered the basics and are progressing their technique, every level of skier gets the support they need.

Their fully trained and experienced resort 94

staff go the extra mile, coordinating the day from the moment kids leave the boot room in the morning to when they are delivered back to the hotel in the evening. Kids can also choose to join the supervised Yeti suppers and DVD evenings twice a week in select hotels.

Each morning, staff will greet you and your kids, offering a helping hand to get the little ones organised with little fuss. The next step is to whisk them off to their ski programme where the real fun begins. Children will be returned exhausted but happy, full of stories of their adventures on the slopes. Leaving no

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ADVERTORIAL

You can find Powder Byrne at the Alpenhotel in the hamlet of St Christoph in Austria

stone unturned, Powder Byrne’s mission is to ensure every child’s first skiing experience will result in them begging parents to go again, year after year.

With the children more than catered for, Powder Byrne knows that the secret formula for happy holidaying is by enabling everyone to make the most of their precious time away… and this means fun for parents too!

Boasting a wonderful range of luxury hotels and chalet-style apartments in a portfolio of resorts across Switzerland, Austria and Italy, families can pick their piste of choice. The hotels are home to outstanding restaurants while their exceptional spas, wellness centres and pools will help sooth aching muscles after a long day skiing.

Of course resorts are first and foremost chosen for their variety of skiing, attracting complete beginners and experts alike, but across the board there is also plenty to do if you are a non-skier too. Take part in winter hiking trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledging or simply relax down in the village taking advantage of the pretty shops and cafés on offer.

Powder Byrne’s ‘nothing is too much trouble’ approach means you’ll receive a LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

seamless service from start to finish; with staff specialising in assisting families to make travelling with young children as easy as it can be. They allow clients to stay in control of their travel arrangements, combining flights to suit their schedule with private transfers to the resort. From the moment you arrive at the airport, the staff are there to offer practical advice and deliver carefully planned assistance to ensure journeys are as smooth as possible.

Your skiing adventure awaits you and your family… give it time and the children will soon be speeding past you on the slopes. The race is certainly on. L 95

Stay at The Ameron, Davos, Switzerland for half term from £1,759 per adult for seven nights from 13 February. Price based on sharing a double room on B&B basis, including early booking offer if booked before 30 November and a special rate of seven nights for the price of six. Price includes private flights, luxury transfers, and full Powder Byrne resort service.

For more information call 020 8246 5300 or visit powderbyrne.com

NUTRITION

Add a vibrant hit of colour to your menu with these delicious health-boosting recipes

EAT THE RAINBOW

CHEF GEORGIE SOSKIN AND NUTRITIONIST JO SAUNDERS, OF COOKING THEM HEALTHY, DREAM UP SOME DELICIOUSLY COLOURFUL CREATIONS

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NUTRITION

E

ating plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables is a well-known route to healthy eating, but do you know the reason why we are encouraged to “eat the rainbow”?

The special compounds found in fruit and vegetables, as well as pulses, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, plus herbs and spices – are known as phytonutrients (pronounced “fi-toe-nutrients”).

“Phyto” quite simply means derived from plants. Its purpose is to protect the vitality of the plant, not only to provide it with vibrant colour, but for its health promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Researchers are learning more about the value of phytonutrients all the time which is exciting. They currently estimate that there are as many as 50,000 phytonutrients in existence, of which we have identified only

1,000. We like to include as many of them as we can in our cooking so we are passing on some of our recipes for you to enjoy.

With high hopes of an Indian summer, we have created three bright and colourful recipes for you to try out and enjoy at your leisure and pleasure.

Perfect for a last-blast al-fresco lunch, each recipe can easily be packed up and enjoyed for a delicious picnic. Or try out these health-boosting dishes for a light dinner or simple supper.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes for the whole family, visit cookingthemhealthy.com

SUNNY CARROT SALAD Our simple yet delicious carrot salad is rich in the phytonutrient beta-carotene, derived from carrots – important for skin, eye and immune health.

Miso is not only packed with zinc and manganese, but also phytonutrients known as phenolic acids from the fermentation process. This acts as a potent antioxidant in the body.

Serves 4 as a side.

