Issue 126 January-February 2019
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A big warm welcome to our first issue in 2019. We have some exciting new changes in the making at Families West Magazine, which we will be introducing gradually to these pages. We always welcome comments from our readers - if there is something that we have been missing out, please do write to us and let us know. Email us at: editor@familieswest.co.uk In the meantime, do sit back with this issue and find out what is going on for you and your family in West London over the next couple of months. Enjoy! 2 4 6 7 8
News & Views
10 Exam Prep
An Inspector Calls
14 Six ways to STAY HEALTHY
Your happiest year! The best new baby apps
Is your child’s vocabulary holding them back?
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12 The rise of self harming
15 What’s On in West London
19 Classified ads and Party listings
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In this issue...
Calling all sailors!
Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an action-packed day out on the fastest ship of its time. Meet characters from the ship’s past such as Captain Woodget and the ship’s cook and listen to their epic stories about life on board. Try and outwit the crew in our Sailors’ Challenge game, get your sea legs by taking the helm at the ship's wheel, follow a family trail or take part in regular workshops. Book now to save 10% For more info visit: rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
January-February 2019
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News & Views Raising confident children with Perform
Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old. “I’ve always wanted my children to feel confident speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of people. I think these are essential life skills these days” says Sara. Sara was drawn to Perform because of its focus on developing confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” she explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a topic like manners, making eye contact or introducing themselves, but this is wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the context of drama and songs.” “Since my children started attending Perform, other parents frequently remark on their confidence and how well they speak in school assemblies. I’m really impressed with how they chat to adults in places like shops and restaurants.” Classes at Perform are small with two teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to understand and engage every child” reports Sara. Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Acton, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Earl’s Court, Hammersmith, Ickenham, Kensington, Maida Vale, Notting Hill and Shepherds Bush. To book, please visit: www.perform.org.uk/try
St Augustine’s Priory makes it into the top 50 London schools!
St Augustine’s Priory are in the top 50 London Schools and their results are excellent. Girls go on to world class universities. “But we are about much more than that. We teach long lasting habits of wellbeing like no other school. At a time when so many of us in education are concerned about the mental health of the young people in our care, we build on the most up-to-date research alongside old-fashioned common sense to teach lifelong habits of well-being. When we are happy we learn well and our girls do, as our results show every year.” The entrance to our school leads past sheep, bushes and trees newly planted by girls and students. They have 13 acres of land which includes a farm with pigs as well as sheep and chickens. “There aren’t many schools in London where you walk to reception to the sound of the cockerel crowing and where you can buy eggs collected by girls who also tend to the animals at weekends and in the holidays.” More info at: www.sapriory.com
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January-February 2019
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How to have your happiest year EVER... Be a Hygge Spotter The Danes have a word - hygee (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) - that has no direct translation in English. The closest I can give you is ‘comfort.’ For me hoo-ga is sitting by an open fire, drinking hot chocolate, while a storm rages outside. And hoo-ga also being wrapped up snug and warmly on a snowy walk. Hoo-go is also sharing a tub of Quality Street while watching a family movie you’ve watched many times before. Work out what your hoo-ga moments are, and then get good at spotting them, all year round. This is linked with mindfulness and improves your happiness by enabling you to better appreciate more wonderful moments.
The secret to happiness turns out to be not-so-secret. Family, relationships, love, and human connection that’s basically it!
Play As we grow up, we get weighed down with responsibilities and life can lose its lustre. Stop seeing yourself as a ‘responsible adult’ and start being an ‘inspirational adult.’ Rewind to when you were age 6, a time when everything was new and exciting. Start jumping in puddles and playing on the swings… Your children will love it!
So are some quirky and fun tips taken from the science of positive psychology that will help your family towards the happiest year yet!
Get Huggy Christmas and New Year is a time for family and friends and, chances are, you will have been giving and receiving more hugs than usual in the last few weeks. So how about continuing the hugging habit all year and using this scientific fact that might just change your life: apparently, the average hug lasts 2.1 seconds. 4 Families west London
So a quick one…two… and it’s done and dusted. However, for the love to really transfer a hug has to last 7 seconds or longer. So a top hugging tip is to treat the ones you love to the full 7 seconds. Obviously, don’t count out loud as that spoils the effect, and they might start wriggling after 4 or 5 seconds - but a 7 second hug says “I love you.” Everyone wins. Hugging releases oxytocin (a happy chemical) in you and the one you’re hugging.
A year of Experiences Get everyone in your family to write an early Christmas list for December 2019. The exact question is this: What 20 things would you would like for Christmas? That aren’t things. Share the ideas and schedule them to actually happen (where you can) in 2019.
Celebrate What Hasn’t Happened Have you ever asked yourself, what hasn’t happened that I didn’t want and that I haven’t celebrated? Feel free to read that line again. And again. And again? Sadly, unless you’re a black belt happiness ninja your children don’t sit in a maths lesson thinking how lucky they are to have a
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By Dr Andy Cope nice school and a wonderful teacher. They curse because they have to remember stuff. And when you’re stuck in traffic you don’t sit there marvelling at the sunglasses compartment and cup holders, you mutter and swear under your breath at the delay.
The opposite of savouring good experiences is to notice the many things that could have gone badly, but didn’t. Hence the question again - what hasn’t happened that you didn’t want and that you haven’t celebrated?
Here’s my list for today (and it’s only 7am): I woke up and didn’t have toothache. My laptop isn’t broken. I haven’t got measles. My children aren’t poorly. I haven’t just stubbed my toe, we haven’t run out of Cheerios, there hasn’t been an earthquake and I haven’t been bitten by a zombie. I mean, what a fabulous start to the day. None of those bad things has happened! Of course, it’s hard to notice something that didn’t happen. But it’s helpful to sometimes switch your thinking to all the bad things that could have happened, but didn’t. And then celebrating the positive result. Share it with your children and get them to think of examples. The chances are theirs will be much more creative than yours! Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a Brilliant Kid is available now on Amazon. For more information, visit: www.artofbrilliance.co.uk
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January-February 2019
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An Inspector Calls!
