City Kids Winter 2017 by CITYKIDS

FREE

THE DEFINITIVE FAMILY GUIDE FOR WEST LONDON

SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 5 FREE WINTER 2017/18 ISSUE 15

KATIE PIPER On inner strength & family values

NEW TRAVEL PAGES Lapland luxury Plus a Hyundai 4x4 review

THE WONDER OF WINTER Gifts, shows & things to do

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON EDUCATION FASHION BOOKS ACTIVITIES

LONDON’S FAVOURITE TRAMPOLINE PARKS!

THE ONLY FORECAST IS FUN THIS WINTER! SAVE 10% WHEN YOU JUMP FUN FOR EVERYONE

/ KIDS PARTIES / TODDLER SESSIONS / SCHOOL OF TRAMPOLINING / FITNESS CLASSES / GROUPS USE CODE: & MUCH MORE! CITYKIDS10** YOUR LOCAL TRAMPOLINE PARKS

ACTON - WEST LONDON, W3 0AF CROYDON - SOUTH LONDON, CR0 4RQ

BOOK NOW OXYGENFREEJUMPING.CO.UK OR CALL 0203 846 1386 *T&C’s APPLY. VALID ON FREEJUMP SESSIONS ONLY, VALID UNTIL: 28.02.18

WELCOME

hey say a dog’s not just for Christmas, but as anyone with kids of a certain age will tell you, the nagging to own a hound hits a frenzied peak at around Year 4. Suddenly you will notice parents on the school run with their new, super-f luffy, doe-eyed four-legged friend, prompting ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ and ‘please can we…?’ (You’ll also notice the slightly haunted look of said parents as they adjust to the sleepless nights of their new-born poop and wee machines). Award-winning businesswoman and blogger, Guilty Mother, aka Jo Wimble-Groves, tells us what it’s really like to buy a pooch, at Christmas or any other time.

We also catch up with Katie Piper, one of the busiest people on the

PHOTOGRAPHY Danielle Owen MODEL

Sophia DRESS Marie-Chantal HEADBAND Wild & Gorgeous

planet, who tells us about her upcoming tour, life with daughter Belle as well as her charity work, and leaves us more motivated and inspired to make a difference. Beverley Turner shines a light on baby showers and Blessingways. Don’t know what they are? Turn to page 13 to find out.

A nd if that wasn’t enough, we have new travel pages for you, including a review of the Hyundai Tucson. Whether you’re Bah Humbug, or been Christmas shopping since July, the City Kids elves have been working hard to bring you the best ideas to see your holidays through in style, comfort and without breaking the bank. So here it is, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Victoria Evans editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353 citykidswest @citykidswest citykidsmagazine To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk

INDEX 04 WE LOVE 06 WHAT’S ON 13 BEVERLEY TURNER 14 PARENTING GUILTY MOTHER 16 FASHION 19 STYLE 20 CHRISTMAS GIFTS

For all advertising enquiries email Allie Gill allie@allulla.co.uk

22 FOOD JO PRATT 23 SHARKY & GEORGE 25 INTERIORS 26 EDUCATION 35 BOOK REVIEW 40 DIRECTORIES 50 WHO IS KATIE PIPER

CITY KIDS editor Victoria Evans designer Caroline Haye contributors Mandy Colliss, Beverley Turner, Jo Pratt, Sharon Fried-Jones, Ahrani Logan, Susan Hamlyn, Jo Wimble-Groves, Romaine Coonghe, Shirley Khan This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions of those expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or CITY KIDS LTD. © 2017 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. T 07770 370 353

WE LOVE

Family Fresh Food delivery service Hello Fresh have launched their Family

Box to wide acclaim. All recipes have minimal cooking time; use three or fewer pans; have a flavour twist at the end for more adventurous palates; and have been tested on kids and parents. Anything that saves time and helps at mealtimes is a yes from us!

www.hellofresh.co.uk

SUITS YOU

SCIENCE SUPERHEROES

With brands such as MarMar Copenhagen, Soft Gallery and Mini Rodini, this clothing subscription box has more than a touch of Scandi style about it. Once you’ve made a profile of the child you’re buying for, pay £1 and request a box. When the box arrives you have 10 days to try before you buy, only paying for the items you keep. The rest is collected free. Buy for your own children or as a rather brilliant gift! www.muddycreatures.com

TRES BAE

From £9.50 per month

A cool concept for those tricky tweens and teens, Baebox aims to send monthly subscribers a selection of products with positive and confidence-building messages. These are ages when kids can start to feel outside pressures to be perfect and the boxes remind them that they are awesome the way they are. Tailored for boys and girls.

From £16 per month www.baebox.co.uk & www.baeboxboys.co.uk 04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WE LOVE

CHRISTMAS BOX Cotton Twist have been on our radar a while, shaking up the world of craft activities. Now they have a new gift range which includes bracelet making, pirate ship and Christmas sleigh scenes, and become a unicorn craft kit. All are beautifully boxed up and fab options for birthday or Christmas gifts. ntwist.co.uk From £11.95 www.cotto

GET YOUR GEEK ON

In their own words, My Geek Box is the must-have mystery subscription box of geeky goodness! Items are

Letterbox Lab delivers science experiments provide

for

kids

illustrated

hand-picked by a team of

that

geeks at Geek HQ and feature

instructions

and everything you need to have

items such as t-shirts, comics

awesome science fun.

and toys from TV and popular

The kits

can be bought as a one-off or

culture. A great solution if you’re

a monthly subscription with a choice

between

The

From £16.49 per month

Explore

stumped for ideas.

www.mygeekbox.co.uk

Box and The Investigate Box.

www.letterboxlab.com

PICCOLO PLATES If you want to be the best friend on the planet, why not buy a subscription to Piccolo Plates for your BFF. Choose between three or five dishes per week for one or three months. Meals for the little ones include meatballs, chicken and pancetta pie, salmon, leek and pea risotto.

From £50 www. piccoloplates.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

WHAT’S ON

Christmas Shows FROM 20 NOV

FROM 1 DEC

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

PINOCCHIO

The Lyric, Hammersmith www.lyric.co.uk

National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Lyric never fails to put on a great panto with jokes for kids and adults alike. Plenty of magic beans, a loveable cow and an enormous beanstalk.

FROM 1 DEC

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

photo by Jay Brook

FROM 18 NOV

The Old Vic www.oldvictheatre.com Starring Rhys Ifans as Ebenezer Scrooge, this is a festive treat targeted at older kids (11+) as we follow the life of the cold-hearted miser on Christmas Eve.

World premiere! From the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical, this classic features music and songs from the Walt Disney Film.

3 DEC

FROM 7 DEC

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Wilton’s Music Hall www.wiltons.org.uk John Masefield’s Christmas classic starring Matthew Kelly and Josefina Gabrielle. A City Kids favourite childrens’ novel.

Photograph by Sam Robinson

FROM 16 DEC

Rose Theatre, Kingston www.rosetheatrekingston.org Families, friends and kids welcome to enjoy carols and performances and readings by children and artists. Expect You Know Who to make an appearance.

FROM 20 DEC

Photograph by Sam Robinson

Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush www.musichouseforchildren.com

Follow Alice to the curious world of Winterland based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless books. Expect a Bandersnatch and a Jabberwock amongst mad hatters and cruel queens.

FROM 28 DEC

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

THE NUTCRACKER

Windsor Castle www.royalcollection.org.uk

Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com

Nine family-friendly evening shows of Charles Dickens’ classic taking place in the Castle’s two largest rooms, where Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret performed Christmas pantomimes d u r i n g WW2.

Spectacular performance, with its Tchaikovsky score, brought here by Birmingham Royal Ballet for the first time.

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith www. eventimapollo.com Debut novel by McFly star Tom Fletcher transforms to a live show featuring the man himself and Father Christmas and special guests.

06 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO BANISH THE BRUSHTIME BLUES Happy Kids Dental is a new dental wonderland, changing children’s ideas about dentistry. by ROKSOLANA MYKHALUS, DDS

hat is tooth-brushing time like at your house? Let me guess – after finally convincing your children to brush their teeth, you then have to beg, barter and bribe them to use enough toothpaste and to brush for the full two minutes. As for flossing – that’s a battle you’re often too exhausted to fight. Was I close? You’re not alone. Across the country, children’s dental hygiene is suffering for one simple reason – it’s not fun. Brushing teeth is seen as just another chore and, too often, it’s accompanied by threats that failure to comply will result in a visit to the dentist – as if that’s the worst possible fate. So, instead of encouraging positive attitudes towards dental care, parents unwittingly reinforce negative stereotypes. As a parent myself, I have dreamed of revolutionising children’s dental care to create positive associations with everything dental – from musical toothbrushes and fruity toothpaste to check-ups at a dental surgery that is so cool they’ll be asking how soon they can go back. Happy Kids Dental is just that place. A destination dentist based in Marylebone, we’re opening the door to a whole new world of paediatric dentistry. We have created a fun ‘theme park’ environment, filled it with the latest dental technologies and staffed it with consultant paediatric dentists and therapists. In creating Happy Kids Dental, our idea was simply this: to build a place where kids would be happy to come, happy to learn about oral hygiene and happy to have their teeth cared for. We also want

parents to feel confident their children are receiving world-class dental care, from tooth-brushing lessons to surgery under sedation, in our in-house theatre. Happy Kids Dental is modern and welcoming, with 15 state-of-the-art surgeries dedicated entirely to kids of all ages (0-18). Our three waiting zones come with age-appropriate attractions, such as entertainers, games and TVs, with free Wi-Fi and refreshments for the grownups. The technology in our surgeries – such as lasers, conscious sedation and The Wand needle-free anaesthesia – enhances your child’s experience and ensures excellent clinical results. Our specialists will create your child’s bespoke ‘Happy Smile Solution’ development plan, based on guidelines set forth by British and American paediatric dental associations. We’ll adjust it as they grow, and our dedicated treatment coordinator will guide you through their dental milestones. As parents, one of the most valuable gifts we can give our kids is a lifetime of healthy smiles, and the best way is to make dental care a positive part of their lives. Bring them to Happy Kids Dental and you’ll be amazed when they walk out of their appointments with bright smiles, asking when they can come back again. You won’t be able to use a visit to the dentist as a threat any more – but, then again, you won’t need to! Dr Roksolana Mykhalus is the Director of Happy Kids Dental in Marylebone. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

December

WHAT’S ON

GREENWICH WINTER TIME FESTIVAL

HARRY POTTER FAMILY DAY

Old Royal Navy College www.greenwichwintertime.com

British Library www.bl.uk

Find ice skating, shopping, food, live entertainment and a visit from the man himself in this new winter festival for London.

2&3

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

Now

SANTA & HUSKIES

National Trust Images / Rob Stothard

V&A Museum of Childhood ww.dottodotlondon.com

Largely made up of independent retailers and small businesses, up to 30 stall holders will be selling clothing, accessories and toys just in time for Christmas.

WIFI WARS

HAMPTON POOL

Royal Institution www.rigb.org

Hampton www.hamptonpool.co.uk

One for older kids, Steve McNeil and Rob Sedgebeer return with comedy guests where the whole audience will get to play on their World Record-breaking gaming technology.

Whatever the weather’s doing, the outdoor pool here will be heated and people will be swimming.

08 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

From

DOT TO DOT CHRISTMAS MARKET

Wetland Centre, Barnes www.wwt.org.uk

Meet Santa, help the elves in their workshop and take home small gifts. Must be pre-booked.

Visit the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition, get creative in hands-on workshops and delve into the magical world of storytelling. Create your own puppets, make and gaze through your own star telescopes and hear some amazing stories.

From

LEGOLAND CHRISTMAS Legoland Windsor Resort www.legoland.co.uk

A Christmas land with over 30 rides available, elves to help build Lego gifts to take home, and Father Christmas in his grotto. Also 3, 9, 10, 16-24 Dec.

From

LU OVER THE WALL Various cinemas www.luoverthewallmovie.co.uk

Award-winning tale of mermaids and love directed by Masaaki Yuasa gets its nationwide release.

From

THE IMAGINATION STATION V&A, South Kensington www.vam.ac.uk

Enjoy a musical Christmas and make and play your own musical instruments. Until 2 Jan.

January Until

MOTHER GOOSE

A fun, family adventure where you can sing along, shout at the nasty troll, meet the Giant Geese of Boundtobiteyou and even do some yodelling! Oh and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper!

Daily

WINNIE-THE-POOH EXPLORING A CLASSIC

VENOM KILLER & CURE

Discover the story behind AA Milne and EH Shephard through sketches, letters, ceramics, fashion, photographs and cartoons. Opens 9 December.

Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

London Museum of Water and Steam www.waterandsteam.org.uk

From

National Trust Images / Rob Stothard

GRAND NEW YEAR STEAM UP

Tim Peake is your guide on an out-of-this-world virtual reality mission that puts you in the pilot’s seat of a Soyuz capsule—just like the one that brought him home. 13yrs+

A chance to see all the museum’s engines powering into action. Seasonal activities and refreshments.

From

LONDON BOAT SHOW

LUMIERE LONDON Various locations www.lumiere-festival.com

ExCel www.londonboatshow.com With a beach club and an activity pool this isn’t just for mulit-millionaires. Try kayaking and paddling amongst other things.

National History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk

Encounter some of the world’s most venomous creatures and discover their surprising connection to human health. Specimens include snakes, centipedes, snails, scorpions and the unassuming platypus. From 10 Nov.

Until

SPACE DECENT VR WITH TIM PEAKE

Photo by Matthew Andrews

Daily V&A, South Kensington www.vam.ac.uk Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

Questors Theatre, Ealing www.questors.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

If you missed the first one last year, you get a second chance to see the UK’s largest light festival.

RECCE RACERS National Army Museum www.nam.ac.uk

Learn about army reconnaissance and have a go at making your own mini vehicle to take home.

From

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB Fulham Palace www.fulhampalace.org

Termly course for 8-16 year olds starts with excavating a grain storage and using Iron Age recipes to make traditional food. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 09

February 6 to 10

Daily TOWER BRIDGE GLASS FLOOR

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

Test your mettle by standing on a glass floor above London’s iconic bridge. There’s also the chance you’ll be there when the bridge opens!

CUTTY SARK

THE JUNGLE BOOK

Greenwich www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Richmond Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Take the helm at this record-breaking tea clipper’s wheel on main deck, climb into the crew’s bunk beds and follow the family trail.

A new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic featuring live music on stage as Mowgli battles for survival in the jungle.

14 to 18

NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Hobbledown Farm www.hobbledown.com

Royal Festival Hall www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height! The Mary Poppins amongst you won’t be able to resist a day on the farm with a kite.

Part of the Imagine Children’s Festival, spend your Valentine’s Day with the Emma Watson film and a live orchestra performing the score.

21 & 22

I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Polka Theatre ww.polkatheatre.com

An enchanting tale by Michael Morpurgo about the power of books and one boy’s bravery.

