Families Edinburgh September/October 2016

Free ®

issUe 98 September/ October 2016

Aug-Dec only £135!

DRAMA CLASSES

FOR KIDS AND TEENS Weekend Classes & kids drama Parties!

Acting • Singing • Dancing • Make New Friends Build Confidence • Exams • Shows • Casting Agency

www.tesco.com/clothing

www.actingoutuk.com hello@actingoutuk.com Facebook/actingoutuk 07704 714 607

www.familiesonline.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

Welcome to the back to school issue of Families Edinburgh.

What’s inside............................ ©Greg Macvean

We hope this issue helps you get off to a fun and active start as the new school year begins!

If your child is starting school for the first time you are about to find out that there is secret dimension where your child’s new cardigan, lunchbox, gym shoes, etc will disappear to. If your child is just moving up the school you’ll already be aware of it but it’s worth reminding you too - label everything!

3–7

Local News and Views

Sarah Get in Touch editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk @FamiliesEdinbur www.Facebook.co.uk/FamiliesEdinburgh www.familiesonline.co.uk

8 Clubs and Classes Directory 10 – 19 Clubs and Classes News Whether it’s dance or drama, computers or kickboxing there’s an activity for everyone

or call us on 0131 622 0405 Designer: Kenny Dickson

On the Cover F & F Back To School www.tesco.com/clothing

20 Take Care of Your Teeth

by Debbie Dewar of Morningside Drive Dental

21 Parent to Parent with local mum Sarah Reid

22 Homework Hassles How to create a happy homework routine

by Caroline Clayton Reid

23 – 27 Independent School News School News, Open Days and mornings ©National Museums Scotland

©Sean Bell

Next Issue November/December 2016 local Gift Guide • Where to find santa• Panto • What’s On Booking deadline september 30th Call now - 0131 622 0405

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28 – 31 Out and About What’s on around Edinburgh in September and October

.

news and

views

new nursery Having operated a highly regarded and successful nursery in Saughton Crescent for 13 years, Bright Sparks is delighted to have recently opened a wonderful, new nursery at 65 Telford Road in Edinburgh.

A typical testimonial from one of the many delighted parents is: "We love Bright Sparks Telford Road! Our little one has been attending for over 4 months now and she's loved it so much. She always has a smile for the lovely carers and she does such wonderful, stimulating activities - too many to mention! I see photos and updates in her Learning Journal and she is playing so well with the other kids! Thanks so much to the very sweet staff!"

Don't just imagine how great it would be to have your child looked after in such a stimulating, learning environment.

Call us on 0131 315 3214 to arrange to visit the new nursery at Telford Road to see what a wonderful nursery it is, and to understand the outstanding job it can do in giving your child the best possible start in life.

Alternatively more information is available on the Bright Sparks Telford Road Facebook page or on the Scottish Nurseries website at www.scottishnurseries.com

Why Your Child needs salt therapy If your toddler is about to start nursery are you prepared for the onslaught of coughs, colds and bugs they will pick up? The good news is that salt therapy can help!

Skiing Snowboarding Tubing

running owboard schools ks sn d an i sk nd ke Wee ays in 4 week bloc pt Se Saturdays or Sund g – 17 Sept, excl 3rd Au g from Saturday 20 First block runninnd Sept, excl 4th Sept 25 – g Au 28 ay or Su

Call: 0131 445 4433 http://ski.midlothian.gov.uk • Email:ski.midlothian.gov.uk Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend, Biggar Road, Edinburgh EH10 7Du

These bugs are easily spread through direct and indirect contact between toddlers in close proximity who are likely wiping their noses, sneezing and coughing, while sharing toys and food.

It isn’t realistic to expect even the healthiest child to avoid getting sick when they start nursery, but you can do something to support your toddler’s immune system.

Salt Therapy helps to strengthen the immune system in a 100% natural way.

Whether your toddler is suffering from allergies, an ear infection, frequent colds, or asthma, salt therapy helps reduce inflammation, open clogged passageways, loosen up mucus and kill germs and bacteria.

Children respond quickly to this therapy and as a result, breathing becomes easier as the natural functioning of the lungs improves. This leads to a stronger immune system, giving your toddler more energy to play or exercise and become stronger and more resilient to everyday infections.

The Salt Cave, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, is open Tuesday to Saturday and your first session is FREE! 0131 510 1091 www.saltcave.co.uk

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news and

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not for girls, not for boys, Polarn O. Pyret make clothes for children Scandinavians are renowned for their functional design and progressive social attitudes. The top four ranking countries for gender equality are all Scandinavian.

How does this translate into clothing for babies and children? Leading childrenswear brand, Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden, have been designing unisex clothing for over 40 years with a philosophy to ‘let children be children’.

Famous for their classic stripes in navy and red, Polarn O. Pyret’s head designer Karina Lundell states “There is no difference in the body-shape of girls and boys until around age 12 years. So we design most of our clothing to be worn by children, not just boys or girls.

What colour they choose is up to them”.

Unisex clothing is easier to hand down and PO.P is renowned for durability, the clothes are made to be worn by as many children as possible, not just one. The cost-per-wear value goes up and impact on the environment goes down.

The aim of the PYOP Party Crew is to make sure we pack as much fun, creativity and laughs into your child’s birthday party as possible.

Choose from a range of activities such as bear making, sand art, crafts, bubbles, balloons, party dances, traditional party games, selfie station and photo shoot to build a party package that is right for you.

Find your favourite unisex styles be they; stripes, animal prints, motors, sweet treats, cityscapes, sharks, beach scenes or just a plain colour from any part of the PO.P rainbow. You choose.

Don’t forget to use your exclusive POLARN O. PYRET 15% off discount code FAM15 to save on the latest Scandi styles! www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Contact hello@pickyourownparty.com for more information and prices. www.pickyourownparty.com

Great strides Sunday 4 September between 12.00-17.00 Great Strides is a brand new seven mile family walking event run by The Sick Kids Friends Foundation to raise money will will transform the experiences of children and young people in hospital.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, this dog friendly, family fun day will take in iconic sights of Edinburgh from The Meadows, the home of Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, along the Innocent Railway to Craigmillar Castle and back. Participants will receive plenty of support along the way, with entertainment provided at Craigmillar Castle and jelly babies to keep them going. On crossing the finish line, families can join the entertainment and celebrations on The Meadows including a bouncy castle, face painting and lots more.

For further info and booking go to www.edinburghsickkids.org/events/great-strides

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seal season

©Greg Macvean

October and November mean seal season at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick.

You can control interactive live cameras located on the Firth of Forth islands to zoom in on the wildlife action.

Spot the grey seals on the island of Craigleith and the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, home to one of the most significant seal populations in Britain.

Seal pups are born throughout these months – spot one being born via the Seabird Centre cameras and win your own seal adoption worth £30. Last year, the first seal pup birth was spotted on camera on 4 October and there are around 2,400 births taking place each year on the Isle of May over the winter months!

Don’t miss! There’s still time to spot the gannets on the Bass Rock, before they head south in October.

As the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets and BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Nature Reserve of the Year, it really is a natural wonder the whole family will be mesmerised by!

For further info, or to see the live wildlife webcams, visit www.seabird.org

academic Families Academic Families is Scotland’s premier guardian agency looking after international children who attend Scottish boarding schools.

Although Academic Families is responsible for every student they rely on a team of host families to take an individual interest in them. Hosts vary enormously – some have children at home, others are empty nesters or grandparents - but all are interested in enriching an international child’s life in Edinburgh and providing a Scottish home for them. Children are 12 – 18 years and usually visit their host family 1 or 2 weekends each term. Younger children are more active and older children more studious! Some hosts prefer one student and others prefer more – Academic Families’ skill is matching students and hosts to ensure happy families!

Academic Families is fully responsible for the students, organising all their arrangements and sorting out any problems that may arise. Hosts are never on their own – in fact they simply have all the fun getting to know an interesting young person and including them in their family.

Host families need to have sound family values, a sense of fun and adventure and a spare bedroom.

They receive expenses including a £35 nightly allowance so won’t be out of pocket.

Hosting is a great fun way to keep in touch with teenagers, your nearby boarding school and to learn more about other cultures! Your first step to hosting is to contact Academic Families and discuss expectations and discover if hosting is for you.

Share, learn, enjoy, laugh, enrich!

To find out more contact Academic Families – 0131 331 3317 roni@academicfamilies.com as they are recruiting now for hosts for their great fun children starting at Edinburgh schools now.

Jan Hunter, Child sleep advisor If a child develops good sleeping habits the whole family benefits immensely and children who sleep soundly are calm and contented.

Jan is a qualified Nursery Nurse with a SNNEB in Education and Childcare with 23 years of experience working in both Education and Healthcare settings.

This includes 10 years within a nursery environment, educating and meeting the care needs of children aged 3 to 5. For the last 13 years Jan has been working for the NHS in Scotland in the area of health and child development from birth to five years, with a particular focus on the challenges relating to the sleep patterns of babies and young children.

“I can offer you a tailored approach on how to get your child to sleep" You can contact Jan: Phone: 07875 038723 Email: jhunter1960@hotmail.co.uk facebook ; thechildsleepadvisor website: thechildsleepadvisor

downes Opticians Eyes tests for children should be as normal as going to the dentist, from the age of around 2 1/2, or earlier if there any concerns.

Children's eye examinations are always fun filled with an assortment of game like tasks to assess all aspects of their visual function.

Downes Opticians are an ethical, family practice with years of experience in paediatric optometry who also specialise in children's visual stress and vision in learning difficulties. They also provide 2 for 1 on children's spectacles.

Downes Opticians, 2 North Junction Street EH6 6HN. 0131 553 5358. www.downesopticians.com

We can help you get back to work after a career break.

The PCT Partnership’s highly successful course for Women Returning to Work gives you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as making sure your IT skills are up to date. The 4 week part time course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Our courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. We are currently recruiting for our next course due to start in September 2016.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

5 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSuE 98

news and

views

WIN

Computer Based Training • 6 week programme • Strengthen Learning Abilities • Improve concentration • Enhance skill set as part of exam prep • For all ages

www.Kb-Insights.co.uk/cogmed.php 07837930714

A FAMILY SIGHTSEEING TRIP ONBOARD MAID OF THE FORTH TO INCHCOLM ISLAND We’ve teamed up with Maid of the Forth to offer four lucky winners a family ticket (two adults and three children) on board one of their acclaimed sightseeing trips to Inchcolm Island.

Enjoy some family time with a cruise from South Queensferry to the historic island, located just four miles from the world-famous Forth Bridge. Ramble around the magnificent monastic abbey, explore the trails, relax on the beach with a picnic and spot the seabirds. And then there are those spectacular views of Edinburgh, Fife and the Forth Bridges.

Enjoy refreshments on board the family-run Maid of the Forth vessel which contains two spacious decks, including the popular open-top deck which is ideal for viewing the abundance of marine life such as grey seals, porpoises, dolphins and even the occasional Minke whale.

The daily sailings from South Queensferry all offer the opportunity to land on Inchcolm Island where passengers can spend 90 mins exploring before the boat returns to South Queensferry.

A 3-hour Inchcolm Landing Trip costs £18.50 adults, £9.30 children (5-15) with under 5s free. A family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) costs £49.50. Historic Scotland Member discounts and concessionary rates available.

For more information please visit www.maidoftheforth.co.uk 0131 331 5000.

TO ENTER Please email: win@familiesedinburgh.co.uk and tell us what kind of marine life you might spot from the deck of the Maid of the Forth.

Terms and conditions Winners must book the date of sailing in advance Trips to be taken before the end of the 2016 Non-transferable No cash alterative Winners must refer to the Maid of the Forth website for details of the T&Cs of their trip

dynamic earth

At brightbrain-scotland we provide the Bal-A-Vis-X Programme to help children and adults learn more - physically, socially and academically in a safe, friendly and fun environment.

The next training event takes place on 23-25th September in Edinburgh

This October half term, Dynamic Earth invites you to take part in an action packed programme of family fun.

