Families North London magazine issue 128 Jan/Feb

North London

IN THIS ISSUE

Nurseries & Childcare Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more inside!

Issue 128 January/February 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to the January/February issue!

CONTACT US:

Families North London Magazine Publisher: Heather Waddington Managing Editor: Lisa Ralph PO Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 M: 07402 613 042 E: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk www.FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk

UPCOMING ISSUES Mar/Apr 2018— Kids Parties, Education & ChildCare

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 Local News

4 Open Day Listings

North London

5 Education

Deadline : 1 February 2018 Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

6 Nurseries & Childcare IN THIS ISSUE

Nurseries & Childcare Plus What’s On, Children’s Theatre and much more inside!

Issue 128 January/February 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Front cover image credit www.depositphotos.com

For families from birth to twelve.

Read by over 60,000 local families 6 times a year.

8 What’s On 12 Children’s Theatre 14 Clubs, Classes, Parties & Activities www.facebook.com/FamiliesNorth @FamiliesNthLon

Local News Mums Want More Flexible Working Opportunities According to a survey by Workingmums.co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles. The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility.

So what can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly? Here are some tips: • Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you have to perform can be done at a different location ie from home, or at times outside of the standard working day. Take account of any additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly.

• Give examples of the ways in which your work can be successfully carried out under any new working pattern you are proposing, and show that it will not harm the business. Point out any business advantages.

• Research some case studies, ideally in your sector that shows how the work pattern you are suggesting can be mutually beneficial to you and your employer.

• If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period.

• Have a compromise solution as a back-up.

For more information and flexible work opportunities, visit www.workingmums.co.uk

British Baby Box wins national award for innovation Two women behind an Essex-based baby brand have been named Innovation Entrepreneurs of the Year in a prestigious national award scheme. Susan Purse and Sarah Simons of British Baby Box were awarded the title at the annual NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards after being short-listed from thousands of entries.

Susan said: “We want our baby boxes to become a staple in British families – helping parents from all different backgrounds to start their new-born journey with confidence.” The company also celebrated in November after it scooped two awards in the prestigious Project Baby Magazine Awards, judged by parents.

Sarah said: “To be chosen as the winners in this particular category in one of the biggest award schemes for entrepreneurs in the country is utterly overwhelming. “Innovation is what we have always placed at the forefront of our business development. We pride ourselves on being mothers who understand the market and who put baby safety above all else.”

They impressed the judges by securing partnerships with large health organisations, charities and leading retailers in the space of two years. They were also commended for sticking to a 100% British ethos and supporting British manufacturing and craftsmanship, despite the fact that it would be cheaper to manufacture abroad.

Families North London is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North London. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North London; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families North London

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Local News Award-Winning Stage School Beats off the Bullies Bullying and poor mental health are problems amongst children, with 1 in 2 admitting to being bullied and 1 in 3 suffering from a mental health problem. These are worrying statistics, and something the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School is working towards changing.

The school has just won a £10,000 grant from The National Lottery and Big Lottery Fund to deliver anti-bullying workshops to schools across London. These invaluable workshops will incorporate drama, singing and dance to encourage communication, teamwork and self-confidence amongst primary and secondary school students.

Principal Anna Fiorentini launched the initiative after seeing the positive affect her school’s classes have had on her students’ confidence, self-esteem and well-being. The part-time school, which has branches across London, provides performing arts training for 4-18-year-olds, delivered by top industry professionals. Whilst success stories include leading roles on both stage and screen, the school prides itself equally on its ability to instil a sense of purpose, self-belief and a thirst for learning in its students.

To find out more about our anti-bullying workshops or our London branches contact hello@annafiorentini.com or call 020 7682 1403 www.annafiorentini.com

Rising Stars Activities helping children develop healthy bodies and curious minds There are plenty of good reasons to be physically active. According to a wave of recent studies, researchers found children with higher levels of fitness have greater brain power for memory performance. Eliot Tang started Rising Stars Activities based in East Finchley less than two years ago, and he is passionate about helping children ‘develop healthy bodies and curious minds’.

With obesity on the rise, especially in London with one in five classed as very overweight by the time they leave primary school, it’s important that children are kept active from an early age. Eliot believes in helping children overcome these barriers: “In a society in which electronic devices now dominate many activities for kids, we believe children should be more active and interact with others in a safe, fun, inspiring environment. We offer football clubs, holiday camps, afterschool clubs, birthday parties and personal training for kids of all abilities. In addition, we offer one-to-one training for children with obesity to boost their confidence.”

To find out more about Rising Stars Activities one to one training and other activities visit www.risingstarsactivites.com or call Eliot on 020 8150 6655

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Families North London 3

Independent Schools Open Days Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. Please check websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

Abercorn School W1B Boys and Girls 2 ½ - 13 yrs 8www.abercornschool.com Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs 8www.aldenham.com 8www.aldenhamprep.com Goodwyn School Mill Hill NW7 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.goodwyn-school.co.uk Grange Park Prep School N21 Boys 3-4 yrs, Girls 3-11 yrs.

8www.gpps.org.uk Kilburn Grange School Kilburn NW6 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.kilburngrangeschool.org.uk King Alfred School NW11 Boys and Girls 4-18 yrs 8www.kingalfred.org.uk Lyonsdown Prep School New Barnet EN5 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.lyonsdownschool.co.uk Mulberry House School London NW2 Boys and Girls 2-7 yrs 8www.mulberryhouseschoool.com North Bridge House School NW1/3 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9mnths - 18 yrs 8www.northbridgehouse.com North London Rudolf Steiner School N8 Boys and Girls 0-7 yrs 8www.rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk Salcombe Prep School N14 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs 8www.salcombeprep.co.uk University College School Pre-Prep NW3 4-7 yrs 8www.ucs.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 19 Jan; Fri 23 Feb; Fri 16 Mar, all 9.15am.

