CITY KIDS MAGAZINE AUTUMN ISSUE + SCHOOLS SUPPLEMENT 2021

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR LONDON FAMILIES ®

AUTUMN 2021 Nº 29

PLAN YOUR AUTUMN

Halloween Fun Family Food Trips of a Lifetime

PULL OUT & KEEP

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

£4.99

Schools Supplement

EXCELLENT ISI inspection

Your daughter is unique and so is Heathfield. As well as providing an excellent academic education and top-class pastoral care, we guide your daughter to understand her personal strengths, live her ambitions, and develop as the best possible version of herself. Our education goes far beyond exam results – individual talent and spirit is celebrated throughout the school. Live life like a Heathfield girl.

OPEN MORNING Saturday 16 October 9.45am to 12 noon To book please email admissions@heathfieldschool.net

Day, Weekly and Full Boarding for Girls 11-18

heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343

W E LC O M E

W

COVER IMAGE Image: Danielle Owen photography Model: Jennifer Brand: a curious society

CONTACT

elcome to our record-breaking Autumn issue! It’s the largest we’ve undertaken, and we hope you enjoy all the information we’ve packed inside the next 80 pages.

Our pull out and keep Schools Supplement is the first of some exciting partnerships developing at CKHQ. We’ve teamed up with The Good Schools Guide to provide a comprehensive directory to London day schools, commutable schools and boarding options a little further afield. Our supplement also includes the latest education news, advice on managing the return to school as well as behind the scenes glimpses of school life. As our new education partner, The Good Schools Guide will also be sharing their expertise and experience with us on our website and social media channels.

Follow us and them and sign up to our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Beyond the classroom, Sophie Clowes discovers that spending more time with our children outside actually improves their behaviour and makes parenting easier! Jo Pratt shares a tasty original recipe for all tastebuds, and we have some horrifying Halloween party ideas. Plus, fashion, style, home and What’s On. While we highlight 27 things to do in the city in our What’s On pages, our website has hundreds more, updated daily. Head to citykidsmagazine.co.uk to take a look.

We wish you a happy new (school) year!

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

76 73

To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website citykidsmagazine.co.uk Editor & Owner Victoria Evans editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk

CONTENTS

Advertising Sarah Dawson sarah@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Digital & Social Manager Jennelyn Estacio jenny.citykids@gmail.com Design Caroline Haye info@navalisdesign.com Contributors Beverley Turner Jo Pratt Eleonore Crompton Rose Wyatt Sophie Clowes

14

18

04

WE LOVE

08

WHAT’S ON

14

STYLE

18

HOME

19

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

66

PARENTING: WOOD, COULD & SHOULD

71

BOOKS

72

JO PRATT RECIPE

76 TRIPS 78

THE KNOWLEDGE

80

PODCASTS

82

WHO IS..?

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

Conscious Bathing Love Ocean’s unique whaletail bottle hints at the desire to make a difference. Refill it with the natural bubble bath or hair and body wash, knowing that the ingredients are vegan, ecofriendly and ocean friendly. £8.99 subscribe for 1l pouches from £15 loveocean.com

Pain-free Play Tidy faster: tick.

Playmat: tick.

Made in the UK: tick Kids love a rummage, and we love a tidy floor. Stuffel bags are here to keep your floors Lego-free and pain to a minimum!

Large £34 Mini £24

stuffel.co.uk

Fab - ulous Art and craft without the mess? “Yes please” say parents all over the land. Fab Dab Do can provide all the kit to create unique t-shirts, tote bags and artwork, while you relax knowing that you’ve done your damage limitations.

From £26 fabdabdo.co.uk

04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

W E LOV E

Crayative Crayons Born in lockdown, Beecrayative has a wonderful range of beeswax crayons poured lovingly by mother-of-two Lauren.

Choose from small, large or giant as well as personalised options. All packaging 100% recyclable. From £6.95 beecrayative.co.uk

@ Ssophie Oldhamstead

Dinki Dungarees

Read All About It!

We’ve fallen in love with Dinki Human’s sustainable and unisex clothing for 0–6-year-olds. Thumbs up also for their Pre-Loved Initiative where you can return an item which will be repurposed while you get 20% off your next order. £35 dinkihuman.com

Three illustrated nursery rhymes printed on machine washable cloth with crinkly pages, designed to look and feel like a real newspaper. Genius. £12 joandnicscrinkly.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

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06 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

chiswick@thelittlegym.co.uk hampstead@thelittlegym.co.uk wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk westfield.thelittlegym.co.uk

Latest WHAT’S ON p08

HOME p18

AUTUMN FUN Mini Boden: cosy layers for campfire capers boden.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

W H AT ’ S O N

September until 5

until 12

TUDOR LEGACIES

PINOCCHIO

BAR W12 AND FILM CLUB

Penshurst Place, Kent penshurstplace.com

Greenwich Theatre greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Westfield London uk.westfield.com

Meet the extraordinary wives of Henry VIII as they stroll the stately home’s grounds and discover all about the life (and death) of a Tudor Queen.

Join wooden puppet Pinocchio, carpenter Geppetto and a talking cricket for a new stage adaptation of the classic tale.

Book a boat pod or giant bean bag and enjoy an outdoor family movie, with plenty of children’s favourites on the lineup.

from 16

from 18

18 & 19

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

FESTIVAL OF HOME

Cambridge Theatre uk.matildathemusical.com

Westfield London feverup.com

Museum of the Home museumofthehome.org.uk

Set your child’s imagination alight as they follow Matilda’s adventures in this multi-award-winning musical.

Step inside a magical chocolate factory and take a stroll through an immersive world of sweets, before sampling some delicious treats.

All about belonging, family and the universal themes of home at the museum’s first annual festival.

until 19

19

until 26

MINI GOLF BY YINKA ILORI

FAMILY SUNDAY AT HENLEY FESTIVAL

LONDON WONDERGROUND

Manuel Harlan

5

Greenwich Peninsula greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

Overlooking the river, a free technicolour 6-hole course designed by artist Yina Ilori and suitable for even the youngest budding golfers.

08 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Henley-on-Thames henley-festival.co.uk

Earls Court londonwonderground.co.uk

Set on the spectacular riverbank, the last day of the music festival will be transformed into a family extravaganza.

A summer festival with family shows, live acoustic music, vintage rides and even a city beach.

W H AT ’ S O N

October 3

10

JAPAN

APPLE DAY

FESTIVAL OF THE GIRL

Kew Gardens kew.org

Fulham Palace fulhampalace.org

Hybrid event festivalofthegirl.com

A festival celebrating Japan’s plants, art, culture and food, with family cultural activities to enjoy.

Live folk music, children’s activities, woodworking, and a food & crafts market at the Palace’s annual apple day celebration.

This year’s online festival will celebrate girl’s brilliant bodies and what they can achieve and do, rather than how they are seen by others.

from 21

22 to 31

from 23

BEANO: THE ART OF BREAKING THE RULES

HALLOWEEN

STICK MAN

Somerset House somersethouse.org.uk

Blenheim Palace blenheimpalace.com

Leicester Square Theatre leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com

Watch out! Dennis, Gnasher and the Beano gang are taking over Somerset House at this rule-breaking exhibition celebrating the iconic British comic.

Explore the spooky fun-filled Halloween trail in the Palace’s illuminated haunted woods and Secret Garden.

With puppetry, songs and live music, follow Stick Man as he tries to find his way back to the family tree.

23 to 25

26

27 to 31

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS

THE SMEDS AND SMOOS

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre bucksrailcentre.org

Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

Rose Theatre rosetheatre.org

Peep, peep! Ride on a steam train with Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy a day out full of railway fun.

Be transported to a world of brilliant noises and cool music with world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo.

© Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2019

2 to 31

Zoom off on an interplanetary adventure in this show based on the Julia Donaldson classic, as two young aliens from feuding families fall in love.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 09

W H AT ’ S O N

November 5&6

11 & 12

from 12

ALLY PALLY’S FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

GREAT ODDS

CINDERELLA: THE AWESOME TRUTH

Alexandra Palace alexandrapalace.com

Little Angel Theatre littleangeltheatre.com

Polka Theatre polkatheatre.com

As well as a grand fireworks display, the festival features live music, fairground rides, huge bonfires, film screenings and an ice rink.

An interactive play combining visual storytelling, sign language and live music to tell the story of a small brave person determined to follow their dream.

Have a ball with this alternative take on the classic fairy tale, as Ella tries to save her sister Cindy from a Prince who isn’t very charming.

13

from 14

20

CODERDOJO

THE BOLDS

SUSHI MASTERCLASS

Science Museum sciencemuseum.org.uk

Unicorn Theatre unicorntheatre.com

inamo Soho inamo-restaurant.com

Tech-savvy kids can create their own app, game or website at this free coding session.

A musical Christmas show which follows a family of hyenas living in disguise as humans. How long will they be able to keep their beastly secret?

Hands on sushi-making with expert Sashimi Senseis, as this popular masterclass opens up to younger chefs.

from 20

from 20

21

THE SNOWMAN

RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER CHRISTMAS

REGGAE TOTS

Sadler’s Wells sadlerswells.com

Lyric Theatre lyric.co.uk

Colours Hoxton ravertots.co.uk

Enter a wintery wonderland as a boy and his magical snowman set off on a Christmas adventure.

Meet Santa a little early this year as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries in this hit family show.

A multi-sensory reggae dance party from family festival organisers Raver Tots.

10 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NUTC RACKE R THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION RETURNS

Registered Charity 214005

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11

BEVERLEY TURNER

JUDGEMENT

J

ust for fun, I occasionally fantasise about what it must have been like to be a parent in the 1970s – leaving the toddler to play with nothing but a pan and a wooden spoon; driving down the motorway with the baby in a carry-cot on the back seat; or leaving the kids to play in the Ford Cortina with a bottle of pop and a packet of crisps while mum and dad enjoyed a few Babychams in the pub. Admittedly, we’re much better at keeping our children alive these days, but just picture the lack of judgement!

Being a parent used to be a noun. But during the late 1970s and ‘80s, it morphed into a verb thanks to the emergence of profitable products aimed at new mums and dads as well as guilt-inducing handbooks written by child-rearing ‘experts.’ Almost overnight, ‘parenting’ became an action – and, therefore, something at which you could succeed or fail.

This signalled not only a wave of parental paranoia that we are still riding today, but also the curse of widespread judgement – a destructive force which helps almost nobody. Obviously, it’s ok to judge dangerous or neglectful parenting, but that’s the job of social workers. The rest of us can reserve our snippiness to raising an eyebrow at unfettered tech use in the life of a five year-old or the 10-year-old on a staple diet of crisps.

But, boy, it’s exhausting. Being judged for our parenting choices or even judging others for theirs, takes its toll. Most of us are simply doing our best with limited time, resources or familial support.

Sadly, one lasting effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and attendant lockdowns is that it has become socially accepted – nay, socially 12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

expected – to judge others: are they wearing a mask? Are they washing their hands? Have they had more than six people in the garden?

Have they seen their grandparents? Have they had the vaccine? The noise of incessant judgement from behind twitching curtains has been absolutely deafening.

Under a government which cast itself in the role of ‘parent’ to the nation (the type who tells their son to be faithful then snogs their secretary when nobody is looking), we obeyed the instruction that we were all grounded and like the teenagers we effectively became, drank too much and got grumpy with each other.

Whether you believe in the merits of preventing people taking their own informed risks or not (personally, I do, but that won’t surprise any of you who have followed my appearances on TV this year); or whether you believe we must all bow down to the mighty, trustworthy overlords in Westminster who have your best interests at heart, the truth is, we all need to take a deep breath, empathise, listen and try not to judge others. Everyone is currently afraid of something: the virus itself; the long-term effects of the vaccines; the loss of civil liberties; the prospect of a cashless society; an impending recession; digital IDs or the health of a loved one on an endless NHS waiting list. Frankly, we are all sh*tting ourselves about something.

Everyone’s fears may be different, but they are all equally valid.

Wear a mask if you want to. Get the vaccine if you’re an adult and feel fully informed. Stay at home if you feel safer doing so. I don’t care if you wish to run naked down Chiswick High Road wearing nothing but a mask if that’s what makes you feel safe and liberated. Somehow, like parents pushing

a teenager to adulthood, we must get out of this mess with relationships intact and I don’t know a single person whose family or friendship ties have not been weakened, compromised or complicated by events of the last twelve months. Conversation is stifled by emotion and understanding is being suffocated by too much shouting and not enough listening. We need to cut each other some slack.

We parents should be leading this nonjudgement revolution as we’re so good at recognising it – and being on the receiving end of it. So, let’s pour ourselves a Babycham and give the kids a wooden spoon to play with. It’s time to revive the 1970s and chill the heck out. We may not leave our kids in the car park anymore, but we park the judgement.

Being a parent used to be a noun.

But during the late 1970s and ‘80s, it morphed into a verb...

BEVERLEY TURNER shares her thoughts with Marina Fogle on the As Good As It Gets? podcast. She also runs the Happy Birth Club ante-natal classes. thehappybirthclub.co.uk

London’s Premier Hub for Children's Dentistry Going to the dentist can be intimidating for children so finding the right environment for your child’s early dental experience is so important.

Toothbeary is a unique, award winning London-based dental practice designed to care specifically for children aged 0-18. Children should have their first check up by the age of one.

Expert staff have created a child-friendly, playful, relaxed atmosphere incorporating the highest quality dentistry.

An integral part of Toothbeary’s philosophy is the monitoring of your child’s inhibitions, anxieties and fears. In turn, this informs behaviour management approaches and identifies the most suitable treatment methods.

Combining a professional, caring and individualised approach with state-of-the-art treatment ensures that your child‘s experience at Toothbeary is positive, confidence-building and offers the best provision for long-term oral health.

Toothbeary, 358a Richmond Road East Twickenham, TW1 2DU 02088316870 info@toothbeary.co.uk www.toothbeary.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

Ta ke

YO U W NGE AT ER R KI PR D kee OO S’ RE nfo F B DW otw OO O ea TS OD r.c om £69 MID .99

TARTINE ET CHOCOLAT GOLD MITTENS £60 melijoe.com

OC BL

e!

FRESK LION BACKPACK £32 smallable.com

ik aH

STYLE

KE D

S

RA ED CL m CY .co RE lon H nsa RG dre BU hil IN 9 c ED £3

ometimes trends can be practical and this season, a strong mountain hiking theme, means lots of cosy, practical clothing with an extra dose of style. It’s time to wrap up warm and head for the great outdoors in gorgeous plaids, quilted jackets and stylish waterproofs, with your knapsack on your back of course…

IN

CK JA

ET

WATERPROOFS FROM A SELECTION BY KULING alexandalexa.com

KIDS JOGGERS KHAKI CAMO PRINT £30-£32 scampanddude.com

KULING BLOCKED EDINBURGH RECYCLED RAIN PANTS £35 alexandalexa.com

QUILTED COAT from £343 ilgufo.com COLOURBLOCK HIKING BOOTS £177 stellamccartney.com

NO. 21 BROWN BRANDED ZIP TROUSERS £131 melijoe.com

THE ANIMALS OBSERVATORY PLAIN PONY BEANIE HAT £37 smallable.com

PLAID FLEECE JACKET from £260 ilgufo.com

WOOL SWEATER WITH PRINT £128 ilgufo.com

FRESK DANDELION THERMOS BOTTLE 350ML £23 smallable.com

NO. 21 GREEN CAMOUFLAGE COAT £221 melijoe.com

MONCLER GIZEM COAT £466 smallable.com SET OF KNEE HIGH SOCKS from £52 ilgufo.com

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance journalist and co-founder of beauty reviews site @fiivebeauty 14 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

OVERSIZED LOGO MOUNTAIN TOP £49 stellamccartney.com

MAYORAL PLAID SHIRT £25 childrensalon.com

Talking Bobo

This Autumn, unisex clothing champion, Bobo Choses, brings a variety of colour from bright to soft across their pieces.

Expect recycled cotton and polyester, eco-responsible fibres, biodegradable packaging.

