Families NW London Magazine Issue 96 October 2014

Issue 96: October 2014 www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

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

PLUS

Education and Schools

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

Welcome to the October 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

6 Family Health

10 Learning your Timestables

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon @FamiliesNW Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue.

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

14 Homework Help

15 Calling all Year 2 pupils!

SundayFest @ St Hilda’s, Bushey!

16 What’s On

22 Mummy on the Edge

UPCOMING ISSUES: Nov/Dec 2014: Seasonal Celebrations Deadline: 10th October Jan/Feb 2015: Nurseries and Childcare.

Deadline 25th Nov 2014 Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Front cover image: Michael Zhang (michaeljung@163. com)

Trending articles on the FNWL website: ▲▲ The New National Curriculum; What every parent needs to know

▲▲ What’s on Locally: Halloween and Fireworks!

▲▲ Local Independent School Open Days

Scan our QR code to take you straight to the most current local information! www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

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µµ ENR O NOW L !

www.activetime.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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News & Views from around North West London Wrap up warm this October and get ready for an enchanting

Ice Queen Holiday Course

Perform is back this Autumn with another exciting October Half Term Holiday Course for local 4-8 year olds. Based on the popular Ice Queen story, the children will go on an amazing adventure guaranteed to fire their imaginations. Whether they’re creating a dazzling ice palace, whooshing downhill on a reindeer sleigh or enjoying a snowball fight with a snowman, our energetic team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage.

With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, children will enjoy a fun-packed three days putting together a fantastic show that will delight family and friends.

The cost of the course is £98 (with a 25% discount for siblings and reductions for groups).

Find your local class: www.perform.org.uk 0845 400 1275

New Venue for

Monkey Music

Award-winning Monkey Music is delighted to announce the relocation of Harrow town centre classes to the Best Western Cumberland Hotel (St Johns Road).

Widely recognised as a premium provider of music classes for babies and pre-schoolers, Monkey Music also has a brand new class for 3 and 4 year olds at Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex.

Professional musician Kathryn Burrows, who studied at the Royal College of Music and played with the London Philharmonic says “Although my life now is very different to playing in a symphony orchestra it’s every bit as rewarding. Music fosters development in all key areas and is a wonderful social activity. Whether it’s babies fascinated by sounds or 4 year olds learning to reads music, the unique Monkey Music curriculum ensures full enjoyment and learning.”

For full details and to book a free class go to www.monkeymusic.co.uk or call 01895 674587

A Truly Unforgettable Party!

These fast and fun Inflatable and Trampoline parties are ideal for 3 – 14 years. Offering 3 huge inflatables, a trampoline and staff. We cater for all your needs!

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

Held at Breakspeare School Sports Centre in the heart of Abbots Langley, this is an idyllic setting for a special birthday party. We offer 1 hour and 15 minutes of jam packed fun with music and 45 minutes of food time in the colourful themed food room.

The main hall offers 3 huge Inflatables, trampoline and access to a soft play room.

£185

per party!

Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: niro@littlekickers.co.uk

Call to make your booking today!

01923 270980

£5 million public liability with every party. Website offers a full gallery and film clip.

www.bouncy-castle.com

e-mail: contact@bouncy-castle.com 4

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

News and Views Learn to swim like a fish with Everyone Active

Hillside Children’s Centre celebrates five years of family fun

A recent report from the Amateur Swimming Association demonstrates that a third of children leave primary school without being able to swim 25m.

Don’t let your child be at risk near water – get them into swimming lessons early and help them to feel confident.

Everyone Active offers a range of different sessions that are designed to keep the whole family active whilst enjoying the water. Enrol in their awardwinning swimming lessons for all ages, check out their fun inflatable sessions or use the poolside workout cards with kick boards and paddles to all enjoy a water workout.

Best of all, when you enrol, or re-enrol in their swimming lessons programme, you get free entry* at a Sea Life centre of your choice!

Offer valid to 31 October 2014. Terms and conditions apply, see www.everyoneactive.com for further details. * The person on swimming lessons gets free entry when accompanied by another person paying full price.

The Children’s Centre in Northwood Hills first opened its doors to parents and children in September 2009. The centre is one of eighteen in the borough that offer a wide range of services and activities to families with children under the age of five. To celebrate their five year milestone, staff at the centre encouraged members of the community to come along to a birthday celebration and take part in a day of fun activities including biscuit decorating, crown making and face painting. A bouncy castle and balloon artists were also part of the entertainment on the day.

Hillside Children’s Centre provides practical and emotional support to help parents understand their child’s development and take a hands on approach with their learning. This includes Stay and Play, Speech and Language, Physiotherapy and Family Support sessions.

There are also a number of fun activities and events from arts and crafts to teddy bears picnic’s held throughout the year.

For more information or to download a copy of their activity timetable visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/childrenscentres

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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Family Health

Itchy and Scratchy As we return to school & nursery GP Clare Spencer takes a look at the unpleasant topic of head lice.

H

ead lice are something many of us have to face at one time or another and I’ve recently had to treat my 3 children.

Clearing my 2 year old daughter’s lovely long, thick hair took several weeks and nearly drove me to cut it short! (I didn’t.)

I therefore have lots of knowledge and practical advice to share.

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny insects which live on the hairs of the scalp and neck of humans.

They are incredibly common and are not discriminating between clean or dirty hair, so not an indication of being unclean in any way. The adults are varying shades are grey/brown/white, have 6 legs and are up to 4mm long. They are immediately recognizable when you see them. They can be seen clinging to hair or crawling round the head. They don’t jump or fly.

Nits are the louse eggs. They are small, oval droplet shaped and stick to the hair despite combing (as opposed to dandruff or hair spray residue which can look like nits, but are mobile).

The eggs take 7-10 days to hatch and

the baby lice (nymphs) take 7-10 days to mature into adults. Head lice only survive 2-3 days away from a human head as they feed on human blood (lovely thought).

How are head lice spread?

Spread is from head to head contact (not from pillow or hair brushes).

How do you know if there is infection?

Some people have itching, but most commonly you know there are head lice when you see them. (Are you itching yet?

I am just by writing about nits!) To look for lice and nits, part the hair systematically and comb through with a fine toothed nit comb (see wet combing below). There may be small itchy pink bumps around the edge of the scalp which are small insect bites. Other signs of infection include crusting of the scalp, enlarged glands in the neck, and sometimes repeated episodes of impetigo (yellow crusting skin infections). If there are large numbers of lice, the scalp may smell unpleasant

Paediatric First Aid Courses Sat 4 Oct and Sun 16 Nov 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

6

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

How do you treat?

Head lice can be cured, although this can take time as there are now lice that are resistant to the insecticides used to treat them. The choice is between insecticides, non-insectical shampoos and physical methods, the best treatment probably being a combination of the chemical and physical. It is important to treat the whole household all at once so you don’t re-infect each other. You may have heard of people using Tea Tree Oil for which there is, as yet, no medical evidence of effectiveness.

Family Health

They are incredibly common and are not discriminating between clean or dirty hair

Insecticides include products containing permethrin, malathion and phenothrin. Lice can become resistant to them with repeated use. They should be rubbed into dry hair, allowed to dry naturally then left on for 8-12 hours. It should then be washed off with shampoo.

The instructions on the box may tell you to remove it sooner, but it is more effective if left on for longer. The disadvantage is that these chemicals may cause skin irritation or make asthma worse.

Some chemicals work against lice in different ways (e.g. suffocation) and lice cannot become resistant to them.

These chemicals include dimeticone and isopropyl myristate. Dimeticone is left on overnight as above. Isopropyl myristate (Full Marks Solution) is worth mentioning.

You only need to leave it on for 10 minutes.

However, it is oil based and takes 3-4 shampoos to get your hair back to its

1. Wet combing The insects (but not eggs) can be removed by acquiring a ‘nit comb’. These are fine toothed combs that can be bought at the chemist, or your GP can prescribe (‘Nitty Gritty’ or ‘Bug Buster Kit’). The best way is to wet the hair and then apply a conditioner (any will do). With the conditioner still on, comb through the hair in sections so you know you have been through all of it. This takes 20-30 minutes in long hair. Wash the conditioner off and then repeat. My daughter came to sort of enjoy it! In between each stroke, you need to wipe the comb on tissue to check for lice. Wet combing needs repeating every 2-3 days and continued till no lice have been seen for 10 days after the last one. The aim is remove all the lice as they hatch, before they have chance to mature and hatch eggs themselves. Wet combing doesn’t remove the eggs.