The Role of an Ofsted Inspector in Assessing a Nursery Setting.
Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know what the acronym Ofsted actual stands for or how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating? Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted Inspectors are very knowledgeable. One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care. Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff
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have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta. “Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”
Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta. “For example, they need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others. Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions. “I observe the language teachers use and how they’re interacting with a child” says Sangeeta. “I’ll ask staff why they have chosen a particular activity and how it contributes to a child’s learning.“
Ofsted Inspectors also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information about a child's development, and planning for a child’s next steps.”
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So what happens if there are issues with teaching methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff are working positively, and, where there are staff who are performing less well, that the manager of the setting recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint observation with the manager” says Sangeeta. ”If a staff member has set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if the manager is aware and can support a staff member to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the nursery is working well towards improving its provision.” Sangeeta owns two settings in Greater London. How does she ensure they meet Ofsted’s high standards in her setting? Good communication and reflective practice are vital. As a team, each setting regularly fills out a self-evaluation form, so that everybody involved can reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and a clear direction can be formulated. Sangeeta is always aware of what is happening at each nursery, but also stresses that the quality of her managers and teachers is exceptional. “The managers of my settings are experienced and wellestablished members of the team, and have known many of the children and their families for a number of years.” You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
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The best baby apps for new parents
A new baby can cause untold disruption to routine and life in general. This is where the right apps can come into their own and make life a little bit easier. The following apps can help you track feedings, sleep times, decipher developmental milestones and build the most beautiful selection of photos. great reassurance on a range of babyrelated issues at the click of a button, enabling you to act fast. More info: www.redcross.org.uk/ first-aid/first-aid-apps
White Noise There are lots of apps that play ‘white noise’ to help your baby go to sleep. White Noise Lite is on android and iPhone and plays ambient sounds such as waves crashing or rainfall. However, Spotify also has a great selection of white noise - and you reap the benefit of everything else Spotify has to offer. More info available at: www.tmsoft.com/white-noise British Red Cross Baby and Child First Aid A brilliant app created by the experts at the British Red Cross to help you keep your little ones safe. Packed with videos, easy to follow advice and a test section, it offers
NCT Baby Change This helps you to locate changing facilities to use in your surrounding area and aims to take the stress away from being out of the house. The app relies on parents providing feedback on changing facilities after use and adding any new locations to the map. More info at: www.nct.org.uk/parenting/ nct-babychange-app
Evergreen Life This app helps you keep track of the of your child’s medical history, including vaccinations, making it accessible to you on the move and whenever it is needed. It stores information such as blood group, vaccinations, allergies, diagnostic tests and results and medications as well as growth and development data. More info at: www.evergreenlife.co.uk
Baby Monitor 3G Allowing you to turn any connected device into a baby monitor, this app acts as a live audio and video baby monitor over Wi-Fi or mobile data and claims to have unlimited reach, working in a similar way to FaceTime or Skype. More info at: www.babymonitor 3g.com
Baby Tracker This helps you track feeds, whether breast, bottle or solid so you can keep an eye on when and how much your baby is eating. There are also other baby feeding apps which can track things like which breast you last fed from, pumping sessions and how much breast milk you have stored in the fridge or freezer. More info at: http://nighp.com/ babytracker/
Lemon Tree and St Matthew’s Montessori schools based in Ealing Broadway offering both full day care (8.00am-6.00pm) and term time (9.15am-3.15am) for children aged from 1.5 years to 5 years old. We offer French, Ballet, Yoga, Drama and PE inclusive of fees. Full and part time sessions available. Qualified and experienced teachers offer a high standard of learning, nurturing and care.
Lemon Tree Montessori: 07495 898 760 (Full Day Care) St Matthew’s Montessori: 07856 364153 (Term Time) Website: www.lemontreemontessori.com
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Is your child’s vocabulary holding them back?
One of the biggest factors affecting your child’s ability to progress at school is their language skills. If they cannot understand what is being said or articulate their own thoughts, then school can be a confusing and isolating place.
A recent speech by the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, highlighted the need for children to develop good skills “because when you’re behind from the start you rarely catch up." According to the Department for Education, nearly one third of children ages 4 and 5 lack the language skills necessary to describe simple events or to even to speak in sentences. Here are some ideas you can fit into your busy family lives in order to help your little ones develop their language skills.
Encourage reading for pleasure from an early age This ensures that positive reading habits are set up from the start. Building a love of stories, books and reading are key to developing a child’s vocabulary. For very young children, create opportunities for sharing books throughout the day, not just at bedtime. Lead by example and
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let your child see you reading for pleasure as they become independent readers themselves. Don’t be scared of using challenging language Children learn from what is being said around them, so if you model using a variety of language then your child will learn more and start to use different words. Use more challenging words and then explain what they mean to increase their vocabulary.
Join the Library Books can be expensive, and it may take time to find the types of stories that engage your child. So join the library and tap into this free goldmine!
Attend music classes or story time sessions These are also great ways to engage your child and build their language skills.
Label your house Involve your child in labelling items around the house so they can learn lots of new words. Write the words and get your child to trace over or copy them if they are able. They can also draw pictures on the labels to help them remember the words.