Look out for new pieces for 12 to 13 year olds, as well as baby, accessories and homewear.

bobochoses.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

16 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FA S H I O N

bobochoses.com #BoboChosesTalkingBobo

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 17

HOME

Round Jute Rug £24.99 www2.hm.com

Framed Print of The School Crossing

by Molly Brett £70 kingandmcgaw.com

Lunch Bag Woodland Party £23 sophieallport.com

Into the

Woodland Height Chart £18 jojomamanbebe.co.uk

WOODS Enchanted forests, woodland animals and even friendly leaves will turn playrooms and bedrooms into a cosy den packed with fun and character…

by ELEONORE CROMPTON The Enchanted Forest Quilted Blanket £140 forivor.com

Jellycat Woodland Maple Leaf £14 & Amuseable Pine Cone £23 whippersnappersonline.com

Woodland Creatures Hedgehog Cushion £44 bearandbeau.com

Le Botaniste Colouring Book and Stickers £7.99 yoyoandflo.com

Mushroom Storage Basket £105 beaumonde.co.uk

Fabelab Organic Cotton Buddy Fox Toy £24.95 libertylondon.com

Sulo Rabbit Wall Décor £39,99 forivor.com

Woodland Quilt £78 lolaandblake.co.uk

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance journalist and co-founder of beauty reviews site @fiivebeauty 18 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

®

SCHOOLS SUPPLEMENT 2021 PULL OUT & KEEP

44 Pages of Education Features, News and Advice

St James Preparatory School

Primary, Prep, Secondary & Boarding Directory

In association with

North Bridge House

New for er: Septemb Open day fairs

Subject stalls, school tours, taster activities and talks from the Senior Leadership Team. Book now at northbridgehouse.com/open NURSERY & PRE-PREP

NURSERY & PRE-PREP

PREP SCHOOL

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD

WEST HAMPSTEAD

HAMPSTEAD

REGENT’S PARK

11 - 16 YEARS

SENIOR CANONBURY 11 - 18 YEARS

2 - 7 YEARS

2 - 7 YEARS

7 - 13 YEARS

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Weekday open events and guided tours available online. Book your visit or call 020 7428 1520 to find out more.

CONTENTS 23

BACK TO ROUTINE

25

ALL-THROUGH SCHOOLS

28

EDUCATION NEWS

33

MY SCHOOL DAY REDCLIFFE GARDENS

35

SCHOOLS DIRECTORY LONDON PREPS

50

SCHOOLS DIRECTORY LONDON SECONDARIES

55

SCHOOLS DIRECTORY BOARDING PREPS

57

SCHOOLS DIRECTORY BOARDING SECONDARIES

60

MY SCHOOL DAY RADNOR HOUSE

63

GUIDE TO STATE SCHOOLS

W

elcome to a revamped, remodelled and expanded version of our Schools Supplement. This autumn, we have our biggest schools directory to date compiled with help and expert guidance from our education partner The Good Schools Guide.

Within you will find key information on pre-preps, preps, primaries and secondaries across the capital, as well as schools further afield offering London parents more choice when it comes to bussing out daily, flexi-boarding, weekly boarding or full boarding.

Over recent years we have seen that more schools are expanding to cover all age groups, creating an all-through school experience. On page 25 we look at the pros and cons and shine the spotlight on one school offering this journey.

At CKHQ we are super nosey, so we hope you enjoy our behind the scenes look at what keeps our teachers busy every day. We hear from the Head of Redcliffe Gardens on p33 and Deputy Head of Radnor House School on p60.

Finally, we round-up the latest education news and catch up with the new faces joining a variety of schools in the capital and the south east this autumn on p28.

citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353

Editor & Owner Advertising Victoria Evans Sarah Dawson editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk sarah@citykidsmagazine.co.uk

Can you spot the good schools?

We can.

From planning your child’s education to last minute places; from expert special needs support to family relocations. Let our Education Consultants do the hard work for you.

0203 286 6824 | consultants@goodschoolsguide.co.uk | goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

London schools?

We wrote the books.

The capital’s best state and independent schools. Shop now at goodschoolsguide.co.uk 26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

E D U C AT I O N

GETTING BACK

TO ROUTINE WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ROUTINE ABOUT THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR. AS WE BEGIN A NEW ONE, CITY KIDS ASKED THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE’S MELANIE SANDERSON HOW WE CAN ALL PREPARE.

PHOTO Deleece Cool

1 N

ot all children relish the thought of going back to school and even those who are enthusiastically packed and dressed the night before the first day of term can suffer last-minute nerves. Starting the academic year while the pandemic lingers, with potential for future lockdowns and general uncertainty, is enough to shake the toughest of characters, old or young.

However, no matter which end of the scale your child sits, we encourage a practical, cando, approach from parents.

It is important to nurture a sense of safety and bear in mind that until a certain age, children don’t have the emotional maturity to process news about lockdowns, testing, vaccinations and changes to school life. Schools have been working hard over the summer to ensure that the return is as stress-free as possible for their pupils. We have also put together some advice on how to overcome back-to-school worries for children and young people of all ages. The ideas also translate well for any child starting at a new school. goodschoolsguide.co.uk

BRING BACK ROUTINE AND STRUCTURE

Children and young adults thrive best when they know exactly what is going to happen, and structure promotes a sense of calm. Talk through how things will work at home once your children go back to school; younger children may respond well to a visual timetable illustrating their day, even more so if it can mirror their school routine before they go back. For all ages, get bedtimes back on track and wake teenagers up in the morning for at least a week before school starts.

2

DEVELOP A SENSE OF SAFETY

Contextualise media reports about vaccinations, lockdowns, testing and public examinations for older children and remind them that you are there to answer their questions or discuss specific fears.

Give teenagers personal space; if you know they are in a safe place physically and emotionally, choose your battles and let them navigate the landscape at their own pace. Consider visiting the school grounds so the first day of term feels less daunting. Allow little ones to take a favourite comfort toy into school to form a reassuring gap between home and school. They can be hidden in a pocket or at the bottom of a bag but just their presence can help calm nerves.

3

ASK FOR HELP

Explain your concerns to your child’s tutor or form teacher and, if possible, arrange a virtual meeting where your child can share their worries.

Some schools have Family Liaison Officers or wellbeing mentors who could also help here too; identify a trusted adult for your child so they know they have someone at school who they can go to if things get too much.

4

MANAGE YOUR OWN EMOTIONS

It is perfectly normal for adults to feel stressed or frightened too; try to let your children see that you are managing this in a healthy way by talking, exercise or relaxation. Model kind behaviour towards other people and talk about the future in a positive way. Acknowledge that nobody is perfect and show that it’s how you manage life’s ups and downs that helps build resilience.

5

LISTEN

6

CONNECT SOCIALLY

If your child comes to you with their worries, count to ten in your head before you answer them, then normalise and reframe their emotions into a more positive statement. If they tell you they’re afraid of going back to school, for example, remind them that they felt the same way last year and were fine after a few days or weeks.

Think about starting a worry jar. Family members of all ages can write their concerns down and put them in a jar. Look at them again after a week and if they are no longer worries, then throw them away. The ones that stay long term are those that need to be dealt with by talking or taking positive action. Sometimes the mere act of writing them down makes them seem smaller.

Turn your attentions outwards by seeing friends. Try to get your children together with some school friends before the start of term so they have a friendly face or two on day one. Unstructured play is a tonic and once your child starts school encourage plenty of play, downtime and socialising to help them leave the now unfamiliar pressures of the school day behind.

7

PROMOTE HOPEFULNESS

The notion that life moves in cycles is powerful; remind all your family members that it’s all about dealing with highs and lows and remembering that ‘all things pass, including this’.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

New

bus routes

W4/ W6/ W12 & SW6

. s lt u es r t a e r g t e g s il p u p O ur They just don’t get stressed about it.

For more information and to arrange a tour of the nursery or the prep school, please contact 0207 348 1793 or email admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk

stjamesprep.org.uk Earsby Street London W14 8SH

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

24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ALL-THROUGH SCHOOLS: ARE THEY THE ANSWER?

J

Words VICTORIA EVANS

unior school, pre-prep, prep, middle school, high school. There is certainly a variety on offer in England. Throw all-through schools into the mix and choosing the right school for your child is not an easy task. Now junior schools are opening senior schools, and vice versa, so could the all-through school model be what you are looking for?

All-through schools typically offer education from reception to sixth form. They can be based in one location, but more often than not, you will find primary and secondary across two or more sites. This means they have the feel of separate schools, with separate heads, but share the same overarching ethos.

Primary aged children can benefit from being taught by specialist subject teachers, say in French or science, and they have the opportunity to enjoy secondary school facilities such as theatres, science labs and sports centres.

One of the biggest pluses for secondary aged children, especially in the private sector, is not having a stressful transition from primary school.

While pupils from junior may have to take the 11+, it would be unusual for them not to gain entry to the senior part of the school. Plus, if there is a hiccup on exam day, pupils have the advantage of being known to staff who can make an informed decision about entry. Moreover, moving up with a bunch of established friends makes transition a lot easier. This can have disadvantages for new joiners in Year 7 who find it hard to break into groups, but most all-through

schools expand their year group numbers at this stage, which is refreshing for all concerned.

Our education partners at The Good Schools Guide know a thing or two about all-through schools, so we asked them for a valuable overview.

Grace Moody-Stuart, Director of Good Schools Guide Education Consultants: “Finding a school for your young child which, barring mishaps, should take them all the way to the end of A levels can feel like a huge relief for parents. A sense of ‘job done’, as it were.

There are many marvellous all-through schools which provide an excellent experience. But despite the many advantages - no entrance exam exasperation for example - and undoubted convenience of having a firm idea of what the future holds, there are reasons why an all-through school may not be right for everyone. Somewhere that was a good fit when your child was four years old may no longer be the best option as the child moves into adolescence. Quite apart from the possibility of them developing unforeseen interests or talents which can’t be catered for at the current school, there’s always a risk that your child can get stuck in a rut or be pigeon-holed in a way which is hard to shake off. Of course, that can happen at any school but the big shift which most children experience when moving school aged eleven (or sometimes thirteen) can freshen things up, broaden horizons and bring about new friendships.”

City Kids asked the head of one all-through school to explain how the system worked for them.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

E D U C AT I O N

All-through school

ST BENEDICT’S

T

by ANDREW JOHNSON Headmaster of St Benedict’s

26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

he key advantage is that a child can join a school in the primary phase and know that they have secured a school place in the secondary phase of their school. They are in the best possible place to prepare for their transition to secondary education in their chosen school.

The other advantages are around having access to senior school facilities for science, sport and the performing arts - and to the expertise of subject specialists; there are lots of cross-phase opportunities, where senior schoolteachers support the teaching of younger children.

Attending the junior school of their future senior school gives

children a head start because they are already familiar with it, and have formed friendships which they keep as they move to the secondary phase. At the same time, they have the opportunity to make new friends as children come in from elsewhere, giving the best of both worlds. All-through schools also enable senior pupils to take up leadership opportunities, such as helping with sports coaching and mentoring, which in turn provides younger pupils with excellent role models.

Continuity obviously gives children a sense of security, which can build their confidence. Girls and boys grow up together from age three to

‘Attending the junior school of their future senior school gives children a head start’

18, learning alongside each other as brothers and sisters, forging positive relationships.

Every single phase of education is new ground, however, with a different curriculum, new intellectual challenges and opportunities and so, whether you stay in the same school from nursery to sixth form, or change school several times, you’re going to have a different experience every academic year.

For many all-through schools the largest intake is at 11+, which means that new children don’t find it difficult to integrate. With a good induction system in place, and a welcoming environment, new starters settle in quickly.

I think it’s important that schools actively seek to mix up those who come through from their junior school with those who come in from other schools, so that everyone can make friends and feel a sense of belonging.

Two particular examples of the all-through school model at its best come to mind: the first is our cross-phase science fair, when A-Level science students work with Year 5 pupils on projects such as coding mini robots and discovering exothermic reactions. The other example illustrates the strength of community fostered by this model: our Careers Fair introduces pupils of all ages to our alumni, who return to talk about their various professional roles and career paths.

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

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE Scholarships on offer at St Benedict’s: Academic, Art & Design, Drama, Music and Sports

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

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

HEADS ON THE MOVE MORVEN MACDONALD at The Village Prep Ms MacDonald joins The Village Prep from Garden House School where she has driven changes to the curriculum and developed the quality of teaching and learning in her capacity as Assistant Head (Academic).

She has a passion for education theory and research, and firmly believes in the importance of using this to guide decisions made in the classroom. She says: “I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that our girls experience exceptional learning opportunities which inspire them to be the best they can be in every area of school life. I look forward to building upon the outstanding teaching at The Village Prep to ensure that children are inspired to aspire and provided with the learning attitudes, skills and knowledge to thrive in the current world we live in.”

KIT THOMPSON at Orchard House School Mr Thompson joins Orchard House from the Unicorn School in Kew where he has overseen a period of tremendous success. Educated at Downside School, Somerset, Mr Thompson has held positions at Tockington Manor School, Bristol and Twyford School, Winchester, where he was Deputy Head.

He said: “I hold a deep belief that children learn best when they feel safe, happy and are inspired to try their very best every day. The wonderful strap line ‘where every child can learn to fly’ immediately made me smile and I know that my views on education are ideally matched to the school.”

KATE BEVAN at Notting Hill & Ealing High Junior School Ms Bevan was previously at Ibstock Place School Junior department where she spent two years as Head. She enjoyed 13 years at Danes Hill School as Head of Year, Head of History, and Director of Studies.

DAN THORNBURN at Millfield Prep Mr Thornburn takes over in January 2022 after four years at Edgeborough School in Surrey. He has overseen record pupil numbers as well as a merger between Edgeborough and Charterhouse which comes to fruition this year.

POLLY FRALEY at the Unicorn School Ms Fraley, former Deputy Head, succeeds Kit Thompson. Polly was educated at the Godolphin and Latymer School before studying History at Oxford and completing her PGCE in Primary Education at Roehampton University.

NARRATE LIKE A NINJA!

OPEN DAYS RETURN

Bloomsbury Books has released a new series of vocabulary workbooks for KS1 and KS2 pupils.

Entitled Vocabulary Ninja, each features a variety of fun activities activities with full-colour illustrations for different age groups, including picture games, word mazes, anagrams, labelling, code-breaking games, creative writing and synonym-matching. Included is advice for parents on home learning, answers to the questions, and downloadable certificates.

Keep your eyes peeled on citykidsmagazine. co.uk for the latest school open day dates. citykidsmagazine.co.uk

SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CELEBRATES IB SUCCESS

OXBRIDGE SUCCESS Brampton Manor Academy in Newham received top Oxbridge awards this summer. 55 pupils got the A-level grades they needed and in all, 330 got into Russell Group universities. The school has come a long way in the last few years when in 2014 only one Brampton student received an Oxbridge offer. Last year’s cohort won 51 offers. This summer, nearly half of UK entries were awarded an A or A* grade.

28 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Students at Southbank International School in London have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in their IB Diploma. 35% have also achieved a bilingual qualification. Amal Hirani, Deputy Principal Diploma Programme at Southbank International School, said: “We are delighted with this year’s IB Diploma results which are a testament to the hard work, creativity and determination of our students.

We have focused on supporting each student academically and pastorally so that they can meet the academic rigours of the Diploma Programme. This year especially, that support has been more important than ever.”

LEH-CITY-KIDS-JULY21.indd 2

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

24/06/2021 15:59

Discover your path OPEN-MINDED

COMPASSIONATE

TASIS England inspires students to become life-long learners who are internationally-minded and committed to service leadership as they discover their own pathway to the future.

Leading international school for day (ages 3-18) & boarding (ages 13-18) Average class size of 15 students International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme & Advanced Placement (AP) courses Excellent university placement in the UK, US & worldwide with individualized university counseling 60 nationalities & 30 languages spoken on campus 35 minutes from central London & 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport

Open Events BOOK YOUR PLACE tasisengland.org/discover

tasisengland.org | ukadmissions@tasisengland.org | +44 (0)1932 582316

34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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

BUDDING RADNOR HOUSE VET WINS CAMBRIDGE PRIZE Incoming Head Prefect at Radnor House School, Amelia Griffiths, has won first prize for her Veterinary Medicine entry in the prestigious Cottrell Essay Prize organised by Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge. The essay is open to prospective students of medicine and veterinary medicine and is one of the most prestigious competitions in these fields. Amelia set aside time in the academic calendar to produce an exceptionally well researched and sharply analytical 1,500-word essay entitled ‘Brachycephalic dogs spend their entire lives struggling to breathe. Their popularity is regrettable, and their breeding should be strictly regulated.’ Discuss.

#NHEHSsparks sparks

CURIOSITY

NHEHS girls cross frontiers in their learning and widen their understanding

Open Days available now www.nhehs.gdst.net

A77746 NHEHS Ad 190x118 P2.indd 2

08/07/2021 12:12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

An Independent Co-educational Day School inspiring girls and boys from age 9 to 18.

Courage • Excellence • Perseverance • Respect

OPEN DAYS WHOLE SCHOOL SATURDAY OPEN DAYS 2021 nd th

Rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas - ISI Inspection Feb 2020

2 October & 13 November SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 2021

22 September nd

ADMISSIONS AT YEAR 5, YEAR 7 & SIXTH FORM

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK A VISIT AND FIND OUT MORE

www.radnor-twickenham.org 020 8891 6264

• admissions@radnorhouse.org

Pope’s Villa, Cross Deep, Twickenham, TW1 4QG

Prep school for boys and girls aged 2½–11

Discover the joys of learning at Redcliffe, now part of the Godolphin and Latymer family BOOK A TOUR: www.redcliffeschool.com @redcliffeschool

32 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Godolphin and Latymer Redcliffe Gardens School 47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH

E D U C AT I O N

MY SCHOOL DAY

by Ben Dunhill, Head Of Redcliffe Gardens School BEN DUNHILL SPENT 10 YEARS IN SENIOR SCHOOLS AT BLUNDELL’S AND WORTH WHERE HE WAS A BOARDING HOUSEMASTER. PRIOR TO THIS HE TAUGHT ENGLISH IN FRANCE. PREVIOUS HEADSHIPS INCLUDE PORT REGIS IN DORSET AND ABERCORN SCHOOL IN MARYLEBONE. HE JOINED REDCLIFFE GARDENS SCHOOL IN JANUARY 2021.

