Families NW London Magazine Issue 126 Jan Feb 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

Childcare Education Diary Dates -

including February Half Term!

Issue 126 January/February 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome to the January/February issue!

IN THIS ISSUE: 5. Parenting 6. Importance of Vocabulary

CONTACT US: Families North West London Magazine Editors: Heather Waddington and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk Listings and Features Editor: Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon

12-13. Nurseries and Childcare

@FamiliesNWLon Readership of over 60,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue.

17. What’s On locally 22. Children’s Theatre

Published seven times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

UPCOMING ISSUE: Mar/April 2019 - ‘Planning ahead…Spring and Summer camps and Activities’ Deadline: 1 Feb 2019

Cover image: depositphotos.com

Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Where is Families North West London?

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west.

You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

2 Families North West London

9. What to do when your child hates reading

Families North West London Magazine 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 NW London Magazine 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 West London Magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North West London Magazine, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk

£2.4M Development sees Hollywood Bowl arrive in style in Watford The bright lights of Hollywood are in Watford town centre, with a brand-new Hollywood Bowl opening at the expanded intu centre. Part of the Watford retail and leisure destination’s £180 million extension, the 23,600 sq ft Hollywood Bowl opened its doors mid-December, creating 40 new jobs in the process.

An impressive £2.4m project has seen the development of the newgeneration 14-lane Hollywood Bowl entertainment centre in intu’s new Atrium area (formerly Charter Place) – making it the go-to destination for family, friends and work colleagues alike, whatever the occasion. The centre will sit alongside other big-name brands joining the intu Watford extension, including IMAX Cineworld, TGI Fridays and Yo! Sushi.

Abigail Harris, Centre Manager for Hollywood Bowl intu Watford, said: “Whether it’s for family fun, kids’ or adults’ birthday parties, work functions, nights with dates or mates or simply an excuse to celebrate the weekend – you name it, our team has got it covered!”

Calling all sailors!

Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an action-packed day out on the fastest ship of its time.

Meet characters from the ship’s past such as Captain Woodget and the ship’s cook and listen to their epic stories about life on board. Try and outwit the crew in our Sailors’ Challenge game, get your sea legs by taking the helm at the ship’s wheel, follow a family trail or take part in regular workshops.

Book now to save 10%: rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

New website launched for Raviv London Raviv Practice London provide innovative motor-sensory and cognitive therapies to help children who are experiencing problems with learning. They excel at providing a caring and nurturing approach tailored to an individual or school’s own unique needs and also provide brain training for adults or those who want to boost their capabilities. Raviv Practice London are celebrating 10 years of helping the community! Visit their new website and see the new speed reading, memory boosting tools for adults....as well as all the solutions for children. Usha Patel of Raviv London says “our weekly blog for parents is a must read - filled with cases studies and success stories that make you appreciate why we are one of the best service providers in London.” www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS Brent Young People Thrive

A new programme aimed at increasing awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health in young people is making a strong impact in Brent.

Brent Young People Thrive (BYPT), which is funded by Brent NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, is reaching out to schools, community groups, GPs and local organisations to change the perception and experience of mental health and emotional wellbeing for Brent children, young people and their families.

Children and young people are central to their own mental health and wellbeing, and this project aims to capture the voice of the child and identify key themes that will inform the development and transformation of mental health services for them.

Young people, their parents and carers, schools and other community groups can all get involved with BYPT through various means, such as joining focus groups to discuss how services should change, becoming a Mental Health Champion to represent young people’s mental health at events, or attending mental health training to learn more about the symptoms and signs.

For more information about Brent Young People Thrive, please go to bit.ly/ brentYPT or contact Zoe Kattah at zoe.kattah@communitybarnet.org.uk.

Click IT! Charity Event to Help Slum Children of Dharavi On 6th January 2019, 50 runners and walkers will be taking part in a local charity event called Donate4Dharavi.

Set up by preschool Click IT! Founder, Wendy Petersen, the money raised will be spent on digital devices for the children from the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, India.

Wendy was inspired to raise money after she visited the slum this Summer and saw first-hand how desperate they were for good quality digital resources. Working with the charity, Reality Gives, Wendy will be returning to personally deliver the products to the children in February.

Wendy says, “My vision is to offer underprivileged communities’ equal access to opportunities and resources.

They would be grateful for any donations: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/dharavikids. Tel: 020 8434 7111.

Families North West London 3

NEWS Calling all Volunteers!

Salusbury World is a small, pioneering, refugee support charity based at Salusbury Primary School in Queens Park, NW6; it provides unique educational, social and practical support for children, young people and parents in a safe, trusted environment.

Salusbury World’s projects make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people beginning new lives in London and more volunteers are needed.

The charity is looking for energetic, enthusiastic people (with the ability to get on with children!) who would like to volunteer for a couple of hours a week as educational mentors with refugee and migrant teenagers in a secondary school, or with younger children in an after school or holiday club.

Training and ongoing support is provided to all volunteers. For more information or to apply, please visit the website at www.salusburyworld.org.uk

Advertorial

Mark Your Diaries!

Wear A Hat Day 2019 If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat Day. The annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March, 2019 and the Brain Tumour Research charity needs your help to make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! There are so many ways to get involved and the little ones will have so much fun, all whilst helping an important cause. From organising a hatty fashion show and making Easter bonnets, to hosting a bake sale and going on a hat-tastic walkabout, you can plan any type of event you fancy… just don’t forget your hat!

By taking part in Wear A Hat Day, you will be helping to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours. The disease is indiscriminate, and it can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Register for Wear A Hat Day and your family can help change this; Simply go to https://www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/wear-ahat-day/wear-a-hat-day-registration

Raising Confident Children with Perform Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old.

“I’ve always wanted my children to feel confident speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of people. I think these are essential life skills these days,” says Sara.

Sara was drawn to Perform because of its focus on developing confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” she explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a topic

4 Families North West London

like manners, making eye contact or introducing themselves, but this is wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the context of drama and songs.”

“Since my children started attending Perform, other parents frequently remark on their confidence and how well they speak in school assemblies. I’m really impressed with how they chat to adults in places like shops and restaurants.”

Classes at Perform are small with two teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to understand and engage every child” reports Sara.

Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Eastcote and Pinner. Visit www. perform.org.uk/try to book.

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

If you do nothing else in 2019, do this!

By Susie Ramroop

N

o parent ever reaches the end of their life saying, I really wish I’d spent less time with my kids...well I hope not! In fact most of us are trying to find ways to spend more time with our kids because we know that both they and we will benefit. It isn’t always straightforward to achieve, however. Instead, I recommend you focus spending the time you already have differently.

Here are 3 steps to make that time more pleasurable, and less stressful for the whole family:

1. Slow down Slow parenting is a style I have adopted since my daughter was a few months old. She was crying all the time, and so was I. I realised that we were both being run ragged trying to keep up with all the other Mums doing baby massage and swimming. When I started listening to my gut, I realised that neither of us were enjoying those activities, we both just wanted to slow down and chill out. Our sleep consistency got better, and so did our ability to listen to each other’s needs and wants.

familiesonline.co.uk

2. Get organised Write down a list of all the things that are MUST dos before you can leave the house.

Generally we need to do the same things in the same order at the same time every day in order to get to school on time. I’ve observed many families taking their time for much of the morning and then racing to get out of the door. Stop! Do what has to be done first, and if there is time to relax afterwards, then do it.

My daughter has a checklist that she created aged 6. Now I don’t ask her to do anything, I just ask her to check her list. It means when I am ready to leave she is already in the hallway with her coat on. This is a far cry from how it used to be – asking 3 times to put her shoes on, getting frustrated, and running out of the door, late, having forgotten at least one important thing.

3. Enjoy the simple things Contrary to what you might believe, kids don’t need to busy all the time. If you believe that it is probably because you are also falling into the same trap. Give yourself (and your kids) a break. Trust that sometimes you just need

to sit and watch a movie together – a whole movie, with popcorn and no glancing at electronic devices. Put on some music, play a game; whatever you love to do as a family.

Don’t overwhelm their senses. And don’t create pressure on yourself to be the source of everyone’s entertainment!

Susie Ramroop is a transformational coach who helps professional parents to have a bigger impact in their lives. She runs coaching programmes and retreats for women who need to release, replenish and reset. Book your free clarity call with her at www.susieramroop.com/booking.

Families North West London 5

Education

Is your child’s vocabulary holding them back?

By Charlotte Gater

O

ne of the biggest factors affecting your child’s ability to progress at school is their language skills. If they cannot understand what is being said or articulate their own thoughts, then school can be a confusing and isolating place.

■ Attend Music Classes or Story Time Sessions These are also great ways to engage your child and build their language skills.

A recent speech by the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, highlighted the need for children to develop good language skills “because when you’re behind from the start you rarely catch up.” According to the Department for Education, nearly one third of children ages 4 and 5 lack the language skills necessary to describe simple events or to even to speak in sentences.