Make word learning fun Play quick and easy word games such as 'word of the week' where points are scored every time the word is used in context correctly. Traditional games such as Hangman, Scrabble and Boggle increase literacy skills. ‘I Spy’ is good for younger children and can be adapted for older children to 'I hear with my little ear' and then giving a clue to the meaning of a word for example "a word that means the opposite of 'agree'" or "a word that explains how plants get energy". Harness Technology Technology can help increase literacy skills if you use it in the right way. Some recommended resources are: Oxford Owl (www.oxfordowl.co.uk) has a series of free e-books 3 to 11 year olds, some of which you can listen to as well as read. There’s also lots of helpful resources you can use at home. Audio books are great when you’re traveling in the car or getting ready to go out. Listen to stories and then talk to your child about the story. Apps such as Pirate Phonics, Hairy Letters and Reading Eggs (www.readingeggs.co.uk) are great to get started with language learning. When you are out and about let
January-February 2019
By Charlotte Gater
your child take some photos to make a picture diary. Then when you get home look through the photos and get them to describe what you did. You can also turn your adventures into a book. Book Creator (www.bookcreator.com) allows you to make 40 e-books of your own for free.
Talk with your child Conversation is key to building language skills. Whether it’s whilst having dinner, on the journey home from school or before they go to bed, take the time to have a chat with your child. Sometimes it’s hard to get anything out of children, and “fine” or “okay” are given as standard answers. Try a few open questions to get them expanding their answers like “what was the best thing about your day?” Or “Tell me about what you did at nursery”.
Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum at leading extra tuition provider Explore Learning.
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Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School Independent Co-educational School for girls aged 3-11 and boys aged 3-7 Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX www.cbppschool.co.uk
The school is well known for its friendly, nurturing atmosphere and excellent entrance examination results for boys at 7+ and girls at 11+ The school has thriving drama,art and music departments with a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities. Pupils develop personal qualities of confidence, creativity and respect for others, in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. “Pupils’ personal development and welfare are outstanding.They leave the school well prepared for the next stage of their education.” (Ofsted September 2017) To arrange a tour please call the School Office on: 020 8994 1804. Tours are arranged on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
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The inside track on exam preparation
In the coming year, many children will be preparing for SATS, senior school entrance exams or the 11 plus. It may seem too early to talk about teaching children of primary school age how to prepare for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine and use throughout their entire education (and even in their working lives) and it can definitely help them feel less overwhelmed by the concept of being tested. Claire Winter gets some advice from tutors on preparing primary school children for exams.
Make a Plan Once you know the date of your child’s exam, make sure you mark it on the calendar and think about what kind of preparation it would be appropriate for them to do. Most exams include maths and English and some contain elements of verbal and nonverbal reasoning. Would worksheets from your child’s school, online resources or verbal or non-verbal reasoning practice papers be helpful? You needn’t 10 Families west London
make a big deal about the preparation with your child but you do need to create some time for them to do it. Allocate certain times in the week to go over different topics, to prepare and build their confidence and to go over any problem areas they may have. At the same time, balance is so important, so don’t overdo it. Make sure your child continues with their extracurricular activities and has lots of fun too.
Practice Lucy Parsons, (www.lifemore extraordinary.com) author of The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take says, “My top tip for any exam is to do past papers and to get the child taking the exam to mark their work themselves, using the mark scheme. This way they understand what the examiners are really looking for and can start to spot what's a good answer and where they will need to improve.”
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You can find out more at: www.lifemoreeextraordinary.com. Another tip is to get your child to set a timer while doing the exam, so they get used to working under time pressure. Do your Research Make sure you are up to date on the 11 plus format that your county or area is using. Selective independent schools set their own 11 plus exams, so find out from each school what
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By Claire Winter the format will be so you can tailor your child’s preparation accordingly. Often tutors local to the school you are applying for or your child’s own current school will have detailed knowledge about its entrance exam. Chris from www.roots2success11plus.uk/ says, “Probably the most important point about preparing for the 11 plus is to realise that, not only does the format vary over the 36 local authority areas in England but it also tends to change every few years. So parents with a child who took the 11 plus a couple of years ago may not realise their younger child needs to use different materials. I update my website every year with the current 11 plus format for each of the 163 grammar schools in England.” Know the syllabus Education Consultant, Paul Anderson from www.tutor doctor.co.uk says it vital to have in-depth knowledge about the exam. “Our number one tip for exam success is knowing what is included in the syllabus for the particular exam you are studying for. Once you know the syllabus, you can evaluate your child’s knowledge and see where the gaps are.”
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Talk about what you have learned In terms of information retention, it’s helpful for your child to verbally recap what they have learned. Paul from Tutor Doctor says, “Do not underestimate the value of verbal revision. Just half an hour articulating what they know to teachers, friends, and family is a fantastic opportunity for children to test themselves.”
Short sharp bursts Make sure your child takes a break when they are doing exam preparation. Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. It’s important not to schedule too many preparation sessions in one day - one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.
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Stay calm Do your best to instil in your child the importance of staying calm and coping with any obstacles they face while sitting their exam. Teach them to leave challenging questions and come back to them once they have answered easier ones. Suggest that they look at the questions before they read a passage or text, so they know what to look for when they are reading the text. Taking entrance and 11plus exams can be stressful for some children. Try to ensure they get enough sleep and eat well. It also helps if learning can be fun. You can play games, colour code their work and even produce short videos about topics they find hard to learn.
It’s also vital to praise your child’s effort in preparing for their exam, regardless of whether they pass or do well. Children need to understand that all you expect of them is for them to do try their hardest and that no one exam that they take in their life will ever be the key to success, failure or happiness.
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The RISE of Self-Harming: Expert Advice from Leading Psychiatrist Dr Maite Ferrin
Depression and self-harm are growing concerns for parents of adolescents, particularly teenaged girls. According to findings in a recent study by the Children's Society, nearly a quarter of 14 year old girls may have self-harmed in the last year.