(020 7100 4335 Open Day: Sat 16 Jun, 10am-12.30pm..

Prep School: (01923 851 664. Senior School: (01923 858 122 Open Day: Tue 6 Feb. (020 8959 3756 Open Day: Tue 9 Jan; Tue 6 Feb; Tue 6 Mar; Tue 1 May; Tue 5 Jun; Tue 3 Jul, all 9.30am.

(020 8360 4869 Open Day: Weekly Tours – every Wednesday from 2.30–3pm (020 7504 0547 Open Day: Lower Sch: Thu 22 Feb; Thu 24 May. Upper Sch: Thu 25 Jan; Thu 3 May. All 11am.

(020 8457 5285 Open Day: Tue 6 Mar, 1.30pm.

(020 8449 0225 Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8452 7340 Open Day: Tue 16 Jan, Tue 30 Jan, Tue 20 Feb, Tue 6 Mar, all 9.30am (Nursery & Pre-Prep); Fri 9 Feb, Fri 4 May, Thu 14 Jun, all 9am (Prep); Tue 20 Feb, 9am, Wed 28 Feb, 9am, Tue 6 Mar, 9am, Tue 13 Mar, 5pm (Senior) (020 7267 6266 Open Day: By appointment.

(020 8341 3770 *info@rudolfsteiner.london.sch.uk Open Day: Thu 25 Jan, Thu 26 Apr, Thu 20 Sep, all 9.15am (020 8441 5356 Open Day: Thu 7 Jun, 4.30pm (Jun Sch).Sen Sch by appointment.

(020 7722 4433 *pre-prep@ucs.org.uk

To see your advert here contact: Editor@FamiliesNorthLondon.co.uk 07402 613 042 01923 237 004

St Andrews CE Primary School, 297 Chase Road N14 6JA 6th/13th/20th/27th January & 3rd/10th/17th/24th February

FREE assessment on open days. www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Call now to book your place: 01992 651 300

4 Families North London

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Education Explore Learning gets behind “more maths for everyone!”

In November 2017, the government released their budget which stated they were committed to investing more money for maths teaching in schools.

Whatever your political belief and aside from the debate, we can all get behind the chancellor’s sentiment of “more maths for everyone”.

Helping the next generation to master maths concepts, be confident mathematicians and proud problem solvers is our responsibility as educators and parents.

Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning added “This way we can help children to develop the skills needed, not only in so many jobs, but also to be financially healthy. Whilst listening to the budget speech, and the chancellor’s comments on how much the country spends on debt, it is clear that we need to teach children the importance of good financial management.

Charlotte has put together some top tips to help you help your children have a good understanding of budgets: 1. Get them involved with shopping. Give them a budget to spend for the week and get them to meal plan.

Encourage them to shop around different brands or supermarkets to see if they can get more for their money.

2. Teach them about interest rates. Does your child turn to the bank of Mum and Dad to borrow money? Give them some options. 1) They can either save up their pocket money or do jobs to earn the money. 2) You will give them the money upfront, but they then have to pay you back with interest. So, if they want £50 they have to give you £55 back over a set period of time. This way they will start to understand about the debt they could create by using loans.

3. Learn about pay. A great activity we do with our older members at Explore Learning is to get them to research how much they would get paid for their ideal job. They then have to see how far their monthly wages would go. Looking at tax, rent, bills etc gets them to see how much disposable income they would have!

Let’s take the fear out of maths, relate it to real life situations and encourage children to get to grips with finances. More maths for everyone…yes please!

Explore Learning is award-winning maths and English tuition for children aged four to 14, voted number one private tuition centre in the UK! We’re confident you’ll love it so why not call to book your free trial with your nearest centre today on 033 0124 3802.

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With a huge range of courses and programmes mapped to the school curriculum, our centres are an environment where children of all abilities thrive. Of course we believe that maths and English are extremely important, but in addition to that we are truly passionate about inspiring a generation of ‘fearless learners’; children who can excel in the classroom, be confident in exams and are ready to tackle anything their future may hold.

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Families North London 5

Ensuring Your Child is Happy at Nursery

By Kristen Harding

The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement.

Before a child arrives at a new nursery, staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.

Settling In

This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled.

For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating regularly and in as much detail as you need with the nursery setting can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen.

Separation Anxiety

Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. You can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them.

Often the anxiety of a child lessens when their nursery assigns a key worker to them.

By identifying one particular carer who is going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, they will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there that they can rely on.

Eating

Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the food eaten or the way in which meals are consumed. When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading by example, engaging children with different food choices, helping them to learn about what they are eating and introducing new foods gradually. Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable.

Potty Training

This is another key milestone in your child’s development and reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children! Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. For instance, do you want nursery staff to ask your child if they’d like to go, or do you want them to go potty at specific times of day?

Sleep

It is important that home and nursery work together over nap times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and help them drift off.

Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally be dealt with as long as there is good communication between you and your child’s setting.

Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, visit www.tinies.com

RECEPTION AND YEAR 1 PLACES AVAILABLE STARTING SEPTEMBER 2018

A well established, ISI “Excellent” rated, Independent school for 2 - 7 year olds, offering a stimulating and nurturing environment that meets the needs of individuals, while preparing them for the next stage of their schooling at 4+ and 7+. We offer extended day, full and part time places For further information please contact: Victoria Playford, Headteacher 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD, Tel: 0208 452 7340 admissions@mulberryhouseschool.com www.mulberryhouseschoool.com 6 Families North London

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Robotics & the rise in Artificial Intelligence: Preparing the next Generation Parents ask how to prepare their children for a world with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Will there be enough jobs in the future?

