Families London SW April 2017 issue 265 lo-res

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South West April 2017 Your FREE

EASTER Holiday Activities

WHAT’S ON guide to the Easter holidays!

EASTER egg hunts EASTER camps and workshops Great local Baby services Very helpful SEN services FREE ACTIVITIES

26 YEARS

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Contents

Did you

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You can now enter your own listings FOR FREE on Familiesonline.co.uk

Families®SW|Issue 265

4-5

Local news

WEBSITE: www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Top Five activities this month

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EDUCATION How to embrace the outdoors and learn outside of the classroom School Open Days School news Special Education Needs Feature

TEL: 020 8696 9680 EDITORIAL: editor@familiesSW.co.uk NEWS: news@familiesSW.co.uk ADVERTS/ARTWORK: adverts@familiesSW.co.uk EVENTS, DIARY DATES, WHAT’S ON: whatson@familiesSW.co.uk NEXT ISSUE: May 2017

18-19 FREE Activities

DEADLINE: Early April 2017 ISSN 1354-9553 | All content ©Families SW 2017

• ‘Families SW’ London, established in 1990, is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. • Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Wiltshire • Designed by Shirley Trimmer • We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

20-25 EASTER ACTIVITIES LISTINGS PART 2 Arts and craft, sports, music, drama, dance, days out and Easter eggs hunts!

27-35 BABY FEATURE Know about the electromagnetic radiation your baby is exposed to?

What to expect when you become a mum Brilliant local services for pregnant ladies: baby swim lessons, childcare, fashion, ante natal preparation, physio, baby music, osteopathy and more 38-43 What’s On Diary dates Events Babies and toddlers Theatre Art activities Museums & Exhibitions Special Needs

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Contact us on 020 8696 9680 Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

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NEWS FSW WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU As incredible as it sounds, when we started Families 27 years ago, emails and mobile phones didn’t exist. Back then you literally had a take pen and paper to write to us! Nowadays the best way to chat with our readers is probably Facebook. We’d like to hear from you more. We want to know in particular whether you want more free activities or more holiday activities or do you want fashion pages or products from local mumpreneurs, local charities etc.

We’ve created a very short Reader Survey, accessible via Facebook/FamiliesSW. Please share your thoughts on your favourite Families with us!

As a thank you and if you Like us, you could win £100.

NEW APP BRINGS CHILDREN OUTDOORS We all know and love the story of The Gruffalo, and now Forestry Commission England, in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, are giving us a unique chance to bring the Gruffalo to life with 26 ‘Gruffalo Spotters’ trails all across the country.

After downloading the app, you’ll follow a series of clues along an interactive forest trail - tracking down signs of your favourite characters from The Gruffalo. The children will absolutely love it.

Each clue will lead to one of five different markers in the forest – footprint signposts, specific to each one of the characters from the book. Look for little footprints for Mouse, a slithery trail for Snake, fox tracks for Fox, bird footprints for Owl and the unmistakable great big Gruffalo footprint.

FRESHLY MADE BABY AND TODLER FOOD Ever found yourself in need of inspiration to get your little ones’ dinner on the table? Why not try Ratatouïe, a local business which prepares and delivers freshly made organic baby and toddler food (6mths to 3yrs+) directly to your door across SW London. Variety and balance are their motto and their seasonal menu provides vegpacked nutritious meals in the ultimate ecofriendly packaging. No added salt, sugar, preservatives or nasties.100% natural and flavoursome for 100% guilt-free convenience.

What’s not to like? www.ratatouie.co.uk hello@ratatouie.co.uk 020 7101 4161

When you spot the signpost, aim your phone at the marker to bring the characters to life using The Gruffalo Spotter app! Thanks to some exciting technology, the characters will appear to blend in within the forest around you. www.forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo#app

CLEVER FOOD SMART APP This spring Wandsworth is backing a national campaign to reduce the amount of sugar, saturated fat Simply scan the barcode to reveal sugar, salt and fats content and salt being eaten by children. The council's public health team urges local families to download the new Food Smart app, so you can quickly see what's in the food you are eating. The free Be Food Smart app works by scanning the barcode of products, revealing the total sugar, saturated fat and salt inside. It also provides hints and tips for adults plus fun food detectives activities for kids, available from the iTunes store or Google Play. See Change4Life for more information.