■ Label your House

Here are some ideas you can fit into your busy family lives in order to help your little ones develop their language skills.

■ Make Word Learning Fun

■ Encourage Reading for Pleasure from an Early Age This ensures that positive reading habits are set up from the start. Building a love of stories, books and reading are key to developing a child’s vocabulary. For very young children, create opportunities for sharing books throughout the day, not just at bedtime. Lead by example and let your child see you reading for pleasure as they become independent readers themselves.

■ Don’t be Scared of Using Challenging Language Children learn from what is being said around them, so if you model using a variety of language then your child will learn more and start to use different words. Use more challenging words and then explain what they mean to increase their vocabulary.

■ Join the Library Books can be expensive, and it may take time to find the types of stories that engage your child. So join the library and tap into this free goldmine!

Involve your child in labelling items around the house so they can learn lots of new words. Write the words and get your child to trace over or copy them if they are able. They can also draw pictures on the labels to help them remember the words.

Play quick and easy word games such as ‘word of the week’ where points are scored every time the word is used in context correctly.

Traditional games such as Hangman, Scrabble and Boggle increase literacy skills. ‘I Spy’ is good for younger children and can be adapted for older children to ‘I hear with my little ear’ and then giving a clue to the meaning of a word for example “a word that means the opposite of ‘agree’” or “a word that explains how plants get energy”.

■ Talk with your Child Conversation is key to building language skills.

Whether it’s whilst having dinner, on the journey home from school or before they go to bed, take the time to have a chat with your child.

Sometimes it’s hard to get anything out of children, and “fine” or “okay” are given as standard answers.

Try a few open questions to get them expanding their answers like “what was the best thing about your day?”

Or “Tell me about what you did at nursery”.

Call us to arrange an individual appointment

6 Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

Education ■ Harness Technology Technology can help increase literacy skills if you use it in the right way.

Some recommended resources are: Oxford Owl (www.oxfordowl.co.uk) has a series of free e-books 3 to 11 year olds, some of which you can listen to as well as read. There’s also lots of helpful resources you can use at home.

Audio books are great when you’re traveling in

familiesonline.co.uk

the car or getting ready to go out.

Listen to stories and then talk to your child about the story.

Apps such as Pirate Phonics, Hairy Letters and Reading Eggs are great to get started with language learning.

When you are out and about let your child take some photos to make a picture diary. Then when you get home look through the photos

and get them to describe what you did. You can also turn your adventures into a book.

Book Creator (www.bookcreator.com) allows you to make 40 e-books of your own for free.

Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum at leading extra tuition provider Explore Learning.

Families North West London 7

Education

Five Tips for de-stressing

Getting to School Children don’t understand time in the same way as adults. This can make school mornings a stressful time of day for parents.

Here are five tips to that may help make things a little easier.

Tip One: The Crucial 10 Minutes Why not get up 10 minutes earlier? This will give you a chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee, have a shower and get dressed in less of a rush than usual.

Being up 10 minutes earlier also gives you a fair chance of making sure both you and your children are ready 10 minutes before you have to leave. This will give you time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything. No more rushing out of the door and rushing back to pick up forgotten items!

Tip Two: The Night Before The night before, do everything that can be done to prepare for the morning. Lay out the school uniform, make pack lunches, sort snacks, check all homework and sports kit

8 Families North West London

are where they should be. Make showers/ baths and hair washes part of the night time routine, rather than obstacles to overcome in the morning.

Tip Three: Have a Checklist Either write an actual checklist for your child’s school morning routine, or just verbally repeat the jobs they are expected to do until they remember them. A checklist could include: eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, packing lunch and water bottle, putting on shoes and coat. It’s good to have a plan of their weekly school routine somewhere handy too so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on.

Tip Four: Provide a Pay Off Give kids an incentive so that if they finish their school morning routine early they are rewarded with some time for television, reading or something they would like to do before school.

Tip Five: Use Devices Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

What to do when your child hates reading

W

ould your child rather empty the dishwasher or fold laundry instead of reading a book? Do you have to beg your child to sit down and read—for school or for pleasure?

It can be difficult to motivate a child who doesn’t love to read. It may even seem impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. Research confirms that motivation is a key factor in becoming a successful reader. When children are motivated, they read frequently, which in turn helps them become skilful readers. And children who are skilful readers learn well, deeply and successfully. Before you can work on motivating your child, it helps if you understand why he or she resists reading in the first place.

reading material that interests them. So think about what your child loves to do. Does he have a hobby or special area of interest? Does she like dinosaurs or gymnastics? By finding reading material that piques your child’s interest and draws them into reading, you’re giving your child a motivational boost that can propel him or her to increased enthusiasm for books.

Does your child fit into one of these categories?

Set aside a regular read-aloud time

■ Reading is hard!

Most people don’t choose hard work as a leisure activity, and that’s true for reading too. A child who has to work at reading is not likely to find reading fun. If your child feels that reading is too much work, try to begin by identifying and addressing his areas of weakness, with his or her school, if necessary. As he becomes a better reader, he will grow to enjoy reading much more.And remember, reading takes much more patience than the relative ease of watching television and playing video games. Limiting “screen time” may increase a child’s interest in reading.

■ Reading is boring!

For some kids, reading isn’t hard, but it isn’t fun either. But it may be that they just haven’t found

familiesonline.co.uk

More Tips to help motivate a reluctant reader

Make Time for Reading

If you and your children have jam-packed schedules and reading is shoved between football and band practice, reading may seem like an unwelcome chore. Allow time for reading so that it can be relaxing and enjoyable.

Reading aloud helps your child develop an interest in reading. Choose a variety of high quality literature that appeals to your child’s age and interests. Don’t abandon read-aloud time when your child gets older—even teenagers love being read to. Reading aloud to children also encourages them to read thoroughly when they read to themselves. This in turns improves comprehension and means they are more likely to become immersed in the reading experience.

Buy Audiobooks for Journeys

These build a child’s vocabulary and enable them to experience books above their actual reading age. The Naxos range of wonderful classics with well-chosen classical music at www. naxosaudiobooks.com Try to discuss words your children don’t understand. This means they’ll know what they mean when they next encounter them in a book they are reading.

Enjoy Super Readable Books

Check out www.barringtonstoke.co.uk which specialises in ‘cracking reading’ by publishing super-readable books that break down the barriers that can stop children getting into reading.

Create a Cosy Reading Nook

A special reading space may help encourage your child to settle down and spend time with a good book.

Don’t Judge their Reading Choices

The way to suck the joy out of reading is to make your child read something they don’t want to read.

Let them choose. Don’t forget that match reports, comics, graphic novels, magazines and so on are ‘reading too’.

Let them Read Easy Picture Books

This provides excellent practice, yet it doesn’t feel like work.

Be a Role Model

When your children observe that you love to read, they are more likely to develop a love of reading themselves. So put down your device, turn off the television and pick up a book!

More info at www.readingagency.co.uk and ww.barringtonshoke.co.uk

Families North West London 9

Education - Independent School Open Days Please check school websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/Day) enquiries@aldenham.com

Open Day: Jun 2019 (date TBC). Prep School 01923 851664. Senior School 01923 858122

Alpha Preparatory School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. www.alpha.harrow.sch.uk

Open Day: By appointment 0208 427 1471

Buckingham Prep School Pinner HA5 Boys School 4-11 years www.buckprep.org

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737.

Charlotte House Prep School Rickmansworth WD3 Girls 3-11 yrs www.charlottehouseprepschool.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 772101

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. (Pre-Prep). 020 8266 1700

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk

Open Day: Wed 3 Jul, 9.15am (Jun Sch). 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org.uk

Haberdashers’ Adams, Newport, TF10 7BD. Boys 11-18 yrs (boarding) Girls 6th form. www.adamsgs.uk

Open Day: Mon 4 & Tue 5 Feb (Yr 7); Thu 10, 24, 31 Jan & 7 Feb (6th Form) 01952 953810

High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 681103

The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. www.johnlyon.org

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8515 9400

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs.www. avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344

Longwood School and Nursery Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 3 mths – 11yrs. www.longwoodschool.co.uk

Open Day: Every day is Open Day, just call to book a tour.

01923 253715

Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 825648 (Prep) 01923 845514 (Senior)

North London Collegiate School Edgware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. www.nlcs.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 8 Mar, Wed 13 Mar, both 1.30-3.45pm (11+). Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch 020 8951 6481/6468.

Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. www.northwoodcollege.gdst.net

Open Day: Fri 1 Feb, 9.30-11am (Early Yrs & Jun Sch) Wed 27 Feb, 9.30-11am (Sen Sch); 01923 825446.

