Families NW London Magazine issue 105 Jan/Feb 2016

Issue 105: January/February 2016 www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

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

Nurseries and Childcare What’s On for over February Half Term

PLUS

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

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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Welcome to the January/February issue!

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

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE:

3-7 News

10 What is SEN?

16 Does it PAY to work?

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon

18 Second language

learning at a bilingual

nursery

@FamiliesNW Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue.

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

22 Does your child have

the JAM factor?

28 Children’s Theatre

UPCOMING ISSUES: March/April 2016: Children’s Parties and Camps. Deadline: 29 January May/June 2016: Residential/Day Camps & Activities for Summer. Deadline: 8 April.

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

Trending articles on the FNWL website: ▲▲ Choosing a Nursery ▲▲ What’s New ▲▲ 11+ Preparation/exam skills ▲▲ Getting ready for nursery

Cover image: Depositphotos.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! www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

NEWS Families Distributor Needed!

Reliable individual with own transport needed to drop Families NW London Magazine at locations across Bushey, Watford, Ricky and Abbotts Langley once each issue. Would suit Mum or Dad with school-age children. Get in touch to find out more! Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.

Charity looking for locations and funding to place more Defibrillators Charity AEDdonate are looking to team up with Schools, Local Communities, Parish Councils and Clubs to raise funds to place Defibrillators (AED’s) within them. At present in the UK just 8.6% of people who have a Cardiac Arrest outside of hospitals are saved in time, and the charity believes this is because there are simply not enough AED’s out there. AEDEdonate is looking for support from local organisations, councillors and MP’s to help raise awareness and funds to get more AED’s into the public domain. Kevin Turner on behalf of the charity said “it is essential that we place as many AED’s as possible out there. We support each local campaign by providing a pack including posters, collection tubs and ideas a campaign manager and loads of support.”

If you want to take part and can see this as a value to your local School, Community or Club, then please call AEDdonate directly on 01785 472224 or you can email Kevin Turner k.turner@aeddonate.co.uk

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NEWS Aldenham Prep School Raises Money for Fire Damaged St Joseph’s Aldenham Prep School, Elstree organised a cake and second hand uniform sale to raise money for St Joseph’s RC Primary after fire early last term destroyed the roof of the school in Goodson Road, Harlesden.

Aldenham Prep School’s Parents Association quickly saw the need to show support for the fire damaged school and organised the sale which raised over £200.00.

Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep School, said “We were delighted to be able to be in a position to organise the event and hope the money will go some way to replacing some of the many lost resources” Mrs Titus, Head of St Joseph’s, said “We would like to thank the children, staff and parents of Aldenham for their time and efforts raising this money. We are starting to get the school back together after the awful incident and remain ever thankful that due to our regular fire drills and safety procedures no one was hurt. It is a reminder to all schools of the importance of these procedures.”

A statement from St Joseph’s read: “We are thankful that everyone is safe, we are grateful for the support from the community and we ask you keep us in your prayers.”

New Head appointed at Charlotte House Prep Miss Penny Woodcock has been appointed Head of Charlotte House Preparatory School, Rickmansworth. The announcement was made by the Chair of the School’s Governors, Catriona Smith. “The Governors much appreciate Miss Woodcock’s love for the school, her personal knowledge of the girls and her strong focus on ensuring that each girl achieves her full potential,” said Ms Smith. “We are sure that she will lead the school from strength to strength.”

“I am thrilled to be leading such a wonderful school,” said Miss Woodcock. “I have been involved in the development of Charlotte House over the past six years and I am looking forward to being at the helm as we build upon everything we have already achieved.

Penny Woodcock is Rickmansworth born-andbred and thus has a thorough local knowledge which she is always keen to share with the girls and she ensures that Charlotte House plays a vibrant role in the local community. www.charlottehouseprepschool.co.uk

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New dance classes in Northwood from Perform!

PERFORM X - EXPLORE, EXPRESS, EXHILARATE, are brand new street and hip-hop classes for 6-12 year old’s. These unique high-energy weekly sessions are designed to boost children’s coordination, improve their concentration and give them a fun energetic way to de-velop physical skills, get fit and have fun.

Using original street and hip-hop music, the class is based around a specially designed curriculum which includes a mix of energetic games, physical improvisations and high octane exhilarating moves guaranteed to get young hearts beating faster.

For more information and booking, visit www.perform.org.uk; enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 0845 400 4000

NEWS Local soft play centre, Rumble Tumble, turns one this month!

“We are so excited to reach our first anniversary! We are so proud of what we have achieved in twelve short months and we cannot wait to see what the next twelve hold.” Says Varsha Joshi, one of the directors at Rumble Tumble.

Reflecting back on the experience over the past year Varsha says, “When we founded our business a year ago, we did do so with passion and determination and no idea of what to expect. Each new

day has bought new customers, created friendships with returning visitors, developed our skills and experience and we wouldn’t change any of it! Starting a business is never easy, it’s been tough at times. However it’s been worth every moment and the highs outweigh the lows multiples times by the overwhelming customer support and positive feedback of our venue. We will continue to provide you all with the service you expect and beyond to ensure every visit at Rumble Tumble is a great one. Thank you all for making our first year such a great success.”

For more information please contact 0208 427 8847 or email info@ rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com

New and coming to a venue near you!

Diddi Dance Harrow and North Hillingdon

Diddi Dance offers a unique, innovative and fun way to get toddlers on their feet.

Welcoming boys and girls from 16 months up to five years, with a new dance style every half term from ballroom to hip-hop through to jive and Bollywood, every child’s taste is catered for and with fun props to use too children leave the 45 minute classes full of energy and excited for the next week. Classes are designed to build confidence, coordination, rhythm, fitness, gross motor skills and social skills. We cater for parties and nursery sessions. Classes starting in January 2016. Book your free trial today. www.diddidance.com

Children’s Communication Charity Launches Annual Sing-A-Long Event Children’s communication charity I CAN has launched Chatterbox Challenge 2016 - its annual sing-a-long fundraising event for children under 5 years old. Celebrating its 15th year, Chatterbox Challenge 2016, is open to registrations from nurseries and early years settings across the UK. Chatterbox Challenge encourages early years practitioners in nurseries and early year settings across the UK to support and develop their children’s communication skills through rhyme and song whilst raising money for the more than a million children across the UK that have speech, language and communication needs that require long term specialist help. Chatterbox Challenge 2016, themed, Ben & Holly’s Elf and Fairy Party, is supported by Entertainment One’s popular children’s TV show, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom for the second year running.

Chatterbox Challenge 2016 week will run from 8th – 14th February, however early years settings and nurseries can hold their challenge any time of the year.

To register for a free fundraising activity pack, or to find out more about Chatterbox Challenge and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom visit www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk.

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NEWS Pledge to Raise a Grand for Brain Tumour Research!

Did you know that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer? Yet brain tumour research receives just 1% of the national spend on cancer research.

The blood-brain barrier stops most standard cancer drugs from treating brain tumours, making them more difficult to combat.

Research into the blood-brain barrier is being lead by Professor Geoff Pilkington, lead scientist at one of Brain Tumour Research’s centres of excellence.

Professor Pilkington is an international expert on brain tumours and a pioneer in blood-brain barrier research, having created the world’s first ‘all-human’ blood-brain barrier model.

Knowing that the animal model of the blood-brain barrier did not directly relate to the human version, Professor Pilkington has created a unique all-human version using only human brain cells, human brain glioma (tumour) cells and human serum. This bloodbrain barrier model is being used by Professor Pilkington’s group and other researchers for live cell imaging and to provide a basis for the investigation of the features of invading tumour cells. Revealing the precise mechanisms of tumour cells’ invasive behaviour is essential to the development of successful new therapies for this most devastating of diseases.

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Brain Tumour Research has also launched the Grand Challenge, a unique fundraising partnership with the Dr Hadwen Trust. The aim is to jointly raise 180,000 to fund a three year research project into the blood brain barrier.

You can help by Pledging to Raise a Grand (£1,000) in whatever way you like, to help fund blood-brain barrier research. For further information, visit www.drhadwentrust.org/grandchallenge

New year brings exciting changes at Quainton Hall School!

From January, the school is offering a minibus service for children from points across: Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Ruislip, Pinner, Edgware, Stanmore, Wealdstone, Northolt, Wembley, and Kenton. Escorts, as well as drivers, will be on the minibuses initially to assist children.

Later this year the school will open a new extended nursery and reception class annex on Radnor Road. With space for 40 nursery children and 2 reception classes, outdoor play space, and use of the outstanding facilities of the adjoining main school, this development will be a welcome choice for local parents from September 2016. www.quaintonhall.co.uk

NEWS Local ‘super’ woman wins top award championing rights of young mothers Sophie Kathirgamanathan, 27 from North Watford was nominated by the charity Young Women’s Trust (YWT) for an Inspiring Communicators Award.

The married mother of two was one of 12 winners on the night, and was nominated

by YWT due to her tireless efforts to improve the lives of young mothers, the unemployed and those who have suffered cultural stereotyping and discrimination; all of which she has directly experienced and used to inform her campaigning work.

Sophie began volunteering with Young Women’s Trust (YWT) early last year when she joined their Advisory Panel - made up of young female activists from across the country- and has quickly become one of its most active, determined members.

Sophie has been instrumental in mobilising young women in her local area having established a young mum’s support group in South Harrow and the Brent and Harrow youth branch for the Women’s Equality Party.

More recently, Sophie started a local network to reach young disadvantaged women on behalf of YWT. She manages to balance all these commitments alongside motherhood, full time work as a Clinical Trials researcher, studying for a Masters part-time and supporting her family.