As your child approaches adolescence, it’s advisable to watch out for signs of stress and anxiety because it is these that can give rise to self-harming behaviour in the teenage years.
Self-harm is an adaptive coping mechanism to deal with any stressor in life. Stressorsmay include social media pressure, bullying, issues concerning sexuality, school pressure or problems within the home or social environment, to name a few. However, self-harming may also reflect a more impairing psychological condition such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. It’s important that a correct diagnosis is made and effective
and adequate treatment is obtained from a medical expert specialising in this field. If, at any stage, you have reason to believe your child is selfharming, do seek medical support immediately. There are many reasons that may contribute towards a child self-harming including an
attempt to alleviate emotional pain that cannot be expressed verbally, self-punishment, an attempt to relieve feelings of shame or guilt, an attempt to stop feeling numb, the communication of psychological anxiety, a cry for help or an act to seek attention. The reason your child is self-harming may be one of the above or a
complex combination of many different reasons.
Many young people who selfharm use more than one method of self-injury. Some self-harm regularly, whilst others do it more sporadically. Self-harming can take many different forms with some of the most common methods including superficial
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January-February 2019
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What can be done? cutting, punching or hitting oneself, scratching or ripping the skin, an intentional drug overdose and even hair pulling. Various forms of self-harm may be habit forming and it’s important that steps are taken to reduce occurrences of the behaviour before the problem escalates. If your child is selfharming, it’s vital that they have someone to talk to who will value them and listen to them, helping to minimise their self-injurious behaviour and improve their happiness.
If your child is self-harming: Approach gently The majority of young people who are selfharming feel ashamed of their behaviour. An initial soft, empathetic approach is recommended, as they may worry about you judging them negatively.
Listen Young people who self-harm often feel invisible, unheard and misunderstood. Try to create a safe space in which they can freely discuss their problems without interruption, so that they are more inclined to open up and talk discuss their problems.
Use empathic language Use simple empathic responses to what your child is saying. Phrases such as “Sounds like things have been quite tough for you,” “I can see how this would be very challenging,” “I understand how difficult this must be for you” can be useful. It’s also vital to offer your child some hope and support e.g. “Thank you for sharing this with me. Let’s think about how we can make you feel better.” Remain calm - getting upset, uptight or emotional (despite the fact that you will be feeling this way) may cause your child to
close up and refrain from talking. Validate and acknowledge your child’s emotions and struggles - share any relevant and relatable experiences of your own. If your child does not want to talk - don’t put overwhelming pressure on them as this could escalate problems. Avoid punishing the self-harming act or imply that their feelings aren’t important his may deepen their feelings of guilt or shame. Focus on the underlying struggles of the child rather than the actual act of self harming - remember that the self-harm is a consequence and often a coping mechanism so you need to address the causes and not the symptom. Encourage healthy ways of coping with stress - exercise, meditation, deep breathing reading or art are all de- stressors. You can help your child find a coping mechanism that suits them. Reinforce your child’s strengths - sometimes it’s all too easy to focus on the negatives rather than embracing and celebrating your child’s positive attributes. Don’t expect a quick fix for the self-harming behaviour - it can take a long time to break a habit or change mindset. Be patient.
Allow your child time to learn alternative coping mechanisms to replace the selfharm behaviours.
Dr Maite Ferrin is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, a brain and mind clinic with a specialist Children’s and Young Peoples Service which diagnoses and treats a wide range of mental health conditions. For more information visit: www.recognitionhealth.com/
Accept that you cannot solve this problem alone - seek support from school counsellors, medical professionals and people that have shared a similar experience. There are lots of online resources that also provide great information.
Image credit: Perform
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January-February 2019
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Six Ways to STAY HEALTHY during the winter months
It’s tough getting you and your family through a long British winter without succumbing to illness somewhere along the way. Here are our top tips for making it through to spring without getting out the tissues! By Claire Winter
Eat for Immunity Eat food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in zinc, like lean meats, poultry, and baked beans can help balance your immune response. Green leafy vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts are high in Vitamin C, which will also keep you healthier. Family lunches or dinners which include warm winter soups packed full of vegetables or fruit smoothies for breakfast (with some vegetables sneaked in if your kids will let you) are an excellent way to ensure you are all having more than your 5 a day. Supplement The NHS recommends that all children from the age of 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements with A, C and D in them every day. Please note if your baby/child is having 500ml of formula or more, do not give them vitamin D, as formula milk is fortified with it. You may also be able to get vitamin drops for your baby if you qualify for Healthy Start. Check eligibility at: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk If you give your children a chewable supplement, make sure it is after they eat because some vitamins cannot be absorbed without food. It’s also a good idea for adults and children over 5 years to
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supplement with Vitamin D during the winter. It’s vital to keep our muscles and bones healthy and is primarily made by our skin's reaction to the sun. During the winter months in the UK, the sun doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation to create it so we must rely on food and supplements. Vitamin D is found in meat, oily fish and eggs. Many nutritional experts recommend everyone taking Vitamin D supplements during the winter; try at least 10mcg of Vitamin D a day. You could also consider supplementing with Vitamin C and Zinc to ward off colds. It has been scientifically proven that dosing up on Zinc in the first 24 hours of getting a cold can mean a quicker recovery. If you are not sure whether to give your child vitamin supplements always take advice from a medical professional or nutritional expert.
Get outdoors Make sure you and the family get outside. It’s thought that at least 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is caused by lack of sunlight and it’s recommended that you should try getting out for at least an hour a day in natural daylight. Midday on a sunny day is a good time to go out as that is when the sun is at its strongest. Using a light box, exercising and talking therapy
can help people afflicted with SAD and if you think you or one of your family is affected, then talk to your GP.