The Universe is your Oyster in a two day inspiring young scientists event on the 16th and 17th of October, where you can meet experts working in cutting edge Space and Earth Observation Science in Scotland right now. Explore the worlds of opportunity in science and take part in hands-on activities.

Meet Dynamic Earth's special guests from the Scottish Mineral and Lapidary Club between the 18th-21st to get hands-on with a dazzling array of minerals and gems. Find out about volcanic rocks from across the country as well as the Scottish craft of polishing and cutting agates.

The British Geological Survey Science Showcase is on the 22nd, with a spectacular selection of Earth Science demonstrations and hands on activities. The Dynamic Earth team will be on hand with an in-house selection of amazing Earth goodies, including their dinosaur fossil collection on October 15th and 23rd!

Check out the what’s on calendar for more details, daily event listings and times at www.dynamicearth.co.uk

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hello@pickyourownparty.com www.pickyourownparty.com

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Bo’ness railway Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland's largest railway museum. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel.

The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins.

Buy a snack from the buffet car then sit back and relax as the train travels through the Scottish countryside.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via the new Visitor Trail. Enjoy homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop.

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

RIDE ON

Visit the website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk.

See their ad on page 28 for great KIDS GO FREE offer (t & c apply)

PedalHouse brings a fresh new brand of spinning to edinburgh A cool studio open just over a year with low lighting and big music combined with highly experienced and motivational instructors is the perfect place to build cardio fitness, burn calories and have a fun workout. With lots of classes and class types on offer and regular unique events, you do not have to be a member to attend.

Spinning is suitable for all levels of fitness and is a highly time efficient work out for busy parents. PedalHouse also offers some off the bike all over fitness classes to compliment spinning.

First class is always free so try it out.

PedalHouse, 29A Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4JE www.pedalhouseedinburgh.com

Women/mums returning to work The PCT Partnership’s highly successful course for Women returning to Work is designed to help women and mums who have had a career break return to work.

It gives you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as making sure your IT skills are up to date. The 4 week part time course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh area and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. Courses run throughout the year and are planned to dovetail with term times.

PedalHouse is a new spin studio open and welcoming to all.

FIRST ride is FREE. Register online. www.pedalhousedinburgh.com ride-on@pedalhousedinburgh.com 29a Beaverhall Road Edinburgh, EH74JE 0131 556 0133

For further information you can visit www.thepctpartnership.co.uk.

You can call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

Does your child have autism or related difficulties?

Does your child engage in repetitive behaviours?

Do they have meltdowns if they don’t get their own way?

Do they find it difficult to play with their peers?

Do they find communicating with others hard?

At Keys For Learning we help parents teach their child to be effective listeners and communicators, to enable their child to function appropriately and as independently as possible. We can help with a wide range of skills from fussy eating, communication, toilet training to reading, writing and riding a bike.

Typically developing children learn without intervention as the world around them provides the right conditions to learn language, play, and social skills. Children with autism and related difficulties find it more of a challenge to learn from the environment. They have the potential to learn, however, it takes a very structured environment, one where conditions are optimised for acquiring the same skills typical children learn “naturally. At Keys For Learning we rely on evidence-based principles and procedures to provide you with the tools necessary to structure the environment and enable your child to learn. It is widely accepted that early intervention is paramount to achieve optimal outcomes.

Contact us for a free non-obligatory chat at enquiries@keysforlearning.co.uk.

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CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY Whatever your child’s talent or temperament there’s such an amazing variety of clubs and classes on offer for all ages in Edinburgh.

Your child can gain a new skill, grow in confidence, learn how to be part of a team or just have a bit of fun!

We’ve put together this handy directory of Clubs and Classes for you.

When you get in touch do tell them you found out about them in Families Edinburgh!

DANCE

MUSIC

SCHOOL SUppORT

CEILIDH KIDS - 0131 667 8898 ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com www.ceilidhkids.com DANCE FOR ALL - 0131 226 5533 www.danceforall.co.uk STEp IT Up DANCE - www.stepitupdance.co.uk hello@stepitupdance.co.uk THE EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY 0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk DANCE BASE - 0131 225 5525 www.dancebase.co.uk DN-DANCE - 07545 551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk LOTHIAN DANCE ACADEMY morag294@googlemail.com MHAIRI HOGG SCHOOL OF DANCE - 0131 449 3035 mhairi.hogg@btinternet.com WATERFRONT DANCE STUDIO - 07772 504958 niki@waterfrontdance.co.uk THE MCpHERSON DANCE STUDIO 07736 052829 themcphersondancestudio@hotmail.com

JO JINGLES - Leigh 01875 616607 or leigh.jojingles@btinternet.com EDINBURGH YOUNG MUSICIANS - 0131 226 3392 www.e-y-m.org.uk STRING BABIES - 07722 831 224 sheena.m.ferguson@gmail.com MONKEY MUSIC comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk JACK & JILL MUSIC - 07809 154415 info@jackandjill-music.co.uk pORTOBELLO MUSIC SCHOOL - 0131 623 2513 www.portobellomusicschool.com

ExpLORE - 01483 447414 www.explorelearning.co.uk WHIzzKIDS - 0131 447 5893 gillian@whizzkids.uk.com www.whizzkids.uk.com COGMED - 07837 930714 www.kbinsights.co.uk/CogMed KIp MCGRATH - 0131 610 6110 edinburghinverleith@kip-mcgrath.com or edinburghmarchmont@kip-mcgrath.com BRIGHTBRAIN SCOTLAND - 07512 311317 www.brightbrain-scotland.co.uk

3V2 SOCCER ACADEMY Roddy Maughan 07872 448788 or Murdo Steven 07969 434840 RUBGY TOTS - 0345 313 3252 www.rugbytots.co.uk sandra@rugbytots.co.uk TATTY BUMpKIN - 07411 571001 edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest SOCCERSTARTS FOOTBALL ACADEMY 07544 221045 info@soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk www.soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk TUMBLE TOTS - 01875 819966 or email joletelier.lobos@virgin.net GYMINI - info@gymini.co.uk www.gymini.co.uk LITTLE NINJAS - 0800 028 9320 www.little-ninjas.co.uk MIDLOTHIAN SNOWSpORTS CENTRE 0131 445 4433

DOODLES - 0131 229 1399 SALLY ANN JOHNS - www.sallyannjohns.com CRAFTY COOKS - 07900 093946 fiona@CraftyCooks.co.uk BABY SENSORY - www.babysensory.com 07771 924928 edinburgheast@babysensory.co.uk 07985166192 edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk

LANGUAGE MINI FRENCH - 07800 554328 www.minifrench.co.uk minifrench.edi@gmail.com BEE SpANISH - 07576 032079 info@beespanish.co.uk www.beespanish.co.uk

HOLIDAY AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS KIDSCENE - www.royalblind.org/child-care ExCEL - www.excel-sports.co.uk SASCS - www.sascs.org.uk

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Sch

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M

ACTING OUT UK - 07704 714 607 www.actingoutuk.com hello@actingoutuk.com THE DRAMA STUDIO - 0131 453 3284 www.thedramastudio.com STAGECOACH EDINBURGH - 0131 610 0636 edinburgh@stagecoach.co.uk HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY 0131 667 0939 or 07701 333476 midscot@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk MIx ’N’ pICK THEATRE - 07720 861796 mixnpicktheatre@gmail.com www.mixnpicktheatre.com

ACTIVE

in g

DRAMA

CREATIVE

l o f D anc MBATD

Tap, Modern & Highland for age 3 to adult Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre 71 Firrhill Drive, EH13 9EU See our

page for more details

Email: mhairi.hogg@btinternet.com Tel: 0131 449 3035 Tel: 07974 345449

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Advertorial

Whether it's your child's first day at school or whether it's their last, there are always those little transition moments filled with various measures of excitement, anticipation and anxiety. All children, from the youngest to the oldest, can benefit from support in confidence, collaboration and communication, and our trained and experienced staff at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Edinburgh give that support. Our students become more self-assured, expressive, sociable and imaginative and they learn how to tackle situations with resilience, creativity and courage.

CONFIDENCE

The team at Stagecoach Edinburgh spend a lot of time finding new ways to engage children and encourage them to be confident in themselves and their ideas.

Children may come to us to develop their performance skills, to increase their confidence or to work alongside like minded peers doing something that they love.

Confidence comes in all shapes and sizes – but through the performing arts we hope to help children feel confident in adapting to new environments. Our first step is always to explore creative risk taking – helping children to be brave with their actions and voices. This can be simple things like joining in a game, answering yes at registration, developing a new dance move, to standing up on stage in front of an audience. All milestones are celebrated, no matter how small.

COMMUNICATION

At Stagecoach Edinburgh we use voice training in our drama and singing classes to help encourage students to be articulate, audible and, of course, confident. Students use their voices more efficiently when they understand its mechanics, and how it works. We teach voice training through a mixture of games and exercises to encourage vocal dexterity and range. But that's not all.

Communication is about using nuance in the voice, and understanding how facial expression and body language can be used to convey meaning and emotion. From our youngest students (aged 4) to our oldest (aged 18), these skills are used not just in the world of performing arts they are skills for life.

COLLABORATION

Effective collaboration is dependent on treating others with respect and being willing to engage with alternative ideas and ways of working. Building friendships is an important part of the Stagecoach journey, and through creative learning and risk-taking, we see students grow in confidence and form connections and friendships with their peer groups. It is always a joy to see friendships develop and grow – and to note the increased confidence in the children when this happens. Collaborative working in the performing arts helps promote increased empathy and sets the stage for future interactions and teamwork.

At Stagecoach Edinburgh, the students have the opportunity to work together - but also to shine as individuals.

Be creative and have the courage to be yourself, whatever you do.

Class times / Locations: Stagecoach Theatre Arts runs during term time and offers classes in dance, drama and singing for all children aged 4 to18, regardless of experience.

Two week trial options are available.

EARLY STAGES (4-6yrs)

MAIN SCHOOL (6-18yrs)

VENUE

Friday 4pm – 5.30pm

Friday 4.30pm – 6pm

BROuGhTON hiGh SChOOL 29 East Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 1EG

Saturday 9.30am – 11am

Saturday 10am – 1pm

DANCE BASE 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU

Saturday 4pm – 5.30pm

Saturday 2.30pm – 5.30pm

FAiRMiLEhEAD ChuRCh 1 Frogston Road West, Edinburgh, EH10 7AA

Saturday 10.30am – 12pm

Saturday 10am – 1pm

MuSiC BOx ThEATRE Bankhead Avenue, EH11 4DE

Sunday 10.15am – 11.45am

Sunday 10am – 1pm

CALTON CENTRE 121 Montgomery Street, Edinburgh, EH7 5EP

For more information or to book a place, contact our Principal, Tina on 0808 208 5134 or at edinburgh@stagecoach.co.uk 9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSuE 98

CLUBS CLASSES & AfT ER SChOO MUSIC MONKEY MUSIC – EDINBURGH’S AWARD WINNING MUSIC FUN FOR pRESCHOOL CHILDREN

BASED IN LEITH OFFERING CLASSES IN BALLET CONTEMPORARY JAZZ • MODERN • TAP AGES PRE-SCHOOL TO ADULTS CALL: 07736 052829 Email: themcphersondancestudio@hotmail.com

Lothian Dance Academy

Now is the time to come and book a free trial class at Monkey Music with the Autumn term starting on Monday 22nd August. Each of our classes is tailored to the children attending, so that everyone can get the maximum out of each 30 minute session. Each child is nurtured and encouraged to learn at their own pace in a safe, caring, educational environment. The 4 stage progressive curricula challenges, encourages and allows creative flow as the children learn through live music, play, games, laughter, music and live singing. We work with over 15 different percussion instruments each term all age specific. To arrange to have a have a free trial class in Stockbridge, Cramond, Murrayfield or Comely Bank contact Rachel on comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk or check out the website www.monkeymusic.co.uk. You can join Monkey Music at any point in the term and should you ever miss a class we offer a free catch up class. For customers joining our classes in August and September each Little Monkey will receive a reduced membership pack saving £16.00 to the Little Monkey Club. We look forward to welcoming you to Monkey Music.

