CITY KIDS MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 ISSUE 23

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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR LONDON FAMILIES

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SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 5 FREE WINTER 2019/20 Nº 23

DECK THE HALLS!

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FOR KIDS THE

Two mums share their Christmas traditions

ULTIMATE GIFTGUIDE Perfect presents for everyone

WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N EDUCATION DUCATION FASHION ASHION BOOKS OOKS ACTIVITIES CTIVITIES

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WELCOME

I

t is the most wonderful time of the year isn’t it? But it’s definitely the busiest (and most stressful) too. We love all the festivities, but all the shopping and planning can be exhausting for parents. So, in this issue you’ll find lots of tips and advice to make having lots of festive fun that bit easier.

From our gift guides and listings of the best shows in London, to our taking a peek at how Heidi Range and Celia Muñoz spend their Christmases, we’ve packed our Winter pages with ideas we hope you will find really helpful and inspiring.

We also welcome a new columnist, Nicola Wilson, the brains behind Tiny Table a fantastic guide to family-dining in London, who will be sharing her thoughts on all things foodie.

And while we encourage you to take a 10-minute break from your December to-do list, don’t miss some of the amazing events we’ve highlighted in early 2020 as something to look forward to after all this mayhem.

We wish you all a wonderful winter full of festive cheer and plenty of mulled wine or mocktails, whatever gets you through!

COVER IMAGE nadadelazos.com

CONTACT editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353 citykidsmagazine @citykidswest citykidsmagazine To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk

30 INDEX 17

christmas shows

12

04 WE LOVE 06 WHAT’S ON 12 GIFTS 14 FASHION 18 FEATURE

Editor & Owner Victoria Evans editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Digital Editor Morag Turner morag@citykidsmagazine.co.uk

For all advertising enquiries Allie Gill 07747 607 264 allie@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Designer Caroline Haye info@navalisdesign.com Contributors Beverley Turner Jo Pratt Eleonore Crompton Lianne Kolirin Nicola Wilson

32

CHRISMAS TRADITIONS

19 BEVERLEY TURNER 21 20 INTERIORS 21 FOOD 24 EDUCATION 29 BOOKS 30 TRIPS 32 THE KNOWLEDGE 33 ASK THE EXPERTS 34 DIRECTORIES 50 WHO IS..? JEN FULLER

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. © 2019 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. T 07770 370 353

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 03

WE LOVE

CH RIST MAS KIN DN ESS Create a new Christmas tradition with The Giving Manger, swapping commercialism for acts of kindness.

Each time your child does a kind deed, a piece of straw is placed in the manger until the Baby is nestled in on Christmas Day.

thegivingmanger.com

En Pointe

We’re totally in love with the accessories ranges from Milledeux.

The handmade detail of the ballerinas is a particular favourite. This gift set comes in ten different colourways.

milledeux.com

pop my way Launching this month is this pretty baby brand which has very practical roots. Attachable accessories include bibs, collars, and dummy straps in seven pastel shades. There are even poppers to keep socks in their place.

popmyway.co.uk

04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WE LOVE

CRAFTY KIDS Clockwork Soldier’s award-winning craft kits are designed to fire up imaginations.

Options include The Amazing Dinosaur Art Gallery for ages 5+ to create their own 3D works of art and decorate with rub down transfers. The pack turns into a frame to display the finished pieces.

clockworksoldiershop.co.uk

ANIMAL INSTINCTS Is it just us, or are there an amazing selection of beautiful books around?

HUMANIMAL uncovers the curious connections between humans and other animals. Discover how rats tickle and laugh out loud; how elephants have funerals for their lost loved ones and how bees vote in elections.

Bake Off Our desire for subscription boxes shows no sign of tiring. Little Cooks Co post recipes and ingredients through the letterbox direct to kids.

December’s options include Gingerbread muffins, Gingerbread biscuits, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies!

whatonearthbooks.com littlecooksco.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

WHAT’S ON

21 Nov to 5 Jan

christmas 27 Nov to 22 Dec

THE SNOWMAN

4

to 22 Dec

SCRUNCH

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Unicorn Theatre unicorntheatre.com

Theatre Peckham theatrepeckham.co.uk

Share in baby’s excitement as you prepare to celebrate their first Christmas with all the crumpling, rumpling and scrunching that entails.

This classic tale is reimagined as a festive pantomime with an 80s Peckham vibe.

THE LITTLE PRINCE

THE SNOW QUEEN

PINOCCHIO

Omnibus Theatre omnibus-clapham.org

Rose Theatre, Kingston rosetheatrekingston.org

Watermans watermans.org.uk

Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s childhood classic this is a brilliant blend of enchanting storytelling, delightful puppetry and live music.

Catch this original production from the Rose Theatre of Hans Christan Anderson’s spellbinding winter fairy tale.

Using circus, puppetry and bubbles this is a highly visual version of the classic tale for all the family.

Based on the Raymond Briggs classic, a magical story brought to life on stage for parents and kids alike.

4

to 23 Dec

7 Dec to 12 Jan

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS London Palladium ticketmaster.co.uk

An entertaining pantomime filled with circus acts, stunts, special effects and comedy routines with an all-star cast including Paul O’Grady and Matt Baker.

06 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

Image Tristram Kenton

The Peacock peacocktheatre.com

From 6 Dec

11

to 28 Dec

7 to 30 Dec

13 Dec to 5 Jan

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL

PETER PAN GOES WRONG

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith eventimapollo.com

Alexandra Palace londontheatre.co.ukk

Catch the stage version of the movie filled with festive songs, as we watch two teachers compete to stage the best Nativity.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present JM Barrie’s much-loved tale.

December 1

From

LAUREN CHILD: LISTEN TO THE KIDS

The Leicester Square Spiegeltent christmasinleicestersquare.com

Get your glitz and gladrags on for this immersive exhibition about the seventies Swedish pop sensation, Abba.

24

COURTYARD CAROL SINGING

SHREK’S GROTTO

Hampton Court Palace hrp.org.uk

Shrek’s Adventure, County Hall, South Bank shreksadventure.com/london/

Fuelled by mince pies, prepare yourself to sing all your favourite carols in the historic and aweinspiring location of Hampton Court Palace.

Step into the fairy tale world of Far Far Away on an immersive journey through Shrek’s swamp where Santa awaits.

From

26

DISNEY ON ICE: 100 YEARS OF MAGIC The O2 disneyonice.com

If you’ve never been - and even if you’re a seasoned veteran - grab your Mickey for some super cool Disney magic.

Part of Christmas in Leicester Square, this swashbuckling adventure promises to be a hit with young families.

Until

Regent’s Park zsl.org

27 & 28

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out with festive film screenings and a chance to meet Santa in his animal-themed grotto. From 30 Nov.

28 & 29

GRANDPA’S GREAT ESCAPE

CHRISTMAS CRACKER JOKE WORKSHOP

Wembley SSE Arena ssearena.co.uk

He shot to fame in The Young Ones and now Nigel Planer stars as Grandpa in this adaptation of David Walliams’ hit novel.

24

CHRISTMAS AT ZSL LONDON ZOO

© ZSL London Zoo

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films © ullstein bild Dtl - Getty Images

The 02 abbasupertroupers.com

Selected dates until

7

CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DINOSAURS: THE MAGIC CUTLASS

Museum of London museumoflondon.org.uk

©Bach to Baby

Historic Royal Palaces

16, 22 & 23

Selected dates from

ABBA: SUPER TROUPERS THE EXHIBITION

The British Library bl.uk

Author and illustrator Lauren Child in conversation about Clarice Bean’s eco-warrior mission and the importance of really listening to children.

6

WHAT’S ON

Get ready for a whole barrel of laughs at this festive themed interactive workshop. Make your own jokes and learn about puns with comedian Dan de la Motte.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

January

WHAT’S ON

1

Central London, Green Park to Westminster lnydp.com

HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

Museum of London, Barbican museumoflondon.org.uk

7

COPPELIA

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre southbankcentre.co.uk

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden roh.org.uk

Puppet elephants are among the highlights of this touring circus, with some of the best acts from all over the world. From 19 Dec.

Until

12

Image Bill Cooper ROH

CIRCUS 1903

Ninette de Valois’ charming and funny tale of love, mischief and mechanical dolls is a wonderful introduction to ballet. From 28 Nov.

From

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LUZIA

Somerset House, Aldwych somersethouse.org.uk

Royal Albert Hall cirquedusoleil.com

There’s still time to have a glide around on one of London’s most scenic ice rinks this winter. From 13 Nov.

The world famous circus company bewitches audiences once again this winter, this time with a dazzling spectacle in an imaginary Mexico.

08 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

11

EXHIBITION: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Osterley Park and House, Isleworth nationaltrust.org.uk

12

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE

Join Charlie and her magic ukulele as it transports you around the world! Sing, drum and play along to some old favourites.

From

© Seven Stories / Damien Wootten

Until

Everyone’s favourite children’s story is celebrated in this exhibition from Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books.

Until Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

5

Learn more about the crew who served on board HMS Belfast on D-Day in this interactive storytelling experience.

© Museum of London

LET’S GET FESTIVE

Colin © HMLHutton Belfast © Hartswood Films

FAMILY MISSION: D-DAY EDITION

Until

Image Manuel-Harlan

2&3

NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE

Welcome in 2020 on this annual parade down Piccadilly and towards Parliament. Expect to see cheerleaders, clowns, acrobats and more.

Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason © James Bryan

3

26

HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW Warner Bros Studio Tour, Leavesden wbstudiotour.co.uk

Discover how filmmakers created snow that never melts and flames without fire in this seasonal Harry Potter movie tour. From 16 Nov.

d join festive Track him down an London Transport family activities at tmas.

Museum this Chris

nuary 2020

30 November – 5 Ja

KIDS GO FREE

2019.101_M_Christmas Ads_City Kids_190x118mm.indd 1

31/10/2019 12:10

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 09

February

WHAT’S ON

5

From

6

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Richmond Theatre, Richmond atgtickets.com

Dominion Theatre theprinceofegyptmusical.com

Sadler’s Wells, Islington sadlerswells.com

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Southbank Centre southbankcentre.co.uk

Dreamworks’ stage adaptation of The Prince of Egypt promises to be a big hit in the West End in 2020.

BEAT ORBIT

DINO SNORES FOR KIDS

Georgiana Street, Camden beatorbit.live

Natural History Museum, South Kensington nhm.ac.uk

Children take over Southbank Centre, as the unique Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a range of theatre, music, literature, and more.

Get ready to release your inner drummer at this truly unique experience, as you bash funky beats against family and friends.

7, 21 & 29

17 to 23

UCL OBSERVATORY Mill Hill, NW7 ucl.ac.uk

Set your sights on the stars and far away planets at this unique London venue - UCL’s Observatory in north-west London.

10 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Set to music by Sting and The Police, this new hip hop dance production describes itself as a tale of “humanity and hope”.

7 & 29

Daily

© The Trustees of the Natural History Museum

Everyone’s favourite pink friend is back in a show packed full of songs, games and laughter!

© Museum of London

PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER

12 to 23

Image Belinda Lawley

From

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

Image Dan Tsantil

1&2

Explore a torch-lit trail during this special sleepover night at the museum, aimed at kids aged between seven and 11.

29

THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT DESCENDER

LONDON FILM AND COMIC CON SPRING

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

Olympia londoncomicconspring.com

A unique opportunity for thrill seekers aged 14 and over to step off a platform from the iconic sculpture, 80m up!

Plan your outfit now - the more outlandish the better! Expect photo shoots, autograph sessions and hundreds of stalls. Runs to 1 March.

7 – 30 D EC 20 19

LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW

Based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake White

Black

CHRISTMAS SHOW

Black overprint

PINOCCHIO Visit: watermans.org.uk Box Office: 020 8232 1010

Jaw-dropping circus, mischief and magic at West London’s arts centre for 3–8s and their families.

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

ring

g in 0y 0k 100c alkin75m “W ir” the A tu Fea

The Times

£120 OM FRction T Transa KE LYincludTIC MI FA fee applies. Max £3 child 1 least at e must , 4 tickets 21 Nov – 5 Jan

peacocktheatre.com

Based on the story by

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

Written & Directed by

CIARAN McCONVILLE

Music & Lyrics by

EAMONN O’DWYER

A Rose Original Production

FRI 6 DEC – SUN 5 JAN

020 8174 0090 | rosetheatrekingston.org

ROSE ORIGINAL

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11

GIFTS

2

1

BABIES & TODDLERS

3

4

1 Cashmere Sweater with

Snowflake £85 purecollection.com 2 Mini Matilda Doll Suitcase £25 merimeri.co.uk 3 Lily Rabbit Bathrobe 1-2 years £57 liewood.com 4 Ruby Doll £53 merimeri.co.uk 5 Wooden Bear Stacking Toy £25 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 6 Deer Stocking £25 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 7 Blumoo Chat Slippers £39 libertylondon.com 8 Swellegant Fancy Reindeer £22 jellycat.com 9 Moon Cushion £35 prostoconcept.com 10 Yellow all in one £16 riverisland.com 11 Jimmy Teddy Bear £25 steiff.com 12 Lillagunga Rocking Reindeer £265 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 13 Knitted Miffy £20 retrokids.com 14 Sleep Time Top to Toe Baby Wash & Cream £44 aureliaskincare.com 15 Derek the Musical Dinosaur £50.30 TanteDilet etsy.com 16 Moon Picnic My Weather Station £48 libertylondon.com

1

7

5

8

9

6

6

11 10 12 13 16 14

2

15

3

4

BIG KIDS 1 Girls Club Sign £185 theoldcinema.co.uk

2 Lego Technic 4x4 X-treme Off-Roader Set £199 harrods.com

5

3 Belly Board £45 dickpearce.com

4 Polaroid OneStep+ i-Type Camera

6

7

£140 amara.com

5 Sphero Mini Pink Droid Set £59.95 harrods.com

6 The Treat Kitchen Vegan

Radioactive Watermelon Sweets £12 harrods.com 7 Zorbi Magic Flying Saucer £20 marvinsmagic.com

12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ELEONORE CROMPTON loves Christmas! When not editing our gift lists,

LITTLE KIDS

2

1

GIFTS

3

4

1 Master Chief Wooden Car £35 Candylab bobbyrabbit.co.uk 2 Llama Mood Light £9.99 yesiwantit.com 3 Squirrel Hat and Gloves set £14 marksandspencer.com 4 Neon Eyes T-shirt £14 thekindnessco-op.com 5 Childrens 6x21 Binoculars £29.99 very.co.uk 6 One Hundred Things to Spot Book £12.99 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 7 All Over Small Saturn Buttons Dress 2-8 years £72 bobochoses.com 8 Little People Big Dreams David Bowie Book £9.99 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 9 Hogwarts Enchanted Tulle Dress £55 boden.co.uk 10 My First Animals A3 Print £25 roryandthebean.co.uk 11 Tonies Audio Story Starter Pack £69.95 littlewhispers.co.uk 12 Fete Bamboo Toothbrush £5 fromearthtoearth.uk 13 Puzzle Advent Calendar £17.99 petitcollage.com 14 Little Foxes Gorjuss Doll £69.95 harrods.com 15 OAXIS myFirst Voice microphone £37 selfridges.com 16 Fairytales Friends Magnetic Dress Ups Set £18 hurnandhurn.com 17 Embroidered Gloves from £12 monsoon.co.uk 18 Banwood First Go Balance Bike £146.95 scandiborn.co.uk 19 Banwood First Go Balance Helmet £32.50 scandiborn.co.uk

5

6

7

8

9

10

15

11

13

12

14

16

19

17

BIG KIDS 8 Gold Plated Bee Necklace, £120, Alex Monroe - exclusive to libertylondon.com 9 Check Hooded Overshirt £16.99 zara.com 10 Black/Gold Kids Matching Family Slogan Pyjamas (3-16yrs) £13-£18 next.co.uk 11 Far Side Low Shearling Boot £164 moonboot.com 12 Unicorn Snot Glitter Sunscreen SPF 30 £25 libertylondon.com 13 Supercharged Backpack £70 scampanddude.com

18

8

9

10

12 11

she is a freelance fashion an interiors editor, artist and blogger at www.themumdaytimes.com

13

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

FASHION

Cosy Casuals

14 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

It’s time to get a bit hygge with Newbie’s latest collections.