Looking at the past gives us clues about the future. The world has created over a billion jobs that did not exist in the past, despite computerisation. This will happen again: new types of jobs will arise. But a word of caution: the coal miners who lost their jobs in the 1980s were not the people who became computer programmers in the 1990s.

If we can be confident new types of jobs will appear in the future, how do we prepare for the unknowable opportunities that lie ahead? Our top priority as educators and parents must be to equip young minds with a positive flexible attitude and a growth mind-set.

Benjamin Barber, an eminent sociologist said, “I don’t divide the world into the weak and the strong… I divide the world into learners and nonlearners” In her excellent book “Mind-set”, Carol S Dweck makes a distinction between “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset”. People with a Fixed Mindsets rigidly believe you are either clever, or you’re not. With this belief, they worry about making mistakes, thinking mistakes define them. They believe a mistake reflects their inability and their intelligence—and would rather conform and stay within their comfort zone. For people with this fixed belief, feedback is painful and they will become defensive. This has an imprisoning effect, which stunts growth and limits possibilities.

The opposite is found in people with a growth mind-set, where they believe ability is not fixed. Here, growth and development are both possible. A typical belief is “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. A child with this attitude will believe that each mistake is a step towards learning something new. The path from the known towards the unknown is one of adventure – it is a path of empowerment and discovery. There is an acceptance that hard work and effort are required to achieve something new. With this mindset, feedback is seen as something positive that can help you grow. The next generation needs this attitude, now more than ever. It is our duty to teach children to see the world this way, if we wish them to thrive and flourish in the future.

The Montessori approach provides an environment which strongly supports the growth mindset. The Montessori ethos is childcentric where instead of being overly teacher-led, the child is encouraged to become self-sufficient. The pedagogical basis is that children want to learn, they want to reflect for themselves what works and what does not work and they want to practice over and over until they achieve their desired outcome. A Montessori practitioner will see each child’s desire and curiosity as a strength and seek to support the child.

The Montessori equipment also contains “self-correcting” materials, which allows a child to see for him/herself if something matches.

Children will need to learn to see for themselves what works – to enable them to be confident in their own ability. The Montessori approach enables a child to believe they can figure things out on their own, even if they do not get it right the first time. This is one of the most vital life-skills.

Philippe Fraser, Director of the Bilingual The workplace will be vastly different in 20 years’ time. Children will need to Nurseries group, with the Mars be adaptable, open-minded, have a can-do attitude and be willing to have Montessori nursery in Angel a go and figure things out for themselves. The human mind has limitless www.bilingualnurseries.com imagination and adaptability. Our job is to help children tap into that to become confident and adaptable, so that whatever life throws at them, they see it as an adventure ripe with possibilities.

in Muswe ll Hill and Southg ate

Fun filled cookery classes for children aged 2.5 to 10 years. Making and baking has never been so much fun! Join your mini chefs to help them create somethin g special to take home. familiesonline.co.uk

Families North London 7

8 Families North London

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What’s On

Listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

January Sat 6 Jan, Sun 4 & Wed 14 Feb, Sat 3 Mar - Roman London Family Walk (EC2Y) Travel back 2000 years and walk the streets of Roman Londinium!

From the Museum of London Wall to Leadenhall Market, you will see the size of Roman London AD 120 and discover its landmarks, now hidden beneath our 21st century skyscrapers. On the way, imagine you are a Roman soldier at the fort gate into the city, or a gladiator as you enter the remains of the city’s amphitheatre. Listen to fascinating facts and surprising anecdotes as you explore.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk Thu 11 – Sat 13 Jan - Dick Whittington (N21) T.E.O Theatre Productions is an amateur dramatics group based in Enfield. They are thrilled to be back planning their second production, Dick Whittington, which will be performed at Winchmore Hill United Reformed Church on Compton Road.

8www.teo-theatre.org.uk *teotheatreproductions@gmail.com Thu 18 – Sun 21 Jan - SMP Present: The Little Mermaid (N13) One day Mariel, the Mermaid, spots and falls in love with the handsome Prince Derek. But the evil Sea Witch, Octavia, wants the Prince herself so sets a plan in action to use Mariel for her own wicked gain. Featuring all the traditional elements of pantomime this new show promises to warm the hearts of children of all ages and adults alike.

8www.smptheatre.co.uk *SMPTheatre@hotmail.com Fri 19 – Sun 21 Jan - London Model Engineering Exhibition 2018 (N22) The South’s Largest Model Engineering & Modelling Exhibition returns to Alexandra Palace. Go along and see the full spectrum of modelling from traditional engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to the more modern gadget and boys’ toys including trucks, boats, aeroplanes, helicopters and robots.

8www.alexandrapalace.com Sat 20 Jan – Sat 10 Mar – Chickenshed Saturday Shed (N14) A series of fantastic performance workshops which have been specially designed for children of any ability or experience. A safe space for participants to build confidence, make new friends and belong to something really special!

8www.chickenshed.org.uk

Sat 20 Jan - Medieval medals at Museum of London Docklands (E14) Go along and make pilgrims badges like those that can be found on the banks of the River Thames today.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands Sun 21 Jan - London Indoor Games 2018 U15 & U13 (N9) Once again Lee Valley Athletics Centre opens its doors for the under 15s and under 13s individual championships. With a day full of athletic action this event is not one to miss whether you’re taking part or watching!

8www.visitleevalley.org.uk Sat 27 – Mon 29 Jan – The Big Garden Birdwatch (various) Get your garden ready - and be part of something HUGE! The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey – all you need to do is register then count the birds you see in your garden or local park.