ARENACROSS TOUR

PEPPA PIG ADVENTURE

LPO: FUNHARMONICS

SSE Wembley Arena www.arenacrossuk.com

New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Join Peppa as she prepares for a camping trip with all her friends. Bing bong bingly bungly boo!

The London Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to a super-sized orchestral party celebrating the best of young music-making. Day starts with a workshop, followed by performance.

This is the crazy indoor off-spring of motocross racing– short, sharp and shockingly spectacular with huge triple jumps, killer mogul sections and banked corners. Fab family fun. 10 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Tower Bridge www.towerbridge.org.uk

6 to 10

WHAT’S ON

Hot chocolate bar

WATERMANS PRESENTS A WINTERWALKER PRODUCTION

Festive fun, with music from the classic ballet and lots of sweets!

SAT 9 – SAT 30 D EC 20 1 7 Tickets £12/£10 (£10/£8) Box Office: 020 8232 1010 watermans.org.uk

23rd November - 24th December 2017

HAVE A MAGICAL

1 December – 5 January

CHRISTMAS Enjoy a fantastic festive family day out with a visit to meet Father Christmas in his magical haybarn workshop!

Voted top 6 in the UK by The Guardian!

• • • • • •

Meet Santa in the Museum Storytelling and Christmas crafts Vintage Christmas poster display Just £8.50 per child

Narrated Christmas lights bus tour

in addition to farm entry cost

Santa’s top toys and gift shop Hot chocolate bar

Full programme at ltmuseum.co.uk

PLUS: Heated indoor play, newborn lambs, Christmas trail & Christmas Craft Corner!

Advance tickets available online. Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

D AR AW WI NN ING ! CK

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11

Book a free charity clothes collection with TRAID.   @TRAID  TRAIDcharity

We love the clothes you don’t. Call 020 8733 2595 Online at traid.org.uk/collections Email reuse@traid.org.uk TRAID is a charity working to collect and reuse unwanted clothes in the UK, while raising funds to support global projects to stop exploitative practices in the fashion industry. We reuse and resell over 93% of all donations made and your unwanted clothes stock our charity shops.

Find out more at www.traid.org.uk TRAID is a UK registered charity no. 297489

Moving Overseas? A full house or a few boxes

Anywhere in the World Prices start as low as GBP300 door to door. AGS LONDON T. +44 189 520 1595 E. manager-london@agsmovers.com

www.ags360.com 12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BEVERLEY TURNER

ABOUT BABY SHOWERS Nothing leaves me as conflicted as the ‘Baby Shower.’ As a party girl at heart who will never refuse a glass of fizz and adores hanging out with fecund and fabulous pregnant woman, I should love the idea of a pre-baby celebration. But I don’t. There – I’ve said it. I’m an ante-natal teacher and baby showers make me shudder.

chickens before they’d hatched,’ never mind counting how many cupcakes they’d need for a party before baby had even arrived. Effective scans did not even exist until the 1970s. Too many women today feel blindly assured that modern medicine will ensure the safe arrival of their unborn. If only that were true! Yes, positivity and preparation are the key to a happy birth. But there is merit in knowing that getting the baby out safely remains a bloody big deal. The baby shower allows no pause for thoughts of disappointment – or even worse – disaster. We underestimate the physical and emotional requirements of birth at our peril. I rather like the idea of women sitting around telling empowering and uplifting birth stories over a pot of tea while helping the centre-of-attention become filled with confidence. But when does that ever happen? Depressingly, most baby showers consist of already-mums telling birth horror stories and warning the mum-to-be that she shouldn’t get her hopes up of having the birth she wants. This negativity is never helpful. But surrounded by well-meaning mates, how can the polite host request that everyone shut the hell up about stitches thanks all the same? There is a less capitalist version of the baby shower which is struggling to catch on: The Blessingway. This is a ‘spiritual’ occasion intended to bless the mother-to-be with love and kindness before she crosses the pantheon into parenting. Sounds ace. But there’s only one thing worse than a room of Kardashians and that’s a room of yak-milk-drinking hippies massaging each other and chanting. In a Blessingway, friends tell the pregnant woman a lovely story about her and thread a bead onto a bracelet that she will look to in labour to give her strength. This sounds lovely! So why does it make my whole body cringe?

I should love the idea of a pre-baby celebration. But I don’t. There’s a good chance that I must simply chill the hell out. So, forgive my bah-humbug. But what exactly is a baby shower? It’s a well-intentioned get-together of busy women to wish the mum-to-be success on her birth journey and shower the baby in gifts. It’s a celebration of an impending human being. Or – while paraphrasing writer Dave Ramsey - is it yet another way to get young women to spend money they don’t have, on things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like? Shouldn’t we be mortified to ask friends to part with their hard-earned cash because we decided to have unprotected sex? Turning up empty-handed is not an option. The very wording strong-arms attendees to ‘shower’ the ‘baby’ in gifts. But the baby doesn’t give a crap about gifts – they will only want mum (possibly, dad), milk, cuddles and love. They don’t need wet-wipewarmers and 17 new-born babygros that they will inevitably be too big for. Of course, having a baby comes with costs and I get the appeal of a helping hand. But once a baby has arrived, folk will keenly arrive with gifts in exchange for a baby cuddle and a cup of tea. These tokens of love are wonderfully uplifting for weary new mums. A baby shower places your mates in the awkward position of having to buy a second present when they come and visit you and the bubba. It’s either that, or they rock up with a hug apologising for not bringing anything while clumsily asking if the cashmere cardigan they bought fits him (answer: it does, but he vomited on it and you’ll never have time to do a hand wash). The icky, Americanstyle commercialism of the baby shower is perhaps something that a younger, more materialistic generation are much more comfortable with. They would similarly be appalled by the notion of oldies like me not wishing to ’tempt fate.’ Women of yore knew that labour was a risky business. They kept a healthy emotional detachment from their foetus as they dug potatoes from the fields. They certainly wouldn’t ‘count their

But there’s only one thing worse than a room of Kardashians and that’s a room of yak-milk-drinking hippies massaging each other and chanting. Ultimately, babies are best left to cook quietly under the gaze of mother nature and good medical care. Mums-to-be are best looked after by responsible employers and compassionate mates. And once baby has arrived safe and well, helium balloons and boob-shaped cakes are wonderful ways to make women smile.

Beverley Turner is author of The Happy Birth Book and hosts a show on LBC at 6pm on Saturdays CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

PARENTING

A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS? OR ANY OTHER TIME? JO WIMBLE-GROVES, aka Guilty Mother, has some thoughts for those crumbling under the pressure of pester power.

“

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” must be one of the all-time successful slogans. The reason for the slogan’s success is that it is just so true, yet people still forget. Sometimes it is easy to get carried away with the idea of getting a puppy, without considering how much the little pooch will cost in time and effort. It takes a lot of commitment to care for a dog. Apparently, the cost can be the equivalent of a new small car, given the fact a dog can live up to fifteen years old. Movies and television adverts subtly seduce us into impressing the children with a gorgeous, fluffy puppy on Christmas morning, wrapped up with a red bow tie. It sounds magical, doesn’t it, but I wondered how many families fall for the cliché and buy a puppy for Christmas? I recently read that every November, in the run-up to Christmas, there is a huge increase in the number of pups being advertised for sale. And in the New Year, sadly, the switchboards of rescue charities are swamped with calls from people who can no longer cope with an overexcited Christmas puppy. But if a puppy shouldn’t just be for Christmas, when is the right time to get one? In fact, is there ever a right time? In 2005, my husband and I moved into a new house. This was pre-children and we were busy gutting the old cottage and putting our stamp on it. At that time, we had a small garden and no kitchen. When my mother-in-law telephoned to say she had bought two black Labrador puppies but two was ‘too much’, she was trying to convince me to take one (it wasn’t Christmas). I told my mother-in-law over and over that it wasn’t the right time. I told her that renovating a house and taking on a new puppy was the last thing on my mind! Her reply: “So tell me Jo, when is the right time to get a puppy? Is there ever a right time?” I was stumped. I didn’t have a smart response. Perhaps she was right and there is never a perfect time to get a puppy in the same way, sometimes, there’s not a perfect time to have a baby. So - we got the puppy. She was nine weeks old and completely adorable. We named her Lucie and yes, of course, she cried each night which kept us awake. It felt like we had a newborn baby. She peed all over the kitchen floor in those early weeks (fortunately the kitchen floor still hadn’t been finished anyway!) 14 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

I cursed as I had to drive back from work every lunchtime to let her out for a run, then drive back to work again. It felt like Groundhog Day and without noticing, my life was revolving around a dog. The childhood dream of the cute Andrex puppy wasn’t quite shaping up as I had thought. But despite Lucie accidentally sneaking into our lives at an unexpected time, we feel so grateful to have her. In fact, I couldn’t imagine our lives without her. It was Lucie who jumped up at my tummy to tell me I was pregnant. She knew there was a tiny, new, little person growing in there. It was Lucie who waited outside the bathroom door while I did the pregnancy test. I cried, she leaned in and licked my arm. She knew I was changing. In fact, she was taking the news better than I was! It was Lucie who was waiting by the front door when we brought our baby daughter home and again, she was there two years later when we brought home our son. She has always been there. Lucie, now twelve years old is the equivalent of an eightynine-year-old human. She creeps slowly around the house, riddled with arthritis. She has a gangster walk even Snoop Dogg would be proud of. Despite the constant annoyance to come in and out the house, the poo pick-ups and losing her in the local village a few times, there have been many moments of pure joy. I appreciate it might sound a bit ‘Marley & Me’, but, the bond you can have with a dog is very special. Lucie has always been there. She was my first baby. I don’t know what we are going to do when she finally leaves us. I try not to think about it too much and just enjoy the time we have left with her. I salute you my loyal, four-legged friend. You watched us become a family and no other dog can replace that. A dog for Christmas? Or any other time? Maybe. Follow the Guilty Mother Blog: www.guiltymother.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/guiltymother Instagram: @guiltymother Twitter: @guilty_mother

SHOP! PICCOLO PLATES

LITTLE WARDROBE LONDON

PROMOTION

DOTTY DUNGAREES

The fashion destination for children. These are the clothes they will be remembered for wearing, pieces they will love. If sophistication with an edge is your first choice, you’re in excellent company. From laid back English elegance to special occasions, we have you covered. For something extra special, we offer a bespoke service. Step inside the wardrobe to discover more. www.littlewardrobelondon.co.uk

Nutritious and delicious children’s food delivered to your door! We deliver homemade dishes across London, designed to be child friendly, nutritious and delicious. We want to eradicate the everyday hassle of family cooking by delivering homemade pre-prepared nutritious dishes for children, that can either be cooked and eaten instantly, or frozen for the future. FREE delivery across London.

Looking for the perfect dungarees? Look no further than Dotty Dungarees. Fast becoming the go-to place for all dungaree lovers, their clothes are beautifully made, designed to last and seriously sweet! Shop their newest collection at www.dottydungarees.com

www.piccoloplates.com

ORCHARD TOYS

There’s no hanging around in this fun game! Be the first to collect the most bananas on your tree...but watch out for the other cheeky monkeys trying to steal them! The perfect Christmas gift for 4-8 year olds. Teacher tested and designed for ‘Learning Made Fun’. www.orchardtoys.com

FATHER CHRISTMAS NATURALMAT This cosy baby and children’s boutique in the heart of Notting Hill is the destination for natural sleep. The new layout over two floors includes awardwinning mattresses and bedding, four nursery roomsets and two children’s beds. Discover the natural fibres in their handmade mattresses, cosy lambskins and organic bedding. You’ll find a fine selection of swaddles, sleepwear, mobiles, toys and gifts by brands such as Aden + Anais, Merino Kids, Best Years and Wooly Organic. Other brands include Leander, Kidsmill, Oeuf and Quax, Babybay, and Stokke.

Back for another brilliant year. Join Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year, Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. Full of merry touches with plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry. A perfect festive treat for under 6s and their families.

www.naturalmat.co.uk

Tickets £10 www.lyric.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

DRESS Little Mark Jacobs @ Childrensalon

SUIT Marie-Chantal TOP MarMar Copenhagen

DRESS, CARDIGAN AND HEADBAND MarMar Copenhagen

FASHION

DRESS Wolf & Rita @ Alex and Alexa - SOCKS & SHOES Panache CARDIGAN Caramel - BLOUSE & SKIRT Bobo Choses @ Alex and Alexa BAG Scotch Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Belle - SHOES M&S 16 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING Danielle Owen // MODELS Jude & Sophia

FLASH Time to strike a pose in your best party wear CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15 17

18 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

DRESS Marie-Chantal HEADBAND Wild & Gorgeous

JACKET & TROUSERS Wild & Gorgeous SHIRT Marie-Chantal

STYLE FINGER IN THE NOSE HOOPER FUR LINED HOODIE £112 smallable.com

MINI RODINI FUR LINED USHANKA LIGHT BLUE £ 40 smallable.com

FAUX LEATHER JACKET WITH FAUX FUR HOOD £35 zara.com/uk COZY FAUX SUEDE HIKER BOOTS £29.95 gap.co.uk KIDS’ FAUX FUR EAR MUFFS £8 marksandspencer.com HOWLIN BLUE STAG BOUCLÉ HOODIE from £26 boden.co.uk GAP COZY FUR ZIP HOODIE £29.95 gap.co.uk

FAUX FUR FASHION What would winter be without a little faux fur? Romaine Coonghe has found us some special pieces with a hint, or a whole lotta fuzz. HAZEL VEST $68 devonsdrawer.com MAYORAL PINK SHIMMER FAUX FUR CUFF BOOTS £42 alexandalexa.com GIRLS BLUE MONSTER FAUX FUR FOLDOUT PURSE £12 riverisland.com TOMMY HILFIGER GLOBAL STRIPE FAUX FUR JACKET £100 alexandalexa.com

GLITTER SLIPPERS from £22 boden.co.uk DKNY FAUX FUR DRESS £89 houseoffraser.co.uk

BOBO CHOSES FAUX FUR EYE PRINT JACKET £136 alexandalexa.com

Romaine Coonghe, founder of Junior Style, a Boutique Digital Marketing Company specialising in kids’ fashion www.juniorstyle.net CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

GIFTS

3 1

s& Babie olers cho S e r P

5 1 Cloud Mobile, £42, Liewood, libertylondon.com 2 Rose Apple Knitted Hat, £58, Oeuf NYC, libertylondon.com 3 Rainbow Jumper, from £70, Waddler, waddler.co.uk 4 Watermelon Maracas, £12, Sunnylife, selfridges.com 5 Lion First Walker Boots, £52, Donsje, childrensalon.com 6 Artychou Character Set, from £30.95, Djeco, tickety-boo.co.uk 7 Set of Three Suitcases, £24.95, dotcomgiftshop.com 8 Panda Shoulder Bag, £17, Liewood, scoutandco.com 9 YAY! Poster, £12, Meri Meri, thismodernlife.co.uk 10 Baby Romper Suit, £30, Scamp & Dude, scampanddude.com 11 Wooden Push along Dog, £17, Brikki Vroom Vroom, smallable.com 12 Wooden Circus Figures Set, £35, Janod, theconranshop.com 13 Fisher Price Xylophone, £22.99, selfridges.com