Email: comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk Website: www.monkeymusic.co.uk

STRINGBABIES

JO JINGLES

The idea of Stringbabies was created by Kay Tucker as a means of teaching stringed instruments to young children.

Stringbabies starts with toys, one for each string, before introducing shapes which means children as young as three can make very simple pieces which they then play back. This very simple notation develops over time to a point where children can start learning to read standard notation. Making pieces enables children to develop composition skills and playing the pieces back afterwards gives them practise at sightreading, a very important skill for a musician. Stringbabies lessons also involve singing songs which the children will learn to play later on, and games which are fun for the children but help them develop good technique.

The Stringbabies teacher for Edinburgh is Sheena Ferguson who teaches violin and as well as giving Stringbabies lessons also teaches older children and adults.

Phone: 07722 831 224 Email sheena.m.ferguson@gmail.com

Jo Jingles Music & Movement classes are great fun for all.

We welcome babies from around 12 weeks and we don’t charge weekly class fees for those under 6 months (just £3 admin charged per term). This is also the case for siblings under 18 months too.

We run over 60 classes per week in the local area, with a mix of classes for babies, toddlers etc and mixed age classes too, so plenty options to suit your routine.

Our classes are structured with weekly themes to build confidence with plenty of lively action songs, percussion instruments and fun props to enhance learning through play. Great fun for grown ups too and perfect to meet new friends!

For booking or further details contact Leigh.

Phone: 01875 616607 Email: leigh.jojingles@btinternet.com Website: www.jojingles.com/Edinburgh or www.jojingles.com/elothianandborders

pORTOBELLO MUSIC SCHOOL

Ages 21⁄2 to Adult

Celebrating 10 years of music education in Edinburgh Portobello Music School is delighted to be celebrating its 10th anniversary with over 350 students aged birth to teens attending its weekday and Saturday music classes. They now have weekday Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Musselburgh and Portobello with students graduating to the Saturday Music School at age 3. Children aged preschool to primary 2 attend a series of progressive creative music classes which prepare them for group instrumental lessons starting in primary 3. Children can choose from a wide range of instruments including: flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, guitar, piano and drums, taught by an enthusiastic team of highly experienced music teachers. As well as receiving instrumental tuition, children also attend weekly Kodály-based musicianship classes which develop essential aural skills and music theory.

Contact: morag294@googlemail.com

For further information and/or to enrol: Phone: 0131 623 2513 Website: www.portobellomusicschool.com

RAD Ballet ISTD Tap & Jazz Streetdance

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OL ACTIvITIES neW dndance Classes

JACK AND JILL Jack and Jill music classes in Edinburgh are interactive music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children with accompanying adults taught by a qualified and experienced musician.

Early learning is encouraged through stimulating and multi-sensory musical activities shared between the adult and young child. Many areas of child development are fostered in the classes – particularly language, social and emotional, intellectual, physical and musical – though the primary aim is always to have fun making music together!

Phone: 07809 154415 Website: www.jackandjill-music.co.uk

EDINBURGH YOUNG MUSICIANS Children's Music Classes in Edinburgh for pre-school, primary and secondary age groups. Pre-instrumental classes, musicianship, violin, viola, cello, recorder, orchestras, chamber music and choir.

The aim of Edinburgh Young Musicians is to help all children to enjoy music, and to realise their individual musical potential, whatever that may be.

Saturday morning classes at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School.

Phone: 0131 226 3392 Email: admin@e-y-m.org.uk Website: www.e-y-m.org.uk

launching this august Within our newly established GrantOn BranCH and our Brand neW leitH VenUe, we offer a versatile timetable for all age groups.

aCrO • street • mUsiCal tHeatre • Ballet • taP Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Granton Baptist Church and Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Friday morning classes for under 6 years Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, just of Leith Walk

QUOte ‘FamiliesmaGPrOmO’ to receive two free trial classes

nicky@dndance.co.uk 07545 551271

DRAMA ACTING OUT UK

www.dndance.co.uk

Budding performer in the family?

As an accredited drama school with pathways into the professional world, our Weekly Term-Time Classes are run by Professional, Passionate and Fun Teachers! Your kids and teens cover acting, singing and dancing in two hour slots on Saturdays! Watch as your young stars or talented teens learn new skills, make new friends and have loads of fun while working towards exams, certificates, auditions, shows or good old fashioned creative fun! As a private, non-franchised drama school, we make sure even the quiet kids get a chance to shine (and they always do)! Check our testimonial page to see what parents are saying about us and why we are so good at what we do! We are also affiliated with Education Scotland, PLFind, Youth Theatre Scotland, Trinity College London, NUS Society and many casting agencies. We like working with talented and like-minded people who believe in our creative ethos. Only a few places left for our summer classes starting soon.

Phone: 07704714607 Email: hello@actingoutuk.com Website: www.actingoutuk.com www.facebook.com/actingoutuk

MIx ‘N’ pICK THEATRE Mix ‘N’ Pick Theatre is a new youth theatre club aimed at evolving and nurturing the imagination. Through creative drama and techniques, the students will create brand new pieces of devised theatre to perform on the stage. The classes provide the opportunity for the participants of all abilities to explore their creative side in a fun, friendly and supportive environment whilst developing their own personal and social skills.

We work with theatre companies from around the world and have regular visiting one-off workshops from specialists working within the industry.

The classes run Saturdays term-time, ages 3-18, at the Salvation Army Community Centre, Pleasance (1 East Adam Street), Edinburgh.

Contact Stewart to register. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and have a look at our website to find out more. Phone: 07720861796 Email: mixnpicktheatre@gmail.com website: www.mixnpicktheatre.com

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CLUBS CLASSES & AfT ER SChOO STAGECOACH Whether it's your child's first day at school or whether it's their last, there are always those little transition moments filled with various measures of excitement, anticipation and anxiety! Children as young as four can benefit from support in the areas of confidence, collaboration and communication. With our trained and experienced staff at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Edinburgh, our students become more selfassured, expressive, sociable and imaginative and they learn how to tackle situations with resilience, creativity and courage.

Stagecoach Theatre arts runs during term time and offers classes in Dancing, Singing and Drama for all children aged 4 to 18, regardless of experience. We offer a two week trial to ensure that we are right for you and your child before signing up for the term.

For more information or to book a place, contact our Principal, Tina.

Phone: 0131 610 0636 Email: edinburgh@stagecoach.co.uk

THE DRAMA STUDIO If you are looking for an activity for young people that is highly stimulating, captures the imagination, boosts selfconfidence, helps making new friends and is great fun......... then Creative Drama may well be it!

The Drama Studio new term begins in August.

We offer After School and Saturday morning classes for age 517, in both independent venues and in school-based clubs. We guarantee you high quality drama with performance opportunities in most venues and exciting Teenage Theatre and Film Projects, a Casting Agency and very popular Children's Drama Parties.

Visit our website or give us a call - we will be delighted to talk to you.

Phone: 0131 453 3284 Website: www.thedramastudio.com

HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY Claire and Glyn - Joint Principals, have been successful in delivering confidence building drama classes in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s for over 13 years.

Claire says: "I feel that Helen O'Grady's success is down to its fantastic curriculum, materials and specialised teaching techniques, which local schools recognise and recommend. We appeal to children at all levels of confidence and needs, from the super confident to the super shy! In terms 1 and 2 of the year we work from our fantastic curriculum, which includes voice work, movement, creative improvised drama and script work. In term 3 all classes in the Academy rehearse a scripted play which they perform at the theatre. Our classes are all inclusive; we motivate our students through ensemble work and teamwork to develop their confidence. Our programme will also assist with public speaking, performance skills and is lots of fun. In the competitive world we live in, it is vital children have the confidence to present themselves well and become valuable members of the community.”

To book a FREE TRIAL call and quote ‘Families’.

Phone: 0131 667 0939 or 07701 333476 Email: midscot@helenogrady.co.uk Website: www.helenogrady.co.uk www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland

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OL ACTIvITIES DANCE DNDANCE

©Lindsay Bleakley

Heading into the new school year DNDance have some fabulous new classes to offer.

Introducing our new Movers classes at 'The Out Of The Blue Drill Hall' in Leith on a Friday morning. Our Movers class are an electric mix of Street and Acro Dance, developing strength and co-ordination as well as bopping to the latest tunes! Classes for ages 2-6 years.

Our North Branch at Granton Baptist church has extended its timetable and now offers Musical Theatre, as well as Commercial Street. Our Commercial Street classes at all venues are not to be missed, taught by the super talented Miss Beverley, passing on her LA knowledge!

Quote “FAMILIESMAGpROMO” for 2 free trial classes!

Phone: 07545551271 Email: nicky@dndance.co.uk Website: www.dndance.co.uk

ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING WITH CEILIDHKIDS! Traditionally at a Scottish Ceilidh, well-loved dances are shared between the generations.

At CeilidhKids classes and events, simple (often simplified) Scottish dances are explained and demonstrated, before everyone gets to have a go. Some dances will be old and traditional, others have been specially adapted for wee people to enjoy with Mum, Dad, childminder or grandparents.

For nine years now CeilidhKids has been getting families dancing in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Thousands of children and families have enjoyed the opportunity to dance together without getting squashed underfoot by drunken wedding guests. Maybe they have met us at a preschool class, at nursery, at school, or at a festival or party. So why not join us as we clap, march, skip, jump and twirl to the music? Bring comfy shoes and something to drink – we’ll see you there!

Phone: 0131 667 8898 Email: ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com Website: www.ceilidhkids.com.

DANCE FOR ALL Dance For All is now taking bookings for their Autumn Term dance classes: 17th August - 15th October 2016.

“My daughter has been attending for 7 years and has never once grumbled about it. It has helped her selfconfidence enormously.” ~ Sophie, mum to 11yr old pupil.

“The atmosphere of the school is extremely friendly and welcoming.” ~ Iona, 15-year-old pupil.

Established in 1985, Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 2½ - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres, including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, SDS Flamenco, Jazz and Contemporary. Principal, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of staff in delivering professional dance training and over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners - advanced), such as their popular Drop-In Ballet.

“It’s never boring and always fun, making life-long friends.” ~ Aimee, 15-year-old pupil.

Browse testimonials, timetables, photo galleries & much more on our website.

Phone: 0131 226 5533 Website: www.danceforall.co.uk.

STEp IT Up DANCE You Teach Them ABC… We Teach Them RUN DMC! Step It Up Dance are top rocking their way into a new term across Edinburgh this August!

Mini Hip Hoppers 18mths – 5 years) can take their first steps and find their dancing feet with weekly classes jam packed with lots of energetic games and exercises specifically designed to introduce mini movers to the world of urban dance – whilst having lots of fun at the same time!

Future Bboys and Bgirls in P1 – P7 can turn their homework into headspins and get involved with our Urban Dance Allstars! Children will find their funky feet whilst they explore Hip Hop, Funk, Popping, Locking and Waacking. To book a free trial email us.

See you on the Dancefloor! Email: hello@stepitupdance.co.uk Website: www.stepitupdance.co.uk

LOTHIAN DANCE ACADEMY Lothian Dance Academy was started in 1989 by Morag Phillips. Today its main studios are in Portobello. It is a small, friendly community based school.

Classes include RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap & Jazz and Streetdance. For ages 2 1/2 up to adult.

Email: morag294@googlemail.com

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CLUBS CLASSES & AfT ER SChOO

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY After ten years of dancing, acting and teaching overseas, RAD Examiner Julie Mitchell created Edinburgh Dance Academy. Alongside classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop, EDA also has its own Edinburgh Dance Company. In 2004 Jenni Inglis, a former pupil, joined EDA and, as Assistant Artistic Director, choreographs The Company and Performance Groups with great success. Most recently taking our girls to the Dance World Cup where managed to scoop some medals for Scotland!