8ww2.rspb.org.uk

February Sat 3 Feb - North London’s Got Talent 2018 (N12) After three hugely successful shows at artsdepot, North London Hospice are hosting another exciting evening. This show is not to be missed! The acts are looking to wow a panel of professional judges and there will also be performances from Elizabeth Harris School of Dance, Studio 45 and last year’s winner Daniele Corbo. 8www.artsdepot.co.uk Sat 3 – Sun 4 Feb - Votes for Women Weekend (EC2Y) A weekend of activities commemorating the centenary of the Representation of the People Act of 1918 which gave some women the right to vote for the first time. Create banners inspired by the iconic designs of the Suffragettes.

Discover the hidden stories of the women and men behind the Suffragette movement through performances, digital workshops, poetry and more.

For ages 10+. 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 10 – Sun 11 Feb - Vegan Life Live (N22) The team behind Vegan Life— the UK’s premier vegan magazine—invites you to embrace plant-based living with this two-day event at Alexandra Palace. Showcasing a wealth of information for both newbie vegans and veterans alike, Vegan Life Live will bring you the very best of all things vegan, including clothing, cosmetics, household products and the most delicious food and drink for the cruelty-conscious consumer.

8www.alexandrapalace.com Continued on page 10

February Half Term

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info@dramarama.co.uk | 020 8446 0891 | www.dramarama.co.uk

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90-minute class. We coach two sports each week plus fun Classes at: Mill Hill (Sat AM) & games in a safe Classes at: Crouch End (Sat PM) and secure environment.

MAIN SCHOOL for 6-16 years is a 3-hour class where our students train T: 08000 248 842 M: 07764 211489 weekly with our team of qualified WWW.SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM coaches. Each week we coach 2 sports grant@sportsacademyuk.com and a team CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED challenge.

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Families North London 9

What’s On Sat 24 Feb – Sun 4 Mar - Adventures in Peter Pan’s Neverland (E14) The Museum of London Docklands transforms into the magical world of Neverland. Join Peter Pan, Wendy and other characters from J.M. Barrie’s classic tale in this enchanting family day. Stumble upon scenes from the story, learn if you have what it takes to join Captain Hook’s crew, and watch an interactive screening of the 1953 Disney film. In partnership with Creative Blast and run with the kind cooperation of Great Ormond Street Hospital. 8www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

February Half Term Sat 10 Feb - Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw Along (N12) Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt at Artsdepot, to find out how he creates his picture books. He’ll show you how to create a character like Tracy Beaker, and share some of his very best drawing tips. Take pencils, paper and something to lean on and expect plenty of chances to join in!

8www.artsdepot.co.uk Sat 10 Feb - London Children’s Book Swap 2018 (N12) Are you hungry for stories? Looking for a new adventure? Then go along to Artsdepot for the seventh year of London Children’s Book Swap. Take along a book you’ve enjoyed and swap it for someone else’s recommended read at this London-wide book swapping event.

8www.artsdepot.co.uk

to bring a packed lunch and snacks, and they will be supervised by Chickenshed staff during lunchtime and breaks. 10am - 4pm 8www.chickenshed.org.uk Tue 13 Feb - London Nature Reserves (EC2Y) Learn about hidden treasures nestled amongst London’s urban environment in this recreation of the Camley Street nature reserve hiding behind Kings Cross station.

Explore re-creations of wildflowers and learn about pond life, reeds, bugs and bees. Take part in nature rubbings, identify animal footprints and learn about reducing our plastic waste to keep our parks and nature reserves clean for our animal friends. At the Museum of London.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk Tue 13 – Wed 14 Feb - Spring Quest & Craft (NW3) A creative workshop to bring Kenwood’s world famous paintings to life. Families will get to work together to try out different art and crafts whilst exploring the house and finding out more about its collections. Sessions will take place in the house. Just turn up between12pm-4.pm to take part.

8www.english-heritage.org.uk Wed 14 Feb - Step into the Stone Age (EN9) Experience life in the Stone Age at Waltham Abbey Gardens with activities to include fire lighting, mini shelter building, up close with Stone Age artifacts, foraging and cave painting.

8www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Feb - Opening Weekend at Lee Valley Park Farms (EN9) Go down and see what’s new as the farm open the gates for the start of the 2018 season. Catch up with all the animals who have been sleeping in the farmyard and plodding around the paddocks over winter. Enjoy a great family fun day out including talks on the animals, animal petting, falconry displays and face painting!

8www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Thu 15 Feb - Forty Small! (EN2) Forty Hall is filled with swirling patterns, fancy columns, decorative paintwork and antique furniture. Explore the house for inspiration, study the Forty Hall miniature model then make and decorate your own room diorama and tiny people to go in it! Use a range of techniques and materials plus your imagination to make your room the finest in Enfield! Suitable for ages 4-11years.

8www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb - February half term: The City Today (EC2Y) Join the Museum of London for a jam-packed programme of fun events and activities celebrating the places we love in our city as well as the steps people have taken to make it a better place for humans, animals and nature to live. Learn how to care for our natural environment at interactive workshops and activities. Make your own seed bombs and become a guerrilla gardener or sow salad seeds into a model building of London and take them home to watch them grow. Visit our recreation of Camley Street nature reserve and take part in nature rubbings, identify animal footprints and learn about pond life, reeds, bugs and bees. Think about the city’s past and future at a range of interactive storytelling sessions. Join us for a multi-sensory stroll around the museum and help us tell a story using sights, sounds, touch, smells and music. Or become an engineer in a special interactive journey through the galleries exploring how exciting infrastructure projects transform our city. Plus, create your own shoes from recycled materials taking inspiration from our museum collection, from Roman footwear to 21st century designs. And with lots more events, there’s something to keep everyone entertained this half term.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Sat 24 Feb - Minithon 2017 (N9) Do you have a budding athlete at home?

Get them to test their athletics skills in this competition for school years 3 to 7 at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Each age group allows the athlete to take part in three different athletic disciplines, all scored using the same point type system as the heptathlon and decathlon. See if your little one can be the next Dame Jessica Ennis Hill or Ashton Eaton and become a medal winner!