FRIENDLY DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Do you have a car and have some spare time? Could you deliver batches of our magazines to schools, nurseries and other local drop points? Email editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk or call the office on 020 8696 9680 about potential vacancies.

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THIS MAMMA DOES Local mum Christina lives in Streatham and has recently established a business making and selling alternative pregnancy and parenting milestone cards called This Mama Does.

Check out the range on her website from new mums to dads. Each pack contains 20 A6 cards printed in the UK on 300gsm silk with humorous captions. They make lovely gifts for baby showers, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and for parents to buy for themselves. www.thismamadoes.co.uk/shop

April 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS SAVE CHESTNUT AVENUE Collecting conkers along Tooting Common’s historic Chestnut Avenue has been a family favourite for generations, but Wandsworth Council now plans to cut down the shady 150-year-old tree avenue in order to replant new young trees.

The controversial plan has angered local residents, more than 4,700 of whom have signed a petition against felling the more than 70 trees. They say £46,000 provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for the tree replacement – part of a broader upgrade of Tooting Common – should instead be used to plant a new avenue of trees along a planned bike path on the Common.

Laurie Goering, a Furzedown resident: “To cut mature trees unnecessarily makes no sense, particularly when tree experts say they present no safety threat if maintained properly,” she said.

“And with pollution becoming worse in London, protecting old trees that absorb pollution and keep our air clean should be a priority.”

Many horse chestnuts across London – including those on Chestnut Avenue – suffer from bleeding canker, a tree disease. But Jeremy Barrell, a leading UK tree expert, says the mature chestnuts on Chestnut Avenue are successfully recovering from the blight and could live for decades longer.

Savechestnutavenue@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SaveChestnutAvenue/ www.38degrees.org.uk

CINEMA FOR MINIS With red-carpet season in full swing, you and your little VIPS can enjoy exciting new family cinema experiences with Cine Mini. Turning the idea of a traditional trip to the cinema on its head, their motto ‘play with movies’ brings award-winning films to life in relaxed movie settings with surprise experiences, live fun, special guests and sensory adventures to keep kids entertained throughout the movie screening. Venues include buggy friendly locations walking distance from Clapham North Tube. For details of the next screening visit www.cineminifilmclub.com

THERE IS NO NEED TO BE LONELY! Motherhood can be a lonely business when your days are spent looking after a newborn, and socialising might not be high on your agenda, despite peer support being vital for your well-being. Momzie is a new, free, women only app that helps connect mums and mums-to-be locally. Log in with Facebook, swipe right if you'd like to get to know the other person, if they swipe right too it’s a match and a private chat opens up. Arrange a date and have fun! Momzie is available to download on GooglePlay and AppStore.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

SHARE YOUR SKILLS WITH LOCAL CHARITIES Link UP brings together individuals who are willing to share their professional skills with local charities, community groups and social enterprises which need these skills to make a real difference in the Wandsworth community. All of the volunteers are professionals and whilst some are in work others are retired, semi-retired or not currently working.

The projects the charitable organisations need help with are structured, have clear start and end dates, are flexible to fit in with busy lives and are designed to make a difference. Link UP ensures that projects are a good fit for both the organisations and the volunteers.

To date, Link UP has had over 20 volunteer placements within 13 organisations on projects including among others IT, financial support, marketing, human resources, research, funding support, and web design.

If you are interested in volunteering, or you are a charitable organisation in Wandsworth with a project that needs a skilled volunteer, please contact us at info@linkup-battersea.org www.linkup-battersea.org

NEW WOMEN ONLY RUNNING COURSES If you want to get fitter, lose weight or achieve a 5k, why not sign up for a new women-only running course on Wimbledon Common?

The classes are small, friendly and for all ages and abilities, running during term-time so ideal for mums or homeworkers. There are beginner and improver running courses, social runs and local races. info@commonrunners.co.uk, www.commonrunners.co.uk

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FAMILIES TOP FIVE

FAMILIES TOP FIVE...

It’s the Easter hols, we’ve chosen the best 5 ways to spend the loooooong Easter break.

WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO RUGBY Twickenham Stadium, Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA www.bathrugby.com/theclash 8 April Watch the mighty Bath Rugby take on the fearsome Leicester Tigers. As one of the biggest domestic sporting events of the year, The Clash will see an incredible line-up of live entertainment and interactive activities, with a pre-match show featuring fire-breathing beasts and ferocious performers. It’s sure to be an entertaining clash both on and off the pitch!

From £5

EASTER ON THE FARM! Bocketts Farm Fetcham. South of Leatherhead, 5 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25.

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 1st – 18th April 2017 There’s eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Farm this spring with plenty to see and do. The lambing season will be in full swing, with over 400 new born lambs due in the Big Animal Barn and lambing marquee. Daily ‘Meet the Shepherd’ sessions will be running, and you may even get to see a lamb being born.

Plus, there will be plenty of other animals to meet including llamas, goats, cows and a litter of piglets!

What’s more, daily animal handling sessions will give children a chance to get close to the cute chicks and cuddly rabbits. Don’t forget to complete the Easter trail too, with a yummy chocolate treat for each child. The huge warm indoor play barns with giant astro-slide and trampolines, along with the young driver’s tractor area and Small Animal Village means there is plenty to do indoors, whatever the weather. Outdoors, children can enjoy sandpits, slides, pedal go-karts, play trails, jumping pillows and the Treehouse Towers adventure play. With a full farm programme of events including pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking, pig racing and more, you can be sure of a great day out for the whole family.

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Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout April Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainer-led experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives. Truly fascinating! £8/£6

WATCH SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 6 April – 14 May The enchanting world of Sarah & Duck is brought to life in a brand new stage production, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award winning CBeebies show. Join Sarah & Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John, and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.

Age 3-6, £15/£10. Don’t miss out!

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout April.

Escape into the tropical butterfly house in the Museum grounds and get up close to these incredible creatures, usually found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. This exhibition gets better every year.

From £5.85

April 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

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LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play We are an Ofsted rated 'Good' day care nursery school.

We lay the foundation of learning where your child's interests form the base to develop their full potential. Our nursery is very homely and friendly, and staff are fully qualified with many years' experience in Early Years.

Open all year round 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays and four weeks in a year.

15 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.uk www.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL

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Our skilled staff prepare children aged 2­5 years for their next school and start them on a journey of life­long learning.

Incorporating art, cooking, music, sport, languages, drama, yoga and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in action. www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 3633 4185

© The Kindergartens

EDUCATION

How to embrace the outdoors and learn outside of the classroom when you live in the city

By Carol Evelegh

There have been lots of surveys conducted showing the benefits of being outside and embracing nature. The main findings show that free and unstructured play in the outdoors boosts problem-solving skills, focus and self-discipline.

Socially, it improves cooperation, flexibility and self-awareness. There are also emotional benefits including reduced aggression and increased happiness. Ultimately, it has been shown that children are better able to get along with others, and are healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play in the out-of-doors.

At The Kindergartens we have an excellent understanding of what parents and families in London are looking for, especially in a city which has constraints on outdoor space. London schools and nurseries do not have the space and green fields which children in country have access to, that is one of the reasons we have added Forest Schooling across the group. It is so important for city children to have access to open space, to take away the constraints of the city they live in and give them a countryside experience of learning.

3. Build a den or treehouse with them in the school holidays.

They will love this! Let them guide you on what they want it to be.

Here are some tips on how to embrace the outdoors:

5. Fly kites! Not only does this bring them outside but it gets them active too. You can even make your own kites and enjoy the joy and satisfaction of seeing how proud of their creations they will be. The Kite Society of Great Britain shows you meet ups and special events.

1. Go exploring – turn over stones, logs, look for the creepy crawlies, set up treasure hunts in your local parks. There are endless events organised within them which are geared for children from bat walks to pond dipping.

2. ‘Green Exercise’ – be active on your way to and from school, don’t be afraid to let your children climb trees, logs etc. Nature is a tool, it not only allows children to experience the wider world but also themselves.

Yes they need supervision but let them build confidence in themselves by being able to climb that tree or walk across the log without falling off.

Falling is a good lesson in risk and reward.