Sleep well Make sure adults in your family are getting 8 hours of sleep every night. If you are run down through lack of sleep, you are more susceptible to illness. Getting enough sleep will boost your immune system and help you fend off any nasty colds and illnesses. Sleep also supports healthy brain function and maintenance of your physical health. Toddlers should be getting 11 to 14 hours sleep a day, while pre-schoolers need 10-13 hours. School age children need 9 to 11 hours and teenagers 8 to 10 hours. Make sure your offspring have time away from electronic devices before bed. Having a hot bath and reading book is a great way for all ages to wind down for a restful night’s sleep. De-Stress Being stressed can make you more likely to catch a cold or illness because it reduces the body’s ability to fight off infection. Regular exercise helps you de-stress and get fitter, whilst meditation can also help you unwind. There are some excellent meditation and relaxation apps available. Headspace for kids focuses on
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calm, kindness and bedtime (www.headspace.com/kids). Calm (www.calm.com) also provides mindfulness and sleep stories for children of varying ages, whilst www.dreamykid.com has lots of great meditations and visualisations just for children and teens. Yoga sessions or a daily walk are also great ways to help you all wind down. [plug your local kids/teen yoga here]
Wash your hands Emphasis to all your family members the importance of washing hands regularly. Around 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. Make sure you explain the need to use hot water, anti-bacterial soap and wash hands for 45 seconds or longer. Teach children to rub the backs of their palms and hands, including their thumbs!
Try something new Don’t stay cooped up indoors, try something new as a family. Invest in wellies and wet weather gear and get exploring whatever the weather. Outdoor Winter Fun Ideas
Have a winter bonfire in the garden or use a fire pit or chiminea, wrap up warm and roast some marshmallows. Explore a nearby woodland and build a camp. Set up a scavenger hunt, create clues for the kids to follow or get them to design one for you to follow. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink. Feed the birds or go bird watching. You could even make your own birdfeeders. Go on a winter picnic. Take blankets, sandwiches and hot soup in a thermos. Make snow paint. If we’re lucky enough to get a downfall this year, you can add food colouring to a spray bottle, get out in the garden and turn the white stuff multi-coloured!
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What’s On
HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
SCIENCE WORKSHOPS IN CHELSEA
PERFORM DRAMA IN KENSINGTON
18-20 Feb Perform: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Perform’s three day drama, song and dance February half-term course for 4-10s. If travel broadens the imagination, imagine what a trip to Narnia can do. Watch your child go through the wardrobe with Susan, Peter, Edmund and Lucy as they battle the White Witch and cheer Aslan the Lion. With magical creatures, snowy landscapes and a triumphant royal victory, Narnia is the perfect destination for the February half-term. What your child can enjoy: • Three fun-packed full days of drama, dancing and singing • Energetic friendly team of actors, dancers and musicians • Colourful performance on the last day for friends and family with original music and costumes • Personalised certificate of achievement for every child Time: 10am to 3pm Venues: Kensington United Reformed Church, W8 6BL T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/lion
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19 Feb CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Learn about the history, geography and science of chocolate and celebrate this very special plant-based food. The day includes craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. 10.30am-2.30pm, ages 6-11. 21 Feb CREEPY CRAWLING GARDEN SAFARI A day of discovery about the wonderful world of animals. Find out how they adapt to their habitats, hold some of them (if you like), meet the fauna of the Garden and be dazzled by the many creatures that live in a drop of pond water. Finally, explore the treasures of the Garden, including the jungle room and some of collection's medicinal, poisonous and vampire plants. 10.30am-2.30pm. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
BUSHCRAFT IN THE LOOKOUT DISCOVERY CENTRE, HYDE PARK
19 Jan BUSHCRAFT SKILLS: CAMPFIRE BUILDING Warm up round an open fire this winter and meet some like minded survivors. You'll get to learn how to find and select the right materials to build your fire and how to light it without matches. Then enjoy making a simple and delicious bread snack to cook over the fire. 10am1pm, www.royalparks.org.uk
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES BRITISH MUSEUM
WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). 26 Jan LITTLE FEET: ANIMAL HOMES Find out where in the world animals call home and programme a robot to help find them in the galleries. For under fives. 11am-4pm. 23 Feb LITTLE FEET: ANIMAL SOUNDS Hear the sounds of the animals in the Museum and create your own digital noises. For under fives, 11am-4pm.
THE DESIGN MUSEUM
W8 6AG www.designmuseum.org The museum offers a programme of regular events and activities with plenty of opportunities to get creative, offering free
January-February 2019
and ticketed workshops and gallery experiences for adult visitors and families with children aged 5-11 years. Until 24 Mar HOME FUTURES Are we living in the way that pioneering architects and designers throughout the 20th century predicted, or has our idea of home proved resistant to real change? Explore today's home through the prism of yesterday's imagination. Admission: £16 adults, £8 children aged 6-15. CREATE AND MAKE once a month on Sundays and during school holidays. Be inspired by the museum and its exhibitions through informal drop in sessions focusing on light-touch design and making. Ages 5-11.
GET INTO DESIGN workshops and courses run for families and young people. Led by specialist tutors, they include input and inspiration from some of the rising stars in contemporary design. Check the website for dates and details. Ages 8-11.