2. Insecticides and non-insectide shampoos These products kill live lice by a variety of means. You should only use them if you find live lice. They don’t kill the eggs though, so the treatment must be repeated a week later. Remember, the eggs may hatch in between treatments.

Baby lice can be removed by wet combing as above.

normal shiny state. Clinical trials have not yet been done to show that Full Marks Solution is as effective as other treatments (although, of course, it may be).

If you are pregnant, you should see your doctor to discuss the best method of treatment.

So if you find head lice in your little darling’s hair, or you get the letter home from school warning that there are head lice about, I hope you now have enough knowledge to look for lice and to decide how to treat if you find them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION www.bad.org.uk (British Association of Dermatologists – they have a number of useful patient information leaflets on many skin conditions) www.patient.co.uk - they have good, reliable information on every medical condition you could think of. www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk/nits - find out about Justine Crow, mum and co-author of the book of the ‘Little Book of Nits’ (Bloomsbury)

It is important to treat the whole household all at once so you don’t re-infect each other Clare Spencer is a GP with experience in obstetrics and gynaecology.

She lives with her husband and 3 children. Clare juggles life working part time and being a mum.

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance

• Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-16 • Royal Academy of Dance examinations Results – Distinction - Merit • Established 12 years

• Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet & London Junior Ballet • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Classes are held in the Stanmore and Harrow Weald area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher)

Tel: 020 8950 2457

www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

“Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

7

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

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ACS Hillingdon International School Middlesex, UB10 Boys and Girls 4-18 www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon

Open Day: By appointment 01895 259771

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

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 5 Mar, Sat 7 Mar, Thu 7 May, Sat 9 May, all 9.30-11.30am. 01923 772101

Edge Grove School Aldenham WD25 Boys and Girls 3-13yrs (Boarding/Day) www.edgegrove.com

Open Day: Sat 11 Oct, Fri 28 Nov, all 10am-12pm. 01923 855 724 ( x254)

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

Open Day: Sat 11 Oct, 1-4pm. 020 8266 1700

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

Open Day: Junior Sch – Sat 11 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. Senior Sch – Tue 7 Oct, 6-8pm; Sat 11 Oct, 2-5pm. 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org.uk

Harrow School Harrow HA1 Boys 12-18yrs (Boarding) www.harrowschool.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 4 Oct, Sat 8 Nov, Sat 6 Dec. 0208 872 8003

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

Open Day: By appointment 01923 681103

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

Open Day: Sat 11 Oct, 10am-1pm. Wed 5 Nov, 5.30-7pm. Sixth Form Open Evening. 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

Maple Walk School (New Model School) NW10 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs. www.maplewalkschool.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 15 Oct, 9.30am. 020 8965 7374

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

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

North London Collegiate School Edgeware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. www.nlcs.or.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 5 Nov, Fri 27 Feb, 9.30am. Bluebelle House (nursery & Rcptn) Wed 19 Nov, Fri 6 Feb, 9.30-11am. 01923 825446.

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

Open Morning: Fri 10th Oct, 9.45am-12pm. Pre-prep and Prep 4-13 yrs; 16 Oct 9:30-11am. Nursery (3+) 01923 825648.

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

Open Day: Sat 4 Oct, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600

Purcell School of Music Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 9-18yrs. www.purcell-school.org

Open Day: Sat 4 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. 01923 331107

The Reach Free School Rickmansworth WD18 Boys and Girls 12-18 yrs www.thereachfreeschool.co.uk

Open Day: Tuesday 7th Oct - Tours from 6pm or by appointment

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8866 0660

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8422 2092

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

Open Day: Fri 10 Oct, 8.45am. 01923 262 505

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

Open Day: Sun 12 Oct, 2-5pm. 01923 725354

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

Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268

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

Open Day: Wed 12 Nov, 9.30am-1pm. 01923 843230

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

Open Day: Sat 18 Oct, 9.30am-12.30pm. 0208 950 1751

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

Open Day: Wed 15 Oct, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067

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

Open Day: Thu 6 Nov, Thu 26 Feb, 9.30am-12pm. 020 8901 0872

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

Open Day: Fri 10 Oct, Sat 11 Oct, 10am-12pm. 01923 825 740

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

Open Day: Thu 2 Oct, Sat 4 Oct, 9.30am-12pm. 01923 772 395

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

9

Education

How to learn the

TIMES TABLES

By Elisabeth Dolton

Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths.

W

ith an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12x12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques you should help make major progress.

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Start with explaining the concept If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 X 2. Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

Create a number line from 0 to 100.

Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end,

Education

After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www. mathsisfun.com/tables.html

Further ways to help them memorise Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order.

If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1x5=5, 2x5=10, etc.

Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixty-four”.

Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout.

Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math.about.com

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions. Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ – knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables.

The winner is the first to say the answer.

Keep it fun

Games to reinforce the multiplication facts After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly.

Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them!

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication.com, Learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor. com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org, and computer apps such as Squeebles,

Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made

Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together.

Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling.

There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months. That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it.

So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

11

Education

The NEW

National Curriculum What Every Parent Needs to Know

By Carey Ann Dodah

This September, children in England started the new school year with a new curriculum.

T

he new curriculum has been under discussion in Government for some time, and is a reaction to the recent PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results. These results show that the UK is lagging behind other countries around the world, and does not even make the top 20 in reading, maths and science.

the end of Year 4), calculating with fractions, using written methods of calculation and having strong mental maths skills will be more important than ever, and there will be more opportunity to develop problem-solving skills in maths.

I and Queen Victoria will be given more attention , with comparisons drawn between different eras. Secondary schools will teach British history from 1066 to 1901, followed by British, European and world events from 1901, including World War II and the Holocaust.

Recent research conducted by national learning centres, Explore Learning, indicates that a large proportion of the parents it surveyed are worried that British children aren’t leading the global field academically.

" Computing

Children will be taught to write code and pupils ages 5 to 7 will be expected to ‘understand what algorithms are’ and to ‘create and debug simple programs.’

Any parent keen to understand the details of new curriculum are encouraged to attend information sessions offered by their child’s school. The programmes of study for each year are also available at www.gov.uk/ government/collections/national-curriculum.

" Science

If you are concerned that the new national curriculum might be affecting your child’s academic progress at school, always consult your child’s teacher. The most important thing is to maintain your child’s confidence and positive attitude towards learning as this makes such a powerful difference to a child’s success in education.

Consequently, the new curriculum will, overall, appear more challenging to most children and parents, with many concepts in both maths and English being introduced at an earlier age.

" English

While the new curriculum continues to focus on phonics, a stronger emphasis will now be placed on grammar, punctuation and spelling.

There will also be more concentration on the classics, such as Shakespeare, with children and pupils expected to have studied two of his plays between the ages of 11 and 14.

" Maths

In maths, knowing times tables (12 x 12 by

12

New content is to be introduced at primary school level, with children studying the solar system, speed and evolution. In secondary schools, physics, biology and chemistry will be studied as separate subjects. There will also be a focus on climate change.

" History

The history curriculum will take primary school pupils through British history from the Stone Age to the Normans. They will also have the opportunity to study a later era, such as the Victorians. The lives of “significant individuals” such as Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, suffragette, Emily Davison, Queen Elizabeth

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

Explore Learning has 94 tuition centres across the UK. It can help support and challenge children in the topic areas introduced by the new National Curriculum, at a pace and to a level with which they are comfortable. There are centres in Hampton, Hounslow, Walton, East Sheen and Epsom. For further information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Education

Yummy Mummy versus Slummy Mummy:

An unfair label?

By Usha Patel

S

lummy mummy has to contend with ‘Alpha Mum’ who is always ahead of schedule, organised and perfectly turned out! Poor slummy mummy on the other hand, is the one who walks around not realising her skirt is slightly tucked into her pants revealing her rear end.

Not surprisingly, my interest is not in labelling anyone, but in understanding the problem from within, helping people who struggle to keep on top of things on a daily basis.