In response to winning the award, Sophie said: “This came as a complete surprised! I’m so honoured to have received this award and know that I’m making a difference not only for the current generation but for my children’s generation. This award will push more to achieve YWT’s aims as well as gender equality.” www.youngwomenstrust.org; www.charitycomms.org.uk/awards-2015#7

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

more local events, news, competitions and features!

c Themed c Disco c Pamper c Princess Parties c

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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: By appointment. 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 10 Mar, Sat 12 Mar, 9.30-11.30am. 01923 772101

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

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8266 1700

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

Open Day: By appointment. 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: By appointment. 020 8515 9400

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

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344

Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2017) Harrow HA8 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment admissions@newschoolforharrow.org.uk

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

Open Day: Sat 7 May 2016 (Rickmansworth Campus) Fri 7 Oct 2016 (Northwood Campus) 01923 825648 (Rickmansworth) 01923 845514 (Northwood)

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

Open Day: By appointment. 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 24 Feb, Tue 28 Jun, 9.30-11am. Bluebelle House Nursery Fri 5 Feb, Tue 26 Apr, 9.30-11am. 01923 825446.

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

Open Day: Sat 7 May 2016 10am-12pm. 020 8869 7634/7600

First Class Learning Are you looking for dynamic and effective tuition?

National Programme supported by Professional Educationalists and the Dyspraxia Foundation

Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English 4 Courses based on National Curriculum 4 Improves confidence and encourages enjoyment in learning 4 Suitable for all ages & abilities

4 Helps with school assessment & exams 4 Tailored to suit individual needs

Colindale Harrow Kenton Harrow South Harrow Town Kingsbury Northwood Pinner Sudbury Watford

020 8205 9831 020 8537 9470 074012 080 40 020 8933 7019 020 8205 9831 07802 433 994 078111 944 99 01895 673 114 07554 287 067

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

Open Day: Sat 17 Sep 2016, 10am-12:30pm. admin@quaintonhall.org.uk 020 8861 8861

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

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

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 725354

Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org

Open Day: By appointment. 020 7932 1178

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: Fri 15 Jan, 10am-12pm. 020 8902 5069

St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 9 Jan, 10-11am & 11am-12pm. 01923 255 017

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

Open Day: Wed 22 Jun, 9.30am-12pm. 01923 843230

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

Open Day: By appointment. 0208 950 1751

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

Open Day: Wed 25 May 2016, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067

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

Open Day: Thu 25 Feb, Thu 5 May, 9.30am-12pm.

020 8901 0872

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

Open Day: Fri 26 Feb, 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 15 Jan; Wed 24 Feb. 020 8205 7153

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

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 772 395

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Education

An introduction to

Special Educational Needs

W

e all worry when our child is having trouble keeping up with his or her peer group. But what happens if you suspect that it’s not that your child is just a little slower at grasping a concept – but actually needs some specialist help?

Special Educational Needs, or SEN, is a legal term that the Government and schools use to describe the kind of child who has some form of problem or disability that makes learning harder for them than their friends. It means that they have assessed your child and have been able to pinpoint what it is (or as nearly as they can) that makes it so very hard for your child to keep up.

This could be a variety (and often times a combination) of conditions including: • Dyslexia • Discalcula • English as an additional language • Concentration control (such as ADHD) • Ability to socialise (including Autism spectrum) • Speech or hearing problems • Or a range of other problems or disabilities

But how do you get to this point of diagnosis? Parents, though

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sometimes reluctant to ‘label’ their child with what they may see as a disability, sometimes have a worrying time when they think their child is struggling but don’t mention it at the school.

They may try to teach their child at home or go to a tutor. The truth is that the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school really is your best friend here. They can help you to get your child the assessment, and subsequent diagnosis they may need to get specialised help. Unfortunately, the process is not always that straight forward.

Stretched schools, with pupils from diverse backgrounds and varied needs create a lot of demands on their time and resources and it may be challenging, and time consuming, to get to the point where you can have your child assessed at school, from which, depending on the outcome, a ‘statement of special educational needs’ can be applied.

It’s important that you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how your child could be helped as early as possible, and to keep asking questions – what help is there, when can it be given, is there anything else we can do at home to help, and so on. Sometimes extra tuition is all that is required but if your child is assessed and is given a statement, this translates to extra help in classes and support for the school to be able to provide it – as well as extra time in exams, sometimes as much as 50% more.

Education

Bal-A-Vis-X: More than just bouncing and Bean Bags Could your child benefit from participating in a {FREE} trial program at their school?

A

new intervention program to the UK offers help for children who are struggling to keep up with their peers – could your child/school benefit from a free trial programme?

ordination and focused attention. The programme promotes co-operation and self-challenge. Bal-A-Vis-X utilises sandfilled bags, racquet balls, balance boards, and eye-fitness exercises. There are over 300 exercises to learn with new ones being developed all the time. You can see examples of the exercises on the website www.integratedbrain.co.uk.

Has your child fallen behind at school?

There are many reasons for children falling behind at school from family problems, to illness, to moving home. Whatever the reason, catching up becomes a challenge – especially so at the early stages of learning in Infant or Junior School.

Trials for school using Bal-A-Vis-X A new initiative has been launched, run

by Integrated Brain, that aims to help schools help more children recover lost ground. The idea came after seeing clinical research on Bal-A-Vis-X (done in Africa) and how it helps those with ADHD in place of medication. Whilst ADHD is an extreme situation where children with this condition fall behind in their education, the Bal-AVis-X programme can be used for any child to help them catch up.

How does Bal-A-Vis-X help children?

Bal-A-Vis-X stands for Balance, Auditory Vision Exercises. It works in to improve brain function as it: • Helps eye tracking for reading, writing, copying and coordination tasks

By working to improve all the issues that underpin academic success, Bal-A-Vis-X helps each child’s brain to work to its optimum thus helping them catch up faster.

• Helps auditory precision, listening carefully, picking up more of what is heard • Helps reduced ‘study’ anxiety by improving balance and offering vestibular stimulation • Helps calm a child and anchor learning - the rhythmic element of the work helps reduce “random activity” and patterns start to be learnt instead of a new situation each time for a child with concentration problems.

• Helps increases peer interaction as children work together.

Bal-A-Vis-X it is a series of simple to complex exercises deeply rooted in rhythm which improves full body co-

How are the trial done and how much does it cost?

Integrated Brain are offering a FREE six week trial at your school for those children who are behind and need extra help. Each child is offered one-to-one help at no cost to the school. The aim is to prove the effectiveness of the programme in a short burst to demonstrate the validity of the clinical research closer to home here in London.

Is your school interested?

Does your child need the extra help at no cost? To apply for the free trial please enrol your school by first requesting an information pack via email usha.patel@integratedbrain subject: ‘FREE school Trial.’

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Education Great Maths Teaching “Will Take A Decade” teachers to have a maths A level or continue to study maths up to the age of 18 and they want more maths graduates to teach the subject at secondary level. If there are not enough available, then they suggest that graduates with a related subject such as economics could be encouraged to become maths teachers.

Experts say that bringing maths teaching in the UK up to world-class standards will take ten years.

The Advisory Council on Mathematics Education (ACME) has released a report that says that it will take at least ten years before maths teachers are qualified as well as they should be. They recommend that maths teachers need better training and higher qualifications. This would include primary schools, where many teachers have not studied maths since they took their GCSEs and yet teach maths to their classes.

The report’s author, Robert Barbour, wants all primary

Mr. Barbour says: “We are not at the bottom,” but says that maths teaching should “aspire to level with the best.” The report compared teaching in the UK with that in Shanghai, Singapore, Massachusetts and Germany, where some of the most successful educational systems are based. However the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Russell Hobby, says that schools should be recruiting now and that ten years is too long to wait. “The children in the system today won’t see the benefits before they leave school. The effectiveness of recruitment needs to be addressed immediately. For the teachers there in the system today, it’s vital that they have access to proper professional development to increase their experience,” he said. The Department for Education has removed caps on funding to ensure that teacher trainees who have at least a 2:2 degree can earn £25,000 and the Department has pledged up to £67 million to increase the maths ability of 15,000 teachers currently working in schools. It will also recruit an additional 2,500 maths and physics specialists in this parliament. www.acme-uk.org

Pre-school skill development through ‘Prep and Learning Groups’

Now that we have entered the New Year, are you starting to think about a Nursery environment for your toddler? With government funding for some two year olds (and most three year olds), it is a great opportunity to start planning for your child so that he/she starts to learn to be independent with some basic skills so that they are well developed for entry into Reception. Research shows that children who interact with other children learn important social skills like sharing and cooperating and this in turn prepares them well for their entry to Reception in a few years’ time.

One local nursery, Little Stars Pre-School, works with parent to help develop these skills from 2 years old by offering two stages of learning environments - younger children may join a “Prep” Group (which has sessions from 9am to 12 noon) before moving to an older “Learning Group” typically after the age three. The older children will learn the main aspects of Early Years Foundation Stage and attend from 9am to 3.30pm.An approved provider, Little Stars, also operate the free 15 hours/ week schemes for 2 and over 3 year olds based on eligibility criteria and this means the cost of childcare can be substantially reduced for local families who pay for “extra hours” as required. Little Stars Pre-School setting is located in North Harrow at the Headstone Lawn Tennis Club, and is open from 9am to 3:30pm pm term time with children attending from age two upwards with option to choose morning or afternoon sessions as well as full days utilising the funded hours cost effectively.

For more information email: bharatls27@outlook.com www.littlestarspreschool.co.uk

Elisa’s Tutorial School Edgware from 21/2 years to 16 years of age.

Give your child the best start.