WHAT’S ON LISTINGS CONTINUE ON PAGE 16
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What’s On FOUNDLING MUSEUM
WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 14 Feb BACH TO BABY Discover the award-winning classical concert series for babies, toddlers and parents. Themed concerts are performed by pianist Miaomiao Yu along with other internationally-renowned musicians. 19 Feb DREAM ROOM What does your dream bedroom look like? Does it feature a slide or a window you can see the stars through? Inspired by Bedrooms of London, work with art collective Sculpture Lab to construct a 3D model of your ideal bedroom. Light up your imaginary world then photograph your dream interior! Free. 11am-4.30pm. 20 Feb IDEAL HOME SHOW Inspired by the photographs of bedrooms in our exhibition, work with photographer Marysa Dowling to create self-portraits in imaginary bedrooms. Create props for your bedroom to use as the backdrop for your photograph. Free, 11am4.30pm, for age 5+ 21 Feb PILLOW PRINTS Does your bedroom express your identity? In this workshop inspired by Bedrooms of London print images and slogans onto pillowcases for your bedroom at home. Free, 11am-4.30pm, for age 5+
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk
EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+ A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops. 11am-5pm.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk FUTURE ENGINEERS GALLERY Families, young people and ‘big kids’ can get hands-on and have fun exploring the fascinating world of transport engineering in the new Future Engineers gallery, which opens to the public as a permanent display. Test your skills, solve transport conundrums faced by modern day engineers, and enjoy a series of interactive exhibits. Every Tuesday SINGING AND STORIES Find out how people get around the city. With stories about hopping on a bus to the Museum and songs about catching a tube to London Town, there’s something for everyone. Sessions include singing and dancing, as well as the chance to see and touch objects from the Museum collection. For under fives at 10.45am, 12, 1.45 and 3pm.
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Bach to Baby www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth NATIONAL GALLERY
WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 28 Feb LIFE IN THE DARK Leave daylight behind and put your senses to the test in this illuminating exhibition. Meet the creatures that thrive at night, in pitch-black caves and deep in the sea. Enter the worlds of nocturnal animals and discover how they find their way around their environment, hunt, mate and evade predators. Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work. Drop-in, 11am-5pm. 26 Jan, 1, 23 Feb DINO SNORES FOR KIDS Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11. 10 Feb DAWNOSAURS Early morning fun and learning for families with children on the autistic spectrum.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive plays and dance. For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in. Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your own. 10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11. Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home. Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.
WALLACE COLLECTION
W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 19 Feb PAPER FLOWERS Join artist Millie Nice to take a closer look at the intricate Dutch flower paintings, learning about secret symbols concealed in the flowers and discovering why people caught ‘Tulip Mania’ in the seventeenth century. Draw from these paintings and creating our own paper flower arrangement. For ages 7-11, please book in advance. 21 Feb PETS IN SHOW Create a creature out of clay, fun fur and much more. Bring
January-February 2019
your passion for animals to this free drop-in workshop. Be inspired by Brizo or the many painted pets of the Wallace Collection to sculpt your very own sidekick to take home. 22 Feb MEET THE VICTORIANS A costumed ‘show-n-tell’ event where you can see if you can beat the antique armour dealers and collectors of the Victorian era at their own game to spot the real vs the fake armour. Suitable for all the family. Free, drop-in
DAYS OUT BRITISH LIBRARY
NW1 2DB www.bl.uk 19 Jan FELINE FABLES AND FOLKTALES Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong to listen, invent, write and perform stories in this playful family workshop. Listen to cat folktales from around the world that show the different sides to these most mysterious of creatures - from the heroic and magical, to the downright naughty, you will meet them all! Free, drop in, age 5-11. 2 Feb FAMILY DAY: ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOMS A family day inspired by the treasures, stories and adventurous journeys of the Anglo-Saxons Travel back to the 5th century and explore the exhibition, AngloSaxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War. Take part in a hands-on, creative workshops: help Beowulf slay a monster, design and make your own treasures and experience international Anglo-Saxon culture. Free, drop in, suitable for ages 5-11.
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CUTTY SARK
SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend: CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Suitable for ages 3+ Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 10-11.30am for ages 4 and under. 18-23 Feb HEAVE HO AND AWAY WE GO An engineering themed arts and design experience. Build winches and learn about how the precious cargoes were loaded on to the ship. Or you can help keep our oceans clean by building and coding a mini LEGO sea cleaner (hour long workshop, book in advance).10.30am-4pm, for age 5+ 2, 3 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR Celebrate Chinese New Year at Cutty Sark with an art workshop inspired by the ship’s historic voyages to China.11.30am and 2pm for age 3+
FULHAM PALACE
SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. 27 Jan HANDS ON ARCHAEOLOGY: TUDOR GRUB 1pm-3pm Find out about some of the animal bone discoveries made during the recent Tudor Dovecote Community Dig. Find out what the Bishop of London and his guests were eating in Tudor times and what life was like at the Palace. 1-3pm, free.
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21 Feb FAMILY FUN DAY: BRILLIANT BRICKS See first-hand the amazing work being done by skilled craftspeople as part of the restoration project. Get up-close and hands on with our traditional Tudor bricks and bonding, have a go at bricklaying and participate in lots more ‘constructive’ activities. Free, for age 3+
ODDS FARM PARK
HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A FABULOUS DAY OUT AT THE FARM! Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Also, a special Toddler and Under 5’s areas.
OSTERLEY PARK AND GARDENS
TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-parkand-house/whats-on 19,20 Jan DOWNSTAIRS AT THE OSTERLEY DINNER PARTY Enjoy a range of family activities and learn what went into preparing a Georgian dinner party. Plan a menu, create invitations and learn how to serve at a Georgian table. 18 Feb WORKSHOP: COASTER PAINTING Decorate a coaster for you table at home with this family craft workshop. 19 Feb FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOP: MUG PAINTING Decorate a mug for your table at home with this family craft workshop. Booking essential.
WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE
SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 16-24 Feb LONDON PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS Children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies and have fun jumping in puddles. Jumping is free with paid admission to the centre and free to WWT members.