North London Grammar School London NW9 Boys & Girls 11-18 yrs. www.northlondongrammar.com

Open Day: By appointment. 0208 205 0052

Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

Open Day: Sat 11 May, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600

Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. www. quaintonhall.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. admin@quaintonhall.org.uk 020 8861 8861

Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. www.reddiford.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660

Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3months-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092

The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18)

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 725354

St John’s CofE Primary School Watford WD17 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.watfordstjohns.org

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 255 017

St Helen’s College Hillingdon UB10 Boys & Girls 2-11 yrs www.sthelenscollege.com

Open Day: By appointment 01895 234 371

St Helen’s School Northwood HA6 Girls 3-18 yrs www.sthelens.london

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 843230

St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. www.sthildasbushey.com

Open Day: By appointment. 0208 950 1751

St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. www.st-johns.org.uk

Open Day: Wed 22 May, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067

St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

Open Day: Thu 28 Feb, 9.15am (School at Work); Mon 28 Jan, Thu 2 May, 5.15pm (Boarding); 020 8901 0872

St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs www.stmartins.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 1 Mar, Fri 26 Apr, Sat 27 Apr, all 10am-12pm.

01923 825 740

York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs www.york-house.com

Open Day: Sat 6 Oct, 9.30am-12pm (Nursery-yr 8) 01923 772 395

10 Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

Mummy on the Edge New Year New Start New Dog? Probably not. and made even more intense when you must sell everything in the space of a week.

You list things and then people message you about them. Constantly. Questions like, “Is this available?” and “What is the measurement from this bit to that bit?” and “Do you deliver?” Um… no, because I’m a person, not a shop. Of course this was my own fault because I thought it would be clever to put BLACK FRIDAY SALE in the title of every listing. I became like a human Pavlov’s Dog; every time the phone pinged, I would jump up like a crazed animal.

So I don’t actually need a dog because I’ve got myself.

A

Level studies are full-throttle so I’m training myself to depend less on kissing The Teen’s happy face every day. How did Lorelei Gilmore manage when Rory went to Uni? I think she bought a dog. I was thinking of getting a puppy, having read a Caitlin Moran column about how she absolutely loves hers. My friend also recently bought a dog for her sons and she talks about it like it’s her third child.

I think I’d be quite good at training it. And I really, really like being adored, which is one of the things dogs do, right? But I’m not sure about cleaning up doggie-do, indoors and out, day in, day out.

I spent the last few weeks sprucing up Bushey for the tenants. The Teen was somewhat neglected and ate a lot of sardine pasta during that time but I made it up to her by producing a small battered box containing her father’s vinyl singles from his dj-ing days that I found in the shed. She is now a proponent of the merits of the record player over downloads and I listen to her spinning Duran and Wham while I cook lamb.

I sold some bigger things like large appliances and furniture via facebook which proved efficient, even if it did drive me crazy. The process is both wonderful and horrifying,

It’s funny all the little things you find, even when you have emptied your home. When the the buyer came to take Teen’s bed away, hidden stuff trickled out of the cylindrical hollow parts of the frame, a small bouncy ball and a wadge of hair elastics with little dollies attached to them. I don’t remember where they came from and she obviously hadn’t been very attached to them, since she had posted them down the chute and cut her hair short but I still couldn’t bring myself to throw them away - they now sitting in my dressing table drawer.

When inspecting the door frame in the kitchen to rub off a scuff mark from the sofa left by an enthusiastic facebook bargaineer, I found the faint traces of some pencil marks where I had marked Mini-Me’s height sporadically over the years. That’s something that I can’t put in a box and take with me. But I did take a picture, which I will probably never look at and accidentally delete one day.

So now I have more time on my hands. That means more writing and blogging! Yay! And more radio-ing. I have become a trustee and look after PR at The Pulse Hospital Radio, where I volunteer as a presenter every week.

My most loyal listener is of course The Teen; whenever she is on holiday from school she tunes in and sends me comments and requests. You can too! If your little one is off sick from school in the day time or if want

to listen to some advert-free radio while you are cooking dinner, you can tune in to The Pulse Hospital Radio online via www. thepulsehr.co.uk or through the free TuneIn app via your smartphone. Or just ask Alexa, the evil smartspeaker to, “Play The Pulse Hospital Radio” and she does! You can send us a request via facebook or twitter and watch your little one’s face light up when we play their favourite song for them. It might have to be slightly old song as we are raising money to update our software and computer equipment. Our campaign is to Keep The Pulse Beating. (You can guess who came up with that!)

Listen to Angelina’s popular chat show Dessert Island Discs on live on www. thepulsehr.uk Thursdays at 10am or catch up at www.mixcloud.com/ angelina-melwani *facebook. com/angelinamelwani * twitter @appleina * mynotesfromtheedge. blogspot.com *Instagram @ mynotesfromtheedge

familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 11

Childcare

What is a Montessori Pre-School or Nursery?

M

any of us are familiar with the word “Montessori” in connection with education, but what exactly is the Montessori Method and how can it benefit children?

The Montessori Method was developed 100 years ago by Dr Maria Montessori and recognises that children want to be free to learn by themselves and will naturally do so in the right environment.

In the Montessori classroom, carefully planned activities and specialised equipment are provided for different levels of learning. A child is completely free to choose how he or she learns but you won’t generally find plastic nursery toys in a Montessori setting.

The Montessori Method is child-centred and the curriculum is designed around the specific needs and abilities of each child as an individual, which allows each to explore and learn at his or her own pace.

Children are encouraged to choose their own activities from a range of Montessori equipment and materials. Each individual piece is designed to teach a range of specific skills. Once shown how to use a piece of equipment, a child can then experiment until he gets it right.

The equipment is specifically designed to be self-correcting which means children can learn by themselves, through their senses and at their own pace. Then, the equipment is designed to provide another challenge so that learning becomes progressively more difficult, providing the opportunity for children to progress. In this way, a child’s learning experience is accelerated.

All the activities and Montessori equipment have precise locations on the shelves and when a child finishes an activity, he or she is encouraged to return it back to the same place. This helps children develop a sense of order and promotes self-discipline.

At a Montessori nursery, there is generally only one piece of each equipment. “When a child is using a particular piece, other children must ask permission to join in” says Sonya Kanchan-Lal, Principal of Milkshake Montessori in Whitton. “Otherwise a child must wait until that piece of equjpment becomes free. This really teaches the children about sharing. They learn that although they are industriously involved in their individual work, they are also part of a co-operative community.”

Julia Moody, Principal of Julia’s Montessori in Hampton says “One of the greatest benefits of the Montessori Method is the focus on hands-on learning. Children work on activities that teach language,

12 Families North West London

“Montessori encourages co-operative play, which enables and encourages children to share and work together…” mathematics, culture, creative, practical life and sensory skills giving them a broad and varied learning experience.”

Children learn to work on their own or as part of a group and the “prepared environment” encourages independence, confidence, concentration, self-control, a sense of order, initiative, grace, courtesy, patience, compassion, negotiation and self-esteem.

“Children educated the Montessori way become great at problem solving and able to make decisions at an early age, which is a marvellous preparation for starting school” says Julia.

In an Early Years setting, children are of mixed ages, allowing the older children to mentor the younger ones and the younger children to learn from the older children. The curriculum focuses on ‘key developmental milestones’ that link in nicely with the Early Years Foundation State Curriculum.

Montessori encourages co-operative play, which enables and encourages children to share and work together exploring the various areas in the Montessori classroom, whilst learning respect for one another and building a sense of community.

Whilst all children are different and no hard and fast rules can be applied, research conducted by the University of Virginia in the US has shown that children who attend Montessori nurseries or pre-schools may be better prepared for English and maths learning when they start school. The research also demonstrated that these children scored higher in tests for “executive function.” This is the ability to adapt to changing and complex problems. Those children who attended Montessori nurseries or pre-schools also displayed a greater sense of justice and fairness and interacted with others in an emotional positive way.

Choosing a pre-school or nursery setting for your child is never easy and it’s always advisable to visit and ask as many questions as possible.

No one setting or type of setting suits every child, and, ultimately, your gut instinct on a setting’s suitability is most likely to lead you to the right decision!

familiesonline.co.uk

Childcare

An Inspector Calls!

The Role of an Ofsted Inspector in Assessing a Nursery Setting

W

hilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know what the acronym Ofsted actual stands for or how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating?

Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted Inspectors are very knowledgeable.

One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care.

Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta. “Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”

Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta.

“For example, they need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others.

“ …Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others…” positively, and, where there are staff who are performing less well, that the manager of the setting recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint observation with the manager” says Sangeeta. ”If a staff member has set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if the manager is aware

and can support a staff member to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the nursery is working well towards improving its provision.”

Sangeeta owns two settings in Greater London. How does she ensure they meet Ofsted’s high standards in her setting? Good communication and reflective practice are vital. As a team, each setting regularly fills out a self-evaluation form, so that everybody involved can reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and a clear direction can be formulated. Sangeeta is always aware of what is happening at each nursery, but also stresses that the quality of her managers and teachers is exceptional. “The managers of my settings are experienced and well-established members of the team, and have known many of the children and their families for a number of years.”

You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions. “I observe the language teachers use and how they’re interacting with a child” says Sangeeta.” I’ll ask staff why they have chosen a particular activity and how it contributes to a child’s learning. “ Ofsted Inspectors also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information about a child’s development, and planning for a child’s next steps.”