0700

Arrive at school, check emails, first meeting with Deputy Head. We both arrive early because it is quiet and we can plan ahead for the day.

0740

1245

Lunch - always a highlight at Redcliffe.

1330

Chat with my PA who is also the school secretary. As a new head in this school I really rely on her and fortunately for us all, she is super-efficient, knowledgeable and practical.

On a Thursday I am off with the Plogging Club – (Picking up litter while jogging!) With gloves and grabbers our team of senior pupils usually manage quite a hoard of recyclable and non-recyclable items which are dealt with accordingly.

0800

1400

At the door to welcome pupils. I consider this a very important part of the day. The values you have in a community are shown in the welcome that you give to others. We also help the children develop their social skills in offering and responding to greetings. It is also a vital touchpoint with parents just to say ‘Hello’ or to pick up or share any relevant information regarding a pupil, or simply the logistics of the day ahead (altered collection time etc).

0845

Assembly. This is vital time for any school. This is where values are reinforced and good or less good news is shared and explained. Assemblies give pupils the chance to stand up in front of their peers and help them hone their presentation skills.

0930

Parent tours

1130

Teach Year 6. At different times of the year we focus on interview preparation, current affairs, School Parliament matters or research charities to support through events.

Admissions and Marketing meeting

1500

Head’s lesson with Year 2. I often just read to them (with lots of voices for dramatic effect) or we talk about current affairs that may be accessible to them.

1600

Clubs begin and it is home-time for others. I love the various clubs we put on. I especially love the fact that these activities, unlike academic ones, are ‘un-measured’, ‘just for fun’! Relaxing, sociable and more often than not ‘creative’ and the best bit about being a teacher is... seeing pupils be creative!

1615

Zoom call with Dr Ramsey at Godolphin and Latymer with my Deputy Head. We have regular calls to share thoughts and deal with any matters arising. If there is nothing too meaty to discuss we can simply have a chat.

1700

Meetings. Could be with parents or the Godolphin and Latymer Foundation governors for me to provide an update on how things are going.

1800

I like to get in the car by 1800 in order to hear the news round-up of the day.

Personal tours and a meeting with Mr Dunhill can be booked via redcliffeschool.com.

You can also find out more via their social media pages, @Redcliffeschool on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

Devonshire House Pre-Prep & Prep School & The Oak Tree Nursery for Children from 2½

‘A lovely, caring environment with dynamic and engagingly creative teachers’ (Junior School Parent)

Our Next Open Mornings: Thursday 16th & Thursday 30th September 2021 at 10:00am To register for an open morning please visit our website or contact Admissions Telephone: 020 7435 1916 Email: enquiries@dhprep.co.uk Website: www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE 38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

D I R E C TO R Y

SCHOOL DIRECTORY If you are considering the private route, our schools directory

research, you will find a school where your child will flourish

provides some basic information and contact details to help you

and be happy.

on your way to choosing a school. Check websites for open days and registration deadlines as some schools will operate a first

PREP BOARDING

come first served system, while others might assess.

You may be considering a move out or prefer your child has a countryside education. Our prep boarding list has distance in

PRE-PREP/PREP/PRIMARY DAY SCHOOLS

mind, with journey times from London under an hour.

Choosing a first school can be overwhelming. Old hands will tell you that league tables and statistics (and tittle tattle) are only

SECONDARY BOARDING

part of the story – an open day, tour or show around will give you

As your children become more independent, distance is not

the feel for a place and the opportunity to ask questions.

quite so key, so our directory reflects this, taking in further flung counties such as Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Dorset. And

SECONDARY DAY SCHOOLS

some quintessential English boarding schools.

London has some of the best secondary schools in the country and as a result it can feel a bit frenzied as families head

You’ll find all the schools within our directory on The Good

towards 11+ exams. But, if you ignore the tittle tattle, stay

Schools Guide website: those which are reviewed are marked

honest about your child’s ability and character, and do your

with a .

PRIMARY/PRE-PREP/PREP NORTH/NORTH-WEST ABERCORN SCHOOL 28 Abercorn Place, NW8 9XP T 020 7286 4785 E admissions@abercornschool.com W abercornschool.com Co-ed 2 to 13.

Next schools: Aldenham, City of London, Francis Holland, Highgate, Latymer Upper, Mill Hill, North London Collegiate, Queen’s College, UCS, Westminster, Eton DEVONSHIRE HOUSE PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, NW3 6AE T 020 7435 1916 E admissions@ devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk W devonshirehouseschool.co.uk Co-ed 2.5 to 13 Next schools: Highgate, St Paul’s, UCS, Westminster, Mill Hill, City of London, Eton, Merchant Taylor’s, Haberdashers, Charterhouse, Harrow LYNDHURST HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, NW3 5NW T 020 7435 4936

E jorrett@lyndhursthouse.co.uk W lyndhursthouse.co.uk Boys 4 to 13 Next schools: City of London, Highgate, Mill Hill, Westminster, UCS, St Paul’s, Eton, Harrow, Stowe MAPLE WALK SCHOOL 62a Crownhill Road, NW10 4EB T 020 8963 3890 E admissions@maplewalkschool.co.uk W maplewalkschool.co.uk Co-ed 4 to 11 Next schools: Aldenham, City of London, Emanuel, Queen’s College, Latymer Upper, John Lyon, North Bridge House, Belmont Mill Hill Prep School, Wetherby Prep, Francis Holland NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE SCHOOL 1 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 7AB T 020 7267 6266 E prep.reception@northbridgehouse. com W northbridgehouse.com Co-ed nursery 2 to 5, Pre-prep 5 to 7, Prep 7 to 13 Next schools: Senior School, City of London, Channing, Eton, Francis Holland, Merchant Taylor’s, Channing, South Hampstead

PRIVATE TOURS NOW AVAILABLE Contact us to arrange a visit

Register here: www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk/tour 0207 435 4936 office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London, NW3 5NW

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35

D I R E C TO R Y ORLEY FARM SCHOOL

W thevillageschool.org.uk

Godolphin & Latymer, Hampton,

at 13+, Dulwich College, Harrow,

South Hill Avenue, Harrow, HA1 3NU

Girls 3 to 11

Ibstock, Kings College Wimbledon,

Charterhouse

T 020 8869 7600

Next schools: Belmont, Channing, City

LEH, Latymer Upper, Putney High,

E office@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

of London, Francis Holland, Henrietta

Surbiton, Tiffin Boys & Girls

W orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

Barnett, Queen’s College, South

Co-ed 4 to 13

Hampstead

Next schools: Merchant Taylors’, Mill

EATON HOUSE THE MANOR GIRLS’ SCHOOL

BROOMWOOD HALL SCHOOL

58 Clapham Common Northside,

68-74 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR

SW4 9RU

Hill, Northwood College, Parmiter’s,

THE GOWER SCHOOL

T 020 8682 8830

T 0203 917 5050

Rugby, St Paul’s Girls, John Lyon, Royal

10 Cynthia Street, N1 9JF

E admissions@northwoodschools.com

E sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com

Masonic, Westminster, Aldenham,

T 020 7700 2445

W northwoodschools.com

W eatonhouseschools.com

Haberdashers’ Aske’s (boys and girls),

E info@thegowerschool.co.uk

Girls 4 to 13 and boys from 4 to 8

Girls 4 to 11

Haileybury, Harrow

W thegowerschool.co.uk

Next schools: Francis Holland, JAGS,

JAGS, Wycombe Abbey, St Paul’s Girls’,

Co-ed 0 to 11.

LEH, St Paul’s, More House, Streatham

St Mary’s Ascot

ST JOHN’S WOOD PRE-PREP

Next schools: Westminster, City of

& Clapham High, Emanuel, Alleyn’s,

Lord’s Roundabout, NW8 7NE

London, Highgate, Channing, Dame

Harrodian, Wellington

T 020 7722 7149

Alice Owen’s, Forest, Francis Holland,

E info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk

Henrietta Barnett, North London

CAMERON VALE SCHOOL

T 020 7225 3131

W sjwpre-prep.org.uk

Collegiate, Hampstead High

The Vale, SW3 6AH

E registrar@eatonsquareschool.com

T 020 7352 4040

W eatonsquareschool.com

E info@cameronvaleschool.com

Co-ed 4 to 11

W cameronvaleschool.com

Next schools: Alleyns, JAGS, Francis

Co-ed 3 to 7 Next schools: St Paul’s Juniors,

SOUTH + SOUTH WEST

Highgate, North Bridge House, South

EATON SQUARE SCHOOL 55-57 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PH

Hampstead High, UCS, Westminster

BROOMFIELD HOUSE SCHOOL

Co-ed aged 2 to 11

Holland, Dulwich College, Godolphin &

Under, Latymer Prep, Merchant Taylor’s

Broomfield Road, TW9 3HS

Next Schools Queen’s Gate, Wetherby

Latymer, Latymer Upper, Putney High

T 020 8940 3884

Senior, Queen’s College, More House,

THE VILLAGE PREP SCHOOL

E office@broomfieldhouse.com

Holland Park School

2 Parkhill Road, NW3 2YN

W broomfieldhouse.com

T 020 7485 4673

Co-ed 3 to 11

City Kids OFS QPage.pdf E admin@thevillageschool.org.uk

1 Next 09/07/2021 11:00Juniors, am schools: St Paul’s

FALCONS PREP RICHMOND 41 Kew Foot Road, TW9 2SS

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

T 020 8948 9490

(incorporating

E admin@falconsprep.co.uk

NOAHS ARK NURSERY SCHOOLS)

W falconsprep.co.uk

Northcote Road, SW11 6QW

Boys 7 to 13

T 020 7924 3472

Next schools: Monmouth School,

E admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk

Haileybury, Reed’s, Radnor House

W dolphinschool.org.uk Co-ed 2 to 11

FALCONS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS (&

Next schools: Alleyn’s, Croydon High,

PEREGRINES PRE-PREP)

Downe House, Dulwich College,

11 Woodborough Road, SW15 6PY

Ibstock Place, Whitgift, Sydenham

T 020 8992 5189

High, Francis Holland

E admissions@falconsgirls.co.uk W falconsgirls.co.uk

C

M

Y

EATON HOUSE

Girls 4 to 11 with a co-ed nursery 2 to 4

3-5 Eaton Gate, SW1W 9BA

Next schools: Putney High, Ibstock,

T 0203 917 5050

Kew House, Latymer Upper, LEH,

E sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com

Radnor House, Harrodian, Benenden

W eatonhouseschools.com

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Boys 3 to 11

FALKNER HOUSE

Next schools: Westminster, St Paul’s,

19 Brechin Place, SW7 4QB

Haberdashers’ Aske’s, Latymer

T 020 7373 4501

Prep, Westminster Under, Thomas’s

E office@falknerhouse.co.uk

Battersea, Wetherby Prep

W falknerhouse.co.uk Girls 3 to 11

K

EATON HOUSE THE MANOR

Next schools: Godolphin & Latymer, St

BOYS’S SCHOOL

Paul’s Girls, City of London, Latymer

The Manor House, 58 Clapham

Upper, Notting Hill & Ealing, Queen’s

Common Northside, SW4 9RU

Gate, Putney High School, Benenden, St

T 020 3917 5050

Mary’s Ascot, Wycombe Abbey

E sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com W eatonhouseschools.com Boys 3 to 13 Next schools: Eton, Tonbridge, Winchester, Westminster, St Paul’s 36 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

D I R E C TO R Y FALKNER HOUSE (BOYS)

Summer Fields, Ludgrove. Francis

High School, Harrodian, Wimbledon

E registrar@newtonprep.co.uk

20 Penywern Rd, London SW5 9SU

Holland (north and south), Godolphin

High School

W newtonprepschool.co.uk

T 020 7373 2340

& Latymer, Latymer Upper, St Mary’s

E office20pr@falknerhouse.co.uk

Ascot, Heathfield

W falknerhouse.co.uk

Next schools: Westminster, City of KEW GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

London, JAGS, Wimbledon High,

Layton House, Ferry Lane, TW9 3AF

Dulwich, Godolphin & Latymer, Putney

Boys 4 to 11

GLENDOWER PREPARATORY

T 020 8948 5999

High, St Paul’s, Hampton, King’s College

Next schools: Kings College,

SCHOOL

E secretary@kgps.co.uk

Wimbledon, Whitgift, Wellington, Eton,

Wimbledon, St Paul’s, City of London

86/87 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JX

W kgps.co.uk

Benenden, Cheltenham Ladies’ College,

T 020 7370 1927

Co-ed 4 to 11

Charterhouse, Harrow, Brighton

FRANCIS HOLLAND JUNIOR

E office@glendowerprep.org

Next schools: Kew House, Notting

College

SCHOOL (SLOANE SQUARE)

W glendowerprep.org

Hill & Ealing, Westminster, Latymer

Graham Terrace, SW1W 8JF

Girls 4 to 11

Upper, KCS Wimbledon, St John’s

NORTHCOTE LODGE SCHOOL

T 020 7730 2971

Next schools: Francis Holland Sloane

Leatherhead, Ibstock Place

26 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11 6EL

E registrar@fhs-sw1.org.uk

Square, Godolphin & Latymer,

W fhs-sw1.org.uk

Wycombe Abbey, Kensington Park

KINGS HOUSE SCHOOL

E admissions@northwoodschools.com

Girls 4 to 11

School, Latymer Upper, Putney High

68 King’s Road, TW10 6ES

W northwoodschools.com

Next schools: Francis Holland Senior,

School, St Paul’s Girls’

T 020 8940 1878

Boys 8 to 13

E schooloffice@kingshouseschool.org

Next schools: Senior school, Harrow,

KEW COLLEGE

W kingshouseschool.org

Eton, Tonbridge, Sherborne, Bradfield,

24-26 Cumberland Road, TW9 3HQ

Boys 3 to 13 with co-ed nursery

Marlborough, Wellington

GARDEN HOUSE SCHOOL

T 020 8940 2039

Next schools: Hampton, St Paul’s,

Turks Row, SW3 4TW

E enquiries@kewcollege.com

King’s College Wimbledon, Reed’s,

PARSONS GREEN PREP SCHOOL

T 020 7730 1652

W kewcollege.com

Epsom College, Charterhouse, Eton,

1 Fulham Park Road, SW6 4LJ

E info@gardenhouseschool.co.uk

Co-ed from 3 to 11

Millfield, Wellington, Winchester

T 020 7371 9009

W gardenhouseschool.co.uk

Next schools: Hampton School, Ibstock

Boys and girls 3 to 11

Place School, Kingston Grammar

NEWTON PREP

W parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

Next schools: Sussex House, Wetherby

School, Radnor House, St Benedict’s

149 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BX

Co-ed 4 to 11

Prep, St Paul’s’, Winchester House,

School, St Catherine’s School, Surbiton

T 020 7720 4091

Next schools: St Paul’s Girls’, Godolphin

Alleyn’s, JAGS, St Paul’s Girls, City of London Girls, Wycombe Abbey, Downe House

T 020 8682 8888

Village Prep advert City Kids 118mm x 190mm_Village Prep ad 08/07/2021 13:37 Page 1

E admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

Belsize Park, NW3.

I M A G I N AT I O N , D E T E R M I N AT I O N & A S P I R AT I O N

Open Days Follow us on Twitter @VillagePrep

Wednesday 22nd September at 2.00pm & Wednesday 13th October at 9:30am

www.thevillageschool.org.uk

Ofsted 2020

Please book your place: 020 7485 4673 or email admin@thevillageschool.org.uk If you are unable to make these dates, individual appointments are available.

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

What is your dream job?

For pirouetting pilots that will take you for a spin, number crunchers that provide for the munchers and those that save pets’ lives, and then paint them,

Falcons WE ARE

AIR FALC

ONS

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER FOR A PRIVATE TOUR falconsgirls.co.uk | admissions@falconsgirls.co.uk 11 Woodborough Road, Putney, SW15 6PY FSG Autumn City Kids half page ad.indd 1

Rated EXCELLENT in all areas

22/07/2021 16:08:16

Eaton Square Schools

Nursery & Prep Great minds set free

NEXT OPEN MORNING: Thursday 14th October 2021 DON’T MISS OUT: NEW NURSERY OPENING SEPTEMBER 2021

www.eatonsquareschools.com 55-57 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH | registrar@eatonsquareschool.com | 0207 225 3131 38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE REMOTE LEARNING PROGRAMME FROM PGP WAS OUTSTANDING.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR

OPEN DAY ON

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 9.30AM SHE AND WE LOVED PGP AND SHE LEFT FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND WITH GREAT RESULTS.

PLEASE CONTACT US TO BOOK A PLACE

www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk w ww.parsonsgreenprep.c .co o.uk P arsons G reen P rep Parsons Green Prep 1 Fulham Park Road London SW6 4LJ T: 020 7610 8085 E: admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk We are really looking forward to meeting you.