20 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

10 11

1 Midnight Feast Hamper, £30, The Polar Post, polarpost.co.uk 2 Striped Teepee £135, Wildfire, wildfireteepees.com 3 Bawood First Go! Balance Bike, £146.95, scandiborn.co.uk 4 Cardboard Football Table, £86, smallable.com

GIFTS

5 6

10 11

1 Christmas Tree Hairclips, £6, Rockahula, rockahulakids.com 2 Sausage Dog Bag, £12, marksandspencer.com 3 Atlas of Oddities by Clive Gifford and Tracy Worrall, £11.96, amazon.co.uk 4 I love who I am pouch, £16, Jem+Bea x Yesmum, jemandbea.com 5 Skullz U Hoot Scooter Horn, £7.99, Kiddimoto, johnlewis.com 6 Berlin Boombox DIY Cardboard Smartphone Speaker, £59.99, cuckooland.com 7 Skullcandy HESH 2 Headphones with Mic, £49.99, argos.co.uk 8 Unicorn Snot Face and Body Glitter, £9.99, firebox.com 9 Unicorn Backpack, £16, Monsoon, monsoon.com 10 Twelve Days of Christmas Biscuit Box, £40, Biscuiteers, biscuiteers.com 11 Flamingo Christmas Snow Globe, £15, Paperchase, paperchase.com 12 Lego Friends Chalet, £31.98, Toys R Us, toysrus.co.uk 13 George’s Marvellous Medicine White Chocolate Bar, £5.99, rococochocolates.com 14 Globe Light in Goldfish Orange, £69.95, cuckooland.com 15 Knitting set, £18, hedgehogshop.co.uk 16 Chocolate Covered Honeycomb, £7.95, Liberty, libertylondon.com 17 Wowee Coji Smart Robot, £31.99, tesco.com 18 Inspired GEEK GLASSES kids sweatshirts for boys and girls from £7.99, amazon.co.uk

& Little s id Big K 13

14 15

Compiled by Eleonore Crompton www.themumdaytimes.tumblr.com / @eleonore_crompton CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

FOOD BY JO PRATT

SWEET POTATO AND CHIPOTLE BEAN TACOS WITH CHUNKY AVOCADO SALSA

FOR THE SALSA 1 red onion, chopped 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and roughly chopped

These tacos are proper feel-good food. Put the toasted tortillas in the middle of the table and everyone can start to pile on the smoky, spiced potato and beans, chunky avocado salsa, fresh coriander, a squeeze of lime and big dollop of sour cream. Eating them with grace is impossible, but no one will care as they’ll be too busy getting stuck into their own.

4 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped 2 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and diced 2 limes, cut into wedges handful chopped coriander 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

TAKES 40 minutes / SERVES 8 2 tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, chopped 1 medium–large sweet potato, peeled and diced into approx. 1cm / ½ inch pieces 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp chipotle paste 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 x 400g/14 oz tin kidney or black eye beans, not drained flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 corn tortillas sour cream, to serve Heat the olive oil in a large frying or sauté pan. Sauté the onion until softened before adding the sweet potato, garlic, cumin and cinnamon. Cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the chipotle paste, tomato purée and tinned beans, along with their liquid and around 75ml/2½ fl oz water (if you’ve already drained them, then add around 175ml/6 fl oz). Season with salt and pepper. 22 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook on a low heat for about 15–20 minutes, until the potato is cooked and the sauce thickened. Add a splash more water if it seems necessary. Next, make the salsa. Lightly mix together the avocado, spring onions, diced tomato, juice of half a lime, chopped coriander and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Heat the tortillas one at a time, either in a hot dry frying pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute each side, or by holding over the gas flame until lightly charred on each side. Spoon some of the sweet potato and chipotle bean mixture over each tortilla, add some avocado mixture and a dollop of sour cream. Squeeze over extra lime and tuck in.

Flexible

Swap the tinned beans for around 250g/9 oz diced chicken breast, pork fillet, beef or lamb steak, adding to the pan with the sweet potato.

Flexible Vegetarian by Jo Pratt, £20 (Frances Lincoln)

SHARKY & GEORGE

CHRISTMAS

WITH

SHARKY & GEORGE

Christmas is almost upon us and Sharky & George are here to save the day with some awesome fun and games to keep the whole family entertained throughout the festive season.

Christmas Adventure Race

The Psychologist

Snowball Fight

This is a game that can be done all year round that gets all ages involved. Split the family into two teams and make sure each team is armed with a camera. Each team is then given a list of challenges that they must complete within a certain amount of time. The list of challenges can include collecting items such as a pinecone, a piece of holly, a cup of snow (if it’s snowing!), as well as photo challenges, such as getting your team to make the shape of a Christmas tree. Each challenge is worth 10 points. Whichever team completes the most challenges within the time wins.

This is a great game that’s really simple. Nominate a psychologist who has to leave the room while the rest of the family choose a ‘disorder’ that everyone is suffering from. The ‘disorder’ is a little trick you have to play on the psychologist. A classic example of a ‘disorder’ is that you have to answer questions that the psychologist asks you as if you were the person to your left/right. It can be very funny having a seven-year-old answering questions as if she was her 77-year-old granny! The aim of the game is for the psychologist to interrogate everyone until he works out what the ‘disorder’ is.

Snow is always questionable in the UK at Christmas time but don’t let that get in the way of the nipper’s dream of an awesome snowball fight. Either you can buy some super cool indoor snowballs or just get a load of balled up socks and get cracking! You can start with a children vs adult snowball fight throughout the house, ideally each team needs to make a den to defend. Then a big game of snowball dodgeball works really well. It’s also fun to split the room in half and the family into two teams and challenge each team to get as many snowballs onto the opposition’s side in 2 minutes. The winners are the team with the least snowballs on their side. Timing is everything in this game!

Name in the Hat Game For this you’ll need a hat and a load of pens and paper. Get each person in the family to write down three celebrity names that everyone will know, keep it secret, fold up the paper and put it in the hat. You then need to split the family into two teams for three timed rounds of fun! The aim of the game is for each team to guess as many of the celebs as you can over three rounds. In the first round one person is nominated and they have 40 seconds to explain to their own team the different names that they pull out of the hat without saying the name itself. Take it in turns until all the names run out. You then move onto the second round, fold and replace all the names into the hat. You repeat the guessing process but you’re only allowed to explain the character using one word. The third round provides much hilarity as no words are allowed to be used and your acting skills will be tested to the full!

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

SHARKY & GEORGE

Sweetie Making Christmas day is all about over eating lots of delicious food. One of my (George) family traditions is to make peppermint creams and chocolate truffles in the days running up to Christmas to have on the table on Christmas day. They’re both super easy to make and really good fun for all ages.

Peppermint Creams 100g icing sugar (and a bit extra for dusting the surface) 2-3 tbsp water 1/8 – 1/4 tsp peppermint essence Food colouring, blue or green is best, but try whatever you like!

1 tin of condensed milk 1 tbsp of butter 4 tbsp of cocoa powder Coatings (icing sugar, 100s and 1000s and cocoa powder) Mini paper cases

Sift the icing sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the peppermint essence and food colouring. Slowly add the water, mixing into a stiff paste. You want it to be the consistency of play dough and not icing. Either roll out flat with a rolling pin to cut shapes, or make a long sausage shape and cut little discs off. Ideally leave the finished mints in the fridge to cool and harden off before eating... Yum!

Put the condensed milk, butter and cocoa powder into a saucepan and gently heat whilst stirring until it gets thick enough to drag a wooden spoon through and you can clearly see the bottom of the pan. Put the pan somewhere to cool down. Rub your hands with butter so that the mixture doesn’t stick to you. Take a teaspoon of the truffle mix and roll it into a ball in your hands. Roll each ball in any of your toppings and place in a case. It’s a good idea to fridge these so that they set if you can resist eating them all immediately.

sharkyandgeorge.com

Quote ‘CKGIFT’ when booking to claim a free gift for the birthday child 24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Chocolate Truffles

INTERIORS

Let’s play house

Snuggle up and get cosy with a centerpiece house bed in this 3 picture perfect winter city bedroom. 1 2

9 5 7

15 8 6

inter conjures up images of crisp, frosty mornings, mists suspended in cold air, jaunts to enticing shops, cafés serving warm drinks and trips to the park where majestic swans glide on the water and wildlife frantically prepares for the long sleep ahead. It’s the perfect time to cosy up your child’s bedroom too. Taking visual clues from London in winter, bring the outside inside with a London Townhouse mural to create a stunning backdrop for a delightful House Bed adorned with twinkly lights, paper pom poms and sumptuous cushions. A felt swan animal head and animal night lights nod to park life while a snuggly rug and beautiful bed linen introduce warmth and colour in the form of blush, soft greys and coppery tones, the perfect balancing foil to the strong, mono-chromatic accents. 1. London Houses Mural £33 per sqm www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk 2. Odette Swan Head with Wings £120 www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk 3. Gold Star Garland £21.50 www.mollymeg.com 4. Sula Rug from £384 www.johnlewis.com 5. Sashiko Blush Bed Linen £52.95 www.themodernnursery.co.uk 6. Mouse Light £60 www.grahamandgreen.co.uk 7. Stripe Toy Bags from £46 www.wildfireteepees.com 8. White Rabbit Light £45 www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk 9. Eames House Bird £126.62 www.vitrapoint.com 10. Paper Decorations from £1.99 www.partypieces.co.uk 11. Large Grey Velvet Cushion £25 www.bobokids.co.uk 12. Iridiscent Star Cushion £13 www.bobokids.co.uk 13. Grey/Pink Star Cushions £23.95 www.scandiborn.co.uk 14. House Bed and Mattress £650 www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk 15. Babou Wall Shelf £73 www.lullabuy.co.uk 16. Circus Ruby/Circus Bruno Art Prints £19.95 www.eastendprints.co.uk Mandy Colliss, owner of children’s home decor site www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk and specialist children’s interior designer CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

EDUCATION NEWS FOOD FOR THOUGHT At the recent Tatler Schools Live, Sid Inglis, headmaster of Elstree warned that parents are being interviewed as well as the children. “You know soon enough if parents will be difficult.”

ST BENEDICT’S St Benedict’s hockey and netball teams went on a highly successful tour to Malaysia this summer. Twenty senior girls took part in daily fixtures and training sessions, and the action-packed itinerary introduced them to the vibrancy, culture and variety of Malaysia. This included a rainforest trek, white-water rafting and a trip to the Orang-Utan Island conservation centre.

SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL PUTS NUTRITION TOP OF THE AGENDA A new chef, fresh from feeding the McClaren Formula 1 Team, has joined the leading boys’ prep school in Berkshire. With sports on the timetable daily tailored menus provide the nutritional power to ensure the boys thrive every day. Fresh fish, meat, calcium, fruit and vegetables are the foundation of the menu, with all meals made from scratch on site. With over 100 hungry boarding boys, theme nights keep food interesting: the Halloween menu included ‘rats tail bolognaise’ and ‘cobweb cheesecake’, all quickly devoured. The verdict from the boys? “Amazing.”

11+ SHAKE UP The North London Girls’ School Consortium is scrapping its traditional written tests from 2019 after growing fears for the mental health of children being prepped for them. Instead, students will sit a bespoke cognitive ability test, which is harder to prepare for, as well as verbal reasoning, and more weight will be given to an extended interview. In a statement, the consortium said: “With our junior school colleagues, we have a collective obligation to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of all of our pupils, and we are determined to do what we can to improve the selection process for these young children.”

CROSS COUNTRY WIN FOR NHEHS

AMPLE ROOM FOR LONDON STUDENTS Ampleforth College, a leading Catholic boarding school in North Yorkshire, has seen a 66% increase in admissions of pupils based in London this term. The school believes that London parents are rejecting ‘hothousing’ in the capital and seeking a more holistic education for their children instead. Headmaster Fr Wulstan Peterburs, says: “London parents are telling us that they are turning to Ampleforth because our magnificent rural setting gives their children space to grow and develop as a person and part of a community, not just a candidate who passes exams.” Ampleforth is set in 2,200 acres in the Howardian Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty just a two and a half hour journey from London. 26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Notting Hill & Ealing High School are the Borough of Ealing’s Girls’ Cross Country Champions. The school fielded a strong team of Year 5 and 6 girls and the runners secured 4th and 5th places in the Year 5 race and 4th and 7th in the Year 6 race. They then faced a long wait to hear the final school team results (judged on the fastest six Year 5 and 6 girls). NHEHS have won the shield several times in the past and when the final placings were announced, it was much to the NHEHS Cross Country Team’s delight to hear they had won the shield.

NEW TUITION PROGRAMME Teenagers in Chelsea, Hammersmith and Notting Hill will be the first to benefit from Your Own Two Feet Tuition (YO2F), a new style of teaching that sees children taking ownership of their education. Primarily for those aged 13-18, the sessions will focus on organisation, learning techniques, goal setting, mentality and reflection. The results will be happier, more focused kids, who are able to retain information and make the most of the resources around them. Alex Lawry-White, who has tutored all over the world, has designed the weekly sessions which children can attend straight from school. The price is £40 irrespective of how long they stay. www.YO2F-Tuition.com

20 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DS Telephone 020 8997 1583 admin@ harvingtonschool.com www.harvingtonschool.com

Harvington Prep School for Girls The Early Years – Nursery and Transition Harvington Nursery takes girls and boys from the age of 2 years and 9 months up to age 5 years. Children learn through play and experiences in a happy and stimulating environment. Pre Prep and Prep Schools – girls aged 5 to 11 years Preparing girls for entry into the most prestigious schools in London with EXCELLENT results and scholarships.

Outstanding Drama Department ‘The quality of the pupils learning and achievement is EXCELLENT’ ISI Report Dec 2014

A well established local school with outstanding pastoral care Follow us on Facebook

Harvingtonprepschool

FIND MY CHILD A SCHOOL

St Benedict’S School a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

Additional Year 6 class now available

Offering a unique, bespoke service, introducing parents to the UK Independent School system and guiding them through the process of finding the right school for their child within Central London. Marina Dawson-Damer

School Placement Consultant View our website for details of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk

www.findmychildaschool.co.uk Mobile 0777 4444479 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES The Bottom Line by SUSAN HAMLYN

think he might be even cleverer than his brother, “ said Monika, “so I’d like him to try.” She meant try for a place at Latymer Upper. Peter’s brother was at a good comprehensive and would have done well anywhere. Monika worried that Peter was unconfident and, at his brother’s school, might lose interest and drift. Just before I was due to meet Peter to test his English and maths, Monika called. “Forget it,” she said. “I’ve lost my job. And his dad’s on zero hours.” “Bring him anyway,” I said. “We might as well take a look.” Peter turned out to be a natural. He grasped how to approach a comprehension exercise without being told and wrote a beautiful essay. His maths was swift and accurate. He tried for Latymer Upper on the understanding that he could only take up the place with hefty assistance from the school with the fees. He was awarded a bursary which covered 100% of the fees plus additional help with extras. This does not happen every day but a

School fees have gone up out of all proportion to average wages and even to house prices in the last ten years. In 2007, Westminster School charged just under £16,000 for a day place. Today you’d pay £26,130 - a rise of nearly 64%, whereas average salaries have risen only around 15% in that time. Godolphin and Latymer charged just under £12,000 in 2007. Now it’s just under £21,000 - a rise of 75%. For most professional families independent schooling in London is no longer affordable. So, what help is available? Most London independents offer at least some fee assistance in the form of scholarships and bursaries. These days, few scholarships are worth a major chunk of the fees though some - awarded for promise in e.g. academics, sports, art, music, drama etc. - can cover up to 50% of the fees in some cases. Schools now channel most of

...a third of children attending independent schools now get some help with the fees.