26 years experience. Ex St. Michaels’ Grammar School teacher. BA. PGCE Expert tuition in English, Maths and reasoning for 4 plus, 7 plus, 11 plus, 13 plus and also GCSE. Pre-school reading, maths and writing classes taught through music, art, toys and stories, computer lessons also.

020 8958 1192 07956 868119 Online tutoring available at

www.childrensstories.net

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Education Starting School in 2016?

Don’t miss the deadline!

Children born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 are due to start Reception class, the first year of primary school, in September 2016. Applications for school choices close on 15th January.

To find out more visit your local LEA/borough website: www.brent.gov.uk; www.harrow.gov.uk; www.hillingdon.gov.uk; www.barnet.gov.uk; www.ealing.gov.uk; www.hertsdirect.org

St Nicholas

Preparatory School – founded 1937 NW London (Kingsbury/Wembley)

BUXLOW

Preparatory School Established in Wembley in 1927

School Visits By Appointment

An independent day school for boys and girls from 3-11. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk • Newly refurbished (Summer 2014) • Small classes and bright, airy classrooms • Great results in 11+ examinations • A caring, nurturing environment with a family atmosphere • After-school care and clubs • Active PTA

We provide private education at a competitive price.

• Small classes taught in a caring, family environment.

• An excellent record of 11+ Senior School progression & scholarships • Outstanding success in music, drama & sport • An active and supportive PTA

Open days for Spring term: January 15; February 24

Address: 22 Salmon Street, Kingsbury, NW9 8PN E: admin@stnicholasschool.org.uk

Tel: 020 8205 7153

For further information call 020 89043615 or email admin@buxlowschool.org.uk

www.buxlowschool.org.uk

St. Christopher’s School Wembley Park

Open Morning Friday 15 January 2016 10am-12noon • Boys and girls 4 – 11 years • High academic achievement • Caring environment • Strong musical emphasis • Numerous educational outings • 4 scholarships in 11+entry exams 2014 St Christopher’s School 71 Wembley Park Drive, Middlesex HA9 8HE Tel: 0208 902 5069

Visit our website http://stchristophersschool.org.uk

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Mummy On The Edge

Mummy on the Edge Midi-Me gets Virtual and her mother gets a job.

I

t is the beginning of another new year and I have been getting creative with my use of the hairdryer, which I utilize in the warming of my bed before and while I am in it.

This is most definitely environmentally UNfriendly.

Admittedly, I occasionally ponder a post-apocalyptic world where Midi-Me’s children’s children are hiding out in caves dimly lit by straw fires, crushing their tiny, six-legged, protein-packed dinners with de-powered tablets, foraged after a dangerous round trip in an acid-storm to the defunct-i-mountain, cursing their useless, selfish great-grandmother who deigned it necessary to blow-dry her bed.

However, this method of toastification of the self before bedtime is highly effective (and also very dangerous and not to be recommended).

Despite all that, I do care about the environment. Which is why I gave Midi-Me a gift made of cardboard for Christmas.

Recyclable, innit. Mr Angelina came home with this flat-pack cardboard contraption which he had bought for himself off the interweb because he is tech-knowlegical (see what I did there).

Midi me - with her flat-pack-building expertise perfected during quality time with her dad at his furniture store in Vancouver - helped Mr Angelina put it together, while I sat on the sofa

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recovering from a bug under a blanket (without the hairdryer), entirely uninterested in what was being constructed.

When I saw what it was and how it worked once they had managed to put it together, I was very impressed. And also a bit scared because I feel sometimes I have been plonked about 50 years into the future. The Google have invented Cardboard (www.google.com/get/cardboard/) which promises to make virtual reality an experience available now to everyone using

Mummy On The Edge

“It seems I am not the patient angel that my name would seem to suggest” a headset made of cardboard that you can make or buy. The headset is basically a viewer that holds your smartphone or ipod on to which you can download free apps that can take you to different places in the country and indeed the world. You hold the headset to your face (or strap it on if it comes with a strap) and by moving your head and/ or spinning around, can achieve a 360 degree view of “wherever” you happen to “be” at that moment. You cannot move “forward” or “backward” but it is still pretty cool.

There was much collective “oohing” and “ahhing” from Midi Me and Mr Angelina and some giggling from her, too.

“I’m in Paris! I’m in Tokyo! I’m in Venice! I’m in space! I’m in a kaleidoscope!! Wow!!!” It works on streetview in some areas but thankfully Midi-Me could not locate our house as it doesn’t go as far as Bushey.

I start January with a renewed appreciation for schools and the people that work in them. From November to December last

year that was me, as I took a job as a teaching assistant for half a term in the reception class of a lovely little private school.

Midi-Me was happy; she likes telling me about her day and hearing about mine and when I was running Sing and Sign, she always looked forward to my detailed play by play. She’s not that interested in the plotlines of Real Housewives so it’s always a more gratifying exchange if I’ve been working. Also, since birth she has been used to hearing her mother speak in clipped tones in the morning and watching her mother run around the house looking for shoes and keys in a blind panic; that’s her happy place.

However, (you knew that word was coming, didn’t you…) it seems I am not the patient angel that my name would seem to suggest and years of running my own business teaching 3 hours a day and staying up late to do paperwork with only a glass of wine and Sky Player for company has spoiled me. I underestimated my body, brain and ears’ capacity for constant noise and talking and listening and overestimated my interest in the mediation of about a hundred truly life-unchangingly insignificant playground spats a day.

So, this January, can we all take a minute to think about the blessed teachers that teach our children and the assistants that assist them and the playground adults that listen to our children’s problems with each other and the lunch supervisors that keep peace in the lunch hall without the use of a full-size tambourine every 2 minutes to avoid shouting. Yeah, that was me. With the tambourine.

More at www.mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot. com and www.facebook.com/angelina.melwani and twitter at @appleina

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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Nurseries and Childcare

Cost of Childcare:

Does It Pay To Work?

O

ne of the earliest big decisions you will have to make in your child’s life is how they will be cared for should you decide to go back to work. There any many factors to take into consideration when choosing who will care for your child but primarily you need to consider the type of care environment you would like and clearly as a consequence the cost of such care.

The cheapest option by far is an au-Pair at approximately £80-£150 per week (depending on hours and location) plus board and lodgings but please bear in mind that au-pairs are not allowed to care for children under two. Au-pairs should only work a limited number of hours per week and are supposed to be here to improve their knowledge of English through courses and contact with their host family. One of the biggest things to consider though is whether you really want someone living in your house full time?

The other option for care in your own home is to hire a nanny. A livein nanny costs approximately £350 per week in the South East and on top of this you must factor in board and lodgings. A live-out nanny will cost between £8 and £14 net per hour

based on experience and location and on top of this you must factor in gross costs such as tax, national insurance and eventually, if your nanny is eligible, pension contributions. Nannies working in London and the Home Counties earn far more than other parts of the UK.

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

One thing to note is that whilst a nanny may seem very expensive if you only have one child the price is the same if you have two, three or more. At that point it may become a more affordable choice and they can provide so much more than childcare on a relatively

Nurseries and Childcare

“Choice is a wonderful thing but it can sometimes be overwhelming. The key things to consider are how do you want your child cared for and what is your budget.” flexible basis.

Nannies are not industry regulated and qualifications and experience can range vastly. The benefit of a nanny providing care for your child is that they are receiving the same kind of home based care that you would be able to give as a parent although should the nanny be unwell you may have to make alternative temporary arrangements at short notice. A final but vital point to note is that if you hire a nanny you are legally classed as an employer and have the same obligations under employment legislation as any other employer.

Childminders are home-based care providers but in their home rather than yours and they will usually have a number of children from different families in their care at different times. All childminders must be Ofsted registered and provide the same level of care and development that a nursery would. The strict new

regulations have seen childminder numbers drop significantly and many are operating on a more business like level than previously. The cost per hour is usually between £3.50 and £6 per hour depending on location although some in central London may charge more and unlike a Nanny, a childminder will charge per child so if you have two children you are looking at double the cost. Childminders are self-employed and therefore you pay by invoice for their services with no additional responsibilities for taxation etc.

Nurseries are probably the most common form of childcare provider.

All nurseries are Ofsted registered and inspected and will provide care for multiple children in age bracketed groups from 6 weeks to 5 years. The advantage of a nursery is that they are usually open for most of the year and even if a member of staff is unwell the setting will still be able to offer care for

your child. If your child is ill however, the nursery won’t allow them to attend so you still have the emergency care to consider. The disadvantage of a nursery for some people is that, particularly for younger children and babies, the group environment can seem quite impersonal and the consistent one-to=one care is not there.

Like all other forms of childcare, the cost of a nursery can vary significantly depending on the location and the number of hours you use but the range is usually between £4 and £6 per hour, although in London it can be significantly higher There are ways to mitigate some childcare costs. Your family may be able to claim working tax credits and many employers offer salary sacrifice schemes for childcare vouchers.

Once your child reaches the age of three (or two in some circumstances) they will be entitled to claim the nursery education grant provision. Essentially this is currently 15 hours free childcare per week offered by most nurseries and some childminders. Please note however that this is not always “free” and you should check if top up fees are charged. The Government is looking into ways to help working parents but the final details have not yet been released.

Watch this space!

Choice is a wonderful thing but it can sometimes be overwhelming. The key things to consider are how do you want your child cared for and what is your budget.

Andrea May is the Human Resources Manager for Parental Choice (www.parentalchoice.co.uk), a one stop advice and childcare search service for professionals looking for the right childcare to fit their careers.

3 months to 5 years

Open days for Spring term: January 15; February 24 • 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) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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Nurseries and Childcare

Benefits of introducing a second Language to under 5’s

T

he best time to teach your child a second language is the same time he or she is learning their first one.