What does this all mean?

Many people know of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Children who have this condition are constantly on the go. It appears to exist more so in boys.

Fortunately for boys with this condition, the training and management that they receive helps them to understand their condition, and manage it better as they grow up.

However, interestingly, this same condition exists more in girls in another form yet is rarely formally diagnosed. The condition is called Attention Deficit Disorder. Essentially, it is the same neurological condition, but there is no hyperactivity. In fact mums that can tick off a number of the above checklist can also remember being a day dreamer at school and never keeping to task.

The condition, if not realised or managed properly at an early age, can see that girl turn

Can you relate to Lucy Sweeny’s fictional character ‘Slummy Mummy’ in The Sunday Times?

What are the symptoms?

condition and the underlining symptoms (check list on the left) it makes me feel what an injustice there is to us as women.

• Poor time keeping.

In essence the way to control many of the symptoms is by controlling one key function called ‘working memory.’

• Poor short term memory, i.e. forgetting where the keys are

Working Memory is a new area of ‘brain research. Scientists from Sweden have made leaps in uncovering ways to help this problem within the last ten years.

• Poor at remembering the details that matter. Time and location. Information always appears vague.

I work with the children of the mums who have this condition and I stay silent for fear of making them feel even more inadequate. But the solution is the same and can be used for both adults and children alike.

• Always in a day dream and lose track of time.

• Have lots of organisers but never look at any.

• Sometimes impulsive and can talk a lot.

• Find it impossible to concentrate on any one task; always flitting from one thing to another. Nothing gets completed, there is always chaos.

• Wait for the very last minute to do a given task.

• Get easily bored and cannot hold attention for long periods.

• Hate waiting; very impatient.

Working memory training (Cogmed) offers an 80% success rate and takes 5 weeks of working on your computer at home, with results monitored remotely.

The programme is clinical in nature and has a list of studies to warrant it in The US to be covered by health insurance. Whilst we do not have such inclusion you can do it privately with a qualified Coach.

Usha Patel is a qualified Cogmed Coach for both adults and children.

• Can never remember what you read

For more information contact her by email usha.patel@ravivpractice.co.uk or call 07766 837 616

• Hate mental maths.

into the real life ‘slummy mummy,’ in later years. Slummy mummy is always late and disorganised.

As I read more and more about this

Enrol before the 30th October and get a discount of 10%

ROXETH MEAD SCHOOL ESTABLISHED 1859

Independent school for boys and girls between 3 years and 7+ ◆◆ Small classes ◆◆ Dedicated staff ◆◆ Excellent academic record ◆◆ Caring and supportive atmosphere ◆◆ Happy, considerate and confident children Vacancies sometimes available for 5 and 6 year olds.

Contact the Headteacher

Tel: 020 8422 2092 E-mail: info@roxethmead.com www.roxethmead.com Buckholt House, 25 Middle Road, Harrow HA2 0HW

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

13

Education After the long summer holidays comes the inevitable return of…

homework!

Does this fill you with dread?

Often parents feel that the limited time we have with their children is taken over by homework and wonder – do they really have to do this?

I

t’s important to be clear about what is essential homework. What do you need to be involved in? What your child should be doing alone?

Make sure your child knows you are interested in their homework and encourage them to show it to you, so they know you are there to help them if they need it. Homework is intended to help children to practise organising themselves, to take responsibility and to practise new skills and concepts learned in school that week. It should be set with clear aims and objectives which are valued by the children completing it.

It can be difficult to get into a routine for homework when your children’s deadlines differ, however there are ways for this to be addressed. For example, you can set up some fun activities and projects for children who don’t have any homework, which can be completed at the same time as your other children are completing their homework. You can buy workbooks which cover most of the subjects taught in school online and at high street bookstores. In addition you could look at a range of fun craft and science activities which can be bought online and from high street toyshops. Children really enjoy being busy and learning, so new learning activities at home will be welcomed.

If your child has recently started secondary school and tells you that he doesn’t have any homework, but how do you find this

out without undermining him? We suggest you start by asking him if he has a homework diary that needs to be signed by you. It is usual that children are required by their school to have their parents sign their homework diaries every week. If this draws a blank then you could check the school homework policy as it should contain the information you are looking for, however if it doesn’t then do contact his Y7 form tutor by email or leave a message with the school office that you would like them to contact you about homework.

Explain your concerns and say that you don’t wish to embarrass or undermine him; however you are concerned that he doesn’t seem to have any homework. You could also ask if he has a homework diary and ask if you should be signing it.

Sometimes parents worry that a friend’s child at a different school gets significantly more homework than theirs and worry that their school isn’t challenging their child enough.

Different schools do have different amounts of homework depending on how they view homework as a tool for children to develop responsibility, to practise new learning and cover the curriculum. This will be outlined in the school’s homework policy.

If you are unhappy or unsure about the situation, you should arrange to speak to or see your child’s class teacher about it. Unless

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

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

you receive an explanation, you won’t know what best to do and you may continue to worry unnecessarily.

If your child is struggling with their homework, and you don’t know what to do we suggest you ask the class teacher how best you can help her. The class teacher should either provide you with some helpful suggestions, resources or tell you what to buy and where. There are lots of revision guides available online and in high street bookshops for all school age groups and these explain clearly the different areas for each year at school. They also provide additional practice questions with answers and explanations, so you can understand exactly what’s being taught to your child and how to do it. In addition you can also try free online support resources such as: BBC Bitesize and Maths Is Fun http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths, http://www.mathsisfun.com If you still feel unsure, do ask the class teacher for further help – they will be pleased to help a caring parent trying to support their child.

Jaderberg Krais offer educational advice, assessments and tutoring for all children, including the 11+.

If you would like more information contact Lorrae Jaderberg and Katie Krais on: 020 3488 0754 at www. jaderbergkrais.co.uk

Education

St Hilda’s Sundayfest Sunday 12 October 09.30 – 15.00

M

issing the festival season? Those long, sunny, family days spent wearing wellies, eating picnics and listening to live music.

You may have visited music festivals, food festivals or sports festivals over the summer, but now there is a new autumn learning festival in Bushey, exclusively themed for young minds ‘to be challenged, to imagine and create’. It will include outdoor activities led by the famous Forest School initiative; creative activities channelling music, movement and drama, and brain-sizzling science experiments, led by St Hilda’s Head and science specialist, Mrs Handford, in the school’s purpose built lab. Best of all, the festival is completely FREE. All local six and seven year old Year 2 boys and girls (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008) are invited to join in with this action-filled event at St Hilda’s School in Bushey, built around a carousel of three main rolling activities, with three groups of children enjoying each activity in turn.

Obviously we can’t guarantee the weather, but we can combine wellies, picnics

and live music to create the perfect children’s autumn festival. Wellies will be a necessity as the children explore the wooded area known as the Spinney within the school grounds. An experienced Forest School practitioner will lead a range of outdoor activities, which might include building dens, collecting firewood and finding treasures; all designed to build team-work skills, confidence and communication skills in a fun and very safe environment.

The philosophy behind Forest Schools is to “encourage physical and emotional development through outdoor play” in the belief that when children have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, they also learn how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

Live music will come from the children themselves when they become part of an Orff Ensemble and learn how to compose and perform music using Orff percussion instruments. These are a range of percussion instruments ideally suited to this age group, since no musical expertise or experience is required, just lots of enthusiasm and a desire to make a lot of noise! Orff was a famous twentieth century German composer who believed that children learn through experience and play and designed a range of instruments where children could improvise freely. Ms Lillywhite, an experienced music teacher, will lead this session and looks forward to meeting lots of budding musicians.

The hands on music session will be linked to another creative literacy session combining storytelling with poetry, role play and drama as the children will be encouraged to unleash their imaginations and use all their senses – indoors and out. Mrs Drummond, who has recently joined St Hilda’s as Deputy Head,

after a number of years as Head of English at another local independent school, will inspire this session.

After the hands on physical exploration of the Forest School session, and the imaginative exploration of the creative sessions; the science session will teach the children to examine their environment more critically and rigorously. “At this age, children are like sponges and I predict they will respond avidly to this demanding, high impact taster session designed to stretch and challenge,” said Mrs Handford, who believes passionately that: “Science is more than just what happens in a classroom: it is a continual process of questioning and engaging with the world around us.”

