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South East
IN THIS ISSUE New Year Resolutions Choosing a Nursery Events near you
Issue 211 January/February 2022
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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Calling parents living in South East London! Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing? Do you like writing, editing and researching family activities? Are you interested in media and marketing?
Come join the team at Families South East London magazine!
Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.
To find out more contact Linda at info@familiesmagazine.co.uk or call 020 8241 0423
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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LITTLE NEWS ROUND
Happy confident New Year from Perform
Help fund vital research by joining Wear A Hat Day! Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25th March for Wear A Hat Day—a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds for leading charity Brain Tumour Research. Coming at the end of March, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, several celebrities are supporting this hattastic campaign. The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. This is unacceptable and Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence. Order your box of badges to sell during registration! Register your school, community or family event today: www.wearahatday.org and they’ll send you a free fundraising pack.
* FEBRUARY HALF TERM Join Perform for an unforgettable three days in a fairytale forest and see your child make friends with the woodland creatures, discover the tempting Gingerbread House and outwit the evil Wicked Witch. 14-16 February. Three-day courses from 10am to 3pm each day. 4-10 years. East Dulwich. www.perform.org.uk/hansel. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@ perform.org.uk
Take part in National Storytelling Week
Looking for amazing childcare during the school holidays?
National Storytelling Week takes place from 29 January to 5 February and during this period, stories will be told in schools and theatres, pubs, museums, village halls, community centres and in many other places across the UK.
Over the pandemic, multi award-winning The Strings Club inspired thousands of children through their Ofsted-registered Holiday Camps. With over a hundred 5* reviews in 2021, each day at The Strings Club is wonderfully different! Every morning starts with funfilled guitar, violin and ukulele sessions, led by the UK’s best teachers. Free hire of an instrument to take home! Afternoons include their carefully-created workshops ranging from sport to art to drama. For more information including venues and ways to book visit www.thestringsclub.org or call their Head Office on 0121 296 9204. To advertise: 07980 556813 Editorial: editor@familiesselondon.co.uk Visit www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack. Next issue: Mar/Apr 2022 Facebook: @FamiliesLondonSouthEast Twitter: @FamiliesSE Familiesonline.co.uk
Perform, the UK’s biggest centrallyrun drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills. How have your children adjusted after the pandemic? Many have struggled to reconnect and re-establish their old friendships and confidence. Child Psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these “can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.” Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidenceboosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine as they explore two exciting termly themes. 4-7s will trek off on a Jungle adventure while 7-12s enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. To book a no-obligation FREE trial visit www.perform.org.uk/ try using LSE70222 for a £40 discount when you book by 7th February.
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Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener. Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting stories can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk
Storytelling is vital for children’s academic success
Families South East is part of Families Print Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. Designed by 45 Degrees www.fortyfivedegrees.co.uk. Printed by Buxton Press Ltd.
Families South East • January / February 2022
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Just one healthy thing in 2022! By Claire Winter
At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. Give up carbs, do a HIIT workout every day, walk fifteen thousand steps. Glamorous women and men in lycra stare at us from our social feeds, making us feel like failures before we even start a new health regime. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? Photo by Bruce Mars from Unsplash
Take Vitamin D
Get a fitness buddy Accountability works. If you want to start a new fitness regime, find a friend to do it with you, says Paula Kerr from Fitter Stronger. ‘This might mean always training with a friend and not letting them down or keeping an exercise or nutrition record and sharing it with a friend or fitness professional.’ www.fitterstronger.org
Vitamin D is highly recommended for anyone living in the UK because we don’t get enough sunshine. Public Health England recommends every adult takes a ten mg supplement in autumn and winter - all year round if you have darker skin. It boosts the immune system, helps prevent depression and strengthens bones. Find at all good health food stores/online.
Take time to meditate Just ten minutes meditation a day can make a huge difference. Research shows that meditation has a positive effect on a range of stress-related illnesses, including heart disease, cholesterol and high blood pressure. It can also help people suffering from insomnia, anxiety and depression. Check out www.insighttimer.com for hundreds of free meditations.