Alongside weekly classes EDA has a number of workshops in music, drama various other dance styles as well as our extremely popular Summer School. We are delighted to say that this will be our 16th year providing the juvenile dancers for the Pantomime at the Kings Theatre. All pupils over the age of 5 are invited to audition for this.

The Academy, voted “Best Dance School in Edinburgh”, has studios throughout Edinburgh and Lothians. Classes for age 2 and half yrs+.

Please call for more information. Phone: 0131 337 3402 Website: www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk

MHAIRI HOGG SCHOOL OF DANCING Established in 1991, our thriving and successful Dance School offers quality, specialist training in Tap, Modern and Highland.

For Nursery/P1s, our structured, fun-packed learning environment gives children a taster of Tap, Modern & Highland.

Children's attention and imagination is captured through expressive movement. Balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, creativity, musicality and social skills improve.

From P2 upwards, Tap/Modern and Highland are two separate classes. Children can be presented for BATD exams (British Association of Teachers of Dancing). We perform at community events and stage highly successful Dance Shows.

Last July, we passed an audition to perform at Disneyland Paris as part of the Disney Performing Arts programme.

Adult dance classes are great fun : keep fit and learn new skills!

Phone: 0131 449 3035 Email: mhairi.hogg@btinternet.com

TUTU TOTS- WHERE DANCING WITH MUM IS LOTS OF FUN! Come along and join in this fantastic ballet based introduction to creative movement for tiny dancers from the age of 2 with a participating adult (Dads and Grannies welcome!)

We provide the tutu so no need for dance gear or changing. The class runs on a drop in basis during term time so no need to pre-book or commit to a term, just come along and join the fun. Classes held at our Granton dance studio with plenty free off road parking, Tuesdays 10.4511.15, Saturdays 10.00-10.30.

Phone: 07772 504958 Email: niki@waterfrontdance.co.uk

DANCE BASE Young Dancers classes and courses at Dance Base £4.50 per class to £51.50 per term.

Our young dancers’ classes place the emphasis on fun and variety. With an exciting range of styles children can leap, stomp, laugh and fly while growing confidence and co-ordination. Classes are split in to age-specific stages so whether you’re taking your first baby steps or dancing towards P7+, there’s something for everyone.

And if you don’t want to feel left out, there are also classes you can take together!

To book, visit our website or call.

Phone: 0131 225 5525 Website: www.dancebase.co.uk

THE MCpHERSON DANCE STUDIO The McPherson Dance Studio, based in Leith and surrounding areas; offers quality dance instruction in RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern Theatre, Jazz and Tap and NATD Contemporary for ages 2½ to adults.

Everyone is welcome and registration for the new term commencing 17th August 2016 is now open.

Principal, Lianne McPherson RAD RTS was personally trained, mentored by and worked for the current Teacher Training Manager of The Royal Ballet School and has a wealth of dance and teaching experience supported by 100% student exam pass rate. The school values the importance of teaching correct technique and safe dance practice whilst inspiring, educating and developing aspiring dancers.

For information contact Lianne. Phone: 07736 052829 Email: themcphersondancestudio@hotmail.com.

Facebook @TheMcPhersonDanceStudio

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OL ACTIvITIES ACTIVE 3V2 SOCCER ACADEMY The 3v2 Soccer Academy are an Edinburgh based independent coaching company that offers a football based year round coaching programme for both children and adults.

As well as our weekly classes at various venues around Edinburgh we also offer children the opportunity to take part in and experience one of many holiday football camps as well as our fantastic birthday party service. Other specialist services include individual, group, team, playgroup, nursery and school curriculum coaching.

Each class is tailored to meet the imagination of the group where on a weekly basis you will take part in many fun games, child related topics and go on weekly class adventures.

Contact us today to book your free trial!

For full further details please see our website or call us in person.

Phone: Roddy Maughan 07872448788 or Murdo Steven 07969434840 Website: www.3v2socceracademy.co.uk

RUGBYTOTS

TATTY BUMpKIN AND BABY BUMpKIN

Rugbytots is a highly energetic play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7 years that has run in Scotland since 2008 with classes throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

One mum recently commented 'Many thanks, Rugbytots has been by far the best activity that we have taken part in and worth every penny for the range of skills and the discipline.’

Building on our fantastic success in Edinburgh, we are excited to be opening up four new venues for our term starting in August: Cameron Toll, Murrayfield, Trinity and Forrester High School.

Come along and join in the fun!

All classes and venues are available to book online.

Please call or email with any questions.

Phone: 0345 313 3252 Email: sandra@rugbytots.co.uk Website: www.rugbytots.co.uk

Bend, stretch, run, jump, wriggle and giggle!

Fun, active yoga-inspired sessions with stories and music for 0 - 7 year olds. Yoga aspects include postures, breathing and relaxation encouraging balance, flexibility, strength, co-ordination and confidence.

Baby sessions include baby yoga movements, gentle stretches for Mum/Dad, rhymes and multi-sensory activities to gently stimulate and then relax baby.

What people say: “It's the highlight of our week.”

“We will always have happy memories of our bendy giggly clever and strong Friday mornings!”

“My four year old son was entranced” Join us at Morningside United Church on Friday mornings or look out for us in your nursery, school or after-school club.

Phone: 07411 571001 Email: edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com Website: www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest www.facebook.com/tattybumpkinedinburghwest

The Springboard to confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 yrs

pa We rti d es o to o!

Morningside, Joppa, Fairmilehead, and Marchmont contact Jo – 01875 819966

www.tumbletots.com/Edinburgh

SOCCERSTARTS Soccerstarts Football Academy runs fantastic football classes for children from walking to 12 years.

Walking -3 years classes develop the basics of football skills, co-ordination, passing, dribbling etc. Parent and child take part together in the early age classes and this starts to be phased away during the 3-5 years stage.

Parent involvement is vastly reduced but is still vital at stages to support more advanced skill development and introduction of 1v 1/small sided games within classes.

By 5 years old our budding footballers completely take part on their own and will have use of the Futebol De Salao ball, Brazil’s favourite skill development tool. Coaches will also use exercises that encourage fun, repetition of skill, maximise touches and develop ball mastery.

Phone: 07544221045 Email: info@soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk or b.robertson@soccerstarts.co.uk Website: www.soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk Facebook @ Soccerstarts Edinburgh

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CLUBS CLASSES & AfT ER SChOO TUMBLE TOTS

LITTLE NINJAS

Tumble Tots is the leading National Active Play Programme for children from six months to seven years. It provides a challenging environment for children of different ages and stages of development.

There are 6 different age group classes starting as young as 6 months.

With brightly coloured equipment and trained staff the children practice to climb, balance, complete forward/backward rolls, improve coordination, problem solving, and social skills, increase their selfconfidence and so much more and all whilst having fun.

For Primary 1 and 2 we have a Gymbobs class on a Saturday which further challenges them both on and off the equipment and introduces the children to team games including relay races.

We run birthday parties and Easter and Summer Play Schemes visit our website for more details.

The Little Ninjas programme is fantastic way for young children to get the best from Martial Arts training.

Each week they cover a particular skill, for example balance, and develop this as well as martial arts techniques. After 8-10 weeks they sit a test and are awarded their belt and certificate. As they progress the material becomes more challenging and their knowledge of martial arts increases. The programme is from the U.S. and game based so the children are constantly learning in a fun way.

There are classes running throughout the week and a Saturday morning.

You can start at any point in time. Full time coaches, fully insured and CRB checked.

For more info visit our website or call and speak to Liz. For older children we have junior kickboxing. Start your blackbelt journey today!

Phone: 0800 028 9320 Website: www.little-ninjas.co.uk

We have classes in Morningside, Fairmilehead, Parchment and Joppa.

Please call Jo or email Jo for booking and more information.

Phone: 01875 819966 Email: joletelier.lobos@virgin.net Website: www.tumbletots.com/Edinburgh

MIDLOTHIAN SNOWSpORTS CENTRE Heading back to school? Head back to snowsports at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend. Escape the city and visit the stunning hillside of the Pentlands Hills Regional Park.

Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing are all available at Britain’s largest artificial slope. A great way to practise and get the legs going before the snow arrives. Weekend blocks of ski and snowboard lessons start this Saturday 20 Aug – 17 Sept, excl 3rd Sept or Sunday 28 Aug – 25 Sept excl 4th September. Great value lessons for all ability levels. Head back to Snowsports this Autumn at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend.

Phone: 0131 554 4433 now for more information.

GYMINI Edinburgh-based GYMINI provides FOUNDATION GYMNASTICS based on a Movement and Learning programme tailored for pre-school and primary children.

We are a sports based programme, not a soft play centre, however we do use soft equipment to teach basic gymnastic skills making it more fun to learn.

GYMINI coaches are qualified British Gymnastic coaches who are involved in a variety of other sports as well as gymnastics.

Our involvement in pre-school gym comes not only from our own sporting backgrounds but the fact that we are parents and involved with children and can recognise our programme as an introduction to SPORT. Website: www.gymini.co.uk

LANGUAGE BEESpANISH

MINI FRENCH

BeeSpanish is an early stimulation programme whose mission statement is to teach Spanish to children under six as they play and sing.

One recurring question is, why learn a foreign language at such an early age?

Research carried out both in the UK and the USA has shown that the maximum absorbing capacity of a new language occurs up to the age of seven.

BeeSpanish provides a unique space where children can learn Spanish through movement, music and interactive activities. Music and sound form a core part of our sessions prepared by professionals with a native Spanish speaking tutor and a qualified educational psychologist. We currently offer Sessions in Stockbridge (Saturdays), Morningside (Thursdays), Portobello (Thursdays) and Murrayfield (Wednesday).

For more information contact us.

Phone: 07576 032079 Email: info@beespanish.co.uk Website: www.beespanish.co.uk

After a break to welcome a new baby, Mini French is back!

Classes will run across Edinburgh from September and families will have access to the NEW online Learning Portal!

Mini French was lovingly created in 2012 by Felicity, Mum to 3 bilingual children, and is a fresh approach to learning languages. The sessions receive fantastic reviews and are brain training for babies, children and adults alike. Following the reintroduction of languages to the Scottish primary curriculum – Mini French has never been more in demand! For a head start in languages, book a place soon. An added extra is that author Emily McKenzie illustrates the books provided!

Phone: 07800 554328 Email: minifrench.edi@gmail.com Website: www.minifrench.co.uk

Children’s Music Classes from birth to teens • New baby and toddler classes • Creative music classes (Preschool to P2) • Individual and group instrumental classes (P3 to teens) • New musicianship classes (P3+) • ABRSM Music Medal Syllabus Enrol at www.portobellomusicschool or tel: 0131 623 2513

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OL ACTIvITIES CREATIVE SALLY-ANN JOHNS Drawing classes for children aged 8 to teens.

Sally-Ann Johns is a professional artist who exhibits her work internationally and has many years of experience working with children.

Classes are held in her studio in a supportive and relaxed creative environment. The course will help to develop the children’s skills in all aspects of drawing, such as line and shading, perspective, composition and figurative drawing. The children will also be encouraged to draw from their imagination, use sketch books and different materials, such as pastels and charcoal and learn to talk about their work, all while learning about different artists and art history.

Courses are 9 weeks long and cost £135 per term (new term begins on Wednesday 17th August). One-off classes also running during the school holidays.

DOODLES Halloween Children's Clay Workshops Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th October Running 10.30am - 12pm each day, costing £12.50 per class, this includes a midmorning juice and snack. See our Facebook and Blog for details on the projects we will be making.

29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ Phone: 0131 229 1399 Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

For more information, contact Sally directly or see her Facebook page.

Classes are limited to 5 students so early booking is advisable.

One to one and portfolio preparation classes are also available upon request.

All classes are held at Beaverhall Art Studios, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh, EH4 7JE. Sally-Ann is DBS checked and Public Liability insured.