• 4 medium sized carrots, coarsely grated • 1cm slice of ginger, finely grated • 20g mixed seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin) • 20g cashew nuts • Small handful coriander, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp white sweet-miso paste • 2 tbsp sesame oil • 1 tbsp runny honey • A squeeze of lime (optional)

WHERE CAN I FIND PHYTONUTRIENTS? • Flavonoids are found in blue/purple foods such as blackberries, blueberries and red cabbage • Beta-carotene is found in yellow and orange foods such as carrots, butternut squash, melon and papaya.

• Lycopene is found in red foods such as tomatoes and watermelon.

• Chlorophyll is found in spinach, spring greens, kale and broccoli.

• White is a colour too! White foods are not to be overlooked – garlic, onions, leeks and cauliflower are examples of foods with their own valuable nutrients such as sulphur and the fancily named glucosinolates.

Method: Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.

Place the seeds and nuts on to a roasting tray and then place into the oven for 10 minutes to roast until golden brown. Take out and leave to cool.

Mix the dressing of miso paste, sesame oil, honey and finely grated ginger.

Stir the dressing through with the coarsely grated carrot as well as the coriander and toasted seeds.

Enjoy with a squeeze of lime.

DID YOU KNOW?

Many foods contain more than one type of phytonutrient, so their health value is often tripled.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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With you every step of the way When it comes to your baby only the No.1 for pregnancy will do.

Helping to make healthy mums and babies over the last 25 years, Pregnacare® has always contained the recommended level of folic acid1 and is supported by unique clinical research with mums-to-be2,3. In fact, it’s the pregnancy multi-vitamin brand that UK midwives recommend most4. Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life.

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1. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Pregnacare® has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy.

2. Agrawal, R. et al. Prospective randomised trial of multiple micronutrients in women undergoing ovulation induction, Reproductive BioMedicine Online December 2011. 3. L Brough et al. Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population. British Journal of Nutrition (2010), 104, 437-445. 4. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 5. A beneficial effect can be obtained from a maternal daily intake of 200mg DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg DHA / EPA for adults – Annex of Commission Regulations (EU) No. 440/2011. 6. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999). *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value and Unit Sales 52 w/e 25th April 2015.

NUTRITION

Enrich your diet with green vegetables, packed with energy-boosting chlorophyll

PACK-A-PUNCH PAELLA Our easy yet delicious paella recipe is the perfect summer dish, bursting with colour, flavour and health-boosting phytonutrients. The tomatoes and sweet red peppers are rich in antiinflammatory lycopene, and the phytochemicals in garlic are known for their immune-strengthening properties.

Serves 4 • 3-4 chicken thighs (skin off) approx 230g, cut into generous bite sizes • 1 onion, diced • 80g frozen king prawns • 150g brown rice • 300ml chicken stock • ½ red pepper cut into slices • A small pinch or about 4 or 5 strands saffron • 1 tsp ground paprika • 80g frozen peas • ½ carton or can of chopped tomatoes (approx 200ml) • 1 clove of garlic, pasted or very finely chopped • Coconut oil

CRUSTLESS QUICHES The sweet yet humble pea is rich in a number of phytonutrients including saponins and flavanols, which support immune health as well as possessing anti-inflammatory properties. These cute quiches are naturally gluten free.

Makes 4 • 2 eggs • 1 tbsp pesto (ideally homemade, but shop bought is fine) • 30g peas • Small floret of broccoli, cut into small pieces Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C/50°F/gas 4.

Place your silicone muffin tin/mould onto a baking sheet to prevent it from wobbling. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into your moulds.

Place gently in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and set – you can feel the firmness with your finger. There should be no runniness.

Enjoy hot, warm, and also at room temperature. These will keep well in the fridge for a few days and are perfect for picnics.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Method: Place a casserole dish or saucepan (with tight-fitting lid) onto a medium heat and add tablespoon of coconut oil.

Add the onion and sweat on a low heat until soft. Next add chicken pieces and lightly brown for a few minutes – at this stage you are not cooking the meat all the way through, just lightly browning.

Then add the red pepper and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.

Add the garlic and paprika and cook for about 30 seconds before adding the rice, then stock and saffron strands.

