CITY KIDS SPRING 2021: THE GREEN ISSUE

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR LONDON FAMILIES

Cover image: Meri Meri

®

SPRING 2021 Nº 27

PLUS Schools special Post pandemic hope Being sustainable(ish)

W HAT’S O N E DUCATION F ASHION B OOKS A CTIVITIES

£4.99

The Green Issue

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

VIRTUAL OPEN MORNINGS SENIOR SCHOOL - THURSDAY 6TH MAY NURSERY AND JUNIOR SCHOOL - THURSDAY 20TH MAY

View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk stbenedictsschool

stbenedicts

stbenedictsschool

W E LC O M E

S

pring is a time for new beginnings, perhaps even more so in 2021.

Children are back at school, there’s a plan taking us back to ‘normality’, the days are getting longer and lighter. So much to be positive about.

With that in mind, Sophie Clowes reflects on the effect of the pandemic on women and rather than feeling beaten, sees the green shoots of hope for our children.

Optimism for a greener future is explored in all areas of this Green Issue.

From We Love (page 4) to Trips (page 44), to schools educating the climate warriors of the future, we celebrate sustainability. And one very knackered mum gives us her top tips for becoming more sustainable(ish) (page 22).

You may also notice a little redesign. New beginnings for us too. Let us know what you think.

COVER IMAGE Meri Meri

44

CONTACT editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353 citykidsmagazine @citykidswest citykidsmagazine

16

To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk

CONTENTS

Editor & Owner Victoria Evans editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk

24

Advertising Sarah Dawson sarah@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Digital Marketing & Partnerships Jennelyn Estacio jenny.citykids@gmail.com Design Caroline Haye info@navalisdesign.com Contributors Beverley Turner Jo Pratt Eleonore Crompton

13

04

WE LOVE

06

WHAT’S ON

12

BEVERLEY TURNER

16

STYLE

22

HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE(ISH)

24

INTERIORS

25

JO PRATT

33

DIGITAL LEARNING

37

BOOKS

40

SPORT VS ACADEMICS

44

TRIPS

50

WHO IS..?

GEMMA WHATES

10

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. © 2021 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. T 07770 370 353

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 03

W E LOV E

we love Reusable Nappies We all know nappies are damaging to the environment but yet three billion head to landfill in the UK each year!

Go green with this alternative from Pepi Collection based in SW London.

Oli & Carol We simply can’t get enough of these toys. Natural rubber formed into extremely life-like floaties, bracelets, fruit and veg.

And they all have brilliant names like Ramona (the Radish), Arnold (the Avocado) and Manolo (the Mushroom). oliandcarol.com

Veja X Mini Rodini Sometimes a collab comes along which makes total sense. These two eco-warrior brands have come together to make these fun, kids trainers. veja-store.com

04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

pepicollection.com

W E LOV E

Sustainable Solutions Jen Gale’s bible is a godsend for parents who want to be more green but find the thought of it overwhelming. From school uniform, family holidays and packed lunches, Jen provides answers, having spent a year buying nothing new. See her interview on p22. asustainablelife.co.uk

Get Closer to Nature This eco-friendly microscope is made by slotting parts together so no glue, no mess, no fuss. It’s fully functioning meaning your children can learn more about the mini beasts and nature all around them. buildyourownkits.com

Feel the Frugi Be prepared for April showers with Frugi’s range of recycled outerwear. Plastic bottles broken down and spun into yarn create SS21’s fabrics for jackets, swimwear and accessories.

We Love! welovefrugi.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

W H AT ’ S O N

OUTDOORS Picnics & Views CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

PIQUE

berryandbrie.com

chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

piquefood.co.uk

If you’re based in London, Essex, Kent, Surrey and even further afield, you’re in luck. Diverse grazing menus for picnics delivered for small and large (when we’re allowed!)

London’s oldest botanical garden is one of the city’s loveliest hidden spots.

For your Mother’s Day box, brunch, movie nights, birthdays or traditional picnic spreads. Boxed, delivered and even set up if you require.

ALEXANDRA PALACE PARK

GRAPE & FIG

GREENWICH PARK

alexandrapalace.com

grapeandfig.com

royalparks.org.uk

As well as picnics you can enjoy Go Ape, a skatepark, pitch and putt, play area and a boating lake. And the view across London is breathtaking.

We love the idea of the postable platter kit which can be sent anywhere in the UK. Cheese and charcuterie a go-go.

Breathtaking views from London’s oldest royal park take you across the river and the City of London. There are deer, the Queen’s Orchard and The Royal Observatory.

ANSON & CURTIS

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

CUTTER & SQUIDGE

ansonandcurtis.com

visitleevalley.org.uk

cutterandsquidge.com

How about a mouth-watering afternoon tea complete with sandwich fingers, sausage rolls, scones, brownies and cupcakes.

46km of parkland alongside the River Lee stretching from London to Essex and Hertfordshire. Take it easy or head to the White Water Centre for an adrenalin rush.

Those with a sweet tooth won’t go wrong here.

Vegan, dairy-free and wheat-free are a cinch.

© The Royal Parks

© Charlie Hopkinson

BERRY AND BRIE

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W H AT ’ S O N

OUTDOORS London Parks HAM HOUSE & GARDENS

LONDON FIELDS

One of our favourite London views is from the top of Primrose Hill, a whopping 63 metres above sea level.

A hop, skip and a jump from the centre of town, but a world away. History and nature at one.

A picnic from Broadway Market, and an Olympic sized-lido.

HOLLAND PARK

RICHMOND PARK

SYON PARK

As well as football, golf and netball posts there’s the Kyoto garden for some added Zen, beautiful in blossom season.

Not simply 2500 acres, views across London and deer, but also The Isabella Plantation bursting with life in Spring.

Take a step back in time at this beautiful spot by the river, with tremendous architiecture and views.

BROCKWELL PARK

THAMES BARRIER PARK

ST JAMES’S PARK

Another spot for a picnic and swim at Brockwell Lido.

Explorers will discover the 19th-century clock tower, a walled garden and some formal planting.

Who knew there was an accompanying park to this feat of engineering? It’s a whole day out too, including fountains, flower gardens, manicured lawns and a café.

Take a trip to one of London’s most royal of parks.

Surrounded by royal residences and Horse Guards Parade, there’s also a fountain, lake and pelicans to amuse.

© Andres-Motta - Unsplash

© John Cameron - Unsplash

© The Royal Parks

© Andres Motta - Unsplash

© Hackney Council

© Simon Rae - Unsplash

PRIMROSE HILL

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

W H AT ’ S O N

OUTDOORS Wildlife BOCKETTS FARM

ODDS FARM

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM

bockettsfarm.co.uk

oddsfarm.co.uk

willowsactivityfarm.com

Check online for Covid measures but expect to enjoy all the animals, Little Hoppington Village, Stable Yard and all the farm walks.

We may miss Easter shenanigans but there’ll be plenty to see the rest of the year.

There have been lots of new arrivals recently, not least Soffie, the bottle-fed lamb, who arrived live on Instagram.

PORT LYMPNE WILD ANIMAL & SAFARI PARK

MARWELL WILDLIFE

WHIPSNADE ZOO

marwell.org.uk

zsl.org

Hotel, safari park and conservation rolled into one.

There are 14 Eastern black rhinoceros here, amongst other beauties.

A 140-acre park, train and four adventure playgrounds. Four hours recommended for your first visit.

The UK’s biggest zoo where you’ll find cheetahs, brown bears, lions, elephants and white rhinos. Plus, you can take a Passage through Asia car safari.

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK

BIRDWORLD

batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

pwpark.com

birdworld.co.uk

From monkeys, meerkats and otters to farmyard favourites, you’ll also discover an adventure playground that includes a real-life fire engine, helicopter and sensory sandpit.

White lions, tigers, snow leopards and jaguars. And dinosaurs. What else is there?

1200 birds from around the world as well as some fluffy favourites.

© Javan Chevrotain- Fawn born Feb 2021

aspinalfoundation.org

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With new season styles for babies, toddlers and children

Start your child’s learning journey in our welcoming Nursery from age 3+

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Nursery & Preparatory School for boys & girls from 3 to 11 years Nursery – new ‘mornings only’ option for first term.

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PODCASTS

Podcasts EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE ONE, BUT WHICH PODCASTS ARE ANY GOOD? IT’S SUBJECTIVE OF COURSE, BUT EACH ISSUE, WE’LL SHARE OUR CURRENT FAVOURITES. WE’RE KICKING OFF WITH THE ONES THAT GOT US THROUGH LOCKDOWN(S).

AS GOOD AS IT GETS?

SOME FAMILIES

HOW I BUILT THIS

TODAY IN FOCUS

Bev Turner and Marina Fogle discuss all of life’s highs and lows to try to work out if this is as good as it gets. Topics include jealousy, ageing, saying sorry and honesty: when is it better to use little white lies?

A second series has just kicked off, full of stories of parenting diversity from the queer community. The podcast was launched last year as the first ever to focus on LGBTQ+ parenting.