Get quality sleep
Have a cold shower Many people shared their outdoor swimming adventures last year. Intrigued? Start small with the Wim Hof method. Begin with a simple breathing technique and cold showers every morning and progress to cold water swimming. Doing this every day for five months has really improved my mood and quality of sleep! www.wimhofmethod.com Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels
Personal trainer, Alex Cornwell, says: ‘It’s best to accept that as a parent it may not be possible to sleep uninterrupted for eight to nine hours a night. Instead, make sure you’re getting to bed early, not scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix. This keeps you up longer and late-night screen time is proven to reduce the quality of your sleep’. www.revolution-pts.com
Practise gratitude ‘Gratitude is the first step to embracing our body, shifting our relationship with it and seeing it as one of our best buddies. It makes a huge difference in our fitness training and the food we choose to nourish our body’ says the Body Whisperer, Vanessa Conway. Keeping a daily gratitude diary can make also make you feel more optimistic about life. www.feelmovebewithvanessa.com
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
Try forest bathing
Go veggie For one day a week, try and skip meat. www.meatfreemondays.com is a good website to follow. Can you make a family favourite with a meat substitute or try a new vegetarian recipe? 4
Families South East • January / February 2022
Get out in nature and de-stress in your local forest or woodland. In Japan, it’s called Shirrin Yoku, it’s proven to help you boost your mood, health and wellbeing and it’s free. Find your local forest here www.forestryengland.uk
To advertise please call 07980 556813
WHY DOES THIS PROGRAME GET RESULTS?
. This course is effective in as few as 6 weeks and establishes a HABIT. So eliminate your fear and sort out your core this New Year!
In short those ‘squeeze and lift’ exercises also known as Kegels, simply aren’t the end story when it
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80! It’s a muscle you can train.
s p hi s se rs de as be clu Cl em In ng M ow ycli N rC o do
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A New Year – A New get fit, have fun, meet people Experi ence Get your fitness and wellbeing back on track! THE SPORTS CLUB
With the world beginning to open up again and more international students travelling to the UK for their education, College Guardians are looking for families to host students for the short holidays and occasional weekends. Families with children of their own, those with “empty nest syndrome” or grandparents to name a few, all benefit from hosting international students. From a cultural or language perspective, offering a caring home to a students will Could you host a student for short certainly to enhance Book help a club visit ortheir taster swim with ourholi compliments days and occasional learning experience and life in the See our website for terms & conditions and weekends? UK. details of appropriate safety protocols in place The experience that a child has Watch Jen’s Story on when stayingHALF with a host can bring JOINING PRICE FEE www.collegeguardians.co.uk then lifelong friendships. From learning register for this wonderful IN JANUARY to adapt to life in the beautiful experience. SAVE £50! English countryside, to life in a large busy city, from learning to Do not hesitate to get in touch with look forward to welcoming you soon! bake bread to We sharing with your College Guardians to find out more— host how to cook the best they can ask one of their current @dcsportsclub.dulwich noodles!/DulwichCollegeSportsClub There really is something hosts to share their experience of hosting with you. for everyone. Quote code: HPJF-FM2201 dcsportsclub.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
FamiliesSWLon
9am every Saturday and Sunday £10pp (1hr) • SENDS: Tuesday 4pm (quiet session, with limited lighting and no music), 5pm (with lights and music). £12.50pp, carers go free.
(book in advance). Available adult/junior sessions with pro free runner: 10 wk course. wandsworth@flipout.co.uk Flip Out Wandsworth, Bendon Valley, SW18 4LZ
Villa Radicata Your perfect Tuscan Family holiday Home immersed in nature
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• Stunning lake and mountain views • 5 bedrooms /4 bathrooms • Private fenced pool, garden and forest • Outside pizza oven and outside dining area • Self catering breaks or Activity breaks available • Plenty of games, jungle gym and table football on site • Babysitting and cook available on request • Wine tasting, cooking lessons, yoga, massages, Italian lessons can be booked • First night dinner included on arrival. Contact Rita: Whatsapp 07983821282 | Ritakobrak1@aol.com www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com Instagram @tuscanfamilyholidays
January/February 2022 • Families South West 7
135 years of empowering the next generation to forge their own path. Visit us to discover more. Book online at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net admissions@syd.gdst.net | 020 8557 7004 Prep, Senior & Sixth: 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL @sydenhamhigh
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Senior School Destinations
Dulwich Prep London provides an outstanding Values-led education.