Bring the liquid up to the boil and then down to a simmer, before placing the lid on and simmering on low heat for 30 minutes, or until rice cooked through.

Add the half tin of chopped tomatoes and reduce (with the lid off) on a medium to high heat for 5 minutes – until the tomatoes have absorbed and concentrated into the rice.

Mix in the prawns and peas, stir and allow to cook for a few minutes. Turn off heat and place lid back on – stand for 5 minutes to steam the prawns. You should see no greyness to the prawns just their vibrant rich pink. Serve warm.

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YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS The birth of your baby is a moment you’ll always treasure. Having your child delivered by a team you know and trust gives you the comfort every mother wants.

At The Portland Hospital, you’ll have the security of knowing our critical care units are in-house. With our resident Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist, Adult High Dependency unit, Neonatal Intensive Care unit, Special Care Baby unit and Transitional care unit on hand 24/7, we’re ready for those very rare occasions when extra immediate support is needed.

You’re guaranteed one to one care from some of the country’s finest consultant obstetricians and midwives, so it’s no wonder more than 1,600 expectant mothers a year choose to have their babies with us.

Plus your partner can stay with you overnight in our range of luxury en-suite rooms.

Discover how you can experience the best in private maternity care, call us on 020 8003 3628

PREMIUM CARE & COMFORT

OUTSTANDING FAMILY CARE

YOUR OWN MATERNITY TEAM

www.theportlandhospital.com

FINE DINING

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Tel: 07530 459 468 Email: info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • CHISWICK HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY BBC & DAILY TELEGRAPH

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WHAT’S ON

AG E N DA LIANNE KOLIRIN TELLS US WHAT’S ON IN THE CAPITAL

HALLOWE E N FAM I LY R AVE Sunday 1 November, 3pm.

Big Fish Little Fish’s Halloween-themed rave promises banging tunes by big name DJs on a multi-sensory dance floor filled with bubble machines, glitter cannons and balloons. Join Captain Cookie in the Happy Monkey craft area or relax in the chillout space complete with ball pools, tents and tunnels for the littlest ravers. An alternative way to celebreate Halloween that’s seriously good fun.

B I G B U S TO U R S O F LO N DO N

D I S C OVE R DO G S 2 015

Year round, see website for dates and times.

Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 October,

Whether it’s your first visit or you live here, a Big Bus Tours is a great way to explore the capital and get to know it’s history, culture and best spots. London’s best stories are revealed on the hop on, hop off route and you can take things at your own pace with a one, two or three day pass. Admission: child £12.50,

10am to 5pm.

Stratford Circus Arts Centre, Theatre Square,

Starting points: Baker Street Station, Marble Arch,

£14.30 in advance.

Stratford, E15 1BX

Trafalgar Square, Green Park and Victoria Station.

ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock E16 1XL

0844 357 2625

020 7808 6753

0844 581 1381

stratford-circus.com

bigbustours.com

discoverdogs.org.uk

Admission: child £7, adult £11. Reductions available for advance online bookings.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

adult £26 and family £73.

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Discover Dogs is a fun, family event packed with doggie displays and competitions.

There’s a Young Kennel Club Area for kids over six to learn new skills and tricks. Or if you’re looking for a pet, learn about which breeds suit your family.

Admission: children under 12 go free. Adult £16 or

WHAT’S ON

B R I CK O R TR E AT AT LE G O L AN D

E LF TH E M U S I CAL

TH E B I G D R AW

Saturday 17 October to Sunday 2 November.

Saturday 24 October to Saturday 2 January.

Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.

Fancy dress, themed activities and spooky entertainments with guest appearances from the wicked Lord Vampyre and Frankie, the friendly monster. Fireworks on the weekends.

Performance times vary, see website.

Activities will take place from 12 to 4pm.

Taking place at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, budding artists can create masterpieces of iconic London buildings on a huge skyline.

£36.90 and under-threes go free.

Will Ferrell’s 2003 film Elf becomes a Christmas musical. Follow Buddy who crawls into Santa’s bag and is taken to the North Pole where all sorts of humorous antics ensue.

Admission: from £51.80.

prices. Child £7, adult £15 and family £40.