Fascinating story-telling for would-be entrepreneurs, or simply just nosies like us! Guy Raz speaks to speaks to founders from diverse companies including Lush, Wayfair, Method and Shake Shack.

Get behind the headlines with insightful analysis and personal storytelling for a deeper understanding of the news every day. Hosted by Anushka Asthana and Rachel Humphreys.

I’M ABSOLUTELY FINE!

“SHE’S JUST A DANCER”

THE TEACHER’S PET

GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX

Annabel Rivkin and Emilie McMeekan of The Midult look at all the glamour and indignity of being a grown-up, “while rummaging through the handbags, emotional knicker drawers and lives” of some extraordinary people.

Two world champion dancers, Joanne Clifton and Tjaša Vulič, discuss the glitz, glamour, sweat and tears of professional dancing. Fun episodes about the glittery side of dancing alternate with some real talk about discrimination, eating disorders and psychological pressures.

Crime lovers will be sucked into this story of teenage student lovers, the odd relationship between twin brothers and probable murder. The Australian’s Hedley Thomas digs deep into a cold case which has been unsolved for 36 years, uncovering startling new evidence.

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Created as a reaction to lockdown, the master is back interviewing the likes of FKA Twigs, Ruby Wax and KSI. His diverse celebrity guests divulge all sorts of information, with Theroux showing podcaster wannabes how it’s done.

Latest BEV TURNER p.12

FASHION TRENDS p.16

PODCASTS p.20

VEJA X MINI RODINI New for Spring veja-store.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11

BEVERLEY TURNER

COVID-19

A

and the art of reinvention

s we look back on the last twelve chaotic months, it feels as though life stood still: holidays not taken, exams not sat and weddings not held. But, for many people, there have been enormous changes which are easy to ignore. Under the pressure cooker of a lockdown lifestyle, we have all been forced to reflect on what truly makes us happy and question whether our lives could be improved. And if so, what changes do we need to make?

To be fair, these are the sorts of huge considerations that women have been undertaking for generations and men have - only more recently - found themselves similarly reflecting upon. Because becoming a parent is to endure or enjoy a minilockdown of your own. And whether we love or loathe that time, we never emerge the same person.

When parenting was overwhelmingly a female pastime, men tottered off back to work to wet the baby’s head down the pub at lunchtime. Mothers would take sole care of their new-born, partly out of the necessity of breastfeeding, partly out of love and partly due to cultural expectations. Even now, less than a third of eligible men take paternity leave and so the ‘hands-on’ part of early parenting remains largely a female responsibility. And so, when children and families grow, it predominantly remains the job of the mum to reclaim – or redefine – her own identity. How does she balance paid work with the mountain of unpaid chores?

How does she reconcile financial changes with a sense of self-worth? Who the hell is she when she looks in the wardrobe, the mirror or the future?

The changes forced upon millions of families over the last year have caused similar personal dilemmas in households

12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

all across the world – for Or are we so sick of our little angels that both women and men. we’re busy googling boarding schools?

But I have a theory (I’m kidding – sort of…). How are – women are we going to pay the mortgage and Because likely to weather feel professionally or personally becoming a parent these storms fulfilled in the post-apocalyptic is to endure or enjoy a more adeptly world into which we are stepping? mini-lockdown of than their male This line of questioning and partners. We are the need to create a new project your own. already brilliant out of the dying embers of my at utilising the own career, forced me to devise a skills of reinvention. new podcast with old friend, Marina We probably haven’t Fogle (wife of TV’s Ben, but so much more given ourselves credit for this (we than that). Entitled, “As Good As It Gets?” rarely do), but it’s true. our conversations question when we can Just think about the millions of mothers expect to find contentment in life and what over the last fifty years and beyond who changes we can make if we decide that we left their jobs; started their own ventures are simply not happy enough. or retrained to get a better work-life blend.

Marina and I choose a topic with universal We mums (and I’m one of those) are used appeal each week and discuss how it fits into to riding these waves of massive change. all of our lives. So in ‘Identity’ we grapple Sorry, fellas, I don’t mean to be dismissive. with how we might answer ‘who am I?’ at But men are commonly skilled at choosing different stages of life; in ‘Marriage’ we very a career and sticking to it with commitment honestly document the trials (and joys) of and determination – and thank god for that. long term relationships; under the heading of But in a time of cultural flux, the female of ‘Honesty’ we turn over when it is necessary the species is arguably better equipped than to be frank and when diplomatic white lies the male. might be wiser – all with one eye on the Resourcefulness, imagination, communinotion of aiming for a life ‘as good as it gets.’ cation and the courage of reinvention will We don’t always agree with one another, but all be requirements as we head into the we do listen and reflect. We are frequently rest of 2021. Change has affected each and told that it’s like “listening to two friends every one of us in ways we may not have having a glass of wine in the kitchen.” And considered and only the brave will emerge boy have we missed that. So, I for one, will happier and wiser. drink to the notion of getting such simple We have all been wondering if we are pleasures back soon, even if we are not quite content. House prices have rocketed outside the same people we once were.

London as families flee to bigger gardens with permission to work from home. Do we BEVERLEY TURNER & MARINA FOGLE want to continue our jobs? Do we have a share their thoughts on the As Good As It job to go back to? 250,000 small businesses Gets? podcast. Beverley also runs the Happy Birth Club ante-natal classes. have closed in the UK. Has being around for thehappybirthclub.co.uk the kids made us want to work fewer hours?

F E AT U R E

HOPE

HUNTING DESPITE RESEARCH SHOWING THAT WOMEN HAVE BEEN THE LOSERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SOPHIE CLOWES FINDS HOPE IN THE STORM OF INEQUALITY.

Photo: Miguel Bruna - Unsplash

T

he last year has been undeniably hard, particularly for women. And while the whole world is in the same terrifying storm, we must also acknowledge that we are not all in the same boat. We are weary from all the grief and heartache, the work and care, the isolation and exhaustion. We are fighting for ever-elusive equality and are being met by a widening pay gap, job losses and increased domestic and emotional labour, while big business, the government and a patriarchal society turn a blind eye. Women, particularly mothers, currently occupy a depressingly lowly, lonely place. Which bodes poorly for the children in our care.

In spite of this reality, and that you might well be reading this locked in the loo which is now the only place you can get some me time, you are probably seeking an escape from the frenetic happenings just the other side of that door. You might well be reading to find optimism for you and your children, for ideas, to find solutions to the problems

you don’t have time to articulate. This year has shown the world that women prop up the economy and society, allowing life to function.

The everyday juggle has been witnessed by the world and we must make the heartache of this moment count.

Times of great tumult bring about change. There is hope and once you start looking for signs of it, you see them everywhere. Remember that the night is at its darkest just before the dawn. Hope Hunting: it’s a new game and you should play it, too!

This is a turning point and, perverse though it might seem, children, particularly girls, growing up right now inhabit a world of renewed hope, of kick-ass role models, of greater freedom of gender, sexuality, speech and religion, surrounded by people who are the most emotionally literate they have ever been (cue hysterical laughter, I know, but…). Feminism is the simple belief in equality for all genders. Once we strip back our social conditioning and understand that the only actual differences lie in women carrying and birthing babies and men being physically stronger, we can start to move forward.

We must allow and encourage our girls to run, to eat heartily and to have confidence in their ideas, to own their pride as much as their male counterparts do. In turn, we must enable our boys to be open with their emotions, to be adventurous with their clothing choices CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

and, as Jameela Jamil suggests, to be soft and darkness. While this is an idea as old as stories strong, not hard and weak. Equality means sharing themselves, it is now that we desperately need out the best bits of being human. There is enough optimism. We have freedom to curate our own for all the men and women in the world. While libraries so that they are hopeful and encouraging. striving for equality and implementing it where We can do this for our younger children and we can, we benefit both boys and girls. suggest and encourage our older ones to do the Remember that low level horror and fear that same. crept into your thoughts each day of Trump’s This includes our social media feeds. The presidency? Gone! And while the 45th President media as a whole is our modern-day highway rat. of the supposedly Free World has been succeeded It has a dastardly system that builds up women by another white, materially privileged, older man, to exposure-saturation point, only to then Biden is a better human than his predecessor, tear them down with misogynistic and often for sure. He chose Kamala Harris as his running racist vengefulness and glee. This pattern is partner, and has championed her. And if dualrepeated time and again and once you know and heritage Kamala, with her uplifting, inclusive understand this, you can choose to bypass it, or, feminism and femininity doesn’t stir ambition if brave, energetic or (sigh) rich enough, call it and shake up and wake up the dreams of our out. Meghan Markle, who, with Prince Harry, has kids, surely Amanda Gorman, the star of the quietly and elegantly exited this circus to carve inauguration ceremony, does. Only 22 and the out a life of their choosing in America, has done youth poet laureate, Gorman wowed the world just this. Not only did she write a moving piece with The Hill We Climb, delivered with sass and on her terms for the New York Times about her confidence, fabulously dressed in sunshine miscarriage, shining a spotlight on a subject that colours that heralded a new dawn. the press all too often shames women with, she ‘We will not march back to what was, but also fought against Associated Newspapers, move to what shall be,’ she wrote. ‘The after the Mail on Sunday published part new dawn blooms as we free it, For of a private letter to her father, and ‘The new there is always light, If only we’re achieved ‘a comprehensive win’ dawn blooms as brave enough to see it, If only over the newspaper’s ‘illegal and we free it, For there is we’re brave enough to be it.’ dehumanising practices’. Bravo How can we be brave, Ms Markle and congratulations always light, If only we’re especially at a moment of on the joyful news of your brave enough to see it, If such heartbreaking intensity pregnancy. A role model par only we’re brave enough and limitation? We must find excellence. to be it.’ the rainbows. The paucity of There has been progress actual experiences this year has in the entertainment industry.