4. Make a mud kitchen – a mud kitchen is exactly what is says on the tin! Mud in a kitchen but it is such a simple and fun thing for children to do. Not only is this fun but it is also a great skill builder for children through role play they use their imaginations, think independently, build confidence.

6. Use the amazing London Parks and National Parks on offer – visit their websites and see what is on - they all have lists of kid friendly activities, special events, often linked to nature which are great for children.

7. Children learn by example – if you go for runs, walks, outside exercise they will follow suit. Make a family experience about it.

Most of all have fun!!

Carol Evelegh is one of the UK’s leading voices on children’s education and owner of The Kindergartens, a flourishing group of outstanding London nursery schools. She has over 38 years’ experience teaching children aged 2 to 13 in both the state and independent sectors. www.thekindergartens.com

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS Call to book your place now Compiled by Joanna Parry

SW1

SW10

SW16

HILL HOUSE SCHOOL

REDCLIFFE SCHOOL

4-13 Co-Ed Tours every weekday morning in term time, 8.30am booking required 020 7584 1331 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk

3-11 Girls 3-8 Boys Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time 9.30am booking required 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com

STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL 11-18 Girls contact school for future open days 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

SW11

SW17

ST BARNABAS CE PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings every Thursday in late April and May 9.30-11.30am. Call to book an appointment 020 7641 4232 www.stbarnabasprimary.org.uk

SW2 STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM PREP SCHOOL 3-11 Girls Open Morning 2/5 9-10.45am 020 8674 6912 www.schs.gdst.net

SW6 FULHAM PREP SCHOOL 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Morning 23/3 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am call to book a place and time slot 7371 9911, Prep School tours by appointment only 020 7386 2444 www.fulhamprep.co.uk

PARSONS GREEN PREP 4-11 Co-Ed Midweek tours on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only. They are also already taking bookings for their Open Day on 7/10 at 9.30am 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

LANGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Tours every week, book in advance 020 7736 4045 www.langfordprimary.org.uk

SW7

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

FINTON HOUSE SCHOOL

4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings Thursdays 9.1510.30am by appointment 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk

4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 6/5 10am-12pm 020 8682 5757 www.fintonhouse.org.uk

THE DOMINIE 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment Please contact the school to find out more about their specialist teaching for dyslexic children 020 7720 8783 www.thedominie.co.uk

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 11-16 Co-Ed Open Morning 25/4 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

SW12 WHITE HOUSE PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 6/5 9.30-11.30am, plus tours on Tuesday mornings at 9.15am book in advance 020 8674 9514 www.whitehouseschool.com

LONDON STEINER SCHOOL 4-11 Co-Ed Weekly school tours by appointment every Wednesday at 9am 020 8772 3504 www.waldorflondon.co.uk

HORNSBY HOUSE 4-11 Co-Ed 8/6 9am 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.co.uk

THE HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL

RUTHERFORD HOUSE SCHOOL

3-13 Co-Ed Tours of main school on Wednesdays at 9am and of Early Years School on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30pm 020 7352 7077 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

4-11 Co-ed Open Events: 15/06, 22/6, 29/6, 6/7 and 13/7 020 8672 5901 www.rutherfordhouseschool.co.uk

ST NICHOLAS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2-10 Co-Ed Open morning 27/4 9.30am, plus Open House every Wednesday and Thursday during term time 9.30-10.30am book in advance 020 7225 1277 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk

HYDE PARK SCHOOL QUEEN’S GATE 2-11 Co-Ed Open morning 7/6 11am 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk

QUEEN’S GATE SCHOOL 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Mornings 9/5 and 27/6 9.30-11am 020 7594 4982 www.queensgate.org.uk

SW13 THE HARRODIAN SCHOOL 4-18 Co-Ed Regular tours during term time 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

SW14 TOWER HOUSE PREP 4-13 Boys Open Morning 12/5 9.15am 020 8876 3323 www.thsboys.org.uk

SW15

SW18 THE ROCHE SCHOOL 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 12/5 and 21/6 9.30-11am, or at other times by appointment 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk

SW19 KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL 7-18 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed 11+ Open Evening 12/6 6pm, 16+ Open Evening 14/6 6pm, Junior School Open Morning 23/6 9.30am-12pm 020 8255 5437 www.kcs.org.uk