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We offer a wide range of opportunities to nurture independent thinkers who go on to be thoughtful citizens of the world, equipped with a strong moral compass and the ability to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.
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7.00am - 7.30pm Contact our Admissions team on 020 8766 5525 or email admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org
Alumni and Friends School Community Events
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School bu s rou tes inclu ding Clapham, Streatham, Beckenham and Norwood Ju nction Ou r Lady’s Close, LondonSE1 9 3 FA
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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020 8674 7229
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thelau relsschool.org.u k
To advertise please call 07980 556813
EDUCATION
Pictures form Herne Hill School
Knowing your nursery from your pre-school By Andrew Campbell
Is a day nursery the same as a nursery school? Is there a difference between a pre-school and a playgroup? And where on earth does a kindergarten fit in? For parents of very young children, who struggle getting their heads around early years care terminology, here is Families helpful glossary. Day nurseries They provide childcare (usually from 3 months to 5 years) with a choice of full-time or part-time care and are usually open from 8am to 6pm for most of the year. They can be run by private individuals, local councils, community groups, Montessori organisations, commercial businesses or by employers. Day nurseries run by councils or local your community tend to be cheaper but can be difficult to get into due to long waiting lists. Nursery schools/classes and Pre-schools Nursery schools, school nursery class and pre-school offer a more structured early education experience for children ages 3 to 5 years which prepares them for primary school. There are generally three types: - Local authority (maintained) nursery schools/classes Maintained nursery schools and classes are associated with a primary school, run and funded by the local authority and either attached to the primary school or in a separate building. Most nursery schools and nursery classes offer both full and part time places and operate during term-time only. - Private nursery schools Nursery schools can also be privately run and or may be part of a day nursery setting. A private nursery school may charge fees and have different approaches and philosophies to learning, such as Montessori. They either follow term-times or can be open for most of the year. - Independent nursery schools Some nursery schools are attached to an independent school and are usually run by private or voluntary organisation as part of the school. Some will not be registered with Ofsted but will be monitored as part of the school’s inspection. Many offer extended hours allowing parents to drop off early and pick up late to fit in with their working hours. Herne Hill School being a bit of an exception: it is a large coeducational setting for the extended age range of 2 to 7 year olds with a specialism in Early Childhood Education. They have built their own 5-year curriculum which goes beyond the statutory requirements of this country. By the end of Year 2, they are able to develop each child to their optimum level for success at their next school and beyond. They are fully ready to move on at that point—a natural next stage in the English education system and at a time they benefit positively from a change of environment. Do look at their newly launched website, www.hernehillschool.co.uk, it provides a good insight into what cutting-edge education at this age can look like. Familiesonline.co.uk
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Playgroups/Kindergartens Less formal than nurseries, these groups operate for a few hours each day only and do not provide full-time care. They tend to be run by private individuals or charities. Parents may be asked to volunteer their support for certain periods. Parent and baby/Toddler playgroups These are groups to which parents bring their children (generally ages 0 to 4) to play and are often held in venues such as church halls or community centres by volunteers or a charity. A small fee is charged for each session to cover refreshments and running costs. Children must be under the supervision of their parent/carer at all times. These groups are not Ofsted registered. Crèches Crèches provide ‘occasional care’ for children and are provided on particular premises. Parents will use them on an irregular basis i.e. when they go to the gym or if they’re shopping. Children’s centres Children’s centres offer all families with children under age 5 a range of services, information and support in their local community and are run the local authority. They aim to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for families and will have facilities to support early education, childcare, health and family support. Many centres also offer childcare, baby and toddler groups and crèches. Out of school clubs/Wraparound childcare These provide care for school age children at times when schools are not open. They can operate before school (‘breakfast clubs’), and from the end of the school day (‘after school clubs’), throughout school holidays (holiday clubs/playschemes’), or a combination of the three. All schools are required to provide access to out of school care though the care may be offered offsite, requiring children to be taken between the school and club. Childcare entitlements Two-year-old free entitlement: fifteen hours of free childcare for 2-year-old children where families meet specific eligible criteria. Fifteen hours free childcare for children ages 3 and 4 offers every child of this age, fifteen hours a week. Thirty hours funded childcare – some children ages 3 and 4 are eligible for thirty hours a week. Tax-Free Childcare - up to £2,000 a year per child towards childcare costs if you earn under £100,000 a year, with a minimum of £142 a week. More at www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs Families South East • January / February 2022