Up to 50% off the First Two Months Nursery Fees T’s & C’s Apply

✷Funding available 15 & 30 hours subject to T’s & C’s

So what happens if there are issues with teaching methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff are working

familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 13

Local Clubs and Classes Directory PARTIES Perform Parties - Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create fun-filled, action-packed parties. Call 0207 255 9120 or visit performparties.co.uk The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) Fun for kids, hassle-free for parents, birthday parties at The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor, for 1-10 years boys & girls include invitations, party leader & assistant(s), freshly prepared food, decorations, music, lights, games, dancing, props and prizes. Optional extras - adult refreshments, face-painting and party bags. Lots of themes from Princesses and Super Heroes to Monsters, Trolls, Makers and Mad Hatters! Modern & clean venue.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio@gmail.com www.thewindmillstudio.com

CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk BaB – Bring a Baby courses for adults. All Bring a Baby Courses are designed for you, the grown up, but are fun and engaging for your kids too. Their courses get 5* reviews because they make it possible for you to learn a new skill and be with your children. Photography, Knitting, Embroidery, Cake Decorating and more.  www.bab-courses.co.uk Busy Lizzy Hillingdon (UB) Fitness and fun for mums and little ones. All you prenatal, postnatal and baby classes together in one place. Free trial class available!  Hillingdon@busylizzy.co.uk  0333 939 8787 Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling women who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present.

Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women.

Wed night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre.  www. capitalconnection.org.uk Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and during term holidays in a friendly environment.  07737847405 or info@ egglesscakedelights.com.  www.egglesscakedelights.com Meditation (HA5) Every FIRST Thursday of the month, 8.00pm at The Stables, Eastcote House Gardens, Eastcote Village, HA5 2FE. Everyone 18+ welcome. Just £5. Feel energised, increase happiness, improve mental clarity and memory recall. Flush out negative thoughts and improve physical and mental health. Ten minute stress relief treatment for newcomers FREE. No booking needed, just come along. For more information, contact Alexandra Barrett: alexandrabarrett@me.com;  0775 334 90 24 Movers and Shapers (NW6) Fitness with babies in tow. Book online. www. moversandshapers.co.uk 020 7624 8687 queenspark@moversandshapers.co.uk Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW YogaBelles: yoga designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887  anjli@ yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli Zest For Life Studio is a new secret fitness oasis for vitality and wellness near you. Let me welcome you in my garden studio to share an invigorating hour of zesty fitness, a unique programme of toning circuit & zumba: enjoy a variety of class at 9am, a personal touch, small group of 6-8. In&outdoor classes. marion.bignone.zumba.com - zestforlifestudio@gmail.com

First Aid MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs.  Margaret 07814 191 395  mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT All Saints Toddler Group (HA8) Every Thursday 10am-11.45am. Everyone welcome. A small friendly group run by the pre-school, with qualified staff on hand to provide help and support if needed. At Waltham Drive, Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 5PQ.  07985 284 498/07958 473 475.  allsaintpreschool@hotmail.co.uk www.allsaintpreschool.com Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development.

Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 6258  www. cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Chinmaya UK (HA) Do you want your children to connect to their Indian culture through stories, games and celebration of festivals? Go along to Bal Vihar classes to explore culture and values in an engaging, positive environment. Every Sunday in Harrow and Hendon for children aged 5-17.  bv@chinmayauk.org www. chinmayauk.org 07812 146428 Club Petit Pierrot (NW3/8/11) French Parent & Toddler group for 2-4 year olds in Hampstead at the JW3 Centre (NW3). Mon from 10.30am-11.15am and will be a multi-sensory session, totally in French, with many fun and varied activities including songs, rhymes, music, arts & crafts, dances and movement, language games, and puppets…all great fun! There will also be new fun French after-school classes on Weds for 4 to 6 yr olds and 6 to 8 yr olds in St Anthony’s School for Girls, Hampstead (NW11).

Multi-sensory sessions with arts & crafts and music & movement also take place in St Mark’s Church Hall, St John’s Wood/Maida Vale (NW8) on Thurs, Fri and Sat.  020 7385 5565  admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www. clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Giggling Panda Chinese School (UB5) offers fun, creative and engaging Mandarin classes for children aged 3-11. Small size classes are run on Sundays and the school is located conveniently off A40 with onsite

14 Families North West London

parking. Alec Reed Academy Bengarth Rd, Northolt UB5 5LQ Lisa.malde@ gigglingpanda.co.uk 07916165228 www.gigglingpanda.co.uk Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org Little Stars Baby Club (HA9) A fun and friendly baby club where new mums with babies from birth to sitting can relax and meet new friends whilst babies play and explore with a range of lovely sensory toys. Every Friday 9:30-11:15am at Powell Suites @ Chalkhill Community Centre, The Welford Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park HA9 9FX. £2.00  0208 385 1836  littlestarswembley@gmail.com The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An Independent Practice providing an exceptionally high quality, caring and individualised service for promoting the communication needs of children.

We offer Speech and Language Therapy sessions within a modern clinic base, nurseries and schools. 01923 824 074 07956 994721  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September and February 2016 and are free.  contact@igclondon.org.uk Guju Tots Swagatham! Kem Chho? Come along to a FREE taster of these fun-filled 45 minute classes in NW London to help kids 6 months to 5 years learn Gujarati through songs & stories! Interactive, relaxed classes, plus plenty of material to practice at home!  07956 385 316  www. gujutots.co.uk

Outdoor Forest School Parent & Toddler Programme. Monday and Friday Oxhey /Northwood. Come and explore in the woods, led by experienced and qualified Forest School Practitioners. Developing learning, confidence and well being through fire, den building, song, storytelling, craft and tool use.  07900 215 512  www.forevergreenforestschool.com

Sign Language Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills.

Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow.  www.singandsign.com

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Wellbeing Kids Workshops (WD3) Well-being workshops for children aged 9-12yr and 13-17yr olds. Holiday masterclasses to support the holistic mind, body and spirit learning. By exploring emotional intelligence, imagination, yoga, mindfulness, role-play and many more creative/ outdoor activities.For more information, please contact Anita  07956 849614,  wellbeingkids@gmail.com

Massage & Yoga Human Values Based Yoga After school classes run in Harrow by a qualified yoga teacher with over 40 years yoga experience and over 30 yrs teaching yoga in various settings, including adult education and family learning, community clubs, hospitals and mental health centres. For adults and children 6-11 years.  Joyce on 07912 879 103  joycedpower@aol.com YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength and flexibility!

YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 mths) YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 mths to 4 yrs): Sat mornings, Bushey YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (4-12 yrs): Sat & Sun mornings, Bushey NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 yrs): Weekday evening, Bushey 07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk; www.yogabellies.co.uk/ members/anjli

ACTIVITY CENTRES Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of activities available from 6mths to 12yrs. 020 8954 5759  kidzzone@ aspire.org.uk. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP JAMtots (HA4) An interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear. 01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your little ones are playing. 0208 427 8847  info@ rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults including classes, courses, complementary therapies and room & studio hire. 01895 624755  www. thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun! 07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk www. beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook.com/ beatbuilding Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills.

New class starting in Hendon in Jan 2017. 020 8444 9435  www. nlcolourstrings.co.uk Diddi Dance Harrow & North Hillingdon (various) At diddi dance we enhance children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of fun sessions that build confidence, co-ordination and creativity. Classes in Pinner,Ruislip & Stanmore with new ones opening soon. To book a FREE TRIAL contact tejal. patel@diddidance.com Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Harrow and Stanmore. 020 8427 6595  www.monkeymusic.com Sling Swing (various) Award Winning Fun Dance Classes for Parents/Carers with your little one in a Sling/Carrier. For Babies aged from 6 weeks* No Experience Necessary. Slings available to use in Class. Dance styles include Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Salsa and Commercial. Hatch End- Ruislip- UxbridgeWatford- Stanmore.  www.slingswing.co.uk Info: gemmagoodman@ slingswing.co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE All Stars Cricket Gives boys and girls aged 5-8 the chance to play, learn great skills and make new friends! 8 week course starts May 2018.  www.allstarscricket.co.uk Better leisure centres (various) We exist to make community services and spaces better for everyone. That means providing access to quality community leisure and fitness facilities - and more - at a price everyone can afford.  www.better.org. uk/families Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and nurturing teachers. 07841342874  capoeiracademyuk@gmail. com www. capoeiracademyuk.com Echo’s Equestrian Centre (SL0) A small friendly livery yard and Pony Club Centre in Iver, Buckinghamshire. Junior Pony Club and a Hoof Club during the holidays. 07895 706053  www.echosequestrian.co.uk Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike! 0333 334 0845 or 07763746886  www.enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Everyone Active (various) Why should your child learn to swim?

Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages and also provides loads of health benefits which can help to keep you and your children healthy and happy at the same time. What’s more, swimming is the only sport which can save your child’s life. Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.  To find out more about learning to swim at your local leisure centre visit www.everyoneactive.com.

Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Tracey fieldendflyers@gmail.com Harrow Junior Hockey Club (HA1) run sessions for children aged 4- 16 years on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings at The John Lyon School Playing Fields, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3NA. Everyone welcome please contact us for more information  harrowhcjuniors@ outlook.com Ignite Tennis (HA3) Coaching courses for ages 3+ at Kenton Lawn Tennis Club. Also fun Tennis Camps during the holidays. Contact James on 07852 180905  info@ignitetennis.co.uk www.ignitetennis.co.uk Kaishi Karate School Kaishi Karate School runs classes for children and adults in North London.

Karate helps with discipline, confidence, coordination and fitness. First class is a free trial and free karate suit to new members during the month of October. Call on 07875501674 or see class times on  www. kaishikarate34@gmail.com Little Kickers (Various) 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 020 8201 1084  jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford  0208 123 9346  jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD) Wembley and across north London (HA9, N2, N3, N12, N8, N10, N14, N15, N20, N22, NW11) and Herts. LAGAD is a specialist company passionate about the provision of high quality, dynamic and fun dance & gymnastics classes.

Classes for youngsters from 3.5 years through to advanced levels. Our fully-trained, highly qualified coaches and dance teachers work with all abilities to bring out the best in each child and help them develop a range of fantastic physical and life skills. Birthday Parties also available. Trial Classes throughout the term. LAGAD aim to inspire and ignite a passion. 0208 883 4675  info@lagad.co.uk www.lagad.co.uk Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds.

Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with funfilled programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility and coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Stanmore.  For more information contact charlie@rugbytots.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Local Clubs and Classes Directory SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) SportsKids Academy provide 4 -16 year olds with an exciting and educational sports programme at weekends. We encourage and develop young people to grow as athletes and individuals. We have an extensive programme of team and individual sports as well as weekly team building challenges. ALL CHILDREN participate in a wide range of different sports , grow in confidence through leadership skills and have fun making lots of new friends. Their programme includes; American Football, Dodgeball, Handball, Basketball, Rugby, Softball, Gaelic Football, Rounders, Athletics, Cricket, Gymnastics, Tennis, Fencing, Lacrosse, Archery, Netball, Volleyball, Martial Arts, Football, Badminton, Hockey, Orienteering and Golf.  07983392479  sportskids@outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk TISKA (HA1/9) Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held in Wembley and Harrow. Families welcome, minimum age 4 yrs. 07739 572487  patel.karate@icloud.com www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults at the YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden.

Baby, Ballet, Gym, Soft Play and Classes from £4.40. 020 8832 1576  yactive@ymcawestlondon.org www.ymcawestlondon.org

Swimmimg Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water confidence. Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages including Adults. New Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey WD23.  01923 245 772  www.aqua-vie.com or email office@aqua-vie. com Brent Dolphins (NW10/HA0) Swimming lessons for children 5 years and over at Willesden and Vale Farm. Sessions are held in a fun and friendly environment from beginner to competitive swimming level.Further details are available on our website www.brentdolphins.org.uk or you can email our Club Secretary at: info@brentdolphins.org.uk

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. 07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk.

Huzzah Performing Arts & Mindfulness Build confidence from the inside out with a Huzzah weekly class. Drama, dance, singing and a touch of mindfulness. Ages 4 - 7. Saturday 1 - 2.20pm in Queen’s Park. Sunday 10 - 11.30am in West Hampstead. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL  www. huzzahperformingarts.com. Creative, calm, confident kids.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available in dancing and drama from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy Agency that is always looking for new recruits for TV, films and commercials. 01895 624755 www.jam2000.co.uk Perform Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

Venues in Croxley Green, Golders Green, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Hatch End, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Queens Park, Stanmore and Wembley.  020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) “A new school year is here, which means that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet October weekends.

Classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends. With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near you. For more information or to book a two-week trial,  www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530.

Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre productions. 01923 437693  www.

SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs.  wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance Harrow Theatre Dance & Pinner Theatre Dance (HA) Ballet, Modern, Tap and Street Dance. In Harrow, Pinner and Ruislip. ISTD qualified teachers and exams. Classes for children aged 3+.  07804 910 551  Info@ HarrowTheatreDance.co.uk Info@PinnerTheatreDance.co.uk Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in ballet, tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (tap), and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, North Harrow and Bushey.  07814 793 772  instepschoolofballet@yahoo. co.uk www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance (LAGAD) LAGAD is a specialist company passionate about the provision of high quality, dynamic and fun dance & gymnastics classes. Toddler and Parent Ballet (from age 18 Months) and Children’s Ballet and Street Dance classes for children aged 3.5 years upwards at the Ark Elvin Academy. All abilities welcome, Trial Classes available throughout the term. Wembley (HA9) and venues across North London.  0208 883 4675 /  info@lagad.co.uk www.lagad.co.uk Tartan Tots A fun introduction to Scottish dancing for 3 and 4 year olds.

Encourages co-ordination, rhythm and keeping time to music. Experienced and qualified teacher. Saturday mornings in Watford. Classes also in Highland dancing for primary aged children.  07866 295694  shunt@ moose.co.uk The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Mon–Thurs afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers. 07946 055 422  info@mysistersandme.co.uk Artzania Art and Craft Activity Club (HA) A new and exciting Arts and Crafts activity club for children ages 1-11 yrs open during term time and holidays.

They offer and Mother Toddler Group art club (aged 1-4 yrs) and an Afterschool/ Holiday Club (ages 5-11yrs) Contact to book your place: Keshma 07419343105  keshma.artzania@gmail.com Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Do your kids love Art? Then welcome to the club! Sign them up for these fun classes where I teach art techniques to 5+, 7+ and 11-18 year olds. Weekly term time classes & holiday workshops, with public or small group private options are available in Ruislip Manor & Eastcote. Special member’s benefits, sibling discounts and a refer a friend scheme are available so why not book now & let them develop a love of Art that will last a lifetime! Contact Suzi at  blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com, 07773 819 603 8 www.Facebook.com/BlankCanvasArtClub Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up!

Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come dressed for mess! 0208 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch and Sketch Club for children and teens. Start with simple hand sewing then developing sewing machine and design techniques to design and create your own items. Saturday Sketch Club develops looking and drawing skills and confidence. Also parties and one-off workshops. Adults’ weekly Dressmaking sessions and occaisional Beginners workshops.  stitch.club E: sam@stitch.club

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/EDUCATION SUPPORT Adams Tutors (various) A bespoke tuition service from London’s leading tuition provider – one to one and group tuition. Experts in maths. 11+, Entrance Exams, 13+, GCSE, A-Levels. All tutors are DBS Enhanced checked. 020 7859 4556  www.adamstutors.co.uk All Saints Pre-School Queensbury (HA8) Free childcare for 2-5 yrs, 15-30 hours. Visit anytime Mon - Fri. Waltham Drive, Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 5PQ. 07985 284 498/07958 473 475.  allsaintpreschool@hotmail.co.uk www.allsaintpreschool.com 1Point4Teacher (HA) Do you have a child in KS1 and KS2? Does your child need more of a challenge? Then give 1Point4Teacher a try today. Lessons from a qualified primary school teacher, with a class ratio of 1 adult to 4 children. English tuition on Mondays and Tuesdays, covering reading comprehension and SPAG (spellings, punctuation and grammar) with math lessons on a Wednesday. Harrow, 5 minutes from Kenton Library.  www.1Point4Teacher.co.uk or email the Head Tutor Mrs Edwin on info@1point4teacher.co.uk Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards.  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, Science and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College. 020 3004 9007  www.champslearning.co.uk Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with technology: mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available. 020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids. co.uk. wendy@clickit-kids.co.uk.

DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels.

Adult courses are also available. Gerard on 07767 300940  info@ discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware.

Programmes for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for entrance exams or you just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can help. 99% success rate. 020 8958 1192 07956868119  www.childrensstories.net www.kidslearnfast.co.uk Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4, for children aged 5 – 11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.15am and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves, water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfin group for children, 6 to 9yrs.

Parents wishing to join their children should contact the District Secretary; John Woolf: 020 8428 2409 or harrow@woodcraft.org.uk www. harrowwoodcraftfolk.btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity.

They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm The Cadet Centre, Elmgrove Road, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Nicole 07794078452  holidays@activetime.co.uk www. activetime.co.uk Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better allround motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel.raviv@ gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL. 020 3488 0754  www.jkeducate.co.uk Karen Wilkin Tuition (HA) 4+/5+ tuition. One to one, tailor made, handson, fun sessions in the comfort of your home. Experienced Montessori teacher with excellent results in all the top schools. Term time and holiday sessions available. 07887 984 401, wilkin@afrormosia.com Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. 07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Offer specialist experience and accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays. 2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted. 01992 651 300  www. leadersarereaders.co.uk The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar and private schools.  For a call back email your name and number to info@thelondontutors.co.uk Love 2 Learn (HA) Experienced Primary School teacher and tutor for year 1 to year 6 in Pinner. 11-12 week session taught in small groups. Topics include Creative Writing, Mental Maths, Persuasive Writing, Public Speaking and Cross Curriculum Education. Mrs S Mukhtar. 07958 728184  lovetolearncreatively@gmail.com Lumilie’s Learning World (HA) Children’s Educational/Developmental Classes for 2yrs-5yrs. Interactive Musical Activities, igniting children’s senses to a world of multiple learning opportunities. Expanding curious minds through language, communication, education and creative experiences.