We would be delighted to show you our brand new Reception classroom and share our further plans towards becoming a major STEAM school.

PGP IS A WONDERFUL SCHOOL WITH STRONG ACADEMICS AND A LOVELY, CARING ETHOS.

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD STARTS HERE CHOOSE

a co-ed prep school & nursery, for children aged 3-13, with bursary funding 7+ for those who need it, in Battersea www.newtonprepschool.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

D I R E C TO R Y & Latymer, Queen’s Gate, Harrodian,

E registrar@redcliffeschool.com

THE ROCHE SCHOOL

Girls 4 to 11

Ibstock Place, St James

W redcliffeschool.com

11 Frogmore, SW18 1HW

Next schools: Wimbledon High,

Co-ed 2.5 to 11

T 020 8877 0823

Cranleigh Prep, Guildford High School,

PRINCE’S GARDENS PREPARATORY

Francis Holland Regent’s Park, More

E admissions@therocheschool.co.uk

Putney High, St John’s Leatherhead,

SCHOOL

House, St Philip’s, Fulham School,

W therocheschool.com

Surbiton High School, Sutton High

23-25 Princes Gate, SW7 1PT

Queen’s College, Sussex House,

Co-ed 2 to 11

T 020 7591 4620

Hurlingham Academy, Queen’s Gate,

Next schools: Emanuel, King’s College,

THE WHITE HOUSE PREP SCHOOL &

E admissions@princesgardensprep.co.uk

Kensington Park School, St James’s

Wimbledon, Dulwich College, Ibstock

WOODENTOPS KINDERGARTEN

Place School, Latymer, Wimbledon

24 Thornton Road, SW12 0LF

High, Putney High, Epsom College

T 020 8674 9514

W princesgardensprep.co.uk Co-ed 3 to 11

SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL

Next schools: Heathfield, St James,

59 Fulham High Street, SW6 3JJ

More House, St George’s

T 020 7736 9182

THE ROWANS

W whitehouseschool.com

E info@sinclairhouseschool.com

19 Drax Avenue, SW20 0EG

Co-ed 3 to 11

PROSPECT HOUSE SCHOOL

W sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

T 020 8946 8220

Next schools: JAGs, Alleyn’s, Dulwich

75 Putney Hill, SW15 3NT

Co-ed 2 to 11

E office@rowans.org.uk

College, Whitgift, Emanuel, Trinity

T 020 8780 0456

Next schools: Emanuel, Francis Holland,

W rowans.org.uk

School, Woldingham

E info@prospecths.org.uk

Fulham, Godolphin & Latymer

Co-ed 3 to 7

E office@whitehouseschool.com

Next schools: Shrewsbury House, Kings

WETHERBY KENSINGTON

Co-ed 3 to 11

SUSSEX HOUSE SCHOOL

College Junior, St Paul’s Junior, LEH,

4 Wetherby Gardens, SW5 0JN

Next schools: King’s College, Latymer

68 Cadogan Square, SW1X 0EA

Wimbledon High, Feltonfleet, Danes

T 0203 910 9760

Upper, Putney High, Hampton,

T 020 7584 1741

Hill

E learn@wetherbykensington.co.uk

Kingston Grammar, St John’s

E admissions@sussexhouseschool.co.uk

Leatherhead, Ibstock, Kew House,

W sussexhouseschool.co.uk

THE STUDY PREPARATORY

Boys 4 to 8

Surbiton High

Boys 8 to 13

SCHOOL

Next schools: St Paul’s, Latymer Prep,

Next schools: Eton, Winchester,

Wilberforce House, SW19 4UN

Kings College Wimbledon

Harrow, St Paul’s, Westminster

T 020 8947 6969

W prospecths.org.uk

REDCLIFFE GARDENS SCHOOL

W wetherby-kensington.co.uk

47, Redcliffe Gardens, SW10 9JH

E admissions@thestudyprep.co.uk

T 020 7352 9247

W thestudyprep.co.uk

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

Open Day Saturday 9th October 2021 10am - 12 noon

8 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BG 020 8579 3662 admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

the the active active way way

ScHoOl To

BaCk

BaCk

To LeArN FoR LiFe ScHoOl To

...because moving bodies aid active minds

bilateral

CoOrDiNaTiOn

DEVELOPS: The vestibular system is our sense of balance and movement and is centered in the inner ear.

vestibular

SyStEm

DEVELOPS: fine motor skills, visual motor tasks, gross motor skills.

SCHOOL:

holding a pencil, reading, writing, paying attention.

SCHOOL: Sitting still for periods of time, understanding of my spacial awareness can sit in a circle without sitting on top of another child, reading.

Back to School Keep Them Moving Researchers within the NHS and Harvard recommend that your child should get moving for 3 to 5 hours a day, including 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. This isn’t just important for your child’s physical health, but also critical to the development of their brain, their body, their sensory systems, and their social and emotional skills. Pressures on timetables, resources and space mean this can be difficult within schools.

This is where The Little Gym steps in.

Lack of movement LIMITS OUR CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT Gymnastics is the only sport that challenges the body to move through every single movement plane and rotate around every single axis. That's why we consider it the movement equivalent of a superfood.

Just like leafy greens, movement increases brainpower - children get smarter when they move! At the same time, their bodies get stronger which allows their brains to listen and learn better. At The Little Gym children learn to problem solve through movement, they learn to control their body, enhance their gross motor skills, discover what they are capable of, and to TRUST themselves. They develop self-confidence, self-esteem and boost their creativity and imagination through movement. They develop their peripheral vision, their balance, their spatial awareness through movement. They learn to concentrate, focus and even sit still through MOVING first.

So...Why The Little Gym? "If children do not have the coordination and strength to stabilise their bodies, they find it hugely demanding to sit for long periods. If a child is already working hard to sit still at his desk, then he will find it harder to think about what he wants to write. The result is a child who does not like writing or cannot sit still for the length of time the task requires."

Carla McCall, Occupational Therapist, ABC_OT.

There’s a reason why doctors and occupational therapists are fans of The Little Gym. They’ve seen with their own eyes the transformational effect of our classes on children and consequently, their schoolwork and academics.

Our programmes have been specially designed to help your child channel their boundless energy and reach developmental milestones. Delivered by our experts, children bounce into classes after the long school days. Our non-competitive gymnastics approach means each child develops their skills at their own pace. Through positive feedback, children become more confident, and their self-esteem gets a boost.

Our beautifully designed, state of the art gyms have everything you and your child need to develop their gymnastics and social skills while having FUN. You can watch your child fully during their class from our glass fronted lobby, and why not have a coffee and socialise with other parents.

NEW SEASON STARTS NOW - GET A MOVE ON! Contact your nearest The Little Gym to enrol (see over)

DEVELOPS: Strength from shoulder down to hand grip

SCHOOL: The stronger my grip better my handwriting.

This also helps with motor skills such as tying shoelaces.

building

StReNgTh

DEVELOPS: Body awareness is the ability to recognize where your body is in space. Your muscles and joints send your brain information about your body and how it moves.

SCHOOL: holding a pencil, handwriting, sitting upright in a chair, walking in a line, awareness of obstacles and navigating their way.

body

AwArEnEsS

To find out more about our classes for children aged 4 months to 12 years: The Little Gym Chiswick

University of Westminster Sports Ground, Hartington Road, Chiswick, London, W4 3AN t: 020 8994 3729 chiswick@thelittlegym.co.uk

The Little Gym Hampstead

The 02 Centre, 255 Finchley Road, Hampstead, NW3 6LU t: 020 7794 7000 hampstead@thelittlegym.co.uk

The Little Gym Wandsworth & Fulham Compass House, Riverside West Wandsworth, SW18 1DB t: 020 8874 6567 wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk

The Little Gym Westfield

Westfield London Shopping Centre, Unit 2117A, Ariel Way, London, W12 7GE t: 020 8735 0817 westfield@thelittlegym.co.uk westfield.thelittlegym.co.uk

D I R E C TO R Y WIMBLEDON COMMON

T 020 7251 2284

THE VILLA

W butehouse.co.uk

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

E hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk

54 Lyndhurst Grove, SE15 5AH

Girls 4 to 11

113 Ridgway, SW19 4TA

W dallingtonschool.co.uk

T 020 7703 6216

Next schools: St Paul’s Girls, Godolphin

T 020 8946 1001

Co-ed 3 to 11

E enquiries@thevillaschoolandnursery.

& Latymer, Francis Holland (south

E info@wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk

Next schools: North Bridge House,

com

and north), Wycombe Abbey, Downe

W wcps.org.uk

City of London, The Latymer School,

W thevillaschoolandnursery.co.uk

House, St George’s Ascot

Boys 5 to 7

Portland Place, UCS, Queen’s College

Co-ed 2 to 7 Next schools: Alleyn’s, JAGs, Dulwich

CHEPSTOW HOUSE SCHOOL

St Paul’s Junior, Shrewsbury House,

DULWICH PREP LONDON

College, Rosemead, Oakfield,

108a Lancaster Road, W11 1QS

Westminster Under

42 Alleyn Park, SE21 7AA

Sydenham Girls, Dulwich Prep

T 020 7243 0243

Next schools: Kings College Junior,

T 020 8766 5500

EAST + SOUTH EAST

E admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org

E info@chepstowhouseschool.co.uk

CENTRAL + WEST

W dulwichpreplondon.org

W chepstowhouseschool.co.uk Co-ed 2 to 13

CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE

Boys 3 to 13

BASSETT HOUSE SCHOOL

Next schools: Francis Holland NW1 and

SCHOOL

Next schools: Dulwich College, Alleyn’s,

60 Bassett Road, W10 6JP

SW1, South Hampstead, St Paul’s, City

40 Charterhouse Square

Trinity, Whitgift, Westminster, Tonbridge

T 020 8969 0313

Boys, Westminster Under, Wetherby

E info@bassetths.org.uk

London EC1M 6EA

THE LYCEUM SCHOOL

W bassetths.org.uk

CHISWICK AND BEDFORD PARK

T 020 7600 3805

65 Worship Street, EC2A 2DU

Co-ed 3 to 11

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

E life@charterhousesquareschool.co.uk

T 020 7247 1588

Next schools: Latymer Upper, City of

Priory Avenue, W4 1TX

W charterhousesquareschool.co.uk

E registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk

London, Notting Hill & Ealing, Francis

T 020 8994 1804

Co-ed 3 to 11

W lyceumschool.co.uk

Holland, Kew House, Emanuel, UCS

E info@cbppschool.co.uk

Next schools: City of London,

Co-ed 3 to 11

Westminster, Francis Holland, South

Next schools: Channing, Eaton

BUTE HOUSE PREPARATORY

Co-ed 3 to 11

Hampstead High

Square Upper School, Francis Holland

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Next schools: LEH, Hampton, Godolphin

(Regent’s Park), James Allen’s Girls’

Luxemburg Gardens, W6 7EA

& Latymer, Latymer, Kew House, Notting

DALLINGTON SCHOOL

School (JAGS), More House, Portland

T 020 7603 7381

Hill & Ealing

8 Dallington Street, EC1V 0BW

Place, South Hampstead High

E mail@butehouse.co.uk

W cbppschool.co.uk

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

D I R E C TO R Y CLIFTON LODGE

LATYMER PREP SCHOOL

Holland ( north and south), City of

THE MALL SCHOOL

8, Mattock Lane, W5 5BG

36 Upper Mall, W6 9TA

London, Hampton

185 Hampton Road, TW2 5NQ

T 020 8579 3662

T 020 7993 0061

E admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

E registrar@latymerprep.org

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL

E admissions@themallschool.org.uk

W cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

W latymerprep.org

54 Eaton Rise, W5 2ES

W themallschool.org.uk

Co-ed 3 to 11

Co-ed 7 to 11 with a linked senior school

T 020 8862 2254

Boys 4 to 11

E enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk

Next schools: Hampton, Kings College

Next schools: Merchant Taylors’

T 020 8977 2523

School, City of London Boys’, Hampton,

NOTTING HILL PREP

W stbenedicts.org.uk

Wimbledon, St Paul’s Juniors, Kingston

The John Lyon School, St Benedict’s,

95 Lancaster Road, W11 1QQ

Co-ed 3-18

Grammar, Tiffin, Reed’s, Epsom College

Notting Hill & Ealing High School,

T 020 7221 0727

St Augustine’s Priory, St Benedict’s,

E admin@nottinghillprep.com

ST JAMES PREPARATORY SCHOOL

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL

Latymer Upper School, Godolphin &

W nottinghillprep.com

Earsby Street, W14 8SH

32-34 Waldegrave Park, TW1 4TQ

Latymer, Putney High

Co-ed 4 to 13

T 020 7348 1793

T 020 8865 1305

Next schools: St Paul’s, Wycombe

E admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk

E admissions@newlandhouse.net

DURSTON HOUSE

Abbey, Eton, Westminster, Putney

W stjamesschools.co.uk

W newlandhouse.net

12-14 Castlebar Road, W5 2DR

High, Francis Holland (north and

Co-ed 2 to 11

Co-ed 3 to 13

T 020 8991 6530

south), Wellington, Rugby, Bradfield,

Next schools: St James Senior,

Next schools: 11+ Halliford, St George’s

E info@durstonhouse.org

the Harrodian

Queensgate, Godolphin & Latymer,

College, Kingston Grammar, Hampton.

Queen’s College, Westminster, UCS,

13+ Wellington, St James, Reeds,

Harrodian, Latymer

Hampton, Bedales

W durstonhouse.org Boys 4 to 13

ORCHARD HOUSE SCHOOL

Next schools: St Paul’s, Merchant

16 Newton Grove, W4 1LB

Taylors’, Hampton, Latymer, City, John

T 020 8742 8544

WETHERBY SCHOOL

ROKEBY SCHOOL

Lyon, St Benedict’s

E info@orchardhs.org.uk

11 Pembridge Square, W2 4ED

George Road, KT2 7PB

W orchardhs.org.uk

T 020 7727 9581

T 020 8942 2247

FALCONS PRE-PREPARATORY

Co-ed 3 to 11

E learn@wetherbyschool.co.uk

E admissions@rokeby.org.uk

SCHOOL

Next schools: Hampton, Latymer

W wetherbyschool.co.uk

W rokebyschool.co.uk

2 Burnaby Gardens, W4 3DT

Upper, Godolphin & Latymer, St Paul’s,

Boys 2 to 8

Boys 4 to 13

T 020 8747 8393

Wycombe Abbey

Westminster Under, Sussex House, St

Next schools: Epsom College, St

Paul’s Juniors, King’s College Junior

Paul’s, Eton College, Reed’s School,

E admissions@falconsboys.co.uk W falconsboys.co.uk

PEMBRIDGE HALL SCHOOL

School, Latymer Prep, Summer Fields,

Charterhouse, Cranleigh, St John’s,

Boys 3 to 7

18 Pembridge Square, W2 4EH

Caldicott, The Dragon

Whitgift

Next schools: St Paul’s Juniors, Falcons

T 020 7229 0121

Prep, Westminster Under, Latymer,

E contact@pembridgehall.co.uk

WETHERBY PREPARATORY

ST CATHERINE’S BRAMLEY

Caldicott

W pembridgehall.co.uk

SCHOOL

Station Road, Bramley, GU5 0DF

Girls 4 to 11

48 Bryanston Square, W1H 2EA

T 01483 899665

HAWKESDOWN HOUSE

Next schools: Francis Holland Regent’s

T 020 7535 3520

E prepadmissions@stcatherines.info

27 Edge Street, W8 7PN

Park, Francis Holland Sloane Square,

E admin@wetherbyprep.co.uk

W stcatherines.info

T 020 7727 9090

Godolphin & Latymer, Queen’s College,

W wetherbyprep.co.uk

Girls 4 to 11, linked senior school

E admin@hawkesdown.co.uk

St Paul’s Girls’ School

Boys 7 to 13

Next schools: St Catherine’s, Benenden,

Next schools: Westminster, St Paul’s,

St Swithun’s, Priors Field

W hawkesdown.co.uk

Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse

Co-ed 2 to 11

PORTLAND PLACE SCHOOL

Next schools: St Paul’s Junior,

56-58 Portland Place, W1B 1NJ

Westminster Cathedral Choir School,

T 020 7307 8700

King’s College Junior, Westminster

E admissions@portland-place.co.uk

Under, Sussex House, Caldicott,

W portland-place.co.uk

GAYHURST SCHOOL

E office@shstrust.net

Notting Hill Prep, Summer Fields, St

Co-ed 10 to 16

Bull Lane, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8RJ

W shrewsburyhouse.net

Philip’s School

CATS Canterbury, Brampton College,

T 01753 882690

Boys 7 to 13

Wycliffe College, Ashbourne College,

E mupton@gayhurstschool.co.uk

Next schools: King’s College

HARVINGTON PREP SCHOOL

DLD College London, Albemarle,

W gayhurstschool.co.uk

Wimbledon, St Paul’s, St John’s,

20 Castlebar Road, W5 2DS

Marianopolis College, Canada

Boys 3 to 11

Westminster, Hampton, Epsom College,

Dr Challoner’s Grammar, Dr

Wellington, Charterhouse, Tonbridge

T 020 8997 1583

SHREWSBURY HOUSE

FURTHER OUT

107 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RL T 020 8399 3066

E admin@harvingtonschool.com

RAVENSCOURT PARK

Challoner’s High, John Hampden,

W harvingtonschool.com

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

RGS High Wycombe, Beaconsfield

STUDY SCHOOL & NURSERY

Girls 3 to 12

16 Ravenscourt Avenue, W6 0SL

High, Berkhamsted, Royal Masonic,

57 Thetford Road, KT3 5DP

Next schools: St Paul’s, City of London

T 020 8846 9153

Wycombe Abbey, Haileybury, Pipers

T 020 8942 0754

Girls, Latymer Upper, Notting Hill &

E secretary@rpps.co.uk

Corner, LVS Ascot, Merchant Taylors’,

E info@thestudyschool.co.uk

Ealing

W rpps.co.uk

Claires Court, Shiplake

W thestudyschool.co.uk

Co-ed 4 to 11

Co-ed 2 to 11

Next schools: Kew House, Maida Vale

Next schools: Surbiton High, LEH,

School (linked senior schools), Francis

Guildford High, Tiffin

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

Inspiring private tuition, powering positive social change.