LEGOLAND, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berks SL4 4AY

Dominion Theatre, W1T 7AQ

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2SS

0845 373 2640

0845 200 7982

0333 800 8099

legoland.co.uk

elfthemusical.co.uk

www.thebigdraw.org

LTM D E P OT FAM I LY TO U R S

FAM I LY TR AVE L S H OW

H E T T Y F E ATH E R LIVE

Thursday 29 October and Sunday 1 November,

Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.

Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 October.

11am to 12pm and 1.30 to 2.30pm.

10am to 5pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.

Performance times vary, see website.

Go behind the scenes at London Transport Museum’s Depot. Hear about the Victorian train carriage that used to be someone’s home, see the Underground train driven by the Queen and board a 75-year-old tube train.

An event dedicated to family travel and has all you need to know, whether you’re after a beach break, or something more adventurous.

Join plucky Hetty Feather in her escape from the Foundling Hospital, as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus. Music, circus tricks and big heart.

Admission: children go free, adult £5.

Olympia National Hall, Kensington W14 8UX

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA

118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton Town W3 9BQ

0844 209 7360

08448 717 620

020 7565 7298

familytravelshow.com

hettyfeatherlive.com

Admission: if bought online, child £33.75, adult

Admission: special Little London rate is £6 by

quoting ‘LITTLELONDON’. Normally priced at £12.

Admission: activity included in standard ticket

Admission: £15.40 to £27.40

G UY FAWKE S F E S TIVAL

I WANT MY HAT BACK

B MX AT LE E VALLE Y VE LO PAR K

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. Gates

Thursday 12 November to Saturday 2 January.

Tasters run weekends and bank holidays.

open at 2pm and fireworks display at 7pm.

Performance times vary, see website.

The Lee Valley BMX gives everyone the chance to experience the bumps, jumps and berms of the 390m course. One hour taster sessions are available for kids aged seven plus.

See fireworks at the gunpowder mills and discover the story of Guy Fawkes’ infamous plot through the characters in this special performance. Plus fabulous fireworks display.

Bear’s hat is gone and he wants it back. Jon Klassen’s brilliant book to comes life at the National in a joyous new adaptation stuffed with humour and music.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AB.

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex EN9 1JY

National Theatre, South Bank SE1 9PX

08456 770 603

01992 707370

020 7452 3000

visitleevalley.org.uk/velopark

royalgunpowdermills.com

nationaltheatre.org.uk

Admission: £12 including bike and helmet rental.

Admission: children £7.75 and adults £9.75.

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Admission: from £10.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ALBERTO VENZAGO

ltmuseum.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

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OX YG E N F R E E J U M P I N G

Saturday 3 October to Sunday 8 November.

toddler and family sessions see website.

Get closer to nature with an inspiring nature trail formed by giant LEGO brick sculptures, accompanied by their living counterparts.

London’s first trampoline park is open so head on over to burn off some energy. Participation in a family-bounce session includes access to dodgeball courts, air bags, “walk the wall trampolines” and an obstacle course.

Admission: activity included in standard ticket.

Child £7, adult £12.75 and under-fours go free.

WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes SW13 9WT

Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm. For Special

Admission: £12.50.

020 8409 4400

Oxygen Freejumping, Acton W3 0AF

wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london

0208 992 2211

and get

£47

2 FREE GIFTS* PLUS FREE IPAD ACCESS

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£27

oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

R ATATO U I LLE LIVE I N C O N C E R T

Sunday 8 November at 2.30pm

Wednesday 28 October, 3pm and 6pm

The London Symphony Orchestra’s fun and informative family concert that encourages everyone to get involved. This term’s theme is the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland. Kids aged seven to 12 can bring instruments.

Following the likes of Frozen, Titanic and Star Trek, a screening of Pixar’s popular animated comedy adventure Ratatouille will be shown in alongside a live accompaniment from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP

020 7638 8891

020 7589 8212

barbican.org.uk

royalalberthall.com

M I N I S TRY O F S C I E N C E LIVE

S I G HT S E E I N G C R U I S E

Tuesday 13 October. At 11am and 6.30pm.