Classes at Harrow Arts Centre - Call Andrea 07914 953123 to book your FREE TRIAL.  www.lumilieslearningworld.com Mastermind Tuition (HA) Specialists in 11+. Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal, Grammar & independent School Preparation. £15 per session. Classes in Harrow and Northwood. 075 10 10 50 50. www. mastermindtuition.com Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework support. 0333 12 33 445  www.mathscool.com The Olivier School (various) offers outstanding courses for children aged between 3.5 -11 years old. Classes are held at Mount Stewart School in Harrow. Children are enrolled for either Saturday or Sunday 10am-2pm, term time. Summer School for 3 weeks over the school break. Enrolment is now open  www.olivierschool.co.uk for a January 2019 start.

Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time. 0207 407 6744. admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www. theplayshelter.co.uk Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. Free assessment. Ofsted Registered.  www. pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ entrance exams. 07850 045 471  Sonya.Thiru@gmail.com Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home based work. The computer interventions is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feed back. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616  info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) Stem Den (HA6) Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths for children aged 5 to 13 years. Develop problem solving skills and learn programming.

At St John’s School in Northwood. www.stemden.co.uk Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 7683 0734  www.sdeuk.org/swherts Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Learn to touch type!

Weekly lessons and intensive holiday courses for children from age 8-18.

Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8434 7111.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@ typeitforkids.co.uk.

Families North West London 15

What’s On

What’s On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (Mar/April 2019 issue) send your entry by 1 February 2019 Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

Mon 14 Jan – Mon 18 Feb – Anger Management for Parents and Teens Together (HA1) A 6 week course at Hope Harrow which looks at improving both parent’s and teens’ understanding of anger and share tips and strategies on how to enhance relationships.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk Fri 18 – Sun 20 Jan - London Model Engineering Exhibition (N22) Go along to Alexandra Palace and see the full spectrum of modelling from traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to modern gadgets including trucks, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters. www.alexandrapalace.com Sat 19 Jan - Feline Fables and Folktales (NW1) Listen, invent, write and perform stories in this playful family workshop at the British Library. Cats have stalked stories for hundreds of years – each one with a secret to share and tale to tell.

Listen to cat folktales from around the world that show the different sides to these most mysterious of creatures – from the heroic and magical, to the downright naughty, you will meet them all! Free drop in, suitable for ages 5 – 11. www.bl.uk Royal Museums Greenwich

JANUARY Fri 11 – Sat 12 & Fri 25 – Sat 26 Jan - An Evening with the Stars (SE10) The popular after dark experience at the Royal Observatory Greenwich includes a show in London’s only public planetarium and the chance to look through the gigantic Great Equatorial Telescope at what the night sky has to offer. Plus, spend some time on the Greenwich Meridian with a hot drink, an amazing view and astronomers on hand to answer all your space-related questions. Ages 7+. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 12 Jan - Painted Seas (E14) Be inspired by the different paintings in the collection at the Museum of London Docklands, and create your own marine watercolour paintings. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

16 Families North West London

Sat 12 - Sat 19 Jan - Puss in Boots (HA6) A family pantomime from the Arrow Players taking place at St. Edmund’s Hall, Pinner Road, Northwood HA6 1QS. www.arrowplayers.org.uk boxoffice@arrowplayers.org.uk Sat 12 Jan – Sat 9 Feb – Cirque Du Soleil: Totem (SW7) Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce that due to popular demand, its famous show TOTEM will return to the Royal Albert Hall in London in January 2019. On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Through a visual and acrobatic language, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Thu 24 Jan – Thu 21 Feb – Money Matters Course (HA1) This course is for every parent who feels they would like to spend less and try and save . If you would like to find out how to manage your household budget more effectively then this is the course for you. This 5 week programme aims to make the issue around money, engaging and fun. Parents have constant pressure on their finances, having to meet expectations and demands from their children. It’s not always easy to find the time and space to make the subject of money, and its challenges, part of family life and the children’s understanding. At Hope Harrow from 9.30-11.30am.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Fri 25 Jan - Burns Night Ceilidh (SE10) Celebrate Burns Night in style with a ceilidh at Cutty Sark! Explore this historic tea clipper and then dance... Doors open 7pm. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 26 Jan - Mum2mum Market Baby & Kids Nearly New Sale (HA3) Buy top quality preloved baby and children’s goods at a fraction of the high street price. All great brands in top condition.

At Weald Rise Primary School, from 2-4pm.

Entry is £2 on the door and everyone welcome. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk harrow@ mum2mummarket.co.uk Sat 26 Jan - London Folktales for Children (EC2Y) Celebrate the launch of the book ‘London Folktales for Children’ with a magical day of storytelling, music and song at the Museum of London. Discover folktales from London’s past and present, sing London songs and explore what it means to be a Londoner through interactive storytelling sessions and performances. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 26 Jan - Big Fish Little Fish: Pirates Family Rave (E2) Set sail with the award winning, world famous Big Fish Little Fish crew as they bring their pioneering family rave to V&A Museum of Childhood for families with 0-8 year olds. Hop on board ye land lubber and dance together on a floor filled with bubbles, balloons, glitter and topped by the parachute dance! Get piratically crafty on the craft tables, enjoy some shore leave in the baby chill out or play areas. Fancy dress encouraged. www.vam.ac.uk/moc Sat 26 Jan - Make Do and Mend (E14) Learn the technique of rug making as well as how and why many families in London would have put this skill to use at the Museum of London Docklands. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands Sat 26 – Mon 28 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. ww2.rspb.org.uk Mon 28 Jan - Holocaust Memorial Day: Torn From Home (HA5) People of every Faith or no Faith are invited to Harrow’s Holocaust Memorial Day Event to hear first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide and much more. At Harrow Arts Centre from 7-9pm. www.harrowarts.com Thu 31 Jan – Thu 28 Mar – Effective Parenting Course (HA1) A 7 week programme at Hope Harrow, to help parents and carers learn practical communication skills for everyday life and to develop their abilities to bring up confident, co-operative and happy children. 020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow. org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

FEBRUARY Fri 1 & Fri 23 Feb - Dino Snores for Kids (SW7) This unique sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark while taking part in fun and educational activities.The night begins as you set up camp in one of the Museum’s spectacular galleries. Stalk the galleries as night descends and find T. rex in hidden in shadows. At midnight, it’s time to settle down to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is served bright and early and you’ll get to experience a live animal show before waving goodbye to the Museum when it opens to the public at 10.00. www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 2 Feb – Lots for Tots Sale Uxbridge (UB8) Go along to this busy salewhere you can find great quality, secondhand baby and toddler equipment, clothes, toys and more at bargain prices. 10am-12pm at Brunel University. Entry £1, free parking. www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk Sat 2 Feb - Hansel & Gretel – Community Event: a fairy-tale opera for all ages (HA5) Join Harrow’s excellent Trinity Orchestra with local singers and young dancers for a complete concert performance of the magical and well-known opera Hansel and Gretel held at the splendid Elliott Hall, Harrow Arts Centre at 7pm (with pre-show talk at 6.30pm). Composer Engelbert Humperdinck called it a fairy-tale opera, with the witty subject matter appealing to all ages: including a life-sized gingerbread house, a wicked witch and an enchanted forest. www.harrowarts.com 020 3773 7161 Sat 2 Feb - Day in the Life: The Household Cavalry (SW3) Discover more about the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the role of horses in the Army in this day of talks, workshops and family activities at the National Army Museum. Meet serving soldiers from the Household Cavalry. Get a close-up look at their operational kit, ceremonial uniform, and weapons. Hear about how they care for their horses. And find out why their job is known as the best of both worlds. www.nam.ac.uk

Continued on page 18

Sat 2 Feb - Family Day: AngloSaxon Kingdoms (NW1) A family day at the British Library, inspired by the treasures, stories and adventurous journeys of the Anglo-Saxons. Travel back to the 5th century and explore the exhibition, Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War. Take part in hands-on creative workshops: help Beowulf slay a monster, design and make your own treasures and experience international Anglo-Saxon culture. www.bl.uk Continued on page 18

Families North West London 17

What’s On

Imagine Festival Continued from page 17

Sat 2 – Sun 3 Feb - Chinese New Year (E14) Celebrate the Year of the Pig at this weekend long family festival in the heart of London’s original Chinatown at the Museum of London Docklands. Listen to classic Chinese folktales, learn how to ribbon dance, master martial arts moves, practice on some traditional percussion instruments and create beautiful artworks to take home.

