Families North West London Magazine Issue 100 May&June 2015

Issue 100: May/June 2015 www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

FREE North West London Including North Middlesex and South Hertfordshire (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Harrow, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between)

Celebrating our 100th Issue!

SUMMER CAMPS Help your child to learn to tell time 11+ Preparation

PLUS

Open Days, What’s On and much more inside!

Welcome to the May/June issue!

IN THIS ISSUE: 7 Planning Family

Mealtimes

9 Help Stop the ’Summer

Learning Slide

CONTACT US:

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon

Families North West London Magazine

16 Summer Camps

Feature

Editors: Heather Waddington and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

@FamiliesNW Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue.

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

22 What’s New

24 Local Clubs and

Classes Directory

UPCOMING ISSUE: July/August 2015: What to do with the kids this Summer!

Deadline: Monday 25th May Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Trending articles on the FNWL website: ▲▲ Etiquette Classes for Children ▲▲ Residential Summer Camps ▲▲ Party Planning Ideas

Front cover image: Lisa Slocombe, www.lisaslocombephotograhpy.com

Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

Scan our QR code to take you straight to the most current local information!

▲▲ May Half Term Events www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk Families NW London Magazine is distributed to over 30,000 families.

To advertise YOUR BUSINESS with us, call: 01923 237 004 email: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

NEWS SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds Tel: 01923 255099 E: SportsKids@outlook.com

Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years by expanding and rebranding to

SportsKids Academy American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc

We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth

www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk 2

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

New outdoor play area and equipment for local Day Nursery!

Spring has sprung and the children of Little Academy Day Nursery are celebrating having their new play surface and physical equipment installed in the last month. They are enjoying having a new climbing apparatus which encourages them to develop their balance and co-ordination and are developing their imagination with the beautiful bright colours of the play surface; developing their maths and problem solving skills using the new number line and having fun with the number hopscotch. Staff and children alike are looking forward to the coming months- exploring and expanding their understanding of the world of nature through having the direct contact with their environment and experiencing the different weathers and the seasons that we have. www.thelittleacademy.co.uk

NEWS Butterfly World reopens for 2015 with all new Music Meadow Recently visited by Hertfordshire based pop star and gardening enthusiast Kim Wilde, the new Music Meadow can be discovered in a secret corner of the antennae walks. Children will love to bash out a tune on one of seven giant instruments made from recycled and household materials. Try a bamboo xylophone, wind chimes made from metal table legs, huge drainage tube air pipes, or a corrugated tube scraper. The instruments were designed and made by Butterfly World maintenance manager Bob Higgins who explains, ‘It’s amazing what you can do with your rubbish. We wanted to reuse or recycle the old materials we were clearing out over the winter and if you check your recycling bin you can probably make some fantastic instruments at home too!’ Many other new upcoming features such as the British Butterfly Garden, Bee Zone and a whole range of new activities should make this season at Butterfly World the most exciting yet! www.butterflyworldproject.com 01727 869203

Harrow Open Studios 2015 Upcoming Events and Exhibitions HOS is an independent and diverse group of over 38 artists whose main focus each year is to invite the public to visit their homes and studios for an exhibition of their work. Visitors will be able to meet the artist, ask questions, purchase work or arrange a commission.

The 8th annual Open Studio event will take place from Saturday 6th June to Monday 8th June, Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June 2015. Admission to all studios is free.

From now until the 28th May 2015 Harrow Open Studios artists will have a taster exhibition of their work at Harefield Hospital in the Hungary Hare Restaurant and Rebeat Gallery with 30% of each sale donated to projects within the hospital. And throughout May 2015 the Harrow Arts Centre is hosting a free taster exhibition of work by Harrow Open Studios artists in The Gallery and corridors. Work on display will include paintings, ceramics, jewellery, prints, wood turning and textiles.

Brochures will be available from April at Harefield Hospital, Harrow Arts Centre and Harrow libraries as well as wide local distribution.

For details about artists and studio opening times visit www. harrowopenstudios.com and its links to Facebook and Twitter.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

3

NEWS Dog charity urges parents to ‘Be Dog Smart’ Dogs Trust launches dog safety campaign as survey reveals a third of parents would let their child approach a dog they don’t know and one in three children are afraid of dogs.

Pulling his tail, sitting on him, disturbing his sleep and kissing his nose are just some of the antagonising ways children act around dogs according to new survey released in March by Dogs Trust. The charity is urging parents to never leave a child alone with any dog as part of its ground breaking Be Dog Smart dog safety campaign launch.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Adrian Burder, comments: “Children can come into contact with dogs every day and being around dogs can have so many wonderful benefits, but the simple fact is that all dogs have teeth and any dog can bite or snap if worried, scared or hurt. So, to reduce the number of dog attacks, whether you are a dog owner or not, it is important that we all know and teach our children, grandchildren, pupils and friends how to behave around dogs.

Dogs Trust’s Guide to ‘Be Dog Smart’: 10 easy tips to remind kids how to stay safe around dogs:

Beware of disturbing dogs that are eating or sleeping.

Even if for fun, don’t ever tease a dog please.

Don’t approach a dog with no owner around.

Only stroke a dog when the owner says ‘Yes, you can.’

Get the dog to sniff your hand first, then stroke gently.

Strange dog approaching? Stand still, look away, cross your arms (Do the X-Factor!).

Move calmly and quietly around any dog.

All that hugging and kissing - you might like it, dogs don’t!

Remember all dogs have teeth.

Treat dogs with respect and they will respect you!

For more information, advice and to book a Be Dog Smart workshop please visit www.bedogsmart.org.uk where the ‘Be Dog Smart’ Family Guide is available for download and packed full of highly practical tips for the whole family.

CBBC star makes surprise visit to Laurance Haines Primary School On Monday 30 March, Sid Sloane surprised students at Laurance Haines Primary School by visiting them to sing songs and play games. The CBBC star was in Watford ahead of performances at Watford Colosseum, where he played Captain Smollett in The Pirates of Treasure Island over Easter at the Watford Colosseum.

Sid Sloane was one of the original presenters who launched CBeebies, and since 2002, has become one of the country’s best loved children’s presenters. Sid is still features regularly on CBBC, and is also touring the country with his own live stage show.

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NEWS Local students take centre stage!

Students from both Stagecoach Watford and Stagecoach Stanmore & Harrow Weald got the wonderful opportunity of being in the UK Touring Production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ at the Watford Colosseum in the week commencing 9th February 2015. The two choirs shared the 10 performances throughout the week and had an incredibly worthwhile live experience.

Students aged 6-14 years old were on stage throughout the show singing 24 numbers alongside the touring cast of professionals. Alex aged 9 from Stanmore said ‘it was the best week ever’.

As one of the world’s leading performing arts schools for young people, Stagecoach delights in seeing all their students grow in confidence and develop lifelong skills as they learn to sing, dance and act in a safe, fun and welcoming environment.

Contact your local school for further information about their weekly classes: Stagecoach Stanmore & Harrow Weald, 020 3504 2154, Stanmore@stagecoach.co.uk; Stagecoach Watford, 01727 768 738, Watford@stagecoach.co.uk; Stagecoach Harrow, 020 3504 0100, harrow@stagecoach.co.uk; Stagecoach Harrow on the Hill, Sudbury Hill and Wembley North; 01923 248 294; harrowonthehill@stagecoach.co.uk; Stagecoach Northwood, 01923 264 364, northwood@stagecoach.co.uk

Local mum wants to help you clear-out and clean-up!

A new online business recently launched that allows parents to buy and sell nearly new designer and high quality children’s clothing at competitive prices.

Mykidswardrobe.co.uk is the brainchild of local mother of three, and former teacher, Ingrid Mahdi who realised that there was a lot more life left in quality clothes once her children had outgrown them but not always an easy way to pass them on for a profit.

My Kids Wardrobe is based on the American consignment store principle which sells used goods on behalf of the owners. The advantage over buying on eBay or Facebook is that all goods are quality checked before being offered for sale whilst the seller is saved the hassle of taking photographs, dealing with customer queries, packaging and posting goods. The company will collect a minimum of 25 items of quality and designer clothing brands, any items which don’t meet the strict quality standards can be returned to the owner for a small fee or donated to a charity.

Ingrid, who has been running a franchised Baby and Children’s market for the last two years, recognised that parents wanted to dispose of their children’s outgrown clothing in a sustainable manner whilst recouping some of their investment in high end children’s clothing.

Mykidswardrobe.co.uk

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Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford call: 0208 123 9346 email: jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet call: 0208 201 1084 email: jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: niro@littlekickers.co.uk

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5

Parenting

Mind Your

Manners

E

arlier this year we were followed on Twitter by Niche Etiquette Children – a local London business whose vision is ‘to teach your children how to practice good etiquette skills every day of their lives, seamlessly.’

I was intrigued! Who are the clientele? What is the curriculum? Is it really relevant to our current societal expectation and practices?

I got in touch with Taryn Jahme, founder of Niche Etiquette Children and arranged for my Master7 to attend an upcoming session to see what it was all about!

 A bit of background Taryn brings to the business over 14 years of experience and has worked with children of diverse backgrounds and cultures. “I started Niche Etiquette Children because I wanted to develop in newer generations a true sense of etiquette blended with the life coaching that is missing in modern education methodology. To do so I designed a system around etiquette classes for children that allows every child I work with the opportunity to progress naturally, picking up the traditional etiquette training that is the core of our vision whilst learning to cope with their emotions and learning to deal with any obstacles they may face in their lives as they grow into young-adulthood.

My vision as founder of Niche Etiquette Children is to encourage schools, communities and parents to invest in their children’s etiquette and recognise its increasing value in today’s world. Manners, poise, life-skills and respect can all be taught through etiquette classes and are all necessary tools that we need in the long run, to help fulfil the true potential of our children.

As for relevance, Taryn suggests that good manners and etiquette are as important now as they were in years gone by when they were not only practised but also expected. “Although people often believe that etiquette is a foreign concept or old fashioned, the reality is that good etiquette such as having good manners, being polite and having a general respect for people and your surroundings, has always been and will remain to be

the best way to progress in life; by making friends, succeeding in education, securing a good job, meeting a like-minded partner, and so on.”

 The sessions Her curriculum centres around an intensive etiquette training system which includes interactive games, role-play, life coaching and theory - all designed to be informative so that children discover and learn important lessons in ways that are graceful, elegant, memorable and fun.

Children are invited to attend a Sunday lunch over 90 minutes at a high end London boutique hotel. Topics covered include: dining etiquette, the art of table conversation, meeting and greeting, social skills raining, grooming and hygiene, and deportment and dress code over the first two sessions, with the curriculum becoming more advanced into elite silver service dining as the children progress in subsequent sessions. Children are expected to arrive looking smart and well dressed. Cost of the session includes all materials and the meal.

Master7 was apprehensive at first, but after being warmly welcomed by Taryn upon arrival, he took his place at the table for 5 and I went off to enjoy a quiet wander through the local area shops.

When I returned to collect him, the other boys who attended the session were just leaving, all smiles and with a spring in their step. Master7 himself was eager to show me his certificate of completion and asking when he could go back again!

He regaled me of all he been told and practiced, most of which he admits he already knew from my own nagging around our dinner table, but the experience of reinforcement in a new environment and with a peer audience seemed to make the message more memorable and certainly enjoyable.

Niche Etiquette Children offers sessions for children between the ages of 7 and 13 years every Sunday at a London hotel www.nicheetiquettechildren.co.uk

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Parenting

Family mealtimes

Let’s all eat the same!

Top tips on how you don’t need to cook ‘Children’s meals’.

By Kathryn Mewes

I

know, I know, I can hear: “My children eat too early, they eat food I don’t want to eat, my husband/wife is home so late.” But I still think, the aim can be that you prepare one meal for dinnertime. The children eat and you have a small portion with them. When your husband/wife arrives home they have the same meal. A portion has been set aside for them.

Friday: Fish and Chips night!

Saturday: Pizza and Pasta night!

Sunday: Roast dinner You can alter the menu plan every week or have 2 – 3 that you simply rotate.

This has so many advantages: • The food shopping can be done once a week, ordered online for ease.

I believe that it is so important for children to realize that they cannot have their ‘favourite’ meal each and every day.

My ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and there are 2 options – Take it or Leave it.’ Once this attitude is adopted and you remain consistent you will find that the children adjust and adapt to your ‘new way’ at mealtimes.

• Everyone knows what is going to be served.

I also think that there is too much emphasis today on children having to eat all of their meal. This is what leads us to only giving them food we know they will eat. It is important to realize that your children may leave some of their meal but as they start to realize this meal is going to appear at least once a fortnight they will adjust. Slowly but surely they will ‘tuck in’. The key is that your children are seeing a variety of foods and you are eating with them. I often suggest creating a ‘meal plan’ so that everyone knows what is on offer that night.

Please don’t expect your family to instantly adapt. They will ‘dig their heels in’ before accepting the permanent change. If a meal is not eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and a cup of milk to line their stomach before bed. The most important thing is not to offer them something else – you will then be back to where you once were.

Example Meal Plan Monday: Spaghetti bolognaise and green vegetables Tuesday: Fish cakes and potato wedges and roasted vegetables Wednesday: Thai chicken curry with rice Thursday: Sausages and mash and onion gravy with carrots

• You don’t have to think each morning about the ‘evening meal’.

• You are only cooking one meal for the family.

Frequently asked questions: “What if my child won’t eat it?”

introducing change you need to lead by example. You can have a small portion, or mainly vegetables while sitting with the children. I have ALWAYS found that children behave far better at the table when an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating not just observing.

Children’s meals It is very common for children to like ‘dry food’. By this I mean nuggets, fish fingers, chips, potato wedges, pesto pasta and sausages. There is terribly nothing wrong with any of these meals but at some stage your child needs to expand.