THE STUDY PREP SCHOOL 4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesdays 9.20-10.30am 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

WILLINGTON INDEPENDENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 4-13 Boys Tours of the school by appointment 020 8944 7020 www.willingtonschool.co.uk

WIMBLEDON COMMON PREP (also known as Squirrels) 4-7 Boys Open Morning 10/5 9.15am, go to website to make a booking. Plus tours of the school by appointment 020 8946 1001 www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk

OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN RC 4-11 Co-Ed Prospective Parent Tours 27/4 2pm 020 8788 7420 www.ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW20 THE NORWEGIAN SCHOOL Co-Ed 3-16 Tours of the school can be booked at any time 020 8947 6617 www.norwegianschool.org.uk

IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL

W6 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 4/5 and 13/6 9.15am 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

NEWTON PREP

3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School 3/5 and 21/6 9.30am, The Senior School 10/5 5-7pm booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

4-11 Co-Ed Friday tours by appointment 910.30am. They are also taking bookings for their main Open Day 7/10 9.30am-12.30pm 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

FALCONS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

W14

4-11 Girls contact school directly for future open days 020 8992 5189 www.falconsgirls.co.uk

4-11 Co-Ed Contact school for future open days 020 8741 1400 www.parayhouse.com

SW8

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL

PARAYHOUSE SCHOOL

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EDUCATION NEWS

THE TUTORING MARKET IN THE UK IS BURGEONING NOW YOUR CHILD CAN LEARN MANDARIN FROM AGE 3!

UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important nonEuropean language for their children to learn. More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey commissioned by the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) felt that the language would open their children’s minds to an “exciting and dynamic” culture. 51% also thought that learning Mandarin Chinese would boost their children’s future career prospects.

Mark Herbert, of the British Council, which is backing the MEP along with the UCL Institute Of Education, said: “Mandarin Chinese is one of the languages that matter most to the UK’s future prosperity. If the UK is to remain competitive on the world stage, we need far more of our young people leaving school with a good grasp of Mandarin in order to successfully work abroad or for businesses here in the UK.” he added.

Figures published at the end of last year suggest that one in four children have sought private tuition and supplementary education to support them at school.

The benefit of reinforcing lessons at school with an outside provider is that it allows parents to ensure their child is keeping up with their peers, and/or is being stretched to surpass levels in the classroom.

For the first time this year, Year 11 pupils are required to resit English and maths GCSEs if they did not score a C grade, and with just 35.9% of school leavers achieving a C or above, the overall pass rate has dropped.

Kumon Educational offers maths and English programmes for children of all ages and abilities. The ultimate aim is to encourage students to take learning into their own hands and develop a firm foundation in these key subjects to ensure success at school and beyond.

Visit www.Kumon.co.uk or call 0800 854 714 to find out more.

Kensington Wade is a new Prep school opening this September with Nursery (3+), Reception Class and Year 1. Amazingly they will offer an immersive English and Chinese education from age 3 to 11. No previous knowledge of Chinese is necessary. The nursery and reception class pupils will divide their time between the English and Chinese classrooms children will then be taught in both English and Chinese in an alternating fashion to ensure mastery in both languages. Warwick Road W14 8PU www.kensingtonwade.com

CHILDREN WHO KEEP A DIARY ARE MORE SUCCESSFUL As new research reveals that children who write a diary do better at school than their peers, award winning children’s author Jacqueline Wilson (a diary keeper herself) has joined the National Literacy Trust’s campaign to give children the gift of a diary.

The Trust’s report found that diary writing has a positive impact on children’s attainment, as well as boosting their motivation to write, and showed that pupils who keep a diary are almost twice as likely to write above the expected level for their age compared with children who do not say they keep a diary.

What’s more, writing a diary allows children to choose what they want to write about, and surely if you can choose the subject writing is more fun!

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

ANOTHER NEW SENIOR SCHOOL Local favourite Fulham Prep is set to open a new co-ed senior school in West London this September. The new school expects to accommodate between 15 and 40 Year 9 pupils within the existing Fulham Prep School site in Hammersmith in its first year, with older pupils eventually housed at new premises in West London (a secret location, yet to be announced!) The current Head of the Pre-Prep and Prep, Neil Brooks, will be Headmaster of all three schools under the umbrella of Inspired, a leading international group of schools across Europe and Australia. It is great news to have a new forward-looking secondary school option for the over-subscribed London market, and no stressful 11+ exams for those already at the Prep School!