What better way to start the new year? www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands Sun 3 Feb - Watford Half Marathon (WD18) Challenge yourself this February and take on 13.1 miles for Peace Hospice Care at Cassiobury Park. www.watfordhalf.co.uk Sun 3 Feb - Cancer Research UK London Winter Run (WC2N) Conquer the cold this winter and run this iconic 10k through the closed-road streets of central London.

Take in the Capital’s most stunning landmarks along the way, plus loads of wintery surprises, from an epic Snow Blast-Off to giant Snow Zones. Brave the elements in 2019 for an experience akin to the running equivalent of Winter wonderland, and raise vital funds to help beat cancer sooner! www.londonwinterrun.co.uk Sat 9 Feb - Chinese New Year at the National Maritime Museum (SE10) Get into the spirit of Chinese New Year with colourful creative activities.

Performance from Step Out Arts and the Shanghai Theatre Academy

from 2pm - 3pm. Family-friendly workshops will be running across the day, including crafts and a dragon dance workshop suitable for all ages! www.rmg.co.uk Sun 10 Feb – Dawnosaurs (SW7) Dawnosaurs is a free event for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. This event is best for children aged five to 15, and siblings are welcome. You can apply online for a place at Dawnosaurs three to four weeks before each event. Spaces are in high demand, and priority will be given to first-time attendees. www.nhm.ac.uk Wed 13 Feb – Music Session (UB10) Have fun moving to music & playing instruments at Oak Farm Library from 10.15-11am. The session is run in partnership with Oak Farm Children Centre. Booking required, contact Oak Farm Library on 01895 556242. oakfarm-library@hillingdon.gov.uk Wed 13-Sun 24 Feb - Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival (SE1) Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns for half term week. The biggest festival of its kind in London, Imagine Children’s Festival is run by kids for kids. From 13-24 February, it takes over the 17-acre site on the south bank of the River Thames for ten days of jampacked fun. Over fifty per cent of the programme is free, including the best children’s theatre, comedians, DJs, inspirational authors, family parties, activities and interactive fun for children aged 0-12 years and their families. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Thu 14 Feb - A Valentine’s Evening with the Stars (SE10) Go and enjoy an evening of events at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, including a romantically themed planetarium show, a chance to look at the Moon through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope and spend some time in the Meridian Courtyard, standing on the Greenwich Meridian. The romantic stargazing sessions include a hot beverage each to stay warm under the stars. Ages 16+. www.rmg.co.uk Thu 14 – Sun 17 Feb – VidCon London (E16) VidCon is the biggest festival for creators and influencers in the world and it is coming to London in February 2019! The festival is the place for kids and pre-teens to meet their favourite creators and YouTubers at the exCel, which will also play host to fan Q&As, panels, workshops and meet and greets. In a time where social media is becoming increasingly prominent in children’s lives, this event will show parents how different platforms can be used in a positive way and encourage confidence in young people. www.vidconlondon.com

FEBRUARY HALF TERM Feb (Dates TBC) - February Frolics (AL4) There’s plenty of fleecy fun to be had at the February Frolics event at Willows Activity Farm. The cutest event of the year will consist of live lambing and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Keep an eye on the website for confirmation of dates. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Sat 16 - Sun 17 Feb - Myths and Legends Family Festival (E14) To celebrate International Language Day on 21 February, the Museum of London Docklands invite you to join them for an adventure around the world as, for one weekend only, they become the Museum of Myths.

Storytelling is common to all cultures and has long been a chance to bring people together, share wisdom and entertain. Hear traditional tales, watch captivating performances and take part in creative workshops at this vibrant family festival weekend. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands Sat 16 – Sat 23 Feb - Hunt the Hearts (HA4) A special Treasure Hunt taking place at Ruislip Manor Library. This will be running all day - just drop in! www.hillingdon.gov.uk Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - February Half Term: Rainbow Week (SE10) Each February half term the National Maritime Museum celebrates LGBT history month. This year families can visit for a week of themed workshops drawing these stories out of the collection. Head to the website for details of workshops and dates. www.rmg.co.uk Continued on page 20

18 Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – credit Stephen Frak

familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 19

What’s On Continued from page 18

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Styx, Stones & Roman Bones (EC2Y) Roman Londoner Claudia passed away over 1,800 years ago, and according to her beliefs, her soul should have crossed the River Styx to the Underworld long ago. For some reason, she’s still here! Can you help her find her way to where she belongs? Go along to the Museum of London to celebrate Claudia’s life with music and other Roman traditions in this interactive and sensory show aimed at families with children aged seven and above. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Giant Games for Little Soldiers (SW3) Step inside a life-size board game at the National Army Museum this February half-term and battle it out to see who wins. Take on the family-friendly tasks and complete First World War-themed challenges to be the first over the finish line. www.nam.ac.uk Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Family Cookery School (HP18) Have fun with the kids this half term at the Family Cookery School at Waddesdon Manor. Create a lunch, and take home a wonderful selection of sweet and savoury treats. This hands-on cookery class is run by the chefs in the Manor Restaurant and is designed to be fun and informal. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb London Puddle Jumping Championships (SW13) Go along to WWT London for the London Puddle Jumping Championships this February half-term! Children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies and have fun jumping in puddles. Take your wellies and wet weather gear and come and have a splashing time! Puddle jumping is free with paid admission to the centre and free to WWT members. www.wwt.org.uk Sun 17 – Sun 24 Feb – Half Term at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Go along and join in the fun events planned at the Museum of London Docklands this Feb half term! Make peg dolls and pearly costumes, hear stories about the first Pearly King of East London, and become a star on the music hall stage. See website for further details. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands Mon 18 – Wed 20 Feb - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (HA5) Perform’s three day drama, song and dance February half-term course for 4-10s. If travel broadens the imagination, imagine what a trip to Narnia can do. Watch your child go through the wardrobe with Susan, Peter, Edmund and Lucy as they battle the White Witch and cheer Aslan the Lion. With magical creatures, snowy landscapes and a triumphant royal victory, Narnia is the

Perform perfect destination for the February half-term.

What your child can enjoy: Three fun-packed full days of drama, dance and singing, Energetic friendly team of actors, dancers and musicians, Colourful performance on the last day for friends and family with original music and costumes, Personalised certificate of achievement for every child. —Orlagh absolutely loved it and didn’t want it to end. I was hugely impressed with the performance. Julie Dunford For ages 4-10 years. 10am to 3pm at Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, Eastcote, Pinner, HA5 2QU. T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/lion Mon 18 Feb - ‘Five a day to help you play’ (UB4) A Healthy Heart Storytime with fruit tasting. At Hayes End Library from 10:30-11:30am. Suitable for the under 5’s and their families. 01895 277043 hayesend-library@ hillingdon.gov.uk Mon 18 – Fri 22 Feb - Star Track (N9) This holiday camp at Lee Valley Athletics Centre offers budding athletes of 6 - 12 years expert tuition in a range of athletics skills. Run over a series of days the camps give kids the chance to test and improve their skills in all of the different athletics disciplines from hurdles to high jumps, sprints to javelin. www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Wed 20 Feb - Roman Mosaic Making (EC2Y) Help create a Roman mosaic based on the mosaic flooring in the Roman London gallery at the Museum of London.

Stick on as many pieces as you like to the giant mosaic, or create a Roman-inspired paper mosaic bangle to take home. This session is designed for children under five and their parents or carers. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wed 20 – Fri 22 Feb - Amazing Animation Workshop (HA5) Take part in a fantastic three-day workshop with Gemma Burditt at Harrow Arts Centre, where you will develop artistic skills and make your own creative animation! Parents need not stay for the sessions! Tailored for children aged 7-12 Years Old. 1-4pm. www.harrowarts.com Thu 21 Feb - Pre-Film Workshop: Make Your Own Rabbit (HA5) Join crafty extraordinaire Joni-Rae Carrack at Harrow Arts Centre and make your own warren of toilet roll rabbits to join Peter Rabbit and his gang! Cut out and decorate your own cheeky band of bunnies before scurrying off to watch Peter Rabbit on the big screen! Please Note: Pre-Film workshops are only for children who are also attending the Half Term Film: Peter Rabbit. £3, 10-10.45am. www.harrowarts.com

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results • Established 17 years in Stanmore •

• • •

Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, London Studio Centre, Ballet West Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Contemporary/Jazz classes Mat Pilates for adults and senior ballet students

Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher) T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

20 Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

cardboard boxes and other materials to build a model of the East End and all the places that make this such a unique part of London. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands

MARCH Hansel and Gretel, Trinity Orchestra ©James Burwell Thu 21 Feb - Half Term Film: Peter Rabbit (HA5) Showing at Harrow Arts Centre, Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. 11am - 12:45pm, £4. www.harrowarts.com

Carrack at Harrow Arts Centre. Will you make a clown, an acrobat, a dancer or a juggler? Or maybe your own unique act? Then step right up to this wonderful mini-movie workshop! Please Note: Pre-Film workshops are only for children who are also attending the Half Term Film: The Greatest Showman Singalong. 10-10,45am, £3. www.harrowarts.com

Fri 22 Feb - Games To Get You Moving for Children and Parents (HA4) Giant snakes and ladders, hoola hoop, hop scotch and more. At Ruislip Manor Library from 2.15-3.15pm. www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Fri 22 Feb - Half Term Film: The Greatest Showman Singalong (HA5) Enjoy the smash hit musical that everyone can’t stop singing, on the big screen at Harrow Arts Centre! Experience the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation, with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. 11am-1pm, £4. www.harrowarts.com

Fri 22 Feb - Pre-Film Workshop: Circus Puppets (HA5) Roll up! Roll up!