See her work on her website www.sallyannjohns.com.

BABY SENSORY

CRAFTY COOKS Hi, I'm Fiona and I am taking over the Crafty Cooks franchise in Edinburgh. I have 2 young kids, Lewis (6) and Iona (3). I have always loved cooking and I love kids so Crafty Cooks seemed like the perfect fit! I am really looking forward to getting started, so if you are looking for a fun thing to do with your kids in a friendly environment please come along. Each class is around an hour which includes making a recipe and doing an activity.

All the fun of cooking without the mess!

Pre-school termly classes start in August, bookings being taken now.

Please get in touch for a class time that suits you.

Phone: 07900 093946 E-mail: Fiona@CraftyCooks.co.UK Facebook: Crafty Cooks Edinburgh

When parents come to a Baby Sensory class, they discover a myriad of ways in which they can interact and have fun with their babies.

Our babies are remarkably clever and everything that they see, touch, hear, taste or smell increases the number of connections between the brain cells.

Each Baby Sensory class is different and takes you and your baby on a wonderful sensory journey with puppet and light shows, singing and signing, patting and clapping, playing and hiding the list is endless!

For details of Baby Sensory classes in Edinburgh East please contact Helen Laidlaw Phone: 07771 924928 Email: edinburgheast@babysensory.co.uk For details of Baby Sensory classes in Edinburgh Central please contact Hayley Robertson Phone: 07985 166192 Email: edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk Website: visit www.babysensory.com

Linlithgow Corstorphine Edinburgh South Broxburn Leith Musselburgh E FRE L Bonnyrigg TRIA Livingston Tel: 0131 667 0939 web www.helenogrady.co.uk email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland 17 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSuE 98

CLUBS CLASSES & AfT ER SChOO SCHOOL SUppORT

ExpLORE LEARNING Explore Learning has 2 centres in Edinburgh - Blackhall and Murrayfield. Children become members and attend once or twice a week for sessions lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

At Explore, every child has their own programme of work which adapts to their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This ensures that children are stretched and challenged in exactly the right areas - whether they are finding school tricky or top of the class.

Explore tutors work with children in a maximum ratio of 1:6, ensuring the right balance between individual support and independent learning. As children practise and acquire new skills, our tutors are always on hand to encourage, explain or teach a new concept.

We believe that children learn best when they want to learn. Explore centres are lively, vibrant and full of positive energy. The tutors have a great rapport with all the children and are experts at motivating them to learn. Children are made to feel a part of Explore which means they look forward to their learning sessions.

Website: www.explorelearning.co.uk

WHIzzKIDS

BRIGHTBRAIN SCOTLAND

Whizzkids offers fun and educational computer classes for children of all ages during school term-time and the holidays.

From touch-typing to coding and desktop publishing to word processing, the classes incorporate useful skills that will benefit children with their school work and beyond.

Using Windows computers with Microsoft Office, children can learn to use, or develop their skills with Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. Children can also learn to code using Scratch and the Python programming language on the Raspberry Pi (a small credit card sized computer), creating basic games, animations and electronic projects. Adult lessons are also available.

For further details on the classes, or to enquire about availability please get in touch.

Phone: 0131 447 5893 Email: gillian@whizzkids.uk.com Website: www.whizzkids.uk.com

Brightbrain Scotland are the provider of the Bal-A-Vis-X Programme in the UK. BALance Auditory VISion eXercises is for everyone age 3 upwards. A series of rhythmic exercises which enable the whole mind-body system to experience FLOW. Using sandbags,racquetballs and sometimes balance boards, the exercises can become increasingly difficult OR increasingly simplified/modified for those who are very young,with severe special needs.

The benefits of Bal-A-Vis-X are many: • increased focused attention • increased confidence • improved physical coordination • better memory • improved academic success • improved social skills • improved balance/anxiety • decreased impulsivity/hyperactivity Bal-A-Vis-X addresses the building blocks of learning focus and attention skills,stress management,selfdiscipline and confidence. Purposeful physical movement is essential to academic learning. Brightbrain Scotland sessions are available in Edinburgh, initially on a 1:1 basis, then leading to group participation. Training is available for parents, teachers and any adults working with children.

For more information on our student sessions or adult training contact Jane Oliver.

Phone: 07512311317 Email: jane@brightbrain-scotland.co.uk Website: www.brightbrain-scotland.co.uk

BOOST CONCENTRATION AND MEMORY • • • • •

Improve working memory Better concentration and focus Strengthen learning abilities Improve access to the curriculum Enhance skill set in preparation for exams

CogMed: For all ages.

While originally developed with attention deficit in mind (ADD/ADHD) to improve working memory, research shows CogMed can have a potential effect on learning in general in addition to those with attention deficit.

Boost your working memory or that of your children. Train at home on a programme which adjusts to each user to ensure they always train on the limits of their working memory.

Develops both auditory and visuo-spatial working memory. Daily sessions at a time that suits the individual.

Phone: 07837930714 Website: www.Kb-insights.co.uk/CogMed

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KIp MCGRATH Kip McGrath Professional Teachers in our centres in Marchmont & Inverleith help children of all ages (4-18) achieve the highest results.

Our results speak for themselves: 'Dear Indy thank you. My son hated maths and now what a difference he has gained confidence not just in maths but in his general abilities…’ L. Walters.

Edinburgh Inverleith, 1 Huntly Street, EH3 5HB Edinburgh Marchmont, 125 Marchmont Road, EH9 1HA For a free assessment call Indy.

Phone: 0131 610 6110 Website: www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/edinburgh-central www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/edinburgh-marchmont

OL ACTIvITIES AFTER SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUBS KIDSCENE AFTER SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUB Kidscene provides after school and holiday care to children aged 4-16, with and without disabilities. We especially welcome children with a visual impairment and we reserve a number of spaces for partially sighted and blind children.

Our recently refurbished premises are within the Royal Blind School campus in Morningside, Edinburgh. Our facilities include a messy room, a play room and a kitchen, all with full disabled access.

Our play room includes a chill out zone, imagination area, construction area, computer and console games, board games and puzzles and sensory area. We also have access to the Royal Blind School’s facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory garden, soft play area and outdoor multi-use games area.

For fees and more information please visit our website.

Website: www.royalblind.org/child-care

HIp HOp HALLOWEEN OCTOBER HOLIDAY DANCE CAMp Put the Hip Hop into Halloween with a devilish dance camp during the October holidays from Step It Up Dance!

Each day will be jam packed with lots of dancing, ghoulish games, creepy creative tasks and of course frightful fun! The camp will finish up with a Halloween Hip Hop party allowing attendees to show off their spookiest steps learnt during the week!

Expect to see lots of smiling faces at pick-up time (and the bonus of lots of early bedtimes!)

Date: Monday 17th – Friday 21st October Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm Venue: Broughton High School Cost per child is £75 per week. **Early Bird Booking Offer – Save £5 if you book online before 19th September using code BKD221 ** Website: www.stepitupdance.co.uk

age specific football training for children at walking age - 12 years Birthday Parties available for ages 3 + For more info contact: 07544 221045 Email: info@soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk or b.robertson@soccerstarts.co.uk

www.soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk

ExCEL SpORTS ACADEMY Excel Sports Academy at St Georges School for Girls is open to all children who attend any school. We offer a variety of organised activities for children aged 515 years to suit each age group. Children follow a structured timetable each day led by our friendly fully qualified staff and sports coaches. They will ensure your children have fun, learn new skills and enjoy the Excel experience. It’s a great chance for them to make new friends too.

This October we will be running our basic first aid training as part of the week’s activities along with a variety of sports, tournaments, team fun games and film making. With an end of week show on Friday at 4.30pm for parents to watch the highlights of the week, film making on the big screen and the prize giving.

Excel is always popular so book early to avoid disappointment. Have a look at our website and book your place online now.

17TH OCTOBER - 21st OCTOBER 2016 | MULTISPORTS CAMP COST: £188.00 OPEN 8AM-6PM | PACKED DAY OF ACTIVITIES: 9AM-5PM We accept childcare vouchers.

Website: www.excel-sports.co.uk

SASCS SASCS is an after school care scheme providing a warm and friendly environment for primary school children. A range of activities are offered, both indoor and out.

Holiday care and sport camp places are also available. Although based at Sciences Primary School these are open to children attending other schools as well.

Website: www.sascs.org.uk

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Brush Your Teeth!

The bedtime routine of most families with young children can be hectic. I know ours can be and I have, on many occasions, had to use my batman voice to get my darlings to brush their teeth.

The other night my lovely 7 year old daughter asked me, “Mummy, why do we even have teeth?”

So, I went into a wee story about why we have teeth and why we need to look after them.

“Think about all your favourite foods and how much you enjoy having them and how that makes you feel. Now think about not being able to eat them or chew them or enjoy them. If teeth were not there then how you would eat? How would you chew?

How would you survive?”

At this point a sad expression spread over Ava's wee face, “I’d never get to enjoy macaroni cheese again mummy, and that is my favourite ever!”

I went on to discuss with her that we have different shapes of teeth to cut or stab food, and others for chewing. I mentioned that animals have teeth (apart from penguins as I learnt from our recent visit to the Zoo) that they need to eat to survive. The penny was starting to drop and I could see the cogs working.

I was quite smug until she asked, “Ok I think I understand now why we have teeth but why do we need to brush them?”

I explained that if teeth are not looked after then that is when you start to have sore teeth and could possibly end up with no teeth! We only have 2 sets of teeth, our baby teeth and when it’s time for them to fall out, bigger ones will take the place, then that is it, no more. And that is why we need to clean them every morning and every bedtime.

Teeth start to appear in the mouth from about 6 months onwards, starting at the front and working towards the back. The fun begins here and it is never too early to start taking care of your teeth.

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So how can you keep your child’s teeth healthy?

1.

Start regular dental examinations, even before teeth have appeared. Not only is your dentist interested in teeth, he or she will make sure that your child’s jaws, mouth and gums are developing normally and give advice. Your child also becomes used to the surroundings of a dental surgery; this can be paramount for future understanding and reduce any fears.

2.

Eating sensibly to maintain a healthy mouth means avoiding sugar. We recommend that sugary foods should only be given as a treat rather than a staple part of your child’s diet. We know it can be difficult and as your child grows, they then become exposed to sugary foods that are available, Lunch boxes can be exciting even without the use of sugary foods. E.g. Raisins, Satsuma’s, a small piece of cheese, grapes, malt loaf and yogurts can still be fun!

3.

Regular tooth brushing is recommended, brush morning and night to prevent gum disease and dental decay by removing the germs that harm our mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will assist you in tooth brushing for your children and give advice when you meet resistance. Your child’s toothbrush should have soft/medium bristles and be small enough the fit inside their mouth and move around easily. It is advised to start at the back of the teeth on the side next to the lips/ cheek and work methodically around the teeth then doing the same on the inner surfaces, incorporating the biting surface of the teeth, then the same method for upper teeth. We understand it’s easy to tell you how to toothbrush but the actual doing can be difficult, persevere, children usually get used to this as it becomes part of their routine, we suggest you supervise tooth brushing till the age of 8.

4.

Use fluoride toothpaste. (There is no fluoride added to Lothian water supplies). We recommend that a pea size amount of toothpaste is used and children should be encouraged to spit don’t rinse to keep the fluoride in place longer.

5.

Last but not least, visit your dentist regularly. We are here to assist you keep your child’s mouth healthy. We will help you prevent gum disease and tooth decay for life. Check your mouth to spot any early signs of disease and repair any area where disease has already occurred.

At Morningside Drive Dental Care we will take care of you and your family’s teeth for life, we provide tooth brushes to all new registered children; adults don’t have to be registered for their child to attend at our practice. Why not book with us and we will Love your teeth.

Visit our website www.msddc.co.uk and like us on Facebook for further information We are happy to help you, call 0131 447 6043.

2

Parent Parent Sarah Reid is the Area Manager of Families Online Edinburgh.