AMANDA GORMAN led to an increased consumption of Bridgerton, for all its period-drama books, films and music. Many of these flounce and froth, focuses on the speak of the light shining through the female gaze. Michaela Coel might have AMANDA GORMAN recites her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,”

KAMALA HARRIS

HOPEFUL THINGS TO DO CURATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS Follow people who inspire, challenge and teach you. Delete anything that makes you personally feel lesser than who you really are.

Some suggestions: @goodnews_movement @mother_pukka @papa_pukka @lainey.molnar @findingpaola @monachalabi @mattzhaig @i_weigh @the_female_lead @citykidsmagazine @the.holistic.psychologist.

And then all the dog or cat memes, gardening suggestions and cooking accounts that you like! @anya_the_garden_fairy @laetitiamaklou) @thomasinamiers @nigelslater @cookwithjopratt @nigellalawson @lizzieloveshealthy

STUDY YOUR SOCIAL CONDITIONING Are your thoughts what you really believe or what was peddled to you growing up, in the work place, by the media or by people around you? Challenge them. Do you treat your children according to their individual personalities or according to gender?

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F E AT U R E

HOPEFUL THINGS TO DO READ

MICHAELA COEL

More Than a Woman by Caitlin Moran. This is a special book, especially when Moran writes about parenting, such as: ‘And still, I do not do the simple, simple thing I should: say “I can see how unhappy you are. It’s okay to be unhappy. I’m not scared of it. I’ll stay with you until it passes.”’

Untamed by Glennon Doyle Failosophy by Elizabeth Day

EXERCISE MEGHAN MARKLE

been snubbed for a Golden Globe but is on a stellar nominee list for the SAG Awards, and programmes such as It’s a Sin are waking up audiences, encouraging us not to express the same ignorance and homophobia ever again. Weinstein is behind bars, Depp was found out and there is a wealth of healthy, diverse conversations happening in podcasting, telly, film and radio. We have power over what we consume and, just as we wouldn’t feed our children meals of sweets, so we must curate their media consumption to be as healthy as possible.

A titan of feminist brilliance - straight-talking, queer, activist, actress and founder of I Weigh Jameela Jamil, has worked hard to expose the toxicity of the media. Watch her ‘Tell Him’ speech – an exceptional essay on masculinity brilliantly delivered, follow her personal @jameelajamilofficial and her @i-weigh accounts on Instagram and learn how to make your voices and those of your daughters heard, without suppressing those of your sons. She has been sold the awful diets, the lies about filtering and retouching, the idea that women are lesser and, mostly through bitter, awful experience, she has learnt to dance to her own tune and, generously shares all the moves to help lift others.

Of course, we should not be lost in this anachronistic world where women are still a

minority despite making up half of the population.

It seems trite and naïve to write of hope and progress when we are raising children in a hole of huge wealth disparity, blatant racism and outright misogyny. But without hope we are left only with despair.

There is a Chinese proverb which says, ‘The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.’ Think of all the babies born this last year who have known dual care and parental equality for the first year of their lives.

Think of all the fathers who now know the extent of the blinding love as well as the relentless work of caring. They must speak out. As journalist Anna Whitehouse, aka @mother_pukka posted recently, we need the men to stand with us, ‘to raise their voices, and, in turn, ours. To share the load. To step up so we don’t have to step down’.

There is a real possibility of change: of sharing the load, of sharing the earning, of reaping the rewards together. Mutual respect is a wholesome inheritance to give our children, who are forced to share our space ever more intimately.

The virus has decimated our lives. It has also brought the inequality of how we have been living into sharp focus. Now it is time to rebuild and as our children return to school, as a cold, harsh winter turns into spring, so our hope of living more equally must become a reality.

Many exercise programmes suppose women are ‘small men’.

Choose a form of exercise that suits your gender, age and stage. Barre, for example, is the ideal workout for peri-menopause, while HIIT is not. The upside of lockdown is that you can take classes at home and don’t even need to bother finding the leggings that don’t have a hole in.

Inspiration on the ‘gram, includes: @alysiamontano @hemmograms @stephrothstein @zephyrwildman @billiejeanking @meet_you_at_the_barre

Photo Credits: AMANDA GORMAN Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States KAMALA HARRIS Gage Skidmore MICHAELA COEL JustJoha MEGHAN MARKLE Genevieve JAMEELA JAMIL Aitchisons from United States All via Wikimedia Commons CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

STYLE

BOWTIQUE RED GINGHAM CLIP, £8 childrensalon.com

WANDER & WONDER wander-n-wonder.com

STAR GINGHAM PYJAMAS, from £26 thewhitecompany.com

MAYORAL COTTON GINGHAM DRESS, £32, childrensalon.com

WEEKEND HOUSE KIDS SHIRT, £60 alexandalexa.com

NAVY SHIFT DRESS, £133 ilgufo.com RALPH LAUREN RUFFLE BIKINI from £59 alexandalexa.com YELLOW BAG £16.50 merimeri.co.uk

BLUE SUNHAT, £12 jojomamanbebe.co.uk

CHECK MATE

GINGHAM FLANNEL SHIRT £49, rachelriley.co.uk

Classic gingham takes centre stage, tapping into this season’s focus on homespun fabrics and country and western vibes.

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E BIR D next.c X NEXT o.uk

HAMPTON CANVAS NANTUCKET SHOES from £22, trotters.co.uk

LITTL

WE EK £69 END H O , ale xand USE K I alex a.co DS m

THE NEW SOCIETY RACHEL ORGANIC COTTON BLOUSE & SHORTS, £64 & £44, smallable.com

NAVY SHORTS, £110 ilgufo.com

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance journalist and co-founder of beauty reviews site @fiivebeauty

GINGHAM BUBBLE ROMPER, £27 mariechantal.com

Find Me Where The Wild Things Are

wander-n-wonder.com

Celebrate new freedoms and being outdoors with Wander & Wonder.

Their SS21 collection toasts a season of new beginnings and living freely.

Amen to that!

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FA S H I O N

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Featured in the Good Schools Guide

20 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Life A KNACKERED MUM’S ECO TIPS p.22

JO PRATT p.25

PASTEL PERFECT Easter inspired table decorations from Oh So Kel. Find DIY tips on her site. ohsokel.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

G R E E N PA R E N T I N G

How to be

SUSTAINABLE-ISH A NEW GUIDE GIVES US THE TIPS WE NEED TO BE GREENER PARENTS In London, we’re all tripping over cycle lanes, street calming measures and LTNs, but it’s not just the traffic we need to address if we want to save the planet. From nappies and toys to food and bedding, parents have more choice than ever.

But where to start is often the stumbling block.

JEN GALE, a self-confessed, ordinary, knackered mum spent a year not buying anything new, and the result is The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting: Guiltfree eco ideas for raising your kids, out this month.

When did you realise you wanted to make a change?

We spent a year buying nothing new in 2012/13 and what started as a fairly naive ‘fun’ challenge was a real eye opener and made me realise that we needed to make more changes.

What did you decide to do first?

The year buying nothing new was a decision made not really from a particularly eco perspective but taught me so much. One of the first changes I think we made aside from that was switching to a renewable energy provider.

How did your family respond?

The kids were only four and two when we did our year buying nothing new, so they weren’t really all that aware. I think my husband fully expected me to get distracted quite soon with another more exciting idea, and his biggest concern was whether he would be able to buy a newspaper!

Did you find it difficult?

I think the first steps of any change are often the hardest. The gap between wanting to change or feeling like we ‘should’ and actually doing it can feel huge. But once you’ve made that first step, no matter how small, it becomes easier and easier 22 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

to keep going, and all the changes you make very quickly become your new normal.

Have you become an evangelical tree hugger?

Not at all! I’m a big fan of the ‘ish’ in Sustainable(ish).

I’m very aware that in the same way that there’s very little in life that is black and white, there’s very little green and white too - more like lots of different shades of green in between, and it’s all about working out what works for you and your family. Any step in the right direction is cause for celebration!

During your make do and mend year, what did you give people for birthdays and Christmas?

I made the vast majority of gifts during that year, and I’m pretty embarrassed now when I look back on them! Some of them were ok, but I attempted to make my brother a cricket ball hat that I’d seen on Pinterest, and I’m sure it went straight in the bin. As the year wore on I came to the conclusion that my talents probably lay more with baking than sewing, and edible gifts seemed to be pretty well received!