Longitudinal studies by Harvard University confirm that learning additional languages increases critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of the mind in young children.

Pupils who learn a foreign language outscore their non-foreign language learning peers in verbal and maths standardised tests, indicating that learning additional a language is a cognitive activity not just a linguistic one.

Karima Bougatef , founder and Head of a bilingual nursery “Les Petits Lutins School” in Wembley near the new lycée international de Londres “Winston Churchill”, is a childcare provider who has actively embraced the opportunity to expand on children’s language skills.

Her nursery offers a combined French national program and early years curriculum to 1–5 year olds as part of its all-inclusive fees.

“I personally see the early years as the ideal age group for language skills to be practiced. As to why we introduced a second language option – well babies are born ready and willing to communicate with the world around them. Language learning develops a number of skills and the earlier a second language is learnt the better. Research has shown that pre-school is the best time to learn because young children are more relaxed and better at imitating sounds and pronunciation. “ Mrs Bougatef goes on to say “Children repeat sounds and, when rewarded by attention from an adult, this stimulates them to continue or increase vocalisation. When a child learns a second language, the same

principle applies. The more they enjoy learning a language when they are young, the more likely they are to find it a positive experience when they are older.”

Teaching at Les Petits Lutins School is based on bilingualism through immersion which means all language teaching is done within the core subjects, rather than as a separate subject from the curriculum. The foreign language governs all interactions, from giving instructions to actual teaching. It is extremely effective with young children and according to Dr Christina Shelletter from the University of Hertfordshire, it is “the best and most successful method of foreign language learning at an early age”.

However, the latter is not suitable to just any preschool setting as it requires major adjustments including teachers’ proficiency in the target language. “This is why at Les Petits Lutins School we employ both Native speakers for French and English” says Mrs Bougatef.

But what if you, the parent, are not proficient in the second language? Mrs Bougatef suggests parents from any background should consider introducing additional languages to their child. “At our nursery parents are encouraged to get involved in the language acquisition because it is very important to remember that if a child is to embrace languages, the language experience should be an enjoyable part of their life and in turn will become a skill for life – it’s never too late to learn.”

These days it seems more and more parents are taking it upon themselves to find a way to raise bilingual kids even if they are monolinguals or nonnative speakers of the language they choose for their child. These parents want their child to reap all the benefits

Celebrating 40 years Cannon Lane Methodist Church, Cannon Lane, Pinner HA5 1JD

We have places available for children from 2½ years 2 and 3 year old funding available where applicable For more details please contact our Admissions Secretary

07519 778 431

f find us on facebook or register at

cannonlanepreschool.co.uk 18

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

of bilingualism, so they simply adjust their parenting style to embrace a new language in their home by: • Setting aside learning time • Making your home a learning resource • ‘Living’ the language and culture “There’s not one defined strategy for non-native speakers to use, but their best tool will definitely be a dual or full language immersion school for their kids. This will pretty much be the road of less resistance and with more guarantees of success.”

Simply put, experience and experts suggest that the younger the learner, the better they are at mimicking new sounds and adopting pronunciation.

The brain is open to new sounds and patterns in preadolescence. . Just keep in mind that, whatever you pass on to your children as a second or heritage language is a gift your children will have all their life.

Karima Bougatef MA; QTS Modern Foreign Languages is Head of Les Petits Lutins School in Wembley. www.lespetitslutins.co.uk

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Nurseries and Childcare

_ Open term time _ Ofsted rating - ‘Good’ _ Soft play, Gym, Tennis, French and IT classes _ Free places government funding available for 2-5 year olds

Honey Bears Montessori Nursery

Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, Eastcote HA5 2QU

Tel: 020 8426 1855 077 5169 4480 info@honeybearsmontessori.co.uk

www.honeybearsmontessori.co.uk

Offer is valid for all of our nurseries:

Acton, Acton Park, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale, Stanmore, West Twyford, Yeading

Families NW London Magazine is distributed to over 30,000 families.

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

19

Nurseries and Childcare

Starting Nursery

Decision made, deposit paid… so what next?

I t’s always a good idea to visit your chosen nursery prior to your child starting. A good nursery will arrange a pre-visit for you and your child. This previsit serves many purposes. The staff will want to find out about you and your little one; this will involve a chat and possibly completing a simple questionnaire. This background information will help your child to feel welcome and relaxed when they start; Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep school believes “Something as simple as having a favourite toy or picture on your peg can make all the difference on the big day. This first visit can be very daunting for you both so do not worry if your child does not want to talk or join in, they should not be pushed into ‘performing’ in front of staff. It is

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very important that this first experience is both happy and comfortable and it is very common for children to just want to observe what is going on around them.”

Introduce your child to their Key Worker/Room Supervisor. Mention their names before you start so your child recognises them; these are the grownups they will be turning to.

Children will be encouraged to have some independence once they are at school. Encouragement and praise is helpful outside of school, for example give rewards for doing up their own buttons or putting on shoes. Make sure clothes are as practical as possible so children can achieve without the hindrance of tricky fastenings.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Supporting your child’s physical development is crucial at this stage in their overall development. Mastery of skills in ‘Physical development’ area of the Early Years Foundation Stage has a positive impact on many aspects of children’s learning. Listening to other children and adults, paying attention to information and instruction, experimenting, developing concepts of shape, space and form, problem solving are all areas which will build your child’s confidence.

Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep School said “There are a huge amount of activities that you can do at home that will help develop your child’s fine motor skills and they can be great fun.

Nurseries and Childcare Simple small manipulative games will help develop the muscles in their hands and fingers so they will have the strength to hold a pencil correctly when the time comes for learning to write”

Here are some practical ideas for you to support physical development at home.

• Tearing, scrunching and sticking paper.

• Threading; beads on spaghetti or a pipe cleaner, pasta tubes on string to make jewellery, pipe cleaners in an upturned colander.

• Dough; squishing, stretching, making. Use playdough, or an edible bread dough.

• Slotting/Posting; buttons in jars, shapes in slots cut in a cardboard box or slit a tennis ball so it has to be squeezed before you can put in the shape.

• Sorting; buttons, bead, shapes, shells.

• Weaving with ribbons.

• Fill a tray with flour, tea leaves or cornflour mixed with water to make ‘gloop’. Then encourage your child to make shapes, pictures with their fingers.

• Move small objects from ones pot to another using large tweezers.

Find out what the day will involve and what activities they are likely to be doing. It is not unusual for a child when after a very busy day upon being asked what they have done, to say they have done nothing. The more you know about what they are doing the more you can engage them in conversation. This can be as simple as knowing what they had for lunch.

On the first day stay happy and confident. Make sure you say goodbye, but do not prolong your farewell as this helps no one. It might be that a member of staff will have to help you and your child part, but most children settle very quickly and a good nursery will encourage you to call after a short while to put your mind at rest – if they have not contacted you first to inform you of progress. Most children will cry at some stage, some will cry on the first few days, others will cry once they realise that coming to school is not a temporary arrangement.

The ethos of the Early Years Foundation Stage is very much about the unique child so nursery days are very flexible; do not expect a set timetable for this age group. Mrs Gocher added “Whilst there is careful planning underlying everything we do it is very important that child initiated activities are encouraged and changes to the day are accommodated and opportunities taken. We have a focus for different areas of the curriculum for each day,

but many situations can incorporate the learning areas. The daily routine of snack time includes encouraging good manners and respect for each other.

Sharing and taking turns are emphasised, the opportunity to be the helper builds confidence and independence, counting pieces of fruit and cups develops numeracy skills and there is the opportunity to discuss staying well and keeping healthy.”

It is important that you encourage your child as they develop and reinforce what they are learning in nursery. Encourage good manners and independence; visit your local library for story times not only for the interaction but also for improving listening and sitting still. Your nursery will become an important part of your and your child’s life, play dates with new friends, visits to parks with other mums will become part of your routine and should be relished.

Aldenham Prep School’s next Open Morning is on Saturday 18th June from 10.00am – 12.30pm.

Visits during the working week are also welcomed call 01923 851664 or email prepschool@aldenham.com to arrange an appointment.

For Children aged 2 to 5 years old

• A wonderful setting for children to learn and grow • High standard of qualified and caring staff • Family atmosphere • Safe secure and stimulating environment • Large Outdoor area Open 51 weeks a year, offering part time and full time sessions

Why not come and see our nursery!

Tel: 0208 904 3615 nursery.manger@buxlowschool.org.uk www.buxlownursery.org.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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What’s New TRIED AND TESTED! WHOOSH! Your screen clean!

Did your household get a tablet or smartphone in December and now you are wondering how on earth to keep it clean and slow down the spread of germs between users? Check out WHOOSH!’s range of screen cleaners remove bacteria and fingerprints from your child’s tablet, your Macbook, smartphone and Smart TV with one spray or wipe.

The formula is 100% natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly and comes in three convenient sizes: Pocket (8ml bottle & 1 cloth) RRP £5.99 , On the Go (30ml bottle & 1 cloth) RRP £7.98 and Duo (100ml bottle, 8ml bottle & 2 cloths) RRP £16.98. Available in Staples stores and online at www.staples.co.uk

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Washable Shoes from Clarks Kids get dirty – and often from the feet upward, which is why Clarks have created a range of easy clean shoes, designed to be thrown in the washing machine. Ideal for little explorers and perfect for parents. We particularly like the white trainers which we are putting through their paces as part of the PE kit at school! Available in a wide range of styles and sizes.

Prices starting at £18. www.clarks.co.uk

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BuddyTag - a revolution in child safety The BuddyTag is a simple device, utilising Bluetooth technology to keep track of the child wearing it, and updating parents on their smartphone app.