She lives in Newhaven with her daughter Bella, husband Stuart and Cally the cat!

Favorite shop: We love heading to Stockbridge and taking a wander around the charity shops and seeing what bargains are to be found to spend the pocket money on! If the weather is good, we also make a day of it with taking a picnic and heading along to Inverleith Park.

Favourite park: – George V Park (or Scotland Yard as it is also known by) is definitely a family favourite. The slide is amazing but one to be careful on if it has been raining or if it is a super hot day!!

Favourite day out: If it is dry we love heading out for a walk along Cramond Promenade or going to The Botanics – we love visiting the scarecrow! If the weather is not up to much we love exploring The National Museum of Scotland or The Museum of Childhood.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: – We love heading out to Pizza Express at Ocean Terminal – staff are always so lovely and don’t bat an eyelid when we all end up with stickers on our faces!

No parent should be without: – Baby wipes, even when they are no longer babies!

Parenting pet hates: – People not picking up dog poo! The amount of times we have cleaned muck off pram wheels or shoes is enough to drive you potty!

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): – Their imagination! Totally love seeing my girl create her own tales, shows and songs. Also love the kisses, hugs and smiles that just melt your heart.

Most embarrassing moment (with child): – When Bella was about 3 and a half, we caught the number 10 from the city to Newhaven and a man sat in front of us who was balding but also had hairs growing from his ears. For the whole duration of that bus ride, Bella kept saying “Mumma, that man’s hair has gone from his head, why is it now on his ears? Why Mumma? What’s the answer Mumma? Why has his hair moved?” Luckily, the gentleman saw the funny side and told her that he had a hot head but his ears got cold so the hair had moved to keep his ears warm!

Funniest comment (from child): – Like most households, trying to get out of the house in the morning in time for school can sometimes be a little bit trying. One day when Ben and Hollie seemed more important than teeth cleaning, I said “You need to pull your socks up” – the response I got was “But Mumma, I am wearing tights. I don’t have socks to pull up?”.

Favourite family holiday spot: – As an Aussie living in Edinburgh, we love heading back to Australia when we can. We have just spent a wonderful 3 weeks during the summer holidays in my home town of Brisbane catching up with family and friends.

Our other family favourite is heading off to Isle of Skye. Complete opposite from Brisbane, but both are lovely in their own right.

Best children’s book: – I have two - “Guess How Much I Love You” and “My Aussie Mum” (got to keep the Aussie spirit alive!). If you ask Bella, at the moment it would be any of the Rainbow Magic Fairy books!

Best DVD: – Most watched ones are Paw Patrol and Lego Friends but the family favourite is Polar Express and also National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – but that is another story in itself!

Most played with toys: – Sylvannian Families or Lego never fails to hit the spot, although we are fast becoming over-run by Shopkins!!

Most successful recipe/food: – According to Bella, my “snacky food” meal is a winner. Which sounds more exciting than what is actually is – chorizo, carrot sticks, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, peppers, olives and hummus. The whole family also love a piece of my gluten-free lemon drizzle cake!

Why you like living where you do: – Might be the Australian in me but I love being by the water! With living in Newhaven and also being very close to Leith, we love walking by the sea and visiting our resident swans and ducks. We also find this area to be very child-friendly and welcoming with plenty of community events to enjoy too!. Also love that we are only a bus ride away from the city centre or even Portobello and Musselburgh – more water to enjoy!

Go to www.familiesonline.co.uk and set your location to Edinburgh to keep up to date with the latest news, events and ideas for local families.

As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge - if you would like to share your favorite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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Avoiding Homework Hassles

by Caroline Clayton We have all read (and re-read in moments of desperation) top tips about how to create ‘happy homework habits’ within our family home. But, in reality they can seem unrealistic and frustrating.

As a Primary Teacher and busy mum of 3, I know all too well what I should be doing with my 7 year old to avoid any homework hassles. However, after a busy day at work or juggling children, the times table challenges, Egyptian costume making and sparkling spelling sentences have been known to tip even the best of us over the edge.

Planning ahead, choosing your battles and a few chocolate buttons can make the world of difference to the demands of homework that we all face.

Set up a homework friendly area and keep distractions to a minimum: In our house it's the kitchen table, which generally comes with a blob or two of Weetabix and a smidge of peanut butter. Still, at least my son is sat at a well lit, flat surfaced table and not on the floor, in the car or in front of the TV. After a quick flattening out of the worksheets, which travelled home wedged into the school bag zip, we are ready to go. Pens, pencils, glue and scissors are all accessible and we're off! (Cue baby needing nappy changed and pre-schooler wanting to bring out the play-doh!)

Schedule a regular homework time: Find a time when your child isn't tired, hungry, emotional or otherwise engaged in an after school club or activity.

Tricky! Football club, play dates, beavers and music lessons are all part of our busy family schedule and this can seriously interfere with that 'perfect homework window'. Planning ahead is essential in order to work out when you can grab that one to one time.

Also, knowing when not to attempt homework is equally important. There's nothing wrong with practising times tables in the bath or chanting spelling words on the walk to school but if you discover side 2 of the maths sheet hasn’t been done just as your child is climbing into bed then now is not the time!

Make sure the child is doing his/her own work: Nearly a quarter of parents in the UK have admitted to completing homework for their child and that's just the honest ones! I won't deny to a bit of 'colouring in' assistance.

Perhaps I've even added a missing full stop and crossed a few T’s.

We all know that children need to think for themselves and learn from mistakes, but it's also a natural impulse to want to help at the first sign of difficulty. Perhaps a more hands off approach would benefit the child in the long term. So, when that homemade Viking longhouse construction is due next Thursday, pass him the shoe box, glue and scissors. You may even suggest collecting some sticks, stones and straw but try your best as a parent to sit on your hands.

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Be a motivator and role model: We all intend to begin homework sessions by calmly chatting through the task, offering reassurance and giving heart felt praise when due. However, with one false move this can all too easily lead to coaxing and pleading before ending in exasperation, tears and a slamming door. There's nothing wrong with dangling a carrot. I often ask my son what he'd like to do after we've completed the homework and the thought of building a den or having pizza for tea can help keep momentum going.

Perhaps in another life I'll find the time to show my children how much I value studying by doing educational activities in their presence. In this life, those educational activities boil down to reading an abundance of toddler taming books alongside a gripping selection of Minecraft and In the Night Garden novels, whilst trying to prepare dinner with a baby on hip, answer an email and split up a sibling wrestling match! If my children can grow up to do all that with half a smile on their face, then as a mum I'll be pretty proud of them.

InDepenDenT ScHooL newS

Loretto School ‘A small school, big on heart and big on ambition’ Founded in 1827, Loretto is a boarding and day school for just over 600 boys and girls aged 0 – 18 set in an 85 acre leafy campus just to the east of Edinburgh.

Loretto is deliberately small, allowing a purposeful and caring family atmosphere. There is a rigorous academic programme and high expectations, with first class pastoral care. The School is well known for its emphasis on the development of the whole person in mind, body and spirit and is made up of two parts - the Junior School and Nursery (0-12 years) and the Senior School (aged 12 and over).

Loretto Junior School (ages 0-12), affectionately known as ‘The Nippers’, is a special place. Here is a community where every individual matters, a School which offers the space and opportunity for everyone to find their own route to success - whether in academic achievement, sport, art, music, drama or a host of other activities. The School’s size and campus enable pupils to enjoy the freedom of their childhood within a safe and caring environment.

Loretto Senior School (aged 12-18) develops intelligent, caring, creative, confident, compassionate and successful people who are at home anywhere in the world and doing the most amazing things. Loretto is placed in the top 5% of valueadded nationally at A level.

Next Open Mornings

Loretto's Golf Academy continues to attract keen and talented young golfers from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.

Saturday, 17th September

There are dedicated School buses to and from the Borders. Flexible boarding options are available.

Loretto Senior School (12-18 years

Financial support, worth up to 105% of the fees, is available

Saturday, 3rd October

Loretto Junior School (0-12 years)

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George watson's college All on One Campus Watson’s is characterised by a warmth often associated with smaller schools, but unashamedly exploits the advantage of size to the full. They work hard to help pupils to settle in, and it is arguably the warm welcome from the pupils that makes the biggest impact.

It is a close-knit community, where girls and boys from Nursery through to S6 share a caring, friendly and stimulating environment, from which to explore the many opportunities available to them.

Academically, Watson’s provides an unrivalled choice of subjects and levels. S5 and S6 pupils are able to choose between either SQA examinations or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), as Watson’s is currently the only Scottish Secondary School to provide the IB alongside SQA qualifications.

However, the breadth of opportunity also extends beyond the classroom to a thriving extra-curricular scene. Outside the classroom the school aims to offer all pupils the chance to develop existing interests or discover new ones. Indeed, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves both academically and during their extracurricular activities.

All of this requires committed staff and excellent facilities. The state-of-the-art George Watson’s Centre for Sport, provides magnificent unrivalled sporting facilities on campus for GWC pupils.

George Watson's College is ideally placed in the South of Edinburgh and can be easily accessed from East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and the Peebles area. All these places are serviced by buses organised through the school, as is Haymarket Station, for those travelling to Edinburgh by train.

Flexible wrap around and holiday care is available for younger pupils to fit the needs of family life.

Go along to their Open Morning on 8 October 2016, or arrange an individual visit, and see what it means to be part of the Watson’s family – you will get a warm welcome.

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George Heriot’s School Heriot’s has a reputation for excellence both in terms of academic success and extra-curricular provision.

Our pupils are great individuals, brimming with confidence and pride in their school.

Heriot’s pupils continue to do extremely well in their examinations – down to the outstanding professionalism and skill of our talented staff and the natural flair, hard work and dedication of our pupils.

However, exam grades are only a small part of the picture. At all stages throughout the School, Heriot’s cultivates an ethos of care reinforced by outstanding guidance and our commitment to charitable fundraising and voluntary service. Our pupils also benefit from an extraordinary number of extra curricular activities, ranging from the 31 sports on offer to a huge variety of musical, dramatic and other possibilities; the emphasis is on taking part – in everything we do we want to encourage our young people to participate, to try hard and to be happy. This has resulted in Heriot’s becoming the first independent school in the UK to be awarded level 2 of the RightsRespecting School Award by UNICEF. For us, the highlight of our Open Morning, which is on Saturday 1 October, will once again be the turnout of pupils, Junior and Senior, volunteering to give up their Saturday to show prospective pupils and their parents their School. We hope you will join us for a happy and fun morning and discover the warm community that is George Heriot’s School. You are also most welcome to visit the School on ‘normal’ days – visits are easily arranged by contacting our Admissions Department on 0131 221 6709.

Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. Our most important publicity come from our current and former pupils and parents so do please feel free to speak to them! We look forward to meeting you and helping you discover what is behind the stones.

InDepenDenT ScHooL newS

why Fettes?

Fettes College has over 5,000 Old Fettesians who remain in touch with us for one very compelling reason: being educated at Fettes was one of the most important and beneficial aspects of their lives.

Fettes is where their confidence was built, horizons broadened, talents nurtured and life-long friendships made. Where they achieved exam success, broke sporting records, were inspired by teachers and learnt the skills which would equip them for later life.

Fettes is where they were enthused, praised and encouraged to work hard and achieve the very best they could, while being surrounded by like-minded peers and caring staff.

To this day, a Fettes education is an incredible start to life.

Fettes is renowned around the world for the quality of education we provide and we strongly believe that with expert tuition and encouragement, every child can maximise their academic potential.

The skills and talents of each of our pupils are recognised and rewarded whether that be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the concert hall, on the stage or in the gallery. We are incredibly proud of the level and variety of their achievement– a true reflection of an all-round education. The ethos at Fettes is very much about the pupils challenging themselves and working hard to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

To confirm your attendance at Open Day (Sunday 2nd October from 1.30pm), request a prospectus or arrange a visit, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Harriet Marshall on 0131 311 6744 or email admissions@fettes.com and she will be happy to help.