Whether you’re dressing up for Christmas or wrapped up for winter walks, your little ones will be cosy. newbiestore.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

FASHION

16 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Seeing Stars

STAR HEADDRESS £16.50 merimeri.co.uk

STYLE

N

IO AT OR C E LD AL com W . le R TA lab E S smal N .

U & J 2 en LIE £1

AR

CH

APPLIQUÉ JUMPER £16 -£20 marksandspencer.com STAR KIRBY GRIPS £8 mimiandlula.com

TULLE DRESS £91 stellamccartney.com

STAR PRINT BLOOMERS £41 ryleeandcru.com

SUPERNO VA HEADDRESS £15 mimiandlula.com

No.21 ALL OVER STAR PRINT shirt £120 skirt £130 harrods.com

WISH ON A STAR KNEE HIGH SOCKS £7.95 harrods.com

en .sm

al

la

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e.c om

ING OT HO S NN AG I LY AR B BAR ST 49.95 m £ s.co rod har

I IN RM R 9 FO STA £4 ED ER ESS MA ID R SP SE D OU BL

heights with this season's star scattered dresses and separates...

AN DIG AR D C s.com NE TO chose UT R B obo STA £71 b

A im for celestial

STAR PRINT T-BAR SHOES £15 marksandspencer.com

NUNUNU GREY SWEATSHIRT £42 alexandalexa.com

STARS BLOUSE £54 bobochoses.com

NOE ET ZOE BABYGRO £82 alexandalexa.com

BOBO CHOSES STARS BACKPACK COWBOY BOOTS £59 scoutandcokids.com £144 stellamccartney.com ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance fashion editor, artist and blogger at themumdaytimes.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 17

FEATURE

The great thing about Christmas is that everyone does it their own way.

We spoke to Celia Muñoz, founder of children’s fashion label La Coqueta, to find out more about a very Spanish Christmas with a large family.

And ex-Sugababes star, Heidi Range, tells us why she’s a selfproclaimed Christmas nut!

18 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Christmas

C

Traditions

Celia

hristmas is one of the few occasions of the year where I get to see all of my siblings together, I really look forward to it. It means lots of children, friends, food, wine, laughter, lots of talking, time to think of others and the ones who are no longer there with you. I find it quite a spiritual time of the year.

Each year we alternate Christmases between The Netherlands (my husband is Dutch) and Spain, where I am from. In Spain, after a meal on Christmas Eve, we all leave a shoe next to the Christmas tree, and a gift for everyone at the dinner table. There is no pressure on the gift, just something meaningful. At exactly midnight everybody frantically opens their gifts… it’s a crazy very noisy moment as everybody is so thrilled, lots of kisses, lots of hugs, lots of thank yous!

When we go to The Netherlands, my mother-in-law prepares a very nice dinner on Christmas Eve with lots of local delicacies. The big day is the 25th of December and after a big lunch we open our gifts one by one. It’s wonderful to do it this way and I particularly love hearing my nephews and children playing with their Christmas gifts in the background.

As a family we love dressing up.

The whole idea is to try to show the best side of yourself not only internally but also externally which is always lovely for you and for the people around you.

At New Year, my husband and I write a letter to each other with ten wishes for the following year and put them in a sealed envelope. We open that letter the following New Year’s Eve and have a good laugh about the wishes that didn’t come true.

I

Heidi

’m a Christmas nut and it’s my absolute favourite time of the year! Since we got married and moved into our new home, we’ve spent Christmas at home in London and have family come to stay with us.

I try to start getting organised for Christmas well in advance - I start Christmas shopping in August! I also set time aside for wrapping. It’s the last thing you want to be doing at midnight on Christmas Eve. Every year when we decorate the tree, I open some bubbles, light the fire, play Christmas music and everyone has to wear their Christmas jumper too. I have quite a large collection of Christmas jumpers and really enjoy wearing a sparkly dress with a red lip too.

I love seeing all the lights and decorations, getting wrapped up for long family walks, mulled wine and yummy food. There’s always a large supply of pigs in blankets and cheese in our house over the holidays. I love snuggling up on the sofa in front of the fire to watch Christmas movies – Love Actually is my favourite - and getting time off to catch up with our family and friends.

We have a one-year old daughter now and I am so excited to see her discover and enjoy it over the coming years too!

BEVERLEY TURNER

GROWING

A BUSINESS

L

ike most good ideas, The Happy Birth Club ante-natal course began with like-minded women, a shared passion, a kitchen table and a lot of coffee. Our fifth birthday would have passed me by if my phone hadn’t started pinging in September with first-day-at-school WhatsApp photos of our early groups; an occasion that had me calling friend, colleague and midwife, Pam Wild to exclaim, “How the hell did that happen?!”

We held our first courses at Maggie & Rose as ‘The Blooming Bunch,’ inspired by the need to bring evidence-based, nonsentimental and entertaining ante-natal classes to the good folk of Chiswick. Pam and I started with a blank piece of paper and a clear idea of what knowledge and resources would make a difference to the lives – in both the short and long term – of pregnant couples. We knew they needed empowering to navigate the NHS one-size-fits-all system; they needed access to Hypnobirthing classes and a thorough understanding of all their birth-location options.

We morphed into The Happy Birth Club when we published The Happy Birth Book a couple of years later. By then, we had outgrown the premises and moved to the beautiful Harrowden Room at The City Barge pub where dads-to-be could enjoy a pint as they learnt all about perineal massage and mums-to-be could relax after an exhausting day at work with a huge plate of fish and chips.

Alongside, we began classes at The Little Gym, a gloriously open space where Maite Brines von Melle of Vonlates, now teaches pelvic floor health and new-motherhood recovery for us. We also host our post-natal classes there on weaning, sleep and wellness using the very best local talent in sleep consultant Annie Simpson and nutritionist Rebecca Stevens. Happy Birth Club members get free The Little Gym lessons and access to their wonderful Tumble and Tea drop-ins.

This may all sound effortless but don’t

“

believe that starting a small business is easy, regardless of how glossy and fabulous things may look on Instagram. It has taken a huge amount of work and team effort.

Many candles have been burnt at both ends. Deadlines have been missed, balls have been dropped and I’ve been known to wake at 3am, sitting bolt upright remembering something I was meant to do.

Unlike some ante-natal classes, we don’t believe in the hard-sell. If we have space, we won’t pretend to be ‘full’ and put you on a waiting list until places ‘magically’ become available – as long as you pay up by 5pm.

This type of emotional stress has no place in the lives of pregnant women who are already fearful and potentially overwhelmed by their options.

Myself, Pam and Kat (to whom I simply sign off emails “what-would-Ido-without-you?”) have learnt a lot along the way. At the heart of any business are the people.

And I’ve been lucky enough to find and work with the very best.

It’s important to look after your team as much as your customers.

A happy workforce is critical and showing appreciation for their efforts is vital.

Earlier this year we launched our second course in Teddington under the guidance of Emily Stormonth Darling, a Chelsea and Westminster midwife whose warmth and enthusiasm has already translated into wordof-mouth recommendations and the courses are filling fast. We’re also now in John Lewis at Westfield where our Baby Massages courses are up and running with the full ante-natal programme starting in the New Year.

From a blank piece of paper, the course has evolved to meet women’s needs; the

balance between theory and practical elements has changed and the addition of more post-natal classes means we maintain long relationships with our couples and their not-so-little babies. We are still unique in showcasing a wide range of experts as well as providing a dedicated midwife at the end of the phone. I bumped into Olivia, now mum of two, in Chiswick House recently who was effusing about the fact that she still calls

It has taken a huge amount of work and team effort.

Pam with health issues relating to Alice who is now five, “On which other ante-natal course do you get that?!” she exclaimed. It’s moments like that which make all the effort worthwhile. And I look forward to seeing photos of Alice on her first day at university.

BEVERLEY TURNER is the founder of The Happy Birth Club, ante-natal and post-natal classes in Chiswick. thehappybirthclub.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

INTERIORS

Baby Daisy Sausage Dog Cushion, £28.50 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

KEEP IT

COSY

Fine Little Day Cot Bedding Set, £46 finelittleday.com

Zebra Cushion, £19.99 zarahome.com

With the temperature dropping and the nights closing in, it’s time to hunker down in warming hues and cosy textures with a few creature comforts thrown in for fun...

by Eleonore Crompton

Kid’s Concept Pull Along Moose, £39 cuckooland.com

Pom-Pom Basket, £14.99 hm.com

Ferm Living Safari Puzzle, £19 cloudberryliving.co.uk

Bereber Rhombs Rug, £155 amara.com

Rabbit Ears Bookcase, £29.99 zarahome.com

Ferm Living Koala Wallpaper, £65 cloudberryliving.co.uk

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance fashion and interiors editor, artist and blogger at themumdaytimes.com 20 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FOOD

BY JO PRATT We’ve been lucky to work with Jo since the very early days of City Kids Magazine. Sometimes we get exclusive access to her recipes before they’ve been published. Ahead of her new book, which hits the shelves next year, here’s a recipe straight from the test kitchen.

“I

’m a huge fan of making family friendly recipes from simple to source ingredients, often using what’s already sitting in my fridge or cupboard. These crunchy baked filo pastry parcels are a perfect example. Strips of pastry are filled with a mildly spiced vegetable and cheese filling. I have used paneer, a classic Indian cheese, but cottage cheese, feta or even halloumi would work equally as well.

It’s not just the cheese you can be f lexible with, as you can increase the spice by swapping the korma paste for a hotter spice such as tikka masala or rogan josh. Once cooked, the samosas can be served hot or cold, as a snack, starter, lunch with mango chutney and raita, or as an accompaniment to a curry feast.

MAKES 16

sunflower or rapeseed oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, grated 2 cloves garlic, crushed or grated 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 1 tbsp korma paste 1 tsp tomato purée 200g paneer cheese, finely diced 2 tbsp desiccated coconut 175g frozen peas, defrosted 4 sheets filo pastry sea salt 1-2 tsp nigella seeds and /or sesame seeds

BAKED PEA &

PANEER SAMOSAS • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan. Add the onion, carrot, garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 10 minutes until the onion is beautifully soft.

• Stir in the korma paste, tomato puree, paneer, coconut, peas, 1 tbsp water and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring frequently until the filling has all cooked together nicely. Check for seasoning and add more salt if you feel it needs it.

• Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly.

• Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6.

• Cut each piece of the filo pastry into 4 strips. Working on 4 strips at a time, brush each one lightly with oil. To prevent the remaining pastry from drying out, keep covered with a damp towel.

• Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the filling onto the bottom corner of each lightly oiled pastry strip. Fold over diagonally to create a triangle over the filling. Continue to fold/roll the pastry around the filling, keeping the triangle shape, securing in the filling.

• Once all four strips are filled and folded, sit on a baking sheet. Continue with the remaining strips of pastry until you have used all the filling and pastry strips.

• Brush the top of each samosa with a little oil and sprinkle over some nigella seeds and/or sesame seeds. Put into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.

• Once cooked, leave to cool for a few minutes before eating warm, or leave to cool completely and enjoy cold.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

FOOD NEWS

WELCOME

Bites

to our new Food pages in collaboration with Tiny Table. Stay up to date with the latest foodie news each issue.

ON-THE-GO

The brainchild of Gracie & Sophie Tyrrell, The Squirrel Sisters went from blog to bars with their award-winning sugar-free snacks. Their Sugarwise certified snack bars and raw bites satisfy sweet pangs and are also packed with fibre. Sharing bags are ideal for teatime treats or great for popping in packed lunches. squirrelsisters.com

IN

OUT Sticks ’n’ Sushi’s latest opening

in Soho serves up a cracking selection fit for family feasting. At under a tenner, the kids bento boxes are a brilliant bite sized offering. Sticks, sushi or a combo, each box is a mix of protein and veggies: think edamame, snow peas and carrot sticks.

Various locations across London sticksnsushi.com

A TASTE FOR TEETHING Barcelona born sisters Olimpia and Carolina are behind ‘Oli & Carol’. These natty fruit and veg inspired teethers are 100% natural rubber and without those sneaky holes - there’s no nasties collecting in these gum-soothing goodies. oliandcarol.com

NICOLA WILSON is founder of Tiny Table - a fresh and exciting online guide dedicated to familyfriendly dining in London and across the UK. She is also the driving force behind The Together Table, an initiative designed to change the conversation around loneliness and motherhood. tinytable.co.uk | IG @tinytableofficial FB @tinytableofficial | TW @mytinytable 22 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Being a new mum is exhausting and when it comes to preparing family meals sometimes the thought of getting your Nigella on is just too much! With Yhangry you can book a cook at the click of a button and they’ll even sort out the groceries! An utterly affordable team of professional chefs and fuss-free food fixes. yhangry.com

Kit

ALL CHANGE

When lugging snacks, stories and essentials for the smalls, finding the right changing bag is a challenge. Tiba & Marl’s Kaspar Knapsack is a winner with its insulated bottle holder and side pocket, padded changing mat, laptop pocket, wipe clean interior and padded lower pack panel. tibaandmarl.com

PLASTIC-FREE PLATING Plastic-free

parenting doesn’t come much cuter than Liewood’s brilliant bamboo tableware.

Whilst pricier than your plastic plates, these bamboo numbers will last a lifetime and super safe in the dishwasher too. sorenshouse.co.uk

FOOD NEWS

Need to Know

INTRODUCING… ALMA KIDS Alma Kids

EATING OUT PLAY PROMPTS When the colouring in

is passionately focused on wellbeing, food, health and consciousness for families. From plant-based plates in their Belgravia-based deli to kids’ classes which balance the body, mind and soul, Alma goes beyond food.

Cooking classes alongside Miss Happy Gut explore nature, the seasons and create delicious dishes from field to fork.

Alma Kids, 11 Eccleston St, Belgravia, SW1W 9LX almadeli.com

sheets don’t cut it, Play Prompts will rescue mealtime madness when out with the kids. This pack of cards contains over 100 activity ideas, games and conversation starters which don’t require any additional equipment to entertain your brood. Fuss-free, affordable fun from the folk at PlayHooray. playhooray.co.uk

FAVOURITE ITALIAN RECIPES

It’s been a decade since The Silver Spoon for Children hit our bookshelves and to celebrate, the new edition brings authentic regional Italian dishes to life with fresh step-by-step illustrations. From the silkiest of creamy pastas to puds Nonna would be proud of, this cookbook is a must for budding chefs aged 10 and upwards. uk.phaidon.com

POP SCREEN P R I VAT E C I N E M A • W E D D I N G S PA R T I E S • G A M I N G N I G H T S

POPSCREEN

www.popscreen.co.uk • info@popscreen

e

!