School fees have gone up out of all proportion to average wages and even to house prices in the last ten years [...] For most professional families independent schooling in London is no longer affordable. third of children attending independent schools now get some help with the fees. Since the government’s Direct Grant and Assisted Places schemes were abandoned, schools have built up their own funds in order to offer places to the bright children of broke - or semi-broke - parents. Why? They need pupils who will bring them top results and sporting glory so that they attract more of the same. 28 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

scholarship for able children. You can have both.

their available funds into means-tested bursaries. These go to children who, like Peter, would not be able to attend the school without financial help. 100% bursaries are relatively rare (though University College School had 52 pupils on this level of assistance when we visited) but many schools will offer 25% or 50% to those pupils they really want and the bursary can be supplemented by a

You have to be prepared to reveal your home circumstances every year - with complete honesty. But you can have a joint income of a surprisingly high amount (up to £120,000 at St Paul’s Boys’) and still qualify for some help. And it’s not just your income that is scrutinised but your essential outgoings and lifestyle. So, if you have elderly parents to support that would be taken into account. But if you take four holidays a year, have two homes and a yacht, you can probably forget it. Not all schools have much to give away but some have lots. If you want to give this a go, you need to educate yourselves on what could be available to you so as to give it the best shot. The Good Schools Guide holds up-todate information on the fee assistance offered by more than 700 schools and is the only centralised source of such general information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/adviceservice/scholarships-and-bursariesservice

Susan Hamlyn is Director at The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants

y pl Ap y da to

Bursaries now available at 11+, 13+ and 16+

ACS Hillingdon is offering means-tested bursaries, ranging from 20-100% of fees, for the start of the 2018 academic year. If you are looking to become a confident, independent, thinker, find out more at

acs-schools.com/bursaries You can also join us at an Open Morning on 17 November. To register, go to acs-schools.com/opendays Co-educational | International curriculum including the IB Diploma | Extensive busing

‘Pupils’ personal development is excellent’ ISI Report

EDUCATION

STEAM INSPO FOR WINTER

If you’re looking for some educational present ideas, there are plenty of sciencebased reads available this winter. Here are my top 5 inspirational books featuring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. by AHRANI LOGAN

A GALAXY OF HER OWN: AMAZING STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPACE by LIBBY JACKSON Non-Fiction Hardback Out on 16 November 2017 - £16.99 Century Age: 8+ Written by one of Britain’s foremost space experts, this is a beautifully put together book about 50 brilliant women from around the world, who have carved a path ahead in space travel. Extraordinary stories and achievements from the wellknown to unsung heroes of space.

THE JAMIE DRAKE EQUATION by CHRISTOPHER EDGE Fiction Paperback £6.99 Nosy Crow Age: 8+ A fictional cosmic adventure story about a young boy, Jamie, whose father is an astronaut on the International Space Station. One day Jamie picks up a strange signal on his phone which looks like alien life and when his dad’s mission goes wrong, Jamie needs to save the day. A compelling and fun read for boys and girls about family and space.

THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING

USBORNE MATHS ACTIVITY PAD

by Ashley Spires Fiction Hardback £11.99 Kids Can Press Age: 4 - 7

Non-Fiction Paperback £7.99 Usborne Age: 6+

By an award-winning author, this is a charming picture book about a little girl, and her dog, who will not take “no” for an answer, on her quest to make the most magnificent thing! A winning tale of perseverance and creativity.

A giant activity puzzles pad designed to make maths fun. Each page engages with a different theme including an ocean, a city museum and an astronaut academy. Supporting all of the key maths topics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but also including fractions and time. For keeping young brains sharp over the holiday period.

101 BRILLIANT THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO WITH SCIENCE by Dawn Isaac, Photography by Kate Whitaker Non-Fiction Paperback £14.99 Kyle books Age: 3 - 11 A fantastic collection of experiments and activities to keep the kids occupied and engaged with all things science. From bubble art and secret message cards to creating a compass and seeing your own DNA, there is something to generate and captivate the interest of even the most science-reticent child or parent!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to AugmentifyIt® on winning the GOLD Award for Best Science Toy 2017 in the Made For Mums Toy Awards with AugmentifyIt: AR Space Cards Quiz Game. Available at www.amazon.co.uk

Ahrani Logan is CEO and CoFounder of award-winning EdTech company Peapodicity and a STEM Ambassador and Mentor. Follow her on Twitter @AhraniLogan @peapodicity @AMazingSTEMM @AugmentifyIt - www.peapodicity.com 30 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Taking education to a higher level Fulham Senior School, building on the success of Fulham Prep School, opened in September 2017. Meeting the increasing demand for an independent, co-educational, senior school in South West London that aims to equip our young men and woman to be committed, considerate and courteous; ready to fulfil their potential both personally and academically. Applications for Year 9 entry in September 2018 are now being accepted.

www.fulhamprep.co.uk Tel: 020 7386 2444

F SS

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

EDUCATION

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS ACS HILLINGDON 3-18 yrs co-ed www.acs-schools.com ALL SCHOOL OPEN DAY (3-18yrs) 17 MARCH DIVISIONAL OPEN DAY (10-18yrs) 17 NOV / (3-18yrs) 8 FEB ARTS ED 11yrs+ co-ed www.artsed.co.uk Y7-11 AUDITION DATES 15 DEC / 9 FEB Admissions 020 8987 6600 - For tours: Rosalies Jones pupils@artsed.co.uk AVENUE HOUSE 4-11yrs co-ed www.avenuehouse.org To book an appointment 020 8998 9981 BASSETT HOUSE SCHOOL 3-11yrs co-ed www.bassetths.org.uk For registration or a tour: 020 8969 0313 - registrar@bassetths.org.uk BUTE HOUSE GIRLS 4-11yrs www.butehouse.co.uk Registrar: Mrs Sarah Sparkes on 0207 603 7381 x 202 CHISWICK AND BEDFORD PARK 3-11yrs co-ed (girls only after 7yrs) www.cbppschool.co.uk By appointment only CLIFTON LODGE 3-13yrs co-ed www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk For a tour tel 020 8579 3662 - admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk DURSTON HOUSE 4-13yrs boys www.durstonhouse.org Registrar: 020 8991 6532 - info@durstonhouse.org L’ECOLE INTERNATIONALE FRANCO-ANGLAISE 18months-18yrs www.ecole-ifa.com Admissions: 020 7637 5351 - gp@ecole-ifa.com FALCONS SCHOOL FOR BOYS 3-13yrs boys www.falconsboys.co.uk PRE-PREP 10 MARCH 020 8747 8393 - admin@falconsboys.co.uk PREP 17 MARCH 020 8948 9490 - admin@falconsprep.co.uk FALCONS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3-11yrs girls www.falconsgirls.co.uk 3 FEB Registrar: 020 8992 5189 - Harriet.Stokes@falconsgirls.co.uk FRANCIS HOLLAND, CLARENCE GATE 4-18yrs girls www.fhs-nw1.org.uk Registrar: 020 7723 0176 - registrar@fhs-nw1.org.uk

HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP 3-7yrs co-ed / 7-11yrs boys www. hamptonprep.org.uk For 2018 dates: admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk - 020 8979 1844 HAMPTON SCHOOL 11yrs+ boys www.hamptonschool.org.uk 23 NOV / 26 APRIL 020 8979 9273 - admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk HARVINGTON PREP SCHOOL 3-11yrs girls www.harvingtonschool.com By appointment only 020 8997 1583 HEATHFIELD HOUSE SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk Call for appointment 020 8994 3385 IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL 4-18yrs co-ed www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk PREP 15 NOV / 31 JAN / 2 MAY / 20 JUNE SENIOR SCHOOL 9 MAY registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk - 020 8392 5803 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LONDON 3-18yrs co-ed www.islschools.org/london Please call admissions team to book a tour of the school 020 8992 5823 - mail@isllondon.org KEW GREEN PREP SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.kgps.co.uk 15 NOV / 17 JAN / 7 FEB / 21 MARCH / 9 MAY / 13 JUNE admissions@kgps.co.uk KEW HOUSE SCHOOL 11yrs+ co-ed www.kewhouseschool.com 7, 15, 21 & 29 NOV / 5 DEC / 16 JAN admissions@kewhouseschool.com 020 8742 2038 KING’S COLLEGE WIMBLEDON 7-18yrs boys / 16-18yrs co-ed www.kcs.org.uk KINGS HOUSE SCHOOL 3-13yrs boys (co-ed nursery) www.kingshouseschool.org For admissions: 020 8940 1878 LADY ELEANOR HOLLES 7-18yrs girls www.lehs.org.uk 7+ 15 NOV 11+ FULLY BOOKED To visit: registrar@lehs.org.uk

FRANCIS HOLLAND, SLOANE SQUARE 4-18yrs girls www.fhs-sw1.org.uk Registrar: 020 7824 5005 (or via the School Office on 020 7730 2971) - registrar@fhs-sw1.org.uk

LATYMER PREP SCHOOL 7-11yrs co-ed www.latymerprep.org 13, 17, 20 NOV / 12 MARCH / 27 APRIL / 14 MAY registrar@latymerprep.org

FULHAM PRE-PREP, PREP AND SENIOR 4-13yrs co-ed www.fulhamprep.co.uk PRE-PREP 30 NOV Book on 020 7471 4217 or 020 7371 9911 - admin@fulhamprep.co.uk Prep: 020 7371 9911 - prepadmin@fulhamprep.co.uk Senior: 020 7386 2444 - senioradmin@fulhamprep.co.uk

LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL 11-18yrs co-ed www.latymer-upper.org Admissions: 020 7993 0063 - admissions@latymer-upper.org NOTTING HILL AND EALING HIGH SCHOOL 4-18yrs girls www.nhehs.gdst.net Contact the Registrar on 020 8991 2165

GODOLPHIN AND LATYMER 11-18yrs girls www.godolphinandlatymer.com Open days every Autumn term (now passed)

ORCHARD HOUSE 3-11yrs co-ed www.orchardhs.org.uk Arrange visit on 020 8742 8544 - info@orchardhs.org.uk

HAMPTON COURT HOUSE 3-18yrs co-ed www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk LOWER YEARS (5-9yrs) 16 NOV Registrar: 020 8614 0857 - cb@hchnet.co.uk

ORLEY FARM SCHOOL 4-13yrs co-ed www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk ‘Wednesdays at Work’ tours with headmaster available. Book with the Registrar on 020 8869 7634 - registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

32 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

COMING UP IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Spring Education Guide featuring Homeschooling, Outdoor learning, open days & Pre-school directory

www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk

Notting Hill & Ealing High School gdst

Junior School for Girls Ages 4–11

“Every parent would say they want their daughter to develop into a happy and confident young woman. At Notting Hill & Ealing they make it happen.” Good Schools Guide

September 2018 Entry ADMISSION AT 4+ (RECEPTION) AND 7+ (YEAR 3) For details of admissions procedure, open days, occasional vacancies in other year groups or to request a prospectus, please contact the Registrar on: 020 8991 2165 enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net www.nhehs.gdst.net

26 St. Stephen’s Road, London, W13 8HH

Charity No. 306983

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

EDUCATION

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS PARSONS GREEN PREP SCHOOL 4–11yrs co-ed www. parsonsgreenprep.co.uk For admissions: 020 7610 8085 - admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL TWICKENHAM 4-18yrs girls www.stcatherineschool.co.uk 020 3261 0142 - cgoldburn@stcatherineschool.co.uk

PROSPECT HOUSE 3-11yrs girls www.prospecths.org.uk To arrange visits: registrar@prospecths.org.uk - 020 8246 4897

ST JAMES SCHOOLS 4-11yrs co-ed / 11-18yrs girls / 11-18yrs boys www.stjamesschools.co.uk SENIOR GIRLS’ SCHOOL IN ACTION 2 NOV / 23 JAN / 2 MAY 2018 SENIOR BOYS’ SCHOOL IN ACTION 29 NOV

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL 4-18yrs girls www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Junior: 020 8788 6523 / Senior: 020 8788 4886 putneyhigh@put.gdst.net

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL 7+ 8+ 11+ boys (Junior) / 13+ boys (Senior) www.stpaulsschool.org.uk 7+ & 8+ entry: spjschoolsec@stpaulsschool.org.uk 11+, 13+ & 16+ entry: 020 8748 9162 admissions@stpaulsschool.org.uk

QUEEN’S COLLEGE 11-18yrs girls www.qcl.org.uk 16 NOV / 23 JAN / 25 APRIL

ST PAUL’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL 11-18yrs girls www.spgs.org For spring and summer term tours email admissions@spgs.org from early March

RADNOR HOUSE 11-18yrs co-ed www.radnorhouse.org SIXTH FORM 13 MARCH RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.rpps.co.uk 14 NOV / 18 JAN / 1 FEB / 6 MARCH / 3 MAY / 14 JUNE

THE HARRODIAN 4-18yrs co-ed www.harrodian.com 11+ 26 SEPT / 10 OCT For 11+ 2018 Open Morning booking enquiries, please call the Admissions Office on 020 8762 6321

ST AUGUSTINE’S PRIORY 4-18yrs girls www.sapriory.com 020 8997 2022 ST BENEDICT’S 3-18yrs co-ed www.stbenedicts.org.uk Junior: 020 8862 2050 juniorschool@stbenedicts.org.uk Senior: 020 8862 2000 seniorschool@stbenedicts.org.uk

UNICORN SCHOOL 3-11yrs co-ed www.unicornschool.org.uk Small group visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. registrar@unicornschool.org.uk

Where outstanding performing arts meets academic excellence

www.artsed.co.uk

34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Get in touch to arrange a visit | 020 8987 6600 | pupils@artsed.co.uk Co-educational Day School and Sixth Form | London W4 1LY

by SHARON FRIED-JONES

PRE-SCHOOLERS

LITTLE KIDS

BOOK REVIEW

Words and Your Heart

The Wildest Cowboy

The Variety of Life

Harper and the Fire Star

by Kate Jane Neal (Simon and Schuster)

by Gareth Jennings and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Pan Macmillan)

by Nicola Davies and Lorna Scobie (Hodder Children’s Books)

by Cerrie Burnell and illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson (Scholastic)

Never underestimate the power of words is the point of this heart-warming read. It gently explains that what you say can have an effect on a person’s feelings. With playful illustrations set against a simple colour palate, this book about being kind is just the ticket at a time of year where consumerism is at an all time high.