Key features include: Proximity Alert System: When kids are out of proximity an alarm sounds on your phone (with customizable range), Panic button, Email with location: allowing parents to view when and where their child[ren] were last tracked by the app and multiple connections: pair several BuddyTags to one phone. Available in two styles (Silicone,Terrycloth, ) and over five colour combinations.

RRP £44.99 www.kiddicare.com and other good retailers

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Jacob, the Famous Goose, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards: A True Story by Sheila Marlin Taking place between 1838 and 1846, this is the story of a goose, named Jacob, who is saved from a fox by a Coldstreamer stationed on a farm in Canada. Jacob marches with the guards daily; goose-stepping and imitating them. One evening he saves their lives from a rebel attack. For his bravery he is awarded a golden collar and becomes the mascot of the Coldstream Guards.

He is taken to London where he becomes an attraction for the locals. The Duke of Wellington is a frequent visitor and Jacob takes part in the ‘Changing the Guard’ and ‘Trooping the colour’.

When he dies, Jacob receives a funeral with ‘Full Military Honours. For readers 7+.

RRP £9.99 www.amazon.co.uk

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TV Presenter Andy Day launches first album for children Andy Day, star of the CBeebies show, ‘Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures’ has launched his first album of children’s songs in collaboration with the team behind many of the CBeebies and CBBC theme tunes. ‘Who Invited this Lot’ is performed by Andy and the Odd Socks’ and is packed full of funny songs for families. Guest vocalists include Andy’s TV co-stars Katy Ashworth and Sid Sloane. RRP £7.99 for the album or 99p a track. Available from iTunes and www.andyday.tv

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Improve 11+ vocabulary in a flash Looking to boost your child’s vocabulary ahead of the 11+ exam? Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to improve children’s verbal reasoning skills and encourage them to build up a bank of challenging vocabulary. The cards are available as different structured sets: Level 1 (Confidence building), Level 2 (Serious about vocabulary), Opposites Levels 1 and 2, and Compound words. Each set contains 100 double-sided cards.

RRP £12.99–£49.99 www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

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Local Interest

Does your child have

the ‘JAM factor’!?

D iscipline, focus, team-work and exemplary manners are probably not the first words that spring to mind when considering the bright lights world of professional child acting, but for JAM2000 Performing Arts and Agency director, Judy McPhee, such things are key.

Since launching the agency part of JAM2000 seven years ago, Judy has become first-choice agent for many of the UK’s leading TV and film producers and directors when needing young performers for their productions- from period dramas and sitcoms, to major feature films and commercials.

Most of the children and young adults on JAM2000’s agency books attend local schools and colleges within a few miles of JAM2000’s HQ in Ruislip Manor. Everyone is encouraged to attend classes in drama and dancing at JAM2000 to develop their performing skills so that they have the best possible chance of succeeding when TV and film parts come up.

JAM2000 is billed as “the agency for everyone”. New recruits are welcome from new born babies to young adults short, fat, thin, spotty, every hair colour, style and length and every nationality! Twins, triplets and disabled children are also welcome. “We are a very busy agency and always looking for real, natural yet unpretentious children,” says Judy, who always makes clear to new joiners that she can never guarantee work.

The process starts by parent and child being interviewed

by Judy. “I am looking for children with charm, manners and personality, but without attitude. It’s also important that they do hobbies as it means they can follow direction and are team players. And there’s no room for pushy parents here – they have to want it for the right reasons.”

Judy won’t have arrogant children either, adding. “We instil in our performers that they are very lucky and privileged and that they must respect the effort that goes into making these opportunities happen for them.”

A former professional comedienne, dancer and singer herself, Judy understands the entertainment industry inside out - the positives and the pitfalls.

“As well as gaining self-confidence, kids are getting an insight into the world of work and the value of money because they are doing a job and getting paid for it! They also get an understanding of how productions are created by many

By Heather Purchase

people including camera crew, set builders, makeup artistes, costume designers and continuity.

“As there is always a lot of waiting around, discipline is important while on set. The children must respect when to be quiet, to listen and follow directions. We also stress the importance of manners and behaviour when representing the agency.”

Performing on TV and in film requires time, energy and commitment from parents and performers alike with castings often at short notice and can involve long, tiring days travelling and filming.

Judy and her team have well-oiled processes to enable the children to perform from organising casting pictures, castings and Child Performance Licenses, to providing licensed chaperones that travel with the children and look after them on set, arranging on-set tutors for longer shoots as well as ensuring that the kids are paid.

“Most schools are very supportive about allowing children time off to perform as they understand that it’s an education in itself and that life skills can be developed,” says Judy, adding: “Here at JAM2000 Agency we live in a world of constant excitement – it is the most unpredictable profession - you never know what’s coming in!”

Anyone interested in their child being considered for JAM2000 Agency should email thewindmillstudio@gmail.com and include the child’s name, date of birth, full contact details and recent photos.

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Paediatric First Aid Courses Sat 23rd Jan, Sun 28th Feb 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

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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Local Clubs and Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking , cake decorating and dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and during term holidays in a friendly environment.  07737847405 or info@ egglesscakedelights.com.  www.egglesscakedelights.com 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 throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW for January YogaBelles: yoga designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli

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 St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September and February 2016 and are free.  contact@igclondon.org.uk

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 JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your little ones are playing.  0208 427 8847  info@rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com

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The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755  www.thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

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

Beat Building (HA1&HA2) Run inspiring and creative music classes for children using African drums and funky hand held percussion from around the world - lots of great songs and games get the imagination glowing and introduce the concepts of beats and rhythmic patterns and also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. As well as being a great approach to learning about music and rhythm, beat Building is also brilliant for: enhancing coordination; fine and gross motor skills; focus and concentration; language and social skills; building confidence. Beat Building is also lots of FUN and a great way to release energy in a positive way!  07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk www.beatbuilding.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

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 in Harrow & Northwood. Please see website for more details and to book a Free Taster Session.  020 8426 4114  sarahlittlenotes@gmail.com 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, Northwood and Harrow.  01895 674587  www.monkeymusic.com

Massage & Yoga

SPORTS AND EXERCISE Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring and nurturing teachers.  07841342874  capoeiracademyuk@gmail. com www.capoeiracademyuk.com 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. Enjoya-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 Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every Saturday in Term Time at Field End Road for all children aged 5 – 11 years.

Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  For further info contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet  020 8201 1084  jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford  0208 123 9346  jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk 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

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above 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

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 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 YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength and flexibility!

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

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 Everyone Active (WD/HA) Spaces available for swimming lessons. Start from 4 months old with highly qualified teachers. Adult swimming lessons also available, and enjoy a discount on fitness memberships when your children are enrolled in lessons. Leisure Centres in Watford and Harrow. Watford Central 01923 296750; Woodside 01923 892710; Harrow 020 8901 5980; Hatch End 020 8428 8041; Bannister 020 8428 7931; Vale Farm 020 8908 6545; Northolt High School 020 8864 8544; Northolt Leisure Centre 020 8423 7436.  www.everyoneactive.com 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

Local Clubs and Classes Directory 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level.  07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy agency that is always looking for new recruits!  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 Diddi Dance (HA) Funky preschool dance classes for boys and girls. Classes held across Harrow and North Hillingdon. 07521 454235  tejal.patel@diddidance.com www.diddidance.com Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge City Centre. Futunity UK offer classes for children ages 2 all the way through to adults. Hip Hop, Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/ competitive levels. Futunity UK also have three fully equipped studios available for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all genres) and gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school extra curricular sessions, and PE and PPA cover lessons.  01895 251224  admin@futunityuk.com 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.  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 Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Monday–Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers.  07946 055 422  info@mysistersandme.co.uk

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 2.45-3.45pm: 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

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB /EDUCATION SUPPORT 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 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 Excel Academy Tuition Centre (HA3) Run special GCSE/IGCSE exam preparation classes and ensure A/A* in the exams. Teaching is by well qualified, experienced and professional staff, who carry out regular assessments with one-to-one sessions.  020 3602 9407/07850 477563  info@excelacademy.org.uk www.excelacademy.org.uk Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk.

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 Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 37 years’ experience.  020 8580 3911  www.fleet-tutors.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 Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Leaders are Readers offer specialist experience and accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays.

2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted.  01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk 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 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 October 2015.  0207 407 6744 for more information.  admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.co.uk 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 Simple Studies (NW4) Offer expert English and Maths tuition for 4-16 year olds at their cosy centre in Hendon. They specialise in 11+ entrance exams.

Quote ‘Familiesmagazine’ and get 10% off your first lesson!  07793 498195  www.simplestudies.co.uk Stanmore Tutor Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for that all important place.  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

Keep up to date!

Check the clubs and classes directory of the Families website www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk to see what’s near you.

From archery to zoology, you’ll find something for every child!

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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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 before setting out.

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

Grange Road, Hayes.

020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

Sun 17 Jan – Handa’s Hen When Handa and her friend Akeyo go looking for Grandma’s black hen Mondi, they find two fluttery butterflies round the hen house, three stripy mice under the grain store, four little lizards behind the pots… But where is Mondi?

Based on the book by Eileen Browne, this beautiful and engaging show features 55 stunning puppets all created by hand for this brand new production. Join in with Handa and Akeyo as they sing and dance in search of Mondi, meeting a host of colourful animals and birds as they go. Ages 2-6 years

Sat 23 – Sun 24 Jan – The Gruffalo’s Child Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s monstrous success comes The Gruffalo’s Child - with attitude! Just how brave is she? Find out for yourselves by joining her at the Beck Theatre. The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should Ever set foot in the deep dark wood…One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical stage adaptation.