Fulham Prep School, 200 Greyhound Road W14 9SD. 020 7386 2444, www.fulhamprep.co.uk

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I do not fear stormy seas, for I have learned to sail my boat.

Experiential learning for exceptional children.

The Parish Hall, Waynflete Street London SW18 3QG

02089468330 Information@chelseachildren.com www.chelseachildren.com 14

EDUCATION

I DO NOT FEAR STORMY SEAS, FOR I HAVE LEARNED TO SAIL MY BOAT Parents understandably are often reluctant to ‘label’ their child with what they may see as a disability. Sometimes they can see their child is struggling but don’t mention it at the school. They may try to teach their child at home or go to a tutor. The truth is that the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school really is your best friend here. They will help you to get your child the diagnosis they need to get more help. And at the end of the day, when the education system places so much emphasis on passing exams and gaining points, any help you can get is to be welcomed.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. Stretched schools with pupils from diverse backgrounds have a lot of pulls on their time and resources and it may be hard getting to the point where you can have your child assessed and a ‘statement of special educational needs’ applied. It’s important that you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how your child could be helped and to keep asking questions – what help is there, when can it be given, is there anything else we can do at home to help, and so on. Sometimes some extra tuition is all that is required but if your child is tested and is given a statement, this translates to extra help in classes – and most importantly, extra time in exams, sometimes as much as 50% extra. If this is not going to be enough help, consider using a special school, where your child will be given the best chance to succeed, like The Chelsea Group of Children.

THE CHELSEA GROUP OF CHILDREN In the summer of 1997, The Chelsea Group of Children was established in a converted garage in Chelsea. Starting with just three children, by the end of the first year the school had ten boys and girls being taught in two rooms by an inspirational American teacher who created experiential and therapeutic learning for the whole child. This was a groundbreaking alternative for children who were without the label of any diagnosis, but who did not fit comfortably or happily into mainstream schools and needed a different presentation of a more dynamic course of study.

From little things big things grow The school was small, eccentric, and free to build a child-centred programme of comprehensive and adaptive teaching. This was the core; the seed from which the tiny school grew to become highly specialized; expanding to 48 children and 34 teaching and therapy staff.

After twenty years (and no longer in Chelsea) and a honing of purpose in educating children with complex needs, the environment remains unique.

The décor is more like a home than a school. Avoiding an institutional feel, the founders created a soft space of wood and textiles, with works of art to surprise and reassure new students.

This is different Most of the children at The Chelsea Group come having had unsuccessful mainstream experiences, failing academically or socially, even as young as four years of age. Some children have withdrawn while others have developed highly effective strategies of avoidance, but in almost every case, school has not been a happy place.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

On entering The Chelsea Group of Children, the child immediately understands ‘this is different’ and perhaps he or she can dare to hope for a fresh start. The surroundings, the way in which teachers and therapists speak to children, the freshly prepared organic food, all signal a departure from the student’s expectations of school.

Nurturing atmosphere During the first ten weeks after enrolment, individual plans and therapy provision maps are developed for each student by the teaching and therapy teams and are used as a guide to implement and monitor the programme. Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy inform every aspect of the student’s curriculum. Each student receives therapy everyday.

The nurturing atmosphere enables children to access learning with less fear and to develop strategies to cope with their own learning difficulties and sensory challenges. This is the product of a culture which has evolved through the dedicated work of a team of highly trained individuals guided by the best programmes available from around the world over the last twenty years.

Dedication The Chelsea Group of Teachers and Therapists are committed individuals for whom teaching is not merely a job, but a vocation. It is a mark of their dedication and commitment that, if asked to imagine another profession, most would find it difficult to find such meaning in any other career.

Waynflete St, London SW18 3QG 020 8946 8330 www.chelseachildren.com

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THE McLEOD CENTRE FOR LEARNING Children who struggle with reading and writing often compare their own achievements with those of their peers. As a result, they can feel less intelligent, isolated and have low self esteem. The McLeod Centre for Learning offers a nurturing environment in which children can address their learning needs and find their way in the academic world again; or even for the first time.