8www.visitleevalley.org.uk Sun 25 Feb – Fantasy Family Tree (EC2Y) Take inspiration from the photography collection at the Museum of London and create an imaginary family tree with photos of your ‘ancestors’.

8www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Sun 11 – Wed 14 Feb – Camp Evolution (Essex) A half term residential camp for 9-14 year olds. Activities include Creating a Vision, Financial Awareness, Confidence Building, Key Thinking Skills, Communication and Social Skills, Education and Cultural Trips and Creativity & Innovation.

Book before 14th Jan to get 20% off. Collection from London Brent Cross.

(01617 060 144 *talktous@campevoluation.co.uk 8www.campevolution.co.uk Mon 12 – Wed 14 Feb – Chickenshed Play in a Day (N14) Through storymaking, dancing, drama, singing and play, participants will work together in the morning to develop creative ideas that will then be developed in the afternoon ending the day with a sharing of a short performance.

Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Participants will need

Offering the best children’s activities in: ● Holiday Camps ● Football Clubs ● Birthday Parties ● Personal Training ● PE Teaching & School Clubs Ages: 3 – 12 years old Venues: North & North West London Ofsted registered – childcare vouchers accepted

info@risingstarsactivities.com 020 8150 6655 www.risingstarsactivities.com 10 Families North London

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What’s On

Free half term fun Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb, 11am – 4pm

Join us for free workshops, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts and more. museumoflondon.org.uk/ families

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Families North London 11

Children’s Theatre

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 14 Jan - Where’s My Igloo Gone? Oolik is an ordinary girl who goes on an extraordinary journey…

Sitting in her igloo, a drop of water falls on her head. Then another! Is her home melting? Join Oolik as she sets out on a journey to find help. With enchanting live music, it’s a fun, magical experience for all the family, showing that when we work together, anything can happen! Ages 5+ Sun 21 Jan - Much Ado About Puffin On a small island… In the middle of the big sea… A man meets a bird. Join Open Attic as they traverse stormy seas and reckless tides to bring you this funny tale about a man all alone, a friendly puffin, and a whole lot of fuss over nothing. Ages 4+ Sun 4 Feb - The Little Mochi Man It’s almost New Year and little Mochi Man, tired of being bullied because of his small size, decides to run away. Join him on his adventures as he travels from the snowy mountains of Hokkaido, to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, meeting many wondrous creatures and characters along the way. A perfect introduction to Japan for young children. Ages 4–7 yrs Wed 14 - Sat 17 Feb - What the Ladybird Heard Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. The Ladybird has a plan of her own! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this glittering stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. Ages 3+

Sun 18 Feb - Bear & Butterfly Bear likes peace and quiet. One day, he hears the munching and a crunching of a bright green Caterpillar. They soon become the best of friends. But one day Caterpillar stops munching and looks sick. Bear fears he will lose his friend but, as if by magic, Caterpillar grows and stretches and from the leaves emerges a beautiful butterfly. Can Bear come to terms with this new version of his friend who flies high above the trees and has stories of his own?

Ages 4–7 yrs Sun 25 Feb - The Adventures of Pom Welcome to Spring! Yellow petals, singing birds, soft grass beneath your feet... and here is Pom: climber of trees, chaser of butterflies. Pom is happy, her mum is happy, and all is good.

But what’s this door in the lush green grass? This deep dark open door… you don’t want to go in there, do you? A sensory theatre performance for ages 0–4.

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com Sun 21 Jan - The Railway Children: A Musical Adapted from E. Nesbit’s timeless classic, The Railway Children follows Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis as they move to the countryside of Edwardian England with their mother after their father disappears. In a new and unfamiliar place, the children quickly fall in love with the nearby railway, making friends and having various adventures while Mother desperately tries to make ends meet through her writing. But what will become of the people the children meet? And where is Father?

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Fri 19 Jan – Fri 9 Mar – Planet Play A magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration.

Devised by the creative Tales from the Shed team, Planet Play has been specifically developed to encourage play and early communication development in young children. On Friday mornings for musical fun and games, learn lots of new songs, play with puppets, dance and enjoy time with your little one. Ages 0–3yrs Fri 19 Jan – Sat 10 Mar – Tales from the Shed Vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Shows run weekly on Fridays and Saturdays plus Half Term on Thu 15 Feb. Ages 0–6yrs

Cockpit Theatre Gateforth Street, London, NW8 020 7258 2925 www.thecockpit.org.uk Sat 27 Jan - Fairytales Gone Bad: Grannylocks / The Monstrous Duckling Did you know that the ugly duckling was never ugly?

He was truly monstrous! Or that Goldilocks was always a tale about a mean, thieving granny who has plans for something quite nasty.

Join performance poet Joseph Coelho, National Poetry Day Ambassador, as he unwinds the true stories behind the happily ever afters and discover they’re maybe not as charming as you remember!

Ages 3+

Sat 27 Jan - Fairytales Gone Bad: Zombie-rella / Blood-red Hood Discover the true tale of Cinderella, where she dies and becomes a zombie and falls in love with a vampire prince. And of course, there’s the true tale of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf-hunter who never leaves her home without her shield, axe and blood-red stained cloak. Ages 6+ Sat 17 Feb - Leaf Go along to hear the life story of a very special leaf in this warm, intimate and playful new piece for under 3s inspired by nature and the seasons. Framed within an evocative soundscape, this is the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young. Ages 0–3 yrs

Dugdale Theatre 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 020 8807 6680 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk Sat 10 – Sun 11 Feb - A Fairy Tale Discover how an unlikely Fairy earns the greatest honour that can be granted in all of the magical Kingdom of Enfield. Go on a journey with Pixie and her friend Puck, as they help some familiar characters. But what Pixie is to learn, is that she must believe in herself to truly become what she has always wished she could be… A Fairy Godmother.