There is a whole world of exciting food beyond ‘children’s menus’! I suggest these meals are on the weekly menu and they are enjoyed but children need to see your favourites on the menu too!

For further information and advice on guiding your child at mealtimes please purchase the book The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes or go to her website to find out about her bespoke service www.bespokenanny.com.

“We all have different tastes.”

You should be able to create a meal where there is something for everyone.

For example a curry. You might find one family member prefers the rice, the other the vegetables and the other picks out the meat. In time they will expand on this and start to eat more of the meal. A salad can always be served as an accompaniment to cater for all.

“I don’t want to eat early with my children.”

The important thing is that if you are

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7

Education

What can parents do to help maintain academic abilities during the holidays and stop the ‘Summer Slide’?

Pam Ahluwalia, a manager with Leaders are Readers, has some suggestions.

M

ainstream education includes ALL schools and as such must cater for the majority – or what national statistical ‘evidence’ indicates is appropriate standards for children at various ages, which in itself is a complex matter. There also exists a disparity between mainstream ‘standards’ for state schools funded by the government and the academic ‘norms’ of independent schools.

Those pupils that are unable to fit into the way their own school operates – either due to social, emotional, behavioural, economic, cultural differences or learning needs – may struggle. Supplementary schools and tutors can, in these cases, provide a service that a) help those pupils struggling to get more value from their mainstream schools, b) help those children be motivated to excel, or develop a

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

higher aptitude to learn, and c) help bridge the learning gap between the independent and state schools.

During long holiday periods – especially over the summer – all children, whether from state school or independent schools, are affected by the lack of academic stimulation. By the time they return to school in September, most students typically score lower on standardised tests at the end of their summer holidays than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer: this is according to research spanning 100 years. Why does it matter? Over time and if nothing is done to ‘plug’ or address this learning slide which begins at primary school level, pupils can fall consistently behind their peers who have participated in summer enrichment programmes. Ultimately this can affect their overall grades at secondary school and college.

Education Summer school can provide structured support in terms of individual tutor attention to those pupils that are struggling. It can also provide a boost to those children that are high-fliers and help bridge the disparity of educational standards between state and independent schools.

Although this is by no means the only way; parents can themselves devise a programme of activities to keep their children stimulated by way of: a) visits to museums, galleries or exhibitions, etc. b) regular trips to the library for reading materials c) listening to radio broadcasts d) watching TV programmes on educational themes

to visit the supplementary school, attend a presentation if available, speak to other parents whose children attend or have attended the summer school (to get as much information as possible) and make an informed choice.

Leaders are Readers offer supplementary educational programmes at their award-winning Saturday schools and summer schools; specialising in maths, reading and English programmes from age 3 - 13 years, including 4+ and 5+ assessments, and 7+ and 11+ exam preparation.

01992 651300; www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

e) reading texts from journals and magazines f) games, experiments Non-formal education should seek to provide purposeful consequences and value for the child. Preparation of some instructional materials is key. Reading also makes a very significant difference and is worth highlighting, but this is not something that is easy to enforce; in the case of a ‘reluctant reader’, constant supervision is imperative (and still not always guaranteed to make a difference).

Of course there are resource implications for both structured and informal education during the holidays. The cost of summer schools versus the cost of games, reading materials and day trips, (including entrance charges, travel costs, time-off work, personal time to plan/organise and execute the non-formal activities). Perhaps parents could opt for a few weeks of summer school and the remainder of the summer holidays spent in informal education.

Finally, since there is no formal, statutory regulating body for supplementary education, it is important for parents

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9

Education What are your Y5 child’s chances of passing the 11+ exams next year?

Do you really know?

By Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais

I

t’s simple - your child needs an assessment so you know whether your child would pass the 11+ exam or not.

You need to do this before you start thinking about schools and tutoring.

Without it, you might as well lick your finger and hold it in the air to see which way the wind is blowing!

Every secondary school, state selective or independent, has an exam score entry level range for the children they are looking for. This varies every year depending on: how many children sit the exam and what scores they achieve. Their results will create that range. That is why some years are harder or easier to achieve a place in a school, than others.

However, there does seem to be a target score range that one can assume will be good enough to achieve a place, based on past children who have achieved places at specific schools.

for places at all schools. The entry levels for the independent schools were high and children who passed the academic exams, then had to pass the interview.

nightmare - well it is, for the wrong child! But for the right child - it’s a great challenge with a huge sense of achievement at the end!

Interview practice should not be ignored in the final preparation. The interviews do matter, and children do get rejected on the basis that they are ‘too shy’. Whether you agree with this way of selecting or not, this is what your child will have to do in order to achieve a place at a good independent school.

Your child can maximise their chance of passing the 11+ exams and the only way you are going to know what that chance may be is by having your child properly assessed to find out if they’re bright enough to manage this challenging exam and the school environment they may be fortunate enough to be offered a place in for Year 7.

State selective schools have ‘fast exams’. Lots of questions, instructions and fast responses are needed when answering. Only the fastest and wellpractised will get through these tests, as they really challenge the best students to keep a level head and focus at all times.

This mature and grounded approach requires consistent solid preparation.

Success will not be achieved being fainthearted.

This year, we saw fierce competition

If this sounds like your worst

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Assessing your child is a sensible place to start, to decide whether to try for the 11+ or not.

Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children, including the 11+. If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais on: 020 3488 0754 at www. jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Education

Walk to School and Work Weeks

T

his year’s Walk To School Week takes place 18-22 May, bringing together nearly one million school children, teachers and parents, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet!

one. Or nominate your dream walking companion from the world of books and dress up as them on Walk to School Day. Download loads of puzzles, pledges and challenges from their website, and discover more ways of celebrating Walk To School Week. www.livingstreets.org. uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-toschool-week-18-22-may-2015

Walk To School Week is part of National Walking Month, which takes place throughout May. It also includes Walk to Work Week, so us parents don’t get out of it either!

This year it is all about the health benefits of walking. During the week, Walk to School mascot Strider encourages pupils to take his 5-Day Walking Challenge – supported by their fantastic classroomfocused pack. Day 1 focuses on a healthy body, as daily exercise has numerous physical health benefits including helping to reduce the risk of childhood obesity and medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Day 2 is health and happiness, as regular walking helps to keep young minds healthy and alert ready for their arrival at school. Day 3 concentrates on healthy habits. An energetic walk at the start of the day encourages healthy eating habits such

as having a nutritious breakfast every morning. Day 4 is healthy friends and family, as the walk to school is the perfect opportunity for some quality family time or a good chat with friends. And finally Day 5 is a healthy environment – walking means less pollution and cleaner air – a benefit for everyone!

There are plenty of fun ways to get involved. Why not set up a Park & Stride area around your school, or hold a Walk to School event and encourage your friends to leave their cars at home for a day? You could team up with neighbouring schools and organise a walking relay between schools, with refreshment stops at each

For us grown ups, Walk to Work Week runs 11-15 May 2015, so if you fancy a bit of healthy competition in your workplace check out the website and discover where walking can take you. Their free workplace walking challenge is a fun way to get some competition going between you and your colleagues. Use their free tools to log your walks and see how many calories you burn, as well as their live workplace and team totals and leaderboards to spur you on. www.walktoworkweek.org.uk National Walking Month runs exciting and varied events up and down the UK, so to keep in touch with everything that is going on make sure you sign up online at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/ walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week.

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11

Education

How can you help your child to learn to read the time?

A

s a Special Needs Therapist I work with all sorts of curious learning glitches. Of recent years one that seems to be cropping up more and more is that of children with reasonable ability who are not able to read an analogue clock.

What skills are required needed to be successful at reading the time?

12

There are many attributes a child must have before being successful at this task: 1. Good language skills.

Reading the time requires the child to understand prepositions - what is before and what is after? Teaching prepositions is best done using movement. Taking counting forward -moving forwards, counting

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

backwards – moving backwards. This is at the most basic level, progressing to more complex activities.

Once prepositions are understood in term of manoeuvring in space, children pass the first level and they will have the skills to

Education

To understand reading the time requires the implicit knowledge of both logic and sequence. understand the significance of when the time is past the hour or to the hour

2. Good sequencing skills.

To understand reading the time requires the implicit knowledge of both logic and sequence.

Encouraging a child to talk about their day each and every day makes them think about logic and they will begin to apply sequences. Having poor sequencing skills also hinders retention of complex spellings.

3. Good Working Memory.

Remembering the hour is the shorter hand

on the clock and the minute is the longer hand on the clock is challenging for some children, particularly when combined with applying meaning to what numbers these clock hands are actually pointing to.

My (free) resource removes the memory portion of the activity because the colour of the number changes colour to match the colour of the hour hand, the connection can be made quicker with this aid.

4. Processing at speed.

When reading the time once you see where the hands are pointing children need to quickly apply meaning to the position. This requires recalling the five times tables and applying whether the time is to the hour or

past the hour. This has to be done at speed.

They cannot use any external tool to aid themselves; it is all done mentally at speed.

5. Keeping focused.

Reading the time requires good visual attention and this is difficult for children who have poor visual tracking because their eyes will not hold steady on the thing that needs to be looked at, because their eyes may move around, resulting in their brain getting more and more confused.

Improving eye tracking can be critical to this task. Specific visual motor activities such as Bal-A-Vis-X (a schools based programme) can really help with improved tracking for all visual tasks.

Finally to read the time all the above strategies need to be done simultaneously and need to be practised daily for a few weeks with particular emphasis on which ever aspect is challenging....it takes a lot of patience...and time.

Usha Patel is a Special Needs Therapist at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk.

See the advert on page 9 for her most recent promotion to help reading improve by a year in three months.

If you have a child with learning ‘glitches’ call her on 07766 837 616.

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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: Wed 20 May, Prep Sch - 9.30-11.30am. Sat 13 Jun - 10am -12.30pm - Prep School 01923 851664. Senior School 01923 858122

Avanti House School Stanmore HA7. Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs. www.avanti.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8249 6830

Buxlow Preparatory School Wembley HA9 7QJ Boys and Girls 4 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk

Open Morning: By appointment. 020 89043615

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

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737.

Charlotte House Preparatory School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3.

Girls 3+-11yrs. www.charlottehouseprepschool.co.uk

Open Day: Thu 7 May, Sat 9 May, all 9.30-11.30am. 01923 772101

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

Open Day: Sat 3 Oct, 1-4pm. 020 8266 1700

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

Open Day: Sat 4 Jul, 10.30am-12.30pm, Jun sch. Sat 3 Oct, Jun Sch 10am-12.30pm; Sen Sch 2-5pm. 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org.uk

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: Sat 10 Oct, 10am-1pm. 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

Merchant Taylor’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 11-18yrs www.mtsn.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 9 May 2015, 10am-12.30pm. To make an appointment for a school tour at an alternative time call 01923 845514

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

Open Day: Sat 26 Sep, 10am-12.30pm. Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch 020 8951 6481/6468.

Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. www.northwoodcollege.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 6 May, Mon 29 Jun, 9.30am. Bluebelle House (nursery & Rcptn) Fri 15 May, Tue 9 Jun, 9.30am. 01923 825446.

11+ MOCK EXAMS Held at Watford Grammar School for Girls - March through to August 2015

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14

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

Education Northwood Preparatory School Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. www.northwoodprep.co.uk

Open Morning: Fri 9 Oct 2015. 01923 825648.

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

Open Day: Sat 9 May, 10am-12pm. 020 8869 7634/7600

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

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660

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

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092

Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley WD4. Boys and Girls 0-18. www. rsskl.org

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 262 505

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: Sun 11 Oct, 2-5pm. 01923 725354

Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs.

Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268

St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years (day) admin@stchristophersschool.org.uk

Open Morning: Friday 19th June, 10:00 – 12:00 noon.

020 8902 5069

St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthn.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 17 Jun, 9.30am-12pm by appointment only.

01923 843230

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

Open Day: Tue 19 May, 9.30am-12pm. 0208 950 1751

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

Open Day: Wed 20 May, 9.15-11.15am. 020 8866 0067

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

Open Day: Thu 7 May, 9.30am-12pm. 020 8901 0872

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

Open Day: Fri 5 Jun; Sat 6 Jun, all 10am-12pm. 01923 825 740

St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 1 May, Fri 5 Jun, Fri 3 July. 10am-12pm 020 8205 7153

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

Open Day: Sat 16 May; 9.30am-12pm.

01923 772 395

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Summer Camps

SUMMER CAMPS Believe it or not the summer holidays are on their way!

Northwood Community Arts Group

And what better way to keep the kids entertained than with a great summer camp or activity. Whether it’s residential, further afield, or a day camp right on your doorstep, we’ve hunted high and low to find out what’s going on to keep the kids busy these summer holidays.

And remember to tell them Families North West London Magazine sent you!

 RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre – Somerset Sunday 12 July – Saturday 22 August.

AIGAS various dates Wildlife Holidays & Courses in the Highlands. Offering fully inclusive, small-group learning holidays and study courses exploring the stunning wildlife, habitats and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. 01463 782 443 www.aigas.co.uk

A family run, not for profit, educational and environmental organisation which has been inspiring, exhilarating and educating children and adults since 1982. Summer camps are a maximum of 60 residential kids per week which create the ideal home from home environment. The centre is in 25 acres of beautiful fields, woods and river with over 40 exciting and challenging activities. At least 6 fun and exciting activities per day – from high ropes, tunnelling, overnight camping expedition, 300m zip wires, archery, games, to raft building, canoeing, climbing and crafts with 24hr challenge for the oldest. Trained, experienced and fun staff. Both residential and day camps.

Always with own age group. Ages 8–15. Rail escort from Paddington available.