Ages 3+.

Tue 26 – Sat 30 Jan – Gangsta Granny It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the world premiere of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children. Ages 5+ and all the family Mon 1 – Wed 3 Feb – Cirque Berserk Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular – created especially for the theatre.

Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers, deathdefying stunt men and of course the award-winning clown, Tweedy. The show also features the world’s most hair raising circus act - the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of Terror’. Don’t miss it!

Sat 20 Feb – Milkshake! Live Show Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new stage show for 2016! Join the Milkshake Presenters and loads more of your Milkshake friends for an all singing, all dancing journey through Milkshake’s magical bookcase as they explore some of the world’s favourite fairy tales!

Sun 24 Jan – Thumbelina There was once a little girl so small she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly … Norwich Puppet Theatre present Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb and her encounters with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow. Join Thumbelina on her journey to happiness in the kingdom of flowers. Using glove, rod and shadow puppets, this is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre. Ages 2-7 years Sun 31 Jan – The Boy Who Never Grew Up Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, enter a world where happy thoughts take you flying high, where pirates roam the seas and where magic and adventure is impossible to hide from. Welcome to the world where you never grow up. Join two expert make-believers on a trip to Neverland. Visit Peter Pan’s underground home, see how he befriended the Indians, escaped drowning in a lagoon, scaled a mountain and outwitted his nemesis Captain Hook. But this isn’t just the story you’ve seen on screen or read in the book, there are adventures of your own to be had... With music and puppetry, this a show of imagination and magic for anyone who wishes to never, ever grow up.

Ages 4-10 years Sun 7 Feb – Tom Thumb The story of Tom Thumb is brought to life in this exciting adventure. As the very first folk story ever printed in English in 1621, it mixes a legend set in the times of King Arthur with a Shakespearean take on Celtic folklore. This epic tale of the smallest hero in the world is told with superb puppetry, music and fantastic design. Tom Thumb is a tale that is always told in times of great change, when we know the world our small ones will live in is going to be a very different one than the one we know…

Ages 4-9 years Sat 13 – Wed 17 Feb – The Cat in the Hat From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home? Based on the much loved book

by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children. Expect towering hats, mischief and fun that is funny! Ages 3+ Sun 14 Feb – 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 19 – Sun 21 Feb – The Many Doors of Frank Feelbad The Many Doors of Frank Feelbad is a show for kids and their accompanying grown-ups. It follows Frank, an inquisitive chap with a big problem; what’s happened to Mum? Join Frank on his adventure to find her. There’ll be scavenger hunts, puzzles to solve and maybe even some dub-step dancing. Building on the huge success of their previous show The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Bootworks Theatre have created The Lose-O-Porium – an intimate space where all lost things live. And where Frank’s adventures can be enjoyed by small audiences of children and their grown ups. Ages 5+ Sun 28 Feb – The Boy Who Bit Picasso Go and play down on the farm with Tony and Picasso.

You’ll have loads of fun, make crazy pictures and hear the true story of how a young boy became friends with one of the greatest artists who ever lived. Inspired by Antony Penrose’s book, The Boy Who Bit Picasso is an interactive theatre show perfect for children aged 4 - 8.

With storytelling, music and lots of chances to make your own art, this hands-on family show introduces one of the 20th century’s most influential artists through the eyes of a young boy. Be sure to wear some play clothes because it could get messy!

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The Beck Theatre

noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation. Join the intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear. Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises! Ages 3+ Sat 6 Feb – Mr Albert’s Big Finish Mr Albert’s Theatre is about to close, Charlie the Caretaker wants to save it by putting on a variety show, but they need a Big Finish! Will the Safety Inspector let Charlie do something dangerous? Has Mr Albert got talent and will he perform the Fastest Magic Trick in the World?

Can Charlie learn to juggle in time to save the theatre?

There’s loads of fun and audience participation in this exciting show set in an old theatre. This colourful family comedy is a roller coaster ride of music-hall, magic and mayhem. Ages 5-11 years Wed 17 – Sat 20 Feb – Children of Eden Children of Eden is a frank, heartfelt and humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: that “the hardest part of love... is letting go.”

The huge cast promises a breath-taking performance suitable for all ages.

Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street, SE1.

020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Fri 15 – Sun 31 Jan – Grass Look down.

What are you standing on? Explore the ground and all of its wriggling inhabitants in this quirky dance show for young children. Featuring worms, slugs, snails, spontaneous outbreaks of ant dancing and plenty of obscure insect-related facts, Grass uses performance, puppetry and projection to inspire children to look closely at the world around them, to get mucky and play! Ages 4-7 years

Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Fri 19 Feb – Here Be Monsters Ahoy there young sailors - all aboard to join the villainous Captain Cut-Throat and his fearsome crew! Get ready to set sail through monster-infested waters in search of a mysterious island crammed with jewels and gem stones, and whilst the Captain is certain that “monsters simply don’t exist,” as the island comes closer in around them, his crew are not so sure! This action-packed new musical adventure, performed by five talented actor musicians, is set to delight family audiences with its mixture of magical story-telling, original music and thrills galore!

The Radlett Centre 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk Sat 9 Jan – The Emperor and the Nightingale Use your voice as you never have before to make the silly and amazing sounds of everything from The Emperor’s China Palace to his dark and dangerous Bamboo Forest. YOU form a vital part of the story……. so don’t miss it! The Emperor loves to hear The Nightingale sing! If you can sing as brilliantly you might win a prize. Ages 8 – 11 years Sat 23 Jan – Handa’s Hen When Handa and her friend Akeyo go looking for Grandma’s black hen Mondi, they find two fluttery butterflies round the hen house, three stripy mice under the grain store, four little lizards behind the pots… But where is Mondi?

Based on the book by Eileen Browne, this beautiful and engaging show features 55 stunning puppets all created by hand for this brand new production. Join in with Handa and Akeyo as they sing and dance in search of Mondi, meeting a host of colourful animals and birds as they go. Ages 2-5 years Thu 4 – Fri 5 Feb – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Direct from a smash-hit West End run and international tour, Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is brought vividly and

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

with its annual pantomime, proceeds from which will be donated to charity. Once you’ve taken your seats, a two hour extravaganza of laughter, singing, booing, spectacular dancing, glitz and glamour, and good old panto’ fun for all ages is guaranteed. Will Princess Harmony, Prince Handsome, Dame Nanny McNophee, and the three fairies be able to overthrow the nasty Maleficent? Will good overcome evil? With your help, it will!

Sat 30 Jan – Not Now Bernard & Other Monster Stories Everyone’s got a monster in them that wants to go grrrr! It sometimes feels as though everyone’s just too busy to listen to little Bernard, but when he finds a big purple monster in the garden things rapidly go from bad to worse.

David McKee’s much-loved Not Now, Bernard is joined by two of his other wonderfully funny (and not too scary) monster stories; The Two Monsters and The Monster And The Teddy Bear, in this fast-paced show about growing up and learning how to deal with change. Expect masks, puppets, music, possibly the biggest teddy in the world ... oh, and LOTS of mess!

Watford Colosseum Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Thu 14 – Sat 16 Jan – Horribles Histories: Groovy Greeks From savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians! Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play. Meet your match with the Minotaur and be zapped by Zeus! Hold on tight as you gatecrash the Groovy Greeks.

Thu 14 – Sat 16 Jan – Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders The Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invade Britain. Can crazy Caratacus save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall. See the Savage Saxons smash their way in. Find out who’s at Sutton Hoo. Will you survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience? Stop King Alfred burning his buns! It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders.

Sat 20 – Sun 21 Feb – Peppa Pig’s Surprise It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can’t guess what it is, can you? Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with new songs and new life size puppets, Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!

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

Sun 24 Jan – Sat 2 Apr – Minotaur In Crete, in an impossible labyrinth, lives a fearsome and lonely beast with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Only his sister Ariadne cares for him, and she dreams of setting them both free from the rule of their selfish father, the King. But when Ariadne sees her chance to escape, she makes a terrible pact with the enemy’s son that will change everyone’s future for better or for worse. This playful, clever retelling of the well known Greek myth will be an action-packed treat. Ages 8+ Sat 6 Feb – Sun 20 Mar – Jeramee, Hartleby and Oooglemore Where is Jeramee? Who is making that noise? What is under the sheet and why does it keep moving?

Delivered with wit, impeccable timing and plenty of clowning around, this show, directed by Tim Crouch and written by Gary Owen, is a surprising and surreal encounter with three people who have a lot to say – and only three words with which to say it. Ages 0-7 years

Watford Palace Theatre Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Wed 13 – Sun 17 Jan – Sleeping Beauty The award winning British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society will delight audiences

Thu 14 – Sun 17 Jan – Dick Whittington After last year’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, The Argosy Players are back for a romp through London city streets and faraway lands in Dick Whittington. Expect ye olde laughs and ye olde puns, a wonderful treat for all the family.

Wed 17 – Sat 20 Feb – Legally Blonde the Musical The international award winning hit Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to Ruislip after 3 triumphant years in the West End. Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods and her journey through lifes ups and downs, and is brought to life with music

by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach. Elle Woods can handle anything. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back. With some help from new-found friends Paulette, Emmett and her chihuahua Bruiser, she learns that it’s so much better to be smart. Legally Blonde The Musical is the funniest and most fabulous musical around.

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

for many more local events and diary dates for the whole family!

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 (March/April 2016) send your entry by 29th January 2016 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!