Lunch will be included and will feature a surprise guest to entertain the children as they enjoy a picnic buffet. As Mrs Handford sums up: “A festival is where people from all backgrounds, but with similar interests, meet to try out new experiences and push the boundaries of every-day life. This exemplifies the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of St Hilda’s Sundayfest: the opportunity to make new friends and gain incredible learning experiences from inspirational teachers.”

To apply for a place, please email Lisa Botwright - registrar@sthildasbushey. co.uk - with your contact details and the name and date of birth of your child, by Monday 6 October. Please remember that only Year Two aged children are eligible to attend. Since we anticipate this will be a popular event, and spaces are limited, names will be entered into a ballot and will be allocated randomly after the closing date. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or telephone 0208 950 1751. The sessions described may be subject to change on the day.

Registering

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

15

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 (Nov/Dec 2014) send your entry by 5pm 10th October 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 Monday!

October Until March 2015 - Goodbye Piccadilly – From Home Front to Western Front Exhibition (WC2E) The London Transport Museum is commemorating the First World War with an exhibition which runs until March 2015. It explores the contribution of London’s motor buses and their drivers and mechanics in the First World War and the lives of people living and working on the home front in London.

The exhibition presents London Transport Museum’s unique perspective on the First World War, exploring how the conflict accelerated social change, how it impacted on the lives of Londoners, particularly women, and the essential role made by bus service staff and buses to the war effort, both at home and abroad. www.ltmuseum.co.uk Wed 1 Oct - Effective Parenting - Anger Management (HA1) A workshop for parents of children aged 3-12 years.

Does your child become angry easily? Could anger management strategies help you at home?

This 2 hour workshop will look at improving your understanding of anger and sharing tips and strategies on how to manage difficult often destructive behaviours and emotions helping to create a happy cohesive home environment.

7-9pm.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www. hopeharrow.org.uk Wed 1 Oct – Sun 2 Nov – The Big Draw 2014 (Various) The 2014 Big Draw will run across the UK and in twenty other countries, with 280,000 people expected to join in over 1000+ events. The Big Draw offers thousands of enjoyable, and mainly free, drawing activities which connect people of all ages with museums, outdoor spaces, artists, designers, illustrators - and each other. These

16

events are for those who love to draw, as well as for those who think they can’t! Head to the website to find details of local events. www.thebigdraw.org/ Wed 1 Oct – Wed 19 Nov – Crafty Kids at The Little Angel Theatre (N1) An 8 week club where children aged 2-4 years and their carers can go and share some quality, fun, creative time together. The Autumn term includes We’re Going on a Bear Hunt show visit. www.littleangeltheatre.com Fri 3 – Sun 5 Oct – The Cake & Bake Show (SW5) Nowhere else will you find so much baking expertise all in one place.

As well as celebrity stars, the baking exhibition at Earl’s Court offers visitors live cake decorating in action, skills classes and real bread demos, live bake offs plus hundreds of stands offering the latest sugarcraft and baking equipment as well as delicious cakes, breads and pies. http://thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk/london Sat 4 Oct - Autumn/Winter Nearly New Sale (WD4) Table top sale of Nearly New childrens’ and babies’ clothes, toys and equipment, maternity clothes etc.

11.00am-1.00pm at Rudolf Steiner School. nearlynewsale@nct-watford.org.uk www.nct. org.uk/branches/watford/events/autumnwinternearly-new-sale Sat 4 Oct - The Big Draw (WD17) Animate the Parade in Watford. Make it a creative hub for the day by printing, painting, drawing and dancing with a team of artists who will show you how to make animated film, flipbooks, limited edition prints, masks, lino cuts and more - all on the theme of animal life. From 11.00am-4.00pm. www.thebigdraw.org/selected-events-2014

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

The Big Draw

Sat 4 Oct – Fun Palace Birthday Bonanza (N12) Head along to Artsdepot for a whole day of free activities as they partner up with Fun Palaces to celebrate their 10th birthday. They’ve got a line up packed with workshops, art, games, prizes, theatrical happenings, a delightful kids film by Fevered Sleep, outdoor arts including Hunt & Darton and loads more. Grab a party hat and join in the fun! www.artsdepot.co.uk/family-festival/fun-palacebirthday-bonanza Sat 4 – Sun 5 Oct – Apple Weekend (NW3) Popular annual celebration of all things apple at Fenton House.

It will be in the walled garden and 300 year old orchard again, with apple and juice tastings, local produce and cake stalls, and kids activities www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house/ Sun 5 Oct - Chickenshed’s 10K Challenge & 3K Family Fun Run (N14) The Chickenshed Challenge is a fantastic way to get fit and help to raise money for a local charity - the ‘Michele Durler Youth Fund’. The 10K multi-terrain route gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself to compete for your personal best or to take a more relaxed approach and jog, walk or cycle. The 3K route is accessible for all, including wheelchairs and pushchairs, or for

What’s On those who would like to be part of a smaller fun run or challenge. Family teams are welcome.

Starts 10am at Chickenshed. www.chickenshed.org.uk/4492/shows/ chickensheds-10k-challenge-3k-family-fun-run. html

The Giant Soft Play Event For 1-5 year olds at Northwood Methodist Church, featuring a huge Soft Play Area, Face Painting, Crafts, Story Corner, Tiny Tots Corner, Songs and Tea for the Parents. From 10am-12pm, £5 per child. www.northwoodmethodistchurch.org/

Mon 6 – Sat 18 Oct - Society of Ruislip Artists Autumn Exhibition 2014 (UB10) The 2014 Autumn Exhibition from the Society of Ruislip Artists. Daily from 10am, this is a free event - just turn up on the day!

01895 673200 www.compasstheatre.co.uk/index. php/events/society-of-ruislip-artists-autumnexhibition-2014/

Mon 20 – Wed 22 – Shakespeare Schools Festival (UB3) The Beck Theatre is delighted to mark Shakespeare’s 450th birthday by throwing him the biggest party he has ever seen with the largest Shakespeare Schools Festival to date. 35,000 young people will take to professional stages across the UK, with 130 theatres hosting a party to remember. The Shakespeare Schools Festival enables over 1,000 primary, secondary, and special schools to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. Each night four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays.

Go and party with Shakespeare and celebrate the achievements of your local schools in a wonderful evening of entertainment. www.becktheatre.org.uk/

Wed 8 Oct - Brain Box Quiz Night in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice (HA6) The hugely popular Quiz Night is back, so all you wise owls go and show how bright you are! Tickets sell out fast, so book early. Barclays Bank will match funds to make your donation go further. Tickets are £15 and include a fish & chip supper and a licensed bar.

01923 844730, ochambers@ michaelsobellhospice.co.uk www. michaelsobellhospice.co.uk/ Thu 9 Oct - The Band of the Scots Guards (UB10) The first of three concerts in this year’s Esprit De Corps series, featuring the finest British military bands. All proceeds donated to the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the RAF Association.

01895 673200 www.compasstheatre.co.uk/index. php/events/the-band-of-the-scots-guards/ Sat 11 Oct - Lots for Tots Table Top Sale (WD23) A Table Top Sale with a difference: over 40 tables selling good quality second-hand baby & toddler equipment, clothes, toys and more, all at reasonable prices.

At Queen’s School, Aldenham. info@lotsfortotssale.co.uk www.facebook. com/pages/Lots-For-Tots-Baby-SaleWatford/186375351395229 Sat 11 Oct - Watford 2014 (WD17) Watford Community Housing Trust and Barclays invite you to Watford 2014 at Watford Colosseum! Head along from 12-4pm for a fun, free, friendly community event with special quests Twist and Pulse from Britains Got Talent and Granny Turismo. www.wcht.org.uk/ Sat 18 Oct - Love 2 Play (HA6)

Sat 25 Oct - Halloween Party (WD4) Halloween fun at Langleybury Children’s Farm.

01923 270603 inspiringtechnologysolutions. co.uk/Langleybury/?page_id=21 Sat 25 – Sun 26 Oct Scooby Doo - where are you?