What were your biggest learnings?

I learned loads of practical skills, like darning and patching jeans, but my biggest takeaway was that we absolutely can make a difference, even as just one person or just one family. I realised that all of the choices I was making everyday, many of them pretty unconsciously about what to eat, buy, and wear all had an impact. And that I had to take responsibility for that impact and make changes where I could.

G R E E N PA R E N T I N G

JEN’S 5 TOP TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

1

THINK ABOUT YOUR WHY My why, when it boils down to it, is my kids.

Our kids. All of our kids, and their futures.

When it all feels a bit much, when I’m tempted to just jack it all in, when I see other people carrying on as normal and there’s part of me that wishes I didn’t know what I know and that I too could do all that stuff with a clear conscience, it really helps to tune back into my why. It doesn’t always make it easier, but it reminds me why it’s important.

2

FOCUS ON WHAT WORKS FOR YOU What works for other people might not work for you. It doesn’t matter. ‘You do you babe’ is an internet phrase that might make you want to

vomit, but annoyingly it’s actually a pretty good sentiment. Don’t worry about what other people are doing – if they’re ‘aceing it’ with reusable nappies that they made themselves from old t-shirts and are weaning their baby on an entirely homegrown vegan diet – if that works for them, wish them well. If they’re jetting off on multiple holidays a year and purchasing a holiday wardrobe for the kids each time, which they then just throw away (yes, I have heard of this happening) because it’s ‘too cheap to bother washing’, don’t waste your energy getting angry at them (maybe also don’t wish them well though…) if you can’t do anything to change that.

3

E MBRACE THE ‘ISH’ As a society, it feels increasingly like we’re polarising – we’re left or right, leave or remain, vegan or not, drinkers or teetotal. We’ve lost sight of the middle ground. And, just as in life there’s very little that is black and white, in all things eco there’s very rarely a ‘green and white’. There isn’t this green hierarchy, where we start at the bottom as the very palest of greens and move upwards in a linear fashion to the pinnacle of the greenest of all greens. What there is, is a myriad shades of green – and we’ll be different shades of green in different areas of our lives, on different days of the week, and depending on how irritating the kids are being.

4

G O FOR THE EASY WINS Especially at the start. Think about the changes that will be the least stressful, easiest to get everyone on board with, cheapest, and do those. It doesn’t have to be hard to be worthwhile.

5

P ICK ONE THING Start off by picking one area to work on: maybe that’s food, or clothes, or single-use plastic. And then pick

ONE thing to change within that. So maybe that’s eating less meat, buying fewer new clothes, or cutting down on single-use plastic in the bathroom. Then, again, pick ONE change within that – maybe that’s one meat-free meal a week, or sorting through your wardrobe, or finding a plasticfree(ish) shampoo that works for you. Change happens ONE step at a time.

The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting: Guilt-free eco ideas for raising your kids is published by Green Tree (Bloomsbury) and available in paperback, audiobook and Ebook. £12.99 Jen hosts the Sustainable(ish)podcast and is founder of the Knackered Mums Eco Club. asustainablelife.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

INTERIORS

Dream wall decoration, £28 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

Nobodinoz Soleil Round Cushion, £23 smallable.com

A2 Golden Hour Riso Print, £45 scouteditions.co.uk

Hello Sunshine!

Layer up sunny yellows to fill play spaces and kids bedrooms with warm and happy vibes - whatever the weather!

Kids Lamp with handle, £17.99 zarahome.com

by ELEONORE CROMPTON

Moustache Big Game Chair, £373 smallable.com

Small Toy Storage Bag, £35 kidly.co.uk

Babou Triple shelf, £72.95

New York Metal Bed, £205

bobbyrabbit.co.uk

cuckooland.com

Wigiwama Teepee set, £138

Printed Pouffe with handle, £89.99

Lorena Canals Washable Clouds Rug, £125

kidly.co.uk

zarahome.com

cuckooland.com

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance journalist and co-founder of beauty reviews site @fiivebeauty 24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

F O O D B Y J O P R AT T

Cheesy Cornbread Muffins

A

fter school, sport, activity or club… the one thing most of us struggle with is finding a suitable savoury snack that’s not packed with salt and fat.

It’s so easy to grab a bag of crisps or bought pastry, but with a little pre-planning, this is where these muffins work really well for the kids and adults too. The muffins are also really delicious served warm for brunch/lunch, with some ham, eggs and/or grilled tomatoes with some chipotle mayonnaise on the side.

This recipe makes 12–18 muffins, depending on the size you make.

150 ml milk 200 ml buttermilk 3 eggs 165 g sweetcorn (tinned is perfect) 3 spring onions, finely chopped 75 ml rapeseed or olive oil 175 g fine polenta 100 g plain flour 1 tbsp baking powder 50 g Cheddar, grated 50 g feta, crumbled 1 pinch flaked sea salt

The Flexible Family Cookbook

by Jo Pratt, £20 Frances Lincoln Photography Malou Burger

∙ ∙ Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/350°F/ gas 4. Line a muffin tin with baking parchment or silicone cases. Larger ‘tulip’ paper cases will give you 12, but standard muffin cases will make up to 18 cooked muffins. ∙ ∙ In a separate bowl, mix together the polenta, flour, baking powder, cheeses and a pinch of salt. ∙ ∙ Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix briefly to just combine.

Avoid over-mixing as this will give you more dense muffins when cooked. ∙ ∙ Divide between the muffin tins (for ease use an ice cream scoop). Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending

on their size, until they are light golden brown and just firm to touch in the middle. ∙ ∙ Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before cooling on a wire rack and serve them warm or at room temperature. ∙ ∙ Eat within a couple of days and freeze any left over. Defrost at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven.

free alternative such as oat, soya or any nut milk. As a substitute for buttermilk, stir one tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar into your chosen dairy-free milk and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens and looks like it’s curdled slightly.

Use in the recipe as above.

Both the cheddar and feta cheese can be substituted for vegan/dairy-free alternatives.

FLEXIBLE...

Gluten-Free use gluten-free plain flour and baking powder.

Upgrade 50g of chopped ham, salami or chorizo can be mixed into the mixture before baking. For a touch of spice, add in a finely chopped red or green chilli.

Dairy-Free swap the milk for a dairy-

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

FOOD

Egg-citing Easter Treats

Daylesford Milk & White Chocolate Farmyard Animals Six praline chocolate animals in each box. £8.99

Buttermilk Easter Eggs Plastic-free, compostable packaging.

Bundle of 4 Vegan eggs. £27.99

Betty’s From the renowned Yorkshire tea rooms £55 bettys.co.uk

Meri Meri Cupcake Kit Full of the joys of Spring! £12 merimeri.co.uk

Playin Choc Rabbits gift set. Dairy, nut, gluten & plastic free. £15

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On the Table

FOOD

Veggie 123 The Vegetarian Society launches Veggie 123 in March, in time for National Vegetarian Week 10th to 16th May 2021. This brand-new challenge is as simple as 1, 2, 3… Go veggie for one week. Nominate two people. Donate £3 to the Vegetarian Society.

Loads of recipes from Bosh!, The Hairy Bikers, Cauldron Foods and more over on their website. nationalvegetarianweek.org/get-cooking

Dandies Marshmallows Need a Vegan treat? Dandies Marshmallows are 100% vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and kosher.

Providing a better-for-you and allergy-safe option for marshmallow lovers everywhere, they contain no artificial flavours or colours, no corn syrup, no gelatin, and no gluten. dandies.com

Endangered Animals Bamboo Set £15 sassandbelle.co.uk

What’s New Family Meal Planner We launched this family meal planner during Lockdown 3.0 with help from Jo Pratt and Lizzie King. Healthy, easy to make recipes for all the family with this FREE resource. If you’re in need of some inspiration and you haven’t got your hands on it yet, head to our website: citykidsmagazine.co.uk

Reusable Silicon Straws £7 nomnomkids.co.uk

Leah Snack Squad Meet Leah, a secondary school student with allergies, who has set up her own snack delivery service for children like her. Healthy, etsy.com/uk/shop/LeahSnackSquad

Bamboo Baby Sippy Cup £9.99 bamboobamboo.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

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Education BOOKS p.37

SPORT vs ACADEMICS p.40

OUTDOOR LEARNING Forest school and mud kitchens at Peregrines Nursery falconsgirls.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

GREEN PLANET Peregrines Nursery FOREST SCHOOL

If lockdown did anything positive, it reconnected us to the outdoors and nature. From forest schools to sustainable farms and eco-friendly buildings, schools are educating the next generation of eco-warriors, scientists and conservationists to look after the planet.