Cruises depart every 30 minutes daily.

Discover the inventors who have shaped the modern world at this interactive show. Think everything from liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets.

The River Red Rover offers the ideal sightseeing experience for tiny culture vultures keen to see London's iconic sites.

Admission: £17.40.

under-fives go free.

New Wimbledon Theatre SW19 1QG

Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich.

0844 871 7646

020 7740 0400

ministryofscience.org.uk

citycruises.com

Admission: children £5, adults £10.

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Admission: £19.84 to £38.20. Under-fours go free.

Admission: children £8.10, adults £16.20 and

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WHAT’S ON

S KI P LE X

TH E B I G B I R D H O U S E TO U R

TH E C H O C O L ATE S H OW

Weekdays 9am to 9pm, 8pm at weekends.

Tuesday 6 October to Sunday 1 November.

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October. Times vary.

Book ahead for lessons and parties.

The RSPB has joined forces with intu, the chain of shopping centres, to raise funds and awareness for the conservation charity.

Check out an exhibition of larger than life birdhouses, each artfully designed by wellknown British personalities, among them Becky Adlington and Vic Reeves.

The world’s greatest chocolate exhibition returns to London. Enjoy indulgent treats, celebrity demonstrations and free tastings.

Kids workshops will be hosted by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical.

Snow may be thin on the ground, but your children can still learn to ski here in the capital. This fab attraction in West London also runs children’s birthday parties.

Admission: £19.99 per session. Party prices start from £99 for up to 10 people.

Admission: children £10, adults £15. Reductions available for advance bookings.

Admission: free.

Olympia National Hall, Kensington W14 8UX

0845 600 3599

intu Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 2UB

020 7385 1200

skiplex.co.uk

intu.co.uk

thechocolateshow.co.uk

S TE VE BACKS HALL’ S WI L D WO R L D

TH E BOY WH O N E VE R G R E W U P

TH E H O LLY WO O D S P E C IAL E F F E CT S S H OW

Sunday 8 November, 7pm.

Children aged four and over are invited on an extra special adventure to Neverland. You’ve heard all about him, but now you can meet him – the boy who never grew up. Plenty of music and puppetry in this magical show.

Showing at various theatres. See website.

Meet wildlife TV Presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall as he takes you on a tour of his expeditions. It’s a wild journey, illustrated with photos and films.

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ

Lyric Hammersmith, King Street W6 0QL

hollywoodspecialeffects.co.uk

0844 871 7651

020 8741 6850

atgtickets.com

lyric.co.uk

S TO RYS TO CK 2 015

H E LLO KIT T Y LIVE

Weekends 9am to 6.30pm.

Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October. Starts at

Thursday 8 October, 7pm.

9am, but see website for event timings.

Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will be headlining the popular travelling-story circus Storystock. Live story-telling and workshops.

Set in London, Hello Kitty is a young girl full of dreams and ambition. With the help of her friends she takes on an amazing opportunity.

Loads of costumes and a music.

The new soft-play centre designed by Turner-prize nominated artist, Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, is a must. Kids will love crawling in and out of the snakeskin ball pit and giant body of The Idol with a white-knuckle slide.

Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road W12 8LJ

Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street W6 9QH

The Idol, Abbey Leisure Centre, Barking IG11 7LX

020 8743 5050

0844 249 4300

020 8227 3338

storystock.co.uk

hellokittylive.com

createlondon.org

Skiplex, Chiswick W4 2SH

Admission: £23.40 to £38.40

Saturday 7 November, 11am and 1pm.

Admission: £8.

Join the team of professionals behind the special effects on Guardians Of The Galaxy, Phantom Of The Opera and more. Feel the heat from explosions, get up close with monsters and possibly star in a stunt sequence.

TH E I DO L Weekdays 10am to 7pm except Thursdays.

Admission: prices vary. See website for details.

Admission: child £16, adult £18.

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Admission: babies £1.50 and older children £5.50.