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A Family education with eSMS ESMS are a unique family of independent schools for boys and girls. At ESMS, we believe we have developed a community that gives children the best of all educational approaches, and this variety ensures that our children are able to make the best social, emotional and academic progress possible.

Our children are taught together from Nursery to Primary 7, where they then receive the benefits of single-sex senior education before joining together again for a co-educational 6th Form.

The best start in life We are passionate about giving our children the very best opportunities, and for us that starts on day one. From age three, we welcome children into the ESMS family, where they immediately begin to benefit from all the resources our three schools have to offer. Our £1m Early Years Centre provides a safe and homely environment in which our girls and boys take their first educational steps. With a staff ratio of one adult to six children, we provide the individual and personalised attention that is so vital to a child’s healthy development.

Playful learning We believe it is never too early to inspire a child’s curious mind. That is why each of our preschool classes is led by a qualified teacher, assisted by two Nursery Nurses and Teacher Assistants. Together they create a stimulating and supportive atmosphere in which our girls and boys learn through play. We also guarantee school places to each pre-school child – with no entrance assessment.

Flexible childcare We have developed flexible childcare solutions to suit each family’s needs both during term time and school holidays, providing care from 7.50am to 6pm in our After-School Centre.

Happy community Stewart’s Melville College was named Scottish Independent Secondary of the Year in 2013 and The Mary Erskine School in 2012, both for the education received and the extracurricular opportunities available which have included performing in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the fifth time in 2016. From Nursery to Senior School we help our children to learn our Nine Values including kindness and respect and this creates a happy school community where each child feels valued.

Come along to our Open Day on Saturday 24 September, 10am-1pm, and find out more.

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St George’s School for Girls

October Open Mornings at St George’s School for Girls St George’s is Scotland’s largest all girls’ school and the only all-through girls’ school in Edinburgh. We have girls as young as two and as old as eighteen. Boys are welcome up to the end of nursery.

We promote educational excellence both inside and outside the classroom, and our distinctive character encourages each girl to be herself in an environment expressly designed for girls. Through a wealth of opportunities and an ethos promoting high expectations, girls gain in confidence and develop ambition so that they may achieve their full potential.

A recurring theme from a recent parents’ survey picked out “small class sizes, its size and intimacy” as key strengths. With a junior school size of around 200 girls (and a whole school of 800), St George’s is relatively small though the Senior School is substantial. For their primary education girls are taught in small classes - but, at around 16 - 19, big enough to provide interest and dynamism.

Examination results have been consistently outstanding and we are regularly top of the Scottish Independent Schools for our Advanced Higher results.

The School received an excellent report from Education Scotland in 2015. It was awarded the highest possible grading of "excellent" in three categories.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Alexandra Hems as our next Head.

Alex Hems will take over the headship from 1 January 2017 following the retirement of Anne Everest. Alex Hems is currently Deputy Head of Wycombe Abbey School, one of the UK's most successful girls' boarding schools with an impressive record of academic success.

Come along to one of our Open Mornings Saturday 1 October (Alex Hems will be attending) and Wednesday 5 October from 9.45 am, Anne Everest’s address 10am, prompt start. T: 0131 311 8008, admissions@stge.org.uk www.stge.org.uk

InDepenDenT ScHooL newS

Happy 10th Birthday edinburgh Montessori Arts School “Our aim is not merely to make children understand, but so to touch their imaginations as to enthuse them to their innermost core.” Maria Montessori Ten years ago I was volunteering in the small Montessori school my brother and his wife had set up for his children in rural South Africa. I loved the materials, the quiet, the concentration of the kids and the dedication of the adults. In the evenings we would clean and prepare the school room and chat about the philosophy. I began to read about education and childhood and look more deeply into Maria Montessori’s work. I was drawn in by the common sense approach to the world and the ethos of lifelong learning for all. The principles of observation, trust and peaceful direction linked strongly with my interest in education for a more peaceful world. Little did I know that back in my native Scotland, Emma Rattigan was busy setting up Edinburgh Montessori Arts School. Our paths would not cross until 2011, when, with my South African experience still etched in my mind, I sought a Montessori environment for my infant daughter.

And so, on a sunny April morning, I took a tour of the beautiful Edinburgh Montessori Arts School in Liberton; I was in awe. Everything I saw was what I wanted for my children. The environment was beautiful and engaging and the teaching staff had a true grounding in things that were important to me; a non-disciplinarian approach, an understanding of attachment and early years development, a true joy to be with the children and gently support them. The school is separated into three areas for Infants (1-3 years), Children’s House (3-6 years) and Elementary (primary age), and there are arts specialists to work with the children in dance, visual art and music.

My eldest daughter has been at the school for 4 years, and my youngest has just started in the Infant community. The school has provided stability for them and an introduction to so many concepts and ideas. For me it has provided a space to continue those conversations that are important to me, about how we learn about our world and how to care for it, what we want the world to be like and how much we can absorb through observation.

This autumn marks the ten year anniversary of Edinburgh Montessori Arts School, and I am very excited to be around for the celebrations. The children are growing, the school is growing and I can feel my mind growing also. Learning more about Montessori education has been a big process, and I still have lots more I want to find out. I’m excited for the learning and the discussions that I and my family continue to be a part of; Happy Birthday EMAS!

Ellie Geen is mum to two determined and confident young daughters. She is also a student of education and Parent Advocate at EMAS.

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Out&About

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesonline.co.uk including any c

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of some of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 4 September Art Explorers: The Wonder of Nepal Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Until September 11th - Surreal Adventures Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Mod 1.

For all ages. Open daily 10am-4.45pm. Free, drop-in.

Welcome to Surreal Adventures, a world that seems to disobey the laws of physics! Wander through distorted dorways, slide down a famous artwork, sit at our warped table and put yourself in a surrel picture frame. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Age 3+, (£3 on the door).

Be inspired to make your own work of art as we explore the beauty of the Garden using a wide range of colourful and tactile materials. Have fun with paper mache to make a beautiful little bowl.

©Ruth Armstrong Photography

Sunday 4 September Art Maker Scottish National Gallery. 2-4pm. Free, drop-in.

For ages 4 - 12.

Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Every Sunday Filmhouse Juniors Films for a younger audience, weekly on Sundays at 11am.

Tickets cost £4.50 (£5.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small!

Please note: although we normally disapprove of people talking during screenings, these shows are primarily for kids, so grown-ups should expect some noise!

Saturday 3 September - 4 December Mini Makers National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. The first weekend of every month 11:00, 14:00 (40 mins) Free, limited places.

Book online at www.nms.ac.uk/scotland Join us on the first weekend of every month for our new hands-on activity sessions for 3-5 year olds plus adult helper. Become a Mini Engineer in September, help at our Teddy Bear Hospital in October, get creative with printing in November and have some festive fun in December!

Sunday 4 September Fun With Fabrics 10.30am - 12.30pm. £4 per person.

Design and decorate a canvas bag using fabric paints, pens and embellishments. Perfect for going back to school. With Bragela Hornal at Lauriston Castle.

Pre booking and advance payment are essential.

Online: Go to usherhall.co.uk and look for the Other Venues link on the homepage By phone - 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday Saturday 10am-5.30pm) In person - Box Office, Usher Hall, Lothian Road, EH1 2EA (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

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Sunday 4 September Great Strides www.edinburghsickkids.org/events/great-strides Great Strides is a brand new seven mile family walking event. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this dog friendly, family fun day will take in iconic sights of Edinburgh from The Meadows along the Innocent Railway to Craigmillar Castle and back. On crossing the finish line, families can join the entertainment and celebrations on The Meadows including a bouncy castle, face painting and lots more.

©National Museums Scotland

Wednesday 7 Sep – 21 Dec Magic Carpet National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Every Wednesday 10:30, 11:30 (25 mins) Free, sign-up on the day. Join us on the magic carpet to explore museum themes and objects through songs, stories, rhymes and activities. Suitable for age 3-5 years plus adult helper.

Thursday 8 September - 20 October Magic Carpet Minis National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Every Thursday 10:30, 11:30 (25 mins). Free – pre-book 10:30 session from day before, 11:30 session sign up on day. Enjoy Magic Carpet sessions for very little ones and their adults. Explore themes in the museum through songs, stories, rhymes, actions and play. Suitable for age 0-2 years plus adult helper. ©Ruth Armstrong Photography

Monday 5 September BYOB - Bring Your Own Baby ARTIST ROOMS Joesph Beuys: A Language of Drawing. Ages 0-1. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - MOD TWO 10am-12noon. Free, drop-in. Join us at Modern Two for a fun, relaxed morning planned especially with parents and carers of young children in mind. Enjoy special offers and family-friendly facilities in the café and sign up for one of our short buggy/baby-friendly art tours for adults. Gurgling, laughing, crying or screaming welcome as well as lots of informal chat. We’ll even bring some spare nappies! Places for tours limited, sign-up on the day. Enter through Modern 2 main entrance.

Friday 9 September - 23 December Feely Friday National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Every Friday 13:30-16:30 (excluding half term). Free, dropin. Get up close and explore objects from our diverse handling collections – from Vikings and Victorians to mammals, mermaids and meteorites.

Out&About

contact or further booking information.

Saturday 10 September The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling Scottish Storytelling Centre 11am. £5 per child. Stories, games, songs and intriguing props to squish and rattle. Lots of fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers.

Saturday 10 September Wee Treasures Scottish National Portrait Gallery 10.30am & 11.30am. Free, drop-in. For ages 2 - 4.

Join us for storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month, and delve into our magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be. With fun rhymes and songs, puppet characters and lots of opportunities to join in, this is sure to become a firm favourite with little ones! Places limited, sign up on the day.

Saturday 10 September Dreams City Arts Centre, Market Street John Maxwell was an artist that explored a dream-like world. If you could imagine your absolutely favourite place in the universe, what would it look like? In this session you will get a chance to draw and paint your ideal world. 2 - 4pm.

Free. Suitable for all ages. No booking required.

Sunday 11 September portrait Detectives!

Scottish National Portrait Gallery 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4 - 12. Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Saturday 17 September Clay Treasures Museum of Edinburgh.

10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free.

The artist and potter Henry Taylor Wyse also produced peacock-coloured glazed ‘jewels' and buttons for jewellery making. Inspired by these we will use self-hardening clay to make lots of jewels and small models to take home. Drop in sessions - booking not required.

Friday 23 September pondlife The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA 0131 665 2240 |www.thebrunton.co.uk 10am & 7pm. £9, £7 Child, £30 Family Of 4.

A passionate one-man show that vividly illustrates the high stakes of classroom power play, Pondlife movingly explores the lasting legacy of childhood friendships.

Recommended for ages 9 plus.

Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 September Harvest Festival 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Demonstration Garden and Botanic Cottage , No booking required, all ages , (Free). Our annual Harvest Festival is a celebration of the vegetable growing year. Join us for fun activities, gardening advice, information about harvesting, cooking and storing crops, tasters and more.

Friday 23 September MacMillian Coffee Morning Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, EH9 Have a coffee and some cake while you paint and help support MacMillian Cancer, we will have a bake sale and 25% of sales on the day will go to MacMillian.

Sunday 18 September Bags of Art Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - MOD ONE 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4 - 12. Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Sunday 18 September The Jack & Jill Market Where Smart Mums Sell & Save. 10am - 1.30pm Stalls can be booked at www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 60+ stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids buggies, bikes, clothes, cots, toys and much more! Come and join us at Meadowbank Stadium, 139-143 London Road, EH7 6AA Adults £1.50 – children free. ©Chris Scott

Saturday 24th September Doors Open Day (as part of Edinburgh Doors Open Day) Free day of family-friendly activities for all ages, inside NEA and in the garden. Free Refreshments. Music performances in the garden and more!

Full details can be found at northedinburgharts.co.uk Saturday 24 September Upstairs/Downstairs £4 per person. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Can you imagine what it was like to work “downstairs” in the Edwardian kitchen or be Lord or Lady of the Castle? Come along to Lauriston where you will don an apron and mob cap to make lemonade and biscuits in the old kitchen. Then with your own calling card, top hat and gloves you will be a guest and visit the magnificent rooms upstairs. With Mike Durnan.