St Augustine’s Priory PRIORY FARM

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JAGS OUTDOOR CLASSROOM DAY

St Benedict’s Junior School ECO-FRIENDLY ‘PASSIVHAUS’

MICHAELA COEL

Pembridge Hall Reception EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Cottesmore Croft SUSTAINABLE FARM BUILT BY PUPILS

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

Our

Nursery

Excellent

Forest School | Montessori Trained Teachers | Highly Creative For more information and to arrange a virtual tour of the nursery or the prep school, please contact 0207 348 1793 admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk

CO-EDUCATIONAL PREPARATORY AND NURSERY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-11

Falcons School for Girls An independent school for girls aged 4-11

“My daughter could not skip into school every morning any happier!” - Current Parent

Small class sizes Full remote provision during lockdown Large playgrounds away from pollution Scholarships and bursaries available SCAN HERE TO REGISTER FOR A PRIVATE TOUR 32 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Rated EXCELLENT in all areas in 2020

www.falconsgirls.co.uk | admissions@falconsgirls.co.uk 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, SW15 6PY

E D U C AT I O N

Credit: CFBL

The future of

DIGITAL LEARNING COVID-19 HAS SHAKEN UP EDUCATION IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. BUT IT’S NOT ALL BAD. VICTORIA EVANS LOOKS AT THE RISE OF DIGITAL LEARNING AND EDTECH

H

ands up if remote learning from their homes, whether in London was a piece of cake? or poolside in Spain. It seems an Anyone? And hands obvious choice for home schoolers It’s about up whether your children were or children who suffer from moving towards whizzier with the tech than anxiety, victims of bullying or you? From Microsoft Teams to those with needs which can’t be the classroom of Google Classroom, Class Dojo, met in a traditional setting. But the future. hangouts and breakout rooms, they’re not the only pupils. it’s been a steep learning curve Esther Clark from Wey Education, for teachers and parents alike. And the parent company of InterHigh says: that’s just for the schools and families “Our school certainly attracts students that had access to tech, the internet and who are looking for a mainstream alternative printers for all those worksheets. Research by the but some of our students have found it fits Sutton Trust found that 10% of teachers said all better with their lifestyle or prepares them their pupils had adequate access to devices and for what they want to do in the future. Sometimes the internet. But despite the challenges, digital students prefer to learn at home while others are learning has a chance to become a more integral professional student athletes or artists and value part of daily school life. the flexibility we offer. We have whole families The Lycée Winston Churchill in Wembley has of students who study at InterHigh because of embraced technology so well, that it launched their unique lifestyle or because they have moved LIL Online last Autumn. The programme allows overseas and want consistency in their learning children to study the full curriculum remotely, and value a UK education.” while enjoying a communal learning experience.

The Good Schools Guide recommends that we It matches the studies followed by the on-campus “cast aside all preconceptions you’ve ever had students with daily, live interactive classes. The about schools. It certainly isn’t for everyone – bilingual curriculum provides crucial structure perhaps even for most – but for many families, and participation for those being home-schooled, it is viewed as (quite literally in some cases) a or perhaps those following their parents’ lifesaver, with a community of enthusiastic, international careers as they move around but interested and often (but not always) introverted can continue their studies before or after their self-starters that thrive on their four hours of time in London. For those who can’t attend intense tuition a day.” school in person, it’s the closest thing to being Perhaps one of the most exciting innovations there. in digital learning, is the use of artificial But this internationally-minded school isn’t intelligence or AI. Award-winning educational the only one with a full curriculum offering technology company, CENTURY combines online. Non-selective InterHigh, established learning science, AI and neuroscience and in 2005, welcomes pupils from across the UK it’s coming to a school near you. It aims to and internationally. It is purely online, with aid teachers in the classroom by identifying no on-site teaching at all. Original head and gaps in knowledge, personalising content and founder Paul Daniell wanted to create a school targeting interventions as well as offering access that met everyone’s needs and used the best of to thousands of learning resources. It’s also traditional and modern ways of schooling. For designed to save on teacher workload across the teachers here, they’re used to giving lessons primary and secondary schools.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

E D U C AT I O N Cognita, which owns 82 schools in 11 countries, has bought in.

After successfully introducing the software to selected schools in April last year, it has rolled out AI to 42 European schools as part of a new education transformation programme. This includes making sure students have digital devices and the curriculum and tools to go with them.

Ben Hine, Group Chief Information Officer at Cognita says, “This is about much more than pivoting to online learning in the event of future lockdowns.

It’s about the integration of the most beneficial aspects of digital learning in education now and in the future. It will enable our students to develop their digital skills, preparing them for life beyond school. In addition, it will allow our teachers to use technology in the best way possible to support personalised learning, from providing feedback through to developing peer-topeer collaboration skills. It’s about moving towards the classroom of the future.”

Cottesmore School is amongst a host of other UK schools showing interest, recently inviting CENTURY Founder CEO Priya Lakhani to address parents about the role AI will play in the future.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that CENTURY is targeting the private sector, but some of their flagship schools, highlighted on their website are state primaries.

If schools get more educational bang for their buck, improve learning and teacher workloads, you can see why it would be appealing.

But of course, using software requires the hardware, and the pandemic has highlighted the digital divide which exists in this country. Around 1.8 million children are unable to access Thomas Park - Unsplash a laptop, computer or tablet at home – and a further 559, 000 have no internet access. England rugby star Maro Itoje has called on business to step-up. “It is often said you judge a society on how they treat the vulnerable. Recent lockdowns have widened and exacerbated the negative consequences of the digital divide for the most vulnerable children in our society. This has the potential to have real and worrying ramifications on their life chances. The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ will widen considerably if nothing is done to address this problem. The digital divide in this country poses a real threat to our children and together we must do all we can to help address it”.

DIGITAL DIVIDE: HOW YOU CAN HELP Durston House

A LeADInG LonDon PreP sCHooL

CHARACTER | CURIOSITY | CAPABILITY

The digital divide existed before the Covid-19 pandemic and it doesn’t go away once the children go back to school. If you’d like to help, here are some useful starting points.

SARACENS FOUNDATION The Digital Divide Campaign with Bloomberg sfdigitaldivide.co.uk VIRGIN MEDIA In partnership with Brightstar, donate unwanted tablets. virginmediatradein.brightstar.com MAIL FORCE Donate money or laptops for schools. mailforcecharity.co.uk COMPUTER AID Will accept donations from businesses across the UK. They also offer a free collection service to individuals donating laptops. computeraid.org

Durston House, in Ealing, is a leading London prep school, for boys aged 4-13 years, which has a fine record of preparing boys for future success. Founded in 1886, Durston House continues to enjoy a strong reputation for academic, sporting and cultural excellence.

Find out more by visiting our website, attending an Open Day or touring the school.

Call 020 8991 6530 Email info@durstonhouse.org

www.durstonhouse.org

34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BUSINESS 2 SCHOOLS If you are a business and you would like to donate devices or office furniture, email info@business2schools.com. business2schools.com/donate THE RESTART PROJECT Link to community reuse projects across the UK. therestartproject.org/where-to-donate-your-computer

Alpha Plus Group 20 Individual Schools and Colleges

CHARACTER

Pembridge Hall School is part of the Alpha Plus Group.

Learn more: www.pembridgehall.co.uk

Tel: 020 7487 6000 Twitter: @Alpha_PlusGroup

www.alphaplusgroup.co.uk

COMPLETE SUPPORT FOR

11+ PREPARATION Complete Revision, Practice and Assessment books Practice Test Papers Quick Practice Tests Workbooks Flashcards

Order at collins.co.uk/11plus

The Adventure Starts Here

Book a Socially Distanced Tour Book your place for one of our socially distanced tours today To book a tour: visit www.gayhurstschool.co.uk/visit-us or call 01753 882690 The only Co-educational Independent School in Gerrards Cross for Girls and Boys aged 3 to 11 ENRICHING LEARNING, DEVELOPING RESILIENCE, INDEPENDENCE & CONFIDENCE 36 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Books

BOOKS

WITH THE CHANGE IN SEASONS AND SPRING JUST AROUND THE CORNER, IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO HELP CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND THE IMPACT THEY CAN HAVE ON ITS FUTURE

By SHARON JONES

PRE SCHOOLERS

WHEN WE WENT WILD

by Isabella Tree, illustrated by Allira Tee Printed in the UK and made with 100% recycled paper this wonderful story tells the tale of Nancy and Jake, two farmers who use harsh chemicals to raise their cows and pigs. Upon noticing the animal’s sadness, they decide to make a drastic change, much to the disapproval of the neighbouring community. Loosely based on the experiences of the author who is also a farmer and has real-life rewilding experience, this book will definitely get young minds thinking about their surroundings.

LITTLE KIDS

THE TINDIMS AND THE TURTLE TANGLE

by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Lydia Corry (Zephyr) £6.99 Budding ecologists everywhere will love this book written and illustrated by mother and daughter powerhouse Sally Gardner (Mr Tiger and Betsy series) and Lydia Corry.

When Bottle Mountain snaps due to the sheer volume of rubbish, the intrepid duo Captain Spoons and Brooms are taken along with it. A big threat awaits them all. Pacy, with fun characters and gorgeous black and white illustrations this story cleverly weaves ecological themes into an action-packed adventure.