ATE - Superweeks are 7 day residential holidays running 27th July-3rd August, 4th11th, 12th-19th, and 20th-27th August. The Council makes sure that keeping children safe, both physically and emotionally, is ATE’s top priority. Ages 8-16 yrs. 0845 456 1205 www.ate.org.uk Camp Wild 27/7-18/8 In glorious East Devon.

They will be running residential camps for 7-12 yr olds and day camps for 6-12 yr olds (recommended day camp length of 1-3 days, either M-W or W-F). 6-12yrs 01404 822 188 www.escotcampwild.co.uk Marlborough College 12th July-8th August Wiltshire SN8 1PA Marlborough College Summer School continues to welcome young people (3-16yrs) to their action-packed week of activities and entertainment either as residents with their families, or as day students on their own or in a group.

01672 892388 www.mcsummerschool.org.uk

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01749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk Wildchild Activities Offer 2 day Residential Adventure Camps for children aged 8+.

Activities include den buidling, fire lighting, scavenger hunts, climbing, abseiling, tobogganing and zip wire! Children sleep in bunk beds in canvas bell tents and can enjoy toasting marshmallows around a campfire in

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

the evening. Camps take place at an outdoor centre near Hemel Hempstead. 0845 3717099 www.wildchildactivities.com Xplore Activity Camps – Summer Activity Residential and day Camps! Offers the choice of going to camp for a day, week or even for your whole summer holiday! There is always a mix of activities so whether you are super outdoorsy or prefer to be more creative there will be something for you. Xplore is Ofsted registered, accepts childcare vouchers and have centres all over the UK 01449 742700 www.xploreactivitycamps.com XUK Activity Summer Camp – 12th July – 22nd August XUK is a multi-activity summer camp based in the beautiful location of the Norfolk countryside, just 1½ miles hours north of London. Activities include adventure (rock climbing/rifle shooting/quad bikes/high rope courses/water zorbing) sports, water sports, drama, dance, arts and crafts, cookery and much more! Children join them for anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks. They welcome 6-17 year olds. 020 8371 9686 enquiry@xkeys. co.uk www.xkeys.co.uk/residential-camp/

 DAY CAMPS Aqua Style – Run fast track swimming courses during the holidays. These are available in Northwood and Bushey. 07925 954144 www.aquaswim.org Aqua Vie – 5 days consecutive swimming lessons in Bushey. 01923 245773 www.aquavie.com

Summer Camps Art and Craft Summer Camp with My Sisters and Me. Do you have children with an arty streak? Are you looking for something to keep them entertained in the long summer holidays? Then book them into the Summer Camp at Harrow Arts Centre where a different theme will be introduced every day. The classes are from 9.30am-3pm, for ages 5-11 years. 07946 055 422 info@ mysistersandme.co.uk http://mysistersandmecreate.blogspot. co.uk/ Art Club at The Triumph Press – summer workshops for children aged from 6 years. Each week follows a different theme and you can choose as many weeks as you like. 07949 594946 www. artclub.co.uk Aspire Offer Ofsted-registered activity camps during the school breaks. Camps are great for 5 - 14 year olds and are run by experienced staff. 020 8420 6725, www.aspire.org.uk Barracudas Day Camps are for children aged 4.5-16 yrs. who want to try new activities, meet new friends and most importantly have fun! All camps are OFSTED registered.

Activities include motorsports, lab rats, archery, fencing, trampoline, swimming, arts & crafts, drama and many more.

Offering 34 locations centres at summer camps including Watford and Barnet. 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk BrightStars Learning Summer School is a two-week English and arithmetic programme aimed at 4 -11 year olds. Running from 10th-21st August, there is a designated pre-reception and 11+ class. Their enthusiastic and friendly team of teachers look forward to making this an enjoyable and beneficial experience for your child. Based in Edgeware, Middlesex. Contact Reena Damani on 07538 656810 brightstarslearning.co.uk Brondesbury Sports Club Kids’ tennis and multi sports camps run during May and Summer holidays. Multi-sport camps in the Summer offer football, hockey, tennis, cricket, netball, table tennis and rounders, run by fully qualified coaches – book for a day or a week. They also offer term time and summer cricket coaching all set in a beautiful central location near Cricklewood, Hampstead and West Hampstead. admin@brondesburysc.co.uk www.brondesburycoaching.co.uk Blag Youth Theatre 27th July- 8th August Performing Arts Summer School in Chorleywood. “Annie V Oliver; The Battle of the Orphanages” is open to all kids from 8 - 16yrs. Rehearsals from 10am-6pm daily, performance at The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. 01923 772 320 www.blagtheatre.com.

continued on page 18 v

Bucks Meadow Pony Week – Run Pony Days and Stable Management courses during the school holidays. 01923 212670 www.bucksmeadow.co.uk Camp Beaumont Multi-activity day camps offering over 40 different activities at Mill Hill School, NW7 2AQ, 6th July–28st August for ages 3 – 16 from 8.30am – 5.30pm and St Helen’s School, HA6 3AS, 13th July– 28th August for ages : 3 – 16 from 8.30am – 5.30pm 0800 655 6560 or www.campbeaumont.co.uk Cross Keys Day Camps 27th July-21st August Mon-Fri is day camp based at Christ College School in East Finchley. OFSTED registered, it runs three academies: sport, art and drama for ages 6 to 13 and also runs a multi-activity group for 4 and 5 year olds, who get to try a bit of everything. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, dance, drama, circus skills and much more! 020 8371 9686 www.xkeys.co.uk/day-camps/cross-keys/

continued on page 18 

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Summer Camps  continued from page 17

Cooking Camp Creativz is back for the summer - bigger and better than ever with loads of new recipes! The camp is running for 3 weeks this year with early bird discounts.

So, if your child wants to be the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella, call 02089586628 or email tracey@messyplay.co.uk or facebook Cooking Camp Creativz Explore Learning – Offer Maths and English tuition sessions for 5-14 year olds throughout the school holidays. 01895 636378 www.explorelearning.org.uk Fit For Sport delivering OFSTED registered Activity Camps for children aged between 3 – 12 years old, for over 20 years. Camps are a great way for your child to keep active, have fun, make new friends and take part in a wide range of sports and activities. Activity camps are delivered every school holiday by Fit for Sport, the UK’s Leading Healthy Lifestyle Activities Provider!

0845 456 3233 or www.fitforsport.co.uk Fleet Tutors – Run 5-day or 3-day small group preparation courses for 11+ or 13+ entrance exams. These are run by highly successful school entrance exam tutors and focus on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and NonVerbal Reasoning during the week, with students sitting mock exam papers.

0845 644 5452 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

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Gymboree Watford. Summer camps for 2.5 - 5 year olds. 2 hour activities include sports & fitness, theatre arts workshops and pre-school classes. Available Monday to Saturday. Must be pre-booked. Contact watford@gymboreeuk.com, 01923 250440, www.gymboree-uk.com/watford Harrow Woodcraft Folk. Fun & freedom in the countryside, at their weekend camps all summer, for all the family. Camp craft such as putting up tents & fire lighting; group games in the fields and woods; exploring nature; arts and crafts and campfire songs & stories. Call 0208 428 2409 www.woodcraft.org.uk Hatch End 11+ Tuition Run various courses over the Summer Holidays in preparation for the 11+ exam. 020 8421 3066 www.hatchend11plus.co.uk/ Hertsmere’s Summer Fun Play Schemes.

Kiddie Camps: 5 to 7’s (4 to 7’s at Furzefield Centre) Day Camps: 8 to 14’s. Including face painting, games, arts, sports and swimming for the 8+. Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Bushey 01923 470140, The Venue, Borehamwood, 0208 386 9886, Furzefield Centre, Potters Bar, 01707 850500 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre (HOAC) Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and Land activities for 8-18 yr olds.01895 824 171 www.hoac.net Holidaytime Holiday Club – Offer a fun, active and safe time for all children aged between 3 and 15 years at Quainton Hall School in Harrow. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, trips, sports coaching, cooking, parties, nature trails, games, and much more.

07903 126486 www.activetime.co.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

Jaderberg Krais Will have workshops running on Sunday 26th July and Thursday 27th August covering Maths and also preparation for the English State Selective exam. 020 3488 0754 www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk/ Jigsaw Summer Schools – designed to provide enjoyable and stimulating performing arts activities for students during the school holidays. The sessions are split into age groups of 3 to 5 years and 6 to 16 years.

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Kiddikicks Daily classes and summer multisports camps for children aged from 18 months up to age 7 years. Class duration from 45 minutes up to 2 hours. Kiddisports Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Bat and Ball. Hyde Park and St John’s Wood. 0207 937 7965/ 0845 602 8276 www.kiddikicks.co.uk Kids Can Achieve – Run play schemes for children with additional needs. The playscheme is all about your child having fun through play and structured activities, and sessions are arranged around constructive play, arts and crafts, outdoor play and swimming. 020 8420 2300 www.kidscanachieve.co.uk King’s Camps the UK’s leading provider of sport and activity camps for 4-17 year olds during the holidays. Offering week long packages and FlexiCare; there’s something available for everyone.0114 263 2160 www.kingscamps.org

Summer Camps Little Big Leaders Summer School is the place to be if you want your child to learn during the long summer holidays and exceed when they go back to school. London Academy Monday 27th July to Friday 14th August (HA8) and Bushey Academy Arena Monday 3rd August to Friday 21st August (WD23) and Rickmansworth School Monday 20th July to Friday 7th August (WD3) 020 8213 3100 www.littlebigleaders.co.uk Little Kickers Courses running throughout the summer. Football training for kids from 18 months to under 7 years. Ruislip, Northwood/ Oxhey, Pinner, South Harrow & Watford jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk 0208 123 9346.

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet jlevene@ littlekickers.co.uk 0208 201 1084. Bushey & Harrow HA3 0208 422 0676 www.littlekickers.co.uk

Veggie Kitchen

Leaders Are Readers – Their Summer School is attended by children from all over the world and early booking is advised. This year they are running from 27th July–14th August at Grange Park Primary School, and 3rd-21st August at Haydon School in Pinner. The aim is to cover a year’s essential work in 3 weeks, fill in learning gaps and prepare children on advanced topics so they can zoom ahead when they return to school in September.

01992 651300 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Magikats – Their Summer Holidayniro@ littlekickers.co.uk Programme is for students not able to attend workshops during term time, and gives a six week boost at a time when most children’s brains switch off.

Fun learning material helps the student to progress, giving them a great boost for the start of the new academic year. 0844 870 9896 www.magikats.co.uk Makes ‘n’ Bakes – Summer holiday baking classes for ages 2.5-6 years. Begins with a story, weighing out ingredients, baking a yummy creation then making a quality craft.

Sessions last 1 hour with a maximum of 6 children per class. 07787 984401 wilkin@aformosia.com

Mini Minors Holiday Camp & Play Scheme.

Multi-activity holiday day camps for children aged 3-6 in Summer holidays. Based at Brookland School in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, dance, drama, bouncy castle, yoga and much more! Ofsted registered and inspected as ‘Outstanding’! 020 8371 9686 www.xkeys. co.uk/day-camps/mini-minors-xuk-day/ Mini Picassos – Fab, fun and creative! Holiday workshops from 12-3pm weekdays for children aged from 4-11 years. Clay modelling, painting, plaster, charcoal and graffiti spray plus cartoon Manga/Moshi style drawing sessions.

07903 638817 www.minipicassos.co.uk Monkey Music – Monkey Music holiday workshops are a popular way to keep children entertained during the holidays. Unlike the regular classes where children are strictly grouped according to age, the holiday workshops cater for a mixed age group of children. Older siblings love joining in the fun and they also welcome friends and visitors.

Book early to avoid disappointment. 01727 831867 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Mother Nature Science Holiday Camps: 5-12yr olds. The best way for children to learn and have fun with science is through engaging them in exciting hands-on activities during the holidays. Wow your child with spectacular demonstrations, encourage them to participate in enquiry-based discussions and provide them with take home experiments they have made themselves. Choose from: Science Explorer! & Scientist Factory! Venues all over London, camps run weekdays 20 July21 August 2015. Visit www.mnature.co.uk for up to date programme information or call 020 8863 8832 or email info@mnature.co.uk.

www.activetime.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

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Summer Camps Supercamps May half term and summer multi-activity day camps for children aged 4-16, 40 + activities available with a good mix of sports and arts & crafts plus performance, archery and swimming. 13th July-28th August at Northwood Collegefor Girls, HA6 2YE and 20th July-28th August at Royal Masonic School for Girls, Rickmansworth, WD3 4HF 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk Theatre Tribe for ages 8–15 yrs. Each week will be a workshop for a different show with a performance on the Friday. Weekly from 3rd28th August at South Hampstead High School.

020 3239 3149 www.theatretribe.co.uk The Dan Tien – Join in with a week of singing, dancing, making, sticking and loads of fun games too, as well as a performance for friends and family. Suitable for ages 4-12 at Harebreaks Community Hub in Watford. 01923 441043 www.thedantien.co.uk image ©Bibbysalt

Northwood Community Arts Summer Circus Skills 2015 Mon 3rd to Fri 7th August from 10.30 – 3.30 daily - St Johns Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood, HA6 1DN – with Albert and Friends Instant Circus - £95 per participant aged 6 – 12: Opportunity to try activities including stilt walking, rolla-bolla, juggling, diablo, giant ball trotting, unicycle and tight-wire walking (real wire a small height above the floor!) Family members can watch participants perform amazing new skills on final day! Book.

01628 675800 northwoodarts@artreach.biz www.northwoodcommunityarts.co.uk

NumberWorks‘nWords - Maths and English tuition classes which will target identified needs to improve achievement levels. Catering for all levels from 4 to 16 years old. Specialised programmes for 7+, 11+ and SATs. www.numberworks.co.uk 0208 868 7672 eastcote@numberworks.com Orley Farm School Holiday Club weeks run Mon-Fri, 10-15.30 during the summer holidays.