At Ripple Learning, we believe every child deserves to find their love of learning - and the support to cultivate it.

That’s why we donate 40% of profit to charities working with students from low-income backgrounds in the UK.

Hawkesdown House School A Preparatory & Nursery School for boys and girls aged 2-11, Kensington W8 Please contact the School Office to arrange a private tour with the Headmistress

Our bold mission attracts an array of inspiring teachers and tutors to our team, from 11+ specialists to A level experts - allowing us to offer the quality and choice you’re looking for when choosing the perfect tutor for your child.

BOOK A FREE TRIAL SESSION

Tel: 07723 214 148 www.ripplelearning.co.uk

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

Nurturing Children to Succeed

The only co-educational, independent school in Gerrards Cross Open Morning - Wednesday 6th October 2021: admissions@gayhurstschool.co.uk 48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Joyful | Courageous | Visionary

Creating space for a digital future Join our Open Morning on Saturday 25th September www.sapriory.com

“Quietly brilliant” The Good Schools Guide

St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Road, Ealing, London W5 2JL Email: admissions@sapriory.com Tel: 0208 997 2022 Ealing’s leading Catholic Independent Day School for girls aged 3 - 18 and boys in the Nursery, set in 13 acres of stunning grounds Girls’ Schools Association

Featured in the Good Schools Guide

D I R E C TO R Y

SECONDARY ALLEYN’S SCHOOL

T 020 7637 5351

Co-ed 11 to 18

W northbridgehouse.com Co-ed 11 to 16, linked junior school

E registrar@eifaschool.com W eifaschool.com

IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL

Co-ed 2 to 18, bilingual education

Clarence Lane, SW15 5PY

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE

T 020 8876 9991

Canons Drive, Edgeware, HA8 7RJ

Townley Road, SE22 8SU T 020 8557 1500

EMANUEL SCHOOL

E registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

T 020 8952 0912

E registrar@alleyns.org.uk

Battersea Rise, SW11 1HS

W ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

E office@nlcs.org.uk

W www.alleyns.org.uk

T 020 8870 4171

Co-ed 3 to 18, linked junior school

W nlcs.org.uk

Co-ed 11 to 18 with linked junior

E enquiries@emanuel.org.uk

school

W emanuel.org.uk

JAMES ALLEN’S GIRL’S SCHOOL

Co-ed 10 to 18

(JAGS)

NOTTING HILL & EALING HIGH

East Dulwich Grove, SE22 8TE

SCHOOL

ARTSED

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school

Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Road,

FRANCIS HOLLAND (RP)

T 020 8693 1181

2 Cleveland Road, W13 8AX

W4 1LY

Clarence Gate, Ivor Place, NW1 6XR

E admissions@jags.org.uk

T 020 8799 8400

T 020 8987 6600

T 020 7723 0176

W jags.org.uk

E enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net

E pupils@artsed.co.uk

E admin@fhs-nw1.org.uk

Girls 11 to 18

W nhehs.gdst.net

W artsed.co.uk

W fhs-nw1.org.uk

Co-ed 11 to 18

Girls 11 to 18

Southside, SW19 4TT

PORTLAND PLACE SCHOOL

CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL

FRANCIS HOLLAND (SS)

T 020 8255 5300

56-58 Portland Place, W1B 1NJ

Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 3AL

Graham Terrace, SW1W 8JF

E admissions@kcs.org.uk

T 020 7307 8700

T 020 3680 6300

T 020 7730 2971

W kcs.org.uk

E admissions@portland-place.co.uk

E admissions@cityoflondonschool.org.uk

E registrar@fhs-sw1.org.uk

Boys 11 to 18, girls 16 to 18, linked

W portland-place.co.uk

W cityoflondonschool.org.uk

W fhs-sw1.org.uk

junior school

Co-ed 10 to 16

Boys 10 to 18 with a linked junior

Girls 11 to 18

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL

LADY ELEANOR HOLLES (LEH)

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL

FULHAM SENIOR SCHOOL

Hanworth Road, TW12 3HF

35 Putney Hill, SW15 6BH

CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL FOR

200 Greyhound Road, W14 9SD

T 020 8979 1601

T 020 8788 4886

GIRLS

T 020 7386 2444

E registrar@lehs.org.uk

E putneyhigh@put.gdst.net

St Giles Terrace, Barbican, EC2Y 8BB

E admin@fulham.school

W lehs.org.uk

W www.putneyhigh.gdst.net

T 020 7847 5500

W fulham.school

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school

E admissions@clsg.org.uk

Co-ed 4 to 18

school

LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL

RADNOR HOUSE SCHOOL

THE GODOLPHIN AND LATYMER

237 King Street, W6 9LR

Pope’s Villa, Cross Deep, TW1 4QG

SCHOOL

T 020 8629 2024

T 020 8891 6264

COLLÈGE FRANÇAIS BILINGUE DE

Iffley Road, W6 0PG

E head@latymer-upper.org

E admissions@radnorhouse.org

LONDRES

T 020 8741 1936

W www.latymer-upper.org

W radnor-twickenham.org

87 Holmes Road, NW5 3AX

E registrar@godolphinandlatymer.com

Co-ed 11 to 18, linked junior school

Co-ed 9 to 18

T 020 7993 7400

W godolphinandlatymer.com

E info@cfbl.org.uk

Girls 11 to 18

LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL DE LONDRES

ST AUGUSTINE’S PRIORY

– WINSTON CHURCHILL

Hillcrest Road, W5 2JL

HAMPTON SCHOOL

54 Forty Lane, HA9 9LY

T 020 8997 2022

Hanworth Road, TW12 3HD

T 020 3824 4900

E admissions@sapriory.com

DULWICH COLLEGE

T 020 8979 5526

E admissions@lyceeinternational.

W sapriory.com

Dulwich Common, SE12 7LD

E admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

london

Girls 3 to 18

T 020 8693 3601

W hamptonschool.org.uk

W lyceeinternational.london

E info@dulwich.org.uk

Boys 11 to 18, linked junior school

Co-ed 3 to 18, bilingual

THE HARRODIAN SCHOOL

NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE

T 020 7348 1777

Lonsdale Road, SW13 9QN

CANONBURY

E admissions@sjsg.org.uk

EATON SQUARE SENIOR SCHOOL

T 020 8748 6117

6-9 Canonbury Place, N1 2NQ

W stjamesschools.co.uk/seniorgirls

106 Piccadilly, W1J 7NL

E admin@harrodian.com

T 020 7267 6266

Girls 11 to 18

T 020 7491 7393

W harrodian.com

E canonbury@northbridgehouse.com

E admissions.senior@eatonsquare-

Co-ed 4 to 18

W northbridgehouse.com

ST JAMES SENIOR BOYS’ SCHOOL

Co-ed 11 to 18, linked junior school

Church Road, Ashford, TW15 3DZ

W clsg.org.uk Girls 11 to 18 with linked junior school

W cfbl.org.uk Co-ed 3 to 15, bilingual

Boys 11 to 18 with boarding

ST JAMES SENIOR GIRLS’ SCHOOL Earsby Street, W14 8SH

W dulwich.org.uk

schools.com

T 01784 266930

W eatonsquareschools.com

HIGHGATE SCHOOL

Co-ed 11 to 18

North Road, N6 4AY

NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE HAMPSTEAD

E admissions@stjamesboys.co.uk

T 020 8347 3564

Rosslyn Hill, NW3 5UD

W stjamesschools.co.uk/seniorboys

EIFA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

E admissions@highgateschool.org.uk

T 020 7267 6266

Boys 11 to 18

36 Portland Place, W1B 1LS

W highgateschool.org.uk

E seniorschool@northbridgehouse.com

50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

Never t o o young t o be bi l i ngual!

CONTACT US and REGISTER for the NEXT O P E N DAY S

From Nursery to Year 10, CFBL welcomes children in an international and caring environment only 15 minutes from St-Pancras. www.cfbl.org.uk | 87 Holmes Road - London NW5 3AX info@cfbl.org.uk | +44 (0)20 7993 7400

M N O O FR ND G O N L SI AL BU TR EN

C

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE OUR SPACIOUS CAMPUS. We offer a world class international education that builds each child’s resilience, creativity, self-belief and knowledge.

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 theatre, animation, visual effects and game design as part of the IB • Bursaries for students aged 11+ 13+ 16+ • Top UK and global university destinations

REGISTER ONLINE TO ARRANGE A PERSONAL VISIT OR TO BOOK ONTO OUR REGULAR OPEN DAYS: WWW.ACS-SCHOOLS.COM/OPENDAYS

D I R E C TO R Y

SECONDARY ST PAUL’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL

E ukadmissions@tasisengland.org

Brook Green, W6 7BS

W tasisengland.org

T 020 7603 2288

Co-ed 3 to 18, with boarding

E admissions@spgs.org W spgs.org

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

Girls 11 to 18

20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PB T 020 7963 1003

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL

E registrar@westminster.org.uk

Lonsdale Road, SW13 9JT

W westminster.org.uk

T 020 8748 9162

Boys 12 to 18, girls 16 to 18,

E admissions@stpaulsschool.org.uk

with boarding, linked prep

W stpaulsschool.org.uk Boys 13 to 18, linked prep school

WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL 100 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QU

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL

T 020 7535 3530

Frognal, NW3 6XH

E registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk

T 020 7435 2215

W wetherbysenior.co.uk

E ssadmissions@ucs.org.uk

Boys 11 to 18

W ucs.org.uk Boys 11 to 18, girls 16 to 18,

WHITGIFT SCHOOL

linked junior school

Haling Park, CR2 6YT T 020 8688 9222

TASIS - THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN

E admissions@whitgift.co.uk

ENGLAND

W whitgift.co.uk

Coldharbour Lane, TW20 8TE

Boys 10 to 18, with boarding,

T 01932 565252

girls 11 to 18

Boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 2-13 years

Rushmore Park, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5QD 01725 530 124 • admissions@sandroyd.com • www.sandroyd.org

Many of our parents relocate from London, looking to settle in the area so their daughter can come to St Catherine’s. We’ve created a brief guide to help you explore the local area and consider possible places to call home.

Email Sally Manhire on prepadmissions@stcatherines.info or call 01483 899665 and we’ll send your guide to you straight away.

Good luck with the house hunting!

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info | 01483 899665 Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 53

OPEN MORNING Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH www.cranprep.org

B1954 CranPrep 190x118mmL.indd 1

54 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Saturday 2 October 2021 Please contact Catherine Staples, Head of Admissions, to book an individual appointment: 01483 542051