BIG KIDS

CLIMATE CHANGE

by Tom Jackson and Cristina Guitian (QED) by £9.99 For teenagers with an interest in the environment, this book aims to answers the broad questions around the topic of climate change. Not only that, it helps with critical thinking using history, science and social considerations to explore the subject from a range of angles. Engaging graphics by Cristina Guitian bring arguments to life like: Who is responsible? How do we move to a circular economy and discussions to help young people form their own opinions.

Informative, engaging and tackling big theories in a way that makes you want to find out more.

FISH

by Brendan Kearney (DK) £6.99 This sweet story of a fisherman and his dog Skip weaves in the serious message of plastic pollution. When the pair head out on their boat all they seem to be catching are plastic bags and bottles. When they head back to shore with a mountain of rubbish, they stumble across the beach cleaners who help to recycle and repurpose everything and explain why it’s important to care for the oceans and its inhabitants.

A lovely introduction to caring for the sea with cartoon-style illustrations which makes the message even more attractive.

FORESTS

by Jess French, illustrated by Alexander Mostov (Ivy Kids) £14.99 Why do forests matter? Because without them the world would struggle to function. This coffee table book explores the power of trees, their importance to two-thirds of the world’s animals who need them and the how their destruction is having a devasting impact on the planet. Including great tips on what you can do to change your habits in order to help the forest, this book is simple for young children to understand and empowers them to take action.

CLIMATE EMERGENCY ATLAS foreword by Liz Bonnin (DK) £12.99 This graphic atlas teaches older children about the environmental crisis and is packed full of facts and figures to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the situation. With a foreward from environmental broadcaster Liz Bonnin, 30 dynamic maps show how different countries compare on a range of areas including fast fashion, deforestation and population growth. Liz says: “Each of us needs to play our part…Our voices are far louder than we might imagine!

Perfect for STEM learning, this book is evidence-based and will help children to think about what action they can take - however small - to make a difference.

ABOUT SHARON JONES: Wearer of clashing clothes and rainbow hair, but don't let that put you off. I eat, sleep and breathe children's books.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

E D U C AT I O N

A love of

Find the full interview at citykidsmagazine.co.uk

BOOKS

What are your top tips for encouraging young teens to read?

• • Choose a book that you want to read.

Reading for pleasure is all about making our own choices and reading books that you think you will enjoy, by authors, genres and in formats that you love or want to try.

INSTILLING A LIFELONG LOVE OF BOOKS IS ON THE PARENTING TICK LIST. ST BENEDICT’S LIBRARIAN, EMMA WALLACE, TELLS US HOW TO GET OUR CHILDREN READING.

• • “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t

What were your favourite books as a child?

The first series that I remember really loving was the Secret Seven by Enid Blyton. I loved the sense that they could roam free in woods, hills and manor houses and investigate mysteries together, from train robbers, car thieves and mail heists. And then when I got a bit older it was Judy Blume’s novels, when I read every one of her books, from Deenie to Tiger Eyes.

Who is your favourite children’s author?

Neil Gaiman. He has a wonderful imagination, writing both novels and graphic novels that evoke fantastical and intriguing scenarios, coupled with often terrifying and obscure characters, much like Roald Dahl. I particularly love his book Coraline, which has been turned into a comic and film as well.

What is your all-time favourite book?

It’s got to be Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert! I read this over ten years ago and nothing has taken its place as my number one favourite novel since then. While reading it, I couldn’t get over how modern, realistic and even contemporary it seemed, even though written in 1857!

If you could invite any author to St Benedict’s – living or dead – to meet you and your students, who would you choose, and why?

I think Mary Shelley, who died in 1851, would be a fascinating person for our pupils to meet! Her book Frankenstein, named the first ever science-fiction story, still captures 38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

the imagination of children today over two hundred years later and is such a brilliant read. The Frankenstein monster has had a massive impact on popular culture, but there is so much more to this tragic character and I would love to know more about Mary’s thoughts behind this Tell us why you think reading is a valuable thing for children to do.

Aside from the many academic benefits to reading, there are the huge social and emotional benefits, from better sleep, improved memory to lowered levels of stress.

It is through reading fiction books that the unique, wonderful and transformative experiences can occur, helping children to feel happier and more connected in their lives. A novel can transport us to an exotic island or magical land, allowing us to escape into our imagination, away from the day to day worries and stresses of our lives. We may discover a character who is going through a similar experience to us, something that is life affirming and makes us feel a little less alone and isolated.

In recent online library lessons during lockdown, we have been talking about how reading is a brilliant way to help develop empathy skills, as we put ourselves in a character’s shoes and imagine what they’re thinking and feeling. This immersion into a book character helps pupils’ build understanding and compassion towards others, something that is more important than ever in these difficult times.

found the right book” as JK Rowling says. It’s absolutely fine to stop reading a book you’re not enjoying and try something else.

• • Make it a regular habit to read, setting aside a certain time each day or weekend to read, ensuring it becomes part of your weekly routine.

• • Put your phone down (or use a setting on your phone to turn off the Apps for a certain period every day!). It’s important to have time away from the screen, without any distractions, so you can just relax and focus on the story.

• • Find a quiet space to read, away from other sounds or music, such as the TV or people having a conversation. It is really important your imagination is fully engaged whilst reading (see phone point above) What makes a really good school library?

So many things! But I think the most important thing is the school librarian.

Without a librarian, the school library is really just a room with books in. It is the librarian who brings the space to life, creating inspiring displays, collating contemporary print and online resource collections, recommending and discussing novels with pupils, running inspiring book events, competitions and craft activities, along with teaching library skills to ensure pupils are effective independent learners, both now and in the future.

Open Mornings Wednesday 28th April 2021 Friday 11th June 2021 (geared to Reception entry 4+)

‘Why go private at Primary?’ Webinar Friday 26th March 2021

Virtual Baby Cats Let our teachers inspire your pre-school child’s imagination with a selection of free interactive and creative activities online.

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info | prepadmissions@stcatherines.info

Happy girls are successful girls

Happy girls are successful girls

Excellent academic value added Door-to-door transport Flexi, weekly and full boarding ‘Pastoral care uniformly “phenomenal”’ – Good Schools Guide

OpenOpen Eventsmorning 2021

Saturday 13 March (online) | Saturday 15 May | Wednesday 30 June

March, September and November

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A LEADING INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

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CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

E D U C AT I O N

Two schools consider whether sport could be more important than academic study

Giles Entwisle, DURSTON HOUSE

SPORT vs ACADEMICS Vinehall School, East Sussex

TWO SCHOOLS CONSIDER WHETHER SPORT COULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ACADEMIC STUDY

I

f the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being active is crucial to maintaining good mental health and reducing obesity. It’s not a new concept, but probably the first time we’ve all seen the benefits, personally. The repeated message to exercise for mental health has been loud and clear and we (and our children) have walked, cycled and circuit trained ourselves through three lockdowns.

We also know that instilling a love of sport in childhood, leads to healthier attitudes and habits for life, as well as being crucial to child development. Teamwork, self-confidence, responsibility, experiencing failure and self-discipline are all life skills that sport promotes.

Evidence backed reports also link the relationship between sports participation and increased academic achievement.

Notwithstanding the difficulties implementing P.E. and sport into remote learning in the last year, the trend

40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

over recent years has been children doing less than the recommended 6o minutes of daily exercise. And experts are ‘deeply concerned’. The Active Lives survey, published

by Sport England, showed that almost a third of children (2.3 million) were classed as ‘inactive’ as a result of lockdown restrictions. Inactive meaning doing less than 30 minutes of activity a day. This doesn’t seem that surprising considering children haven’t been at school but it’s only a 2.5% change on the figures pre-Covid-19.

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England CEO said: “Schools play a vital role in keeping young people active – and it’s imperative they’re in a position to facilitate physical activity the moment they can.”

So, what part can schools play in lifting children’s participation in sport, and perhaps rewiring all our brains to consider sport just as important as academic study?

We asked two schools for their view.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

E D U C AT I O N

JOFF POWIS Headmaster of Vinehall School Looking back at your school years, how many of your most treasured memories were made in the classroom, compared to those made charging around the playground, winning a sports match against that year’s greatest rivals, or building elaborate dens with your peers.

And it’s not just memories made during these times, but positive behavioural patterns that are utilised throughout life’s many twists and turns.

There has always been debate around academics vs sport. Time spent on one, means time away from the other. But research shows that even a small amount of exercise a day can boost academic performance, especially in young people.

One study carried out by the universities of Strathclyde and Dundee examined 5,000 children and found that for every extra 17 minutes boys exercised, and for every 12 minutes girls exercised, academic performance increased. Dr Josie Booth, one of the leaders of the study, from Dundee University said: “Physical activity is more than just important for your physical health. There are other benefits and that is something that should be especially important to parents, policy-makers and people involved in education.”