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LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE? Multi award-winning Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11
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Families South East • January / February 2022
South East
To advertise please call 07980 556813
EDUCATION
How to have incredible conversations with your child By Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen
You: How was your day? Your child: Fine. Truly communicating with your child is one of the greatest privileges a parent can have. More than that, building a strong relationship with them improves their quality of life by protecting their mental and physical health for a lifetime. Okay, count me in, you say… but how exactly do you make ‘it’ happen? Use these top tips to get going: Timing - Classically, parents (understandably) want to hear all about the nursery or school day and might pounce on their child with lots of questions but often children need time to decompress. Wait and read the room and start conversations when they are rested and well fed. Setting - Many find face-to-face talking a bit intense. Weave your conversations into another activity, when they are on the swing or drawing. Get real - Pre-teen children find abstract concepts difficult and they often don’t have the vocabulary to reflect their experiences. Use real analogies where possible. For example, use the condensation on the car window and draw a mountain (the top of the mountain is the best, the bottom is the worst). Ask your child to use the mountain to show how they are today, how they feel usually and so on. Expectations - Learning to communicate meaningfully together is a skill that takes time to build. Not all conversations will go smoothly but in time if your bids are gentle and genuine, your relationship will thrive. Teach your children to bring mistakes home Of course, you’ll want to know about and share in your child’s triumphs but make time to teach them that your family talks about the tough stuff too. If they mess up, rather than scold them, encourage a calm conversation about what happened. This will teach them that it’s safe to take mistakes home. It’s possible to help your child learn what is and isn’t okay without yelling or shaming them. In fact, children usually know when they have messed up so instead explore the learning points from it. Do this consistently and by the time they are teenagers, your investment will pay out in a strong relationship that will protect them as they explore the world independently. Shhh – don’t say anything just yet Wrap your head around this: very often incredible and meaningful conversation has saying little or nothing at the root of its success. Give your children space to work out their words before you dive in with yours. This allows them to hear
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their own feelings or half formed ideas in the safe ‘sorting space’ you provide. It increases self-awareness—the bedrock of wellbeing. If your child is telling you something, particularly something that matters to them, show them you’ve heard them by repeating back what they said. Parents are veritable rock stars in children’s pre-teen years so validating them in this way is intoxicating; it underlines that they have your undivided attention for a few moments and they will be encouraged to share with you again. Use this technique when they tell you something that’s tough to hear too. Strong science shows that discussing hard experiences and emotions like anger or jealousy is really important to future well-being. Is bedtime the right time? If your children like to review the day at bedtime, ring-fence this time by giving it a special name and use it to model good relationship-building skills and share the joys and challenges of your day too (appropriately chosen, of course!). For other children, when the PJs go on, the worries come out. These children tend to ‘ruminate’ (worries are like goldfish in a bowl— they go nowhere). Kindly but firmly note the worries and agree another time the next day to come back to them. Stick to your promise. For these children, you might try asking for their three wishes each night. This is a predictable, comforting upbeat ritual that reveals much about your child’s inner world and has a clear end point with a signal that it’s time to say ‘night-night.’ Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen are clinical psychologists and academics with a specialist interest in neuropsychology. Their new book, How to Have Incredible Conversations With Your Child, is published by Jessica Kingsley £14.99. Visit @ incredibleconversation on Instagram for more details.