admissions@cranprep.org 29/06/2021 11:35

D I R E C TO R Y

BOARDING PREPS

T 01932 862264

MOULSFORD

E admissions@feltonfleet.co.uk

Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 9HR

W feltonfleet.co.uk

T 01491 651438

ALDRO SCHOOL

Harrow, Cheltenham Ladies’, Radley,

Co-ed 3 to 13

E admissions@moulsford.com

Shackleford, Godalming, GU8 6AS

Winchester, Wellington, Marlborough

Next schools: St John’s, Epsom,

W moulsford.com

Reed’s, Charterhouse, City of London

Boys 4 to 13

Freemen’s, Claremont Fan Court

Next schools: Abingdon, Pangbourne,

T 01483 810266 E hmsec@aldro.org

CRANLEIGH PREPARATORY

W aldro.org

SCHOOL

Boys 7 to 13

Horseshoe Lane, GU6 8QH

GODSTOWE PREPARATORY

Wellington, Bradfield, Stowe, Harrow,

Next schools: Charterhouse, Cranleigh,

T 01483 542051

SCHOOL

Eton

Sherborne, Tonbridge, Wellington,

E admissions@cranprep.org

Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe,

Harrow

W cranprep.org

HP13 6PR

PAPPLEWICK

Co-ed 7 to 13, linked senior school

T 01494 529273

Ascot, SL5 7LH

BEECHWOOD PARK SCHOOL

Next schools: Cranleigh, Wellington,

E registrar@godstowe.org

T 01344 621488

Pickford Road, Markyate, AL3 8AW

Charterhouse, Millfield, St Catherine’s

W godstowe.org

E registrar@papplewick.org.uk

T 01582 840333

Bramley

Co-ed 3 to 7, girls only 7 to 13

W papplewick.org.uk

Next schools: Wycombe Abbey,

Boys 6 to 13

Radley, St Edward’s, Marlborough,

E admissions@beechwoodpark.com W beechwoodpark.com

CUMNOR HOUSE SUSSEX

Cheltenham Ladies’, Queen Anne’s,

Next schools: Eton, Harrow,

Co-ed 3 to 13

London Road, Danehill, RH17 7HT

Downe House

Wellington, Radley, Bradfield,

Next schools: St Albans, Bedford,

T 01825 790347

Berkhamsted, Merchant Taylors’,

E registrar@cumnor.co.uk

HOLMWOOD HOUSE

Oundle, Uppingham

W cumnor.co.uk

Lexden, Colchester, CO3 9ST

ST JOHN’S BEAUMONT

Co-ed 2 to13

T 01206 574305

Priest Hill, Old Windsor, SL4 2JN

BRAMBLETYE SCHOOL

Next schools: Brighton, Eton,

E headmaster@holmwood.house

T 01784 432428

Lewes Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3PD

Charterhouse, Ardingly, Hurst,

W holmwood.house

E hmoffice@sjb.email

T 01342 321004

Cranleigh

Co-ed 4 to 16

W SJBWindsor.uk

Next schools: Ampleforth, Rugby,

Boys 3 to 13

E registrar@brambletye.com

Uppingham, Charterhouse

W brambletye.co.uk

DRAGON SCHOOL

Stowe, Uppingham, Royal Hospital,

Next schools: Hampton, Reading Blue

Co-ed 2 to 13

Bardwell Road, Oxford, OS2 6SS

Felsted

Coat, Harrow, Worth

Next schools: King’s Canterbury,

T 01865 315405

Benenden, Ardingly, Canford, Roedean,

E admissions@dragonschool.org

LAMBROOK SCHOOL

SANDROYD

Brighton

W dragonschool.org

Winkfield Row, RG42 6LU

Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire,

Co-ed 4 to 13

T 01344 882717

SP5 5QD

CALDICOTT SCHOOL

Next schools: St Edwards, Abingdon,

E info@lambrookschool.co.uk

T 01725 516264

Farnham Royal, SL2 3SL

Magdalen College, Eton, Harrow,

W lambrookschool.co.uk

E office@sandroyd.com

T 01753 649300

Winchester, Radley, Wycombe Abbey,

Co-ed 3 to 13

W sandroyd.org

E registrar@caldicott.com

Wellington, Marlborough

Next schools: Eton, Wellington,

Co-ed 2 to 13

Bradfield, Bryanston, Charterhouse,

Next schools: Sherborne, Marlborough,

W caldicott.com Boys 7 to 13

EAGLE HOUSE

Cranleigh, Downe House, Harrow,

Bryanston, Radley, St Mary’s Calne,

Next schools: Harrow, St Edwards,

Sandhurst, GU47 8PH

Marlborough

Downe House

Charterhouse, Stowe, Wellington,

T 01344 772134

Winchester

E info@eaglehouseschool.com

LOCKER’S PARK

SUMMER FIELDS

W eaglehouseschool.com

Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1TL

Mayfield Road, Oxford, OX2 7EN

CHEAM SCHOOL

Co-ed 3 to 13, linked to Wellington

T 01442 251712

T 01865 454433

Newbury, RG19 8LD

Next schools: Wellington, Bradfield,

E secretary@lockerspark.herts.sch.uk

E admissions@summerfields.com

T 01635 268242

Eton, Lord Wandsworth College,

W lockerspark.herts.sch.uk

W summerfields.com

E office@cheamschool.co.uk

Charterhouse, Wycombe Abbey, Radley

Boys 4 to 13, girls 4 to 7

Boys 4 to 13

Next schools: Bedford, Harrow,

Next schools: Eton, Harrow, Radley, Winchester

W cheamschool.com Co-ed 3 to 13

EDGEBOROUGH SCHOOL

Berkhamsted, Rugby, St Albans, Stowe,

Next schools: Wellington, Marlborough,

Edgeborough, Farnham, GU10 3AH

Eton

Bradfield, Eton, Radley, Downe House,

T 01252 792495

Sherborne

E admissions@edgeborough.co.uk

LUDGROVE

Dry Arch Road, SL5 9PY

W edgeborough.co.uk

Wokingham, RG40 3AB

T 01344 620159

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

Co-ed 2 to 13

T 01189 789881

E headmaster@sunningdaleschool.co.uk

Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage RH11 9AU

Next schools: Lord Wandsworth

E registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk

W sunningdaleschool.co.uk

T 01293 520648

College, Wellington, Cranleigh,

W ludgrove.net

Boys 7 to 13

E office@cottesmoreschool.com

Charterhouse

Boys 8 to 13

Next schools: Eton, Charterhouse,

Next schools: Eton, Harrow,

Wellington, Tonbridge, Stowe, Harrow, Marlborough

W cottesmoreschool.com

SUNNINGDALE SCHOOL

Co-ed 4 to 13

FELTONFLEET SCHOOL

Radley, Winchester, Marlborough,

Next schools: Eton, Downe House,

Byfleet Road, Cobham, KT11 1DR

Sherborne

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 55

Senior School Open Morning Saturday 18 September 2021 9.30am to noon

Prep School Open Morning Saturday 2 October 2021 9.30am to noon

Boys and girls 13 to 18 HMC – Day, weekly and full boarding

Boys and girls 3 months to 13 years IAPS – Boarding, flexi-boarding and day

To register please contact: admissions@bedes.org T 01323 843252

To register please contact: prep.admissions@bedes.org T 01323 734222

bedes.org Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH

Bede’s Prep School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL

D I R E C TO R Y

BOARDING SECONDARY

MALVERN COLLEGE

W stedwardsoxford.org

College Road, WR14 3DF

Co-ed 13 to 18

T 01684 581613 ACS COBHAM INTERNATIONAL

Co-ed 11 to 18

SCHOOL

E admissions@malverncollege.org.uk

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL

W malverncollege.org.uk

Wells Lane, Ascot, SL5 7DZ

Co-ed 13 to 18, linked junior school

T 01344 629920

Portsmouth Road, KT11 1BL

CLIFTON COLLEGE

T 01932 867251

32 College Road, BS8 3JH

E cobhamadmissions@acs-schools.com

T 0117 315 7000

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE

W stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

W acs-schools.com

E admissions@cliftoncollege.com

Marlborough, SN8 1PA

Girls 11 to 18

Co-ed 2 to 18

W cliftoncollege.com

T 01672 892300

Co-ed 13 to 18, linked junior school

E admissions@marlboroughcollege.org

ST MARY’S ASCOT

W marlboroughcollege.org

St Mary’s Road, SL5 9JF

Co-ed 13 to 19

T 01344 296600

BEDALES SCHOOL

E admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

Church Road, Steep, Petersfield,

CRANLEIGH SCHOOL

GU32 2DG

Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QQ

T 01730 300100

T 01483 273666

OUNDLE

W st-marys-ascot.co.uk

E admissions@bedales.org.uk

E admissions@cranleigh.org

New Street, Oundle, PE8 4GH

Girls 11 to 18

W bedales.org.uk

W cranleigh.org

T 01832 277125

Co-ed 13 to 18

Co-ed 13 to 18, linked junior school

E admissions@oundleschool.org.uk

ST MARY’S CALNE

W oundleschool.org.uk

Curzon Street, SN11 0DF

Co-ed 11 to 19, linked junior school

T 01249 857200 / 01249 857207

E admissions@st-marys-ascot.co.uk

BEDE’S SCHOOL

EPSOM COLLEGE

The Dicker, Hailsham, BN27 3QH

College Road, KT17 4JQ

T 01323 843252

T 01372 821234

PRIOR’S FIELD

W stmaryscalne.org

E admissions@bedes.org

E admissions@epsomcollege.org.uk

Priorsfield Road, GU7 2RH

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school

W bedes.org

W epsomcollege.org.uk

T 01483 810551

Co-ed 13 to 19, linked prep school.

Co-ed 11 to 18

E admissions@priorsfieldschool.com

SHERBORNE SCHOOL

W priorsfieldschool.com

Abbey Road, DT9 3AP

Girls 11 to 19

T 01935 812249

E admissions@stmaryscalne.org

BENENDEN SCHOOL

ETON COLLEGE

Cranbrook Road, Cranbrook, TN17

Eton, SL4 6DW

4AA

T 01753 370611

QUEEN ANNE’S SCHOOL

W sherborne.org

T 01580 240592

E admissions@etoncollege.org.uk

Henley Road, RG4 6DX

Boys 13 to 18, links with girls school

E registry@benenden.school

W etoncollege.com

T 01189 187300

W benenden.school

Boys 13 to 18

E admissions@qas.org.uk

SHERBORNE GIRLS SCHOOL

W qas.org.uk

Bradford Road, DT9 3QN

Girls 11 to 18

T 01935 818224

E admissions@sherborne.org

Girls 11 to 18 FRENSHAM HEIGHTS

E registrar@sherborne.com

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

Rowledge, Farnham, GU10 4EA

Bradfield, RG7 6AU

T 01252 792561

QUEENSWOOD

W sherborne.com

T 01189 644516

E admissions@frensham.org

Brookman’s Park, AL9 6NS

Girls 11 to 18, links with boys school

E admissions@bradfieldcollege.org.uk

W frensham.org

T 01707 602500

W bradfieldcollege.org.uk

Co-ed 3 to 18

E admissions@queenswood.org

THE KING’S SCHOOL

W queenswood.org

CANTERBURY

Girls 11 to 18

25 The Precincts, CT1 2ES

Co-ed 13 to 18 HARROW SCHOOL

T 01227 595579

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

5 High Street, HA1 3HP

Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL

T 020 8872 8007

RADLEY COLLEGE

E admissions@kings-school.co.uk

T 01273 704200

E admissions@harrowschool.org.uk

Radley, Abingdon, OX14 2HR

W kings-school.co.uk

E registrar@brightoncollege.net

W harrowschool.org.uk

T 01235 543000

Co-ed 13 to 18

W brightoncollege.org.uk

Boys 13 to 18

E admissions@radley.org.uk

Co-ed 11 to 18 HEATHFIELD SCHOOL

W radley.org.uk

TONBRIDGE

Boys 13 to 18

High Street, TN9 1JP T 01732 365555

CHARTERHOUSE

London Road, Ascot, SL5 8BQ

Godalming, GU7 2DX

T 01344 898343

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL

E admissions@tonbridge-school.org

T 01483 291501

E registrar@heathfieldschool.net

Station Road, Guildford, GU5 0DF

W tonbridge-school.co.uk

E admissions@charterhouse.org.uk

W heathfieldschool.net

T 01483 899609

Boys 13 to 18

W charterhouse.org.uk

Girls 11 to 18

E admissions@stcatherines.info

Co-ed 13 to 18 LANCING COLLEGE

W stcatherines.info

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

Girls 11 to 18, linked junior school

High Street West, LE15 9QE T 01572 822216

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL

Lancing, BN15 0RW

Horsham, RH13 0LJ

T 01273 452213

ST EDWARD’S OXFORD (GSG)

E admissions@uppingham.co.uk

T 01403 211293

E admissions@lancing.org.uk

Woodstock Road, OX2 7NN

W uppingham.co.uk

E enquiries@christs-hospital.org.uk

W lancingcollege.co.uk

T 01865 319200

Co-ed 13 to 18

W christs-hospital.org.uk

Co-ed 13 to 18, linked junior school

E registrar@stedwardsoxford.org

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 57

D I R E C TO R Y

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

BOARDING SECONDARY WELLINGTON COLLEGE

WYCOMBE ABBEY

Crowthorne, RG45 7PU

Abbey Way, HP11 1PE

T 01344 444013

T 01494 520381

E admissions@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

E admissions@wycombeabbey.com

W wellingtoncollege.org.uk

W wycombeabbey.com

Co-ed 13 to 18, linked junior school

Girls 11 to 18

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18

WINCHESTER COLLEGE College Street, SO23 9NA T 01962 621247 E admissions@wincoll.ac.uk W winchestercollege.org Boys 13 to 18

TERMLY

OPEN MORNINGS admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk | 01344 629900 Weekly transport service to and from Central London for London boarders and a new daily bus service from Richmond

Sandroyd

“ONE WORD: EXCEPTIONAL” TATLER

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

WISH YOU WERE HERE United Kingdom School of the Decade

“MOST FORWARD THINKING SCHOOL” THE WEEK

THE SUNDAY TIMES

OPEN MORNINGS | COLLEGE SAT 2 OCTOBER | PREP SCHOOL SAT 9 OCTOBER BOOK YOUR PLACE 01273 704200 | BRIGHTONCOLLEGE.ORG.UK BC City Kids Ad 118x190 - BCO 6414.indd 1

58 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Read the review at goodschoolsguide.co.uk

22/06/2021 15:55

A DV E RTO R I A L

STEAM TEACHING:

a new approach to learning EIFA teaching has shifted away from learning and regurgitating content to applying scientific skills and design or integrative thinking. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) bridges the gap between real life experiences and the classroom and shows how different skills work together.

Our teachers use adaptable and creative approaches to their teaching styles, to inspire and immerse their students.

S T E A M T E AC H I N G METHODS Inquiry based learning The students develop their questioning, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The main purpose of inquiry-based learning is to promote the students’ initiative and role in the learning process.

They decide what enquiries they want to make, while the teacher’s role is to spark their curiosity and prompt reflection.

Our IB students have carried out hands-on experiences on environmental factors affecting plant growth. With a better understanding of these factors and from the obtained results, they will write an assessment essay on how to manipulate environmental parameters, to optimise plant growth.

Problem-based learning Here, students face a problem they need to analyse and solve. This requires a high level of thinking and encourages leadership, creativity and teamwork.

Examples include creating a business plan to solve a societal need, or a marketing strategy to communicate information.

More generally, IGCSE and IB courses require students to take risks, come up with hypothesis and validate them through experimentation.

T I P S A N D H AC K S U S E D B Y O U R T E AC H E R S Real-life scenario STEAM focuses on learning skills that will be useful in the ‘outside world’. Teachers show the application of these skills using real world examples.

Hands-on The hands-on method is very much part of the real-life scenario, whereby lessons involve practical activities where students create and build something, or design a concept. Students are engaged in their own learning process and feel rewarded to have a final product to evaluate, which they have created.

Our IGCSE students have been entered in the BIE international competition on alternative to plastic: “Rethink food packaging for school and workplace lunches”.

Robotics is a fantastic way for students to develop STEAM skills with handson collaborative projects. They get the chance to design, plan, redesign, construct, assemble, invent, re-invent, write, present, and compete to see who can create the best robot adapted for different tasks or challenges!

Seamlessly integrating science and maths into projects The maths and science topics that our students complete are relevant to their current School project. They also relate to real-world scenarios and ultimately serve a purpose.

During mathematics lessons, our students lead sections of the lesson, promoting independent learning and developing communication skills within the subject.

Mathematics enrichment classes EIFA recognises that for those capable, the provision of challenge and opportunities to extend their learning, enables the development of knowledge and skill of the “next level”. This is provided through our enrichment classes, which are a key factor to help these students realise their full potential in mathematics.

For more information registrar@eifaschool.com Instagram @eifainternationalschool Twitter: @eifaschool Facebook @eifainternationalschoollondon eifaschool.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 59

E D U C AT I O N

MY SCHOOL DAY

by Stephen Carrington, Senior Deputy Head of Radnor House School Twickenham THE REAL BEAUTY OF MY JOB AND WORKING IN SUCH A VIBRANT SCHOOL, IS THAT NO TWO DAYS ARE EVER THE SAME. THAT MAKES DESCRIBING A TYPICAL ‘DAY IN THE LIFE’ A LITTLE DIFFICULT, BUT HERE GOES…

0730

Having dropped my two daughters off at the childminder’s, I arrive at school just after. First stop is to our wonderful terrace café and Fran, our onsite barista, for the obligatory cappuccino, before answering emails that may have filtered through overnight, updating the Head on the key events/issues for the day ahead.

If time allows, I will pop down to breakfast club and chat to the pupils about their latest D of E expedition, upcoming geography trip to Iceland, or yesterday’s hockey fixture, over a bowl of Special K, or bacon roll (my Friday treat…).

0815

Fuelled for the day, I greet the pupils on the front gate.

0830

Year group assemblies that run between 8:30 and 8:45 every morning of the week, celebrating pupil successes and achievements of the previous seven days and covering topics as wide ranging as equality and diversity, the latest political developments to World Book Day.

0930

Head to our stunning riverside terrace where I lead an informal discussion about the school with prospective pupils and parents before they enjoy a tour led by some of our pupils.

1000

Teach Year 7 the dark art of writing Gothic literature and focusing on the macabre and haunting ‘Woman in Black’. Time spent in the classroom will always be the most enjoyable part of the job and, being an English teacher by trade,

most particularly seeing the awe and wonder on the pupils’ faces when they are gripped by a novel or moved by a poem.

1200

Lunch begins for our youngest cohorts. Pupils and staff are greeted with meat and vegetable options on the hot counter, a variety of salads from the salad bar, as well as pasta, soup and jacket potatoes. With the menu changing daily, choices are always tough. I plump for the Thai green chicken curry, followed by a fresh fruit salad and while scoffing it down I digest the outcomes of the School Council’s discussions about charitable exploits for the year ahead, with a group of Year 10 pupils.

1400

The afternoon is equally eventful, beginning with an Upper 6th lesson on the relationship between Iago and Othello in ‘Othello’, before meetings with marketing to discuss our approach to open days in a world beginning to ‘live with Covid’. Also meet with our Deputy Head Pastoral to review the school’s extensive provision for educating our pupils on respect (one of our four core values) and diversity and inclusion.

1600

Wave goodbye to many of the pupils before leading the school’s golfers down to Strawberry Hill Golf Club, where I am reminded of my utter ineptitude at the game, as our budding Rory McIlroys show me how it is done.

1700

The clubs programme comes to an end, the final buses depart, and I prepare for another day.

Radnor House is holding two autumn open days on 2 October and 13 November.

For details: radnor-twickenham.org You can also find out more via social media @radnorhousechooltw 60 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Sixth Form: Wednesday 22 September, 6pm Day School: Thursday 23 September, 6pm Find out more: artsed.co.uk Chiswick, W4 1LY artsed.co.uk @ArtsEdLondon

EDUCATED WITH CARE "An Outstanding School, offering a lovely, nurturing, creative, dynamic environment filled with numerous opportunities for children to learn and thrive." Ofsted

CHEPSTOW HOUSE SCHOOL AND LITTLE CHEPSTOW NURSERY

AN INDEPENDENT NURSERY AND PREP SCHOOL IN NOTTING HILL

For Boys and Girls aged 2-11

Find out more chepstowhouseschool.co.uk

A GUIDE TO

STATE SCHOOLS PHOTO Oliver Hale

THERE ARE SOME FANTASTIC STATE SCHOOLS IN THE CAPITAL, AND THERE CAN BE FINE MARGINS BETWEEN THE SCHOOLS NEAR YOUR HOME. MELANIE SANDERSON, MANAGING EDITOR AT THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE, OFFERS SOME POINTERS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SENDING IN YOUR APPLICATION.

S

tate schools exist not only in a variety of forms, but with nuances between those.

Some areas continue to have a selective system at 11; others do not. Most secondary schools - and approaching half of all primary schools - are now academies. Plenty of these are part of large academy chains such as Harris Federation, City of London Schools Trust or Ark. Other schools are free schools - academies set up by local groups, often with a particular philosophy or faith. Although these are all state schools and funded by the government, academies and free schools, unlike community schools, are not overseen by local authorities and are permitted to employ unqualified teachers, deviate the national curriculum and set their own admission criteria.

However, worry less about the type of school - there are good and bad within all - but look instead at the individual school and how well it will suit your child.

Over the last 100 years, successive governments have struggled to improve education by reforming its structure, over and over again.

What hasn’t changed is that in the UK all state schools are entirely free to parents as they are funded through taxation - though many now ask parents for voluntary contributions to help fill in shortfalls.

School admissions and catchment areas can be tricky. We explain the former and have produced catchment maps showing where children who attend (or have attended) a school come from.

See how far they travel and, importantly, find out which schools you may be in catchment for, via our Interactive Catchment Area Search and easy to use catchment area maps. Be aware, though, that catchments vary each year.

CHOOSING A STATE SCHOOL - POINTS TO CONSIDER The environment

Results and value added

Is there an air of care? Are floors polished, bins emptied, displays fresh, thoughtful, inspiring? A school may not have the best of everything, but it should feel welcoming and looked after.