POP_SCREEN

TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY CAMPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: CHELSEA, SW3 & SW10 • KENSINGTON, W8 IMPERIAL COLLEGE, SW7 • NOTTING HILL, W11 11 ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8

s t es ub a eri Cl lso urs a n n ru s & ol ho

IS A PLACE TO LEARN, EXPERIMENT, EXPLORE & PLAY FROM 8-12 YEARS

sc

BIG SCIENCE ACADEMY

Contact us for Little Science (3-7 years) & Little Maths (2-4 years) Classes t: 0800 092 1062

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

EDUCATION

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN? Yes, says Rick Clarke, Head of Frensham Heights School in Surrey pressures of city life.

I, for one, believe that their message remains as pertinent – if not more so - today. In my experience, children need space to breathe, and time to slowly work out what makes them tick.

F

OR so many parents, their children’s education can seem like one long slog through tests of one sort or another.

There are entrance exams at both prep and secondary schools in the private sector, while in state schools there is benchmark testing throughout, not to mention the worry of falling into the ‘right’ catchment area, or not.

All this before the twin hurdles of GCSEs and A-levels are even on the horizon.

The pressure on children to perform and parents to compete for places at the best schools has never been so great – particularly for London families.

And yet, we have to ask ourselves this: what is education for? If it is simply to leap over hurdles to produce a string of A*s on the finishing line, then we are in danger of seeing education solely as a means to an end.

At my school - Frensham Heights in Surrey – we do it differently. We focus on the whole child, and we equip our students with a lifelong love of learning, not just an ability to pass exams on demand. For us, there is nothing new in this: we have been doing it since 1925 when two pioneering women founded this progressive school in the beautiful Surrey Hills as an alternative to the restrictive educational approach of Victorian times.

They believed that children should develop a sense of their own place in the world – at their own pace - away from the

24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Our founders argued, too, that schools were not simply places to gain knowledge nor children vessels to be filled with facts. Instead, the whole education process should be about learning to live together in a community and developing a curiosity about the world.

Frensham Heights is uniform-free and staff and students address each other by their first names. We also give children more freedom than at most schools – but we are not without boundaries and structure. With that freedom comes responsibility.

And underlying everything we do is respect for one another: respect that is earned, not demanded.

We may only be an hour away from London, but we are a world away from the constraints of an education in the capital. We are a busy, vibrant community – but the pace is slower and the air is better.

We treasure our 120 acres of land. It is our belief that activities outside the classroom lead without doubt to greater success within it. In fact, we are the only school in the country to hold the prestigious Gold standard award

from the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres.

Some of our students come from the local areas, but many others board with us on a full-time, weekly or flexi basis. Both day and boarding students enjoy the warm and nurturing environment we provide.

While it is often the complaint of the London parent that hobbies swiftly disappear once their child starts secondary school, our students have the time to further develop their interests – old and new – during their days with us. It is exactly that passion, that individual spark, which we are seeking to encourage.

In this way the academic student learns happily alongside the future actor or director and the budding engineer.

In a world where children worry about everything from the fate of the planet to the status of their Instagram feed, surely we should shift our focus away from the stress of relentless testing and exams?

For me, to be truly academic is not just about passing exams; it is about having a genuine love of learning and a curiosity of spirit. At Frensham, we look to develop those innate skills which will better equip our students to become adults who can cope and adapt to the demands of modern life.

Frensham Heights is often described as ‘distinctive’ and ‘refreshingly different’. By celebrating individuality and the enquiring mind, we provide an education which allows young people to become the best version of themselves.

And, like a handful of other progressive schools in the UK – and scores more around the globe – we really do offer an alternative to a traditional public school education.

Follow Rick on Twitter @rickclarke72 and Frensham Heights @FrenshamHeights The next open morning is on Saturday 16th May. Contact Sarah, the registrar, to arrange a tour: admissions@frensham.org

Different.

Innovative.

Remarkable.

We really pride ourselves on being that bit different. We offer a place where children can grow and find their own strengths through a balanced, diverse and individual education. We believe strongly in the power of creative thinking, empathy and courage - readying our students to be, not just exam takers, but forward thinkers and problem solvers.

www.frensham.org A progressive day and boarding school in Surrey for children from 3 to 18

e l b a tt e g r nf o

U

St Catherine’s, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

EDUCATION NEWS

ARTS ED SEAL OF APPROVAL

FROM EALING TO NAIROBI St Benedict’s is supporting the work of an education charity in Nairobi – Porridge and Rice - by donating second-hand uniform. Good quality clothes, donated

by St Benedict’s parents, have been distributed to children living in poverty in the city.

Porridge and Rice supports the education of children in the slums of Nairobi, by providing clothing, regular meals, books and basic equipment, as well as health care and sanitation programmes. This work has helped to improve the academic attainment of children in six Nairobi junior schools, helping them to get the high marks needed to progress to high school and to continue their education.

stbenedicts.org.uk THE THREE Cs AT DURSTON

Choosing schools is tough, both as a parent and a student and word of mouth testimonials go a long way to giving an insight into a school’s culture. So ArtsEd is naturally very proud of one comment by a Year 10 pupil.

“ArtsEd is one of the most amazing schools I’ve ever been to. It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s exciting – every day is a new adventure! We have such a huge range of subjects here, which brings a special spark to every single day!”

Applications for ArtsEd Day School are due 29 November and 31 January 2020.

Apply online now artsed.co.uk Queries? Please email pupils@artsed.co.uk

artsed.co.uk Durston House is an Independent boy’s school in West London. The education offered is shaped by three concepts: Character, Curiosity and Capability.

The ‘3 Cs as they are known, are the cornerstones of a Durston Education. Recently launched is a new programme of Enrichment as part of a revised curriculum. The aim of the programme is to enhance the boys’ critical thinking and to develop new life skills. Activities include cooking, philosophy, yoga, engineering and debating to name but a few. Durston House hopes that these new skills and experiences will benefit the boys and provide them with a well-rounded education.

durstonhouse.org

‘ I wanted my daughter to be somewhere where she could continue her academic successes, but in a warm and happy environment that’s fun and supportive, and ArtsEd was the answer.’

Parent

Fuelling your child’s passion for performance Ensure your child flourishes academically and creatively.

Deadlines to apply for Year 7 entry: 29 November & 31 January

26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Co-Educational Day School & Sixth Form London, W4 1LY Find out more: artsed.co.uk @ArtsEdLondon

WHAT NEXT FOR SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS? A resounding 97 per cent of primary school teachers would like to see Sats tests scrapped according to a recent poll of 54,000 primary members of the National Education Union (NEU), the majority claiming the tests are damaging children and narrowing the curriculum.

The survey underlines how being assessed in a rigid, formal manner can lead to a treadmill of revision and rigorous testing which can place unwarranted pressure on students at a very young age, stifling a natural curiosity to learn.

ACS International Schools, which has local schools at Hillingdon, Cobham and Egham, takes a different approach to assessment in its lower schools. All three schools use MAP (Measure of Academic Progress), a system of assessment involving a series of ‘smart’ tests taken by students on a computer each year. The programme asks and adjusts questions based on the individual’s ability, so it is different for every child, thereby giving the individual focus they need to thrive and develop at their own speed.

Durston House

A LeADInG LonDon PreP sCHooL

CHARACTER | CURIOSITY | CAPABILITY

Martin Hall, Head of School at ACS Hillingdon, comments: “Our approach is to give each child the individual attention they need to thrive and progress at their own speed while ensuring that they emerge ready for a world that demands curiosity.”

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

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

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

Call 020 8991 6530 Email info@durstonhouse.org

www.durstonhouse.org

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

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

Illustrations © Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet 2019

SAY HELLO TO ALAN THE BEAR

Christmas Trail

A Magical

Christmas at Bocketts Farm Park

22ND NOVEMBER - 24TH DECEMBER

Newborn Lambs

Meet

TWO HILARIOUS NEW LIFT-THE-FLAP BOARD BOOKS THAT WILL HAVE YOU IN STITCHES!

Giant

Snow Globe

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FROM THE CREATORS OF

Campaign 93x56.5mm Ad 2018.pdf

Forgotten fairytales_City Kids Gifts.indd 1

1

06/02/2018

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R GAMES • PAINTBALL & LASE nture ve Ad st re • 100 Acre Fo Game Zones g in az Am 12 • Explore y Supervision Da l • Expert Tuition & Al • Ages from 6+ ll & Laser Park Campaign Paintba / Surrey / KT11 1NH Old Lane / Cobham 01932 865 999

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28 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BIRTHDAY

P& SACHROOTL ITERIPSS

Father Christmas

Book tickets online now!

BOOK REVIEW

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

by Britta Teckentrup (Little Tiger Kids) £6.99 On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me this peep-through picture book.

Young children will enjoy this gorgeous board book version of the classic rhyme which has been given a beautiful lease of life the queen of the cut outs Britta Teckentrup. The artwork is uses muted pastels but still manages to feel jolly and there are plenty of holes for cheeky fingers to poke through. A book which will be enjoyed countless of times.

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND & THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

by Lewis Carroll, illustrated Minalima £25 (Harper Design)

CHRISTMAS PAPER PLAY

by Pip Jones, ilustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon and Schuster) £6.99

by Lydia Crook (Ivy Kids) £9.99

THE POWER BOOK: WHAT IS IT, WHO HAS IT AND WHY? (Ivy Kids) £14.99 An excellent book for young teens which explores the notions of power in all its many forms. From power in the playground, to those whose power and influence has had an impact on the world from Martin Luther King to Emmeline Pankhurst to Stephen Hawkings. It also tackles issues such as gender inequality, war, racism and LGBTQ rights. Colourfully presented with great illustrations and written in language which breaks down complex topics, but also gives questions to spark debate. This is sure to inspire young minds about the world around them.

by

We’re not sure who will love this book more, you or the lucky person who receives it. This is a very special book (which explains the hefty price tag) due to the incredible work of design duo Minalima, who were responsible for the graphics in the Harry Potter films. Featuring one of children’s literatures most famous female characters, join Alice on these two stunning interactive adventures.

IZZY GIZMO

Our feisty lead Izzy Gizmo and her trusty partner Fixer return for more adventures and this time they’re at the Invention Convention. With the Genius Guild badge up for grabs, there’s stiff competition from Abi von Lavish but can our intrepid pair create a super machine that will win the prize? A lively story, beautifully illustrated whilst weaving in the message of recycling and resilience.

BIG KIDS

LITTLE KIDS

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

We can officially start banding around the C-word. With Christmas only weeks away, now’s your chance to buy some really special books for the festive season. by SHARON JONES

This book is a good excuse to get crafty during the run up to Christmas. Illustrator and paper engineer (coolest job title, I reckon) Lydia Cook has created an array of activities to make and do which will keep children occupied on wintry nights. There are decorations to make, games to play, puppets to build and what’s more the pages can be cut out, torn, scribbled and painted on. Hours of creativity, just with paper.

SUPER SCIENTISTS

by Anne Blanchard, illustrated by Tito (Quarto Kids) £9.99 A stylish introduction to 40 pioneering scientists and their impact on the world. Each scientist is broken down into bite sized bullets points highlight their life and notable achievements, making it easy to digest and remember. The graphic illustrations make this book come to life and this book forms a great addition to this non-fiction series which includes 40 Music Legends and 40 Fantastic Footballers. Both adults and teens will learn a lot from this series.

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

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

TRIPS

DREAMS COME TRUE IN LAPLAND

Every child dreams of meeting Father Christmas in his snowy home at the North Pole. Activities Abroad can make that dream come true. Fly direct to Finnish Lapland for a pre-Christmas short-break designed to give a brilliant family-friendly introduction to the Arctic at the modern and comfortable Apukka Resort. Meet the much-loved animals of Lapland, reindeer and huskies, for short safaris across the snow, ride mini- snowmobiles and try your hand at ice sculpting. You will also enjoy a visit to the world-famous Santa Park for a day of adventure and festive fun. Friendly elves will greet you, an Ice Princess will show you around her frozen home, and Father Christmas will be waiting to hear all of your children’s wishes!

Departs 1st, 8th, 15th December | 3 nights half board | from £1,195 per adult / £745 per child (4-12 years) includes flights, transfers and activities. activitiesabroad.com

Days out, long weekends, holidays & travel must-haves FAMILY FUN ON THE SLOPES

Skiing is one of the best family holidays.

Whizzing around the slopes with your kids is such great fun. But taking younger children to the slopes can be tricky when they are too little to ski or still learning on the nursery slopes. This is when great childcare is a must, and few do it better than Family Ski. With chalets in some of France’s best resorts – such as the Three Valleys and the Port du Soleil – the team offer wrap around care. This includes

THE MAGIC OF THE WEST END

collecting your little ones, taking them to lessons and looking after them all afternoon in their fantastic onsite creches that are only a few moments from your accommodation.

Their trained nursery staff can also look after babies from as young as three monthsold. All of this means parents can enjoy their time on the slopes too, safe in the knowledge that their kiddos are being well cared for and having lots of snowy fun.

Visit familyski.co.uk to start planning your perfect winter break.

30 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Winter is the perfect time for a family trip to the theatre. The West End is packed with wonderful productions for children this season. Little ones will love the Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Palladium and ELF, the Broadway musical based on the hit Will Ferrell movie which is on at the SSE Arena Wembley. Introduce older kids to the delights of ballet with the classic Christmas show The Nutcracker at the Coliseum or the step into the magical kingdom of Narnia with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Bridge Theatre.

To book tickets and find even more great plays, pantos and ballet visit londontheatre.co.uk

With almost thirty years of mountain holiday experience, Camilla and Melissa really know Verbier. Having been chalet girls there, they now offer a bespoke, personal service to clients thanks to building up a huge portfolio of local contacts. Whether you’re looking for a cheap self-catered apartment, privately owned flats or chalets, small or large hotels or tour operator packages, the sisters will find the holiday to suit. And because they introduced their children to skiing early, they understand the juggle and the stress of organising a family skiing break. They’re on hand for advice and help every step of the way. mountainbeds.com

© National Trust Images John Milla

MOUNTAIN MAGIC IN VERBIER

FESTIVE DAY TRIPS WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST For some festive fun check out the National Trust.

With so many properties dotted around London and the South East (such as Ham House, Polesden Lacey and Chartwell), there is bound to be one near you.

These beautiful properties offer a great day out with beautiful grounds to explore and lots of interesting history for children to uncover. Throughout November and December Father Christmas is on hand at many National Trust locations and you’ll also find festive markets, concerts and delicious treats in the cafés.

Check out nationaltrust.org.uk to find out more.

Sparkling Lapland Adventures!

Watch young eyes gleam with excitement as they meet with Father Christmas in his home; gaze at the dark Arctic sky as you tick the ethereal Northern Lights off your bucket list; journey through a frozen forest on a thrilling husky sled and meet Rudolf’s friends and family - just a few of the sparkling adventures awaiting you on a holiday with Activities Abroad!

Discover how we do Lapland differently, speak to our Family Travel Experts on 01670 333 459 or visit activitiesabroad.com

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CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

THE KNOWLEDGE

WHICH ACTIVITY FOR MY CHILD?

It can be a minefield choosing a regular activity for your child which lives up to its promises. Marlene Welburn (partner since 2012 at The Little Gym Chiswick) advises parents to consider what they want their children to get out of a regular class before they sign up. “If you want your child to develop proper skills; strength, balance, coordination as well as confidence you will need a class that is curriculum-led by qualified and dedicated instructors. If you’re looking for your child to burn off energy and just have fun, then a less structured class will be fine. The best classes on offer manage both, and that’s what we at The Little Gym call ‘serious fun’ ”!