Brought to you by the writer and director of Sing, uber talented Garth Jennings has come up with a cracking story of what happens when Bingo B. Brown turns up in a town they call Fear. A rip-roaring rhyming tale vibrantly illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Julia Donaldson fans will enjoy this.

Make space on your shelves for this big but beautiful book which explores the diversity of our planet. It is absolutely stunning to look at and there are so many facts for young minds to absorb. This timeless book brings nonfiction to life in a way which all ages can appreciate. This is really such a great book absolutely beautifully done. Treat your kids to it.

This is the fourth instalment of the successful Harper series – a girl with a rare musical gift. It sees Harper and her friends on a mission to help the Wild Conductor win back his place in the magical Circus of Dreams. Laura Ellen Anderson’s illustrations really bring the story to life with her zingy illustrations.

BIG KIDS Optical Illusions by Gianni A. Sarcone and Marie-Jo Waeber (QED Publishing) Now this is exactly the kind of book that will keep young minds busy. Jam-packed with brain-whizzing tricks of the mind, not only do you find out the science behind the illusions but there’s a whole section on how to create your own. One for kids and adults alike.

101 Video Games To Play Before You Grow Up by Ben Bertoli (Walter Foster Junior) If you’re struggling to get your child off their video consoles for more than 10 minutes, buy them this book which they’ll actually have to read before returning to Fifa 18. This is bucket-list territory and is perfect for all big kids!

Sharon Fried-Jones is a West London mum, who by day is the Head of Marketing and Digital for the charity Book Trust which inspires a love of reading in children, and by night is an aspiring children’s author with a love of clashing clothes and picture books, who longs for a good night’s sleep. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35

TRIPS

NEW TRAVEL PAGES

NEW THIS SE A SO N

Activities Abroad are offering a new winter activity holiday for all the family in Lapland. Turn to page 38.

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF LAPLAND THIS WINTER

OUR FAMILIES LOVE IT; YOURS WILL TOO. In 2002 we pioneered specialist family holidays; by going on them ourselves. From multi-activity holidays to authentic Father Christmas trips for younger children, to reindeer and husky safaris and Northern Lights experiences, we tested these holidays on our own families first. So when we say we know you will love our family holidays, we really do know you will. To find out more call 01670 333 459 or visit activitiesabroad.com

36 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TRIPS

THE HYUNDAI TUCSON by VICTORIA EVANS

I’m not a 4x4 driver. In fact, when we bought our last car we rebelled against the idea of joining the ranks of SUVs in London and stuck with an estate. So, with the opportunity to test drive a Hyundai Tucson for a week, I was curious to see if I could be converted. What better way to see it put through its paces than to take it to the Isle of Wight? As anyone who travels anywhere with kids knows, travelling light is not an option, and we did well to fill the roomy boot space. The helpful automatic open and close tailgate was a hit with the kids and useful with an armful of bags. The sat nav and dashboard are intuitive and easy to programme. Motorway driving is made easier by blind spot detection warning lights in the wing mirrors which alert you if you’re about to overtake at an inopportune moment. The kids had plenty of room in the back which is not always the case when seat room makes way for boot room. Steering is light, verging on the lightweight, but after driving a Volvo tank this was a change for the better for me. Plus, the turning circle and manoeuvrability was an improvement on what I have been used to, making access on and off the ferry fuss-free. For a two-hour motorway drive, the seats were comfortable thanks to the multi-way adjustments possible and I have to admit to liking the view from the higher driving position. Details like the panoramic sun roof kept the kids amused for a while and made the interior light and bright. It’s also surprisingly quiet for a diesel. I drove the Premium SE Automatic with all the bells and whistles and a starting price of £32,695. Fitted as standard are leather upholstery; automatic windscreen wipers with sensor; a heated steering wheel; keyless smart entry; Smart Parking Assist System; smart electric tailgate; LED headlights; panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats – a definite hit with the kids! It also comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty which beats most of its counterparts. What Car? 3/5 You’d pay a lot more for that kind of kit on a BMW, Mercedes, Autocar 3.5/5 Porche or Audi so it boils down to what’s more important to you. Kit Auto Express 4/5 or kerb appeal. If you’re a car snob, despite a luxurious interior and Car Buyer 4/5 tech-tastic equipment, the Hyundai won’t work for you. However, if Top Gear 8/10 you want a reliable, comfortable, specked-to-the-max crossover, you

WHAT THE OTHERS SAY

may well be converted.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

TRIPS

LESS PACKING WITH TOY BOX CLUB From this month, families staying at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, boutique Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia or contemporary Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living in Mayfair will be offered the new Family Fun Package which will include a box of toys and books curated by London-based subscription service Toy Box Club. Each personalised toy box will be filled with a hand-picked, age appropriate selection of the latest toys, crafts, books and games, saving parents the bother of packing. www.jumeirah.com

NEW FAMILY FRIENDLY CHALETS Independent ski chalet tour operator, Alpine365, has added two boutique chalets in La Plagne for the forthcoming ski season, doubling its portfolio to four properties in the Paradiski, one of the world’s largest ski areas. Based in Montchavin La Plagne, Chalet Chocolat and Chalet Grizzli are new-build chalets which have been built as part of an exclusive, highspec development and are opening for Winter 2017/18. www.alpine365.co.uk

BE A TOURIST AT HOME

NOW BOOKING! FEATHER DOWN has launched bookings for 2018 with more tents and cabins available at locations such as Manor Farm and Ilfracombe Farm. Plus there are more flexible short stays available at more locations. www.featherdown.co.uk

LAPLAND ADVENTURES

Activities Abroad’s brand-new winter activity holiday Jeris Winter Cottage Short Break is the perfect Betwixmas holiday to extend your family’s festive celebrations in a true winter wonderland setting. Staying in a cosy winter cottage equipped with wood-burning stove and private sauna, families will have the chance to experience Lapland at its best. Hunt the Northern Lights by snowshoe, dine in an ice restaurant, meet friendly reindeer, and embark on husky and snowmobile safaris. Adults from £1615 and children (4-12 years) from £1175, including return flights (Heathrow to Kittilä via Helsinki), transfers, four nights’ winter cottage full-board accommodation, activities listed, cold weather clothing and guides. Departs 26th December 2017. www.activitiesabroad.com

City Cruises’ 24 hour river pass gives you unlimited travel between Westminster and Greenwich, taking in landmarks like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tower of London. It costs just £33.75 (2 adults, 3 children booked online).

38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Learning the FUNdamentals of Football Football fun for boys & girls aged 18 months to 7 years. chiswick@littlekickers.co.uk 0751 323 55 00 /LittleKickersChiswick @LittleKickersW4 Little Kicks - 1½ years - 2 years 3 months Junior Kickers - 2 years 3 months - 3½ years Mighty Kickers - 3½ years to 5 years Mega Kickers - 5 years to 7th birthday

www.LittleKickers.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH

ART & CREATIVE THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP thebuilditworkshop.com Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN MON

ARTFUL TODDLER artfultoddler.com/Chiswick-london Chiswick Methodist Church, 52 Sutton Court Rd, W4 TUE WED

CRAFT CLUB lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library, W12 7BF TUE

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org 2b Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY THU FRI

CINEMA PARENTS & BABIES SCREENINGS watermans.org.uk Watermans, 40 High St, TW8 0DS WED

DANCE & PERFORMANCE DIDDI DANCE diddidance.com  Drink Me, Eat Me, King St, W6 0SP MON TUE The Corner House, W6 7PD THU Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing, Stevenage Rd, SW6 6PF FRI

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk The Hayloft, 3 Bond Street, W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX WED

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Rd, W3 8PP TUE

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk 250-252 King St, W6 0SP WED 40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS Victoria Hall, Victoria House, Becklow Rd, W12 9HB THU

MINI MOZART

LITTLE ANGELS

minimozart.com Drink Me, Eat Me, King St, W6 0SP

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA)

CADENZA

smaaa.org.uk Priory Ave, W4 1TX WED

pssa.co.uk Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT SAT

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk | 020 8743 3856 Village Hall, 58 Bulwer Street, W12 8AP MON TUE WED THU FRI Du Boisson Studios, 25 Bulwer St, W12 8AR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

cadenzaclasses.com Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB TUE Christ Church, Town Hall Ave, W4 5DT WED

WEST LONDON TWINS CLUB

Drink Me, Eat Me, 250 King St, W6 0SP FRI

stsimons.co.uk Play Café, Rockley Rd, W14 0DA THU

HARTBEEPS

HANNA & JOICE MANDARIN CLUB

hartbeeps.com The Printworks, Beaconsfield Terrace Rd, W14 0PP MON The Foresters Pub, 2 Leighton Rd, W13 9EP MON The Barn Church, Atwood Ave, TW9 4HF TUE Bramley’s Big Adventure, W10 6TJ TUE Chiswick Theatre Arts, 2a Belmont Rd, W4 5BQ The Commander, 47 Hereford Rd, Notting Hill, W2 5AH WED St Stephen’s Parish Hall, Coverdale Rd, W12 8JJ THU Drink Me, Eat Me, 250 King St, W6 0SP

Drink Me, Eat Me, 250 King St, W6 0SP FRI

PANDEMONIUM

LANGUAGE CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB chiswickfrenchclub.co.uk Ravenscourt Park, W6 0TH MON FRI

LA CAPUCINE lacapucine.co.uk  Betty Blythe, 73 Blythe Rd, W14 0PH MON TUE

SPANISH FOR UNDER 5s lbhf.gov.uk Hammersmith Library, W6 7AT

ITALIAN STORYTIME mammaalinglese.wordpress.com St Peter’s Church, Southfield Rd, W4 1BB FRI

UN’ORA INSIEME | ITALIAN mammaalinglese.wordpress.com St Peter’s Church, South Eld Rd, W4 1BB SAT

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk | 020 8743 3856 Du Boisson Studios, 25 Bulwer St, W12 8AR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MUSIC MONKEY MUSIC monkeymusic.co.uk The Catholic Centre, 2 Dukes Ave, W4 2AE TUE Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB WED

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.co.uk 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ WED THU FRI

watermans.org.uk Watermans, 40 High St, TW8 0DS WED

STORY & RHYME TIME lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library, W12 7BF MON WED SAT Hammersmith Library, W6 7AT TUE THU FRI Askew Rd Library, W12 9AS THU FRI Chiswick Library, W4 2AB FRI

MUNCHKIN MUSIC munchkinmusic.co.uk Grove Neighbourhood Centre, 7 Bradmore Park Rd, W6 0DT THU

PLAYGROUPS ST NICHOLAS PLAYGROUP stnicholaschiswick.org Church Street, W4 2PH MON

GROVE PARK TODDLER GROUP groveparkplaygroup.org Isis Rooms & Garden, St Paul’s Church, Grove Park Rd, W4 3SB TUE

westlondontwonsclub.org St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Rd, W13 8HB THU

BABY SONG

FRIDAY FRIENDS gunnersburybaptistchurch.org Wellesley Rd, W4 4BE FRI

BRIGHT STARS brightstarsuk.com St Saviours, Wendell Park Church Hall, Cobbold Rd, W12 9LN FRI

YOGA & MASSAGE BABY MASSAGE westlondonbabies.com Private venue, Chiswick MON TUE THU FRI

SPORTY THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/chiswick Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

LITTLE KICKERS littlekickers.co.uk St Stephens Social Club, 5 Gayford Rd, W12 9BY MON TUE THU Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR TUE SAT The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Queen’s Drive, W3 0HW SAT Phoenix Academy The Curve, W12 0RQ SUN

OXYGEN FREEJUMPING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk Vision Ind Park, Kendal Ave, W3 0AF MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Chiswick Hse Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP SAT

ALBERT & FRIENDS CIRCUS SKILLS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk St Alban’s Hall, Margravine Rd, W6 8HJ SAT

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB

MINI BOARDERS

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE

amandasactionclub.co.uk Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN FRI

mylittleboarders.co.uk Westway Sports Centre, W10 6RP SUN

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION

LITTLE FOXES CLUB

crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk The Dukes Meadows Community Centre, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX FRI

richmondgymnastics.co.uk 1 Townmead Road, Kew, TW9 4EL SUN

LITTLE RUGBY littlerugby.co.uk  Hogarth Youth Ctr, Duke Rd, W4 2JR SUN

GYMBOREE

thelittlefoxesclub.com Acton Park TUE SAT Turnham Green THU SAT Ravenscourt Park SAT

gymboree-uk.com Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN MON TUE WED THU FRI

TWISTERS twisters.org.uk Acton Baptist Church, Church Rd, W3 8PP MON TUE WED THU FRI

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH PARKOUR GENERATIONS parkourgenerations.com Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Rd, W2 5EZ SAT

KIDDIKICKS kiddikicks.co.uk April-October Kings House Sports Ground, W4 2RZ November-March Brentford Fountain Leisure Ctre, TW8 0HJ SAT

The Little Gym Little Kickers

Party & Play with Piccolo today The best bespoke parties in West London

Parties

Fun-filled, action-packed kids’ parties for babies to 11 year olds Themed packages starting from £300

0203 643 2574 | info@piccoloplayentre.co.uk - info@piccoloparties.co.uk Piccolo Pre-School, Duke Road, Chiswick W4 2JR

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

EALING

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

ART & CREATIVE

MUSIC

PLAYGROUPS

TIPPITOES

MONKEY MUSIC

QUACKERS PLAYGROUP

tippitoes-ealing.co.uk Lammas Park Play Centre, Elers Rd, W13 9QD TUE WED THU FRI SAT

monkeymusic.co.uk The Grange Pub and Dining Room, Warwick Rd, W5 3XH MON Ealing Green Church, The Green, W5 5QT TUE Playschool Hall, St Paul’s Ealing, Ridley Avenue, W13 9XW WED

stjohnandstjames.org.uk St James Church, 32 St James Avenue, W13 9D MON

DANCE & PERFORMANCE HOOLLABALOO hullabaloopuppetmusictheatre.co.uk The Duke of Kent, Pitshanger, Scotch Common, W13 8DL MON Plough Inn, 297 Northfield Ave, W5 4XB TUE WED THU FRI

HARTBEEPS

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE

soundgeneration.org.uk St Paul’s Church, Ridley Ave, W13 9XW THU

ealingschoolofdance.co.uk Ealing Town Hall, W5 2BY WED Ealing Green Church, W5 5QT THU

INNOVATION DANCE innovationdancestudios.co.uk Innovation Dance Studio, 96 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA yourstagedrama.com St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL SAT

SA DANCE sa-dance.co.uk University of West London, St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RF Ealing Town Hall, Telfer Room, New Broadway, W5 2BY SAT

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL  annadavydova.co.uk St. Andrews Church Centre, Mount Park Rd, W5 2RS TUE