All children are first assessed by specialist teachers so that an individual programme can be designed. Children enrolled in the Morning School receive English (dyslexia), maths (dyscalculia) and remedial touchtyping/handwriting (dyspraxia) lessons. Groups are no larger than three pupils and many lessons are one-on-one. Children usually attend one to five mornings a week, for usually one to three terms, all depending on their individual needs.

The McLeod Centre for Learning runs after-school sessions for 5-18 years. A wide-range of subjects to ‘A’ level is offered as well as tutoring for 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, and 13+ entry exams. Their teachers, experienced

COMMUNICATING CLEARLY A developmental language disorder is an ongoing difficulty, which needs continued support. Individual children can present with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs. Yet specialist support can make a real difference to those who are struggling.

Take the case study of Rachel, aged 7, who had a developmental language disorder. She was bright but struggling to understand complex language used in class. She had lots of ideas, yet found it hard to organise her thoughts and to express herself clearly. She also struggled with the concepts of time. These difficulties were affecting her self-esteem and confidence as a communicator and she was finding it increasingly difficult to keep up at school.

When speech and language specialist, Monique Tobin, first saw Rachel in her clinic, one of the several approaches she employed was to introduce

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in selection processes, provide interview practice for independent preparatory and senior schools. Specialist support for dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, along with remedial handwriting and touch-typing, is also available. ...children conquer their learning needs within a nurturing environment The McLeod Centre for Learning’s touch-typing classes are held afterschool and at weekends during term time. Intensive courses are run during the holidays so that many children who have already learned touch-typing on a holiday course, can choose to continue to work on spelling whilst building typing speeds during term time.

Amanda McLeod is the author and series editor of the Scholastic Handwriting series (Reception to Year 6). She is a committee member, trainer and media representative of the National Handwriting Association.

74 Lupus Street, London SW1V 3EL 020 7630 6970 www.amandamcleod.org

a calendar so Rachel could understand time concepts visually. This enabled Rachel to talk about special events in the past and plan future events. Extra visual support was also used to help Rachel organise her thoughts, by explaining what happened first, next and last during events.

This provided Rachel with the skills she needed to understand and answer important ‘when?’ questions.

Monique also saw Rachel for therapy in school, working closely with teaching staff to support and meet Rachel’s communication needs together.

As a result, Rachel has gained confidence and is able to share things that help her to understand what is said in class. This includes people using short sentences, showing what they are talking about and giving her extra time before expecting her to answer questions.

Monique concludes: ‘Rachel has made good progress with speech and language therapy, with support from home and school. She is showing her potential to learn and people have a clear understanding of what her communication needs are.’

Monique Tobin, Independent Speech and Language Therapist 07566 219 288 www.moniquespeechtherapy.com

April 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS FEATURE

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

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

This could be: DYSLEXIA, DISCALCULA, ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE, CONCENTRATION LEVELS (SUCH AS ADHD), ABILITY TO SOCIALISE (INCLUDING AUTISM SPECTRUM), SPEECH OR HEARING PROBLEMS, OR A RANGE OF OTHER PROBLEMS OR DISABILITIES. We've come across

Bal-A-Vis-X, a very interesting programme teaching rhythm: a skill not nurtured enough in schools but which affects how well and fast children absorb information and get their brains into flow.

We all know that rhythm can have a powerful effect but did you know it can be instrumental in helping children to learn? Teaching rhythm is a vital skill, which affects how well and fast children absorb information and get their brains into flow.

Usha Patel, a practitioner of a movement-based training programme for schools called “Balance/Auditory/Vision/Exercise” or Bal-A-Vis-X explains: ‘I first experienced the effect of rhythm in a sports hall many years ago, where over fifty teachers and therapists were making a rhythmic sound in unison using small bouncy balls. The feeling of being in harmony and connecting with so many others was a powerful experience.’

often do not want to put the balls down when its time to stop. The rhythmic skill learnt in Bal-A-Vis-X is transferred to improve football, swimming, writing, bike riding, dancing, playing the piano as well as helping with eye tracking, listening and improving attention. And with over 300 exercises to teach there is a challenge for all levels of ability from age four to adults.