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B

B

Children

bethanblasephotography children’s portraits, family, newborn

Capture your children’s spirit and personality through beautiful location photographs, taken in your own home or favourite location

Gift Vouchers available • Tel: 07939447786 • Email: bethan@bethanblasephotography.com or visit the website: www.bethanblasephotography.com

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GROUPS & CLASSES

The Little London Music School KNIGHTSBRIDGE, KENSINGTON, NOTTING HILL

The Little London Music School introduces your child to the joy of music and builds a foundation for learning an instrument.

Specialising in classically based music, they offer classes and instrumental tuition for children aged from six months to five years.

Little London music classes feature a tailormade curriculum for each stage of your child’s development. With professional musicians, teachers and live orchestral instruments, their comprehensive, structured, and stimulating curriculum is designed to foster enjoyment and understanding of the fundamentals of music.

ENJOY A FREE TRIAL CLASS t: 07530 459468 e: info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com thelittlelondonmusicschool.com

Fun French Lessons for Children CHELSEA, PUTNEY, NOTTING HILL AND ST JOHN’S WOOD/MAIDA VALE

Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, has a unique approach and offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from as young as eight months old.

Led by a team of passionate, qualified native teachers, the children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having great fun with a wide range of activities.

The contemporary songs from the club’s educational CD add to the fun. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development. t: 020 7385 5565 e: admincpp@btconnect.com clubpetitpierrot.uk.com

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Little House of Science FUN AND IMAGINATIVE CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Football Coaching At Kiddikicks FOOTBALL FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Little House of Maths, Rhythm and Shapes and Little House of Science are two fantastic after-school 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 your child’s confidence with quantities and numbers ranging from one to 10. Meanwhile, tackling that other difficult-to-grasp subject, The Little House of Science workshop, for three to eight years old, introduces new scientific concepts in an age-adjusted way through an exciting mix of discussions, practical demonstrations and scientific experiments.

The very best football coaching for toddlers and children aged from 18 months up to 10 years. Nippers from 18 months, Runners from two and a half years, Racers from three and 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. Join the fun and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks Football Classes! Parties, privates, holiday classes, nursery and afterschool sessions also available. Kiddikicks is also available to franchise. Sign up today to receive your free player's kit.

Busy Bakers

Fun, Fitness and Music

PERFECT PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

FIND WEEKLY CLASSES NEAR YOU IN CHISWICK, FULHAM, WANDSWORTH AND SWISS COTTAGE

t: 0800 092 1062 e: info@littlehouseofscience.com littlehouseofscience.com

Are you looking for a fun-filled party or event oozing with baking, making, doing and learning but don’t really have the time or courage to tackle this on your own?

Busy Bakers provides an exciting hands-on experience with food and crafts, all the while giving children memories they’ll never forget.

Whether the entertainment is in the comfort of your own home or a venue of your choice, the experience is totally bespoke. Workshops, parties, wedding entertainment, bar mitzvahs – small or large, Busy Bakers will provide the baking and craft entertainment for up to 25 children, aged three to 12 years old. t: 07766 135907 e: info@busybakers.com busybakers.co.uk

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t: 020 7937 7965 e: info@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk

Amanda’s Action Club is a music and movement class with a difference. Using versatile props and its own modern nursery rhymes, it’s a sensory extravaganza.

Suitable from four months to four years, the company’s motto is: ‘We dance, we sing, we learn through the activities and most importantly, we have fun!’ Amanda’s Action Club has worked closely with the leading UK early years expert Laura Henry, who has linked the programme to the Early Years Foundation Stage.

See the website for further information and to find a class near you. t: 01895 623999 e: info@amandasactionclub.co.uk amandasactionclub.co.uk

CHANCE TO

win

We bring you the latest competitions in the little world

Designed by a dad, then perfected by a mum, Sportpax backpacks are brand new backpacks in the shape of footballs and rugby balls. Priced £24.99 they’re tough, resilient and spacious making them perfect for school, fun days out and of course carting around the sports kit! Inside are handy pockets and dividers. Fun, eye-catching and practical, the shell is made from a combination of EVA foam and material, but best of all there are four up for grabs for Little London readers! sportpax.co.uk