Families South East • January / February 2022
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SPONSORED FEATURE
Mrs Linda Sanders
Headmistress The Laurels School
What inspired you to become a teacher and later, a Headteacher? From an early age, I loved teaching— my poor little brother was my guinea pig! I would set up a classroom and teach him all manner of wonderful things. Teaching is one of the most rewarding and humbling professions in the world. Every day I learn from my pupils—I currently teach A level Spanish and relish every moment of it. Children know when a teacher loves what they do and loves them. That is why authenticity is absolutely key to being a great teacher. I was drawn to becoming a Headteacher because it was the opportunity to found this great school and to drive its ethos—a vision of education which I believe is so needed for young girls today. I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to serve because, as our school motto says, to serve is to be joyful and I think that is what I try to do every day.
How would the students describe you? I would hope that the students would describe me as approachable, open and fair. I know every single girl in the
school and, as they progress up the school they all know that one of my favourite words is to be ‘pro-active’. I love it when our pupils take the initiative and come up with solutions, ideas and new proposals. I have a class council breakfast with each form and it is a great moment to hear what they are thinking—I just had one with the Year 10s who have started a new club ‘Women and Activism’ which aims to find active practical ways of helping others. Many Sixth Formers mentor younger pupils and have set up a range of clubs and societies. They also are involved with the local primary school helping to run the netball club and tutoring children on reading and SAT testing preparation. This is what I love— and the girls know it too—that they are women of action!
What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position? I was working in senior management in a school in Spain with the same ethos and I was approached by the governors to see if I would be interested in setting up a new secondary school for girls. Even though I was very happy in Spain and in my job, the opportunity to start a school with the same educational vision I had been involved in was just too exciting to miss. I could see how much difference it can make for girls’ self-worth and sense of self.
What I love about the school is its emphasis on the importance of cultivating the child from the inside out. What I mean by this is that we are as passionate about them learning about how to aspire to flourishing through the cultivation of character strengths (virtues) as we are about them achieving excellent academic results, which they do. As we all know, in the end, true satisfaction and reward come from the inner self as opposed to our ‘performance’ selves. Girls need to feel valued for who they are and not what they produce.
Netflix or Kindle? Neither! I just love a proper book—I am an inveterate reader and will always have between two or three books on the go. I am currently reading ‘The Coddling of the American Mind’ and ‘The Battle for Spain’ by Anthony Beevor.
What is something about yourself that no-one else knows? Some people may know but certainly not many—I am an identical twin! We have both certainly found ourselves in some amusing situations sometimes when there has been a case of mistaken identity. I might even ask her to come in and be me for the day and see if anyone realises.
Our Lady’s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA https://thelaurelsschool.org.uk 10
Families South East • January / February 2022
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EDUCATION
Playball introduce three brand new Programmes Free for the first 3 weeks Playball are delighted to be launching three brand new programmes this January, Fun2Be1 (18-24m), ICanDo (2-3yr) and PlayGolf (6-12yr). Gavin Marks, owner of Playball London says all three programmes have been designed by professionals. Occupational therapists, Behavioural therapists, golf pros and child psychologists make sure the children are entertained but also help them ease into the new year, feeling confident in their surroundings.
Playball’s ICanDo programme has always been popular but they felt they needed to make some changes in order to assist their children with the changes they have been going through. So with the aid of their Occupational Therapist they have focussed more on the children’s experiences during class.
“The best news”, Gavin says: “This January Playball London are giving every child the opportunity to try each of Playball’s programmes for three weeks, absolutely free.
PlayGolf (6 to 12 years) PlayGolf aims to create competent, confident beginner golfers. All equipment is supplied. Parents have no additional expenses once their child is enrolled. They believe golf is a game for everyone and will assist your child in reaching their full golfing potential while having fun!
The new classes Fun2Be1 (18 to 24 months) A wide-ranging programme of physical play activities specially designed to develop stability, locomotion and manipulation, building on the motor skills which are already emerging. Joining a structured play class also helps tots socialise and learn to follow both simple and more complex instructions. Upgraded ICanDo (2 to 3 years) When lockdowns closed schools and clubs and classes, Playball realized that 2-3 year olds had spent almost half their little lives in lockdown. No wonder some have found it difficult to socialize, go to nursery or leave their care giver.
