FREE
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR LONDON FAMILIES
®
SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 5 FREE WINTER 2019/20 Nº 23
DECK THE HALLS!
STAR STYLE
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
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9
10
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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
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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
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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
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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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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.
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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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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
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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
ettaloves.com
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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