At Brent Cross! (NW4) It’s Halloween so it could only be Scooby-Doo this month!

Appearances will take place in Centre Court at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. There will also be fun, educational activities to entertain young minds and exercise energetic youngsters. So make sure you go along to Brent Cross for tons of FREE fun! www.brentcross.co.uk/events/character-visits Sat 25 – Sun 26 Oct - Adventures With Monsters and Myths (SW13) Sophie-Charlotte von Federfels is an eccentric German explorer and adventuress who travels the world seeking out exciting scientific and mystical artefacts, and she has many fascinating stories to tell from her journeys. If you ever wanted to know the size of a pixie scull or see the world’s only scorpion orchid, now is your chance! Head to WWT London Wetland Centre to see a rare selection of exhibits that have been collected by Fraeulein von Federfels and showcase the beauty and weirdness of

these unusual creatures. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/ whats-on/2014/10/25/adventures-withmonsters-and-myths/

spiders, prize winning pumpkins, or even lucky charms! www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk/

L Sun 26 Oct - Diwali

– Fire and Ice Fireworks (SL4) This autumn prepare yourselves to be amazed at the incredible power of LEGO® CHIMA Fire and Ice Fireworks at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.

There will be a spectacular firework display based on the legendary story of CHIMA and the battle between the Fire and Ice Chi. Plus on fireworks days there will be extra daytime LEGO Legends of Chima™ activities including the Masters of Flame fire juggling display and CHIMA ice brick building workshops! www.legoland.co.uk/Plan/Events/LEGOLANDFireworks/?month=8&year=2014

L 18, 19, 25, 26, 31 Oct & 1 Nov

Celebrations (WD25) Diwali, meaning ‘festival of lights’, is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the year and is celebrated with elaborate firework displays, candles and lamps. Join in at Bhaktivedanta Manor for a colourful stage show with drama and traditional dance. There will be a Cultural Programme from 2–6:30pm, followed by a Grand Fireworks display at 6.30pm.

01923 851000 www.bhaktivedantamanor.co.uk/ Sun 26 Oct - Christmas Craft & Food Fair (AL1) If you are shopping for an exquisite Christmas gift that’s individual and produced by a skilled crafts-person, or looking to stock up your pantry with delicious treats for the festive period; then the Alban Arena’s Earlybird Craft & Food Fair is a one stop festive shopping experience you can’t afford to miss.

11am-4pm. www.alban-arena.co.uk/events/christmas-craftfood-fair/ Tue 28 Oct - Family Arts Project (SW10) As part of the Family Arts Festival 2014, the team from Chickenshed Kensington & Chelsea will be delivering a fun, familyfriendly introduction to Chickenshed’s inclusive performance style. A great opportunity for all the family to experience Chickenshed’s inclusive theatre work. Incorporating their unique blend of dance, drama and music, children and adults will have the chance to create and play alongside each other and our professional facilitators, learning new skills in a fun, friendly environment. For 3-11 years at Chelsea Theatre. www.chickenshed.org.uk/5051/shows/familyarts-project.html Dates TBC – Halloween at Lauderdale House (N6) Calling all ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves, skeletons and sprites! Explore the spooky Historic House and Gardens on a magical adventure trail. Who knows whom you might meet! Dress up, wear your masks and be ready for the unexpected! Also create some seriously spooky stuff for Halloween at the Spooky Workshop! Rattle those bones and scare your parents! Who knows what you might come up with – silly skeletons, grinning ghouls, sparkly

Sat 25 – Tue 28 Oct - Once Upon a Time (NW9) Join in with special storytelling sessions at the Royal Air Force Museum, about Cobham’s amazing life and adventures in flight. This free activity is recommended for the whole family and any children aged 3+ can take part. There is no need to book - just go along and join in!

020 8205 2266 www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/once-upon-a-ti/ Sat 25 – Fri 31 Oct - WW1 Make and Take Activities (NW9) October half term will see the return of the popular Make and Take activities, and the RAF Museum will be giving visitors the opportunity to make their very own WW1 Airfix model or to get creative with colourful pencils and paper.

Recommended age: 5+.

020 8205 2266 www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/october-half-termww1-make-and-take-activities/ Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov Pumpkin Festival (AL2) A FREE pumpkin for every child throughout the fantastic Pumpkin Festival at Willows Farm Village. There’s a brilliant pumpkin carving area with daily prizes for the best pumpkin plus a programme of pumpkin-tastic activities to keep the children entertained all day long. Take part in the Pumpkin Olympics for your special certificate, complete the Pumpkin Hunt for your prize and see the spiders and snakes in the Zootacular Animal Show.

08701 299718 www.willowsfarmvillage.com/ continued on page 18 v

Specialists In 11 Plus Classroom Tutoring English, Maths, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning

Based at the John Lyon School, Harrow on the Hill

07856 733 464

info@thelondontutors.co.uk

www.TheLondonTutors.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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What’s On continued from page 17

Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov – Half Term Activities at Museum of London (EC2Y) Head along to the Museum of London and Museum of London Dockland for a whole host of fun activities. These include story telling, object handling and art drop in sessions.

See their website for more details and times. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/ whats-on/family-events/half-term1/ Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov – A Poppy Field (SE1) Grow your own poppy from paper and wire, and plant it in our Poppy Field to remember those who gave their lives to protect their country, from the First World War to conflicts today. Daily from 11am to 5pm at the Imperial War Museum. www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-london/a-poppyfield-0 Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov – Dazzle Camouflage (SE1) How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships. Take part in an animation workshop and create your own camouflage. Daily at HMS Belfast from 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. www.iwm.org.uk/events/hms-belfast/dazzlecamouflage-1 Mon 27 – Wed 29 Oct - Half Term Holiday Activities (AL1) ‘Something Spooky’ craft activities for 6-11 yrs at The Muesum of St Albans. Booking is essential..

01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/ What-s-on Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct - Half Term Fun: Marvellous Magic (HA5) This half term Harrow Arts Centre are creating a magical play for Halloween! As well as creating your own plays to perform, you’ll learn magic tricks and create your own costumes for a performance at the end of the week. You can achieve an Arts Award Discover qualification too!

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/ family/513?event=half-term-fun--marvellousmagic 27-31 Oct Buses In Disguise at London Transport Museum (WC2E) Join the museum on a time travelling adventure to Victorian London - can you make it back to 2014 without anyone finding out you’re from the future? Interactive storytelling sessions for families with children aged 3-7, at 11am and 2pm. Hands-on craft activities - build your own bus inspired by over 150 years of public transport, then take it on a ride round the Museum before taking it home. Suitable for families with children aged 4-12, at 11.30am and 2.30pm. www.ltmuseum.co.uk Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct – Wizz-Bangs and Pipsqueaks (E2) Enjoy a half term of First World War themed activities. Hear the heroic tale of the pigeon that saved the lost battalion in the Story Spinner version of Fly Cher Ami Fly by Robert Burley. Delve into our Discovery Station, try on First World War inspired costumes and design your own medal to take home at our arts and crafts session. Drop in for all ages from 10am-4pm. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk/ Mon 27 Oct – Sun 2 Nov - Half Term at Butterfly World (AL2) Crafts, insect handling, storytelling, facepainting & more for ages 3-11.

01727 869203 www.butterflyworldproject.com/

Miniland at Night

along to Harrow Arts Centre before the film to create your own mask, inspired by the characters in the film Mulan. You could be Mulan herself, a warrior or maybe even Mushu the dragon! Please note that the workshop can only be booked alongside a ticket for the film. Workshop from 10-10.45am followed by a showing of Mulan from 11am-12.30pm.

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/ family/479?event=half-term-fun--mulan Tue 28 Oct – Children’s Activity Day (N1) Head to the Canal Museum where they will have some Halloween related activities including a themed treasure hunt with spooky prizes, and a quiz in which participants will discover a spooky word from amongst the exhibitions. There will be facepainting too! www.canalmuseum.org.uk/whatson/childrensactivity-days.htm Tue 28 – Thu 30 Oct – Family Archive Event: John Speed – A Mapmaker’s Story (SE10) Explore the world of maps with mapmaker John Speed at the National Maritime Museum. Hear about how he made world-famous maps and see rare maps from the Museum’s archives. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on//john-speed Wed 29 Oct - Jolly Holiday Craft Workshops (UB10) Workshops at the Compass Theatre inspired by the film screening of Mary Poppins in the same week - all programmed to keep 5 to 11 year olds busy in the Half Term holiday. Make something to take home in the Craft Workshops. Sessions last 2 hours and run at 10am and again at 1pm - so you can bring a packed lunch and come to one of each. These workshops sell out fast so remember to book your place in advance.