The Little Gym Chiswick is currently celebrating 12 years of developing skills and building confidence with a special new member offers.

THE KNOWLEDGE See online at chiswick.thelittlegym.eu for details on how to get four classes free PLUS free holiday camps too!

EASY TRAVEL

If you’ve ever travelled with a car seat, you’ll know what a kerfuffle it is. Two dads have invented a genius solution with WhizRider. It’s an ultra-portable and safe car seat option for kids between three and 10 years old. The harness-style system is based on the latest biomechanics and accident research. It’s perfect for urban families who use car-sharing apps and taxis, carpooling and unexpected pick-ups, as well as family travel. And it’s weeny, because let’s face it, we don’t all have a Mary Poppins handbag. whizrider.com

INSIDE INTEL

Looking for a manny or nanny for after-school pick-ups, who gives just a little bit more to the job? Athlete Mannies & Nannies pairs high achieving athletes with families facing the juggle struggle. Based in South-West London. athletemannies.com

32 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

All the inside info for you and your kids ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON

One of our favourite stories by Hans Christian Andersen, The Snow Queen, opens on Friday 13th December at the Rose Theatre Kingston. Watch this glittering performance by a wealth of local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast as Gerda rescues her best friend Kai from the evil Snow Queen. rosetheatrekingston.org

PARENTING

ASK THE

EXPERT

City Kids asks your health and well-being questions to a panel of experienced professionals.

SAFETY

IS IT

HELP!

Christmas is an exciting time but even decorating has its dangers. Fairy lights should be checked and tested. Small bulbs are attractive for toddlers to grab and put in their mouths.

Invest in shatterproof baubles and put any that are fragile near the top of the tree. Make sure someone holds your ladder.

Look out for cracker toys, Lego and deflated balloons which are choking hazards.

Small button batteries are not only dangerous, but harmful if digested. Keep nuts and popcorn out of children’s reach and always be with them when eating.

Be fire aware. Candles add to the festive feel but should be kept away from little hands as well as Christmas trees and decorations.

Think about opting for battery powered candles.

A dry Christmas tree is more flammable so keep it watered and away from a heat source.

Check your smoke alarms and ensure you have a good stock of batteries in a safe place rather than having to borrow one from the alarm.

Mistletoe is poisonous. Their berries contain toxins that can make you very unwell.

Always keep away from children and your pets.

You can still have a kiss under a fake version!

With lots of visitors coming and going be aware of the dangers of handbags. They can contain everything from medication, loose coins, car keys with button batteries, wires from headphones or chargers. Get into good habits by keeping them out of reach.

A busy kitchen is a hazard for children and where most accidents in the home take place.

Ideally keep children out, especially while cooking, to protect them from boiling water, hot food, grabbable saucepan handles or from you falling over a crawling child.

Most people tend to brush after meals, however, it is better to brush your teeth before eating rather than after.

Everything we eat will affect our natural pH level in our mouth, in most cases making the mouth more acidic.

This acidity is not ideal for teeth and can weaken the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Brushing after eating when the mouth is potentially at the most acidic can potentially mean you are brushing away tiny particles of weakened enamel. It is best not to brush your teeth until at least one hour after eating to allow your saliva time to neutralise the acidity and the enamel to reharden.

It is especially important to brush before bed. This is because the flow of saliva, which naturally washes away bits of food, and neutralises plaque acids, slows down during the night and this leaves the mouth more at risk from tooth decay from any food debris left on the tooth surfaces.

At night despite having cleaned your teeth before bed, plaque begins to build and unfortunately the reduced saliva means that the plaque is able to grow more quickly. If you brush before breakfast, the toothbrush sweeps away this build up removing the bacteria before it is able to use the sugars released from the foods you then eat at breakfast. Additionally, brushing before breakfast means the toothpaste you are using will also leave behind an extra protective layer of fluoride, which will help to resist the acid attack brought about by the food and drink eaten at breakfast.

Usually a birth partner is a parent-to-be, but they can be mums, sisters or friends. What you need to remember, is that you have been asked to be present at a time when someone is going to be at their most vulnerable. They must trust you an awful lot!

It can be difficult, feeling powerless as you watch someone you care about being in pain. No, you might not be able to take away the contractions, but you can be supportive in other ways to help your partner through labour and birth.

Keep the snacks/drinks nearby. Offer them regularly, even if they keep getting turned down. Make sure you refuel too. Labour is like a marathon (although some do sprint it!) so it’s important that you both stay energised and hydrated.

Be ready to give hugs and become a physical leaning post. They will come to you when they need that support, other times they might be distant. Allow them space when they need it.

The Lower Back Rub. It’s an art form. The sacrum in the lower back is a bony structure that actually moves outwards during labour and gets extremely uncomfortable. Counter pressure on the sacrum using your palm or massage with thumbs can feel incredible.

I thoroughly recommend practicing your massage skills prior to labour, but on the day, ask the midwife for pointers if you’re being told you’re not doing it right.

Be positive and reassuring at all times, even if you’re not sure of what’s going on. If you have worries about a certain situation - that’s OK - but speak to your midwife or doctor discreetly on your own. Stress inhibits the production of oxytocin - the hormone required to keep labour on track. If you begin to appear anxious, your partner in labour will pick up on this.

FIRST AT CHRISTMAS

JENNI DUNMAN is the founder of Daisy First Aid which offers paediatric first aid classes to families and carers. She is a former police officer and a mum of three based in Surrey. daisyfirstaid.com

BEST TO BRUSH BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS?

DR ROKSOLANA MYKHALUS, Operations Director and CoFounder of Happy Kids Dental. happykidsdental.co.uk

I’M A BIRTH PARTNER

EMILY STORMONTH DARLING

is the resident midwife at The Happy Birth Club, Teddington.

She works at Chelsea and Westminster hospital and has a son, Noah, 3. thehappybirthclub.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

LONDON ALL BABIES & PRESCHOOLERS ART & CREATIVE

jIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS

GYMBOREE

jigsaw-arts.co.uk

gymboreeclasses.co.uk

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

HARTBEEPS

LANGUAGES

SPORT

BILINGUAL BEATS

FOOTBALL

bilingualbeats.com

KIDDIKICKS

hartbeeps.co.uk

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB amandasactionclub.co.uk

kiddikicks.co.uk

LATINO BAMBINO

CHINESE LEARNING CENTRE

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB

latinobambino.co.uk

chineselearningcentre.co.uk

thelittlefoxesclub.com

THE LITTLE GYM

CLUB PETIT PIERROT

SWIMMING

thelittlegym.eu/uk

clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

SWIMMING NATURE

MINI MOZART

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

minimozart.com

linkchineseacademy.co.uk

MONKEY MUSIC

TINY MULTILINGUISTS MONTESSORI

WATERBABIES

tinymultilinguistsmontessori.com

waterbabies.co.uk

LANGUAGES

S.T.E.A.M.

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB

BILINGUAL BEATS

CODE CLUB

bilingualbeats.com

codeclub.org.uk

WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS

MAMA CODES

wemakefootballers.com

BACH TO BABY THE CREATION STATION

bachtobaby.com

thecreationstation.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA

BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

DIDDI DANCE

CATERPILLAR MUSIC

diddidance.com

caterpillarmusic.com

FUNKY MOVES

DEBUTOTS

funkymoves.com

debutots.co.uk

swimmingnature.com

SWIMWAY swimway.co.uk

monkeymusic.co.uk

MUNCHKIN MUSIC munchkinmusic.co.uk

LITTLE & BIG KIDS DANCE & DRAMA

SPARKS sparks-ignite.com

STAGECOACH stagecoach.co.uk

CLUB PETIT PIERROT THEATRETRAIN

DRAMATIC DREAMS CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY

thelittlefoxesclub.com

KIDSLINGO

ARTS ACADEMY

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS

arts-academy.co.uk

linkchineseacademy.co.uk

jigsaw-arts.co.uk

SOUNDSTEPS MUSIC SCHOOL

OLÉ KIDS

perform.org.uk

soundstepsmusic.o.uk

COOKERY

PYJAMA DRAMA pyjadadrama.com

MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE

willtowin.co.uk

mnature.co.uk

GYMNASTICS

OKIDO

THE LITTLE GYM

okido.com

thelittlegym.eu/uk

SPORT

SWIMMING

kidslingo.co.uk

dramaticdreams.com

PERFORM

WILL TO WIN

clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

theatretrain.co.uk

MUSIC

mama.codes

FOOTBALL

NUMERACY

CHELSEA FC SOCCOER SCHOOLS

SWIMWAY

chelseasoccerschools.co.uk

swimway.co.uk

KIDDIKICKS

TENNIS

kiddikicks.co.uk

WILL TO WIN

KUMON KIDDY COOK

SWIMMING NATURE

olekids.com

kumon.co.uk

kiddycook.co.uk

MATHNASIUM

swimmingnature.com

willtowin.co.uk

mathnasium.co.uk

CLUBS & HUBS CUCKOO HIBOU cuckoohibou.com Concept store and classes timetable SW6 4SW

CHILDREN’S WELLNESS CENTRE childrenswellnesscentre.co.uk Yoga, speech and language therapy, holiday workshops, after-school clubs W4 1RX 34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CUPCAKE MUM

MAGGIE & ROSE

PURPLE DRAGON

THE PARENTHOOD

cupcakefamilyclub.com Private members’ club with adult fitness classes with Slice Urban Fitness. Creche, soft-play and classes SW6 4TJ

maggieandrose.com Private members’ club with camps and classes for preschoolers. Chiswick club has a day nursery and soft play.

W4 5UJ & W8 6NX

purpledragonplay.com Private members’ club providing childcare, workshops, soft play and activities. Café and food for kids and adults.

Chelsea club has a pool.

SW1W 8DP & SW15 2TR

theparenthood.co.uk Coffee shop with play area and classes for kids and parties.

W4 2EF

EALING 135 GROUP

ORANGE LION CLUB

ealing135.org.uk Members club, family network & play groups

orangelionclub.co.uk Private members’ club from newborn-12yrs with quiet area, artisanal café, library, climbing frame and soft play SW18 1GG

W7 & W13

TAMESIS CLUB tamesisclub.co.uk Family social events TW11 9QY

THREE HOUSE FAMILY CLUB 3houseclub.com Club and classes for pregnant and new mums and kids 0-8 years.

NW8 7AL

WEST

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS ART & CREATIVE

HOOLLABALOO

kitestudios.org W12 9RY THU FRI

hullabaloopuppetmusictheatre.co.uk Plough Inn W5 4XB TUE WED THU FRI The Duke of Kent W13 8DL MON

TIPPITOES

INNOVATION DANCE

tippitoes-ealing.co.uk Lammas Park Play Ctr W13 9QD TUE WED THU FRI SAT

innovationdancestudios.co.uk W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU SAT

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA)

KITE STUDIOS

thebuilditworkshop.com Chiswick Town Hall W4 4JN MON

CINEMA

pssa.co.uk Westside Community School W6 0LT SAT

BABES IN ARMS

SA DANCE

olympiccinema.co.uk SW13 9HL TUE

sa-dance.co.uk University of West London W5 5RF SAT

PARENTS & BABIES SCREENINGS watermans.org.uk Watermans TW8 0DS WED

DANCE & PERFORMANCE ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk Ruskin Hall W3 8PP TUE FRI

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk HA5 2LX

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Bayswater W2 • Brook Green W14 • Hammersmith W14 • Notting Hill W11 • Portobello Rd W11 • Westbourne Grove W11

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE

THE LITTLE DANCE ACADEMY

balletclasseslondon.co.uk W6 0SP WED SAT Victoria Hall W12 9HB THU

thelittledanceacademy.com The Corner House W6 7PD MON TUE Princess Victoria W8 6EB THU St Andrew’s Church W14 9SA FRI

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk St. Andrews Church Ctr W5 2RS TUE

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk Ealing Green Church W5 5QT THU FRI

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com The Parent Hood W4 2EF WED All Saints Church Hall W5 3JH SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk The Hayloft W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

yourstagedrama.com St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JL SAT

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk Du Boisson Studios W12 8AR MON St Peters W11 3DB MON TUE

LANGUAGE ET PATATI PATATA etpatatipatata.com Thomas’s Academy SW6 4LY SAT

LE FRENCH PROGRAMME lefrenchprogramme.com Parsons Green Prep SW6 4LJ SAT

LITTLE HANDS BABY SIGN littlehandsbabysign.co.uk Ealing Quaker Meeting House W5 2SE WED Hanwell Methodist Church W7 1DJ THU Ealing Road Baptist Church TW8 0LS FRI

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

TODDLER STORY TIME SESSIONS ccslibraries.com • Perivale Library UB6 7NT • Southall Library UB2 4BQ • Greenford Library UB6 9LG • Pitshanger Library W5 1RH THU • Northolt Library UB5 5AS • Jubilee Gardens Library UB1 2TJ FRI

MUSIC

West Ealing Library W13 9BT WED Ealing Central Library W5 5JY WED FRI Southall Library UB2 4BQ WED Greenford Library UB6 9LG WED • Hanwell Library W7 3HL • Perivale Library UB6 7NT • Jubilee Gardens Library UB1 2TJ • Northfields Library W5 4UA THU Northolt Library UB5 5AS FRI Wood End Library UB6 0EE FRI

SING & SIGN

BRIGHT STARS

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

brightstarsuk.com St Saviours W12 9LN FRI

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

singandsign.com St Mary’s Ealing W5 5RH MON

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

SOUND GENERATION EDUCATION

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.com W12 7LJ WED FRI

SCIENCE

KITE STUDIOS

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

kitestudios.org W12 9RY THU

littlehouseofscience.com Westbourne Grove Church W11 2RW MON

LUCY SPARKLES & FRIENDS BABY MUSIC

MAMA.CODES CHISWICK

lucysparkles.com Cupcake Family Club SW6 4TJ MON St Mary’s Church SW15 1SN WED

mama.codes The Children’s Wellness Centre W4 1RX FRI

PLAYGROUPS

MONKEY MUSIC

BUMPS & BABIES

monkeymusic.co.uk The Catholic Centre W4 2AE MON Holy Innocents Church W6 0UB WED Parkside Church SW14 8DU FRI

St Mary’s Church Hall W5 5RH TUE

GREAT AND SMALL STAY & PLAY St Paul’s Church W13 9XW WED

ACTION, SONGS & RHYMES St Paul’s Church W13 MON The Church of the Ascension, Hanger Hill THU