LANGUAGE TODDLER STORY TIME SESSIONS  ccslibraries.com Perivale Library, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NT Southall Library, 112 The Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 4BQ Greenford Library, Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG Pitshanger Library, 143-145 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1RH THU Northolt Library, Church Rd, UB5 5AS Jubilee Gardens Library, UB1 2TJ FRI

42 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

hartbeeps.com The Foresters Pub, 2 Leighton Rd, W13 9EP MON TUE

SOUND GENERATION EDUCATION

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk Twyford Church of England School, Twyford Crescent, W3 9PP SAT

NORTHFIELDS ACTION, SONGS & RHYMES St Paul’s Church, Ridley Ave, W13 MON

BABY BOUNCE & RHYME ccslibraries.com Northolt Leisure Centre Library, Eastcote Lane North, Northolt, UB5 4AB TUE West Ealing Library, Melbourne Ave, W13 9BT WED Ealing Central Library, 103 Broadway Centre, W5 5JY WED FRI Southall Library, 1e Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 4BQ WED Greenford Library, Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG WED Hanwell Library, Cherington Rd, W7 3HL Perivale Library, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NT Jubilee Gardens Library, Jubilee Gardens, UB1 2TJ Northfields Library, North Elds Ave, W5 4UA THU Northolt Library, Church Rd, UB5 5AS FRI Wood End Library, Whitton Avenue West, Greenford, UB6 0EE FRI

NOAH’S ARK PLAYGROUP stmaryshanwell.org.uk St Mary’s Church Hall, 62 Greenford Ave, W7 3QP MON

SNIPS PLAYGROUP

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB amandasactionclub.co.uk The Forester, 2 Leighton Rd, W13 9EP WED

GYMBOREE gymboree-uk.com 44-46 South Ealing Rd, W5 4QA MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

YMCA ymcawestlondon.org 25 St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RE MON TUE WED THU FRI

stjohnandstjames.org.uk St John’s Church Crypt, Mattock Lane, W13 9LA TUE THU

LONDON BABY SWIM

HANWELL PLAYGROUP

WATERBABIES

hanwellmethodist.info Methodist Church, Church Rd, W7 1DJ WED

londonbabyswim.co.uk Osterley Centre, 178 Wood Lane ,TW7 5EH MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

St Paul’s Church, Ridley Ave, W13 9XW WED

waterbabies.co.uk St Ann’s School, Springfield Rd, Hanwell, W7 3JP MON Castlebar School, Hathaway Gardens, W13 0DH TUE WED SAT

NORTHFIELDS PLAYGROUP

SWIM EXPERT

GREAT AND SMALL STAY & PLAY

St Paul’s Church Hall, Ridley Ave, W13 FRI

SPORTY WILL TO WIN

swimexpert.co.uk Novotel London Brentford, Great West Rd, TW8 0GP MON TUE WED THU FRI

FF4K MINI KICKERS

willtowin.co.uk Pitshanger Park, W13 8DJ TUE WED THU Lammas Park, W13 9NJ TUE THU

footyfun4kidslondon.com Kingsdown Methodist Church, Northfield’s Ave, W13 9PR WED THU SAT

WILL TO WIN FOOTBALL

littlekickers.co.uk Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Queen’s Drive, W3 0HW SAT

willtowin.co.uk Lammas Park, W13 9N Pitshanger Park, W13 8DJ SAT

LITTLE KICKERS

HANGER HILL ACTION, SONGS & RHYMES The Church of the Ascension, Hanger Hill THU

Will to Win

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ADVENTURE BRENTFORD ARMY CADET FORCE 203brentfordacf.co.uk | 020 8568 6044 Adventurous activities & military skills 203 Brentford (RLC) Cadet Centre, Windmill Rd, W5 4BT SUN

ART BROOK GREEN ART CLASSES brookgreenart.com | 07951 845 180 8yrs+ term - time portfolio & scholarship preparation THU FRI SAT

IMAGINE ART CLUB imagineartclub.co.uk | 07534 240 509 Art classes for 5-12yrs, guided museum visits for children. St Gregory’s School, W5 MON Montpelier School, W5 TUE WED Hanwell Community Centre, W7 SAT

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org | 020 8576 6278 5yrs+ Wide range of art disciplines 2B Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MAKERS AND SHAKERS makersandshakers.co.uk | 07773 795 654 5-8yrs Arts & Crafts Our Lady & St John’s Church, Boston Park Rd, Brentford, TW8 9JF TUE St Gregory’s School, Ealing, W5 THU Mount Carmel School, Little Ealing Lane, W5 4EA FRI

START STUDIOS startstudios.co.uk 6-13yrs in 2 groups. Basic principles of drawing Haven Green Baptist Church, Ealing Broadway, W5 THU

CRAFT CERAMICS CAFÉ ceramicscafe.com | 020 8810 4422 6 Argyle Rd, W13 8AB

CUBS, SCOUTS, BROWNIES 1ST CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Oxford Rd North (Scout Hut) THUR

6TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church, Sutton Court Rd, W4 4HH TUES

7TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall, South Parade, W4 5LG MON

11TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Michael’s Church, Elmwood, W4 3DY FRI

6TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Oxford Rd North (Scout Hut) WED

7TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall, South Parade, W4 5LG MON

6TH CHISWICK GUIDES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church, Sutton Court Rd, W4 4HH TUE

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP 20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk Term time only Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers The Ranch, Chiswick, House Car Park, Ellesmere Rd, W4 2QN MON WED THU

BROWNIES stmellitushanwell.com | 020 3067 0035 7-10yrs St Mellitus Church, 1 Church Rd, W7 3BA WED

LANGUAGES

CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB chiswickfrenchclub.co.uk FRI

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY linkchinese.co.uk | 020 3665 3942 SAT

LIBRARIES ASKEW ROAD LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3863 8-12yrs Chatterbooks term-time only MON SAT

8-12yrs Games Club once a month THU

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH EALING

HAMMERSMITH LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3820 Poetry Club TUE

NUMERACY

Homework Club THU

kumon.co.uk Acton Central, St Mary’s Church Hall, 1 The Mount, W3 9NW 020 8998 3379 MON WED

Art Club every two weeks THU

SHEPHERDS BUSH lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3842 Homework Club term-time only MON Craft Club term-time only TUE

KUMON

Acton West, West Acton Youth & Community Ctr, Churchill Grdns, W3 0JN TUE SAT Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN 020 8876 9954 MON TUE

Storytime WED

Ealing Broadway, St Peters Church Hall, Mount Park Rd, W5 2RU TUE THU

MUSIC

Ealing South, Polygon Centre, St Mary’s Road, W5 5RH TUE FRI SAT

CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk | 07513 012 373 All ages, individual and group music lessons. Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN SAT

DAVE DJEMBE DRUMMING 07539 323 590 African drumming 4yrs+ CTA Chiswick, Belmont Rd Hogarth Youth Centre WED FRI

THE BAND PROJECT 07771 456 955 8-11yrs & 11yrs+ live performance and band-based course Arch 196, W6 0XT TUE SAT

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk | 020 8930 0579 3yrs+ Term-time classes Twyford C of E High School SAT

Ealing West, Pitshanger Methodist Church, W5 1QP TUE THU SAT St Stephen’s Church Hall, Coverdale Rd, W12 8JJ 020 3002 0735 TUE Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR 020 3397 8581 WED FRI Northfields, Northfields Community Centre, W13 9SS MON THU SAT

NUMBERWORKSNWORDS numberworksnwords.co.uk 86A Chiswick High Rd, W4 1SY 020 8994 9168 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 19 Alexandria Road, W13 0NP 020 8840 8404 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

PERFORMANCE DANCE

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN ACTON BALLET SCHOOL musichouseforchildren.co.uk |020 8932 2652 Drop-in and instrumental tuition 0-14yrs 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 St John’s, Lansdowne Crescent, W11 2NN

PELICAN MUSIC pelican-music.co.uk | 07540 494 929 Choir, instrumental tuition and performance. 8yrs+ St Stephen’s CE Primary W12

QUESTORS YOUNG MUSICIANS CLUB qymc.org Instrumental tuition and concerts Little Ealing Primary School, W5 SAT

actonballetschool.co.uk | 020 8992 6891 Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Rd, W6 0XT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk | 07813 296 221 After-school RAD Ballet St Dunstan’s Hall, Friar’s Place Lane, W3 7AW WED The Park Club, W3 7HB TUE Drink Me Eat Me, W6 0SP WED Victoria Hall, Becklow Rd, W12 9HB THU CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH EALING

PERFORMANCE DANCE ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk | 07769 680 056 3-9yrs Ballet St. Andrews Church Centre, Mount Park Rd, Ealing, W5 2RS MON TUE THU FRI SAT

CAROLINE LESTER SCHOOLOFDANCE

LITTLE & BIG KIDS MICHAEL FLATLEY DANCE ACADEMY

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE

michaelflatleydance.com 4yrs+ Chelsea MON Kew & Fulham WED Hammersmith FRI

westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk | 020 8743 3856 2½ yrs+ Ballet, tap, jazz, singing Village Hall, 58 Bulwer Street, W12 8AP MON TUE WED THU FRI Du Boisson Studios, 25 Bulwer St, W12 8AR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

NEW DANCE VENTURES

THEATRE

newdanceventures.com | 07766 816 308 8yrs+ contemporary dance The Dance Studio, Chiswick School, W4 3UN TUE WED

carolinelesterschoolofdance.co.uk | 020 3673 9421 4yrs+ ISDT syllabus Dukes Meadow Community Hall, Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX WED

PASSION DANCE ACADEMY

DANCE GALLERY

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET

www.dancegallery.co.uk Tap, street, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre St Stephen’s Church, St Stephens Rd, Ealing W13 8HB MON TUE WED THU

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk | 07885 417 542 4yrs+ (2yrs ballet) RAD syllabus ballet and tap Town Hall, Uxbridge Rd, W5 2BY WED Ealing Green Church, W5 5QT THU FRI

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk | 07956 312 662 4yrs+ Ballet,Tap & Modern; Gymnastics The Hayloft, 3 Bond St. W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

FUNKY MOVES DANCE funkymovesdance.com | 07810 431 101 Street dance St John’s Church, Landsdowne Crescent W11 2NN

INNOVATION DANCE EALING innovationdancestudios.co.uk | 020 8998 2283 4yrs+ RAD syllabus ballet, tap, jazz, modern and street dance Innovation Dance Studio, 96 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

LYRIC BALLET lyric.co.uk 5-10yrs Ballet for beginners taught by NEBT’s ballet mistress during term-time. King St, W6 0QL SAT

44 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

passiondanceacademy.com | 07882 413428 4yrs+ Acro gymnastics, performing arts & dance Alec Reed Academy, Northolt, UB5 5LQ TUE SAT

pleasingdance.co.uk | 020 7794 0905 2.5yrs+ RAD ballet Westside School, Galena Rd, W6 TUE WED

SA DANCE www.sa-dance.co.uk | 07863 555 817 Ballet, modern, tap, jazz, contemporary and pilates. Classes for children & adults. Blossom & Bee, Rear of Welsby Court, Eaton Rise, W5 2EX WED Ealing Town Hall, W5 2BY THU SAT University of West London, St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RF TUE SAT

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk | 020 8839 8747 4yrs+ Ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, HA5 2LX SAT

THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET londonschoolofballet.co.uk | 07794 943 034 5yrs+ RAD and Cecchetti Ealing Quaker Meeting House, W5 2SE MON St Martin’s Church Hall, W3 9SQ TUE

URBAN ACES urbanacesuk.com 4-17yrs Dance & Drama Askew Rd Church, Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RN SAT

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com | 07771 984 590 Ballet., Tap & Performance classes IDTA accredited St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX MON TUE WED THU

ARTS ED artsed.co.uk | 020 8987 6692 4-16yrs Weekly Skills Academy - fun and exciting musical theatre, drama and dance classes for students of all abilities. Inspiring confidence, nurturing talent and delivering great results. 14 Bath Road, W4 1LY SAT

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com | 020 8742 2861 Term-time musical theatre, ballet, modern, tap, street dance MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

ESTA estatheatreschool.com | 020 8742 2843 6-17yrs Ravenscourt Park Prep, W6 0SL SAT

HAYA thehuntacademy.co.uk 8-12yrs Youth Theatre with voice & speech training, audition technique, stage combat Brentford Free Church, Boston Manor Rd, TW8 8DW

PERFORM perform.org.uk | 020 7255 9120 4-12yrs+ Drama and dance Westway Sports And Fitness, 1 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL THU Brook Green, Masbro Children’s Centre,87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR SAT St Andrew’s Church Hall, W14 9SX THU St Mary’s West Kensington, W14 9BA FRI St Peter’s Hall, 59A Portobello Rd, W11 3DB WED FRI Askew Road Church, W12 9RN TUE Arch 197, 75 Prebend Gardens, W6 0XT THU Arts Educational Schools, 14 Bath Rd, W4 1LY SUN Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN TUE Ark Priory Primary Academy, Acton Lane, W3 8NR MON All Saints Church, Elm Grove Rd, W5 3JH THU Kew Community Centre, St Luke’s in the Avenue, TW9 2AJ THU

Brentford Methodist Church, Clifden Rd, TW8 0PB MON St Barnabas Millennium Hall, Pitshangar Lane, W5 1QG MON TUE WED SAT St Paul’s Church Hall, W13 9XW FRI

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk | 07943 656 092 5-6yrs Little Stage Academy; 7-16yrs PSSA Stage Academy & 11-16yrs Commercial street jazz Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT SAT

QUESTORS questors.org.uk 6-18yrs Questors Youth Theatre 12 Mattock Lane, W5 5BQ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

SCHOOL OF COMEDY schoolofcomedy.com | 07912 222 670 6-16yrs+ Stand-up, improvisation Chiswick WED SAT

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk | 07710 023 743 8+yrs Song writing Arts Ed, 14 Bath Rd, W4 1LY MON Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6 7BL THU

STAGECOACH CHISWICK stagecoach.co.uk/chiswick | 020 8398 4709 7yrs+ Drama, Dance and Singing Chiswick Strand on the Green School, Thames Rd, W4 3NX FRI William Hogarth School, Duke Rd, W4 2JR SAT

STAGECOACH KENSINGTON stagecoach.co.uk/kensington | 020 8398 8106 4-18yrs Drama, Dance and Singing Addison Primary School, Blythe Rd, W14 0DT FRI St Barnabas &St Philips School, 58 Earls Court Rd, W8 6EJ SAT Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen Str, W8 6BL SAT

THEATRE STUDIO WEST marinamellor.co.uk | 020 8994 8751 6yrs+ The Studios, Priory Community Centre, W3 8NY SAT

LITTLE & BIG KIDS THEATRE STUDIO WEST marinamellor.co.uk | 020 8994 8751 6yrs+ The Studios, Priory Community Centre, W3 8NY SAT

THE BUNBANTER THEATRE COMPANY bunbanter.com | 020 313 7 7914 4-16yrs Term time only. 29a Junction Rd, Ealing, W5 4XP SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA yourstagedrama.com | 07580 474638 6-16yrs Dance & drama St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL SAT