How well do children do? Don’t just look at the headline figures, delve beyond the headlines. In the unlikely event of a school under-performing, ask what measures have been put in place to improve results - and for whom.

What is the head like?

What strengths do they have? What do other parents, staff and students think of the school? A head can singularly make or destroy a school. Look for good, strong leadership with clear guidelines and boundaries. Do the children have a healthy respect for the head? Do they know much about the head? This can be quite telling.

Additional needs What is the school’s attitude to those who need extra help and support, whether social, emotional or academic?

Are there programmes to stretch the gifted, talented and able? What and when? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities? Are they helped, supported and included?

How? How supportive is the school?

Does the praise/discipline system flex to meet individual needs? Does it fit with your expectations?

Ofsted inspection reports Read the latest inspection report but take it with a pinch of salt if it’s more than a few years old. What are the headline grades? Outstanding, inadequate, or somewhere in between?

What actions does the report suggest the school should take? Ask what they have done. Some schools share their school improvement plan with parents - you may even find it on their website.

This is a good indication of where the focus will be in the coming year(s) and an indication of what they need to do better. But don’t judge a school entirely by its Ofsted report: it may have got its Outstanding rating by ticking the right boxes, or a ‘requires improvement’ rating because it didn’t tick a few boxes you don’t care about anyway.

The Good Schools Guide reviews more than 300 state schools, giving our personal, independent views, written CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 63

E D U C AT I O N after visiting the school, talking to the head, staff, pupils and parents.

The reviews are available to online subscribers and included in The Good Schools Guide print book.

STARTING SCHOOL

What really happens after school and at break times?

Scotland and Northern Ireland do things a little differently.

APPLYING TO A STATE SCHOOL ●●

If you are applying in England at the normal time for joining a state school – 4+ or 11+ - then applications go through your local authority. You apply during the autumn term of the previous year, with a deadline for senior school admissions of 31 October and for junior school of 15 January. Selective schools must organise their entrance exams in order to give parents initial results before the application deadline – so for most of these you must register during June or July, with exams taking place in September.

●●

Some schools and local authorities set banding tests. These are designed to ensure school places go to an equal number of children from each ability band.

●●

You can list up to six schools on your application form, depending on your local authority [London is six throughout]. If you qualify for a place at more than one, then you will only be offered a place at the one highest on your list – so do list the schools in order of preference. The schools don’t know which others you have applied to, nor where they come on your list – only the local authority knows that. If at all possible, include on your list of preferences a school where you have a very good chance of a place, otherwise you risk being offered only Unpopular Academy three bus rides away in the next borough. Your local authority should publish the number of applications each school received in previous years and this should give you some indication as to which are most likely to be oversubscribed when you apply. One of the biggest factors in the distribution of school places is geography – i.e. the distance you live from the school – with some sought-after schools requiring successful applicants to live within a few hundred yards of the school gates. Faith school places are often the most in demand and generally require additional documentation from your place of worship relating to your attendance record.

●●

If you want to join a school outside the normal admissions time – perhaps because you are moving house – then in most cases you apply direct to the school, though local authorities can have helpful information of which local schools have spaces. Bear in mind that if you are relocating or arriving from abroad, you cannot apply for a school until you have a local address, and if a place is offered, you have to take it up within a short time. These rules don’t apply to those in the Forces and diplomatic service.

Lines of communication How does the school report to parents?

What, when? Is there an active PTA? Are there parent governors or are parents invited to be involved with the school in other ways? How? What about newsletters? Are these friendly, welcoming and informative or dull and instructional?

PHOTO Jon Tyson

Browse the school website and school noticeboards - what are the children doing? Are there plenty of extracurricular activities? What about trips and tours - for all or just the lucky few? Is the library well-stocked and well-used? Is there a refuge for children requiring a space for quiet reflection?

PHOTO Jon Tyson

How much of the curriculum is devoted to keeping children fit, active, healthy? Do they run teams for all?

Is there sport for all - including those who find traditional team games tricky? Do they play against other schools? When? Which sports and teams?

In England, children born between 1 September and 31 August will generally be in the same year group. Those with September birthdays are the oldest in the year. Most children start school in the September after they are 4, although it is sometimes possible for younger children to defer starting for a term or two.

PE, games and sport

What happens when things go wrong?

Ask about their anti-bullying policy and for anecdotes of how incidents have been managed. What happens when children err? Who would be the key liaison person for your child? What is their role? If it’s a selective senior school, ask what happens to pupils who don’t receive the required grades at GCSE.

Homework How much, how often, how are you expected to help? Are there clinics available for children who are struggling? Do they have any parent forums or meetings to help parents understand what children are doing?

For more education advice on state schools head to goodschoolsguide.co.uk 64 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Life BOOKS p71

JO PRATT p72

CHANGE YOUR COOKING HABITS Eat healthily and care for the planet waterstones.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 65

F E AT U R E

WOOD

COULD & SHOULD SOPHIE CLOWES EXPLORES OUR CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS AND FINDS THAT LONDON IS AS GOOD A PLACE AS ANY FOR AN OUTDOOR EDUCATION.

W

hen was the last time your children played outside in an unstructured, messy, wild and free way? Giggled, concentrated so hard they unwittingly pulled a funny face, got lost in their own world or made up a game where they got to change the rules at their whim? When did they last climb a tree, get hot, sweaty and out of breath, examine bugs, jump in a muddy puddle or off a log, gaze up at the stars or a tree canopy, pick wild flowers, forage for food, swim in natural water, or roll down a hill? When, indeed, was the last time you played outside?

Not long ago I was scrolling on my phone, a defiant and misguided attempt at recouping ‘me’ time at the end of the day. Rarely is the idle scroll lucrative, but this time I happened upon an Instagram account called @1000hoursoutside. I flicked through the squares and found that each one resonated, confirming the notion that being outside in a green space for great lengths of time

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PHOTO Markus Spiske

is profoundly good for us all.

Ginny Yurich is a friendly-faced American from Michigan who set up her 1,000 Hours Outside project in 2013. A mother of five and a home schooler, she was motivated by the words of the late Charlotte Mason, a British educator who died a hundred years ago. Mason advocated that, “Children should spend four to six hours outside every tolerably fine day, from April to October.” Yurich found that the more time she spent outside with her children, the easier the parenting became. Her children slept better, ate better, were learning more at a greater rate and her whole family was more content, particularly her.

Most of us city dwellers are not overly familiar with the great outdoors and this year has put even greater distance between us and it. We are suffering from inside-itis, from nature-deficit disorder, from the restrictions of a battery life and not a free-range one.

LEARNING OUTSIDE LITTLE FOREST FOLK Fully outdoor forest nurseries with sites across London for 2 to 5-year-olds. littleforestfolk.com

THE BUSHCRAFT COMPANY Residentials for 7 to 18-yearolds in some of the most beautiful ancient and wild woodland spots in the UK. thebushcraftcompany.com

KITE STUDIOS Not strictly outside but Kite is an inclusive West London art studio where children are encouraged to create using nature. kitestudios.org

Today, British children (five to 16-year-olds) spend 6.3 hours on screens every day while the average American child watches 1,200 hours of TV a year. Yurich’s mission is to at least match outside hours with screen hours. Her belief that unstructured play outside - where kids get messy and wild - is vital to our children’s health and growth, is backed by countless studies.

Being inside is small and limiting; research shows that when children are given time to be outside, their bodies instinctively seek out the sensory input they need to grow and develop. A Chelsea & Westminster paediatric osteopath told a friend that the restrictions of lockdown and so much time cooped up inside has caused a big uptick in children’s bone breakages. This lack of outside play has weakened our children’s bones!

When our children are playing outside they are constantly learning. They are taking small risks that build skills for assessing larger ones. Research Professor Peter Gray suggests that, “Play is not recess from education; it IS education. Children learn far more in play, and with far more joy, than they could possibly learn in a classroom.”

And then the square that stopped me in my tracks on Yurich’s account is a quote from Stuart Brown, the founder of the National Institute for Play: “Play is called recreation because it makes us new again, it re-creates us and our world.”

PHOTO Alexander Dummer

This, surely, is true of adults and children alike.

In order to have a creative output, we have to charge our batteries through play.

As his bio explains, Brown’s background is in psychiatry, the evolution of human and animal play, as well as clinical research into the causes and prevention of violence. The combination has shown him that authentic play is a state of being

Yurich found that the more time she spent outside with her children, the easier the parenting became.

which can be accessed and used by everyone, and that play is as important to humans as vitamins or sleep.

There is further evidence to suggest that extending the hours-outside idea and offering it as an all-day education prospect in the Early Years stage, in particular, goes some way towards preventing our children suffering from increasingly apparent problems of attentiondeficit disorder, obesity and depression. What if learning outside, with its open-ended resources, provided a superior experience to inside?

This is what the educators at Little Forest Folk thought, so they set up fully outdoor forest nurseries for two to five-year-olds across seven sites in London. They see that being in the woods at the mercy of our unpredictable weather gives a sense of awe and freedom to the children in their care, encouraging resilience, confidence, independence, and self-motivation.

I see these little forest folk in their waterproofs happily pootling in the wood when I walk our dog at Chiswick House and I am filled with a sense of sadness and regret that my own children spent those years sitting on the floor inside. Oh, the waste of a magical opportunity.

Patagonia, the US-based outdoor clothing and kit supplier, which set up a forest school for employees’ offspring in the US way back in 1983, believes that “Anything that can be done indoors is better learned outdoors where physical strength, creativity and confidence develop”.

Richard Louv, author of the bestselling, Last Child in the Woods, offers this: “Whatever shape nature takes, it offers each child an older, larger world separate from parents. Unlike television, nature does not steal time; it amplifies it.”

For those worrying about their children falling behind the academic curve, the average pupil spends a whopping 12-15,000 seat hours in a classroom during their school life. Surely, we can lose some of those hours to gain time up a tree or making a mud pie?

The irrefutable evidence is that being outside is good for us whatever our age. We need to experience the weather, seasons and wildlife, assess risks, solve problems and develop CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 67

F E AT U R E

© Helen Ilus

creativity. We need to soak up nature for hours at a time to improve and maintain our minds, bodies and souls, and to develop an understanding of the natural world so that we can future-proof our play space for generations to come. And it isn’t an onerous proposition: it’s fun!

London is one of the greenest cities in the world – we have eight Royal Parks alone, all of which are free to enter. You can see wild deer in Richmond Park, pelicans in St James’s Park, catch a peek of the giraffes at The Regent’s Park, swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, stand on the Prime Meridian, the reference point for GMT, in Greenwich Park, and climb trees in them all. We even have a tidal river for mudlarking.

Britain’s capricious weather means that “tolerably fine days” may be few and far between.

But since there is never the wrong weather, just the wrong kit, we should enable our children to enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors for hours at a time before it’s too late for us, and our natural world.

BOOKS & DOWNLOADABLES Outside: A guide to discovering nature

by Maria Ana Peixe Dias & Inés Teixeira Do Rosário, Illustrated by Bernardo P Carvalho This is a delightful bright orange chunk of a book with kooky illustrations and instructive writing that is both practical and a little bit whimsy.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv This international bestseller shows how our children are suffering from nature-deficit disorder, why missing out on a free-range childhood matters and what we can do to make a difference.

A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Mark Hearld Laid out by seasons with easily accessible poetry, this is a wonderful book for young families to dip into throughout the year.

Maker Guide nationalparkcity.london celebrates London’s National Park City status. Find inspiration and downloadables including a 64-page Maker Guide and The Greenground Map by Helen Ilus.

The Tree Climber’s Guide

by Jack Cooke This book is so beautifully written and illustrated and should be pressed into the hand of every repressed adult Londoner so that they, too, can see our capital anew through the verdant canopies of some of its oldest trees. The dedication at the front is perfect: To my mother, who has a great love of trees and a mortal fear of heights.

Family Business by Malinda Chouinard & Jennifer Ridgeway This is the story of Patagonia’s innovative on-site child care that was started in 1983 and now has some of the original employees’ grandchildren in its care. It’s as much about responsible business as encouraging a love of wild and beautiful places in early childhood.

Playing Outside by Helen Bilton This is the book for Early Years educators wishing to provide inspiring outdoor play opportunities to the children in their care.

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INSTAGRAM @1000hoursoutside @littleforestfolk @steph_outside @courtneyadamo @clover.stroud @tracklifeldn.com

LONDON’S

PLAYGROUNDS London is home to 8.6 million people, more than 8.3 million trees, and 14,000 species of wildlife. There are eight Royal Parks alone and public green space covers 16.8% of the city, while more than 170,000 trees were planted by public bodies in the three years preceding the pandemic.

The Greenground Map

by Helen Ilus Inspired by the iconic London Tube map, this is an alternative sustainable transport map and has grown to include 300 parks and the walking, cycling and kayaking routes between them, as well as places for bird-watching, swimming and admiring the views. It’s very cool. nationalparkcity.london

Join our virtual family fun run!

FREE ENTRY!

Walk, jog, scoot or wheel a distance of your choice, wherever you like, and raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Sign up for RBC Race for the Kids and be part of a global, virtual event.

16–17 October

rbcraceforthekids.com

Plus, the NEW app to help you create your own thrilling race day.

Scan here to find out more This image was taken at RBC Race for the Kids 2019. Please check government guidance on social distancing before taking part in the virtual event.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 1160024.

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www.willtowin.co.uk 70 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Books

BOOKS

BIG KIDS

LITTLE KIDS

PRE SCHOOLERS

AS THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC CONTINUE, BOOKS CAN PROVIDE SOLACE DURING AN UNSETTLING AND CHALLENGING TIME. HERE’S A GREAT SELECTION TO KEEP CHILDREN INTERESTED IN THE WORLD AT LARGE, WHETHER THEY ARE HOME OR IN SCHOOL.

By SHARON JONES

BOOK HOSPITAL

WHEN I SEE RED

by Leigh Hodgkinson (Simon & Schuster) £6.99

by Britta Teckentrup £10.99

In this cute story about loving books, we hear all about the adventures that books can take you on. But what happens when books are scribbled on, spilt on, chewed up and accidently ripped? They go to the Book Hospital, silly! There they are lovingly restored and returned to their owner ready to be enjoyed again. Leigh Hodgkinson’s humourous illustrations guide us through the perils of being a book especially when the last page is missing…

Britta Teckentrup beautifully depicts anger in this tale of a girl whose rage sweeps her away like a storm in a forest. Understanding this emotion can be difficult for children and this book shows the different sides to anger which can seem frightening or overwhelming, but also powerful if used in a positive way. Teckentrup’s bold illustrative style captures our heroine’s emotional journey in a way that is accessible to young readers who may recognise themselves when anger takes hold.

THE BOOK OF LABYRINTHS AND MAZES

INTERVIEW WITH A SHARK & OTHER OCEAN GIANTS TOO

by Silke Vry and Finn Dean (Prestel) £14.99

by Andy Seed and Nick East (Welbeck Children’s) £9.99

An absolutely stunning book, packed full of stories and puzzles all about labyrinths and mazes from the past to the present.

Full of historical facts, philosophy and stories from across the globe – it explains how labyrinths have been embedded in culture for centuries and why humans have been obsessed with creating them. Fascinating and visually engaging, this book will have you hot-footing it to Hampton Court to test out why we are scared yet excited by the idea of getting lost.

This funny and informative book explores the premise of a scuba diver who invents a machine which allows him to talk to animals, even ones that live underwater.

He interviews the great and the good of the sea world, finding out fascinating facts about their lives, including a manta ray (six metres wide), blue whale (as heavy as 25 elephants), octopus (favourite book – Diary of a Wimpy Squid) but also enlightens readers that all his guests are endangered and with some simple steps they too can help look after the planet.

WILDLORD

ALLIES

by Philip Womack (Little Island Books) £7.99

by Shakirah Bourne & Dana Alison Levy (DK) £12.99

If you’re looking for a gripping adventure with a supernatural edge, this is just the ticket. When orphan Tom Swinton receives a mysterious letter from an uncle he didn’t know he had asking him to visit his Suffolk farm because ‘It is time for you to see, time for you to understand’ he cannot help but be intrigued. When he arrives Tom soon senses a feeling of foreboding and quickly realises he is far from alone - dangerous beings occupy the surrounding woods and the farm has secrets which hold the key to his parents death. A page turner from start to finish.

Everyone needs an ally and this is a fitting book for the times in which we currently live. 17 bestselling YA authors talk about what allyship means and how to show up for underrepresented groups, be that friends or strangers. These powerful accounts of racism and disability may make for an uncomfortable read, but they also give the opportunity for self-reflection, as well as ideas for action. Some of the proceeds of this book will go to The Black Curriculum.

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.

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

Moroccan Veggie Stew

T

his recipe is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, kids who are enjoying being back at school and more than perfect for parents who are not enjoying being back in a routine post the summer holidays. Arghhh!

It’s easy to prepare, oozes with flavour and goodness, and goes really well with couscous a dollop of hummus, and some veggie sticks on the side.