BABY BOUNCE & RHYME ccslibraries.com Northolt Leisure Centre Library UB5 4AB TUE

PANDEMONIUM

HANWELL PLAYGROUP

watermans.org.uk Watermans TW8 0DS WED

hanwellmethodist.info Methodist Church W7 1DJ WED

QUESTORS YOUNG MUSICIANS CLUB

LITTLE ANGELS

qymc.org Little Ealing Primary School W5 SAT

smaaa.org.uk W4 1TX WED

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35

WEST

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

NOAH’S ARK PLAYGROUP

ST NICHOLAS PLAYGROUP

stmaryshanwell.org.uk St Mary’s Church Hall W7 3QP MON

stnicholaschiswick.org W4 2PH MON

NORTHFIELDS PLAYGROUP

WEST LONDON TWINS CLUB

St Paul’s Church Hall W13 FRI

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

PLAY CAFÉ

YOGA & MASSAGE

stsimons.co.uk St Simon’s Church W14 0DA THU

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

QUACKERS PLAYGROUP stjohnandstjames.org.uk St James Church W13 9D MON

TODDLER YOGA WITH MEGAN

SNIPS PLAYGROUP stjohnandstjames.org.uk St John’s Church Cryp W13 9LA TUE THU

ST ANDREWS MOTHER & TODDLER GROUP St Andrew’s Church W5 2RS MON WED FRI

Dorset Wharf W6 9HN THU

YOGA-MELA KIDS yoga-mela.com Children’s Wellness Centre W4 1RX MON

SPORTY

OXYGEN FREEJUMPING

WATERBABIES

ALBERT & FRIENDS CIRCUS SKILLS

oxygenfreejumping.co.uk Vision Ind Park W3 0AF DAILY

albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk St Alban’s Hall W6 8HJ SAT

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION

waterbabies.co.uk St Ann’s Schoo W7 3JP MON Castlebar School W13 0DH WED SAT

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk The Dukes Meadows Community Centre, W4 2RX FRI

FF4K MINI KICKERS footyfun4kidslondon.com Blondin Park SAT

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

LONDON BABY SWIM londonbabyswim.co.uk Osterley Centre TW7 5EH MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

®

richmondgymnastics.co.uk TW9 4EL MON TUE WED THU FRI

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk Novotel London Brentford TW8 0GP MON TUE WED THU FRI

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/chiswick • W4 3AN • Westfield London W12 7GE DAILY

TWISTERS twisters.org.uk St John’s Church W13 9LA MON TUE WED FRI

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Chiswick House Grounds W4 2RP TUE THU SAT Will to Win Hyde Park W2 2UH MON TUE WED THU Lammas Park W13 9NJ MON TUE WED THU SAT

YMCA ymcawestlondon.org Bouncy castle, Massage, Mini Movers, Baby Explorers, Baby Sensory, Gym Kids, Tinies Tumble and more W5 5RE MON TUE WED THU FRI

Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ MON TUE WED THU SAT

Outstanding Childcare For children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Fun is an essential ingredient at Devonshire Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

We would be delighted to show you around “Staff provide an extremely positive, inspiring environment, which captures children’s interests and entices them to learn and to initiate their own ideas. For exa mple, children explore the mud kitchen outside and thoroughly enjoy picking fresh herbs from the role-play area.”

Ofsted inspection 2015, www.ofsted.gov.uk

Please call 020 8995 9538 or email devonshire.nursery@childbase.com Devonshire Day Nursery and Pre School, Bennett Street, Chiswick, London W4 2AH

Search our online classes directory citykidsmagazine.co.uk 36 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Open 7.30am to 6.30pm www.childbasepartnership.com

Ref: VMH19

WEST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ADVENTURE

CLUBS, SCOUTS, BROWNIES

ARMY CADETS armycadets.com • 207 Hammersmith Det ACF (Royal Signals), W6 7DJ • 206 Chiswick Det ACF (Royal Signals, W6 0YD • 202 Acton Det ACF (Royal Engineers), W3 9EZ • Academy Det ACF (Grenadier Guards) • 203 Brentford Det ACF (RLC), W5 4BT • 204 White City DET ACF (Parachute Regiment) TA Centre, W12 7RW

1ST CHISWICK BROWNIES

ART

11TH CHISWICK BROWNIES

BROOK GREEN ART CLASSES

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Michael’s Church W4 3DY

brookgreenart.com 8yrs+ term-time portfolio & scholarship preparation W6 7DT

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only

6TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church W4 4HH

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

6TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only

CRAFT CLUB

7TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS

lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library, W12 7BF

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall W4 5LG

ASKEW ROAD LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk 5yrs+ Arts & Crafts • 5-12yrs Chatterbooks termtime only • 5-10yrs Lego club • 5yrs+ Games Club once a month

HAMMERSMITH LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk • Homework Club • Poetry Club • Chatterbooks - once a month • Arts & Crafts Club • Art Club every two weeks • Code Club • Reading Support 5-10yrs • 5-11yrs French Club

SHEPHERDS BUSH lbhf.gov.uk • Homework Club term-time only • Craft Club term-time only • Storytime • Code Club • 5yrs+ French Club • Chatterbooks - monthly

MUSIC

IMAGINE ART CLUB imagineartclub.co.uk Art classes for 5-12yrs, guided museum visits for children Hanwell Community Centre W7 1PD

6TH CHISWICK GUIDES

KITE STUDIOS

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP

kitestudios.org 5yrs+ Wide range of art disciplines including GCSE & A-Level portfolios W12 9RY

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church W4 4HH

20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk Term-time only Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers The Ranch, W4 2QN

START STUDIOS

BROWNIES

startstudios.co.uk 6-13yrs in 2 groups. Basic principles of drawing Haven Green Baptist Church W5

stmellitushanwell.com 7-10yrs St Mellitus Church W7 3BA

CRAFT

LANGUAGES

CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk All ages, individual and group music lessons.

Chiswick School W4 3UN

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

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk 3yrs+ Term-time classes Twyford C of E High School, W3 9PP

CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB CERAMICS CAFÉ ceramicscafe.com W13 8AB

07708 227877 W6 0TH

ET PATATI PATATA FUN WITH FIMO CLAY clare.format.com Workshops on specific dates

etpatatipatata.com • Flora Gardens Primary School W6 • SW7 3DQ

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH lyric.co.uk • 9-13yrs Sonic Pi Coding • 7-12yrs ECCO First Steps • 14-25yrs Studio Sessions • 7-11yrs Keyboard Centre • 5-12yrs Little Singers W6 0QL

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.com Piano, guitar, violin, ukelele & percussion W12

MZ SINGING WORKSHOPS tabernaclew11.com The Tabernacle W11

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

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

NUMERACY NUMBERWORKSNWORDS numberworksnwords.co.uk • W4 1SY • W13 0NP

• Gymnastics & Singing • Streetdance, tap, drama singing W3 7EG

DANCE GALLERY dancegallery.co.uk Tap, street, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre St Stephen’s Church W13 8HB

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk 4yrs+ (2yrs ballet) RAD syllabus ballet and tap • Ealing Green Church W5 5QT • St Barnabus Millennium Hall

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk 4yrs+ Ballet, Tap & Modern; Gymnastics The Hayloft W4 1QZ

EALING STREET DANCE ACADEMY ealingstreetdance.com St Benedict’s School W5 2ES

PERFORMANCE

FUNKY MOVES DANCE

DANCE

funkymovesdance.com Street dance St John’s Church W11 2NN

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk Ruskin Hall W3 8PP

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk After-school RAD Ballet • St Dunstan’s Hall W3 7AW • St Saviours Hall W12

INNOVATION DANCE EALING innovationdancestudios.co.uk 4yrs+ RAD syllabus ballet, tap, jazz, modern and street dance Innovation Dance Studio W5 1QX

LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH ACTON YOUTH BALLET SCHOOL actonyouthballet.com 8-17yrs ballet, jazz, contemporary and choreography

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk 3-9yrs Ballet St. Andrews Church Centre W5 2RS

BARBARA SPEAK STAGE SCHOOL barbaraspeake.com • Ballet

lyric.co.uk • 8-21yrs ZAD West Beginners Advanced • 11-21yrs Move it Mondays • 7- 21yrs (split age groups) Contemporary dance class • 5-10yrs Children’s ballet • 11-16yrs Dance West Youth Company

NEW ENGLISH BALLET THEATRE nebt.co.uk 5-10yrs Ballet for beginners taught by NEBT’s ballet mistress during term-time King St W6 0QL

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

WEST NEW DANCE VENTURES newdanceventures.com 8yrs+ contemporary dance Chiswick School W4 3UN

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET pleasingdance.com 2.5yrs+ RAD ballet Westside School W6

SA DANCE sa-dance.co.uk Ballet, modern, tap, jazz, contemporary and pilates.

Classes for children & adults.

• St Matthew’s Hall • Blossom & Bee W5 2EX • University of West London W5 5RF

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Bayswater W2 • Brook Green W14 • Hammersmith W14 • Notting Hill W11 • Portobello Rd W11 • Westbourne Grove W11

LITTLE & BIG KIDS WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk 2½ yrs+ Ballet, tap, jazz, singing • Village Hall W12 8AP • Du Boisson Studios W12 8AR • St Peters W11 3DB • Portobello Court W11 2DL

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk 4yrs+ Ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics Wiltshire Lane HA5 2LX

THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET londonschoolofballet.co.uk 5yrs+ RAD and Cecchetti • Ealing Quaker Meeting House W5 2SE • St Martin’s Church Hall W3 9SQ

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Performance classes. IDTA accredited • The Parent Hood W4 2EF • All Saints Church Hall W5 3JH

38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

QUESTORS questors.org.uk 5-18yrs Questors Youth Theatre W5 5BQ

SCHOOL OF COMEDY YMCA WEST LONDON ymcawestlondon.org 4yrs+ Dance and ballet. Termtime 25 St. Mary’s Road W5 5RE

THEATRE ARTS ED artsed.co.uk 4-16yrs Weekly Skills Academy - fun and exciting musical theatre, drama and dance classes for students of all abilities.

W4 1LY

schoolofcomedy.com 4-18yrs+ Stand-up, improvisation

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk 8+yrs Song writing • Arts Ed W4 1LY • Holy Trinity Church W6 7BL • The Tabernacle W11 2AY • St Dionis Church SW6 4UH

THEATRE STUDIO WEST

The Baden-Powell Hse SW7 5JS

FOOTBALL

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP

CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL

thebuilditworkshop.com After-school drop-off club Chiswick Town Hall W4 4JN

SPORT

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

THAMES VALLEY HARRIERS thamesvalleyharriers.com 8yrs+ Linford Christie Centre W1

CLIMBING

chelseafc.com/soccer-schools Barnes

EXCEL SPORTS SOCCER SCHOOL excelsports.info 4yrs+ • Kings House Sports Ground • University of Westminster Sports Ground W3 3UH

FOOTY FUN 4 KIDS footyfun4kidslondon.com 4-12yrs Saturday Morning Club Drop in • Kingsdown Methodist Church, W13 9PR • Blondin Park, Northfields • Walpole Park, Ealing

marinamellor.co.uk 4yrs+ Priory Community Centre W3 8NY

CLIP N CLIMB

FULHAM FC

clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk SW6 2ER

soccerschools.fulhamfc.com Boys & girls 3-14yrs SW6

allsortsdrama.com 4yrs+ Notting Hill Preparatory School W11 1QQ

YOURSTAGE DRAMA

WESTWAY CLIMBING

yourstagedrama.com 6-16yrs Dance & drama St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JL

BARBARA SPEAKE STAGE SCHOOL

READING / STORYTELLING

everyoneactive.com 5yrs+ after-school sessions; 12yrs+ Westway Sport Centre W10 6RP

barbaraspeake.com 6yrs+ Drama and singing East Acton Lane W3 7EG

WATERSTONES CHISWICK

ALLSORTS DRAMA

THE ELLIS BALLET veriteellis.wixsite.com/ the-ellis-ballet • St Mary’s Church Hall W7 3QP • North Hanwell Baptist Church Hall W7 1BW

Westside Community School W6 0LT

BARNES MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB barnesmusicaltheatreclub.com 4-7yrs • St Osmunds Church Hall SW13 9RT 8-14yrs • Kitson Hall SW13 9HJ

CHISWICK CC waterstones.com/bookshops/ chiswick 5yrs+ storytelling

SCIENCE / STEM

littlehouseofscience.com 4yrs+ Notting Hill & Kensington

COACHING CRICKET EXCELLENCE

chiswicktheatrearts.com Term-time musical theatre, ballet, modern, tap, street dance

mini-engineers.com 5-11yrs Lego construction & coding • Marlborough Primary School SW3 3AP • St. Stephen’s Church W2 5QT

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 4-6yrs Little Stage Academy 7-16yrs PSSA Stage Academy

kewparkrangers.co.uk U4½-U8yrs • North Sheen Recreation Ground U9-U10yrs+ All girls’ teams • Christ’s School TW10 6HW U11–U15yrs • University of Westminster • North Sheen Recreation Ground, TW9 4HA

CHISWICK & WHITTON CC

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

MINI ENGINEERS

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

chiswickcc.org 6yrs+ W4 2SP

chiswickandwhitton.org 11yrs+ Whitton Park & Chiswick House

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS

HAYA

CRICKET

KEW PARK RANGERS

coachingcricketexcellence.co.uk 6yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre

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

QPR SOCCER SCHOOL qprcommunitytrust.co.uk • Botwell Leisure Centre UB3 2HQ • PlayFootball W12 7RW

RAVENSCOURT PARK RANGERS k4academies.com 4yrs+ • Ravenscourt Park W6 0UL • Latymer Sports Ground W12 0HJ

RICHER EDUCATION

INDIAN GYMKHANA

ROCKS LANE MULTI-SPORT CENTRE

richereducation.co.uk • 7-14yrs STEM • 4-11yrs Science • 7-12yrs Robotics • 7-12yrs Mechatronics • 5-9yrs Maths • 8-14yrs Engineering • 7-14yrs Coding (Python)

indiangymkhanaclub.co.uk Colts and girls 8yrs+ TW7 4NQ

rockslane.co.uk 4yrs+ Team training and matches W4

SHOOTING STARZ shootingstarz.co.uk Football, netball, multi-skills clubs Club des Sports W3 7HB

WEST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS wemakefootballers.com 4yrs+ Chiswick School W4 3UN

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE sports.westway.org 4yrs+ classes and goalkeeper training W10

WILL TO WIN FOOTBALL willtowin.co.uk/junior-football 3-14 years. Drop-in sessions, camps & term-time courses • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

GYMASTICS & YOGA

Oxygen Freejumping W3 0AF

LET’S PLAY NETBALL THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/Chiswick 6yrs+ Beginners to advanced, aerials, gymnastics, dance, karate and tumbling • W4 3AN • Westfield London W12 7GE

twisters.org.uk Chiswick & Acton 4yrs+ Ballet & Gymnastics Acton Baptist Church Hall W3 8PP

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcastpaulsgroup.org 4yrs+ Gymnastics. Term-time St. James’ Church W13 9DL

MARTIAL ARTS CARLSON GRACIE

aerialand.com 5yrs+ Term-time aerial circus skills W6 0LT

carlsongracieteam.org.uk 7yrs+ Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kick-boxing W6 7HJ

ENNIS GYMNASTICS ACADEMY

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk 6yrs+ • St Michael’s Church, W4 3DZ • Dukes Meadows Community Hall W4 2RX • St Luke’s House TW9 3NP

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4yrs+ TW4 6DH

LUMI KIDS lumipoweryoga.com/little-lumis 5-11yrs W6 9JG

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com 4yrs+ Trampoline training • Reynolds Sports Centre • Osterley Sports and Athletics Centre

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk 4yrs+ Term-time TW9 4EL

OXYGEN SCHOOL OF TRAMPOLINING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk 6-11yrs; 12yrs+ Beginners & intermediates

letsplaynetball.co.uk 6yrs+ • Chiswick School W4 3UN • Westway Sports Centre

JANET ADEGOKE SWIMMING POOL better.org.uk Phoenix Fitness Centre W12

KENSINGTON LEISURE CENTRE

rockslane.co.uk Term-time junior netball league W4

grasshoppersrfc.com 4yrs+ training and matches TW7 5PN

better.org.uk W10

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM RFC

LAURA SEVENUS

WILL TO WIN NETBALL willtowin.co.uk/junior-netball Term-time courses & tournaments (School Years 3,4,5,6,7) • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