January Fri 1 – Thu 28 Jan - Art for all Seasons Exhibition (NW10) Wembley Art Society is presenting an exhibition of paintings on the theme of changes in the seasons and they way these changes are celebrated in different cultures. The Exhibition is open Mon to Fri 9am to 8pm, and Sat and Sun 10am to 5pm. www.brent.gov.uk Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jan - Woolly Jumpers (SE10) Create a bouncy, fluffy sheep made with wool just like the cargo Cutty Sark used to carry all the way from Australia. www.rmg.co.uk Thu 7 – Sun 10 Jan - Jack and the Beanstalk (HA3) Head along to the theatre at Claremont High School to see the Chameleons’ 2016 family pantomime! This time they have set the scene for another classic Chameleons panto with its signature trials, tribulations, cheesy jokes, song, dance and a cheeky live band as Jack tries to fulfil his destiny to save his loved ones – but will he be able to keep his feet on the ground? Thu 7th & Sun 10th Jan will be BSL Signed Performances. www.thechameleons.co.uk Sat 9 Jan - Archaeology Apprentices (AL3) A simulated archaeological dig at the Verulamium Museum.

Peel back the layers of time to see what people of the past left behind. Discover what we can learn from the finds. Suitable for ages 5-11 (with adult). www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Sat 9 – Sun 10 Jan – Cracking Codes (SE1) Want to decipher secret messages? Go and join in this family activity at HMS Belfast! Intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and even make up your own secret code. Learn about the skills intelligence officers had to have as well as some of the dangers that surrounded HMS Belfast at sea. This activity is in association with Maths on Toast who make community events where maths is fun, and is suitable for all ages with parental supervision. www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 9 – Sat 16 Jan - Dick Whittington (HA6) The Arrow Players present their 2016 pantomime at St Edmund’s Hall. www.arrowplayers.org.uk Sat 9 Jan – Sat 6 Feb - London International Mime Festival 2015 (EC2Y) 29 days of epic, physical and visual theatre, films, workshops and discussions at the Barbican Theatre - 18 productions from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the UK. 0845 120 7511 www.barbican.org.uk Sat 9 Jan – Sun 7 Feb – Weekend Family Activites @ London Wetlands Centre (SW13) Join in by the fire every Saturday and Sunday for some stories about nature; on cold days the wood burning stove is lit to make it extra cosy. Hear tales of wetland creatures and their amazing adventures.

Then make a birdfeeder from natural recycled materials or join the learning team in Wetland Encounters and see some of the amazing plants and animals that live there. www.wwt.org.uk Thurs 14 – Sun 17 Jan - Dick Whittington (HA4) The Argosy Players present their 2016 pantomime at the Winston Churchill Theatre. www.argosyplayers.org.uk; boxoffice@ argosyplayers.org.uk; 0845 838 9058 Sat 16 Jan – Animal Vision for Families (SW7) Go to the National History Museum and get insights into the way certain animals see. This fantastic family show features live animals and the chance to handle some if you dare! You’ll discover there is a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. No advanced booking needed. www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 16 Jan - Family Workshop: Treasure Boxes (WC1N) Led by artist Isobel Manning, explore the tokens left by mothers when their babies were admitted to the Foundling Hospital. Create your own special token to share with a loved one, and make a keepsake treasure box in which to hide it.

11am-4pm at the Foundling Museum. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

Woolly Jumpers ©National Maritime Museum, London

Sat 16 – Sun 17 Jan - St Albans Model Railway Exhibition 2016 (AL1) At least 25 high quality layouts in many scales, gauges and prototypes at Alban Arena.

Excellent trade support, plus demonstrations & display stands. Free vintage bus service to & from the City & Abbey stations. www.cmra.org.uk Tue 19 Jan – Tue 15 Mar - Living with a Teenager Course - A course for parents of teenagers and adolescents 12 years+ (HA1) It can be exciting and satisfying helping young

people grow up into capable independent young adults! During these weekly sessions at Hope Harrow you can share experiences and look at: Understanding and acknowledging the needs of pre-teens and teenagers; Practicing ways of negotiating and setting limits; Finding different ways to communicate effectively; Explore peer pressure.

020 8863 7319 www.hopeharrow.org.uk

continued on page 28 v

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 NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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What’s On

Chinese New Year

Thu 21 Jan – Thu 17 Mar Effective Parenting Course (HA1) For every parent with a child aged 3-12 years, this course is aimed at helping parents and carers learn practical communication skills and positive discipline strategies for everyday life, to develop their abilities to raise confident, happy and co-operative children. Topics include: Building self-esteem for children and parents; understanding children’s behaviour ; listening skills; effective communication ; positive discipline, dealing with feelings and setting limits.

020 8863 7319 www.hopeharrow.org.uk

Fri 22 – Sat 23 Jan – DinoSnores for Grown Ups (SW7) Sleep at the Museum and enjoy a unique night of music, food, science, art and cinema. Enjoy three activities, a three-course dinner and hot breakfast, the galleries and exhibitions, live music, edible insect-tasting, an all-night monster movie marathon, and bars serving nibbles and drinks. www.nhm.ac.uk Sat 23 Jan - Family Fun – Sticktacular! (HP23) Creative crafts, games & trails at College Lake Nature Reserve.

Suitable for all ages, booking required.

01442 826774 www.bbowt.org.uk

SHOP ONLINE HOST A PART Y SCHOOL EVENT

Join my Team!

Nicola Barnard

Independent Organiser

Tel: 07967737009 Email: Nicola.barnard@yahoo.co.uk http://org.usbornebooksathome.co.uk/NicolaB/

Wed 27 Jan & Mon 15 Feb Developing a Good Bedtime Routine (HA0/NW10) This workshop looks at common bedtime and night time problems, why they happen, how to prevent them and how to manage them when they happen. Parents are taught how to develop a regular and predictable bedtime routine, and teach children to stay quietly in bed. You’ll also learn how to tackle crying or calling out and what to do if your child get out of bed.

Techniques for responding to nightmares and night terrors are also discussed. 27th Jan at Alperton Children’s Centre in Wembley, 15th Feb at Harmony Children’s Centre in Harlesden. www.brent.gov.uk

snowdrops as you’ve never seen them before.

Programme of walks, talks and workshops. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Sat 30 & Sun 31 Jan – RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (various) You can take part on your own or as a family, and you can even take part in your local park if you don’t have a garden. To get involved, just pick an hour over the weekend and tell the RSPB what you see using an online bird counting tool to record the birds as you see them directly on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Just start the timer and once your hour is up all you need do is press submit to send your results. You can also look out for badgers, hedgehogs and other creatures in your garden or local green space. www.rspb.org.uk

Sat 6 Feb - National Libraries Day (NW10) Brent Libraries celebrates libraries, books and reading with the spotlight on local Brent authors. There will be a roll call of Brent authors at Willesden Green Library discussing their new books including: Amanda Epe - A Fly Girl Travel Tales; Carol Sammy - Mercy Cried No; and Festus George-Sawyerr - The Deepest Form of Relaxation. www.brent.gov.uk

Sat 30 Jan – Sun 7 Feb Snowdrop Days 2016 (SW3) Chelsea Physic Garden’s annual Snowdrop Days return with stunning new displays highlighting the snowdrops intricate beauty. These stars of winter will be unveiled in an innovative take on the traditional Snowdrop Theatre, presenting

February Sat 6 Feb - Kids Run Free (NW10) Running Races on the 1st Saturday of the month for under 16’s at Gladstone Park. Individual races for each age category: Race 1 - under 2 year olds run 50 metres; Race 2 - 3 to 4 year olds, 100 metres; Race 3 - 5 to 6 year olds, 250 metres; Race 4 - Any age run as many laps as they want (1 lap = 250 metres) up to 5K. Register online.

07711349592 carmen@kidsrunfree.co.uk www.kidsrunfree.co.uk

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Feb - Family Fun Weekend: Mischievous Monkeys (SE10) Which Chinese zodiac animal are you? To celebrate Chinese New Year, make an animal mask or a mischievous paper monkey at the Cutty Sark, and see if you can spot any monkeys on board the ship. Sessions run from 11.30am-1.30pm & 2-4pm and are suitable for all ages www.rmg.co.uk

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results • Established 14 years in Stanmore •

• •

Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, London Studio Centre, Ballet West Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Contemporary/Jazz classes

Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher)

T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

What’s On Sat 6 Feb – Sun 6 Mar – Orchid Festival 2016 (TW9) Let the winter blues melt away as you step inside the tropical paradise of Kew Gardens’ Princess of Wales Conservatory and admire it’s transformation into a celebration of Brazil’s magnificent plant life and fascinating habitats. This year will see orchids and other tropical plants adorning the remarkable architecture of this steamy glasshouse, creating a sensory journey through the striking flora of Brazil during Carnival season. www.kew.org Tue 9 Feb – Pancake Race (WD18) A relay race around the pond on The Parade in Watford, tossing pancakes as you run, restart is a must if the pancake is dropped. From 11am – 1pm. For more information or to book your team, contact Gill Crowson 01923 216950 or email gillcrowson@w3rt.org . www.w3rt.org Wed 10 Feb - Mess Around (SE1) Go and play at a fabulously free-form, multisensory Mess Around party. For children aged from six months to five years old. With lots of activities to explore, including the famous painting wall, your little ones can squelch, pour, mix and splat to their hearts’ content. Sessions at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2pm. www.southbankcentre.co.uk Thu 11, 18 & 25 Feb & 3 Mar ‘Lates’ at Kew Gardens (TW9) The Princess of Wales Conservatory will once again throw open its doors after dark for a series of intimate evenings amongst the thousands of tropical flowers on display. Experience an evening like no other in London with botanical cocktails, inspiring talks, music, samba and more, all amongst a riotous display of tropical flowers within a luscious Kew glasshouse after dark. www.kew.org

Fri 12 Feb - The Mayor’s Celebration of Hillingdon Concert (HA4) Join the Mayor of Hillingdon, local young people and the Hillingdon Music Service Concert Band at Winston Churchill Theatre for a spectacular evening celebrating the diverse cultures of the Borough, from Indian traditional dance to Caribbean steel pans, ending with a traditional patriotic celebration in music. www.hillingdontheatres.uk Sat 13 Feb - Chinese New Year at the National Maritime Museum (SE10) The Year of the Monkey is here! Go to the National Maritime Museum for a cultural extravaganza of incredible things to see and do.