PREP 10 minutes COOKING TIME 1 hour SERVES 4 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground ginger pinch cayenne pepper 2 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced 500g peeled and chopped butternut squash 1 x 400g chopped tomatoes 1 x 400g chickpeas, drained 100g dried apricots, roughly chopped Juice of ½ lemon

TO SERVE

∙∙ Heat the oil in a large casserole pan or saucepan over a low-medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the garlic and all the dried spices (cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, paprika, ginger and cayenne pepper), then cook for a further 1 minute. In a separate bowl, mix together

Simple Hummus 1 x 400g tin of chickpeas 1 clove garlic

Couscous

Juice of ½ lemon

Hummus (why not make your own…)

100g tahini

Raw veggie sticks

1 tbsp olive oil Pinch of paprika Salt

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the polenta, flour, baking powder, cheeses and a pinch of salt. ∙∙ Stir in the carrots and squash then add the tinned tomatoes. Half fill the tin with water and swirl it around to pick up all of the tomato juices. Add this to the pan along with the chickpeas and apricots.

∙ ∙ Drain the chickpeas and keep all the water from the tin. ∙∙ Put the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, 125ml of the chickpea water and a good pinch of salt into a food processor. Blend for a few minutes until lovely and smooth. Check the

∙∙ Bring to a simmer, cover the pan with a lid and cook on a low heat for 45 minutes, stirring a couple of times throughout. Finish off by squeezing in the lemon juice and season with a pinch of salt. ∙∙ Serve straight way or set to one side and reheat gently when needed.

seasoning and add a pinch of salt to taste. If it looks too thick, add more of the chickpea water. ∙∙ To serve, swirl the hummus onto a serving dish. Drizzle over the olive oil and garnish with the paprika.

FOOD NEWS

VINTAGE HALLOWEEN SIDE PLATES £6.25 for 8 merimeri.co.uk

JAR OF BUG BISCUITS £28 honeywellbakes.com

PIN THE SMILE ON THE KELETON £3.49 partydelights.co.uk

DRACULA TEETH £5.49 for 500g bag keepitsweet.co.uk

Halloween Essentials

GOOEY CHOCOLATE EYEBALLS £9.99 choconchoc.co.uk

PUMPKIN DECORATIONS

POSTBOX PARTY SKELETON RIBCAGE PAPER CUPS

2-pack £24 merimeri.co.uk

£7.20 for 8 notonthehighstreet.com

NAPKINS £1.75 for 20 thevanillavalley.co.uk

PERSONALISED HALLOWEEN GOODIE BAG HALLOWEEN BAT TABLE RUNNER

£8 sundaysdaughter.com

£19 ellieellie.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 73

FOOD NEWS

TASTEBUD TRICKERY

Packed!

If you’re trying to get the family to drink more, without ingesting more sugar, then this could be the trick. Air Up is a new drink bottle that is fitted with 100% natural scent pods to trick your senses into thinking you have tasted flavour when in fact you’ve only smelt it. Flavours include pink grapefruit, cola and iced coffee. Our testers confirm that it works! uk.air-up.com

FUSS-FREE FAMILY FOOD

RECYCLED RICE HUSK LUNCHBOX £13.99 pasoluna.co.uk

Clinical child nutritionist Lucinda Miller is back with I Can’t Believe It’s Baby Food focussing on feeding the brain, gut and immune system of our babies, and indeed the whole family.

Nearly all the recipes are suitable for weaning babies from six months, and they are easy to adapt for different ages, food allergies and fussy eaters.

We have recipes from Lucinda over on the website citykidsmagazine.co.uk. shortbooks.co.uk

What’s New COOKIE CRAVINGS Despite the guilt of not making cookies from scratch, we’re converted to Doughlicious. Each pack contains six perfectly portioned, ready-to-bake cookies which can be cooked from chilled or frozen. The full range is gluten-free and there are also vegan and organic choices with flavours including chocolate chip, Vegan cranberry oatmeal, chocolate and vanilla, matcha and white chocolate and red velvet. doughlicious.co.uk

DINOSAURS OILCLOTH LUNCH BAG £23 sophieallport.com

CEREOUSLY GOOD BLACK + BLUM STAINLESS STEEL LUNCHBOX OLIVE GREEN £35 smallable.com/en

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We’re always on the lookout for exciting breakfast options and this time, Grandma has come to the rescue. Grandma Crunch is a low sugar, high protein healthy alternative to start the day. grandmacrunch.co.uk

Explore TRIPS p76

WHO IS p82

DREAM ON Elounda Peninsula, the only all-suite hotel with seafront private pools in Europe eloundapeninsula.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 75

TRIPS

SOUTH POLE TRAVEL We can’t believe we are writing this, but yes, it is now possible to plan a family trip to Antarctica. A partnership between Wilderness Safaris and White Desert means that guests can enjoy conservation tourism and joint itineraries designed to be truly immersive and exclusive.

white-desert.com wilderness-safaris.com

White Desert has taken the hardship out of exploration and transformed the isolated beauty of Antarctica into an exclusive backdrop for adventure, offering luxury accommodations and a host of experiences, including ice climbing, abseiling, rock climbing, and rope walking, as well as the rare highlight of visiting the South Pole. Protecting Antarctica’s future is fundamental to White Desert’s mission; in addition to supporting scientists performing ground-breaking research on the Antarctic ice shelf, White Desert’s operations leave no waste on the continent, and their camps are built with the lightest environmental footprint, where all elements of their camps can be disassembled, leaving no trace.

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Wilderness Safaris, meanwhile, has built a collective of remote destinations in Africa, each unique and untamed for those seeking to discover the wilderness of dramatic mountain ranges, pristine vistas and unique wildlife encounters. The first two itineraries are set to take place in November and December 2021.

Children over 10 can travel but as each trip is bespoke, the travel company will discuss ages and appropriate itineraries with each group.

VINEYARD DISCOVERY TOURS Not just for the grown-ups, little ones can explore Château Troplong Mondot in SaintEmilion from behind the wheel of one of the estate’s mini electric Land Rovers. They’ll learn about biodiversity as they search for Eddy the Squirrel as well as vineyard life and the importance of preserving the natural environment. With a vegetable garden that serves the onsite restaurant Les Belles Perdrix, children can help pick produce which will end up on their plates. Add the chickens and pigs and it’s a fantastic day out. Should you wish to stay, there is a two bedroom villa, The Vineyard House, as well as The Art Studio suite and The Keys.

troplong-mondot.com at Scott Dunn

LITTLE LONDON VIPS Barring further lockdowns, the easiest trip is a staycation at a special London hotel. The Lanesborough Hotel introduces Little VIP Club packed with family-friendly activities and VIP kids’ perks. Upon arrival, Little VIPs will feel all grown up when they are presented with their very own ‘Business Wallet’, personalised with their name. When presented at any of The Lanesborough’s outlets when accompanied by parents, they will receive a complimentary

soft drink or ice cream. Other special activities include ‘Little Butler Bootcamp’, mocktail lessons, horse riding in Hyde Park, treasure hunts and dedicated ‘splash hours’ in the pool at The Lanesborough Club & Spa. After a day out, families can relax with complimentary movies and popcorn before a restful night’s sleep. For cat-lovers, The Lanesborough’s charming cat-in-residence, Lilibet, is available for all-day cuddles and playtime.

oetkercollection.com

CHILD-FRIENDLY SAFARI Head to Noka Camp by Lepogo Lodges for treasure hunts, bush baking, mindful pottery, trinket crafting, bush painting and jewellery making. That’s not to mention boating, fishing, frogging and river swimming and of course, what everyone really came for, the animals.

The not-for-profit lodge can also arrange tours of the nearby Iron Age site atop Melora mountiain and the remarkable rock art of the bushman mountain paintings.

lepogolodges.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 77

THE KNOWLEDGE

Halloween fun is back on in 2021!

1

Halloween in the City

Here’s our guide to some horrific adventures for all your little monsters.

Dress up and run 5k in aid of Maggie’s.

Places are £26.50 and everyone who signs up gets a Halloween outfit, running number and limited-edition medal.

Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends, following the ideas about cancer care originally laid out

by Maggie Keswick Jencks. 28th October, Paternoster Square.

eventbrite.co.uk

SPOOKTAKULAR STEAM TRAINS HOXTON STREET MONSTER SUPPLIES

All aboard the Halloween express at Audley End Railway in Saffron Waldon. Chug deep into the woodland to meet the witches and their monsters.

They’ll entertain, cast spells and even perform some dances. On your return, visit Belinda, the Fortune Telling Witch, and then onto the Wizards.

The trip is suitable for even the tiniest of monsters.

audley-end-railway.co.uk 78 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Service with a snarl since 1818, this is ‘London’s oldest supplier of goods for the living, dead and undead’. This store supplies edible goods like minty maggots and toasted bone chunks, chemist supplies including fang floss, as well as a range of tinned fear. You’ll even find some salted bone flakes and seasonal bogies. Any purchase can also be cursed by their resident coven of witches!

monstersupplies.org

4

POLKA IS BACK!

Pick your own Pumpkin

Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre returns, completely refurbished, with an exciting performance programme.

If you fancy something a little less haunting and a lot more fairy tale, then book for RED. Incorporating British Sign Language this is an exciting visual and physical storytelling production taking children on a journey through forests and swampland.

5

Instead of a trip to the supermarket, head to Surrey to pick your own pumpkin. Every autumn, Crockford Bridge Farm opens its Pumpkin Market.

Covid saw bookable tickets, which may help with the crowds that can gather.

polkatheatre.com

crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

Petrifying Paultons There’s fangtastic fun for all ages at Paulton’s this October. The bravest can try new rides such as Stormchaser and The Cyclonator at Tornado Springs, which will also have a spooky makeover. Peppa Pig World will be transformed and you’ll see Grandpa Pig’s ‘World’s Biggest Pumpkin’ on display. And don’t forget Mr Skinny Legs, the spider!

paultonspark.co.uk

7

6

HAIR-RAISING HIKE

gosh.org

Choose your distance, gather your bravest guys and ghouls to make up a team or go it alone if you dare to walk along London’s spooky streets.

Dress to distress and the creepy dungeon keepers at The Oval start and finish will meet, greet,

and shock.

Once you escape there’s ghostly looped routes with zombie rest stops, and if you manage to get back in one piece there’s a macabre medal, a glass of the Devil’s fizz, some horrific hot food and drink –and a souvenir

bobble hat to ward off the spirits as you head off.

Choose from 10k, half marathon or full marathon distances all in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Entrance fees apply with discounts for 12 to 16-year-olds.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 79

PODCASTS

Podcasts

by SOPHIE CLOWES

WE CAN DO HARD THINGS

BRYONY GORDON: MAD WORLD

POSTCARDS FROM MIDLIFE

WHERE SHOULD WE BEGIN?

Each week, Glennon Doyle takes a difficult topic and discusses it with her sister, Amanda, and, sometimes, her wife, Abbie Wambach. Glennon, the author of the seminal Untamed, gently guides her listeners through the guilt and shame of complex but everyday topics and brings them out the other side feeling lighter and brighter about life’s hard things.

Journalist Bryony Gordon interviews guests, easing out their stories of mental health.

It’s intimate conversations about getting unwell – and getting better.

There are fabulous amounts of self-deprecating laughs from the woman who has been there, done that and, like us all, is a work in progress.

Former glossy magazine editors, Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin, are on a mission to help women make the most of their magnificent midlife. It sounds a little cheesy, but the chat is, in fact, fascinating, friendly and informative, with an eclectic roster of interesting guests.

Modern love expert, Esther Perel, listens as real-life couples share their relationship woes. It’s the cheat’s version of marriage counseling, offering valuable insight into all human interactions and relationships. An hour of therapy while you sit on the Tube or go for a run? Easy.

PARENTING HELL

I WEIGH

SOUNDTRACKING

THE WINGWOMAN

Hurrah – a podcast about the parenting rollercoaster from the male perspective. Launched in the first lockdown, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe interview other comedians, authors and interesting folk on misadventures in parenting and beyond. A warming antithesis to the filtered perfection peddled on social media.

The irrepressible Jameela Jamil’s social media posts have grown into a mental health movement and now a podcast. She challenges social norms, amplifies and empowers diverse voices through accessible conversations with thought leaders, performers, activists, influencers and friends. Hilarious and vulnerable in equal measure, this is a celebration of progress, not perfection.

Scottish DJ and TV presenter Edith Bowman’s guests include film directors, actors, producers and composers who talk about the music that inspires them in their careers. Much is familiar, some is not, but Edith’s conversations always offer up insight. For music buffs and enthusiasts, alike.

The off-beat American comedian invites anonymous callers to recount their stories. Each episode is an hour of moving, funny and compelling listening, offering an impromptu lesson in humanity.

Look out for episodes such as ‘The Whirlpool Galaxy’ and ‘Sky Full of Ghosts’.

80 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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 chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs | Musical theatre Chiswick

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

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

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 4-17yrs | 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

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

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

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

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

XBAND STUDIO SCHOOL OF ROCK POP AND MORE

DUKES MEADOWS

xbandstudio.com 8-18yrs Ealing

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

STEM & CODING

EALING CRICKET CLUB

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

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

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

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

EXCEL SPORTS CAMPS

richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

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

SKATEBOARDING CLUB 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

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

excelsports.org.uk 4-12yrs Chiswick

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

CYPHER

FIT FOR SPORT

TEAMSPORT

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

fitforsport.co.uk 4yrs+ Across London

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

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB

WILL TO WIN

MAD SCIENCE madscience.org.uk 4-11yrs Various locations

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

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS

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

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

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

FIRE TECH

Hounslow

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ROYAL INSTITUTION

UPBEAT MUSIC COURSES

TREEHOUSE LEARNING CAMP BEAUMONT

English and Debating South Kensington

LET ME PLAY

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

RICHER EDUCATION

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

musichouseforchildren.co.uk Various ages Shepherds Bush

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

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

heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4-12yrs | All abilities CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 81

PEOPLE

who is?

FRANCESCA GEENS CREATOR OF THE HAPPYSELF JOURNAL

Tell us how you got into journaling?

As a child I lived in many different countries, and I was always encouraged to keep journals of our travels. Over the years these turned into scrapbooks and then in recent years I discovered gratitude journaling and its incredible benefits which has been life changing.

When did you come up with the idea for HappySelf Journal?

Back in 2017 I was really feeling the benefits of mindfulness, journaling and a daily gratitude practice and I wanted both my children to have their own screen-free space to help instil in them the positive habits that have been shown to support our happiness and wellbeing. There has been so much in the press about the increase in anxiety and mental health problems in our children that I felt it was best to look at what can be done to support our wellbeing, so we are best equipped to face life’s ups and downs. Bringing this together into a beautiful daily journal is where my passion project started. A journal that not only offered wonderful wellbeing benefits for children, but also a journal that was easy to do and most importantly fun to fill.

How does journaling help us find happiness?

What really interested me was the research being done around the science of happiness and those simple habits that have been proven to have an impact on our happiness and wellbeing. In our journals I wanted to bring these together so that proven habits like gratitude, kindness, mindfulness become part of our everyday lives from a young age.

What did you do in your previous life?

I used to run a technology and productivity 82 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

consultancy and before that I worked in the art world.

Three words to describe yourself.

Curious. Pragmatic. Kind.

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

I have a PhD in Art History.

Where would your favourite date night be?

There are so many places on our list to catch-up on. Anywhere where we can have a good view and a few hours to ourselves sounds wonderful. Preferably with a cold glass of champagne.

Where’s the best place to take kids in London?

We love exploring the museums around South Kensington (the courtyard garden at the V&A is especially wonderful in summer) and then walking up to Hyde Park.

Last book you read?

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig.

Signature dish?

I love making risotto.

What would you take to a desert island?

Satellite wifi connected to a solar power charger so I have access to all the things via my laptop – is that allowed? If not, then my journal and a pen!

What’s your proudest moment?

Last year we were able to distribute over 10,000 journals to children who would otherwise not have had access to them by

working with various charities and thanks to funding from Innovate UK. I’m incredibly proud that we can use our business to do good.

What’s next for Francesca Geens?

Right now, I’m taking a month off so I can have a big rest after a very intense 18 months! After that, it’s time to keep sharing the benefits of daily journaling and getting them into the hands of as many kids and adults as we possibly can!

happyselfjournal.com

Design, build, repeat.

Feel like an inventor, build anything you want and create a new toy for every day of the week with BRIO Builder – the open-ended construction toy from BRIO. With easy-to-use construction tools, mixed-material parts and the freedom to build whatever you want, hours of experimentation and fun awaits.

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34591 Builder Motor Set

34592 Builder Record & Play Set

Where education comes with adventure

Register for our next Open Day or a School Tour

new r u o ! out b day a o t e uir ute o r Enq bus 3 1 SW

Education is a journey and at Falcons Prep Richmond, we believe that where your son is going, starts with who he is today.

Visit our modern facilities, meet our boys and join Headmistress, Miss Buchanan, to learn how an education with adventure could support your son's learning journey Register for our next Open Day at falconsprep.co.uk or by scanning here.

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