PARKOUR & FREERUNNING FOUCAN FREERUNNING ACADEMY foucan.com/ffa Beginners, intermediates, advanced 7yrs+ West London Free School W6 0LB

fulhamrugby.co.uk 5yrs+ training & matches Hurlingham Park SW6 3QR

LITTLE RUGBY littlerugby.co.uk 5-7yrs Mega rugby Hogarth Youth Centre W4 2JR

LONDON SCOTTISH londonscottish.com 5yrs+ training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground TW9

parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ & youth Freerunning, in & outdoor

RIDING EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.net 5yrs+ group & private lessons and pony days W5 3XD

KENSHUKAI KARATE

STAG LODGE RIDING

kenshukai.net • St Martin’s Church Hall W3 9SQ • The Church of the Ascension W5 3EB

ridinginlondon.com Group and private lessons and weekend pony club Richmond Park

RUGBY

PEEWEE KARATE

BARNES RFC

fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs • Scout Hall TW9 3QA • St Michael’s Community Centre SW13 0NX

barnesrfc.org term-time SW13

CHISWICK RFC JUNIORS chiswickrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ boys and girls Dukes Meadows W4 2SH

sevenus.com W4

NAUTILUS SWIMMING nautilusswimming.com • Latymer Upper School W6 9LR • Holland Park School W8 7AF

NEW CHISWICK POOL fusion-lifestyle.com W4

POOLS ON THE PARK springhealth.net/Richmond Old Deer Park TW9

LONDON WELSH londonwelshfc.com 5yrs+ minis, tag, touch Old Deer Park TW9 2AZ

PARKOUR GENERATIONS

Ilyeotaekwondo.com 5yrs+ Beginners welcome Russian Orthodox Church, W4 4ED

wlstkd.com 4yrs+ Fielding Primary School W13 9TE

ealingrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ all standards training and matches Trailfinders Sports Club W13 0DD

GRASSHOPPERS RFC

ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB

WLS TAEKWONDO

EALING RUGBY CLUB

ROCKS LANE HIGH 5

TWISTERS

AERIALAND

ennis-gymnastics.com 5-8yrs Rhythmic gymnastics Perivale Community Centre UB6 7NP

NETBALL

WASPS FC londonwelshfc.com 4yrs+ boys & girls coaching and matches Twyford Ave Sports Ground W3 9QA

SKATEBOARDING

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk • Richmond – Private Pool TW10 6EG • Petersham - Private Pool TW10 7AD • Chiswick – Roko Health Club Chiswick W4 3UH • Wimbledon Village – Private Pool SW19 5ES • Kingston – Private Pool KT2 5BD

BAYSIXTY6 baysixty6.com 7yrs+ beginners/intermediates W10

MYLITTLEBOARDERS mylittleboarders.co.uk 6yrs+ Beginner & Intermediate • Royal Oak Skate Park W2 5EJ • Westminster Academy W2 5EJ

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Novotel London Brentford TW8 0GP

SWIMFARM

SWIMMING

4strokeswimming.co.uk 4yrs+ term-time classes Westway Sports Centre W10 6RP

AQUATOTS BABY SWIMMING

TENNIS

aquatots.com Up to 6yrs term-time Chiswick

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE fusion-lifestyle.com 4yrs+ term-time group & individual classes TW8

CHRISTIAN GALLAN’S LOVE TENNIS love-tennis.co.uk • Chiswick Tennis Club W4 3EU • Hartswood Tennis Club W12 9NE • Westminster Sports Grounds W4 3UH

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

WEST DUKES MEADOWS dukesmeadows.com 5yrs+ Term-time group, individual, beginner to elite.

Indoor & outdoor

ONTHEBALL TENNIS WITH MAHMUDA ontheballtennis.co.uk 4yrs+ group, individual and camps Ravenscourt Park Tennis Courts W6 0UA

ROCKS LANE rockslane.co.uk 4yrs+ junior coaching

TEDDY TENNIS teddytennis.com 5yrs+ classes using music and pictures Chiswick, Hammersmith, Richmond

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE westway.org 4yrs+ mini tennis & pay and play

WILL TO WIN TENNIS willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis Mini Red (5-8), Mini Orange (89), Mini Green (9-10), Yellow Ball (10+). Drop-in sessions, termtime courses, holiday camps, free tennis for juniors, individual coaching.

• Chiswick House Gardens W4 2RP • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

Will to Win

40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LITTLE & BIG KIDS WATER SPORTS CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE rbkc.gov.uk 9yrs+ Kayaking, canoeing, raft building W10 5AY

CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT 12yrs+ Sailing & adventure training The Pier House W4 2UG

CHISWICK HOUSE REGENT’S PARK HYDE PARK

LONDON CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB lcsc.org.uk RYA accredited courses for beginners upwards Linden House W6 9TA

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS 01372 378 901 Sailing courses for beginners Riverside Drive TW10 7RX

OTHER QUEENS ICE SKATING & BOWLING CLUB queensiceandbowl.co.uk 5yrs+ Group and individual lessons W2

SAXON FENCING CLUB saxonfencing.co.uk 14yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre W3 9PP

W4 LACROSSE CLUB info@w4lacrosse.com 11yrs+ Term-time only W4 2UH

EALING Lammas Park & Pitshanger Park

SOUTH

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS ART & CREATIVE THE BRIGHT EMPORIUM thebrightemporium.com 3-6yrs Drama, Storytime, Arts & Crafts, LEGO SW11 1SY SAT SUN

THE NATURE CENTRE naturescope.co.uk 2-4yrs Nature crafts and story time Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT FRI MONTHLY

CINEMA OLYMPIC CINEMA olympiccinema.co.uk SW13 9HL TUE WED

WATERMANS watermans.org.uk TW8 0DS SAT

CERAMICS HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS happypotterceramics.co.uk TW11 8RF

SAMMY DUDER sammyduder.com Paint-your-own pottery SW11 6SD

MINI POTTERS minipotters.co.uk SW18 4HN

BUTTERFLY BALLET

REGAL BALLET

butterflyballet.co.uk 2½yrs+ Barnes TUE WED FRI SAT Clapham MON FRI Putney WED

regalballet.com 3 ½-4 ½yrs Sacred Heart School SW15 5NX TUE

Wimbledon MON

CLIFFORD STUDIOS cliffordstudios.co.uk 2½yrs+ Movement, Street Dance, Foundation for Ballet, Tap and Modern SW13 9HR MON TUE WED SAT

DAKOTA DANCE ACADEMY dakotadanceacademy.com 4yrs+ Ursuline Preparatory School SW20 8HR SAT

DANCE GROOVES dancegrooves.dance 2-6yrs Eddie Catz SW18 3NZ WED 4-8yrs The Half Moon Putney SW15 1EU WED

ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY elizabethjamesdanceacademy.com 18mths-8yrs+ Richmond, Kew, St. Margarets

FANCY FOOTWORK POTTERY CAFÉ pottery-cafe.com SW11 6QB

DANCE BABY BALLET babyballet.com 6mths-4yrs Various venues in Twickenham, Wimbledon, Clapham, Balham DAILY

fancyfootwork.co.uk 18mths-7yrs+ St Luke’s Community Hall SW12 8RQ MON TUE WED 18mths-6yrs Fresh Ground London SW11 1EQ THU SAT

FUNKY MOVES

RICHMOND ACADEMY OF DANCE richmond.academy 2½yrs+ Ballet, tap, contemporary Oddfellows Hall TW9 2RT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BALLET southwestballet.co.uk 2½yrs+ RAD ballet Putney Leisure Centre SAT Putney Methodist Church MON THU The Garage Studio SAT

WEST WIMBLEDON DANCE ACADEMY wwdance.co.uk 2 ½ yrs+ • St Matthew’s Church Hall SW20 0QN • St John’s Church Hall SW19 4NZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

LANGUAGE

THE LONDON BALLET COMPANY SCHOOL thelondonballetcompany.com 3-5yrs Ballet Tots SW19 4UW SAT

THE LONDON DANCE ACADEMY thelondondanceacademy.com 2½yrs+ RAD ballet • Wilberforce Centre SW4 0QZ • St Thomas’s Church

THE SOUTH LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET thesouthlondonschoolofballet. com 2½yrs Herne Hill

funkymoves.com 4-6yrs YMCA SW19 1JN SAT

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

GOOD TOES SCHOOL OF BALLET

westminsterperformingarts.co.uk 3yrs+ W1P 2DG

lambeth.gov.uk Mary Seacole Centre SW4 7DB Story Time TUE Sunday Sausages SUN

KEW LIBRARY richmond.gov.uk Tiny teddies songs and rhymes TW9 4HJ THU

BATTERSEA SPANISH

KINGSTON LIBRARY

batterseaspanish.com 1-2-1 and 3-9yrs SW11 5QL SAT

kingston.gov.uk KT1 2PS Baby and toddler Rhyme times MON

ECOLE CADET ROUSSELLE

Family Chatterbooks FIRST SAT

ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk 2yrs+ SE24 0BS TUE WED THU FRI

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com St Anne’s Church Hall SW18 2LR TUE WED FRI St Micheal & all Angels Church SW13 0NX WED St Matthews Church SW6 2TZ TUE

CLAPHAM LIBRARY

FRENCH & SPANISH À LA CARTE frenchandspanishalacarte.co.uk 4yrs+ SW18

HAPPY CHINESE LEARNING 4yrs+ SW3

PUTNEY LIBRARY Baby Rhyme Time SW15 2DR MON

RICHMOND LIBRARY richmond.gov.uk TW9 1QL Story time THU Tiny Teddies SECOND THU

SURBITON LIBRARY LE CLUB TRICOLORE leclubtricolore.co.uk 2 ½ yrs+ Broomwood Methodist Church Hall SW11 6BD WED

LE PETIT CONSERVATOIRE lepetitconservatoire.co.uk 3-10yrs Our Lady’s Hall Fulham

LIBRARIES

kingston.gov.uk Rhyme time KT6 6AG TUE EVERY THIRD SAT

TWICKENHAM LIBRARY richmond.gov.uk TW1 3JT Tiny Teddies 2nd & 4rth FRI Story Time TUE

WIMBLEDON LIBRARY BATTERSEA LIBRARY better.org.uk SW11 1JB Baby Rhyme Time MON TUE Story Time MON Chess Club FRI

libraries.merton.gov.uk Rhyme time & Storytime SW19 7NB MON WED FORTNIGHTLY FRI

goodtoesballet.co.uk 2½yrs SW11 1EQ CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

SOUTH MUSIC BEE’S KNEES AT BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE bac.org.uk Indoor play, Monkey Music and Hartbeeps SW11 5 TN DAILY

BEA’S BABY MUSIC SCHOOL babymusic.co.uk Putney Leisure Centre SW15 1BL WED

FRUITY TUNES fruitytunes.net Balham Baptist Church SW12 8QX MON TUE St. Vincent de Paul SW11 1JJ THU FRI St Barnabas Southfields SW18 WED

Trinity Road Chapel SW17 7HW FRI SW19 4AA THU

MUSICAL EXPRESS musicalexpress.co.uk 9mths+ Southfields, Colliers Wood, Wimbledon, Earlsfield

THE LITTLE LONDON MUSIC SCHOOL thelittlelondonmusicschool.com 6mths+ St George’s Church TUE THU FRI St Columba’s Church MON WED THU Cuckoo Hibou, Fulham TUE WED

TIN PAN ANNIE MUSIC

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS KARATE

TENNIS

PEEWEE KARATE

ALLSTAR TENNIS

fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs St Barnabas’ Church SW4 3QA THU

allstartennis.co.uk 3-12yrs+ • King Georges Park SW18 2GJ • Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT

Scout Hall TW9 3QA MON St Michael’s Community SW13 0NX MON

SWIMMING ANGEL SWIM LONDON angelswim.london 4wks • Park Walk Primary School SW10 0AY • Alderbrook Primary School SW12 8PP

BABY SWIMMING COMPANY

greenwichmusicschool.org.uk 0-3yrs Charlton House MON

tinpanannie.co.uk Musical interaction and dancing MON TUE WED THU FRI St Luke’s Community Hall SW12 8RQ MON St Barnabas’ Church SW12 8RQ TUE WED THU FRI

Mycenae House THU

WHIPPERSNAPPERS

DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL

whippersnappers.org 0–5yrs • Brockwell Lido • Dulwich Park MON TUE WED THU FRI

dolphinswimschools.co.uk 3mths+ Wimbledon College SW19 4NS

GREENWICH EARLY YEARS MUSIC

JOJINGLES jojingles.com KT1 2NJ WED Teddington Baptist Church TW11 8PF THU Holy Trinity Church TW2 5TS MON The Scout Hut KT6 5NT MON Surbiton Library Halls KT6 6AG WED Tolworth United Reform Church KT5 9JR FRI

MINI CROTCHETS minicrotchets.co.uk Traditional nursery rhymes, puppets, instruments SW12 0JB

MINI MOZART minimozart.com Classical music classes Fresh Ground SW11 1EQ MON

42 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SPORT

FOOTBALL KEW PARK RANGERS kewparkrangers.co.uk 18mths-4yrs North Sheen Recreational Ground TW9 4LB

GYMNASTICS RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION richmondgymnastics.co.uk TW9 4EL MON TUE WED THU FRI

TJ’S GYMNASTIC CLUB tjsgymclub.co.uk 6–12mths+ SW19 8LD

thebabyswimmingcompany.co.uk 8wks–18mths • SM4 4AW • SW17 7RE

CHELSEA SWIM SPA chelseaswimspa.co.uk SW10 0NW

LITTLE DIPPERS littledippers.co.uk • Royal Hospital Chelsea SW3 4SR • Darwin Court Healthy Living Centre SE17

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk • Richmond – Private Pool TW10 6EG • Petersham - Private Pool TW10 7AD • Chiswick – Roko Health Club Chiswick W4 3UH • Wimbledon Village – Private Pool SW19 5ES • Kingston – Private Pool KT2 5BD

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Kew, Richmond, Brentford, Twickenham

TRAMPOLINE FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH flipout.co.uk Toddlers classes, trampolines and U5’s dedicated area with jungle gym Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

THEATRE POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk Swaffield Primary School SW18 2SA SAT

STEP ON STAGE steponstageacadmy.co.uk Performing arts, LAMDA VarIous venues in Twickenham

YOGA & MASSAGE BUSY LIZZY busylizzywimbledon.co.uk Mum and baby postnatal fitness classes SW19 4HE WED FRI SW19 4AA MON TUE South Park Gardens SW19 8QW

THE PUTNEY CLINIC OF PHYSICAL THERAPY putneyclinic.co.uk Mummy and Baby Yoga, Baby Massage SW15 6TQ MON

YOGA MAMA WELLNESS yogamamawellness.com Mummy & Me Yoga, Baby Massage SW15 6TQ MON

SOUTH

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ADVENTURE

SAMMY DUDER

KEW LIBRARY

STRINGNOTE ACADEMY

FUNKY MOVES

richmond.gov.uk

ARMY CADETS

sammyduder.com Paint-your-own pottery SW11 6SD

stringnote.com Individual piano lessons with singing from age 4 SW15

armycadets.com • ACF Centre SW18 4JG • SW11 3HN • Army Recruiting Centre SW18 5JX • ACF Centre SW15 2EZ