SPECTACULAR SHOE GIVEAWAY Menthe et Grenadine sells adorable children’s shoes, which we’ve fallen head over heels for! Handmade in Europe, you could be one of the three lucky Little London readers to win a pair. Its nostalgic styles are beautifully timeless and would make the most special gift. And seeing as the shoes are designed with the health of little growing feet in mind, they’re beautifully comfortable too. Enter our competition for your chance to win a pair of your choice! menthe-et-grenadine.co.uk

BROOKE WEARS BROOKE YELLOW WINTER COAT, £300, BONPOINT. ANOUSHKA DRESS IN REAL, £59, ILOVEGORGEOUS. ALEXIS SHOES, FROM £48.90, MENTHE ET GRENADINE.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY SMYTH

WIN ONE OF FOUR SPORTPAX BACKPACKS

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• Full time day care from 8 months to 5 years • Open 7.30am - 6.30pm • Montessori Teaching from 2 ½ years • Flexible childcare options • Fantastic Outdoor garden space WEE ONES DAY NURSERY 4 St Ann’s Crescent, Wandsworth SW18 2LR T: +44(0) 208 870 7729 E: enquiries@wee-ones.co.uk www.wee-ones.co.uk

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• Good daily balance of play, learning and social interaction • Exciting afternoon activities for 2 ½ years +, including Spanish, Drama and Sports Please speak to our Registrar, Phillipa Straker Nesbit, to find out more about the childcare we provide.

BOUTIQUES ONLINE BOUTIQUE

ONLINE BOUTIQUE

ONLINE BOUTIQUE

CHILDRENSALON

MINISTRIKK

NANOS

Childrensalon has been keeping kids beautifully well-dressed since 1952, when it started as a charming little shop in Tunbridge Wells. With more than 270 brands, it is now the world’s largest online store for designer childrenswear. The little shop is still running and you can order anything you see online to the store to try on before you buy. The brand may have evolved, but its passion for beautiful clothes remains. Find Burberry, Dior, and Roberto Cavalli alongside small, new brands.

A concept store created by Charlott Pettersen, Ministrikk is an online community, forum and shopping portal for charming and cosy knitwear for boys and girls. The beautiful and stylish knit patterns on offer will get your creative juices flowing and allow you to make some unique and timeless pieces in top-quality materials. From playsuits, to bonnets, to blankets, these special pieces will be something you’ll want to treasure and hand down through the generations.

This super-luxurious label is a favourite of the Spanish royal family’s smallest members, and so should it be for your stylish brood. The charming designs range from utterly exquisite bloomer and blouse sets with matching Peter Pan-collared jackets to chic Mediterraneaninspired looks for everyday wear. Think corduroy shorts and mandarin cotton shirts.

So if you fancy a touch of authentic Spanish styling without leaving the country then look no further.

childrensalon.com

ministrikk.no

nanos.es

LA COQUETA

KIDSEN

LFOH AT MERINO KIDS

Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother-of-five, Celia Muñoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the sweeter, more oldfashioned look of the Spanish aesthetic faultlessly. Timeless designs, ruffled collars, vintage-style frocks and delicate pointelle knits, all with a good dose of smocking, are given a contemporary twist with fresh cuts and rich colours. Total perfection for cosy autumn styling.

Founded by resident Swede, Corina Papadopoulou and her husband Franco Ofili, this fun and friendly kids’ store has rows of Scandinavian-inspired goodies. It’s a worthwhile visit if you’re looking for something that’s a little more original for your stylish tot, plus we’re huge fans of its mission “to take the hard work out of finding beautiful things for your kids (that don’t cost the earth)”. Sounds like our kind of shopping!

New Zealand’s most talked about, new children’s label, Little Flock of Horrors (LFOH) fuses edgy design, adventurous colour and a lot of attitude into a chic line of 100% Merino playwear for little monsters.

Handmade from nature’s ‘wonder fibre’, which is 100% natural, biodegradable, totally renewable and sustainable, the full range of the LFOH brand can be found in the heart of Battersea at the Merino Kids store.

5 Heath Street, NW3 6TP lacoquetakids.com

111 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3NS kidsen.co.uk

151 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB littleflockofhorrors.co.uk

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BOUTIQUES

KIDSPACE

BONPOINT

IGLOO KIDS

This luxury kidswear store presents smart, contemporary fashion for boys and girls from brands such as Iceberg and Parrot. Born in Italy but with stores across the globe, Kidspace features basics alongside preppy blazers, structured dresses and crisp trousers.