As a parent, and someone involved in education I am very conscious of the

impact several lockdowns, school closures and restrictions on daily life have had on childhood mental health. Sport had to remain a constant throughout the various upheavals. To support this, our remote learning programme had a shorter school day, so children had more time to get outside and be active. While they may not have been pitting themselves against their peers on the rugby field or netball court, we wanted pupils to stretch themselves and compete remotely, seeing which form group can walk, run or cycle the furthest in a month. Many also participated in the 100 Challenge, inspired

by Captain Sir Tom Moore, which saw a number of inspirational sporting goals being set and achieved. Our Deputy Head enthusiastically committed to 100 push ups a day for 100 days, and pupils proved that they were capable of more than they ever thought possible. Competing against their peers is one thing, but for many this experience has shown them that achieving a goal they set for themselves, without the cheers and clapping from the side-lines, can be equally rewarding.

For my four school age children, the twice weekly PE classes made all the difference to their remote learning experience. Live workout sessions and skills challenges such as keepy uppies and catching and throwing based activities, successfully removed them from their screens for a period and got the blood pumping.

One of the words that I kept consistently at the heart of this experience was balance. How can we strike a balance between academics and the all-important moments in between, where children are able to practice what we at Vinehall call our five dispositions – be inquisitive, be collaborative, be resilient, be reflective and be courageous. None of these are possible without the disciplines and camaraderie of sport, whether performed on the playing field, gym, pool… or in the sitting room with your dad’s old tennis racket and a hackey sack.

Adventure and sport have been key to easing many young minds over this time, soothing anxieties and providing a safe, joyful space in which to learn and grow.

Ultimately, there are countless health benefits to sports education. Whether that means playing team sports, visiting the gym or the classic lockdown ‘walk around the block’. When we take care of our bodies, we take care of our minds,

promoting positive patterns of behaviour, forging relationships, instilling discipline and making memories that will last a lifetime. vinehallschool.com

GRAEME SMITH Acting Head of Clifton Lodge School As Acting Head at Clifton Lodge School during Mrs Friel’s maternity leave it is such a delight to be in a school where the importance of the class teacher or ‘mentor’ is clear to see.

Many years ago, a friend asked me why I was dedicating my life and going on a mission for a ‘sport’. He suggested that there were more important things in life. Coming from somebody who was working on their Ph.D. at the time, it was not unexpected, but did make me stop and reflect.

It is not quite as clear cut as academic versus sport, or music or art. For me, the most important part of education is the bit about people. Everything that we are involved in is an opportunity for selfdevelopment. Self-development does not mean making more money or passing exams, it is about working out what makes you tick, challenging your comfort zones, making decisions, being independent, being resilient and using your initiative.

It is about not just being taught facts or being told how to do something but working out how to do things ourselves.

Even more important, is that it is not just about ourselves. The richest rewards in life, and why I am in teaching, are from helping others. So, developing emotional intelligence and empathy and working out what makes others tick, builds collaboration and leadership skills.

These might not be seen as ‘academic’ and may not be on the timetable, but they are not some sort of pastoral ‘add-on’ but completely interwoven into what Prep Education is all about.

Our school virtues of Love, Integrity, Self-Control, Wisdom, Fortitude and Justice are the building blocks for academic success, but more importantly are the foundations of genuine, caring people who will contribute to society. cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk We’re keen to hear your views.

Send them to editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

E D U C AT I O N N E W S

COTTESMORE CROFT Children at Cottesmore School have built their own farmed croft complete with chickens, quail, ducks and pigs.

Supporting the British Welfare Trust, Fresh Start for Hens and the Rare Breed Survival Trust, locals can get their hands on fresh eggs thanks to a cashless honesty box on Buchan Hill.

PEREGRINES POLAR EXPRESS As part of their Polar Regions topic, the children at Peregrines enjoyed working collaboratively to create a class igloo using cardboard and white paint. At first, they were unsure if their polar bears could fit inside but soon realised - to their delight - that their prediction was wrong and that they could - although one at a time. They enjoyed playing in the igloo and it has been a perfect home for the Huskies - their new favourite animals.

The children have learnt that North is up where the polar bears live, and South is down where the penguins live. They have learnt the name of some Artic animals and are beginning to understand what camouflage means.

JAGS OUTDOORS Last November, JAGS took part in the global initiative ‘Outdoor Classroom Day’. It was the first time that both the Junior and Senior schools took part together, and it was a resounding success. JAGS is thrilled to have joined 9,677,852 children globally who have taken part so far.

Pupils at the Pre-Prep painted pebbles which have created a ‘pathway of pebbles’ by their sensory garden, and students at the Prep School took many of their lessons outdoors, including Art, DT, Science and History. The Senior School outdoor learning included studying the Fibonacci sequence in nature and filmmaking.

GREEN GIRLS AT PEMBRIDGE Pembridge Hall classes made Under the Sea Christmas decorations entirely out of recycled materials. They learned about spreading important messages regarding sustainability, recycling and plastic pollution.

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Explore TRIPS p.44

WHO IS p.50

PARADISE Dreaming of the Maldives. One-island-one-resort luxe. visitmaldives.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

TRIPS

Remember

HOLIDAYS? IT MAY BE A WHILE BEFORE ‘NORMALITY’ RETURNS FULLY, BUT WHAT’S THE HARM IN DREAMING? VICTORIA EVANS ROUNDS UP SOME FAIRYTALE TRIPS WITH A GREEN AGENDA.

marbella.gr

EXPLORE THE ELIX Whether it’s hiking in the Pargan hills, kayaking in the ocean or treasure hunting in the surrounding countryside, MarBella Elix has explicitly been designed for families with teens so that they can undertake new activities together. Greek adventure company Explore the Outside will offer an active, unforgettable programme of activities

all centred around the magic of Greek mythology. Launching this summer, Roarsome Adventures will give younger guests the chance to explore the natural beauty of Greece’s mainland and provide fun and safe holiday experiences. Add beautiful beaches and luxury accommodation and it ticks boxes for all the family.

windjammer-landing.com

DIVE IN St. Lucia. A Caribbean emerald, famous for the Piton Mountains, beautiful beaches, friendly hospitality and conservation. Windjammer Landing, St Lucia, has partnered with The Perry Institute for Marine Science to launch a brand new diving package specifically designed to educate families on marine life and protecting our oceans. With sustainability a main focus point for the resort, 10% of all proceeds will be going towards The Perry Institute’s research programme. The fun-packed family diving package encapsulates fun, education and adventure in one.

Windjammer Landing is an idyllic diving destination set into 60 acres of lush hillside on St Lucia’s northwestern coast. Offering exclusive access to 64,000 square feet of powdery white sand and unrivalled views of the surrounding tropical landscape.

44 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

familysurfco.com

SURF’S UP With the summer holidays already so booked up in Cornwall, Family Surf Co. is offering families the chance to get in early with a luxury surf break at the Watergate Bay Hotel in May. Private family surfing lessons, beach fitness, yoga and plenty of time to unwind in style, provide the perfect introduction to the family surfing lifestyle. Designed to build your fitness and confidence in the ocean, the weekend also includes a Sea Surf Safety Session, where you’ll learn about rip currents, wildlife and ocean skills, while unwinding with your toes in the sand.

SUMMER SNOW Ok, so you won’t be skiing, but if you head to Courmayeur this summer, you will find some snow capped peaks to admire.

Mountain biking, fishing, water rafting and kayaking will all get you close to the incredible environment. You can also hire a guide who will take you on a foraging trail. Courmayeur’s car-free cobbled streets are a plus for families who can

GO GLAMPING

take an early evening passegiata on the way to eat some glorious Italian cuisine.

Don’t miss Skyway Monte Bianco which connects Courmayeur in Italy to Chamonix in France. Not only is it an incredible feat of engineering, it delivers breathtaking views and it is also undertaking a research project to preserve the Gran Flambeau glacier.

courmayeurmontblanc.it/en

Whether you are a master glamper or a total novice, someone who wants to immerse themselves in nature, or would rather be submerged in a hot tub with a glass of bubbles, UK Glamping Guidebook has something for everyone. Every site has been included because it is special, either for sheer luxury, incredible scenery or imaginative accommodation such as a treetop palace. Written

by Steph Curtis Raleigh and experienced family glamper, Zoe Holland from Juggling on Rollerskates, the guide includes family-friendly stays.

amazon.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

THE KNOWLEDGE

We share our discoveries for babies & pre-schoolers

Daily D Daylesford, well-known for their organic farmshops and cafés has branched into supplements.

Little Ones Baby D Drops adhere to NHS recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.