ART & CREATIVE ARTY PARTY artyparty.co.uk Fun fine art in creative workshops, after school clubs • The Kalos Centre SW12 8JL • St. Paul’s Church Hall SW4 0DX • The Romany Scout Hut SW18 3LG • The Lecture Hall SW19 4QD

CHELSEA FINE ARTS chelseafinearts.co.uk Art studio, creative space, 8-18yrs SW10 0QJ

minipotters.co.uk SW18 4HN

kingston.gov.uk Family Chatterbooks KT1 2PS

SWS SCHOOL OF MUSIC swsmusic.co.uk

funkymoves.com 7-12yrs • YMCA, SW19 1JN • St Michaels Church SW13 0NX • Balham Leisure Centre SW17 8AN

PLAY WITH CLAY

PUTNEY LIBRARY

play-with-clay.com 6yrs+ Streatham & Clapham High School SW16 1AW

better.org.uk

Instruments, song writing, composition, drama SW18 4QB

KAREN HARDY DANCE STUDIOS

TW9 4HJ

KINGSTON LIBRARY MINI POTTERS

POTTERY CAFÉ pottery-cafe.com SW11 6QB

SHIRLEY STEWART’S POTTERY COURSES shirleystewart.co.uk 5yrs+ Art House SE14 6PD

CODING

SW15 2DR

RICHMOND LIBRARY

GEEKY KIDS

dove-studios.com 5yrs+ SW3 6JZ

geekykids.co.uk 6-16yrs • Lantern Arts Centre, SW20 8RA • ETNA Centre TW1 2AR

LAVENDER LEONARDOS lavenderleonardos.art 5-15yrs Children’s art school Battersea Business Centre, SW11 5QL

MIRA’S ART CLASSES mira.artclasses@gmail.com 5-18yrs SW6

worldheartbeat.org SW18 4PP

KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

NUMERACY

kewacademydance.co.uk 2½yrs+ Dance, LAMDA United Church TW19 2 DX

SURBITON LIBRARY

BRAIN BUILDERS

kingston.gov.uk • 5-18yrs, SWAP cardgaming • 8-11yrs, Word Wizards Creative Writing KT6 6AG

brainbuilders.co.uk Math tutors and clubs SW London

SEW PRETTY sewpretty.me.uk SW19 6PE

thecrafthouseuk.com 7yrs+ Art, craft, sewing clubs and workshops SW14 8QR

CERAMICS CLAPHAM POTTERY claphampottery.co.uk 6yrs+ SW4 0DZ

BATTERSEA SPANISH

MUSIC

batterseaspanish.com 1-2-1 and 3-9yrs, GCSE Tuition SW11 5QL

CHERRY PIE MUSIC

bilingualbeats.com Spanish St Luke’s Church SW10 9HF

ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk 4yrs+ SE24 0B

LIBRARIES

happypotterceramics.co.uk TW11 8RF

cherrypiemusic.co.uk Music and vocal tuition SW19 1LT

GOLDBERG MUSIC goldberg-music.co.uk Guitar lessons • TW1 2AR • TW9 1AF

KINGSTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC kingstonmusicschool.com KT6 5PN

BATTERSEA LIBRARY better.org.uk

LAMBETH MUSIC SERVICE

Chess Club, beginners welcome SW11 1JB

lambethmusic.co.uk Instrument and vocal Clapham Park Centre SW2 4JW

CLAPHAM LIBRARY lambeth.gov.uk

HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS

WIMBLEDON LIBRARY

LANGUAGE

ECOLE CADET ROUSSELLE THE CRAFT HOUSE

richmond.gov.uk Chatterbooks TW1 3JT

libraries.merton.gov.uk 7-11yrs, One-to-one reading SW19 7NB

BILINGUAL BEATS

Homework help, 7-11yrs Code Club Mary Seacole Centre SW4 7DB

karenhardystudios.com Imperial Wharf SW6 2UB

richmond.gov.uk • 7-17yrs, CoderDojo • 8-10yrs, Chatterbooks TW9 1QL

TWICKENHAM LIBRARY DOVE STUDIOS

WORLD HEART BEAT MUSIC ACADEMY

PERFORMANCE

DANCE

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Barnes SW13 • Fulham SW6 • Wandsworth SW18

ARCH 197 DANCE STUDIO

THE LONDON BALLET COMPANY SCHOOL

arch197.com 4-11yrs+ Ballet, Break Dance and Street Dance Isleworth Public Hall, TW7 7BG

thelondonballetcompany.com 6yrs+ Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Stretch SW19 4UW

BUTTERFLY BALLET

THE LONDON DANCE ACADEMY

butterflyballet.co.uk 6-10yrs+ Barnes, Clapham, Putney, Wimbledon

thelondondanceacademy.com RAD ballet • Wilberforce Centre SW4 0QZ • St Thomas’s Church

DAKOTA DANCE ACADEMY dakotadanceacademy.com 6-13yrs Ursuline Preparatory School, SW20 8HR

REGAL BALLET regalballet.com St Marks Church SW19 7ND

DANCE GROOVES

RICHMOND ACADEMY OF DANCE

dancegrooves.dance 6-17yrs St Mary’s Church, SW15 1SN

richmond.academy 6yrs+ Ballet, tap, contemporary Oddfellows Hall TW9 2RT

ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY

WEST WIMBLEDON DANCE ACADEMY

elizabethjamesdanceacademy.com 18mths-8yrs+ Richmond, Kew, St. Margarets

wwdance.co.uk 6-16yrs • St. Matthew’s Church Hall SW20 0QN • St. John’s Church Hall SW19 4NZ

FANCY FOOTWORK fancyfootwork.co.uk Ballet Rad 3-Advanced • Oak Lodge SW12 8NA • Fresh Ground London SW11 1EQ

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

SOUTH DRAMA BARNES MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB barnesmucialtheatreclub.com • 4-7yrs Junior Club St Osmunds Church Hall SW13 9RT • 8-14yrs Senior Club Kitson Hall SW13 9HJ

OMNIBUS THEATRE omnibus-clapham.org 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 11-16yrs Performance skills and theatre techniques SW4 0QW

LITTLE & BIG KIDS SURREY CRICKET

THE RIDING CLUB

vauxwest.co.uk All ages SW8 1SR

prideoflions.co.uk U8–U12yrs Various S London venues

RidingLondon.com SW19 7QA

CLAPHAM COMMON SKATEPARK & STOCKWELL SKATEPARK

WHITE SPIDER CLIMBING

TWICKENHAM CC

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE STABLES

londonskateparks.co.uk King George’s Park SW18 4NY

spiderclimbing.com KT6 7LD

twickenhamcc.net 5yrs+ The Green Twickenham CC, TW2 5TU

WVStables.com SW19 5DX

RUGBY

WIMBLEDON PARK SPORTS CENTRE merton.gov.uk Climbing, orienteering SW19 7HX

CRICKET

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

ALL STARS CRICKET POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 7-16yrs Acting, singing, dancing performance Swaffield Primary School SW18 2SA

ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars 5-8yrs, boys and girls Various venues

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY youngfilmacademy.co.uk Young filmmakers club Putney

SCIENCE MINI ENGINEERS mini-engineers.com 5-8yrs Mansel Centre Trinity Church SW19 4AA

SPORT

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

SOUTH LONDON HARRIERS southlondonharriers.org 8yrs+

CLIMBING THE CLIMBING HANGAR theclimbinghangar.com 5yrs+ Parson Green Depot SW6 4HH

44 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

KEW PARK RANGERS

barnescc.co.uk 6-15yrs, girls and boys Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL

kewparkrangers.co.uk Mixed U4-U7 • U8-U13 Girls North Sheen Recreational Ground, TW9 4LB • U8-U18 Boys Various venues, check website

CRICKET DYNAMICS

GYMNASTICS

BARNES CC

STEP ON STAGE ACADEMY steponstageacadmy.co.uk 7-18yrs performing arts, LAMDA Varying venues in Twickenham

SKATEBOARDING

VAUXWEST

cricketdynamics.co.uk 4yrs+ • Aspire Centre Wandsworth • Rutlish Sports Hall, Wimbledon • St Cecilias School, Wandsworth

DULWICH CRICKET CLUB dulwichcc.com 5yrs+ SE24 9HB

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4yrs+ TW4

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com 4yrs+ Osterly Sports and Athletics Centre TW7 5FG

MARTIAL ARTS CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk 6yrs+ TW9 3NP

EMOKWAN-RYU HAPKIDO ACADEMY semokwan-hapkido.co.uk 5yrs+ • Broomwood Methodist Church SW11 6JX • SW4 9RU

BARNES RFC barnesrfc.org 4-17yrs, boys and girls Queen Elizabeth Walk SW13

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES ironsidesrugby.com/minis 4yrs+ Openview SW17 0AW

GRASSHOPPERS RFC grasshoppersrfc.com 4yrs+ Training and matches TW7 5PN

MAZUKI TAEKWON-DO

LONDON SCOTTISH

mazuki.com • Livity School SW16 2PW • Julian’s Primary School SW16 2RB

londonscottish.com 5yrs+Training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground TW9

LONDON WELSH PEEWEE KARATE fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs • St Barnabas’ Church SW4 3QA • Scout Hall TW9 3QA • St Michael’s Community SW13 0NX

NETBALL

londonwelshrfc.com 5-18yrs tag, touch Old Deer Park TW9 2AZ

RICHMOND FC richmondfc.co.uk 5yrs+ Richmond FC, The Athletic Ground TW9 2SF

ROCKS LANE KEW CC COLTS kewcc.com 5yrs+ Kew Green TW9 3AH

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs TW9 4EL

INDIAN GYMKHANA indiangymkhana.co.uk 8yrs+ Colts and girls TW7 4NQ

SINJUNGRAMMARIANS CC wandsworthcricket.co.uk Reception and older SW17 7HW

STREATHAM & MARLBOROUGH CRICKET CLUB streathammarlboroughcc.co.uk 7yrs+ Dulwich Common SE21 7EX

rockslane.co.uk/barnes Term-time junior netball league Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centre SW13 0BY

SISTERS N SPORT THE LITTLE GYM • Wandsworth & Fulham wandsworthfulham. thelittlegym.eu • Hampton & Teddington hamptonteddington. thelittlegym.eu

sistersnsport.com 6-14yrs • Kingston-Upon-Thames • Wandsworth

FREE RUNNING & PARKOUR

ROSSLYN PARK FC rosslynpark.co.uk • 4yrs+ SW15 5JH • 6yrs+ Richmond Park Polo Fields TW10 5HS

SWIMMING ANGEL SWIM LONDON angelswim.london 4 wks+ Park Walk Primary School SW10 0AY

FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH

CHELSEA SWIM SPA chelseaswimspa.co.uk SW10 0NW

KingstonRidingCentre.com KT2 7RG

flipout.co.uk 7yrs+ Free running, jumping, landing, vaulting, flipping Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

STAG LODGE STABLES

PARKOUR GENERATIONS

RidingInLondon.com SW20 0AA

parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ In & outdoor freerunning Various locations, check website

RIDING KINGSTON RIDING CENTRE

CLAPHAM LEISURE CENTRE better.org.uk SW4 6DB

SOUTH

LITTLE & BIG KIDS DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL

SWIM EXPERT

BODYSWOT TENNIS

SHEEN PARKS TENNIS

TAMESIS CLUB

swimexpert.co.uk

bodyswottennis.co.uk

clubspark.lta.org.uk

tamesisclub.co.uk

dolphinswimschools.co.uk

2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes

3yrs+

2-12yrs

8–16yrs

3mths

Kew, Richmond, Brentford,

• Holy Apostles’ Catholic

East Sheen, Richmond

Cadets sailing club TW11 9QY

Wimbledon College SW19 4NS

Twickenham

POOLS ON THE PARK

SPORTS GENERATION

• Ranelagh Gardens SW3 4NE

TRAMPOLINE

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS

springhealth.net

sportsgeneration.co.uk

• SW3 4SR

FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH

surreyoutdoorlearning.uk

Richmond Old Deer Park TW9

• TW10 7AD

flipout.co.uk

Sailing courses for beginners

Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

TW10 7RX

Church Hall SW1V 4LY • The Hut SW3 5SZ

TEDDY TENNIS SOUTH WEST SWIMMING SCHOOL

WIMBLEDON LEISURE CENTRE AND SPA

teddytennis.com

swswimschool.co.uk

better.org.uk

and kinaesthetic learning

• Burntwood School SW17 0AQ

SW19 1EW

Richmond, Twickenham,

• Ernest Bevin SW17 7DF

5yrs+ classes using visual, audio

Twickenham

WATER SPORTS

Teddington, Wandsworth &

WIMBLEDON PARK WATERSPORTS & OUTDOOR CENTRE

Battersea, Wimbledon

merton.gov.uk

TENNIS 4 KIDS

Sailing, kayaking

allstartennis.co.uk

tennis-4-kids.com

Wimbledon Park Sports Centre

3-12yrs+

2 ½yrs+

SW19 7HX

• King Georges Park, SW18 2GJ

• St Clements Church Hall

• Emanuel School SW11 1HS

TENNIS

• Henry Cavendish SW12 0JA

ALLSTAR TENNIS

• Harris Academy • SW11 5AP

• SW18 3RT

SE22 0HW • Goodrich Primary School

New Career Opportunities for Early Years Professionals!

Train as a Registered Play Therapist with APAC and change children’s lives, as well as your own!

The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy is the world’s largest and most experienced play and creative arts training organisation.Through our Post-Graduate Training Programmes in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, we run the only courses meeting the requirements of the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Over 4,000 Play Therapists have trained with APAC over its 20-year history, to become proficient in communicating with children through a variety of therapeutic media including sand worlds, clay, drawing and painting, music, puppets, masks, role play, creative visualisation, therapeutic story and movement. By using these activities to naturally heal parts of the brain, Play Therapy has been shown to have success rates of between 77 and 84%.