Activities include: dodge ball, trampoline, tennis, rounders, dancing, netball, basketball, swimming, cricket, gaelic football, hurling, and canvas painting and jewellery making. 4+yr olds. 0208 8697600 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Perform – Your child will work alongside an energetic team of theatre professionals combining live music, dance and improvisation into a magical mini-performance with colourful costumes and props on the last day.

There are experiences every school holiday and they range from three hours to five days.

0845 400 4000 www.perform.org.uk

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Raviv Practice London - Prevent regression in the school holidays- Keep your child’s brain stimulated and improve academic performance during the holidays. Raviv Practice London offers three evidence-based computer programs that present the perfect compromise between play and work. Oneto-one intervention scientifically proven to improve your child’s grades.

Contact Usha Patel - Raviv Practice London on 07766 837 616 Rose Hall Farm – Offer a range of courses for junior riders, including Pony Day’s which are for one day and look at riding and stable management. They also offer 2, 3 or 4 day courses which cover show jumping or flatwork/dressage, with riding in the morning and afternoon. They also include lectures on various aspects of show jumping or dressage and stable management. 01442 833269 www.rosehallfarm.co.uk ROS Stageworks – An opportunity for young performers to take part in a specially adapted (junior) version of a well known musical, after a week of rehearsals and workshops. This year’s theme is “Seussical Jr” and the school will run from 25th July – 1st August.

0208 868 5338 www.rosswsummerschool.org Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts – From 24th-28th August Musical Theatre Summer School at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth.

There is a session for 3-5 year olds daily at 10.30am-12.30pm, and for 6-18 year olds at 10am-4pm each day. 01923 711063 www.sharpeacademy.co.uk Summer Shed – Chickenshed will be running week long events through the summer holidays which will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance. For ages 5-12 years.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Play Wembley. Summer & football camps for 3-8 year olds in a fabulous contemporary surrounding. OFSTED registered. Camp includes multi-activities, hot & cold lunches & optional drop-off.

Contact info@playwembley.co.uk, 0208 9039966, www.playwembley.co.uk

Stagecoach Summer Workshops performing arts holiday workshops for 4-6 year olds (half day) and 6-18 years (full day). Learn a show in a week, make friends, learn new skills working with industry professionals – with a costumed performance on the Friday to family and friends! Stagecoach Harrow 27th-31st July. 0203 504 0100; Stagecoach Sudbury Hill & North Wembley 10th-14th August 01923 248294. www.stagecoach.co.uk/ holidayworkshops

Push and Glide – Run 5 day crash courses during the holidays at Northwood College.

These are suitable for ages 3-4 years and 4 years+. 07749 554405 www.pushandglide.co.uk

Stitch–London – Spend up to 3 days in the Stitch Studio in Cuckoo Hill, Pinner, making!

Suitable for boys and girls aged 8+. All fabrics and materials supplied. 0750 300 1024 www.stitch-london.co.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

The Performing Arts Club in Ruislip – Hold a four day workshop during the summer holidays with a theme. Sessions run from 10am-3pm at Ruislip Methodist Church. 01438 831281 www.active-creative.com The Radlett Centre Five Day Musical Theatre Workshop. 8-16 years. 27th-31st July and 17th-21st August. Sing, dance and act at this very popular event! They do not ask for any previous experience, but as this is a performance of a very high standard, you must be prepared to work hard and take direction. 01923 857546 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Type IT! – Fast track holiday courses suitable for boys and girls aged 10+ and other family members such as parents and grandparents.

The course includes encouragement to develop good touch typing skills, 5x fun and engaging daily lessons and fun keyboard games away from the computer screen. The course consists of two 75 minute lessons daily with two activity breaks. 020 8864 0325 www.typeitforkids.co.uk Watford Football Club Central Trust – Football and Multi-sports Summer Camps at various local venues. 01923 496362 www. watfordfcsetrust.com Watford Palace Theatre – Participation Summer School. A week of drama, fun and games where you can work with professional theatre directors to create a play in a week.

01923 810307 www.watfordpalacetheatre. co.uk/page/3011/Participate Willows Farm Village – Activity Day Camps Weekdays from 23rd July – 2nd September except bank holidays. This Summer, leave the kids at Willows Farm Village for great holiday adventures every day! As well as all the fun of Willows Farm Village, the children enjoy indoor play with fun activities in their exclusive playrooms. Lunch and a two course hot meal plus all drinks and snacks are also included. Activities include cookery, laser tag, zoom floom, science experiments and rock climbing on selected dates. Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTED registered. 01908 209217 www.willowsfarmvillage.co.uk.

The Windmill Studios – Professionally organised theme fun days for 4-9 year olds during the summer holidays. Participate in all forms of dance, drama, singing, rapping, costume design, theatrical make up, photographical modelling, catwalk modelling and the making of a pop video. 01895 624755 www.thewindmillstudio.com

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Balance bikes are the best way to introduce children to cycling, as they develop balance naturally increasing their confidence and ability to ride further. Having learnt on a balance bike children transition smoothly to a pedal cycle when the time is right.

FirstBIKE was designed in Germany with one goal - to build the safest and best balance bike for toddlers and pre-schoolers- including a rear drum SafetyStop brake that provides gentle, gradual breaking and a steering limiter to help young riders control the bike and prevent falls.

Extremely light (only 3.9 kg with a brake) and completely weatherproof so it doesn’t scratch, splinter, swell or rust, the high-strength yet flexible frame together with inflated Schwalbe tires provide shock-absorption to protect your child’s spine.

All FirstBIKE’s come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork and a 5-year warranty on all other parts and are available in 9 colours. FirstBIKE has won a number of prestigious awards both in Europe and USA, including Creative Child Magazine’s ‘Product of the Year’ and the ‘Best Value Award 2015’ from FQ Magazine. To see FirstBIKE in action and view the whole range visit www.first-bike.co.uk.

WIN a FOAM DART FRENZY PARTY with Gambado Watford for up to 10 children!

Is your child a NERF nerd? Then enter the Gambado Watford competition to WIN a fabulous FOAM DART FRENZY PARTY for your child and nine friends!

Perfect for boys and girls aged between 6 – 12 years. You will be assigned your very own Party Host, 30 minutes Free Play including bumper cars, slides & play frame (depending on site facilities), 30 minutes Party Celebration including hot & cold party buffet, unlimited sugar-free juice & water and 60 minutes of Foam Dart Frenzy battle including weapons, safety goggles and a weapon for the birthday child. Additionally there are Gambado balloons, printable Invitations, thank you cards and last but not least a FREE gift for the birthday child! *Worth £189.50.

If you are not lucky enough to win take advantage of this Exclusive Party Offer for under £100!

Book our super popular Tiger Party or NERF parties for ten or more and receive 20% off up to £29.90 per booking! To Claim: Quote ‘FNW20’ when booking. The 20% savings can only be received when making full payment at the time of booking the party. Valid 7 days a week until 30/6/2015. Queries please call 0844 375 9494 Monday-Friday

H 1 Party Package to win

H 1 ‘Street Red’ FirstBIKE® to win

WIN a MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA goody bag!

WIN one of 3 places (one place per venue) at Little Big Leaders Summer School 2015!

©2014 Handle Productions Oy, Pictak Cie ©Moomin Characters™

3 students have the opportunity to attend one of the Little Big Leaders Summer School 2015 for a duration of 3 weeks (15 days). The Summer School offers an opportunity to Enhance Learning in a Stimulating Environment through Structured and Relevant Curriculum based on initial assessments - delivered by Friendly Professional Staff and providing Excellent Value and Better Assessment Results . The winner will need to be available to accept their prize at the London Academy at the Saturday School and agree to have their photograph used for marketing purposes.

For more information please contact Little Big Leaders info@littlebigleaders. com, 0208 213 3100 *RRP £825 per place Rickmansworth School - Monday 20th July to Friday 7th August The London Academy - Monday 27th July to Friday 14th August The Arena Bushey at Bushey Academy - Monday 3rd August to Friday 21st August

Join the Moomins and friends old and new as they leave Moominvalley behind and head south in MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA, which opens in cinemas nationwide through Vertigo on 22 May. In search of adventures, the Moomins, Snorkmaiden and Little My set sail for the French Riviera. After a perilous journey, they reach their dream destination where Snorkmaiden is dazzled by the attentions of a playboy leaving Moomin consumed by jealousy. When Moominpappa befriends an aristocrat and adopts the name ‘de Moomin’, an exasperated Moominmamma retreats to the calm of their trusty old boat, to wait for her family to come to their senses and to remember their motto: “Live in peace, plant potatoes and dream.” Directed by Xavier Picard and produced by Hanna Hemilä, MOOMINS ON THE RIVIERA was created in a unique hand-drawn animation technique inspired by and based on Tove Jansson’s original comic strips. The feature celebrates the beloved characters in their original context and reflects their cross-generational and universal appeal, even 100 years after the birth of their creator, Jansson. Certificate: U (tbc) Running time: 80 minutes Goody Bags will include: 4x Moomin Plush Toys (1x each of Moomin Mamma, Moomin Pappa, Moomin & Snorkmaiden), 1x Cinema poster, 1x Moomin Storybook (may differ from those illustrated), 1x Pudsey DVD, 1x Streetdance DVD, 1x Allstars DVD, 1x Unbeatable DVD

H 1 place at each venue to win

H 3 Goody Bags to win

To ENTER and for full competition terms and conditions visit

H www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk/competitions H

3 months to 5 years

Open Mornings: Fri 1st May, Fri 5th June, Fri 3rd July • Open 8am-6pm 51 weeks a year • Newly refurbished, modern, and well equipped • Fully safe and secure building • Large outdoor area Kingsbury NW9 8PN Tel: 0208 205 9744

www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

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What’s New Get cordless!

New for 2015, Vax has created a family of LithiumLife powered cordless vacuums designed to bring the convenience of cord-free cleaning to every room in your home. The Air Cordless Lift is a full size upright vacuum with up to 50 minutes runtime, making it the only vacuum cleaner you’ll ever need. This model’s new ‘Lift-out’ design seamlessly transforms into a portable cylinder vacuum at the push of a button. RRP £349.99 The Air Cordless Switch is a lightweight cordless stick vac that quickly transforms into a handheld cleaner. So whether you have a few crumbs in your car or need to quickly blitz your rooms, it has the job covered. RRP £179.99 The Floormate Cordless This not only washes, scrubs and dries sealed hard flooring, its cordless design means you won’t trip up or get tangled and you don’t have to bend down to plug it in. RRP £249.99 www.Vax.co.uk TM

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FirstBIKE® FirstBIKE® is an internationally acclaimed balance bike designed for children between two and five and deemed to be the safest in its category. Made with a flexible lightweight frame, your child can enjoy year round cycling with the following safety features: SafetyStop brake (ensuring gentle and gradual braking), Steering limiter (helping the child control the bike and prevent falls) and horse saddle seat (ensuring safety riding downhill).

Available in ten colours and five different models. RRP £69.99-£119.99. www.first-bike.co.uk

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Enjoy some of the UK’s favourite desserts without a cow or chicken in sight!

The new range from The Living Food Kitchen is proving that you can enjoy some of the UK’s favourite desserts without a cow or chicken in sight and the results, they think, taste just as good as the ‘real’ thing Whilst the products will undoubtedly appeal to vegans and those looking to avoid gluten and dairy, there is something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds in which includes blueberry, lemon and raspberry cheesecakes, pumpkin pie, chocolate mousse and Banoffee pie – who says you can’t have your cake and eat it!

RRP from £2.59 www.thelivingfoodkitchen.com

Kano Kano is a computer and coding kit for all ages, where children as young as eight can make games, synth music, animate characters and much more. To get started, you assemble all the pieces in the kit to build your own computer – then you connect it to a monitor of your choice. Once Kano is built, you can make everything from a wireless server, custom worlds in Minecraft, and games like Pong and Snake as well as create music and sounds through coding. No experience necessary – just an inquisitive mind! RRP £119 (with free shipping). uk.kano.me

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Tractor Ted Meets Baby Animals - DVD and Book Tractor Ted, the UK’s favourite little green tractor, is launching his latest DVD along with a book of the same title. In the DVD, Tractor Ted will take viewers on a tour of a real life farm with Fudge the dog. This 40 minute film is packed full of real life footage of farm animals and machines in action as well as facts about life on the farm. The accompanying 32 page soft back book holds stunning real life photography of baby farm animals. The text is easy to read and understand. RRP DVD £8.99 book £4.99 www.tractorted.co.uk

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TRIED AND TESTED! Slumbersac: The innovative toddler sleeping bag with feet Slumbersac’s sleeping bags with feet are just like their normal sleep bags but with openings for feet so children can walk around while staying cosy in their bag! Made from soft 100% jersey cotton, lined with 100% cotton and padded with soft quick-dry polyester fleece. Available in two prints, four sizes (from 12 months–4 years) and two weights (1.0 tog and 2.5 tog) RRP £18.99 - £22.99 www.slumbersac.co.uk

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Kozi Kidz Smidig Jacket Perfect three-season outerwear for beating unexpected chills or wrapping up during long evenings on the campsite, the lightweight Smidig is filled with warm and compressible, synthetic insulation for instant cosiness!

Protective zip garage prevents rubbing against your child’s face, snug-fitting elasticated cuffs and a high-collar keep winds at bay and rear reflectors offer extra visibility. Supplied with a handy matching carry bag, it can be packed away when not in use.

Versatile padding snaps back into shape as soon as you remove it from the bag. Machine washable. RRP Jacket £55.00 / Gilet £35.00 www.kozikidz.com.