Make your own fantastic circus performer split pin puppet with arts and crafts Ringmaster Joni-Rae

familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 23 Feb - Morning Explorers: Exploring Roman London (EC2Y) Explore the Museum of London at this relaxed early opening, sensitive to the needs of children with autistic spectrum conditions. The galleries will be open exclusively to Morning Explorer families from 8.30-10am, alongside activities for the whole family such as object handling, arts and crafts sessions, and a sensory space. Families can also book onto a relaxed performance of the half term family show ‘Styx, Stones & Roman Bones’, which will take place at 10am. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sat 23 Feb - Mapping the East End (E14) The East End is a vibrant area of London full of warehouses, docks, and historic buildings with links to the city’s past. Go along to the Museum of London Docklands and use

Sat 9 - Sun 10 Mar - Families Find Out: Inventions (EC2Y) How have inventions shaped the London of today?

And what would you invent to change the future? Get curious with scientists from Imperial College London and be inspired by science and technology in this extravaganza of inventionthemed activities at the Museum of London. This festival is part of British Science Week. www.museumoflondon. co.ukCheekiMonkeysRickmansworthandWatford www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London 21

What’s On

What’s On Children’s Theatre We couldn’t fit them all in! More online www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

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 with the venue directly before setting out.

The Alban Arena

The Beck Theatre

Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

Grange Road, Hayes. 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

Tue 19 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Tue 22 - Sat 26 Jan - Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians We all want to meet people from history.

The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

Artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Sat 16 - Thu 21 Feb - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.Based on the muchloved book picture by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families. Ages 3+ Fri 22 Feb - Pub Quiz for Kids Hosted by one of the UK’s favourite stand-ups, this quiz goes where no quiz has gone before. Story knowledge, family film and TV music rounds mix with the mystery round where we know the questions but only one person can know the answer.

And that person’s in the audience. Confused? So are we!

Fantastic fun for the whole family together. Prepare for quick-fire competition, lots of laughs and very few prizes.

Ages 5+ Sun 24 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. Ages 4+

22 Families North West London

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Fri 18 Jan – Fri 8 Mar - Planet Play Spring Season Welcome to Planet Play, a magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration, for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years. These 45 minute sessions will encourage young children to develop and explore the world around them through song, music, movement and a truly sensory experience.

Fri 18 Jan – Sat 9 Mar - Tales from the Shed Spring Season Vibrant, interactive theatre shows, perfect for young children. 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. It is guaranteed that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs. Ages 0-6 yrs

Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com

Sat 2 Feb - Hansel and Gretel Join Harrow’s own Trinity Orchestra with local singers and dancers for a complete concert performance of the magical and wellknown opera. Composer Engelbert Humperdinck called it a fairy-tale opera, with the witty subject matter appealing to all ages: a life-sized gingerbread house, a wicked witch and an enchanted forest. His score wonderfully depicts the famous Brothers Grimm story with beautiful melodies, catchy folk tunes and sumptuous orchestration.

Mon 18 – Tue 19 Feb - Pinocchio Immersion Theatre are thrilled to present a brand new, larger-than-life musical adaptation of the much-loved classic, Pinocchio! Based on Carlo Collodi’s fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off the page and onto the stage in a vibrant re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures. Packed with comedy, audience interaction, and a completely original score guaranteed to have you singing along from start to finish, this high energy musical promises to be the perfect treat for the whole family.

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com

Fri 8 Feb – Sun 7 Apr - Prince Charming It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming.

There’s all those dragons to fight and kingdoms to save, not to mention being charming all the time. It’s enough to make anyone a little worried. Holed up in his bed, Prince Charming is making a list of his worries – from being struck by lightning or getting stuck in quicksand to the problem of his unfortunate name. Somebody needs to come to our Prince’s rescue. This new musical is funny, endearing and suitable for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious. Ages 6 – 11 yrs Mon 18 – Tue 19 Feb - The Boy and the Mermaid On the farthest edge of a wind-battered rock there sits a small fishing town. Sometimes it feels like the town is on the edge of the world. That’s mainly because it is. The Boy lives with his Grandma, forbidden from venturing beyond the shore, but the tall tales of the monsters in the deep only whet his appetite – he stares at the ocean and dreams. Can one unlikely friendship save the Town On The Sea from catastrophe? Join three shanty-singing fishermen as they weave a fishy tale of musical merfolk, menacing monsters and spectacularly bad town planning. 5 – 11 yrs Wed 20 – Sun 24 Feb - 3 Little Pig Tails A brand new version of the classic story of the three little pigs set in Paris. A grumpy old wolf is a chef who wants some pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the little pigs outwit the wolf and what kind of house will they build? A funny, warmhearted and interactive rustic tale to make you squeal with laughter, bristling with puppets, live music and lots of joining in. Ages 3 – 8 yrs

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com

Until Sun 13 Jan - Room on the Broom Live Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick when they pick up a helpful dog, bird and frog for a ride.

But this broomstick’s not meant for five and ‘CRACK’ it snaps in two! Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up in the Olivier Award nominated show.

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 www.nhm.ac.uk www.thewiderearth.com

Until Sun 24 Feb – The Wider Earth The critically acclaimed drama about the young Charles Darwin’s expedition on HMS Beagle is currently playing at the custom-built theatre in the Jerwood Gallery at London’s Natural History Museum, and has extended its run until 24 February 2019. Featuring a cast of seven, and 30 extraordinary hand-crafted puppets representing the exotic wildlife Darwin encountered, The Wider Earth is an ingenious coming-of-age story which celebrates the incredible complexity of our planet and Darwin’s adventurous spirit as he faced perilous environments and unknown dangers on his bold voyage.

Pump House Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info

Wed 20 – Sat 23 Feb - The Jungle Book Kids Performed by the Rickmansworth Players Junior Theatre, the “man cub” Mowgli, bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, the jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat featuring a host of colourful characters and favourite songs from the movie.

and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Wed 20 Feb - The Little Mermaid The story follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Will she be prepared to give up everything? Is it really better out of the water? Who knows? But of course there’s a handsome prince, an evil baddie, a funny side kick and bucket loads of laughs along the way. With stunning scenery, eye catching costumes, original songs plus up to date chart songs, not forgetting loads of audience participation, this show makes for a thoroughly entertaining family day out. Ages 4-10 yrs

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

Sat 2 Feb – Sun 10 Mar - It’s Hot, It’s Not Why is it that sometimes I’m hot but you’re cold?

Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? And if it’s summer here, why is it winter there? Reckless Sleepers is an extraordinary company who make work between visual art, dance and theatre. This surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance explores the weather in all its forms and takes delight in discovering the world anew and how we experience it differently, wherever we are. Ages 2-5 yrs

to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

Watford Colosseum Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Sat 9 – Sun 10 Feb - Bing! Live Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of make-believe things don’t always go according to plan… Don’t miss the chance to see your little one’s face as their favourite characters are brought to life in this brand-new show. Full of fun, laughter and music, Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.

Winston Churchill Theatre Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 01895 250615 www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Jan - Treasure Island The Argosy Players present a voyage into fun-filled pantomime mayhem! Long John Silver and his fearsome crew may think that treasure is within their grasp, but they’ve reckoned without the ladies of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute! Filled with mischief, custard pies, songs and laughter, this is a voyage into panto mayhem that Argosy Players do not want you to miss!

Watersmeet High St, Rickmansworth WD3 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk

Thu 17 - Sat 19 Jan - RARE Productions presents: Hairspray It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Wed 20 – Sat 23 Feb - High School Musical Jnr Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life at The Pump House in Disney’s High School Musical Jnr. Troy , Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to entertain audiences young and old. Performed by Rickmansworth Players Youth Theatre.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice W9 (During the summer the Barge is at Richmond, TW10) 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com

Sat 9 Feb - Sun 24 Mar - The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse These two famous mouse cousins take it in turns to visit one another.

First the Town Mouse goes to stay with the County Mouse and has to face up to the unfamiliar world of the wild countryside. Then, the Country Mouse heads into town and has to learn to escape from the house cat and navigate the noisy city traffic. Each mouse ends up much the wiser as a result of their exciting adventures. A delight for young and old, told with rod puppets, music and sing- along songs.

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Sat 16 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles.

Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation

familiesonline.co.uk

Bing! Live

Families North West London 23