Classes run in Dulwich Park, Brockwell Park, Clapham, Fulham, Chelsea, Battersea, Balham, with Greenwich and Blackheath coming soon. Special offer Playball London is offering a FREE three-week trial across all of their programmes to Families readers this January to anyone who has not tried Playball before. Simply create an account, choose a venue, book your child’s class and watch them enjoy themselves! www.PlayballLondon.com
Brand new website! • www.hernehillschool.co.uk Take a peek at what cutting-edge ECE looks like. Register now for 2022 admission into Kindergarten, Pre-Reception or Reception Kindergarten, Pre-Reception or Reception
Rated ‘excellent’ in all categories
Experts in 2-7 Years Early Childhood Education, the most crucial period in a child’s life. 99 & 127 Herne Hill, London SE24 9LY • 020 7274 6336 Familiesonline.co.uk
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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BEANO AT SOMERSET HOUSE
DINO SNORES AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
What’sOn IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS MONTH... SEE SOME BUTTERFLIES FLUTTER BY! It may be winter outside, but you can still bring a sense of summer into your life by seeing real life butterflies in Forest Hill. The Horniman Museum’s specially-planted Butterfly House habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies free-flying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these beautiful, fascinating creatures. Book first. www.horniman.ac.uk
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2021 Compiled by Robina Cowan All details are as provided when going to press, however Santa’s elves do like a bit of mischief sometimes - best double-check before setting out.
THEATRE & SHOWS BLACKHEATH HALLS Lee Road SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com 15 January The Elves and the Shoemaker Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, Theatre of Widdershins brings you another classic fable using magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest of
dialogue. Ages 3+. 12 February The Bag That Went Boo! Join Garlic Theatre on a fantastical journey of paper bag proportions with their delightfully comical story of a little red bag. Ages 3-8. GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 23 January Variety Performance
rmg.co.uk/families
Climb aboard Cutty Sark Join the crew of Cutty Sark this half term and find out what life was really like on this world-famous ship. Royal Museums Greenwich Cutty Sark | National Maritime Museum | The Queen’s House | Royal Observatory Greenwich Pier Greenwich (only 8 mins from London Bridge) Cutty Sark
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Families South East • January / February 2022
Under-4s go free
To advertise please call 07980 556813
The award-winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School for 4-18 year olds presents a Gala Variety Performance; highlighting the stars of tomorrow as well as the stars of today. The show includes a selection of show-stopping numbers from well-known musicals and productions directed by top industry professionals. SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com 12-19 February Telling Tales The Globe’s flagship family festival returns for February half term, filled with events and activities for families and young people, including workshops and interactive storytelling. SOUTHBANK Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 13 February FUNharmonics Hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra in full flight playing selections of their favourite pieces, introducing children to classical music, along with free foyer activities. Ages 6+ at the Royal Festival Hall. 9-20 February Imagine Children’s Festival The largest festival of its kind in the UK, Imagine Children’s Festival is dedicated to families experiencing and enjoying all kinds of art and culture together. Twelve days of jam-packed half term fun brings together authors, poets, artists, musicians and performers for readings, workshops and events for children and adults of all ages.
IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
photocredit, Nathan Gallagher
LIGHTOPIA, CRYSTAL PALACE
LIFE BETWEEN ISLANDS AT THE TATE
02 ARENA Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.lolsurpriseliveontour.com 15-17 February L.O.L. Surprise See your favourite L.O.L. Surprise Dolls together, live on stage. Featuring outrageous choreography, elaborate Instagrammable sets, flawless costumes and brand-new music, the show is a concert come dance party that gets families on their feet.
SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com Until 30 January The Nutcracker With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit and magical fantasy, it’s a treat for all. 28 January and 25 February Family Fridays Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.
BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street Bromley BR1 1HA www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 16 + 17 February Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles - there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more.
RUMBLE JUNGLE MUSICAL The Fortune Theatre, Russell St, London. junglerunble.show 14-20 February Created by the highly-regarded Perform children’s drama school, Jungle Rumble has thrilling choreography, uplifting songs and an inspirational message about working together to protect the Earth. It’s a brilliant way to introduce your child to the magic of live theatre. A perfect half-term day out for the whole family. From £15.
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com Until 23 January There May Be a Castle Mouse’s extraordinary quest through a world of wonder is a remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from award-winning writer Piers Torday, and adapted into a musical puppetry production. Ages 7-11. Until 30 January The Storm Whale Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage.
BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Various venues www.byobcomedy.com A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months. 21 January in Woolwich.
Danny Clarke
Dame Sheila Hancock DBE
Caprice Bourret
Sarah Beeny
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Families South East • January / February 2022
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LOL SURPRISE AT THE O2
LPO FUNHARMONICS AT SOUTHBANK
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT GREENWICH MARITIME MUSEUM
BACH TO BABY Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for baby and you. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like! Check the website for new local dates.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Selected dates The Sky Tonight Presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer, the live show takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky. See the stars, constellations, planets and moons, including a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+. Selected dates Ted’s Space Adventure Explore the solar system with a bear named Ted, learning about the things we find there and how they affect us. Ages 3-7.
humans have had on the planet through what we grow and eat, from bees threatened by the loss of wildflower meadows to birds of prey poisoned by pesticides. NHM’s free display highlights some fantastic species, explains how our actions are affecting them, and what we can do to protect the natural world. Until 5 June Wildlife Photographer of the Year 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure. Gaze through the lens of some of the world’s best wildlife photographers and marvel at the beauty of our planet. 14 + 29 January and 26 February Dino Snores for Kids Spend a night among the museum’s incredible collections, exploring world class galleries after hours and sleeping beneath Hope, the breath-taking blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries, there’s an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.
MUSEUMS HORNIMAN MUSEUM London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Until 19 June Hair: Untold Stories There is more to hair than washing, combing and cutting. It is an extraordinary fibre with a range of unexpected possibilities. Weaving in stories from Forest Hill hairdressers to the global hair trade, and featuring the work of artists, film makers, designers and members of the public, Hair: Untold Stories is intimate, surprising and wide-ranging. Sundays Horniman Market of local suppliers’ fresh food, eco-craft and bodycare products. 10am-3pm. NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum 29 January Lunar New Year Festival Known as the Spring Festival in some places, the Lunar new year is celebrated in various communities across Asia, where this year many countries will observe the Year of the Tiger. The first event of the day will be a traditional Lion Dance which will start at 11am outside the Museum, parade around inside, then finish on the Great Map. Visit for a day of Mahjong game challenges, tea ceremonies, music performances and family workshops in fan and lantern making, Qigong, Tai Chi and more. Sundays Discover Sundays Each week a different artist takes families on a journey into the museum’s collection. Discover objects that introduce you to different people, histories and cultures. Join in with creative activities inspired by these objects before heading into the galleries to see what else you can find. All ages. 14
Families South East • January / February 2022
CUTTY SARK King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, and a 19th century dockworker, who all have special stories to tell. Ages 3+. 8-9 January Family Fun Weekend Enjoy Cutty Sark this January with actors, sea-shanty singers and activities for the whole family to join in with. BRUNEL MUSEUM Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel changed the world with their inventive tunnels, bridges and viaducts, built during the Victorian reign. Housed in their Thames Tunnel Engine House, today the museum celebrates both engineering and performance in its Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft. Open weekends. THE BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD www.britishmuseum.org 17 February - 17 July The World of Stonehenge For the very first time in a major exhibition in the UK, the story and secrets of Stonehenge will be brought into focus, revealing that prehistoric Britain was a place of big ideas, commerce and travel, rather than a shadowy land of mystery. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until April Our Broken Planet: How We Got Here and Ways to Fix It Explore the extraordinary impact
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ docklands Once upon a time, London was the hub of the world’s largest empire, and this museum tells its tales of trade, slavery, life through Victorian times and the wars, through to the present day. Admission free. Until 8 May 2022 London: Port City Unpack more than 200 years of extraordinary experiences and intense activity on a river whose continued importance in the 21st century may come as a surprise to the millions of people who live and work alongside it. The exhibition includes an interactive timeline, dockers’ accounts, artworks, gathered materials and even distinctive port scents. LIBRARY FUN Step out of the cold, meet other parents and carers and enjoy some FREE children’s activities in V22 and borough libraries across Lewisham: www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/ libraries Forest Hill Rhyme Time for under 5s, 10am Tuesdays, Children’s Origami, To advertise please call 07980 556813
PEPPER PIG’S BEST DAY EVER AT BROMLEY CHURCHILL
QUEEN’S HOUSE ICE RINK, GREENWICH
THE STORM WHALE AT LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE
selected Saturdays Crofton Park Baby Bounce songs and rhymes for under 2s, 11am term time Fridays Deptford Lounge Baby Bounce for under 2s, 2.15pm Wednesdays Downham Rhymes and Stories for under 5s, 10am Wednesdays, Baby Bounce 2pm Thursdays, Craft Club for 5-12s, 10.30am Saturdays Lewisham Baby Bounce for under 2s, 11.15am Tuesdays, Toddler Tales 11.15am Fridays, Craft Club for 5-7s, 2pm Saturdays New Cross Baby Bounce for under 3s, 11am Tuesdays and Saturdays, Code Club for 9-11s, 3.45 Thursdays and 11am Saturdays. Children’s Film Club 4pm Wednesdays Sydenham Children’s Writing Club for 5-11s, 4pm Tuesdays, Song and Rhyme for under 5s, 10.30am Tuesdays Torridon Road Singing with Hessie 10am Mondays, Storytime for under 5s, 9.30am Thursdays.