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A new series of picture quizzes that introduce children ages 3 - 7 to the world around them. The unique fan design allows you to read a question and then simply slide out the next card to see the answer.

The picture based format and simple text means it is FANtastic fun for kids, who can play it on their own, with family or friends and in a variety of ways. Designed with guidance from teachers, each of the four colourful fans are packed with a wide range of questions which encourage conversation and support Early Years and Key Stage 1 goals. Available from Amazon and Waterstones online. RRP £6.99 www.brain-factor.com

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Russell the Dream Sheep Dog Russell helps toddlers sleep with his softly changing green and blue glow, which gently lights up the room with a calming ‘colour therapy’ display. With a voice recorder, so parents can record themselves talking, singing or reading a favourite bedtime story. Stocked in Mamas & Papas, John Lewis, Boots, Toys R Us and Jojo Maman Bebe, as well as a number of independents. RRP: £34.99 www. sweetdreamers.co.uk

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Rockabilly Kids Toothbrush A recent survey commissioned by children’s toothbrush company, the Rockabilly Kids, found that a staggering 75% of parents had no idea that the toothbrush holder is in fact the third dirtiest item in the average household - even more unhygienic than the toilet seat. Inspired by Weebles, they’ve invented Europe’s first self-standing toothbrush; eliminating the need for a toothbrush holder. Ergonomically designed and approved by dentists. Suitable for ages 3 – 7 RRP: £6.99 (For a year’s supply) Available from: Boots (in store and online), Ocado and JoJo Maman Bebe

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Mummy on the Edge Now, I have time on my hands and writing on my mind

T

ime to hover over Midi-Me’s shoulder when she’s supposed to be doing homework and make sure she’s not on bloomin Minecraft. Time to keep the house clean (er… maybe not).

Time to drive her to Chuck in Hatch End for a cheeky, midweek burger. Time to ponder over birthday riddles meted out to overworked Singaporean children. And time to unblock my own creativity.

As new and odd as this feeling is to me, it must be equally weird for Midi-Me. She has lived her entire sentient life, from the age she was in that picture, knowing that her mum is a Sign and Sign teacher.

We constantly bump into my past students at restaurants and at Tesco’s and every end of term she helps me munch through the chocolate gifts and reads my cards out loud exclaiming “Aw! That’s so nice!” while adding another piece of evidence to her mental Mummy is a saint dossier. She softens my furrowed brow when I’m thinking about how many places I have left to fill for next term and chops vegetables for fried rice when I bark into the kitchen that I “HAVE to get this booking email out tonight!!!”

Now however, flowers, chocolates, wine, champagne, scarves, sunflower pots, notebooks, key chains and MORE chocolates cover every surface. And a massive load of cards, emails and facebook posts, each message vying with the next for heartfelt gratitude and tear-inducing farewells. “Thank you so much for helping me communicate with my child, we love you and will never forget you.

Good luck with your writing.” I am handing over the reins of Sing and Sign, the business I have run (by the seat of my pants) for 12 years.

This was not just a business but a way of life for me and my Midi-Me. It supported me during single motherhood and enabled me to make drop-offs and pick-ups and hang around for after school shenanigans. It enabled me to remain independent, and gave me something important to wake up for, a purpose that felt like I was doing good in the world. I met thousands of lovely parents who came back again and again with their thousands of gorgeous children along the way. They all put up with my crazy days and my bonkers ways; my badly made tea and terrible jokes. Their patience never faltered when I was late; when I had forgotten integral items of kit, and whole verses of songs (that I had sung daily for years); and when I had to pause the

class for five minutes until I could stop my laughing fit, seemingly brought on by nothing at all (well, the latest was when the editor of this magazine had cold coffee poured accurately and without spillage into her shoes by someone else’s toddler) {EDITORS NOTE: it was truly hilarious! And my shoes never smelled so good!}. And these parents and their babies kept me laughing and laughing through the years. They were my therapy and I sometimes felt that I should have been paying them, not the other way round!

If you are reading this, thinking, Oh no, this all sounds like the warm, fuzzy, hilarious non-scary baby class for me, did I miss out?

Rest assured. Sing and Sign continues in Harrow and Bushey, Ricky and all over the country. I looked far and wide to find a suitably multitalented, experienced, loving and mildly bonkers replacement for me… and found the marvellous Shell Clohessy (shell@singandsign.co.uk) who has thankfully agreed to take up the mantle.

So now, it is entirely conceivable that I will spend all my free time eating nachos and watching Real Housewives instead of indulging in more high minded pursuits. And Midi-Me will discover who her mother really is. However we will both be busy very soon. This August, MidiMe will acquire a step-dad (gasp! -I will have to think of a suitable sobriquet for him; no doubt he will pop up in future blogposts.) And I will acquire two step-daughters. Just call us the modern-day Brady Bunch. So there’s cake to choose and dresses to buy (- although MidiMe will probably want to wear a polo shirt). But there’s time for it ALL now. Phew! And time to write about it too!

For those of you whose kids are sitting the 11+ this year and have not done any prep, I’m going to sum up my non-expert advice and recommendations for a couple of good books.

Find me at www.facebook.com/angelina. melwani or at www.mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com or on twitter at @appleina

Paediatric First Aid Courses Sun 17 May; Sat 27 June Pinner/Harrow Area Accepted for Voluntary OFSTED Registration.

Training can be extended for Full Registration at no further charge.

Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85

Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

BOOK YOUR PARTY NOW! tel: 0208 427 8847

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

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Local Clubs and Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS Mary Kay Skincare Classes (UB) FREE classes offered. A tailored demonstration to meet your skincare needs and a trial of the products.

There is no obligation to buy. Invite two or three other ladies and have fun. Based in Uxbridge but do travel.  e.drew@hotmail.co.uk www.marykay.co.uk/edrew  07939657075 The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore.

Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for women through out their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for the water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for women, mothers and infants. There is Aquabellies - aquanatal yoga for pregnant mums, AquaTinies - classes for mum with baby AquaMamas - post natal mum only class and also Aquabelles, aqua yoga classes suitable for all women.  07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabelliesteachers.co.uk/anjli-patel/

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 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 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 Nower Hill School, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org

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 TinyTalk (Ruislip, Ickenham & Rickmansworth) Baby Signing and Toddler Talking, Newborn to 4 years old. One hour classes of signing and singing with instruments and sensory equipment which is based on a theme each week, as well as time for socialising, while babies learn to develop their social skills and play with toys. Classes term time only - Tesco Community Room in Watford on a Monday, St Giles Hall in Ickenham on Thursdays and Methodist church in Ruislip on Fridays. 07879 604967/01895 313150  www.tinytalk.co.uk/ruislip

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 Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and parties.  01923 892140  www.gambado.com Partyman World of Play - Wembley (HA0) A magical place of multilevel play structures, air cannons, comfy seating for mums and dads to relax. Indoor playcentre and fabadousa party venue.  0208 904 9044  www.partymanworld.co.uk The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting venue which hosts many activities for ALL ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755  www.thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Active in Music (HA5) Active in Music is a music school for children aged 5+, combining individual and group learning to give a fully rounded approach to learning an instrument. Piano, violin and guitar are available to learn. Please see website for further details and call to arrange a time to see the classes and the school.  020 3504 1000  www.activeinmusic.com Beat Building (HA1&HA2) Using drums & percussion from around the world beat Building is an inspiring & energising musical activity that teaches the core principles of music and rhythm..  07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk Dinky Dancers (various) Classes are a fantastic & original mixture of dance, creative movement, P.E. skills & musical activities. Written by experts & based on the Early Years’ Foundation Stage, go and find out why OFSTED rate them as ‘OUTSTANDING’! Their classes help develop skills vital for education such as listening, following instructions, turn taking & concentration.  01923 239424 / 0208 207 2109

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Little Notes (HA1) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2014.

Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians.

Real music, real instruments, really fun! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years. Please see website for more details and to book a Free Taster Session.  020 8426 4114  www.littlenotes.org Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Focusing on a range of engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down tempo, leaving parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy tickling roller coaster!  Contact hilda@mini-maniacs.com or visit www.mini-maniacs.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 ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers. Voted 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 Hillingdon, Eastcote and Harrow. 01895 674587  www.monkeymusic.com The West London School of Tabla (HA2) Learn rhythm and improvisation with classical Indian Percussion. Syllabus aimed at 4-11 years with assessments and examinations.  020 8864 6364  www.wlstabla.co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE 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. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. 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!  08452 26 26 94  www.enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.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 Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s Mixed Martial Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs old. Ladies Only Boxing & Kick Boxing from 15yrs old. Mixed Adult Classes from 16yrs.  www.fightingcombatfitness.co.uk; www.moderncombatmartialarts.com;  07818 416 671 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 remi@rugbytots.co.uk Salle Paul Fencing Club (NW9) Fencing for boys and girls in age appropriate groups near Brent Cross Shopping Centre. For ages 5-7, 8-12, 13-17 (and 18+). Free parking, wifi and seating area. Termly courses for children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school. Spaces available to join mid-term. First session FREE - quote “Families” when booking.  sallepaul@leonpaulfencingcentre.com www.sallepaul.co.uk SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children.

All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth  01923255099  sportskids@outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk Tumble Tots (Various) Physical activity group for babies – 5 yrs. Develop balance, climbing, agility and co-ordination skills.  www.tumbletots.com White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 5-12 held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail.co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk

Massage & Yoga Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates & Baby Massage, for those in & near Eastcote Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood & Uxbridge. info@positivlifefitness.com  07974 062 973  www.positivlifefitness.com www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit YogaBelliesKidz & YogaBellies Little Angels (WD/HA) YogaBelliesKidz are a fantastical yoga journey for 4 to 8 year olds (and pre-teen classes for 9-12 years). The sessions are written in line with the UK National Curriculum for Excellence and are active and interactive. YogaBellies® Little Angels Yoga & Massage for Toddlers sessions are aimed at babies aged 10 to 36 months and allow caregivers and toddlers to continue

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

the bonding process through yoga and dry massage routines. These sessions are an excellent way of developing a toddler’s motor skills, focus, breathing and relaxation. Classes in Watford and Harrow.  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures for children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, posture and concentration and also helps in relaxation. These fun and engaging classes are designed for children from walking to 12 years of age.  Contact details: 08458997168. deepti@yogabugs.com. www.yogabugs.com

Swimmimg Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim without aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of parking. They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and weekly ‘Term Time’ courses.  www.aquaswim.org  07925954144.

Aqua Vie (WD23, WD5) Small classes based on the Alexander Technique.

Babies from 6 weeks.  07525 657 987  office@aqua-vie.com www.aqua-vie.com Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and abilities, ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults.  www.aweswim.co.uk  01923 537070 Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, they pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching environment. They provide fully qualified instructors who are committed to maintaining and improving an excellent quality of teaching along with low ratio swimming lessons in a safe environment for children aged 3.5 years plus. All abilities are catered for, from gaining water confidence through to competition training, following the ASA progressive scheme awards..  07749554405  www.pushandglide.co.uk Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School.  Splashtime Swim School  07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452

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.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Classes available for everyone from 2.5 years – adults, male and female that include a creative explosion of styles in dance, drama and singing.  01895 624755  www.jam2000.co.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations.

Jigsaw focuses on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts activities. Two week trial available.  020 8447 4530  www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Perform Drama (Various) Together with a team of experienced theatre professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a performance at the end of the term. Perform sessions are specially designed to encourage creativity, confidence and communication skills as well as being a kaleidoscope of fun!  0845 400 1275  www. perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children aged 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 or 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 aged 3-18yrs.  wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance Chantraine Dance of Expression (NW6) Classes for all ages covering all aspects of dance - rhythm, technique, creativity, choreography - for the development of the whole person. Friendly, non-competitive environment. All abilities welcomed.  020 7435 4247  www.chantrainedance.co.uk Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge. Offer classes for ages 2 through to adults. Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Hip Hop, Street Dance, Break Dancing, Street Cheer,

Local Clubs and Classes Directory Pole Fitness, Gymnastics, Free Running and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/competitive levels.  01895 251224  www.futunityuk.com.

Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Exciting, Energetic and popular dance classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Kathak. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults, you will learn from professional teachers and all dance levels welcome.  020 8423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard. All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert, by phoning 0208 8662105 or 01923 285380. www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.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 After-School Art Classes For Kids in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed-media. Mon–Thurs and Sat for Reception through GCSE. One-to-one tuition for all ages, including portfolio-building for University applicants.  Lisa 020 8954 2897  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 Fused Glass Workshops (HA8) Design and create your glass piece in their Studio in Edgware (platter, wall clock, coasters, mirror, picture frame...).

Open to adults and teenagers. For dates and availability,  0773 3321094  eva@crescendo-art.co.uk www.crescendo-art. co.uk JAMtots (HA4) Creative arts session Includes homemade cooking, sticking, making, colouring, model making, painting and more.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com Makes ’n’ Bakes Fun, educational baking classes with arts & crafts for 2.5 to 5 year olds in Stanmore. Term time and holiday classes held in the comfort of Karen’s home. Maximum of 6 children per class. One to one 4+ and 5+ assessments and tuition also offered (Montessori trained).  Please call Karen on 07887-984401  email at wilkin@afrormosia.com.

Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very young and their families, with lots and 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 Mini Picassos (NW10) Offer exciting after school art courses for children aged 4-13 years. Toddler Picassos - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.453.45pm: Painting, water play, collage, play dough and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 years. Adults evening Life drawing classes. Get creative with a Mini Picassos Arty Birthday Party for children aged 2-10 years and Summer Holiday workshops too!  07903 638 817  www.minipicassos.co.uk info@minipicassos.co.uk The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www. veggiekitchen.co.uk

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 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.