D3 is the natural form of vitamin D.

daylesford.com

Hotels with Extra

1

WE JUST CLIC! Long the go-to brand for royals, Silver Cross has released several daring ranges of very reasonably priced strollers this Spring. Our choice is the Clic which you can fold in one second, with one hand. Yes, we’ve seen it with our own eyes! We’re also impressed by Silver Cross’s commitment to independent stores by ensuring exclusivity of some lines for smaller retailers to sell. The Clic comes in black, lilac, silver and aqua at £200.

silvercrossbaby.com 46 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Those in the know will have stayed at a Luxury Family Hotel, and this year owners are pulling out all the stops to help families enjoy a well-deserved break. A series of pop-ups including a Perrier-Jouët cocktail bar at The Ickworth,

a bi-weekly farmers market at Fowey Hall and a pop-up pizzeria at Moonfleet Manor are set to entertain guests of all ages. And don't forget that all guests get 1.5 hours of free babysitting per stay. Extra!

luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

4

MORE GREEN, LESS SCREEN

Little Mud Club pack delivers wholesome outdoor adventures every month for 2-7-yearolds. Families can expect their subscriptions to supply outdoorsy ideas approved by educators that support development through

6 KEEP SMILING Tiba + Marl have created a new Smiley collection inspired by community, strength and happiness. This happy 8-piece collection will include puffy totes, changing backpacks, stroller organisers, family cool bags, snack packs, changing mats, kids backpacks and picnic blankets. Available in April.

tibaandmarl.com

play and adventure. Whether in lockdown or not, this is a winner for entertaining the kids and following Little Mud Club’s motto of More Green Hours, Fewer Screen Hours.

littlemudclub.com

5

THE KNOWLEDGE

“I speak for the trees ” Celebrating 50 years of The Lorax, Harper Collins have released a special edition of Dr Seuss’s ecological fable. Long before protecting the planet became a major global concern, the Lorax spoke up for the trees to warn us against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth and all its inhabitants.

harpercollins.co.uk

7

Squeaky Clean Expectant parents will be grateful you introduced them to Nimble with their New Parents Gift Set. Their iconic plantbased cleaning solutions will clean clothes, toys and accessories without the need for any harsh chemicals.

nimblebabies.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

D I R E C TO R Y

HOLIDAY CLUBS ART & DESIGN

art, fashion and music Hammersmith

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

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY funwithfimoclay.co.uk Acton

LONDON ACTIVITY CAMPS londonactivitycamps.co.uk 4-14yrs | Creative, adventurous and sporting activities Hammersmith

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS

South Kensington

chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs | Musical theatre Chiswick

ROYAL INSTITUTION

PERFORM perform.org.uk 4-12yrs | Drama, dance and singing Across London

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

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

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY

ROLE MODELS

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

rolemodels.me 8-12yrs | Confidence, resilience, enterprise & creativity courses plus residential at Wellington College Chelsea & Notting Hill

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS architecture.com 7-18yrs | Design workshops W1

SUPER CAMPS supercamps.co.uk 4-12yrs Ofsted Registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted Across London

MULTIACTIVITY

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

upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 4-14yrs | sing, dance, play in a band, record CDs, write songs Parsons Green

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

campbeaumont.co.uk 3-16yrs | Multi-activity day camp Across London

STEM & CODING treehouselearning.co.uk 3-10yrs+ | Forest school Ham

PERFORMING ARTS

CHISWICK COURSES

ARTS ED

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

artsed.co.uk 4-16yrs | Drama, musical performances, impro & imaginative play Chiswick

ET PATATI ET PATATA

POP & STAGE SCHOOL ACADEMY

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

FIRE TECH firetechcamp.com 9-17yrs | Creative tech camps incl coding, electronics, games, robotics Chelsea, South Kensington, Hampstead

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

SONG ACADEMY

MAD SCIENCE

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

madscience.org.uk 4-11yrs Various locations

RICHER EDUCATION

LET ME PLAY

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

letmeplay.co.uk 11-19yrs | Free activities incl. dance, drama, sport, cookery,

musichouseforchildren.co.uk Various ages Shepherds Bush

48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ROCKS LANE

unicorntheatre.com 7-16yrs I Performance-based creative workshops Southwark

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

SPORT

SKATEBOARDING CLUB

clubdessports.co.uk Football, netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, ballet, karate, boxing Acton W3 7HB

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

premiercricketcoaching.co.uk 4-15yrs | Premier Cricket Coaching Ealing

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

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

FIT FOR SPORT CYPHER

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

UNICORN THEATRE

richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

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

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

Richmond

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com 18mths-12yrs | Football, Tennis & Rugby Across London

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.co.uk/chiswick 3-12yrs | 3 hour & all day themed camps Chiswick, Hampton & Teddington, Westfield & Wandsworth and Fulham

BLUE{shift}

pssa.co.uk 4-18yrs | Themed week-long camps Chiswick

EXPLORATION SOCIETY

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS

EALING CRICKET CLUB

TREEHOUSE LEARNING CAMP BEAUMONT

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

CLUB DE SPORTS UPBEAT MUSIC COURSES

At the time of print, not all of these clubs will be open, but all being well, come May and the summer holidays, they’ll all be back in action! Stay up to date at citykidsmagazine.co.uk

cyphercoders.com 4-14yrs | Creative & Coding camps Various locations

richereducation.co.uk 4-14yrs | Science, engineering, mechatronics, robotics, coding, English and Debating

fitforsport.co.uk 4yrs+ Across London

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

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

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

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

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis 3-16 yrs | Week long tennis, football, netball and multi-sport camps (at selected centres).

Chiswick, Lammas Park, Pitshanger Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park

D I R E C TO R Y

Our Directory has moved

online

For classes, activities, party providers, shopping and more.

Find it at

www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk or use this QR code.

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PEOPLE

Who is?

GEMMA WHATES ENTREPRENEUR, MENTOR AND FOUNDER OF ALL BY MAMA

Three words to describe yourself.

Adventurous, caring and determined.

What is happening in the world of Gemma Whates right now?

I’m counting down days until I no longer have to home school and wondering if I should have appreciated it more. I’m gradually decorating our new house and trying to understand Minecraft. I’m feeling hopeful for some hugs from my family and friends soon and some adventures later in the year. I’m feeling grateful for my health and the health of my family and I’m trying to find a way to run my businesses with the kids at home 24/7. I’m laser focused on what I want to achieve for ALL by MAMA in 2021.

How did you start All By Mama?

I started ALL by MAMA by working evenings and weekends alongside a marketing job. It took me about nine months from registering the company to launching. ALL by MAMA launched as a marketplace selling gifts made by mums and it’s grown from that original idea. One of the first things we did was to take a stall at The Handmade Fair and spend three days speaking to people about the idea and gathering email addresses for our launch.

Explain how ABM works.

It’s a membership community and a marketplace. We help mothers in business grow in confidence and visibility, upskill and make connections.

Members are generally in the first few years of business. It’s something I wish I had found in 2014. Mothers are underrepresented economically, and they need a place to connect, grow and share their experiences of running a business 50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

as a mother. Membership is £20 a month and members receive a route to market via our marketplace, expert trainings, networking, social media clinics, features and connections to others doing the same.

What are your top tips for running a business?

1. Spend time on the things that make money – sounds obvious but sometimes you can get so caught in the admin that you forget to tell everyone what they can buy from you and how to buy it.

2. Have a vision – what are you trying to achieve, what does success look like to you.

3. Make connections via networks – genuinely it will make all the difference to the opportunities that come your way.

4. Be prepared for the highs and the lows – you’ll feel amazing during the high times and want to quit during the lows.

5. Really understand your ideal customer – get fully immersed in exactly who that person is and the problem you are solving for them.

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.

Well, I could choose something a bit more shocking here but I’ll go with… being able to palm read. I did a course before I had kids, I’ve forgotten most of it to be honest but I’m going to pick it back up when I have some head space!

Where’s your favourite date night?

I can’t remember! Something that involves going somewhere new.

What’s your signature dish?

I have not prioritised cooking over the last

few years! It would probably be a roast dinner!

Where’s your favourite child-friendly place in London?

The Science Museum – I love it and the kids do too.

Last book you read?

Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

What’s your proudest moment?

The birth of my kids.

What’s next for Gemma Whates?

Hopefully, a better work life balance! My focus is on having some fun with my family in the summer, growing the ALL by MAMA membership, raising another round of investment, mentoring incredible women that are starting businesses, making the most of my Blinksit subscription, getting better at exercise again and a holiday to the Algarve as soon as it’s safe! I’ve also joined Ada Ventures as a scout recently so I’m looking forward to getting more involved in that world.

gemmawhates.com allbymama.com membership.allbymama.com/member

International bilingual school in London from Nursery to Year 10

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN IN AN OUTSTANDING (*) & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

(*) CFBL was judged by Ofsted to be outstanding in their overall effectiveness

CONTACT US FOR

2021-2022 ACADEMIC YEAR

Register for our Open Days Next Open Day in English: on Friday 14th May 2021 Next Open Days in French: on 23rd April & 11th June 2021

Never too young to be bilingual

www.cfbl.org.uk info@cfbl.org.uk

+44 (0)20 7993 7400

M N FE RO DO SA G F ON N L SI AL BU TR EN

C

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE OUR SAFE, SPACIOUS CAMPUS. The world has turned upside down but we continue to offer a world class international education that builds each child’s resilience, creativity, self-belief and social connections.

Now more than ever we ready our students for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen.

• Girls and boys aged 4–18 • International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Creative pathways in film and theatre as part of the IB

REGISTER ONLINE FOR OUR REGULAR VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS VIA WWW.ACS-SCHOOLS.COM/OPENDAYS