From 11am – 4pm, suitable for all ages. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 13 Feb - Sea SIGNs (SE10) Go on board at Cutty Sark for a day of programmed events for deaf and hearing families, including crafts and storytelling. Events are led by deaf presenters using BSL and accompanied by voice-over interpreters, or delivered by spoken facilitators and supported by BSL interpreters. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 13 Feb - An Evening with the Stars (SE10) The popular after dark experience at the Royal Observatory Greenwich includes a show in London’s only public planetarium and the chance to look through the gigantic Great Equatorial Telescope at what the night sky has to offer. Plus, spend some time on the Greenwich Meridian with a hot drink, an amazing view and astronomers on hand to answer all your space-related questions. Suitable for ages 7+, advanced booking essential www.rmg.co.uk

Kew Orchid Festival 2016

Sat 13 Feb – Hampton Court Palace Family Ghost Tours (KT8) Head along for an evening walking tour hearing stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity. The tour begins at 6pm at the Clore Learning Centre and finishes at approximately 8pm. Minimum age 8 and maximum of 3 children per accompanying adult.

0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/ HamptonCourtPalace Sun 14 & 21 Feb - Steaming Day (HP22) Steam train rides for all ages at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. www.bucksrailcentre.org

Mon 15 Feb - Dealing with Disobedience (NW10) Learn strategies for encouraging co-operation and managing non co-operation without shouting or threats. Helps parents decide on their boundaries and stick to them, and looks at how to encourage new behaviour through directed discussion, reward charts and descriptive praise. Teaches parents how to stay calm, give clear instructions and follow up their instructions consistently using logical consequences, quiet time and time out.

Takes place at Harmony Children’s Centre in Harlesden, a crèche will be available. www.brent.gov.uk continued on page 30 v

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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What’s On continued from page 29

Thu 18 Feb – Anniversary Peace Classics (WD18) 2016 will see a fantastic milestone of 25 years of Peace Hospice Care and to mark the occasion, they will be hosting a special event to launch their Anniversary year. The evening will take place at the new purpose-built auditorium of Clarendon Muse and tickets include a drinks reception and canapés. The Chamber Orchestra is welcomed, conducted by Chris Hirons, and the Chamber Choir, conducted by Joy Hill. www.peacehospice.co.uk Sun 21 Feb - Meet Queen Boudicca (AL3) Meet this amazing queen in the Verulamium Museum galleries from 2-4.30pm. Children must be with an adult. Story telling sessions by Boudicca at 2.30 & 3.30pm. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Sat 27 Feb - Family Workshop: Peter Pan Shadow Puppet Theatre (WC1N) Make your own shadow puppet theatre to take home in this family workshop at the Foundling Museum. Explore Peter Pan’s theatrical beginnings, and help Peter and the Lost Boys find their shadows. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Sun 28 Feb - A Family Concert (HA4) Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to a special family concert filled with fun, excitement and great music! Take your children along to Winston Churchill Theatre to discover the magic of seeing and hearing a full orchestra live in concert. Fun for ages 8-108 including parents and grandparents! www.hillingdontheatres.uk Sun 28 Feb - Sunday Music: Fats Rollini Jazz and Blues Band (HA2) The Granary at Headstone Manor hosts the perfect Sunday lunchtime outing for all the family on the last Sunday of the month. Arrive early to avoid disappointment as audiences are limited to 40 people. www.harrowmuseum.org.uk Wed 3 Mar – Raising Resilient Children (NW6) All children will experience stressful times in their lives, and some children may experience particularly stressful events. Emotional resilience is important for children’s long term happiness, wellbeing and success, and is related to social skills, coping skills and good mental health. This course outlines how children develop resilience at different ages, and provides concrete strategies for parents/carers to help create a strong emotional foundation for the future. Takes place at Granville Children’s Centre, a creche will be available. www.brent.gov.uk

Willows Farm

Sat 13 – Sun 21 Feb – Puddle Jumping (SW13) Grab your wellies and head along to the WWT London Wetland Centre for their Puddle Jumping Championships! Points will be given for style, enthusiasm and splash and daily winners will enter a draw to win a grand prize at the end of the week, with the chance to go on to further glory by becoming national champion! www.wwt.org.uk Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb – Half Term at Verulamium Museum (AL3) Head along to the Museum this half term for a variety of fun activities! There will be the thrilling story of Icarus and the chance to create a picture of this amazing hero and make your own labyrinth game. Paper Mosaic Crafts, Gruesome Gorgons and Mystery Objects. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Mon 15 & Fri 19 Feb – Puppets: Jackie and the Beanstalk (SW7) This enjoyable and interactive show at the Natural History Museum uses puppets and storytelling to explore natural history in a fun and engaging way. Take a trip to the top of the beanstalk with the modern day heroine Jackie. Will she do better than Jack when it comes to outwitting the Giant? And find out just how beans and other plants grow. www.nhm.ac.uk

Sat 13 – Sun 1 Feb - February Frolics (AL2) Newborn lambs at Willows Farm, plus a full programme of activities including Toddler Town, Woolly Jumpers Indoor Play Barn, fun fair rides and animal shows.

08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb World Explorers Play Scheme (HA9) A NEW exciting opportunity to learn through practical science-based activities and participate in sport, dance and more.

Great value for 8-12 year olds at Preston Park Primary School.

020 8904 3602 www.wexplorers.co.uk

Sat 13 – Sun 21 Feb – Darning and Yarning (SE1) All sailors past and present have needed to know how to sew, from repairing sails to their own socks. Your help is needed on board HMS Belfast to create a new sailors’ cross stitch work. While you sew find out more about the Royal Navy and life on board HMS Belfast. A drop-in event suitable for all ages with parental supervision. www.iwm.org.uk

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb - Fold it! & You’ve Got Mail (SE10) Head to Cutty Sark this half term and put your origami skills to the test in the Fold It! Workshop. Make a mini ship to sail home with you – sessions run on 15, 16 & 19 Feb. On 17 & 18 Feb go along to ‘You’ve Got Mail’ and take inspiration from the letter of a real sailor to write and decorate your own letter home. www.rmg.co.uk

Half-Term

Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, we pride ourselves on our friendly, dynamic teaching environment.      

Children’s low-ratio group lessons Children’s private lessons 1-2-1 & 2-2-1 Adults group lessons Adults private lessons 1-2-1 & 2-2-1 P & G Shark Swimming Squad Crash Courses

t: 07749554405 e: swim@pushandglide.co.uk

www.pushandglide.co.uk

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb – Light Up Your Half Term (HP4) Make and decorate your own lantern to take home with you or take it along to the candlelit walk at Ashridge Estate on 19th Feb. No need to book - just turn up. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb - Out of this World: Mighty Moon (SE10) This February half term go and explore the magnificent Moon at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Find out about the amazing science of the Moon in the planetarium, discover past, present and future missions to explore the Moon in an interactive science quiz, and make a Moon dial that shows the phases of the Moon. www.rmg.co.uk Mon 15 – Sat 20 Feb – Half Term at National Maritime Museum (SE10) In honour of LGBT History Month, the half term workshops this year will explore colour, flags and identity. Visit the website for dates and times of the craft activities and workshops taking place. www.rmg.co.uk Tue 16 Feb - Peter Pan Fun Day (WD6) Take part in a host of creative activities including Peter Pan themed arts & crafts, and fun drama games. Then enjoy Peter Pan the film on the big screen. Fancy dress optional but highly recommended! Suitable for ages 4-14 years. From 10.30am-3pm at The Ark Theatre. www.thearktheatre.co.uk Tue 16 – Thu 18 Feb – Books Villains and Heroes at Brent Libraries (NW/HA) Craft event for children. Create a book villain who wants to eat all the books and a hero who will try and stop them! 16 Feb – Kingsbury Library and Kilburn Library; 17 Feb – Harlesden Library and Ealing Road Library; 18 Feb – Willesden Green Library and Wembley Library. www.brent.gov.uk Tue 16 – Thu 18 Feb – Monkey Masks & Bird Boxes (HP23) Half Term craft activities and workshops at the Natural History Museum in Tring. www.nhm.ac.uk/tring Tue 16 – Fri 19 - Four Centuries in One Week (E2) Explore homes from a different century every day at the Geffrye Museum - from the Tudors and Stuarts, Georgians, Victorians and finally the 20th century. Make candlesticks from clay, crafty clocks and more! www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Wed 17 Feb - Nick Cope’s Family Songbook (SW7) Monkeys, bears, socks and mud, this man sings about everything children are really interested in! Professional singer and songwriter Nick Cope writes, records and performs music for children and has established a strong following of little and not-solittle people all over the world. Performances at The Royal Albert Hall at 11am & 2pm www.royalalberthall.com Thu 18 Feb - Clay Monster Model (AL9) Design and create your own monster model in clay at Mill Green Mill & Museum. 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm. www.welhat.gov.uk Thu 18 Feb - Static Viewing Day (HP22) head to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre and see the exhibits on a quieter day when no trains are running. 10.30am to 4.30pm www.bucksrailcentre.org

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Families North West London Upcoming Issues March/April 2016

May/June 2016

Children’s Parties

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