There is a playful vibe to the collections, with lots of colourful pieces and bold prints, which are stunningly presented within the grand and elegant store.

Bonpoint is the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design and couture studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Expect romance, signature detailing and unrivalled quality. This year marks its 40th anniversary, so keep an eye out for extra-special designs.

This leading one-stop shop offers an eclectic range of products and services that takes care of your children’s every need. With three thriving stores in London and an online emporium, it offers everything from fashion, toys and partywear to hair cutting and a renowned shoe-fitting service. Constantly evolving, its products are design-led yet practical to suit busy family life and are sourced from around the world.

3 Sloane Street, SW1X 9LA kidspace.it

Stores across London bonpoint.com

Stores across London iglookids.co.uk

PAPOUELLI

AMAIA

ELIAS AND GRACE

For classic timeless shoes with a contemporary edge, look no further. Selling everything from boots and ballet pumps to sandals and special occasion footwear, Papouelli’s focus is on comfort and practicality as much as fashion. With their expertly trained fitting staff and shoes that go all the way up to size 10, shopping for children’s shoes, school or otherwise, will be a pleasure not a pain. A small clothing collection is also now available.

A pink-painted boutique on the corner of Chelsea Green, Amaia stocks adorably smart attire and shoes for babies, boys and girls.

Owners, Amaia from Spain and Segolene from France, design the hugely enviable childrenswear collection, ensuring there’s always a hint of continental chic about the collection. Sourcing fabrics from all over Europe, the team are experts in creating beautiful outfits for young ones.

For style conscious parents who want to avoid their little one’s wardrobe looking too cutesy, Elias and Grace’s collection offers childhood sophistication in bucket-loads.

Designer brands like Chloé and Emile et Ida rub shoulders with Acne and Little to give the quintessentially French style of the collection a touch of cool. The store’s hip elegance has earned it a host of devotees and remains the destination for mini style-setters.

Stores across London papouelli.com

14 Cale Street London, SW3 3QU amaiakids.co.uk

158 Regents Park Road, NW1 8XN eliasandgrace.com

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INTERVIEW

What inspired you to create Olivier Baby and Kids?

I made a few cashmere pieces for my daughters, and fellow mothers at the school gates started to ask if I would make some for their children. I couldn’t keep up with demand, so my sister and I started a business.

Has it been a challenge going into business with your sister?

Not at all! We know each other inside out and are not afraid to speak our minds.

We are very different, which has huge advantages, but our taste is almost identical, so the brand image has always been clear.

You design and make all the samples yourself. Who taught you to knit?

Our Bulgarian nanny, Lily. She helped me create the patterns for our bonnets, mittens and bootees and is now head of production.

All our collections are produced in Bulgaria.

Tell us a bit about family life?

We are a family of four with my husband, Jack, and our two daughters, Amber, seven, and Rose, five. We are expecting our third daughter in November and the girls are very excited. They think she is a new doll to dress.

And your favourite London haunts?

THE BUSINESS WE CHAT FAMILIES AND FASHION WITH EMMA DAVISON, THE CO-OWNER OF OLIVIER BABY AND KIDS

Richmond Park, where we hire bikes, Battersea Zoo and our local farmers’ market in Wimbledon. My husband and I love Clapham Picture House and Pop Brixton.

How do you juggle everything?

Both my sister and I have an au pair. It is lovely to have some continuity with childcare and all our children are school age now, which does make things easier.

What advice can you give those launching a business?

Never be afraid to follow your dreams. If you have a passion for something – and drive – you will make it work no matter what.

What are your proudest achievements?

Being able to touch the fi rst collection – all our ideas had finally come to fruition. More recently, we were very chuffed to see Prince George wearing one of our cardigans.

Any exciting future plans?

We are launching a bridesmaid and page boy collection, and a swimwear line next spring. olivierbaby.com

Emma and her sister, 114 Alice Smith, know each other inside out

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Who says cool design is only for grown-ups? Visit made.com/kids to see our kids range, crafted by expert makers and talented designers.