THEATRE AND CONCERTS BECK THEATRE
UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 22-26 Jan HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THOSE TERRIBLE TUDORS & AWFUL EGYPTIANS Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! Terrible Tudors: From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Awful Egyptians: From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. 17 Feb CHINESE EXTRAVAGANZA A unique festive spectacle showcasing amazing Chinese performing arts. From the cheerful spirit of the auspicious Lion Dance, to the awe-inspiring contortion, the show is a colourful display of Chinese cultural tradition.
January-February 2019
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE
WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until Oct 19 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.
THE LILIAN BAYLISS STUDIO
EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 16 Feb ALICE IN WONDERLAND A fantastical new ballet for the whole family. Stunning dancing, much loved characters and super costumes bring the famous tale to life in this magical ballet production. For ages 2-11 including children with special needs with photo opportunity with dancers after every show.
LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 12 Jan SUSANNAH AND THE SUNFLOWER With the help of some magic seeds from the Wizard, Susannah sets out on a fantastical shadow adventure following in the footsteps of Jack and the Beanstalk. Told using simple shadow puppetry this is a celebration of all things that grow tall and dream big. For ages 3-8 19 Jan LITTLE GIFT An old soul lives alone. He likes it that way. It’s quieter and safer. One day, a surprise visitor plants a little seed of hope and turns this lonely life upside down. Told with exquisite puppetry,
WHAT’S ON LISTINGS CONTINUE ON PAGE 18
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What’s On original music and a lot of heart, Little Gift brings light into the darkest season of the year. Age 3-7. 26 Jan SNOW WHITE, ROSE RED, BEAR BROWN Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends - have lived in the forest since they were babes in the wood. When their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. A new story using puppets, storytelling, original music and a fantastical fairytale forest. For ages 4-10. 2 Feb JACK AND THE BEANSTALK A show with something for everyone enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion! For ages 3-8.
LYRIC THEATRE
W1D 7ES www.tallstories.org.uk/room-on-the-broom Until 13 Jan ROOM ON THE BROOM LIVE Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick when they pick up a helpful dog, bird and frog for a ride. But this broomsticks not meant for five and ‘CRACK’ it snaps in two! Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+
PEACOCK THEATRE
WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 24-26 Jan SLEEPING BEAUTY Performed by PWC Amateur Dramatic group. See Princess Aurora put under a wicked spell by Insomnia, the most evil fairy in all the land. Come along to cheer, sing, hiss and boo as Prince George and his faithful sidekick, Derek the Dragon, battle evil spirits as they come to the rescue. But the course of true love never runs smooth. Will our Prince save the day? Or will our Princess have to take matters into her own hands?
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Every weekend in Jan, 2, 3 Feb MY SHADOW AND ME Meet Drew Colby, a man whose shadow can do almost anything. He makes enchanting shadow animals and fabulous shadow lands and even funny shadow people, all with just two hands! Be amazed as shadow crabs creep from the sea, a shadow dog chases a shadow cat and not one, not two, but three colourful shadow elephants trumpet the end of the show! 9, 10 Feb THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE The famous story of the two mice, a delight for young and old, told with rod puppets, music and sing- along songs. For ages 3-8.
RICHMOND THEATRE
TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 5, 6 Feb ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT Based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee, this is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter! Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd. For all ages.
SADLER’S WELLS
SE1 8PX www.sadlerswells.com Until 27 Jan SWAN LAKE Retaining the iconic elements of the original, Matthew Bourne will create an exciting re-imagining of the classic production. Thrilling, audacious and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps best known for replacing the female corps-deballet with a menacing male ensemble, shattering convention and taking the dance world by storm.
The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse at THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
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Rug Rhymes foor the under fives at THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE SOUTHBANK CENTRE
EC1R www.southbankcentre.co.uk 18, 25 Jan, 1, 8, 15 Feb RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER-FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. 13 - 24 Feb IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Dive into the best children’s theatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone. Draw, write, read, play, sing, dance and create with us. With over 50% of the programme free and loads to do for ages 0 12, half-term is sorted. Book ahead for these enchanting theatrical adventures; The Singing Mermaid, We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Film Live in Concert and Captain Flinn and the Magic Cutlass. 15-17 Feb PEPPA PIG: MY FIRST CONCERT Join everyone’s favourite Pig family on a musical journey at their first classical concert. Watch as Daddy Pig learns how to conduct an orchestra, explore all the different sounds that the instruments make and enjoy some familiar music, as well as discovering some exciting new pieces, perfect for little ones. 16 Feb SINGING MERMAID Escape to the seaside with The Singing Mermaid, told through song, puppetry and performance. 18 Feb WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT: FILM LIVE IN CONCERT Go on an intrepid adventure at a screening of the animated film adaptation of the children's book. 19-23 Feb CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DINOSAURS: THE MAGIC CUTLASS All aboard for a theatrical pirate adventure with live music, puppetry and dastardly dinosaurs.
24 Feb OAE TOTS: A WORLD OF CELEBRATION Party like it’s 1717 with Handel’s Water Music: foot-tapping tunes written for a festival.
UNICORN THEATRE
SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Until 17 Feb BABY SHOW A sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that keep little ones rapt. Having played to over 4,000 babies, and now in its third year, this expertly created show knows its young audience and is a perfect first theatre experience. 2 Feb-10 Mar IT'S HOT, IT'S NOT Why is it that sometimes I’m hot but you’re cold? Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? And if it’s summer here, why is it winter there? A surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance explores the weather in all its forms. 26 Jan-10 Mar ICARUS A bold, contemporary and playful take on the ancient myth.