Half Moon Theatre 43 White Horse Road, London E1 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk Sat 6 Jan - Ugly Duckling In a nest at the edge of a pond a flock of baby ducklings find an enormous egg which hatches into the most unusual duckling the pond has ever seen – Ugly Duckling! Tormented by the other ducklings and feeling different to them, Ugly goes on an adventure in search of a place to fit in. Hans Christian Andersen’s well known tale is brought to life through inventive physicality and live music. Ages 3+ Fri 19 – Sat 20 Jan - Young Herbert’s Horrors Young Herbert is a little horror. Living on a boat should be the ideal life for a wannabe pirate, but the boat’s grounded until Herbert can learn to tidy his cabin, eat his greens and be more polite. A big storm brews and Mum calls on Great Uncle Albatross. But who is Great Uncle Albatross and do his cautionary tales really have the power to make Young Herbert behave? Ages 3–7 yrs

39 London Rd, Enfield, EN2 6DS 020 8807 6680 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk 12 Families North London

Thu 1 – Fri 2 & Thu 15 – Sat 17 Feb - John Hegley: All Hail the Snail (and other creatures) Join poet John Hegley as he takes you on a humorous journey through his living library of poems, songs, stories and animal drawings. Ages 7+ familiesonline.co.uk

Children’s Theatre Thu 22 – Sat 24 Feb - Glisten Glisten is an interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups. The audience are taken on a gentle and immersive journey exploring the world of reflective materials.

Early booking is advised as Glisten is performed to a very small audience, creating an intimate unique theatrical experience. Ages 0–18 months

Jacksons Lane 269a Archway Road, London, N6 020 8341 4421 www.jacksonslane.org.uk Sun 4 Feb - Bright Sparks Links and Rex are complete opposites.

Links is logical: she likes order and fact. Rex is imaginative, a daydreamer. Watch these two opposites get their wires crossed as they strive to find ways to work and play together. Ages 3–7 yrs Tue 13 - Sat 17 Feb - The Polar Bears Go Up The Polar Bears have lost their balloon and they need to get it back. So they’re moving up in the world. It’s time to get up, step up, climb up, jump up. One thing’s for sure, the only way is up! Of course, they’ll stop for sandwiches on the way! The Polar Bears Go Up is non-verbal and deaf-friendly.

Ages 2–5 yrs

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com Until Sun 4 Feb – Go Noah Go! A Great Flood is coming and Mr and Mrs Noah have been set the most impossible task: to take two of each animal and build them a home! A magical ark that is built on stage, over 50 carved animals and a host of songs to sing along with. Ages 5–10 yrs Until Sun 4 Feb - Sleepyhead It’s been a long day for Dad and he can hardly keep his eyes open.

All he wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shut-eye too. Dad’s usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas…

Ages 2–5 yrs Wed 7 – Sun 11 Feb - Heaven A red curtain, the empty frame of a painting, and clouds everywhere!

This is René Magritte’s own surrealistic world, where he encounters objects, animals, people and yes, even himself, in the paintings that have made him world famous. But is he equally welcome in every painting? Ages 7+

Millfield Theatre Silver Street, London, N18 020 8807 6680 www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Fri 5 - Sun 21 Jan - Superheroes and the Lost Fairytale Platinum Performing Arts returns to the Millfield Theatre with another Annual Urban Pantomime! Will Batman and his team save the Lost Fairytales or will the Dark Side conquer all?

Thu 15 Feb - Lost and Found A boy found a penguin at his door.

The penguin looked sad and the boy thought it must be lost. So he decided to help it find its way home, even if that meant rowing all the way to the South Pole.

Brought to life with puppetry, songs and music, this fantastic new show is suitable for ages 3+ and their grown-ups.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com Sat 13 Jan – Sun 18 Mar - Joey’s Circus Comes to Town A fun adventure for all the family. The Beadle wants to close the circus down but Dog Toby comes to the rescue. It features traditional characters such as Mr Punch.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre London EC1R 020 7863 8000 www.sadlerswells.com Until Sat 27 Jan - Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Following the sold-out and critical success of The Red Shoes, New Adventures returns to Sadler’s Wells this Christmas with Cinderella – a thrilling love story set in London during the Second World War, which forms part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

The Peacock Theatre London WC2A 020 7863 8222 www.peacocktheatre.com Mon 5 – Sat 17 Feb – Cirque Berserk! Returns to The Peacock with a jaw-dropping spectacular that combines contemporary artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunts. With over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, daredevil stuntmen and the legendary motorcycle Globe of Death.

Peace of mind for you and your family At the Royal Free London Travel Health and Immunisation Clinic, we offer a wide range of vaccinations for both children and adults.

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Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities CHILDREN’S PARTIES Adam Ants (various) Offer high energy fun parties from 1-8 years. Magic/Balloon Modelling/Puppets/Music/Dancing - loads of fun! Ask about the special Build a Bear / Olympic Sports parties. They have amazing Face Painters/Hire Tables and Chairs. Bouncy castles/ Ball Ponds - invite your favourite character Peppa/Mickey/Spiderman/Elsa and more. 8www.adamantsparties.co.uk *info@adamantparties.co.uk (020 8959 1045 / (07969 121 094 Billy - Junior Magician available for parties, 40 minute children’s show includes magical pass the parcel followed by 20 minutes close up magic for the adults. Show suitable for 5-10 years. Weekend and after school parties, most areas covered. £45 for the hour.

(07880 956 690 *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk Danny Grant Soccer School offers actionpacked football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches. 7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches. Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable.

(020 8446 0891 for more details or visit 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15.

Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable.