01895 673200 www.compasstheatre.co.uk/index. php/events/jolly-holiday-craft-workshops/ Wed 29 – Thu 30 Oct Spooks & Surprises (WD3) Scary house tour at Chenies Manor House. Visit the mazes and have your face painted. Drop-in from 2 to 5pm.

01494 762888 cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk/index. htm

Tue 28 Oct - Half Term Fun: Mushu’s Masks & Mulan (HA5) Go

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

Wed 29 – Fri 31 Oct Pumpkin Trail and Treats (SG3) Pumpkin activities and trail through the garden at Knebworth House. Goody bag on completion of the trail. Children’s fancy dress and ‘best decorated pumpkin’ competitions. Booking is essential for this popular event. www.knebworthhouse.com/event/pumpkin-trailand-treats Wed 29 & Fri 31 Oct – Halloween Events at Natural History Museum Tring (HP23) Events include Pumpkin Carving followed by an after-hours Lantern Walk on Tring Park on 29th Oct, and Museum by Torchlight on 31st Oct. Advance booking required. http://nhm.ac.uk/tring/whats-on/index.html Thu 30 Oct - Half Term Fun: Little Leafmen & Epic (HA5) Create your own Leafmen at Harrow Arts Centre to take with you to the film! You’ll be making little Leafmen puppets as well as leaf pictures of forest creatures. Please note that the workshop can only be booked alongside a ticket for the film. Workshop from 10-10.45am followed by a showing of Epic from 11am-12.40pm.

020 8416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/ family/480?event=half-term-fun--epic Fri 31 Oct - Halloween Party (WD18) Head along to Cassiobury Park for Halloween fun and amazing arts and crafts! The journey to the underworld starts in Cassiobury Park and proceeds to Whippendell Woods. Enjoy husky dog rides, and hear spooky tales of Cassiobury Park.

01923 278972, deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk cassioburypark.info/ 31 Oct SEN Morning @ London Transport Museum (WC2E) Open early for a limited number of visitors with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public and take part in one of the museum’s interactive workshops and demonstrations.

Book first on 020 7565 7298 Fri 31 Oct - Colourdash in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice (UB8) Join in this crazy 5K sponsored event at Brunel

University and get pelted with (non-toxic) colour from head to toe along the route. Enjoy the party atmosphere and music, with barbeque food available. Runners are asked to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk

November Sat 1 Nov - Christmas Craft and Gift Fair (WD3) Peace Hospice Care welcome all to their annual Christmas Craft and Gift Fair. There will be a wide variety of stalls to get your Christmas shopping accomplished in one day! In addition to the craft and gift stalls, there will also be a range of food stalls to peruse and you can enjoy a light lunch and refreshments in the ever popular Craft Fair. At the Royal Masonic School for Girls from 11am-4pm. fundraising@peacehospicecare.org.uk www. peacehospice.org.uk/

L Sat 1 Nov - Verulamium

Firework Spectacular (AL3) Don’t miss this hugely popular Fireworks display – a must for all the family. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment in what has become one of St Albans’ great family events. Book in advance through The Alban Arena Box Office. A truly explosive evening! www.alban-arena.co.uk/events/verulamiumfirework-spectacular/

L Sun 2 Nov - Firework Display (AL2) Firework display at Butterfly World.

Food & drink stalls from 5pm and display starts at 6.15pm.

01727 869203 www.butterflyworldproject.com/ visit-us/whats-on/

Sun 2 Nov - Big Draw Family Day (N12) Artsdepot is celebrating drawing this November as part of the Big Draw 2014. Taking over Artsdepot for one day only there will be lots of enjoyable drawing related activities for all ages based around the theme of ‘It’s Our World’. The Big Draw Family Day will run from 11am-4.30pm. https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family/big-drawfamily-day Thu 6 – Sun 9 Nov – St Albans Literary Festival (AL) The City’s first Literary Festival will be a four-day celebration of story-telling of every kind: great works of literature, journalistic writing, poetry, non-fiction, copy-writing and blogging will all be included.

What’s On There will be a very exciting line-up, from a Tudor night in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey, a plethora of crime writers, the best of British Chick-lit and a wealth of other genres.

There really is something for everyone young and old. http://www.stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk/

museum will give visitors the opportunity to write a message of remembrance onto a handmade poppy which they can then stick to a ‘wall of remembrance’. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-goingon/events/lest-we-forge/

L Fri 7 Nov - Abbots Langley

Fireworks Display (WD5) Fantastic Firework Display at the Manor House grounds.

There will be fairground rides for children, food and a bar. www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk/abbots-langleyfireworks.html

L Sat 8 Nov – Grand Fireworks Display (N14) 2014 Fireworks event at The Walker Ground. There will be children’s rides, a bouncy castle, food, drink and music. www.thewalkerground.co.uk/fireworks

L Sat 8 Nov - Cassiobury

Fireworks (WD18) An evening of entertainment, music and fireworks at Cassiobury Park from 6-8pm. www.watford.gov.uk/ Sat 8 Nov - Festive Coffee Morning in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice (HA6) Pick up some reasonably priced festive gifts at the Festive Coffee Morning in Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Hall at Mount Vernon Hospital. There will be lots of interesting stalls and tea, coffee and refreshments will be served. Free entry and parking. www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov - Lest We Forget (NW9) On 8th and 9th Nov the RAF

Sun 9 Nov - Baby and Children’s Market (NW6) De-clutter your nearly new high quality baby and children’s items, sell it in their markets and get 100% profit on market day.

Lots of stalls selling excellent quality kid’s items from birth to 6 years. Plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services all under one roof! All the events are indoors at Salusbury Primary School. Pushchairs welcome.

10.30am-1.30pm. Adults first hour £2, after £1, kids free, take a friend and pay £1 each anytime. Third hour donated to Friends of Salusbury Charity.

07905 658065 ingrid@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov – Independent Schools Show (SW11) Meet over 190 of the UK’s leading nurseries, preparatory and senior schools. Gain a balanced understanding of the private schools sector - quite possibly discovering the perfect school for your child. The longest running and most established exhibition

of its type, it is a ‘must attend’ event for parents considering private education. Register for your complimentary tickets. www.schoolsshow.com

L Sat 8 Nov – The Lord

Mayor’s Show (Various) The modern version of this ancient pageant is over three and a half miles long and will fill the whole space between Bank and Aldwych from 11am until about 2.30pm,cheered by a crowd of around half a million people and watched live on the BBC by millions more. Fireworks at 5pm. www.lordmayorsshow.org/ Fri 14 – Sun 16 Nov – Christmas Fair (SG3) One of the most popular seasonal events at Knebworth House. Please note: Tickets should be purchased on arrival. www.knebworthhouse.com/event/christmas-fair Sat 15 Nov - Princess Christmas Box Workshop (WD17) Decorate your very own Christmas tin and find out the story of Princess Mary’s special WWI gift! Suitable for ages 7-12 years, free but booking is essential.

01923 232297 www.watfordmuseum.org

L Sun 16 Nov - Diwali On The

Parade (WD17) Celebrate the festival of light showcased in the Parade for the first time. www.watford.gov.uk

L Thu 20 Nov - Christmas

Lights Switch On (WD17) Head down to Intu Watford to see the Christmas Light

Switch On. Tonight also sees the opening of Santa’s Grotto! www.intu.co.uk/watford Sat 22 Nov – Happy Birthday Cutty Sark! (SE10) There will be some special events held on 22nd Nov to mark Cutty Sark’s 145th birthday. Keep an eye on their website for further details. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/events/happybirthday Wed 26 Nov – Tue 24 Dec Santa Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun (AL2) Visit Santa in his Grotto at Willows Farm Village and receive a golden key to enter his toy shop where children can pick their own present. Join in with the Nativity story, hop on the Festive Wood Ride, enter the Elves House, see the reindeer plus Fun Fair Rides, undercover JCB Young Drivers Zone, Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn and Reindeer Hunt with prize for every child.