Booking essential (see Sep 4th Fun with Fabrics for full details) Saturday 24 September Scottish Archaeology at Holyrood Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 11:00 – 15:00. Celebrate Scottish Archaeology month this September at the Palace. Uncover the past with a range of archaeology themed activities including a family trail around the Palace grounds and drop into the family room to identify some finds and solves clues. During your visit make a piece of treasure inspired by the objects found on site.

COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year!

Tuesday 13 September Tiny Tales: Sweet Dreams Scottish Storytelling Centre.

10am & 11.30am (40mins). £5 per child. 1-3yrs. Come snuggle in as storyteller Claire Hewitt shares a cradle of dreamy stories and lullabies. With some apples, pears and sleepy bears, we'll sing and dance away all our cares.

Please book in advance.

Archaeology at Holyrood Saturday 24 September 11:00 – 15:00

Sunday 18 September Families: Make it at the Museum National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. Book online at www.nms.ac.uk/scotland 10:30-12:00. £10/£8.

Older children and their families can come together in these new workshops to learn a practical skill or a creative technique, to make something together. We start in September with cardboard machines. Cut, fold, punch and glue to create a marvellous mechanism then use cams, cranks and levers to bring your machine to life. Suitable for 7-12 year olds plus adult helper.

Saturday 24 September Family Creative drop-in Sessions in the Museum of Childhood.

10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free. Where do our toys live? Make a fold out card dolls house, fort or barracks to make your toys feel at home. Drop in sessions no booking required.

Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 September Doors Open Day Step inside the Botanic Cottage, simultaneously the oldest and newest building in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Botanic Cottage , No booking required, (Free)

Family Fun at the Palace The Big Draw: October The Palace of Holyroodhouse September & October 2016

Monday 17 – Sunday 23 October 11:00 – 15:00 Be inspired by the tapestries in the Palace and capture it with The Big Draw

Celebrate Scottish Archaeology Month at the Palace.

• Family Trail • Identify finds • Make your own treasure

Half Term

• Family Trail • Family Room • Arts and Crafts • Dressing up

COME BACK FOR FREE! For full details of events and dates visit

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

Get your ticket stamped on your first visit and come back as many times as you like at no extra cost!

© Royal Collection Trust/ copyright Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2016. Photographer David Cheskins

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Out&About OCTOBER Sunday 2 October Art Maker Scottish National Gallery 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4 - 12.

Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces.

Monday 3 October BYOB - Bring Your Own Baby Facing the World 10am-12noon. Free, drop-in. For ages 0 - 1.

Join us at the Portrait Gallery for a fun, relaxed morning planned especially with parents and carers of young children in mind. Enjoy special offers and family-friendly facilities in the café and sign up for one of our short buggy/baby-friendly art tours for adults. Places for tours limited, sign-up on the day. Enter through Portrait Gallery main entrance.

Saturday 8 October Wee Treasures Scottish National Portrait Gallery 10.30am & 11.30am. Free, drop-in. For ages 2 - 4.

Join us for storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month, and delve into our magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be. With fun rhymes and songs, puppet characters and lots of opportunities to join in, this is sure to become a firm favourite with little ones! Places limited, sign up on the day.

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesonline.co.uk including any c

Saturday 8th – Sunday 30th October Spooky Happenings Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7AR As the nights get darker there are mysterious creatures lurking around the farm. Grab your sheet and look out for the clues on the Spooky Trail. In the craft area you can make spooky masks, friendly bats and dangly Ghosts and Monsters. Explore a world of magic and shadows, with mysteries to solve, games to play, and a scary surprise around every corner.

Sunday 9 October portrait Detectives!

Scottish National Portrait Gallery 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4 - 12.

Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history!

Tuesday 11 October Tiny Tales 10am & 11.30am (40mins) £5 per child for 1-3yrs.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s monthly opportunity for tots to get interactive with tales, with a storytelling session guaranteed to enthral toddlers. Please book in advance. ©National Museums Scotland

Saturday 8 October Autumnal Landscapes City Arts Centre.

Artists William Gillies and John Maxwell loved painting landscapes, lovely bright textural landscapes. In this session you will get an opportunity to explore painting your own very textural landscapes, inspired by the warm autumnal colours outside. 2 - 4pm - come for the whole two hours or drop in for just a bit. Free. Suitable for all ages.

No booking required.

Saturday 8 October White The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA, 0131 665 2240 www.thebrunton.co.uk 11am & 2pm. £9, £7 Child, £30 Family of 4.

Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. White is a playful, highly visual new show for very young children and is a perfect first time theatre experience. For ages 2 - 4.

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Saturday 15 October Science Saturday: The Gene Scene National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 12:00-16:00,. Free, drop-in. In collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, discover the anatomical secrets inside us. Older visitors can visit our Auditorium where experts will be discussing the future of genome sequencing – would you want to see into yours?

Saturday 15 October Cheering Up The King Scottish Storytelling Centre.

11am (1hr). £5 per child for ages 5-8yrs. The King is feeling down and it is up to the audience to cheer him up! Suit and Pace present this interactive storytelling session for children aged 5-8, a fun piece from an award-winning company, encouraging understanding of mental wellbeing.

15th - 23rd October Break Family Fun at Dynamic Earth The Universe is your Oyster in our two day inspiring young scientists event on the 16th and 17th of October, where you can meet experts working in cutting edge Space and Earth Observation Science in Scotland right now. Come along and explore the worlds of opportunity in science and take part in hands-on activities.

Come and meet Dynamic Earth's special guests from the Scottish Mineral and Lapidary Club between the 18th-21st to get hands-on with a dazzling array of minerals and gems.

Find out about volcanic rocks from across the country as well as the Scottish craft of polishing and cutting agates.

Join us for the British Geological Survey Science Showcase on the 22nd, with a spectacular selection of Earth Science demonstrations and hands on activities. Our team will be on hand with our own in-house selection of amazing Earth goodies, including our dinosaur fossil collection on October 15th and 23rd! Check out our what’s on calendar for more details, daily event listings and times at www.dynamicearth.co.uk October 15th Beach Day A Zoo Arts Extra event.

Family-friendly trip to the beach with artist, Alice Betts and NEA's garden team. Free event with refreshments provided.

For full details go to www.northedinburgharts.co.uk Saturday 15 October Ceramic Tiles Museum of Edinburgh.

Drop in session - booking not required.

Taking inspiration from this special exhibition and the pottery galleries in the museum, we will design and paint beautiful ceramic tiles. 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Out&About

contact or further booking information.

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 October Face It Scottish National Portrait Gallery 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4+ Be inspired by Facing the World: Self Portraits from Rembrandt to Ai WeiWei to create amazing self-portraits of your own. Try your hand at making clay portraits downstairs in our studio with Artist Duncan Robertson, as well as getting involved in self-portrait activities for all the family upstairs in the exhibition. You can also strike a pose in our photo booth.

15 - 23 October Good Golly, There’s Dolly!

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 11:00-16:00. Free, drop-in (unless otherwise stated) Families are invited to flock to the museum for a half term full of biomedical discoveries, demonstrations, decorations and dares! Take part in daily making activities inspired by the famous cloned sheep and complete the Good Golly, Where’s Dolly? hide and sheep trail.

Sunday 16 October Bags of Art Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - MOD ONE 2-4pm. Free, drop-in. For ages 4 - 12.

Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Sunday 16 October The Jack & Jill Market Where Smart Mums Sell & Save. 10am - 1.30pm Stalls can be booked at www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 60+ stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids buggies, bikes, clothes, cots, toys and much more! Come and join us at Meadowbank Stadium, 139-143 London Road, EH7 6AA. Adults £1.50 – children free.

Monday 17 October Spellchasers Riddling Workshop with Lari Don Scottish Storytelling Centre 2pm (1hr 30). £5 per child for ages 8-12yrs. Lari Don loves telling stories about riddles, writing adventures containing riddles, and bamboozling audiences with riddles! Join Lari to hear a riddle tale, learn to create your own riddles and hear about Lari’s newest novel ‘Spellchasers: The Beginner’s Guide To Curses’ with its riddling sphinx hero.

Monday 17 – Sunday 23 October The Big Draw Palace of Holyrioodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh 11:00 – 15:00. During October half term be inspired by the tapestries in the Palace and capture it with The Big Draw, a national campaign to get people drawing. Drop into the family room and make you own masterpiece inspired by what you have seen COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost!

October 18th – 21st Children’s Film Club (supported by Muirhouse Housing Association) Free week of films for children under 12 years. Films start at 1.30pm each day. For details of programme go to www.northedinburgharts.co.uk 20 - 22 October Science Show: pandemic!

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 12:00, 14:30 (45 mins). Cost: £3 – book from 1 October.

Step into our auditorium for our new, highly immersive science show where you take on the role of the response team, voting for the decisions we will make to combat a deadly disease outbreak that threatens to destroy humanity!

Can you help to save the world? Suitable for age 10+ plus accompanying adult.

21 - 31 October Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Festival of Dreams Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Explore the magic of imagination at this year’s Storytelling Festival which features a host of free activities for families to get involved with, including storytelling at the Centre, tales of creepy crawlies amidst conservation at Leith Community Croft, and Bedtime stories by Victorian lantern at the Museum of Childhood. Plus, there’ll be the unmissable Guisers Galore day in the lead up to Halloween, so make sure to keep an eye out! ©Sean Bell

Saturday 29th October All Day Halloween party www.almondvalley.co.uk 10am-8pm. Halloween games and dancing, dressing-up and crafty creations. The trails, tricks, treats, and screamout-loud fun continues once the sun goes down. Come dressed to kill.

Saturday 29 October Family Creative drop-in Sessions in the Museum of Childhood.

10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

It’s time for the skeletons to rattle their bones, but can you make them glow? Draw and paint a skeleton to glow in the dark and scare the other ghouls and ghosts away. Drop in sessions - no booking required.

Sunday 30 October Halloween Fun Day Traquair House, Innerleithen.

11am - 4pm. The annual Halloween Fun Day has become a favourite for families and for children of all ages. Get dressed to kill and enjoy the wide variety of entertainment.

Go to www.traquair.co.uk for more information.

Sunday 30 October The Sound of Stuff Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - MOD ONE Booking via Eventbrite.

Explore the secret life of materials through words and senses.

Participate in a promenade through the gallery and create your own sounds, words and stories using materials inspired by the work of Karla Black and Kishio Suga. There will be two performances, one at 2pm (ages 2-4) and 3pm (5+).

Shadow Walker by Richard Peters, Photographer of the Year 2015

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October pirate Weekend Shiver me timbers! Pirate Weekend is back at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, bigger and better than ever before.

Inspired by the link between Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and the nearby island of Fidra, Pirate Weekend is a swashbuckling fun weekend celebrating the high seas and is one of the highlights of the Seabird Centre’s events calendar.

There will be activities throughout each day from 11:00 to 16:00 including arts and crafts, pirate treasure hunt, face painting, smoking cannons and exploding treasure chests, plus there will be prizes for the best dressed pirates!

Included with admission to the Discovery Centre and FREE for Seabird Members.

For further information visit www.seabird.org

Sunday 30 October Spooky Sunday: Animal Magic National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 12:00–16:00. Free, drop-in Stop by for creepy craft and science surprises inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Sunday 30 October Halloween at the Castle Our ever-popular Halloween day at Lauriston Castle. £6 per person. 10am - 1pm Come in full costume and enjoy an afternoon of treats and fun in the old creepy Castle, and watch out for our ghosts and ghouls!

Please note this is a structured session not drop in.

Booking essential (see Sep 4 Fun with Fabrics for details)

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Open Now Private Day Nursery for babies and young children.

Ages 0 - 5 years.

65 Telford Road Edinburgh, EH4 2AX

0131 315 3214 Hours 8am -6pm

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