Upcoming Course Dates Near You One-Day Introduction to Play Therapy Training & Careers: Learn more about the skills potential students will need, our experiential teaching methods, professional registration and career opportunities • London - Saturday 4th April 2020 • Windsor - Saturday 1st February 2020 Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills: Take the first step on your journey to becoming a Play Therapist by qualifying as a Certified Practitioner and support children facing emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges • London - Training Starts Friday 24th April 2020 • Windsor - Training Starts Friday 1st May 2020 For more information or to make an application, contact our Admissions Office today on 01825 761 143 or contact@apac.org.uk www.apac.org.uk www.apac.org.uk www.playtherapy.org.uk www.playtherapy.org.uk www.playtherapyregister.org.uk www.playtherapyregister.org.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

NORTH & EAST DANCE BLUEBIRDS BALLET bluebirdsballetschool.com Kensal Rise TUE Hampstead THU

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

PRIMROSE HILL BALLET SCHOOLS

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS ARTS

primrosehillballet.co.uk 3yrs+ & baby ballet Swiss Cottage Community Centre NW3 4NR WED THU NW3 6NS F RI

nationalcircus.org.uk 2yrs+ Parent & child N1 6HD SAT SUN

CREATIVE MOVEMENTS

DRAMA

FROGPRINCE BABY MUSIC babymusicclass.co.uk 0mths–4yrs Hackney City Farm WED Surrey Docks Farm WED Stepney City Farm FRI

DRAMA QUEENS REGAL BALLET

creativemovements.co.uk St Mary’s Church NW3 3DJ TUE

regalballet.com 18mths-14yrs Various locations MON WED THU FRI

DRAMARAMA dramarama.co.uk NW3 3NR MON Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ SAT

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL highgateballetschool.com URC N6 6BA WED N6 5AA WED SAT

INNOVATION DANCE STUDIOS innovationdancestudios.co.uk N12 8JR MON TUE SAT

ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY islingtonartsfactory.org N7 0SF FRI

ISLINGTON BALLET SCHOOL

dramaqueens.org 3-16yrs Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ MON Malorees Infants NW6 7PB SAT

CREATIVE WIZKIDS creativewizkids.com 3yrs+ NW3 7DY WED

makebelievegroup.co.uk 3yrs+ HA8 8DE SAT

RICH MIX

POTTERY

richmix.org.uk 2yrs+ E1 6LA

ZEBRA CERAMICS

SARAH TONER SCHOOL OF BALLET

NEW LONDON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

RUGGIERI DANCE ACADEMY

sarahtoner.co.uk 2-4 yrs Baby ballet St Joan of Arc Community Centre N5

nlpac.oc.uk 3yrs+ N10 3RD MON

RONA HART SCHOOL OF DANCE ronahart.co.uk Ballet, tap, street dance, jazz Rosslyn Hill Chapel Hall NW3 1NG WED THU FRI

TIPPY TOES BALLET tippytoesballet.co.uk From 2yrs NW1 8AR TUE NW3 3NR THU

CIRCUS GLORY TRAPEZE SCHOOL

thelittledanceacademy.com The Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ MON TUE THU

colourfulnotes.co.uk 2-5yrs Regular workshops

CREATIVITY CRAZY

MAKE BELIEVE

MUSIC & MOVEMENT BAMBINO BALLET bambinoballet.com 18mths+ St Anne Line Church and Church Hall E18 2JR SAT

CRAZEE KIDS

THE LITTLE DANCE ACADEMY

COLOURFUL NOTES

bongalong.co.uk 12mths–5yrs St Gabriel’s Church & Family Centre E17 3JF SAT

CIRCUS

islingtonballetschool.com Unity Church Hall N1 2TZ FRI

MUSIC & MOVEMENT BONGALONG

ART

circusglory.com 2.5yrs+ NW1 8TN MON WED FRI

crazeekids.co.uk N6 5AA TUE SAT

ruggieriacademy.com 1yr+ E1W 3HW FRI SAT

SING AND SIGN sasel.co.uk 6-13mths Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Eltham & Woolwich MON TUE WED THU

TICK TOCK ticktockmusic.co.uk Crouch End FRI Islington MON TUE THU FRI

creativitycrazy.co.uk Messy play N12 0AP DAILY

zebraceramics.co.uk Toddler sessions

N10 2AE MON WED

SPORTY

FOOTBALL DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL dgsoccer.co.uk 3yrs+ Haverstock School NW3 2BQ SAT

GYMNASTICS EAST LONDON GYMNASTICS CENTRE eastlondongym.co.uk 3yrs+ E6 5LW MON TUE WED THU

TINY TALENT DO-RE MEEBIES do-re-meebies.co.uk 6mths+ The Methodist Church, Highams Park MON THU

facebook.com/TinyTalent 0mths-5yrs Redbridge Drama Centre E18 2RB SAT

We do our very best to update these directories as often as possible. We advise you to call or check websites for up to date information just in case classes are cancelled or locations change.

46 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ART & CREATIVE

5-11yrs Sternberg Centre N3 2SY

ART 4 FUN

NORTH & EAST BLUEBIRDS BALLET bluebirdsballetschool.com Hampstead, Kensal Rise, Maida Vale

SPIRIT YOUNG PERFORMERS COMPANY

DREAMAS

spiritypc.co.uk NW5

dreamas.co.uk 7-11yrs NW10

art4fun.com 5yrs+

THE VILLAGE HABERDASHERY thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk 8yrs+ Hardy Building NW6 2BR

DRAMARAMA DANCE

STRATFORD CIRCUS

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE

dramarama.co.uk Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ

littleangeltheatre.com 5-17yrs N1 2DN

ZEBRA CERAMICS

GRAVITY PERFORMING ARTS

stratford-circus.com 4yrs+ Stratford Circus Arts Centre E15 1BX

camdenartscentre.org NW3 6DG

CLAY TIME claytime.london 5-11yrs N5 1HA

Zebraceramics.co.uk N10 2AE

CIRCUS

gravitydanceacademy.com 6yrs+ The Arches E7 0JL

FROGGY MANGA

AERIAL DAYS

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL

froggymanga.com 8-15yrs • Hornsey Vale Community Centre N8 9LP • Yummy Yummy in my Tummy N16 7PB

aerialdays.com 7yrs+ Trapeze, silks, hoops Brookfield Primary School NW5 1HB

highgateballetschool.com Highgate United Reformed Church and Hall N6 5AA

AIRBORNE CIRCUS airbornecircus.com

GILL’S COOKERY

5-18yrs

gilljroberts.wordpress.com NW11 7AA

Finchley Youth Theatre

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL OF ART hampstead-school-of-art.org 6yrs+ NW3 7BF

ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY Islingtonartsfactory.org 4yrs+ N7 0SF

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN littlehandsdesign.com 6-18yrs Textiles, sewing NW3 5AU

CIRCUS GLORY TRAPEZE SCHOOL circusglory.com NW1 8TN

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS ARTS nationalcircus.org.uk N1 6HD

NEARLY THERE YET JL YOUTH CIRCUS nearlythereyet.com N6 5AA

INNOVATION DANCE STUDIOS innovationdancestudios.co.uk N12 8JR

ISLINGTON BALLET SCHOOL islingtonballetschool.com N1 2TZ

LONDON BOYS’ BALLET SCHOOL boysballetlondon.com 4-16yrs Islington

PITTA PATTA DANCE pittapattadance.co.uk 4yrs+ NW1 8TN

CREATIVE WRITING

PRIMROSE HILL BALLET SCHOOLS

MINI PICASSOS

CHELSEA YOUNG WRITERS

minipicassos.co.uk 4yrs+ incl portfolios NW10 5RT

chelseayoungwriters.co.uk 5yrs+ W11 2NN

primrosehillballet.co.uk • NW3 4NR • NW3 6NS

THE STORY ROOM

nestknitting.com Knitting & sewing N8 9PP

QUEEN’S PARK ART

storyroom.co.uk 5yrs+ • Friends House N21 1LE • Oakwood Library N14 4XA • South Friern Librar N10 1HD

artfulfly@gmail.com 5yrs+

DANCE

STELLARIA YOUNG MINDS

BAMBINO BALLET

stellaria-youngminds-ltd.com 4-10yrs

bambinoballet.com 18mths–7yrs St Anne Line Church and Church Hall E18 2JR

THE ART STABLES

tippytoesballet.co.uk

VESTRY SCHOOL OF DANCE vestryschoolofdance.co.uk St John’s E17 4LH

DRAMA 360 ARTS 360arts.co.uk • NW2 6HE • NW4 4BT

ALLSORTS allsortsdrama.com 4-14yrs themed classes South Hampstead School

regalballet.com 18mths-14yrs Various locations

makebelievegroup.co.uk 3-18yrs • Laycock Primary N1 1SW • Stoke Newington School & Sixth Form N16 9EX

NEW LONDON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE mlpac.oc.uk 3-19yrs N10 3RD

PLEASING DRAMA pleasingdrama.com 6yrs+ St Saviours Church NW3

STRATFORD CIRCUS

almeida.co.uk 5-14yrs

stratford-circus.com 4yrs+ Stratford Circus Arts Centre E15 1BX

ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL

YOUNG ACTORS THEATRE

annafiorentini.com Parliament Hill School NW5 1RL

youngactors.org.uk 4-16yrs

CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA

LANGUAGES

cssd.ac.uk 6-17yrs NW3 3HY

CHINESE LEARNING CENTRE

ALMEIDA ACADEMY

CHICKENSHED REGAL BALLET

NEST KNITTING

MAKE BELIEVE TIPPY TOES BALLET

chickenshed.org.uk 5yrs+ Southgate

chineselearningcentre.co.uk 3yrs+ E14

ECOLE DES PETITS LOUPS

ronahart.co.uk NW3 1NG

dramaqueens.org 3-16yrs • Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ • Malorees Infants NW6 7PB

ecoledespetitsloups.com 5–15yrs • N10 • Coleridge Primary School N8 8DN • Stroud Green Primary School N4 3EX

SARAH TONER SCHOOL OF BALLET

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL

SPANISH CONNECTION LANGUAGE SCHOOL

sarahtoner.co.uk

dramarama.co.uk Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ

spanishconnection.org.uk NW6

DRAMA QUEENS RONA HART SCHOOL OF DANCE

artstables.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

NORTH & EAST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS

CODE TODAY

CRICKET

ZFW FENCING CLUB

GOLF

codetoday.co.uk

MCC CRICKET ACADEMY

zfw-fencing.co.uk

METRO GOLF CENTRE

LITTLE VOICES

7-14yrs

lords.org

6yrs+

metrogolfcentre.co.uk

littlevoices.org.uk

BSC/Hampstead School of

3yrs+

South Hampstead High School

4yrs+

English NW3 7BJ

Lords Cricket Ground NW8

NW3 5SS

MUSIC

8QN

City Academy E9 6EA

RIVA LEARNING LONDON GUITAR ACADEMY

rivalearning.com

londonguitaracademy.com

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk/junior-netball

ARSENAL FC

Term-time courses &

8yrs+

NORTH LONDON CRICKET CLUB

playthearsenalway.com

tournaments (School Years

NW6 5HE

northlondoncc.hitscricket.com

6yrs+

3,4,5,6,7)

5yrs+ (Y1)

Highgate Wood N5

Regent’s Park NW1 4NU

6yrs+ NW6 6RA

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

SOFTWARE ACADEMY

N8 8RL

TENNIS

THE STRINGS CLUB

9-16yrs

PRIMROSE HILL CC

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL ACADEMY

thestringsclub.org

NW2 3EP

primrosehillcc.org

bloomsburyfa.com

willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis

7-13yrs

4yrs+

Drop-in sessions, term-time

The Regent’s Park Hub NW1

Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre

courses. free tennis for juniors,

4RU

NW3 3NF

individual coaching.

softwareacademy.co.uk

4-11yrs • Holy Trinity CE School NW3 5SQ

SPORT

• St Andrew’s CE Primary

CLIMBING

SCIENCE / STEM

CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE/GECKOS

FENCING

WILL TO WIN

Mini Red (5-8), Mini Orange (8-9), Mini Green (9-10), Yellow

FIGHTINGFITFENCING

DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL

castle-climbing.co.uk

fightingfitfencing.com

dgsoccer.co.uk

Regent’s Park NW1 4NU

BERMOTECH

5yrs+

5-13yrs

5yrs+

bermotech.com

N4 2HA

Mount Carmel School N19 3EU

NW3 4NU

Ball (10+).

9yrs+ Coding, app development NW3 5HT

Monkey Music offers award winning music classes for babies and young children

Lots of venues all across London Please visit our website to book your first free class

48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HOLIDAY CLUBS ART & DESIGN

MINIVERSITY

UPBEAT MUSIC COURSES

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

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

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

bfi.org.uk 8-14yrs | Workshops Southbank

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY funwithfimoclay.co.uk Acton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET ME PLAY letmeplay.co.uk 11-19yrs | Free activities incl. dance, drama, sport, cookery, art, fashion and music Hammersmith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs | Musical theatre Chiswick

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

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

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

DUKES MEADOWS

STEM & CODING

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

FIRE TECH

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

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

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

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

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

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

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB

RICHER EDUCATION

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

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

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

FIT FOR SPORT fitforsport.co.uk 4yrs+ Across London

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

ROCKS LANE

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

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

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

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

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

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

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

mylittleboarders

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

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

WHO IS? JEN FULLER PEOPLE

FOUNDER OF INNOVATIVE BABY BRAND ETTA LOVES

phone during my designated working hours, I’m invariably thinking about things or making mental to-do lists. Learning to switch off and be more present is a constant battle.

What was your background before Etta Loves?

My background is in advertising, very different and surprisingly not that handy for running a small business without any advertising budget. However, whilst I had no experience of product development or retail, I felt comfortable that I could spot a good idea and I knew the fundamentals of building a strong brand.

Three words to describe yourself.

Positive, driven, tired.

Explain what makes Etta Loves unique?

We’re built on science and developed in conjunction with Laura, our orthoptist (expert in children’s vision). She uses very precise measurements of what babies at a certain age can and can’t see. For example, we’ll take the average minimum line thickness a newborn will be able to see, as well as the average that a four-month-old will be able to see and build this into the range of scales in one of our 0-4 month patterns. We also use colour detection by age, the shapes that babies show a preference for and much more. This means all of our products not only stimulate babies, but also mesmerise them, providing well needed moments of calm for their parents.

What’s been your biggest challenge whilst running Etta Loves?

The juggle, always the juggle! Until June this year I’ve been running Etta Loves alongside a full-time job or whilst on maternity leave. This summer I made the choice not to return to my previous career after maternity leave for my little girl Uma, so now I have three (short) days a week in which to steam ahead on Etta Loves. It’s still challenging as even when I’m not sat at my computer or on the 50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Is there anything you would change about your Etta Loves journey so far?

I’d have had more confidence to make the leap into it sooner. You never know with your own business whether it will work, so sacrificing the financial security of paid employment has been a huge leap for me and my family. That said, I wish I’d done it sooner as I’ve been itching to do so much more with the business but simply didn’t have the hours in the day.

Last book you read?

The Last by Hanna Jameson a sobering read about the world ending in a nuclear war.

Not my typical choice but it was thought provoking and a real page turner.

museums, but I can’t wait to take them to the Natural History Museum.

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

I was brought up an only child but do have five half siblings, the oldest one being older than my mum! My dad is 92 - 25 years older than my mum – and he had his first child at the age of 19. It makes for a complicated family tree but is very full of love and support.

What would you take to a desert island?

I would say my daughters, but then I’d need at least five suitcases for all their paraphernalia! So, I’ll take an Amazon Alexa for the news, music and all-important weather updates, as well as a pillow, dark chocolate and a lot of mozzie repellent.

Signature dish?

It would have to be a delicious sausage casserole.

What’s next on the list of things to do?

My list is overwhelming, but we have an extremely exciting collaboration launching next May with several others in the pipeline.

Ultimately, I’m striving to be known as a must have brand for any new parent.

What’s your top tip for date night in London?

Do something you love and something you’ve never done before in the same evening . We’ll have a meal at a restaurant, and then get tickets to a cabaret or gig for the second half of the night. It keeps it exciting and restricts you to only be able to talk about the kids during the meal!

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

I love all the parks especially Clissold Park in Stoke Newington and Alexandra Palace Park.

Like most children little Etta adores the zoo.

My little ones are too small for most of the

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Marylebone Clinic: 74–78 Seymour Place, London, W1H 2EH info@happykidsdental.co.uk

Chelsea Clinic: 18 Cadogan Gardens, London, SW3 2RP chelsea@happykidsdental.co.uk

020 7078 0822 happykidsdental.co.uk. instagram: happykidsdental

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE CURIOSITY AT WORK. At ACS we prepare our students to be ready.

Ready to ask new questions and demand better answers. Ready to innovate and create.

Ready for cultures that crossover, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. We ready them for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen.

and boys aged 4 –18 Baccalaureate (IB) • Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Bursaries and scholarships • Extensive busing • Girls

• International

Visit acs-schools.com/opendays