First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, designed for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to a child’s learning needs & style. Find out more about this structured approach to learning, by contacting one of your local Centre managers.  www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework support.  0844 840 8400  www.mathscool.com The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An independent service covering a range of children’s communication difficulties.  01923 824 074  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school 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 Summer 2015 and October 2015.  0207 407 6744 for more information.  admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.co.uk

Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 37 years’ experience.  020 8580 3911  www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Genie Tutors (HA1) Find out why so many parents are making Genie Tutors Harrow their Number 1 choice of tuition centre for their child’s educational needs. Call now to book in your FREE assessment and consultation and to find out about their unique FULL money back satisfaction guarantee.  020 3468 1881

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

Hatch End 11+ (various) Provide courses to fully prepare children for the 11+ and Independent School Examinations for Yr 4 and Yr 5 students. .

Lessons are carefully constructed to fully meet the requirements for the exams. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Mental Arithmetic, Creative Writing, Grammar and Comprehension. Small class sizes mean the students’ progress is closely monitored and an open dialogue between teacher, parent and pupil gives each student the best chance for achieving their potential.  www.hatchend11plus.co.uk 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  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 all-round motor integration.  Usha Patel 07766 837 616  ushapatel. raviv@gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk Jaderberg Krais Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL.  020 3488 0754  www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk Kenton Tuition Centre offers quality tuition to prepare children for 11 Plus, GCSE & A Level Exams. Maths, English & Science Tuition where you make progress every week.  For a free no obligation assessment, contact them on 020 8909 2299 or 07511 393000.

Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and nonverbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) is an award winning Saturday School, also running popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 13, comprising reading, English and maths. The success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+.  01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged three and a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English.  020 8213 3100 07949 925374 Magikats (HA1) Innovative programmes, written to support the National Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, Sat at Gayton Library, Harrow. Individual programmes and support for individual children, promotes confidence, skills and a love of learning.  02084275663  www.magikats.com

Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the SEN register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via computer) monitored daily.  Usha Patel on 07766 837 616  info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) School of Academic and Behavioural Interventions (ABI) (various) support children with autism and related conditions on behaviour and academic management strategies. We work with children from the age of 2-19yrs. For more information  www.schoolofabi.com  Tawa on 07985 290 316 Stanmore Tutor CRB checked. Preparation for 7+ and 11+ Grammar/ Independent entrance exams.  020 3538 2437 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 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 phone number to info@thelondontutors.co.uk Tutition 4 Excellence (various) Maths & Science specialists. 11+ Maths, VR and interview preparation, SATS, Key Stage 2 to GCSE. Science Keystage 2 to GCSE. All their tutors have been educated at top independent schools!  07450 271 027  www.tuition4excellence.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch type! Specifically designed 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.

U C MAS (HA2, HA3, WD18, UB4) A successful Abacus Mental Arithmetic training programme have been teaching hundreds of children in the UK since 2005, giving them a solid arithmetic foundation by applying the multiple intelligence of the human brain in learning mental arithmetic from the age of 4 with the help of the wonder tool Abacus which not only inculcates a love towards maths for children but also enhances the child’s ability to listen, focus and think in pictures in a play way method without any stress or repetition. Enrol now to give your child a lifetime skill and discover the genius within them.  0208 907 8009  www.ucmas.uk.com

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB /EDUCATION SUPPORT 11+ Mock Tests (WD17) Practice 11+ exams at Central Primary School in Watford Sat 27 Jun & Sat 25 Jul 2.30-4.30pm & Sat 22 Aug 10am-12pm. £25 per paper including detailed feedback including reports on your child’s strengths & weaknesses and online software to practice. www. mocktestmasters.com  www.11plusmocktests.com 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 on 020 8205 7597 to find out more 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.

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

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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 (July/August 2015) send your entry by 25 May 2015 Email Editor@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.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk/RegularEvents for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

May April onwards - Warwick Castle (CV34) New for 2015, Time Tower at Warwick Castle is the first UK attraction to combine 3D scanning, 3D modelling, projection mapping and 4D effects. It knits together compelling verbal stories from the Middle Ages, War of The Roses, The Tudors and the Victorian era into a timetravelling narrative brought vividly to life by the very latest visual technologies. www.warwick-castle.com Sat 2 – Mon 4 May – Lego Star Wars Event Days (SL4) Over three days at the Legoland Windsor Resort guests will be able to participate in a jam-packed calendar of Star Wars themed activities and a platoon of characters will be invading for guests to meet every day. LEGO building skills will be put to the test as guests join in a big build to create giant Lego characters, help make a giant Ewok mosaic from thousands of individual bricks or join a Lego Droid Building Workshop. Plenty of prizes will be on offer too with a daily Lego Star Wars Costume Competition and a Character Hunt. www.legoland.co.uk Thurs 7 May – Fostering and Adoption information evening (HA9) These evenings are pre-sented in a very relaxed atmosphere where you will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff and find out more about each process. The evenings are the held on the first Thursday of every month at: Brent Civic Centre www.brent.gov.uk Sat 9 May - Celebrate Vaisakhi (WD17) Go along to Watford Palace Theatre for an uplifting Vaiskahi celebration, produced in collaboration with members of the local community. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Sat 9 May - Dino Snores (SW7) Discover what really happens at the Natural History Museum when the staff and visitors have

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gone home. Dino Snores is for children aged 7–11 years old. Begins at 7pm and ends at 9.50am the following day.

020 7942 5011 www.nhm.ac.uk

Howard Carter & find out about his amazing discovery. 2-5pm. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/kingtuts-tomb-for-everyone/

Sat 9 May - Lots for Tots Table Top Sale (WD23) An indoor table top sale at Queen’s School in Bushey, for people that want to sell their second hand baby, toddler and children’s items, and those that want to buy them. Buy good quality toys and books, high chairs, walkers, bike seats, car seats, stair gates, clothes, accessories and more. The seller keeps all of the money they make and the buyer goes home with lots of bargains! 10.00am-12.00pm 07745 295015 www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk/events

Sun 10 May - Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival (WC2) This year the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival celebrates its 40th Anniversary with more than 40 Punch & Judy & Puppet Shows performing throughout the day. The Festival will be held in the garden of St Paul’s Church, the actors’ church near the spot where Samuel Pepys first saw Mr Punch in England in May 1662.

Punch and Judy Professors and Puppeteers from all over the country will be coming to perform throughout the day. Admission is free. www.alternativearts.co.uk

Sat 9 May - Watford Model Railway Exhibition (WD23) Head along to the South West Herts Model Railway Society 35th Annual Model Railway Exhibition at Queens School, Bushey, Watford. There will be more than 20 layouts in a variety of scales and gauges. Trade support attending. Free parking, full disabled access, refreshments available.

10am-4.30pm www.southwesthertsmrs.org.uk/ Sun 10 May - Ruislip Woods Festival (HA4) A FREE Festival of Woodland Discovery. See the falconer and his collection of birds, watch the chips fly as the Axe Men race to cut up their trees or watch the more high tech Mizor machine cut planks from whole tree trunks. There will be ferret racing, a climbing wall, Morris Men and kids can get stuck in and make sculptures from Ruislip Woods Clay, whilst the adults can admire the skills of the traditional craftsmen. The charcoal burner will be smoking during the day and the large marquees will be full of interesting displays. Refreshments available and the miniature railway will be running taking trips round to the beach.

07905918746, www.ruislipwoodstrust.org.uk Sun 10 May - King Tut’s Tomb (AL1) Living History Family Event at The Museum of St Albans. The Secrets of Tutankhamun’s Tomb.

Step back in time to 1922 to meet archaeologist

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Fri 15 May - Museums at Night (EC2R) A rare opportunity for an evening visit to the Bank of England Museum. 5.30-9pm 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk Fri 15 – Sat 16 May - Spring Watch (AL9) Peter Oakenfull, a local naturalist, will have set various night cameras around the site at Mill Green Mill & Museum.

He will also take along some reptiles and small animals and will give a talk about local wildlife habitats. There will also be refreshments and a ‘bat walk’. The following morning a hearty cooked brunch will be served before looking at the images that have been captured. All children must be accompanied by adult guardians.

Limited places, booking essential. Friday 7-10pm, Saturday 10am-12 noon.

01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/ millgreenmuseum Sat 16 May - Nearly New Toy and Baby Equipment Sale (HA6) In aid of Emmanuel Toy Library funds. Admission is free but donations appreciated. Refreshments available including home made cakes. 2-4pm at Emmanuel Church Hall in Northwood. emmanueltoylibrary@yahoo.co.uk www.ecn. org.uk

Sat 16 May - Museums at Night 2015 (WD17) Join in at Watford Museum for a night of kinetic animations from Victorian times to the digital age - soundscapes, storytelling, drop in zoetrope workshop, live music, vinyl sale, drinks bar, exhibitions, talks and much more!!

Suitable for anyone wishing to learn something new, all abilities and ages are welcome. Also suitable for families but children must be accompanied by adults at all times. This is a free workshop, no booking is required. 6-10pm.

01923 232297 www.watfordmuseum.org.uk Sat 16 May & Sat 13 Jun - Open Day @ Herts Fire Museum (WD17) Open Day at the purpose built museum at Watford Fire Station. 1-4pm.

01923 232297 www.watfordmuseum.org.uk Sat 16 May - The Kid’s Sleepover (W8) Kensington Palace is throwing open its doors for a very special kids’ slumber party.

Princes and princesses are welcome for a fun filled evening of activities and entertainment before bedding down in one of the spectacular palace rooms. Then rise and shine the next morning for a breakfast fit for royalty. A family event recommended for children aged 5 -11 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Sun 17 May - Big Summer Sounds (WD17) What better way to kick off the second series of Big Events than with a great big music celebration! A range of acts will be drawing in the crowds and bringing The Parade in Watford to life. www.watfordbigevents.co.uk Sun 17 May - On Your Bike (HA6) Put your fitness levels to the test and take on the 33 mile sponsored bike ride challenge in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice. The route will start and finish at the hospice and takes riders through Amersham, Bovingdon and Hemel Hempstead.

Registration 7.30am, ride starts at 8.00am. Preregistration £15 or £20 on the day www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk

What’s On rides to make you and your friends scream, they have something to cater to everybody. Don’t forget to visit the new Thomas Land expansion with more fun rides and attractions for you to enjoy. Animal lovers can also take a wander through the fascinating zoo which looks after animals from across the world such as Meerkats, reptiles, Sumatran Tigers and more. www.draytonmanor.co.uk

Drayton Manor Park

Sun 17 May - Junior Bike Ride (WD6) Cycle adventure designed for 6-13 year olds at Aldenham Country Park. Choose from 5 or 10 mile routes.

020 8953 9602 www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Sun 17 May - Drop-in Family Activities (SW3) An assortment of drop-in activities for families at The Chelsea Physic Garden. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ Sun 17 May – Superhero Run for Harrison’s Fund (NW1) The Superhero Run is a really fun event which is aimed at children over 8 and adults. Harrison’s Fund has places in the event and they are asking people to complete it and raise £100 or more in sponsorship. Every participant gets a superhero costume to wear on the day and keep and people can choose to complete a 5K or 10K distance. Harrison was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy when he was four years old. He’s now eight but this terrible disease will take away the chance for him to grow up past his early twenties. Events like the Superhero Run help to raise vital funds to pay for groundbreaking research worldwide so that one day, Harrison and the other 2,500 boys in the UK with Duchene, will get the chance to grow up to be the strong men they are meant to be. www.harrisonsfund.com Sat 23 May - Harrow Mum2mum Market Nearly New Sale (HA1) Is your house bursting at the seams?? It’s the perfect time to declutter all of those baby and kids bits you no longer need. Selling is super easy, fast and rewarding! Alternatively, go along to the sale and grab 1000s of great quality bargains for your little ones! Free Parking, Refreshments and nibbles, Goody bags to the first 100 people through the door, 2 for 1 entry voucher on the website and Free entry to the sale in the last 30 minutes. 2.30-4.30pm at Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Lane. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/book-a-stall Sat 23 May - The Horse’s Tail Family Festival Day (WC2N) Celebrate the unveiling of Hann Haake’s fourth plinth by taking part in a special horse themed day full of interactive performance and art workshops at The National Gallery. www.nationalgallery.org.uk Sat 23 May - Big Nature Day 2015 (SW7) Join the Natural History Museum in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity and find out why biodiversity is so crucial to us all. Meet Museum scientists and experts who will be sharing their knowledge and passion for nature alongside more than 40 of the UK’s naturalist and conservation groups. Go and enjoy special events in the Darwin Centre, see some of their 80 million amazing specimens and explore their Wildlife Garden. 10am-5pm www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 23 – Sun 24 May – Hertfordshire Country Show (AL3) Head along to this annual fair at the Showground in Redbourn, and see animals ranging from huge bulls to tiny ducks, spectacular displays and educational demonstrations. It promises to be a fantastic family day out, with entertainment, fun, food and shopping. www.hertsshow.com

Mon 25 May - Watford Celebration 2015 (WD18) Watford Celebration is an annual colourful festival which offers the people of Watford the opportunity to learn about the rich diversity of their town.

Ethnic, faith and charitable groups showcase and share each other’s music, dance, drama, costumes and food offering a wonderful afternoon of entertainment for the whole family.

Local artists are also welcome to display their talents. At The Multi-Cultural Community Centre in Watford from 12-4pm. www.watfordcelebration.com Fri 29 May - Lates @ The Natural History Museum (SW7) Visit the Museum after hours and experience London’s most unique Friday night out.18.00–22.30. www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 30 – Sun 31 May - St Albans Steam and Country Show (AL4) Steam engines, vintage vehicles & tractors, fairground, stalls & refreshments. Opens 10am.