READING / STORYTELLING WATERSTONES CHISWICK waterstones.com/bookshops/chiswick 5yrs+ storytelling WED

SCIENCE / S.T.E.M MINI ENGINEERS mini-engineers.com 5-11yrs Lego construction & coding Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ SAT

RICHER EDUCATION richereducation.co.uk | 020 3059 7907 5yrs+ Science; 7yrs+ Robotics; 8yrs+ Civil engineering Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ SAT

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP thebuilditworkshop.com After-school drop-off club Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN MON

SPORT ATHLETICS ST MARY’S RICHMOND AC smrac.org.uk 8yrs+ term-time St Mary’s University Running Track,TW1 4SX THU

THAMES VALLEY HARRIERS thamesvalleyharriers.coom | 07951 927 724 8yrs+ Linford Christie Centre, W12 SAT

CLIMBING WESTWAY CLIMBING westwaysportcentre.org.uk | 020 8969 0992 5yrs+ after-school sessions; 12yrs+ Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 6RP

CRICKET CHISWICK CC chiswickcc.co.uk 6yrs+ Riverside Drive, W4 2SP TUE SAT SUN

CHISWICK & WHITTON CC chiswickandwhitton.org 11yrs+ Whitton Park & Chiswick House

COACHING CRICKET EXCELLENCE coachingcricketexcellence.co.uk | 07958 981 919 6yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre SUN (AND OTHERS)

EALING CRICKET CLUB ealingcc.co.uk 7yrs+ Girls and boys Corfton Rd, W5 2HS SUN

INDIAN GYMKHANA indiangymkhanaclub.co.uk Colts and girls 8yrs+ Thornbury Avenue, TW7 4NQ TUE THU SUN

FOOTBALL CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL chelseafc.com/soccer-schools Barnes SAT

EXCEL SPORTS SOCCER SCHOOL excelsports.info | 07956 151 559 4yrs+ Kings House Sports Ground TUE WED University of Westminster Sports Ground, Hartington Rd, W3 3UH SAT

FOOTY FUN 4 KIDS footyfun4kidslondon.com | 0795 7360 742 4-12yrs Saturday Morning Club Drop in. Kingsdown Methodist Church, Northfield’s Ave, W13 9PR TUE Blondin Park, Northfields SAT Walpole Park, Ealing SUN

FULHAM FC soccerschools.fulhamfc.com | 0870 442 5432 Boys & girls 3-14yrs Bishops Park, SW6 MON SAT

KEW PARK RANGERS kewparkrangers.co.uk | 020 8940 9882 U4½-U8yrs North Sheen Recreation Ground SAT U9-U10yrs+ All Girls’ teams Christ’s School, Queen’s Rd, TW10 6HW SAT U11–U15yrs University of Westminster MON TUE THU SAT (check which day applies) North Sheen Recreation Ground, TW9 4HA

KIDDIKICKS LIGASOCCER kiddikicks.co.uk 8-11yrs Christ’s School, Queen’s Rd, TW10 6HW (Until March 25) King’s House Sports Ground, W4 2RZ (from April) Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, TW8 0HJ (November to March)

LITTLE KICKERS littlekickers.co.uk | 07557 123 124 5yrs+ Chiswick Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR WED SAT St Stephen’s Social Club, 3-5 Gayford Rd, W12 9BY THU

QPR SOCCER SCHOOL qprcommunitytrust.co.uk | 020 8735 4900 Botwell Leisure Centre, Hayes, UB3 2HQ MON PlayFootball, 41 South Africa Rd, W12 7RW SAT Goals Ruislip, HA4 0JE WED

RAVENSCOURT PARK RANGERS k4academies.com | 020 3740 2988 4yrs+ Ravenscourt Park, W6 0UL SAT Latymer Sports Ground, W12 0HJ TUE

ROCKS LANE MULTI-SPORT CENTRE rockslane.co.uk | 020 8994 1313 4yrs+ Team training and matches Chiswick Common Rd, W4 FRI SAT

SHOOTING STARZ shootingstarz.co.uk | 07549 982 243 Football, netball, multi-skills clubs The Park Club, W3 7HB WED FRI SAT SUN

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH EALING THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com | 020 7376 0006 5yrs+ Tennis, football & Foxes FC Brook Green Tennis Courts WED Turnham Green Church (on the green) SAT Ravenscourt Park SAT

WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS wemakefootballers.com | 020 7148 1602 4yrs+ Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN MON THU SAT

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE sports.westway.org | 020 8969 0992 4yrs+ classes and goalkeeper training Crowthorne Rd, W10 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WILL TO WIN FOOTBALL willtowin.co.uk 3-10yrs. Drop in and term-time courses Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ MON WED THU SAT Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ SAT

GYMASTICS & YOGA AERIALAND aerialand.com | 07737 624 296 5yrs+ Term-time aerial circus skills 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 MON THU

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk | 02082371170 Youth / Familly Circus Skills, Aerial classes The Hub, St Alban’s Church, 2 Margravine Rd, W6 8HJ Melcombe Primary School, Fulham Palace Rd, W6 9ER

ENNIS GYMNASTICS ACADEMY ennis-gymnastics.com | 07731 393422 5-8yrs Rhythmic gymnastics South Ruislip Young People’s Centre, Victoria Rd, HA4 0JE Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NP TUE WED THU FRI SUN

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk | 020 8569 5069 4yrs+ Green Lane, TW4 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH ACTON SHEPHERDS BUSH EALING LITTLE LUMIS lumipoweryoga.com/little-lumis | 020 8846 8504 6-11yrs 121 King St, W6 9JG TUE

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com | 07950 267655 4yrs+ Trampoline training Acton High School, Gunnersbury Lane, W3 8EY MON TUE THU SAT

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk | 020 8878 8682 4yrs+ Term-tIme Townmead Rd, TW9 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

OXYGEN SCHOOL OF TRAMPOLINING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk 6-11yrs; 12yrs+ Beginners & intermediates Oxygen Freejumping, Unit 15, Vision Industrial Park, Kendal Ave, W3 0AF TUE THU SAT

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/Chiswick | 020 8994 3279 6yrs+ Beginners to advanced, aerials, gymnastics, dance, karate and tumbling Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

TWISTERS twisters.org.uk | 020 8933 9997 Chiswick & Acton 4yrs+ Ballet & Gymnastics Acton Baptist Church Hall, Church Rd, W3 8PP TUE WED THU

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcawestlondon.org | 020 8832 1576 4yrs+ Gymnastics, ballet, judo. Term time 25 St. Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 5RE MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MARTIAL ARTS CARLSON GRACIE carlsongracieteam.org.uk | 020 8748 8855 7yrs+ Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kick-boxing 89 Richford St, W6 7HJ MON WED SAT

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk | 07734 655 057 6yrs+ St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Rd, W4 3DZ Dukes Meadows Community Hall W4 2RX St Luke’s House, Kew, TW9 3NP WED THU FRI

46 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB Ilyeotaekwondo.com | 07872 932 223 5yrs+ Beginners welcome Russian Orthodox Church, Harvard Rd, W4 4ED MON SAT

KUNG FU KIDS YMAA ORIENT SPORT orientsport.co.uk | 07824 603 261 St Stephen’s Community Hall, 34 Gayford Rd, W12 9BY WED

PEEWEE KARATE peeweekarate.co.uk 4yrs+ Scout Hall, Station Avenue, Kew Village, TW9 3QA MON TUE

WLS TAEKWONDO wlstkd.com | 07885 819 469 4yrs+ Brentside High School, Greenford Ave, W7 1JJ FRI Our Lady of the Visitation Parish Centre, Greenford Rd, UB6 9AN WED St John’s Fisher School, Sarsfield Rd, UB6 7AF TUE THU Oaklands Primary School, Oaklands Rd, W7 2DP MON

NETBALL LET’S PLAY NETBALL letsplaynetball.co.uk 6yrs+ Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN

ROCKS LANE HIGH 5 rockslane.co.uk Term-time junior netball league Chiswick Common Road, W4 FRI

WILL TO WIN NETBALL willtowin.co.uk High 5 and 7-a side term-time courses 7-11yrs (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6) Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP FRI Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ TUE Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ MON

Boston Manor Park (until mid-October) FRI

PARKOUR GENERATIONS parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ & youth Freerunning, in & outdoor Various locations, check website. WED FRI SAT

RIDING EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.net 5yrs+ group & private lessons and pony days 17-19 Gunnersbury Avenue, W5 3XD TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

STAG LODGE RIDING ridinginlondon.com | 020 8974 6066 Group and private lessons and weekend pony club Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park

FOUCAN FREERUNNING ACADEMY foucan.com/ffa Beginners, intermediates, advanced 7yrs+ West London Free School Primary Cambridge Grove, W6 0LB MON TUE WED SAT

londonwelshminis.org | 020 89402368 5yrs+ minis, tag, touch London Welsh RFC, Old Deer Park, Kew Rd, TW9 2AZ SUN

WASPS FC pitchero.com/clubs/waspsfootballclub | 020 8993 8384 4yrs+ boys and girls coaching and matches Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, W3 9QA SUN

SKATEBOARDING BAYSIXTY6 baysixty6.com | 020 8969 4669 7yrs+ beginners/intermediates 65 Acklam Rd, W10 SAT SUN

MY LITTLE BOARDERS

RUGBY BARNES RFC barnesrfc.org 5yrs+ term-time Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 SAT

CHISWICK RFC JUNIORS chiswickrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ boys and girls Dukes Meadows, Dan Mason Drive, W4 2SH SUN

EALING RUGBY CLUB ealingrugby.co.uk | 020 8932 6936 / 07941 861293 4yrs+ all standards training and matches Trailfinders Sports Club, West Ealing, W13 0DD SUN

GRASSHOPPERS RFC grasshoppersrfc.com | 020 85680010 4yrs+ training and matches Macfarlane Lane, off Syon Lane, TW7 5PN SUN

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM RFC fulhamrugby.co.uk 5yrs+ training & matches Hurlingham Park, SW6 3RQ SUN

LITTLE RUGBY

PARKOUR & FREERUNNING

LONDON WELSH

littlerugby.co.uk 5-7yrs Mega rugby Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR SUN

LONDON SCOTTISH londonscottish.com | 020 3397 9551 5yrs+ training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground, TW9

mylittleboarders.co.uk | 07801 824 688 6yrs+ intermediate & advanced Westway Sports Centre, W10 6RP SUN

SWIMMING AQUATOTS BABY SWIMMING aquatots.com | 020 8688 6488 Up to 6yrs term-time Chiswick

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE fusion-lifestyle.com 4yrs+ term-time group & individual classes 658 Chiswick High Rd, TW8

JANET ADEGOKE SWIMMING POOL better.org.uk | 020 8735 4900 Phoenix Fitness Centre, W12 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

KENSINGTON LEISURE CENTRE better.org.uk | 020 3793 8210 Silchester Rd, W10 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

LAURA SEVENUS sevenus.com | 020 8834 7442 11 Wilson Walk, W4 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

NEW CHISWICK POOL fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Edensor Rd, W4 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

POOLS ON THE PARK springhealth.net/Richmond Old Deer Park, TW9 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

LITTLE & BIG KIDS RIPPLES OF WEST LONDON

TEDDY TENNIS

07956 410 940 Term-time classes Vanessa Nursery School, W12

teddytennis.com | 0845 643 1173 5yrs+ classes using music and pictures Westminster Sports Ground, Hartington Rd, W4 3UH SAT SUN

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk Roko Chiswick Bridge, W4 TUE THU FRI SAT SUN

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk | 0330 111 2929 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Novotel London Brentford, Great West Rd, TW8 0GP

SWIMFARM 4strokeswimming.co.uk | 020 8969 6758 4yrs+ term-time classes Westway Sports Centre, W10 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

SWIMMING NATURE swimmingnature.com 1:1 or 1:2 ratio Fitness First Hammersmith, W6 7HA TUE THU FRI SAT Kensington Close Hotel, W8 5SP MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

SWIMWAY swimway.co.uk | 020 8871 3972 Term-time 1:1 or small classes Kew Gardens, TW9 4HH Kensington W8 7QG MON TUE WED THU FRI

TENNIS CHRISTIAN GALLAN’S LOVE TENNIS love-tennis.co.uk Chiswick Tennis Club, Burlington Lane, W4 3EU MON TUE WED THU FRI

DUKES MEADOWS dukesmeadows.com | 020 8994 3314 5yrs+ Term-time Group, individual, beginner to elite. Indoor & outdoor MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB hartswoodtennis.co.uk | 020 8746 1390 5yrs+ term-time Hartswood Gardens, 31-33 Hartswood Rd, W12 9NE MON WED THU SAT

ONTHEBALL TENNIS WITH MAHMUDA ontheballtennis.co.uk | 07813 163 430 4yrs+ group, individual and camps Ravenscourt Park Tennis Courts, W6 0UA MON TUE SAT

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE sports.westway.org | 020 8969 0992 4yrs+ mini tennis & pay and play MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WILL TO WIN TENNIS willtowin.co.uk 3yrs+ Mini Tots / Mini Red / Orange / Green / Yellow Drop-in, courses, camps and free court time for kids Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WATER SPORTS CANALSIDE ACTIFITY CENTRE rbkc.gov.uk 9yrs+ Kayaking, canoeing, raft building Canal Close, W10 5AY TUE THU SAT

CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT 12yrs+ Sailing & adventure training The Pier House, Corney Reach, W4 2UG WED SUN

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS 01372 378 901 Sailing courses for beginners Riverside Drive, Ham, TW10 7RX SAT SUN

OTHER QUEENS ICE SKATING & BOWLING CLUB queensiceandbowl.co.uk 5yrs+ Group and individual lessons Bayswater, W2 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

ST PAUL’S FENCING CLUB stpaulsfencingclub.com | 07961 061 662 8-10yrs 17.30 Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9JT TUE

W4 LACROSSE CLUB info@w4lacrosse.com 11yrs+ Term time only Astro pitches, Hartington Rd (by Roko), W4 2UH

North Acton Playing Fields WED THU FRI SAT

ROCKS LANE rockslane.co.uk| 020 8994 1313 4yrs+ junior coaching CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

HOLIDAY CLUBS TO THE RESCUE PERFORMING ARTS ARTS ED artsed.co.uk 4-16yrs | Drama, musical performances, improv & imaginative play Chiswick

POP & STAGE SCHOOL ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 4-18yrs | Themed week-long camps Chiswick

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk 8-12yrs | Write, produce, perform and record a song Brook Green

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.co.uk Various ages Shepherds Bush

THEATREBUGS CHISWICK theatrebugs.co.uk 3½-6yrs | Acting, singing, dressing up Chiswick

XBAND STUDIO SCHOOL OF ROCK POP AND MORE xbandstudio.com 8-18yrs Ealing

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs Chiswick

PERFORM perform.org.uk 4-12yrs | Drama, dance and singing Shepherds Bush & Chiswick

THE BAND PROJECT thebandproject.co.uk 4-7 & 8-16yrs | The complete band experience Chiswick, Ealing, Notting Hill