CONCERTS BACH TO BABY
www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth All concerts at 10.30am. 21 Jan, 25 Feb in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, W11) 18 Jan, 15 Feb in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) 30 Jan, 20 Feb in Kensington (Saint Stephen's Church, Gloucester Road SW7) 2 Feb in Ealing Haven Green Baptist Church, 2 Castlebar Road, W5)
Families West London is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families West London. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. Design by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com Printed by The MANSON Group Ltd, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk
January-February 2019
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Activities, Clubs & Classes · Parties · Classifieds
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
HARTBEEPS Award-winning, original, multi-sensory musical baby and toddler classes with original music, bubbles, costumes, twinkles, sparkly parachutes, puppets and more. Classes in West Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush and Maida Vale. t: 07738 522856 Classes in Ealing, Fulham, Putney, Kew, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Wandsworth, Barnes and Acton.
DANCE
DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years. t: 0208 566 9672 · www.dancegallery.co.uk
KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years. Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham. t: 07957 650 042 · www.kensingtonballet.com
STAGECOACH PERFROMING ARTS Provide fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. They offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the class out. To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk info@stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick - 020 8398 4709 Hammersmith & Kensington: 020 8398 8106 Ealing: 01494 260249 WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet classes in Chiswick & Ealing. Free Trial Lesson. e: info@gmail.com · t: 07795 578781 www.westlondondanceacademy.com
WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 - 16 years. t: 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk
DRAMA
ARTSED EXTRA Fun and engaging weekly Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance classes in Chiswick. Develop skills and grow in confidence! Available to children 4-16yrs of all abilities. e: ptc@artsed.co.uk · t: 020 8987 6692 www.artsed.co.uk
HUZZAH Performing Arts & Mindfulness Build confidence from the inside out with a Huzzah weekly class. Drama, dance, singing and a touch of mindfulness. Ages 4 - 7. Saturday 1 - 2.20pm in Queen's Park. Sunday’s 10 - 11.30am in West Hampstead. Creative, calm, confident kids. Sign up for a FREE TRAIL at: www.huzzahperformingarts.com
PERFORM Weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 412s. Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Visit: www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. Venues: Acton, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Earls Court, ,Hammersmith, Ickenham,
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Kensington, Maida Vale, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush, Turnham Green. e: enquiries@perform.org.uk t: 020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk/try
STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Provide fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. They offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the class out. To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk e: info@stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick: 020 8398 4709 Hammersmith & Kensington: 020 8398 8106 Ealing: 01494 260249
FOOTBALL/SPORTS
KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8). For boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. e: info@kiddikicks.co.uk · t: 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk
SWIMMING
SWIMMING NATURE Teaching babies, children and adults the fundamentals skills required to improve water confidence and learn to swim. For 25 years, our hands-on approach helps students reach their goals faster. Swimming Nature deliver lessons in Kensington, Hammersmith, Marble Arch. For more details visit www.swimmingnature.com or give us a call on 03445 040506.
time and they can come to the venue of your choice. Stagecoach Kensington: t: 020 8398 8106 Stagecoach Chiswick: t: 020 020 8398 4709
ENTERTAINERS
VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 - 11 years. t: 07050 246 810
VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages. t: 020 8932 1010.
BABY YOGA & MASSAGE
WEST LONDON BABIES Chiswick Sling Library, Family First Aid session, Breastfeeding Buddy sessions and Pregnant Parents Social Club. Also The Bub Hub which runs every fortnight and is a collective of professionals working together to support parents during the first year of their baby's life. Mums of More than One, 6-12 month old focus and lots more. t: 020 8090 8710
LANGUAGES
BOO BOO THE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER t: 07961 355269 www.mr-booboo.co.uk SILLY MILLIE tHE CLOWN Parties for 3 - 9 year olds. Funny magic show, puppet’s, party games, silly songs and balloon animals. Impossible = I am Possible t: 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397 www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk
FUN ON A FARM!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT ODDS FARM PARK For more information including full party terms and conditions and to book visit: www.oddsfarm.co.uk
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
020 8987 8404 4 Acton Lane Chiswick Park W4 5NB www.partyplus.co.uk www.partiesbypost.co.uk BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Fun, inter-active, musical parties for the under 5’s since 1991! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, instruments, games and dancing. t: 020 8677 6871 e: info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk
PARTY SUPPLIERS
PARTY PLUS They have a wide range of themed party ware available from stock. For mail order and more visit: www.partyplus.co.uk
VENUES
CLASSIFIED ADS:
TUITION “HOME TUITION” FULLY QUALIFIED TUITION IN ART, CRAFTS AND DESIGN Help with exams for school, portfolio’s for college, or, just for fun!! ALL AGES WELCOME
Contact: Vivien Bornemann 020 8932 1010
Party Listings DRAMA
STAGECOACH Their themed parties for 4-10 year olds combine drama, dance and singing with a wide range of party games and storytelling all based around your chosen theme. You choose the date and the
PARTY PLUS
For all your party needs, Balloons Partyware · Banners · Decorations and much more. 9:30am - 5pm Monday - Saturday.
ARABIC For Women and Children. Female teacher. t: 07956 845 053
PERFORM PARTIES Based around an exciting theme of your choice, Perform’s energetic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create funfilled, action-packed parties to remember. Call 0207 255 9120 or visit: performparties.co.uk for more info.
PARTIES
ADAM ANTS PARTIES t: 020 8959 1045 or 07969 121094 e: info@adamantsparties.co.uk www.adamantsparties.co.uk
TUITION SUPPORT
EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. 5 -14 years. Free Trial session. Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk
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BETTY BLYTHE Specialises in bringing the Tea Service party to your own home or venue of your choice. They can also host up to 10 in their Vintage Tea room. e: tea@bettyblythe.co.uk www.bettyblythe.co.uk
January-February 2019
Families west London 19