(020 8446 0891 8www.dramarama.co.uk Kiddikicks If your child is mad about football, we offer child and toddler football themed birthday party entertainment. Book a tailormade party for football mad youngsters that packs in the party with your kids. London and Greater London. (020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk 8www.kiddikicks.co.uk Little Volcanoes Science Club and Birthday Parties A unique combination of science experiments and hands-on sensory acitvities with drama and singing. Learn while having fun! Ages 4-8 years. Topic across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geography. To take home; Invaluable topic hands-outs and toys or hand-made products. (07889 920 117 or *contact@littlevolcanoes.co.uk Facebook: Little Volcanoes Science 8www.littlevolcanoes.co.uk

Rising Stars Birthday Parties (N2 + greater London) A full service offering which includes venues, entertainment, invitations, catering and going home presents so parents can sit back and enjoy the party! We offer various themes including football, multi – sports, nerf guns, dance, gymnastics and bespoke themes whilst playing the latest big tunes. (020 8150 6655 *info@risingstarsactivities.com 8www.risingstarsactivities.com Parentville Parties, the free online planning tool for children’s parties! Make planning a kid’s dream party fun and rewarding…without all the stress. Find Party Venues, Entertainment, Cakes, Decorations, Photographers… Browse Photos and verified parents’ reviews under each listing while comparing prices. You can also chat freely with the providers to discuss your specific requirements. Once your choice is make, booking is only a few clicks away! All providers are tested or met personally.

8www.parentville.co.uk

LANGUAGES & CHILD DEVELOPMENT Lingotots Muswell Hill North London Join our French and Spanish group classes tailored for babies, toddlers and children from 0-11 years old. We provide a range of age-specific term time classes where children are introduced to the fascinating sounds of a new language though our unique blend of music, movement and rhymes, which instil confidence in languages in a fun environment. Holiday camps, private classes and School PPA Cover are available on request. Book your free trial: 8www.lingotot.com (0845 0680 8148 *MuswellHill@lingotot.com

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Colourstrings – for a brilliant start in music! Call (020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email *admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk 8www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk The Strings Club (NW3 & N1) Inspire your child through music in 2018 with award-winning musical experiences from The Strings Club. Their bespoke activities for children aged 4-11 are designed and delivered by the best musicians in the UK and are an exciting, stimulating and rewarding way to inspire a love of music.

Children will learn new skills, build confidence and make new friends. Holiday Camps offer flexible, Ofsted registered childcare, and Term Time Courses are an opportunity to learn an instrument at weekly lessons, in a fun, supporting and rewarding way. Available in Islington and Hampstead. (01212 969204 *info@thestringsclub.org.

8www.thestringsclub.org

Inspire your child through music

HILD THRO UR C UG YO

USIC HM

INSP IRE

Award winning, Ofsted registered Holiday Camps and Term Time courses for children aged 4-11 in Hampstead and Islington

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

SPORTS & EXERCISE Danny Grant Soccer School offers actionpacked football classes for energetic & enthusiastic players aged 3 to 11. Non-stop football fun for 3 & 4 yrs and 5 & 6 yrs as they develop fitness and football skills and play exciting weekly matches. 7-12 yrs can join our Belsize Rockets team for weekend football training and league matches. Football and general sports birthday parties also bookable.

(020 8446 0891 8www.dgsoccer.co.uk Gojumpin (EN1) Interconnecting trampolines for free jumping, foam pits, tumble tracks, battle beams and more. Under 5s have their own area devoted to them. Also, birthday parties, school and group events, free running classes, fitness classes, teen nights, toddler classes and other special events and sessions throughout the year.

8www.gojumpin.com/enfield/ Kiddikicks (NW1, N16, NW6, W9) Football Coaching for children 18 months to 10 years old (020 7937 7965 *info@kiddikicks.co.uk 8www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable Little Kickers Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes.

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet: Julia Levene (020 8201 1084 *jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk.

North Finchley, Southgate, Enfield town, Enfield St Lukes: Emma Hanna (020 7684 7969 *ehanna@littlekickers.co.uk 8www.littlekickers.co.uk Rising Stars Football Club (N2 + NW2) High quality football coaching in a safe and fun environment. Children will learn and develop core football skills to ensure that they progress and fulfil their potential. Teaching will also focus on appreciating good sportsmanship and teamwork. We offer a boys and girls only football club! Age structure: Pre Reception – Year 6. Book now (020 8150 6655 *info@risingstarsactivities.com Sports Academy UK (N8, NW7 & TW10) provide 4-16 year olds with an exciting and educational activity program at weekends, during term time. Encouraging and developing young people to grow both as athletes and individuals.

Summer camps also available. Call Grant Felix on (08000 428 842 or visit: 8www.sportsacademyuk.com

English Maths Science Childcare Vouchers & Working Tax Credits accepted

• All Ages • Qualified Teachers • OFSTED Registered ENFIELD

R

Quote FAMILIESNL2017 for up to 10% off! thestringsclub.org/northlondon | 0121 296 9204 14 Families North London

020 8363 5008 GCSEs A-LEVELS SATs 11+ familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs, Classes, Parties and Activities North London Schools of Taekwondo The Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo, for Self Defence, Fitness, discipline and Confidence. Classes for 3-5 yr olds, 5-11 yr olds and mixed Family/Adults. Classes in Barnet, Cheshunt & Enfield 8www.taekwondo-northlondon.co.uk 8www.selfdefence-london.com Phone Richard on (07967 128420

SWIMMING Swimming Rocks is a premier swimming lesson provider offering lessons to babies, children and adults in 7 venues across London. Recognised as one of the leading swimming tuition company’s delivering progressive swimming lessons with a strong reputation based on effortless service and employing some of the most experienced swimming instructors in London. Term time and holiday crash courses. Lessons 7 days a week.