Steam engine parade 2pm. At Oaklands College. www.hertssteam.org/events.html Sun 31 May - Ben & Holly Storytime (NW4) Meet and greet the characters from Ben and Holly at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm at Brent Cross Shopping Centre and enjoy a storytime with them. www.brentcross.co.uk/events/character-visits

Sat 23 May onwards - All New Lego Friends Area At The Legoland Windsor Resort Opens (SL4) Lego Friends fans are in for a treat this May half term as a totally new area brings to life the vibrancy and fun of Heartlake City with exciting new attractions and an action packed live show. And those who want a double whammy dose of Lego Friends can check into one of the recently opened premium themed rooms at the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel.

There’s also an all-new feel to the Lego City area this year with re-vamped, bigger and better LEGO City Driving School and Coastguard HQ. www.legoland.co.uk Mon 25 – Tue 26 May - Weather Mobiles (SE10) Cutty Sark sailed in all kinds of weather. Bring waves and storms to life by designing your own weather mobile to take home. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Mon 25 – Thu 28 May - May Half Term Art Workshops (WC2N) School holiday art workshops for children of all ages at The National Gallery. www.npg.org.uk/ Mon 25 – Fri 29 May - The Looney Tunes Fit for Sport Activity Camps (various) Fit for Sport will be bringing Looney Tunes-themed

sports, games and even the beloved characters themselves to more than 250,000 children at 80 Activity Camps during school holidays across the country. The energetic Looney Tunes characters are Warner Bros. ambassadors for active lifestyles, making them a perfect fit for Fit for Sport’s Activity Camps, where children are encouraged to be active and healthy through fun sports and games. Local venues include Watford Leisure Centre, Harrow Leisure Centre and Vale Farm Sports Centre. For further information and venues visit their website. www.fitforsport.co.uk Mon 25 – Fri 29 May - Half Term Activities at Aldenham Country Park (WD6) Craft activities, animal petting sessions, pony rides and Winnie the Pooh Teddy Bears Picnic! www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Mon 25 – Fri 29 May - Half Term Workshops at V&A Museum of Childhood (E2) Join in the adventure and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Enter Alice’s weird and wonderful world with great activities, making, story-telling and dressing up inspired by this classic children’s book. Drop-in All ages. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Mon 25 – Fri 29 May - Make Your Own Talisman (SE10) Take inspiration from examples in the National Maritime Museum’s collection and create your own talisman to ensure you stay safe at sea.

11.30am-1pm and 1.30-4pm.

020 8858 4422 www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on

continued on page 28 v

May half term Sat 23 – Mon 25 May – Tree Fu Tom Live! (LU6) Tree Fu Tom fans are in for a giant treat this May half-term, when the leaf-size hero makes an appearance at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. To celebrate the opening of the Zoo’s brand new, immersive Butterfly House, young visitors will be magically transported into the tiny world of Treetopolis, an enchanted land where movement creates magic. Visitors will also be able to explore the new Butterfly House throughout May half-term with a special Tree Fu Tom Trail, featuring spotter sheets, trivia and lots of butterflies like Tom’s friend Ariella. www.zsl.org Sat 23 – Sun 31 May - Half Term Antics, Crafts and Orienteering Photo Competition (UB9) Keep the kids busy this half term at Colne Valley Park!

Choose from their selection of craft bags starting at £1 each. Use the craft area to be creative. Take part in the picture orienteering competition take along a camera or phone if you have one. £1 per map. Just turn up and take part! www.colnevalleypark.org.uk Sat 23 – Sun 31 May - Spring Special at Willows Activity Farm (AL2) Sheep shearing demonstrations, pony & horse displays, sheep racing, funfair rides. Farmyard fun with indoor activities too.

10am-5.30pm. www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ Sat 23 – Sun 31 May – Celebrate 65 Years of Drayton Manor Park (B78) Head along to Drayton Manor Park as they celebrate their 65th anniversary! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take the whole family or seeking for some action-packed thrill

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What’s On continued from page 27

Mon 25 – Sun 31 May - First World War Airfix Make and Take (NW9) Head along to the RAF Museum as their popular Airfix make and take workshops return for the half term period. Take on the Red Barons Albatros or fight your way to victory with the classic British Sopwith Pup. All paints, glue and instructions supplied with each Airfix kit. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm.

020 8205 2266 www.rafmuseum.org.uk/

Thu 28 May - Shaun the Sheep Movie (WD3) The Friends of Watersmeet Film Society present a Family Film at Watersmeet Theatre. Seats on the door or in advance. 2pm.

01923 711063 www.friendsofwatersmeet.org.uk

Tue 26 May - Stage Combat (HA5) Work with a professional fight choreographer to learn how to perform an exciting fight scene realistically and safely at Harrow Arts Centre.

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily. 10am-4pm 020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family

Tue 2 - Tue 30 Jun - Frame the World Art Exhibition (HA5) During the month of June, 2015, a large selection of student art, entitled ‘Frame the World’ will be exhibited in the hallways of the main building at the Harrow Arts Centre.

On display will be a wide variety of works on paper and canvas, including portraits, still life and landscapes. More than 50 children, aged 5 to 15, and a handful of adults, all students of local artist Lisa Marsh, will be represented in the exhibition. This is the second annual exhibition of their drawings and paintings at HAC, following the well-received ‘Observed and Imagined’ in May, 2014.

0777 909 1466 art1stanmore@yahoo.com www.harrowarts.com

Tue 26 – Thu 28 May - Half Term Activities (AL9) Art & craft workshops with an Ancient Egyptians theme at Mill Green Mill & Museum, different activity each day. Ages 4+. 1 hour workshops at 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm. www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Tue 26 – Fri 29 May - Magical Mosaics (EC2R) Learn about the colourful mosaics that decorate the ground floor of the Bank of England Museum. 10am-4.30pm www.bankofengland.co.uk/education Tue 26 – Sat 30 May - When I grow up… (W8) Join in with games, dress up, craft activities and storytelling and hear tales from Princess Victoria’s governess about Victoria’s strict childhood growing up in Kensington Palace.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/WhatsOn/ Familyactivities Wed 27 May - Beauty or Beast? (HA5) Join in at Harrow Arts Centre to create your own scary Beast mask, or a crown fit for a prince or princess! Then afterwards watch a showing of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Workshop 10-10.45am, film begins at 11am.

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family Wed 27 May - Costume Drama (HA5) Work with a professional director to explore Harrow Art Centre’s costume store and use the treasures you find to create your own short performance! 10am-4pm.

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family Wed 27 May – Half Term Activities at Cassiobury Park (WD18) ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ from 11am-12.30pm, booking essential. ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ from 2-3pm.

Both events meet at Cha Cha Cha Cafe. www.watford.gov.uk Wed 27 May - The Lion King (UB10) Go and feel the love for this beloved classic film! A coming-of-age adventure as Simba, the lion cub (who cannot wait to be king!), searches for his destiny in the great Circle of Life, in this perfect half-term holiday treat at the Compass Theatre. Begins at 11am.

01895 673200 www.compasstheatre.co.uk Thu 28 May - Jungle Fun & Jungle Book (HA5) Take the characters from The Jungle Book home with you, by making your own animal finger puppets at Harrow Arts Centre.

Afterwards, stay and watch the Disney film Jungle Book. Workshop 10-10.45am, film begins at 11am.

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family

June

Thurs 4 June – Fostering and Adoption information evening (HA9) These evenings are presented in a very relaxed atmosphere where you will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff and find out more about each process. The evenings are the held on the first Thursday of every month at: Brent Civic Centre www.brent.gov.uk Mon 1 Jun – Sun 5 Jul – Watford Big Festival 2015 (various) This summer, local will meet global as two of Watford’s biggest arts festivals, Watford Live! and Imagine Watford, come together alongside a weekend offering from Watford Colosseum for 17 days of extraordinary live experiences. New events are being added all the time. See the website for further details and for venue information. www.watfordlive.org Sat 6 Jun - Ickenham Hall Open Day (UB10) A chance to explore the story behind one of Ickenham’s historic houses. Tour the Grade II listed Ickenham Hall and see the progress of its restoration. Refreshments available. 12pm. www.compasstheatre.co.uk Sat 6 Jun - Internet Safety Day (WD17) Does your child love using the internet? Want to know more about how to help them stay safe? In conjunction with Childnet International, the Watford African Caribbean Association’s award-winning Supplementary School is running a free e-Safety awareness session for children, young people and adults followed by refreshments.

From 10am-2pm at West Herts College. www.wacas.org.uk/internet-safety-day/ Sat 6 Jun – Glebe Primary School Summer Fete (UB10) Head along to the summer fete where there will be bouncy castles, climbing walls, go-carts, candy floss, BBQ, bar, hook a duck, sumo suits, great raffle prizes and lots, lots more. glebepta@ymail.com www.glebe.hillingdon.sch.uk/ Sun 7 Jun - Light Graffiti Art Exhibition (NW10) In collaboration with Central and North West London Arts in Health, an exhibition featuring light drawings and animations using creative digital photography. At Willesden Green Library Centre. www.brenttoday.co.uk/localevents.html Sun 7 Jun – Colour Run Watford (WD6) Peace Hospice Care is bringing the first ever colour run to Watford this

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

Shrek Adventure! London

summer! Colour runs are the family friendly, best 5k fun run you can imagine and will take place at Aldenham Country Park. At various points along the 5k route, volunteers throw coloured powder over the runners, with a different colour at each station so by the end each runner is covered in a multitude of bright colours! Spectators can also join in the fun by buying their own bag of coloured powder. Registration includes a fab Rainbow Run t-shirt and sunglasses and there is no age limit so the whole family can join in.

Fancy dress is particularly encouraged. peacehospicecare.org.uk Sun 7 Jun – Open Farm Sunday 2015 (various) The 10th Open Farm Sunday will see hundreds of farms across the country opening their gates to welcome the public in. This annual event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), offers a great way for people to find out more about where their food comes from, talk to the farmers who produce it and get up close and personal with the countryside. Head along to a local farm such as Fold Farm in Barnet (EN5) and join in with fascinating and fun activities such as watching cows being milked, taking a tractor ride, seeing sheep being sheared, and much more. www.farmsunday.org Fri 12 Jun - Ladies in the Night Walk (HA6) Join in the 5th annual sponsored stroll through the night this summer.

The biggest event in Michael Sobell Hospice’s fundraising calendar when hundreds of their supporters dress up in pink and join in the party atmosphere. Walk either 5.5 or 9 miles and the route starts and ends at the hospice. Registration at 8.30pm, Walk at 10pm.

Registration costs £20 before 5 June or £25 afterwards/on the night and includes a t-shirt, fundraising pack and breakfast. www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Fri 12 – Sat 13 Jun – The Autism Show (E16) The Autism Show at the Excel Centre offers more information, advice, products and services on autism (including Asperger syndrome) than can be found anywhere else in the UK. This year don’t miss the return of the world-renowned autism researcher Prof Simon Baron-Cohen FBA, the personal experiences of being a mother of an autistic child from the broadcaster Melanie Sykes and the new Lego® Therapy, Sensory Classroom and Get Cycling features. london.autismshow.co.uk

What’s On Sat 13 Jun - Abbots Langley Carnival (WD5) Watford Lions Club is delighted to be organising the Abbots Langley Carnival again this year. The main arena program includes two plays about ‘Richard the Lion Hearted’ and ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ by the Spectacular Knights of the Crusades. There will also be a procession of floats, a dog show, and fun fair. 9am-6.30pm at the Manor House Grounds. www.watfordlions.co.uk/ Sat 13 Jun - The Vaughan School Summer Family Fun Day (HA1) This vibrant, community event organised by volunteers at the School provides an opportunity for the School to raise much needed funds for added extras for the pupils. These make life at the school even better. Confirmed so far are beat building percussion and a bowling alley (both new for 2015), music, dancing, international food, a high profile raffle, body art, toy sale and legendary Tombola. 11.00am-2.30pm. www.vaughan.harrow.sch.uk Sat 13 Jun - Hyde Park Buggy Push for Premature and Sick Babies (SW1X) Support special care baby charity Bliss by attending their 5km Buggy Push in Hyde Park, London at 10.15am. Anyone is welcome to attend with their families, whether you have a buggy to push or not. Miffy will also be going to celebrate her 60th birthday and there will be entertainment for children afterwards. Money raised will go towards supporting the 80,000 premature or sick babies born every year and their families. www.bliss.org.uk/buggypush Sat 13 Jun - The Highgate Fair in the Square (N6) This year’s Fair in the Square theme is The Circus, with exciting performances and circus skills workshops. For children there are also fair rides, a creative play tent and face painting. There will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon on the stage in Pond Square and over 100 stalls will line the streets selling crafts, plants, clothes, books and a tempting range of international foods.

12.30-5.30pm at Pond Square www.fairinthesquare.co.uk Fri 19 Jun - Dress Up and Dance - Macmillan Cancer Support (various) This fundraising event encourages schools and uniform groups to sign up and ask their students to get dressed up and have a dance, in exchange for making a suggested donation of £2 to Macmillan. This year’s special theme is ‘Legends’ and those taking part are encouraged to go to school channelling their favourite inner champions - be it a pop icon, a super hero, a sports personality or a film star! www.macmillan.org.uk/dressup.

Sat 20 Jun - Colnbrook School Summer Fayre (WD19) Miniature railway train rides, bouncy castle, model trains, face painting, arts and crafts stalls, barbeque and refreshments, and more! Go along and have some fun! 11am-2pm / £1 for adults, children free. www.colnbrook.herts.sch.uk Sat 20 Jun - Croxley Revels on the Green (WD3) There will be between 65 and 90 stalls, an arena that stages all manner of entertainment and activities from judo exhibitions to Morris dancers; the school’s Pushball tournament to Maypole dancing.