the medium. 30 January No Rules! Family Festival Get creative and explore the gallery’s Radical Beauty exhibition through workshops, storytelling and much more. Last Thursday of every month Mini Masterpieces Take your under 5 on a journey through the gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity.
TATE BRITAIN Millbank SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Until 3 April Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art This landmark exhibition explores the extraordinary breadth of Caribbean-British art over four generations, showcasing 70 years of culture, experiences and ideas expressed through art, from visionary paintings to documentary photography, film, photography, sculpture and fashion.
ART ACTIVITIES DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Until April Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty The first major UK exhibition of woodcuts by the leading Abstract Expressionist, Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011). Shining a light on the artist’s ground-breaking woodcuts it showcases works never shown before in the UK, to reveal Frankenthaler as a creative force and a trailblazer of printmaking, who endlessly pushed the possibilities of
BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND Bethlem Royal Hospital BR3 3BX www.museumofthemind.org.uk Until April Animal Therapy: the Cats of Louis Wain 100 years ago, Louis Wain (1860-1939) was a household name: his anthropomorphic cats instantly recognisable in books and magazines. In his later years, with deteriorating mental health, Wain continued producing his art from Bethlem Royal Hospital. This exhibition combines the museum’s own collection with other items on loan from private collections, ahead of a major biopic starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy. GERALD MOORE GALLERY Mottingham Lane SE9 4RW www.geraldmooregallery.org 13 January - 19 February Tell Us A Story An exhibition celebrating storytelling through visual means, featuring works from emerging and contemporary illustrators and animators. Each work has been selected by students aged 11-16 from Eltham College, for their ability to spark imagination and delve into other worlds. February Half Term See illustrations and quotes from Gerald Moore’s book ‘The Cuckoo Who Flew Backwards’, and join in with storytelling plus children’s art and illustration workshops.
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SOMERSET HOUSE Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk Until 6 March Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules Take a trip into Beanotown, join Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and more, and explore how this brilliant and beloved icon of British comics has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while also discovering the artists who push the boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways. THE ARTIST’S GARDEN Roof of Temple Tube Station WC2R 2PH www.thecolab.art/temple Until 30 April Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground The vast half-acre roof terrace on top of Temple Underground Station offers spectacular views across the River Thames towards the South Bank opposite. Visit to see works including ‘Back in the Air’ by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver. Internationally renowned for her joy-inducing palette, dynamic designs and profound, succinct messages, her intensely coloured, geometric forms provide a haven above the turbulent world below - an oasis of coloured calm.
Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Families South East • January / February 2022
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This January Playball London are giving every child the opportunity to try each of their programmes for 3 weeks absolutely free of charge. And not just the 3 new programmes, All the programmes that Playball London offer. If you have not tried Playball before, all you have to do is create an account on our website www.PlayballLondon.com book your class and come down for the first 3 weeks of term free of charge, before you decide if it’s the right fit for you and your child.