08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com/ explore/holiday-events/ Sun 30 Nov – Christmas Designer Market (E2) Start your Christmas shopping early and find the perfect present at the V&A Museum of Childhoods’s Christmas Designer Market. This will feature some of the UK’s most exciting independent designers and makers. Open from 11.30am-4.30pm. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk/

LIKE us on Facebook to get after-press updates on local events and activities! www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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Local Clubs and Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS

Dinky Dancers (various)

Classes are a fantastic & original mixture of dance, creative movement, P.E. skills & musical activities. Their active classes include warm-up, character dances (such as Peppa Pig & Fireman Sam!), action songs, percussion instruments, P.E. equipment (hoops, ribbons, balls, pompoms, bean bags, feathers & parachute) & creative movement activities based on half-termly themes. Written by experts & based on the Early Years’ Foundation Stage, go and find out why OFSTED rate them as ‘OUTSTANDING’! Their classes are not only designed to to help improve physical skills such as hand-eye co-ordination & balance BUT help develop skills vital for education such as listening, following instructions, turn taking & concentration.  01923 239424 / 0208 207 2109

Mary Kay Skincare Classes (UB) FREE classes offered. A tailored demonstration to meet your skincare needs and a trial of the products. There is no obligation to buy. Invite two or three other ladies and have fun. Based in Uxbridge but do travel. Please get in contact for more information.  e.drew@hotmail.co.uk www.marykay.co.uk/edrew  07939657075 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

LANGUAGE AND BABY 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. Run on a Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at Nower Hill School, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org

Baby Massage & Yoga

Baby Massage (HA) Learn to massage your baby. Baby Massage has huge benefits for both mum and baby including development of the brain and immune system and help with colic, sleep, bonding and attachment. This is a wonderful 5 week course accredited by the Royal College of Midwives.  Niki 07956 388 748  nikicotsen@hotmail.com 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

Jiggle Gym (various) Physical soft-play classes for under 3s in Borehamwood, Edgware/Mill Hill and Finchley/Hendon. Children are challenged by a different set of obstacle courses to climb, crawl, walk, and jump through. Classes also combine music and movement activities, sensory developmental activities, and parachute play!

Jiggle Gym also specialises in parties and hire.  07817323010  andrea@jigglegym.co.uk www.jigglegym.co.uk Jo Jingles (Various) Interactive music and movement classes for children from 3 months to 5 years. Watford, Croxley Green, Abbots Langley, Bushey, Bricket Wood and Radlett. jojingleswatford@gmail. com  01923 445221  www.jojingles.co.uk/watfordarea Little Notes (HA1) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2014.

Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians.

Real music, real instruments, really fun! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years. Please see website for more details and to book a Free Taster Session.  020 8426 4114  www.littlenotes.org

Mini Maniacs (Various)

Multi award nominated classes that are filled with music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Classes are for babies to under 5s, the sessions mesmerise little ones using props, games, infant sign and music, all linked seamlessly by drama, comedy, suspense and mystery! 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!

Check out the rave reviews on netmums then visit the website to find these wonderful classes near you.  Contact hilda@mini-maniacs.com or visit www.mini-maniacs.com

Sign Language

Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow:  Angelina Melwani 07956 948776, 020 8950 0888.  www.singandsign.com TinyTalk (Ruislip, Ickenham and Rickmansworth) Baby Signing Classes up to 20 months. Toddler Talking Classes 20 months to 4 years. Thursday: St Giles Hall, Ickenham: 10am Toddlers, 11.30am Babies. Friday: Methodist church, Ruislip: 10am Babies, 11.15am Toddlers, 1pm Babies. £5.50 per hour (paid 6 weeks upfront) Louisa Felton 07879 604 967  louisaf@tinytalk.co.uk www. tinytalk.co.uk/louisaf/index.php

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 - whether this is intriguing sounds for a 3 month old baby, moving and shaking for toddlers, or taking the limelight and learning to read music for a 4 year old. Monkey Music is run by Royal College of Music graduate Kathryn Burrows, who worked with professional orchestras before opening Monkey Music in 2000, which parents across the UK have 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 35yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Hillingdon, Eastcote and Harrow.  01895 674587  www.monkeymusic.com

First Aid

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

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

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Active in Music (HA5) Active in Music is a music school for children aged 5+, combining individual and group learning to give a fully rounded approach to learning an instrument. Piano, violin and guitar are available to learn. Please see website for further details and call to arrange a time to see the classes and the school.  020 3504 1000  www.activeinmusic.com Beat Building (HA1&HA2) Using drums & percussion from around the world beat Building is an inspiring & energising musical activity that teaches the core principles of music and rhythm. Drumming is fantastic for releasing energy positively and great for enhancing coordination, concentration and focus as well as building confidence and self esteem.  07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk

20

Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

Footiebugs Watford (WD) Developed by former Aston Villa Player, Lee Hendrie, offering fun & professional football classes for 3-9 year olds. Pre-school classes take children on adventures introducing them to football basics. For 5-9 years they focus on more advanced football skills whilst encouraging social independence. Classes are running in Watford. Book a FREE taster!  0845 899 7166  paul@footiebugs.com www.footiebugs.com/watford.

Kiddikicks (NW6) the Early Years Sports Specialists. Classes cater for 18 months up to age 7 years for full timetable and to book see  www.kiddikicks.co.uk  020 7937 7965 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 SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. All students are taught in small groups with children of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years ( an hour and a half.) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). All students are taught in small groups with children of similiar age and ability.

(Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth  01923255099  sportskids@outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for children ages 5-12 held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail.co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk Yoga Paradise Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on breathing, flexibility and strength to promote physical and mental well-being. Practise the art of yoga and see the difference it can make. Yoga Paradise offers a range of classes for kids, teens and adults. They run Termly Yoga sessions, Parent & Child Yoga Workshops, Family Yoga Sessions and much more.  Priya priya@ yogaparadise.co.uk www.yogaparadise.co.uk or  07961 593621

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 9878  office@aqua-vie.com www.aqua-vie.com Everyone Active (WD17/25) Learn to swim like a fish with Everyone Active! Swimming is a really important life skill to teach your children. A recent report from the Amateur Swimming Association demonstrates that a third of children leave primary school without being able to swim 25m. Don’t let your child be at risk near water – enrol in their award-winning swimming lessons for all ages.

Best of all, when you enrol, or re-enrol in their swimming lessons programme, you get free entry* at a Sea Life centre of your choice!

Offer valid to 31 Oct 2014.  www.everyoneactive.com Terms and conditions apply, see website for further details. * The person on swimming lessons gets free entry when accompanied by another person paying full price.

The West London School of Tabla (HA2) Learn rhythm and improvisation with classical Indian Percussion. Syllabus aimed at 4-11 years with assessments and examinations.  020 8864 6364  www.wlstabla.co.uk

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 Swimming Nature (various) For babies (3months-3yrs), Swimming Nature for Children (3-15years) Weekly lessons in wonderful family orientated clubs. Classes are tailored to the child’s ability and they follow the Swimming Nature progressive scheme that builds strong and competent swimmers. They don’t use floats or swimming aids and they only teach the correct strokes.  08445 040506  www.swimmingnature.com Swimkidz Watford Ltd (WD4, HA1, HA9) Structured, progressive and fun swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and children.  07545523196  georgie@swimkidz.co.uk www.swimkidz.co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike!  08452 26 26 94  www.enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@ enjoy-a-ball.com Fit For Sport (Various) ‘The UK’s leading healthy lifestyle activities provider’ 3-12 yrs.  0845 456 3233  www.fitforsport.co.uk

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

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

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

Local Clubs and Classes Directory 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 Perform PLUS (NW11) is a new type of children’s drama school. They use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. In Hampstead Garden Suburb will be on Saturdays Hampstead GS Free Church on Northway at 9.30 am and 11.15 am. All children are invited to a Free Trial Session.  0845 400 1275  www.perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre productions.  01923 437693  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines or drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Communication Skills for children aged 3-18yrs.  wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance Chantraine Dance of Expression (NW6) Classes for all ages covering all aspects of dance - rhythm, technique, creativity, choreography for the development of the whole person. Friendly, non-competitive environment. All abilities welcomed.  020 7435 4247  www.chantrainedance.co.uk Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge. Offer classes for ages 2 through to adults. Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Hip Hop, Street Dance, Break Dancing, Street Cheer, Pole Fitness, Gymnastics, Free Running and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/ competitive levels.  01895 251224  www.futunityuk.com.

Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Exciting, Energetic and popular dance classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Kathak. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults, you will learn from professional teachers and all dance levels welcome.  020 8423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard. All classes held in South Harrow/ Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert, by phoning 0208 8662105 or 01923 285380.  www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS After-School Art Classes For Kids in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed-media. Mon–Thurs and Sat for Reception through GCSE. One-to-one tuition for all ages, including portfoliobuilding for University applicants.  Lisa 020 8954 2897  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers.  07946 055 422  info@mysistersandme.co.uk Fused Glass Workshops (HA8) Design and create your glass piece in their Studio in Edgware (platter, wall clock, coasters, mirror, picture frame...). Open to adults and teenagers. For dates and availability,  0773 3321094  eva@crescendo-art.co.uk www.crescendo-art.co.uk JAMtots (HA4) Creative arts session Includes homemade cooking, sticking, making, colouring, model making, painting and more.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com 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 Stitch Club (HA5) Sewing club and workshops from 8yrs, teens and adults. After school, weekend and home-educated groups, holiday and adult workshops.  sam@stitch-london.co.uk www. stitch-London.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 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 8864 0325.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. wendy@clickit-kids.co.uk.

Eleven Plus Tutoring; Striving for Success (WD25) 11+ Preparation Courses at Parmiters School, Watford, Every Saturday 9-11 am.

Courses for Verbal Reasoning and Maths. Tailored for 11+ Entrance exams. The latest Smartboards and Interactive teaching methods.  info@elevenplustutoring.com  07894582790/07514664065 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 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 Genie Tutors (HA1) Find out why so many parents are making Genie Tutors Harrow their Number 1 choice of tuition centre for their child’s educational needs. Call now to book in your FREE assessment and consultation and to find out about their unique FULL money back satisfaction guarantee.  020 3468 1881 Hatch End 11+ (various) Provide courses to fully prepare children for the 11+ and Independent School Examinations for Year 4, and Year 5 students. They have successfully prepared hundreds of children to enter schools of their choice. The lessons are carefully constructed to fully meet the requirements for the exams. They cover Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Mental Arithmetic, Creative Writing, Grammar and Comprehension. The 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 nonverbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk

Kip McGrath Education Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered.  www.kipmcgrath.com Kumon (Various) Every child can achieve. Every child can succeed.

No matter what their age or ability, Kumon will help your child to improve their concentration and study skills, unlock their true potential and become an independent learner.  0800 854 714  www.kumon.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA8) Award winning reading programme helping children from as young as 3 years to read fluently, often to a standard three to four years above their peers reading age.  01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Magikats (HA1) offer innovative programmes, written to support the National Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, every Saturday at Gayton Library in Harrow. The friendly MagiKats environment, with individual programmes and individual 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 Maths Doctor (various) is an award winning company, run by qualified teachers. They have over 500 tutors providing one-to-one maths and physics tuition across the whole of the UK. They always start with a free online assessment of your child’s level and learning style, which enables them to hand pick the best tutor for them. To request a tutor please register your details on  www.mathsdoctor.co.uk  020 7193 1871 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 February 2015, Easter 2015, Summer 2015 and 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) Stanmore Tutor CRB checked. Preparation for 7+ and 11+ Grammar/ Independent entrance exams.  020 3538 2437 Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests.

All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 7683 0734  www.sdeuk.org/swherts The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based learning, to year 4 and 5 students. We prepare students to sit exams for Grammar and private schools.  For a call back, please email your name and phone number to info@thelondontutors.co.uk Tutition 4 Excellence (various) Maths & Science specialists. 11+ Maths, VR and interview preparation, SATS, Key Stage 2 to GCSE. Science Keystage 2 to GCSE. All their tutors have been educated at top independent schools!  07450 271 027  www.tuition4excellence.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch type! Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18.

Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at Heathfield School in Pinner, HA5 1NB. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8864 0325.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@typeitforkids.co.uk.

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

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Mummy on the Edge Angelina Melwani leads Midi-Me by example.

Hear them roar.

W

e all know that women can do ANYTHING. This is a fact that I have attempted to impart to Midi-Me since before she left the womb. As single mother to an OCAF (Google “OCAF Angelina” and it will come up – after the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation ) child for the past 9 years, I’ve always tried to demonstrate our innate capability. “I am woman” after all, goes the song that Helen Reddy released in the year that I was born.

Run a successful baby signing business and single handedly bring up a child? No problem! Get rid of huge spider in bathroom? Pass a teacup and the latest issue of Families NW Magazine. Get rid of dead fox in front of door? Phone a female friend who’s a bit harder than me. No, that’s not cheating. I show Midi Me that I can do it. So she can do it. This has worked for most things.

A few weeks ago we went out on her roller blades (bought for a £1 on Ebay!) She did well for her first time, but I thought she was exaggerating how difficult it was. Until I put the blades on myself. The last time I tried to roller blade was at Midi-Me’s friend’s house and it ended with everyone around me crying with laughter as they looked down on me. This time was marginally better and Midi-Me walked alongside, gamely unflinching when I reached out for her ponytail to stabilise me and offering words of encouragement in response to my own choice words... (you can imagine.)

In the past couple of years, Midi-Me had discovered on her school trips to residential activity type places that she had a phobia of heights. “No you haven’t,” I insisted. “If you are afraid of heights THAT MUCH why did you ask for a window seat on the aeroplane?” Zip-wiring from one end to another was terrific fun she said, (I’m paraphrasing obviously) but she was still scared of heights.

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 22

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2014

On a recent trip to Canada, (without Midi-Me who was staying with her normally absent father at the time) I had discovered that I love zip-wiring too, when I tried it, high above the rainforest canopy and out of reach of the grizzly bears that were ready to lunch on my crumpled corpse. I wore a helmet and my harness was attached by proper, professional zip-wiring people who chucked me from the top of one mountain to the top of another. I yelled “I can do AAAAAAAAAGH-nything!! I am womAAAAAAAAAAAGHn!! ” several times all the way (– it was long-) before ending with a scary, ricocheting crash at the end.

Cathartic.

So it was time to take Midi-Me’s pseudo-phobia and stub it out under the ball of my womanly foot, like a filthy carcinogenic cigarette that you want neither to see nor smell ever again. Thus, we found ourselves with friends at Go Ape Treetop Adventures at Moors Valley, near the New Forest.

Despite my positive experience in Canada, I experienced not a little trepidation among the comparatively stunted trees of Moors Valley, New Forest, mainly due to the fact that we would be responsible for our own attaching and detaching to the zipwire and safety ding-dongs. (Clearly, the fact that I was referring to them as ding-dongs contributed in some way to my own trepidation). As responsible mother, I concentrated carefully and occasionally poked Midi-Me in the ribs to ensure she was paying attention when the leader demonstrated how to get ourselves from one platform to another, safely. Finally it was time to move. Onward and upward. Think positive. Feel the fear and do it anyway. I threw platitudes and self-help titles around liberally and we didn’t fall. Well, she didn’t fall.

It’s the climbing up to reach the platform on the tree where you zip-wire from which is really difficult if you are as unfit and lacking in upper body strength as I am. I managed to get my foot caught, spinning upside down on the rope ladder half way up to reach the tallest platform. A bit like those performers on the red silk at Cirque du Soleil. Except unintentional.

Anyway, we got from A to B to Z and Midi-Me says that thanks to laughing at me, her fear is conquered. We are women.

Hear us roar! Or go “Ooh ooh!” (Like apes).

More notes from the edge of the forest at mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com.

Angelina runs Sing and Sign award-winning baby signing classes in Harrow, Bushey and Rickmansworth. www.singandsign.com

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Families North West is designed by Lisa Bibby and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2014. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families North West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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