The Revels Princess is paraded in the grand procession around the village. Periphery interests include children’s funfair; storytelling, roving jazz band; classic vehicles and bicycles.1.30-5pm www.croxleyrevels.co.uk Sun 21 Jun – Oxhey Open Gardens (WD19) Oxhey Open Gardens is an annual event, showcasing creative, inspiring village gardens to enthusiastic gardeners and visitors. All the gardens are within easy walking distance of the starting points where you will receive a booklet with a map and full details of

the open gardens and tea stops. There are plants, pots, jewellery and cards for sale, plus 2 tea stops with delicious home-made cakes. www.oxheyopengardens.co.uk Sat 27 Jun - Watford Rural Parish Council Summer Fun Day (WD19) This year’s Summer Fun Day promises to be another great day for everyone in the Parish area. The Choir will be opening the day , and there will be all the usual rides and attractions, including, fairground kiddie rides, bungee fly, bucking rodeo ball, face painting, Auntie Jo Jo balloons and much, much more. At St Andrew’s Parade. www.watfordrural-pc.org.uk Sun 28 Jun - Harrow Mum2mum Market Nearly New Sale (HA2) Is your house bursting at the seams?? It’s the perfect time to declutter all of those baby and kids bits you no longer need. Selling is super easy, fast and rewarding! Alternatively, go along to the sale and grab 1000s of great quality bargains for your little ones! Free Parking, Refreshments and nibbles, Goody bags to the first 100 people through the door, 2 for 1 entry voucher on the website and Free entry to the sale in the last 30 minutes. 10am-12pm at The Beacon Centre. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/book-a-stall Sun 28 Jun - Family Fun Day and Sponsored Walk (HA7) From 10.30am – 2pm at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. Entry is free and there will be a bouncy castle, children’s rides, great food, live music, magician, stalls and a dog show. www.rnohcharity.org Sun 28 Jun - Dino Adventure at Knebworth House (SG3) Dinosaur trail. Hunt for hidden fossils at the Dino-Dig Paleontological Site. Hands-on experiences with the dinosaurs’ reptilian relatives - snakes, lizards & tortoises.

01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com/event/ dino-adventure Mon 29 Jun – Wed 14 Oct - Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit: A Judith Kerr Retrospective (NW1) Have tea with a life-size Tiger, curl up in Mog’s basket with one of Judith Kerr’s classic picture books, and discover the childhood drawings of a girl escaping Hitler’s Germany. Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit: A Judith Kerr Retrospective at the Jewish Museum invites families to enjoy a showcase of almost 80 years of original artwork and illustrations by one of Britain’s best loved authors. www.jewishmuseum.org.uk

July Wed 1 Jul onwards – Shrek Adventure! London (SE1) Set to delight and enthral families and Shrek fans of all ages, Shrek’s Adventure! London is a unique experience bringing to life the hilarious world of Shrek and friends. The fully immersive walk-and-ride indoor attraction is a completely new misadventure that will take guests on a fantastical DreamWorks ‘tour’ combining ten laugh-out-loud live shows and iconic sets from the Shrek film franchise with captivating storytelling, an amazing 4D ride, dramatic special effects and extraordinary DreamWorks animation. Due to open in July 2015 in County Hall on London’s South Bank. www.shreksadventure.com Sat 4 Jul - Active & Creative Family Summer Festival (WD3) The Woodoaks Summer Festival is a day out for the whole family at Woodoaks Farm, Rickmansworth.

Activities on the day will include: Story telling in the woods, Live Music, Theatre Shows, Stalls and Local sellers, Food and Drink, Games and Activities, a baking competition and lots, lots more. 12-4.30pm. www.thewoodoaksassociation.com

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Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

What’s On in Children’s Theatre

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

The Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk Tue 28 Apr – Sat 2 May – Oliver! The award winning St Albans Operatic Society presents Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’ This Spring. Following hits including Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar and Kiss Me Kate, SAOS (Soon to become St Albans Musical Theatre Society) entertain with another high energy, high class production, sure to entertain the whole family!

Wed 13 – Thu 14 May – Octonauts: The Deep Sea Volcano Adventure Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with the quirky and courageous underwater adventure heroes, The Octonauts! Starring Captain Barnacles, Kwazii, and Peso, the brand new stage show, Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure brings the entire crew of the Octonauts to life on stage for the very first time!

Visit amazing underwater worlds full of adventure, with surprises around every corner, in this action-packed, musical interactive new stage show.

Mon 25 May – Ministry of Science Ministry of Science Live is not your ordinary science show – it comes with a hovercraft, a few cannons, lots of bangs and a push bike that powers a blender.

Looking at the inventors and the engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in. From liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets; Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic; Cat food tins to the hovercraft; Plasma balls to lightsabers and discovering Methane to the invention of the Battery. Expect Loud Bangs! A journey of science, engineering, discovery and invention come and join the team and the voiceover from above (X Factor’s Peter Dickson) as they take you on a adventure using demonstrations and a few loud bangs to lead the way.

artsdepot 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 3 May – The Ugly Duckling Life isn’t much fun in the farmyard for the misfit ‘duckling’.

Teased and tormented, he dreams of kindlier places beyond the farm gates. But will he survive out there?

Join in the adventures of this famous ‘under-dog’ in Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale of transformation, brought to you in Thingumajig’s house style - beautiful puppet characters, live music, captivating story-telling and a generous sprinkling of theatre magic. Ages 5+ Fri 8 – Sat 9 May – Varmints Varmints is an original dance theatre piece, that tells the heart-warming tale of one small creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever.

Every day the city grows larger and the noise grows louder, until there is so much noise that no-one can hear themselves think. This exhilarating show is a fun and interactive piece of original dance theatre for young people and their families. Includes an interactive post-show discussion: meet the cast and discover more about the show. Ages 7+ Sun 10 May – Mrs McMoon’s Tea Party You have been cordially invited to Mrs McMoon’s house for an entertaining tea party. Please bring mischief, surprise & laughter. Singing flowers, scrumulumptious biscuits and a Scottish jig are all just a door knock away. Set in the warm surroundings of her cosy old living room where tea is brewing and the smell of freshly baked cookies tickle your nostrils, let Mrs McMoon take you by the hand to explore a world of brave and daring adventures through immersive, engaging and interactive storytelling. Ages 3-8 years Sun 17 May – Comedy Club 4 Kids Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and so there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?” Ages 6+ Fri 22 – Sun 24 May – Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Biff is a dog, but he’s not your usual kind of dog. Instead of chasing sticks and fetching newspapers, Biff loves tutus, tiaras and ballet! Watch as Biff sneaks into the class of the fearsome ballet teacher, Miss Polly, practises pirouettes in the park and finally gets to go the ballet. Featuring music from Fauré, Elgar and Tchaikovsky, an ideal introduction for young children to classical music. Join Ballet Black for their first family ballet, based on the best-selling book by Anna Kemp and choreographed by Christopher Marney, full of fun, magic and one very special dog! Ages 3+

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Sun 24 May – Home Home. A place where it is just me. A place to find shelter, eat, take a bath, sleep. A place to live and share experiences. Home tells the surreal story of a grown-up and a child who meet, get to know each other and start to build. Building turns into play, and little by little, they build a story, a structure, a roof, a house. Ages 1-4 years Sat 30 – Sun 31 May – Windibops Dancing scientists Volta Flatulence, Caroline Trumpface and Daisy Parphead welcome you to the Windibops lab to investigate flatulence (yes farts!) and global warming. Join the three talented performers as they manoeuvre in a colourful and interactive world of moving lab tables, fart jars, cows and test tubes, bringing together dance and science in a mesmerising ball of fun. Windibops is a rib-tickling and inclusive performance combining dance, humour and strange smells. Developed with audiences from (f)artsdepot in Spring 2014, you are in for a guffing good time. Ages 5+ Fri 19 – Sun 21 Jun – Aliens Love Underpants A zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production will delight the whole family. You’ll laugh your PANTS off! Ages 3+

The Beck Theatre

Compass Theatre Glebe Avenue, Ickenham UB10 01895 673 0200 www.compasstheatre.co.uk Thu 21 – Sat 23 May – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Argosy returns with a magical production of this timeless classic at the Winston Churchill Theatre. Join Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy as they enter the frozen world of Narnia and help Aslan to defeat the White Queen. This fantastic amateur production is by arrangement with Samuel French and is adapted from C.S.Lewis’s timeless tale by Adrian Mitchell and has music by Shaun Davey. Ages 6+ Ages 6+

Harrow Arts Centre

Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Sun 28 Jun – My Pet Monster & Me Sophie has always wanted a pet – a furry little friend to call her own. One day Sophie sets off to the shops and buys herself something very special – a baby monster.

A very BIG baby monster! But this is when the trouble begins... Blunderbus is proud to present this monster of a show which bursts to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and high energy story-telling. Ages 3-7

Little Angel Theatre

Grange Road, Hayes.

020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

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

Thu 14 – Sat 16 May – Danny the Champion of the World Danny and his father William – the most exciting Dad a boy has ever had, live in a caravan fixing cars for a living. His Dad has a secret hobby though of partaking in poaching pheasants. When Hazell, a local developer, wants to take over the land their garage is on trouble ensues but Danny rises to the occasion, and him and his Dad come up with a most exciting plan. This will help make him become Danny The Champion of the World. Based on the original Roald Dahl’s famous book - if you’re looking for a magnificent adventure for all the family, then don’t miss Danny, the champion of the world!

Ages 5+

Sat 18 Apr – Sat 28 Jun – The Paper Dolls When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real brother with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short… Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music in this new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre. Ages 3-7 years

Sat 23 – Sun 24 May – Annie Jr Act Now Entertainment presents the wonderfully affectionate Broadway Musical Annie Jr. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. Featuring classics It’s the Hard-Knock Life, I think I’m Gonna Like It Here and Tomorrow Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical and an ideal show for children to experience as their first musical live on stage.

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Jun – Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood. Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. The show is specially written for pre-school children, so the running time is a perfect 90 minutes including a short interval.

Chickenshed Chase Side Southgate N14.

020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk Sat 23 May – Tales Big Day Out Welcome the start of the warm weather with a bang!

Tales Big Day Out is an enjoyable and entertaining outing for all the family, whether you’re familiar with the Tales world or you’re going along for the first time. Children will have the opportunity to take part in a great interactive workshop and watch a fun performance of Tales from the Shed, then everyone will come together for a huge Tales extravaganza outside in the amphitheatre. There will also be other free to activities to discover and enjoy. Ages 0-6 years

NORTHWEST (LONDON) MAY/JUNE 2015

Pump House Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info Tue 19 – Sat 23 May – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe The NRYA presents: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis, dramatized by Adrian Mitchell in association with Samuel French.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com Sat 21 Mar – Sun 17 May – Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby This beautiful spectacle involving exquisite wooden likenesses of rabbits, foxes, mice and even a tortoise, is one of the sweetest shows in London. This story involves a wily Fox but an even wilier Rabbit, who spends most of his time outwitting his traditional enemy.

Sat 23 May – Sun 12 Jul – Fowl Play Down on the farmyard a foal is born, causing much excitement among the animals. The chickens soon spread the news which leads to an unexpected turn of events. The production features carved marionettes and original music.

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Wed 13 – Sat 16 May – Children of Eden This musical is based on the book of Genesis and covers the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, followed by Noah and the flood. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (composer for Wicked) has created a show about second chances and learning from past mistakes.

Wed 27 May – Merlin the Sword in the Stone The mystical story of the ‘Sword in the Stone’ follows the life of Arthur, a young squire destined to become king. Guided by Merlin, he has many adventures culminating in him successfully pulling the sword from the stone and unwittingly

fulfilling the legend’s prophecy. During the light hearted half hour rehearsal, some children are chosen and rehearsed into their parts while the rest of the audience are taught the choruses to some of the songs in the show. There is then an interval, and the show runs for an hour after the interval. Ages 5+ Fri 29 May – Duck in the Truck This is the tale of a duck in a truck - a truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck. A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push. But the truck stayed stuck! Based on the bestselling book by acclaimed children’s author Jez Alborough, this funny, silly, yucky mucky show will have you giggling away, singing along and laughing out loud. Ages 3-7 Wed 17 Jun – Stick Man The world is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him. A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree?

Packed full of puppetry, songs and live music, Stick Man promises more fun than you can shake a stick at! Ages 3+

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Thu 7 May – Thu 4 Jun – Planeta Ka An explorer gradually discovers this mysterious land; its mountains, craters and caves full of surprises.

Then it’s your turn. From the makers of the sell-out Sensacional, Planeta Ka offers children the chance to discover a new environment using sound, textures and visual effects. There are secret spaces to hide, slopes to climb and places to jump and slide. Don’t miss this sensory spectacular for under 3s at the Unicorn this spring. Ages 1-3 Sun 17 – Sun 31 May – Henry the Fifth Kings need crowns and castles to prove themselves, and so does Henry.nHenry the Fifth, that is, of England.

But Henry is running out of cash and all he can think about is that his neighbour’s castle is bigger than his…

Following critical acclaim when it premiered in 2013, Henry the Fifth is back for 2 weeks only. This modern, fun and inventive take on Shakespeare’s play is an absolute must-see. Ages 8+ Sat 6 – Sun 21 Jun – One Little Word Following the very popular Grandpa’s Railway, M6 return with their much loved show One Little Word, which played at the Unicorn in 2011. Two characters play together, exploring new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns. But there’s a bit of a struggle when one of them wants to be the ONLY captain of the ship. This moving story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play beautifully captures children’s imaginations with original music and just ONE spoken word. Ages 3+

Watford Colosseum Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Sat 30 – Sun 31 May – Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave, they go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, even plan a surprise birthday party for King Thistle, and oops, let’s hope there’s not another jelly flood! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter.

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