Private and shared lessons and small groups for babies. 8www.swimmingrocks.co.uk *Info@swimmingrocks.co.uk (07557 051 904 Tiny Swimmers (N3, N4, N7, EN5) Swimming courses are based on a rolling 10-week progressive programme. Baby, Toddler, Entry level and 1to1. Join at any stage through the school term. Structured classes with a different focus each week. Classes teach safety in and around the pool whilst gaining water confidence in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Email *info@tinyswimmers.co.uk or call (020 8351 4413 8www.tinyswimmers.co.uk

THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School: Saturday workshops in Drama, Singing, Dance and Film all taught by leading industry professionals. Our Camden branch takes place at Parliament Hill School at 9.30am - 2pm or 2.30pm - 5.30pm for 7 - 18 year olds. Fiorentini Weenies for 4 - 6 years takes place at 9.30am 11am. More details at 8www.annafiorentini.com Dramarama: Saturday Morning Drama, Drama Exam, Street Dance & Musical Theatre classes in NW3, for boys & girls aged 3 to 15.

Performing Arts classes aim to develop acting skills and performance technique with creative activities and exciting end of term plays, dance shows and musicals. Drama, Musical Theatre & Street Dance birthday parties also bookable.

Call (020 8446 0891 or visit 8www.dramarama.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Holiday Academy (NW1) is a children’s day camp in NW1, for children aged 3-12 (in age groups) from all schools. Go along for exciting sessions including music, drama, art, sport and forest school each school holiday. Sessions run over the Winter Holidays from 18-22 Dec and 12-16 Feb half term at Cavendish School.

(07585 002 327 8www.holidayacademy.co.uk *ruth@holidayacademy.co.uk Young Actors Theatre (N1) are offering free trial classes for new comers. Free classes are a great opportunity for your kids to experience then first-hand, feel the family atmosphere before enrolling for regular classes. Join a diverse range of groups: Acting – Explore acting exercises, get the skills and have fun; Musical theatre: learn a song from musical theatre, pop and rock; Dance: find out how to follow choreography and move to the music; Performance: Discover all aspects of performance and put on a play. Register your interest now as spaces are limited!

(020 7278 2101 *info@youngactors.org.uk 8www.youngactors.org.uk

DANCE London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD) N2, N3, N8, N10, N20, N22 and coming soon to N17. Quality, fun and safety conscious gymnastics classes with fully trained, highly qualified coaches. LAGAD run After School, Weekend Classes, Holiday Camps & Birthday Parties. In Muswell Hill, Crouch, East Finchley, Totteridge, Wood Green and coming soon to Tottenham. Classes for ages 3 ½ - 18 yrs.

Beginner to Advanced. If you missed the fun when you were young, try Adult Ballet Classes in Muswell Hill. LAGAD aim to inspire and ignite a passion. 8www.lagad.co.uk *info@lagad.co.uk or (07887 367 171 Saturday Morning Ballet For little feet that love to dance. A gentle and fun introduction to ballet for children aged 2-5 years. Qualified teacher with 10 years’ experience. Small classes in Gillette Square studio space. Vall Sam on (07880 956 690 or *sam@thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB / EDUCATION Bilingual Nurseries (N1) French/English Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery is a small private nursery in the heart of Islington, offering Montessori education and a bilingual environment, coupled with extended day care for children aged 1-4 years. We have only 24 children, and 6 members of staff. The nursery is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday for 47 weeks of the year. (020 7099 0452 8www.bilingualnurseries.com

Explore Learning – Award-winning tuition with a difference. With over 120 centres across the UK, head online to find your nearest centre.

(01483 447 414 to book your free trial session today. 8www.explorelearning.co.uk Leaders are Readers award-winning reading programme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped more than 3500 children from 3+ to 13 years old, for over 17 years, with a 90% pass rate for children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools. Saturday School for the Autumn term enrolling now. Term starts on 6 January until 24 March 2018 at St Andrews’s CE Primary School 297 Chase Road, Southgate N14 6JA Free assessment on open days. (01992 651 300 8www.leadersarereaders.co.uk SDE Finchley Susan Daughtrey Education has operated extremely successful 11+ Courses for over 25 years. The classes are taught by a qualified KS2 teacher and prepare Year 4 & 5 students for both CEM and GL Assessment tests (and is therefore suitable preparation for Henrietta Barnett (Stage 1), Latymer, SW Herts Consortium, QE Boys and other counties such as Bucks and Berks). (020 3551 5099 8www.sde11plus.com/courses *wbarns@sde11plus.com Teachers Teach Education centre (EN1 EN2 N9 EN3 EN7 N21) Offers professional tuition by qualified teachers. They teach students from reception age through to those studying for A-Levels covering: SATs, 11+ & Entrance exams, GCSEs, A-LEVELs - as well as mock exams and informal school tests. OFSTED registered.

(Use childcare vouchers or claim Childcare tax credits) Call (020 8363 5008 8www.teachersteachenfield.co.uk *info@teachersteachenfield.co.uk

Families North London 15

We do something amazing...

We foster Enfield children in need Enfield Council foster carers, like Sally and Phil, go above and beyond to give children and young people a safe and secure home, making a big difference to their lives.

To foster with Enfield Council you:

Foster with Enfield Council and receive:

❤ don’t need to own your home but you do need to have a spare bedroom

❤ ongoing training and support including a dedicated supervising social worker

❤ must be a minimum of 21 years old but there is no upper age limit

❤ allowances of up to £450 per week depending on your fostering placement

❤ can be single, married or in a civil partnership

If you are thinking of fostering get in touch with Enfield Council Fostering Service today

Telephone: 020 8379 2831 Freephone: 0800 038 1313 fostering@enfield.gov.uk www.enfield.gov.uk/fostering