ART & DESIGN FUN WITH FIMO CLAY 6yrs+ funwithfimoclay.co.uk Acton

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org Various ages | Arts and crafts Shepherds Bush

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE bfi.org.uk 8-14yrs | Workshops Southbank

48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS

youngfilmacademy.co.uk 8-19yrs | 1- 4 day courses in film-making Chelsea, St John’s Wood, Wimbledon

richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS

ROCKS LANE

architecture.com 7-18yrs | Design workshops W1

SPORT WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk 3-16yrs | Week-long tennis, football & netball camps Chiswick, Ealing

THE LITTLE GYM CHISWICK thelittlegym.co.uk/chiswick 3-12yrs | 3 hour themed camps Chiswick

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk Various ages | Swimming and football crash courses. Richmond

DUKES MEADOWS dukesmeadows.com 5yrs+ | Golf & Tennis camps Chiswick

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com | 0207 376 0006 18mths-12yrs | Football, Tennis & Rugby Acton, Chiswick, Hammersmith

EALING CRICKET CLUB ealingcc.co.uk 4-15yrs | Premier Cricket Coaching Ealing

rockslane.co.uk 4-16yrs | Multi sports and football Chiswick

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE westwaysportscentre.org.uk 4-16yrs | Tennis, football and climbing Holland Park

SKATEBOARDING CLUB mylittleboarders.co.uk 6yrs+ Westway, Westminster Academy, Royal Oak

EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.biz 5yrs+ | Riding & stable management days Ealing

TEAMSPORT IN ACTON team-sport.co.uk 8yrs+ | Karting Acton

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk Circus and creative arts Hammersmith

CLUB DE SPORTS clubdessports.co.uk Football, netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, ballet, karate, boxing The Park Club, East Acton Lane, W3 7HB

MULTI-ACTIVITY

ON THE BALL TENNIS

SUPER CAMPS

ontheballtennis.co.uk 5-15yrs | Daily drop-in tennis camp Ravenscourt Park

supercamps.co.uk | 01235 467 300 4-12yrs Ofsted Registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted Ealing, Hammersmith, Putney & Isleworth

EXCEL SPORTS CAMPS excelsports.org.uk 4-12yrs Chiswick

FIT FOR SPORT fitforsport.co.uk 3-12yrs Chiswick, Acton, Barnes

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB hartswoodtennis.co.uk 5-15yrs | Drop-in holiday camps Chiswick

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4-12yrs | All abilities. Hounslow

EXPLORATION SOCIETY explorationsociety.co.uk Get a group of 6 friends together to take part | Shelter building, climbing, swimming, sailing, high ropes.

LET ME PLAY letmeplaysports2.moonfruit.com 11-19yrs | Free activities incl. dance, drama, sport, cookery, art, fashion and music Hammersmith

ROYAL INSTITUTION rigb.org.uk 7yrs+ | Various science-based workshops Mayfair

MAD SCIENCE madscience.org.uk 4-11yrs

Various locations

TREEHOUSE LEARNING treehouselearning.co.uk 3-10yrs+ | Forest school and bushcraft Ham

PICCOLO PLAYCENTRE piccoloplaycentre.co.uk 4-11yrs Chiswick

HIGH FLIERS high-fliers.org.uk 4-11yrs | Creative writing, ICT, scientific enquiry and sports team-building Ealing

MINIVERSITY miniversity.com 4-12yrs | Creative learning clubs Chelsea

ROLE MODELS rolemodels.me 8-12yrs | Confidence & Resilience and Enterprise & Creativity Courses Chelsea & Notting Hill

SHARKY & GEORGE sharkyandgeorge.com 5-8yrs | Kites and plane flying, boat racing, art attack, nerf battles, adventure races, survival skills, science madness. W2

BLUE{shift} blueshiftcoding.com 5-12yrs | Everything from Robotics and Coding to Minecraft and Python. Notting Hill & Hammersmith

CAMP BEAUMONT campbeaumont.co.uk 6-16yrs | Multi-activity day camp Hammersmith

CHISWICK COURSES chiswickcourses.co.uk 5-16yrs | Film-making, fashion, street dance, cookery, Lego & entrepreneur workshop Acton

ET PATATI ET PATATA 4-18yrs Fun French Holiday Day Camp etpatatipatata.com SW6

PARTIES PARTY VENUES SCIENCE MUSEUM sciencemuseum.org.uk Parties within the award-winning museum Exhibition Rd, London, SW7 2DD

CLUB DES SPORTS clubdessports.co.uk Football, netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, ballet, karate, boxing The Park Club, East Acton Lane, W3 7HB

GAMBADO CHELSEA gambado.com | 020 7384 1635 Tiger Tots, Tiger, Laser Tag & Build a Bear parties Townmead Rd, SW6 2PY

BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE bramleysbig.co.uk | 020 8960 1515 Soft play, various packages 136 Bramley Rd, W10 6TJ

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE westwaysportscentre.org.uk | 020 8969 0992 Football, tennis, climbing parties 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 6RP

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Tennis, football, netball & sports-themed parties Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP 020 8994 1466 Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ 020 8840 0888 Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ 020 8991 9844

AERIALAND aerialand.com | 07737 624 296 Aerial circus and acrobatics skills 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT

VIRGIN ACTIVE ACTON virginactive.co.uk | 020 8600 9600 Softplay & pool parties 36 Bromyard Avenue, W3 7AU

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.co.uk | 020 8994 3729 Games, music and fun activities Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN

NEW CHISWICK POOL fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Pool parties Edensor Rd, W4 2RG

ARUSH arush.co.uk | 07773 775 445 Outdoor Laser Combat King’s House School Sports Ground, Riverside Drive, W4 2SH

BLOSSOM & BEE blossomandbeelondon.co.uk | 07932 954 436 Rear of Welsby Court, Eaton Rise, W5 2EX

PITSHANGER COMMUNITY PLAYCENTRE pitshangerplaycentre.co.uk | 020 8998 1918 Meadvale Rd, W5 1LU

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Softplay & pool parties 658 Chiswick High Rd, TW8 0HJ

CERAMICS CAFÉ ceramicscafe.com | 020 8810 4422 6 Argyle Rd, W13 8AB

HEATHROW GYM heathrowgymnastics.co.uk | 020 8569 5069 Green Lane,, Hounslow, TW4 6DH

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

ALL SAINTS EALING HALL

bookings@actongreen.org Bollo Bridge Rd, W3 8AX

allsaintsealing.org.uk | 07507 624 949 Elm Grove Rd, Ealing, W5 3JH

ST PAUL’S CHURCH

EALING GREEN CHURCH HALL

sph.org/hiring | 020 8748 3855 Room capacity 5-500. From £20 per hour. Queen Caroline Street, W6 9PJ

ST MARY’S CHURCH HALLS stmaryacton.org.uk | 020 8993 0422 1 The Mount, Acton High Street, W3 9NW

ST DUNSTAN’S EAST ACTON stdunstanschurch.org.uk | 020 8740 1383 Kitchen facilities and furniture available. Friars Place Lane, W3 7AW

3RD CHISWICK SCOUTS

SNAKES AND LADDERS

07947 354 554 Wilson Walk, Off Prebend Gardens, Stamford Brook, W4 1PT

snakes-and-ladders.co.uk | 020 8847 0946 Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF

ST MICHAEL’S CENTRE

PARTYMAN WORLD OF PLAY partymanworld.co.uk | 020 8904 9044 Vale Farm, Watford Rd, Wembley, HA0 3HG

stmichaels-elmwoodroad.org Hall with stage and kitchen. Furniture for hire. Elmwood Road, W4 3DY

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

HALLS FOR HIRE ASKEW ROAD CHURCH askewroadchurch.org.uk Two halls to let with kitchens – suitable for children’s parties. Other smaller rooms. Corner of Bassein Park Rd, Shepherds Bush, W12 9RN

MASBRO CENTRE upg.org.uk | 020 7605 0800 3 halls of different sizes from £25 per hour. 87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR

GROVE NEIGHBOURHOOD CNTR 020 8741 3321 2 rooms for hire from £38/hour. 7 Bradmore Park Rd, W6 0DT

smaaa.org.uk | 020 8994 1380 Priory Avenue, W4 1TX

THE PIER HOUSE chiswickpier.org.uk | 020 8742 2713 Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG

PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE piccoloplaycentre.co.uk | 07525 773 659 Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR

ST PAUL’S CHURCH stpaulsgrovepark.com | 020 8994 3074 56 Grove Park Rd, W4 3SB

CHISWICK SCHOOL chiswickschool.org | 020 8747 6699 Burlington Lane, W4 3UN

ST PETER’S CHURCH PARISH ROOM CHISWICK CATHOLIC CENTRE stpetersw6.org | 020 8741 4848 Black Lion Lane, W6 9BE

ealinggreenchurch.org.uk | 020 8810 0136 Ealing Green, W5 5QT

ST ANDREW’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CENTRE standrewsealing | 020 8566 9642 Mount Park Rd, Ealing, W5 2RS

ST BARNABAS CHURCH HALL barnabites.org | 020 8998 0236 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QG

BRENTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL ealing.schoolbookings.co.uk | 0333 011 0476 Greenford Ave, Hanwell, W7 1JJ

HANWELL METHODIST CHURCH HALL hanwellmethodist.info | 020 8991 1913 Methodist Church, Church Rd, W7 1DJ

DOMINION CHAPEL CHURCH HALL dominionchapel.org.uk | 020 8574 5979 Off Lady Margaret’s Rd, Southall, UB1 2BZ

KINGSDOWN METHODIST CHURCH HALL kingsdownmethodist.org.uk | 020 8567 0172 Kingsdown Ave, West Ealing, W13 9PR

SOUTH HANWELL BAPTIST CHURCH shbchurch.org.uk | 020 8840 3855 Boston Rd, Hanwell, W7 2HJ

ST JAMES CHURCH stjamesealing.org.uk | 020 8840 2586 St James Ave, West Ealing, W13 9DL

ST JOHN’S CHURCH stjohnsealing.org.uk | 020 8566 3507 Mattock Lane, West Ealing, W13 9LA

020 8994 9905 2 Dukes Avenue, W4 2AE

DORSET WHARF COMMUNITY HALL rockingscots.co.uk/ dorsetwharfcommunityhall | 07880 840 692 Hall and room for hire from £12 per hour. 158 Rainville Road, W6 9HN

JORDANS NURSERY 020 8741 3230 Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB

MACBETH CENTRE hfals.co.uk (under Room Hire) Macbeth Street, W6 9JJ

CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB linden-house.org | 020 8748 1841 6 Upper Mall, W6 9TA CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

escribe yourself in three words Positive, determined, confident.

What’s a typical day for you? When not heavily pregnant, I like to set myself up for the day with an at-home workout on the treadmill or doing floor exercises. Then, I will make Belle’s breakfast and depending on what I’ve got going on work-wise that day will take her to kindergarten, or we’ll play together and then I’ll catch up on emails. I really enjoy cooking so in the evening I’ll prepare a nice healthy meal for the family, which we will eat at the table before snuggling up on the sofa watching a Disney film. Once Belle is asleep I will have a flick through social media and Richie and I will catch up on each other’s day before bed. You’ve been called inspirational. Who inspires you? The amazing people who volunteer at my charity, ‘The Katie Piper Foundation’ and my mum because she is so kind and resilient. Is it important to be liked or respected? I’m a huge believer in treating others how you would like to be treated and respect plays a big part in that, and is something I believe is very important. As far as being liked – there is always going to be someone who doesn’t like you but it’s how you deal with it that counts, and having the confidence to not let it knock you down. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? My wonderful surgeon once told me that worrying was the biggest waste of time. It never helps a situation so it’s something I try not to spend too much time doing. 50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WHO IS? KATIE PIPER

AC ID ATTAC K SURVIVOR, PHILANTHROPIST, ENTREPRENEUR AND SOON TO BE MOTHER-OF-T WO What would you take to a desert island? Can it be people? If so my family! If not, probably my favourite album ‘Thriller by Michael Jackson’. I could listen to it for hours! What’s your favourite spot in London? Ohhh that’s a difficult one as there are so many wonderful spots in London. Belle loves the park so Hyde Park would definitely have to be up there for spending quality family time together. What’s your biggest luxury? It would have to be going on holiday! We love taking family breaks together and have so much fun with Belle playing by the pool.

What’s next for Katie Piper? Family-wise, I am extremely excited to be welcoming my second child to the world just before Christmas and workwise, I have my first ever theatre tour ‘What’s In My Head’ starting in March 2018 which is extremely exciting as it will be a really intimate experience with my fans. Within it, I will discuss my own battles with anxiety and explain how I have overcome it. Insecurities exist in us all of us and adversity in life is unavoidable but this is my chance to hopefully be able to help others learn how to manage it. Tickets for What’s In My Head are available at venue box offices and through Katie’s website www.katiepiperandyou.co.uk. The Katie Piper ‘Mother’ Maternity Collection with Want That Trend.Com is available at www.wantthattrend.com.

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you I usually get by on just four hours’ sleep. For some reason, I’ve just never needed much sleep. Favourite film? I watch so many Disney films these days – probably Moana! Favourite date night? Right now, I am so busy with work and heavily pregnant so it would probably have to be cooking a lovely dinner together and snuggling up on the sofa watching a film. Ask me when I’m not pregnant and I would probably say a romantic dinner out! Who would be your green card? I only have eyes for my husband!

epiper_

Instagram @kati

PEOPLE

The little picture At Winkworth, we never stop searching for the very best for you. We ask lots of questions, listen to what you really want and discover all sorts of wonderful things to show you. We know our local areas like the back of our hands and recognise the tiny things that make a

big difference in our homes, spotting what others often miss. So whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to buy, sell, rent or let, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the very best possible match for you.

Winkworth Chiswick

Winkworth Ealing & Acton

269 Chiswick High Road, W4 4PU

5-6 Station Buildings, Uxbridge Rd, W5 3NU

020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk

020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

A dental experience like no other! We’re excited to announce a brand-new concept in children’s dentistry: Happy Kids Dental is the biggest private paediatric practice in the UK and combines a ‘theme park’ atmosphere with state-of-the-art facilities. Staffed by consultant paediatric dentists, it will transform the chore of a dental visit into an event your kids will actually look forward to.

From toddlers to teens, we cater to kids of all ages (0–18) and will change their preconceived ideas about dentistry. As a parent, what can you expect from us? Among other things, we offer:

15 surgeries, staffed by consultants in paediatric dentistry

Extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends

Age-specific waiting ‘zones’, with attractions ranging from entertainers to free WiFi

A dedicated treatment coordinator, to oversee your child’s dental care, from A to Z

A comprehensive spectrum of treatments, from hygiene to oral surgery

The latest technology, including needle-free anaesthesia and laser dentistry

To learn more, read our article in this issue, or simply come into our practice and check it out – we look forward to meeting you and your kids!

www.happykidsdental.co.uk

Happy Kids Dental 74-78 Seymour Place London W1H 2EH