Upcoming training The next training is in London (W1) 2nd, 3rd and 4th June 2017. The training is suited to teachers, TAs, healthcare professionals and parents of children with SEN. 07766 837 616 www.integratedbrain.co.uk Book online.

Born with natural rhythm To understand rhythm and its importance to children and their development, we have to start with the unborn baby. Natural rhythm begins in the womb when the baby is listening and feeling the rhythmic patterns of the mother's heartbeat, breathing and movement patterns.

These rhythmic patterns provide the much-needed motor-sensory patterning required later for nursing, crawling, walking, skipping and jumping. The imprint of patterning at this early stage in development is also linked to language acquisition and writing. Without this implicit skill of rhythm, motor planning and coordination is poor.

Easily teachable successfully transferable Used by teachers, TA’s, occupational therapists and parents with SEN children, the techniques used in Bal-A-Vis-X are easy to teach and and use inexpensive materials such as bouncy balls or sand-filled bags. Crucially, you don't need to be sporty to use the programme: so instead of throwing a ball, children begin by passing hand-sized sandbags, or roll a large ball instead of bouncing it. The movement and rhythmic patterns helps embed information which would otherwise remain random.

Helping learners to succeed Seeing children grasp concepts of sequencing is very satisfying, reports Usha, especially when exercises are perceived as fun and the children

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

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FREE ACTIVITIES

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Feeling skint? There’s lots to do in London for free!

Compiled by Joanna Parry skipping rope in this free family workshop. Age 5+, sessions 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

See more FREE activities in our What's on pages

SPRINGTIME AT THE PALACE

16th April Fun day at Merton Abbey Mills (one of our favourite places)

EASTER EGG HUNT Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 3 - 13 April Chicks' Great EGGscape Join the hunt to find the hidden chicks and golden egg by following the trail around the Museum and then decorate an Easter animal mask or finger puppet to take home. There’s a chocolate egg for every child.

BATTERSEA ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Battersea Park SW11 4NJ With climbing structures, slides and high climbing nets for ages 5+-16, the refurbished playground is well worth a visit. Next to it is a separate junior and toddlers playground for ages 1-7. Although not free you can also visit the zoo, hire a bike and why not try Go ape—10% discount if you quote FAMBA7, valid until the end of the year.

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Final Saturday of the month Family Saturdays Fun, free activities for ages 0-11, including face painting, music, toy and clothes swaps, plus older children and young people can get involved in their Homegrown programme.

Includes The Bee’s Knees, a magical indoor play space for ages 0-5.

10am-1.30pm, free, (The Bee’s Knees is £3 per child).

BOROUGH MARKET 8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL

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www.boroughmarket.org.uk A great day out for all the family, Borough Market is stacked with organic produce, baked treats and delicious street food in over 100 stalls. Open Monday-Saturday, but the best time to go is Saturday morning.

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 16 April Celebrate all things springtime at this Easter Sunday activity day, with whimsical storytelling, an Easter trail, Georgian chocolate making workshops and a whole host of fun art and craft activities. Free, no booking necessary, 11am-3pm.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Every Saturday in April Geffrye Explorers Fun children’s activities including Quiz Desk, Feely Box and Backpacks. 12.30-4.30pm.

BROMPTON LIBRARY Brompton Road SW5 0BS First Saturday of every month Saturday Storyland 10-10.40am, plus story and craft 10.30-11.30am.

Check your local library, many run free events.

THE CREATIVITY ROOM St Barnabus Church, Clapham Common North Side SW4 9SW www.thecreativityroom.co.uk Various dates in April Arts and Crafts Club An exciting programme of arts and crafts for all ages up to 12. A small fee applies, but free trial sessions available. Email manager@thecreativityroom.co.uk or call 07852 336405.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Well worth a visit even if you miss these free events. Museum entrance is free to children but £8.25 for adults. (£4.25 for National Trust members) 4 April Play Photography Build an imaginative play area out of recycled household materials in this artist-led family workshop inspired by Child’s Play. Age 5+, sessions 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

7 April Knots and Ropes Learn how to tie knots and make your own

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Explore the fascinating galleries packed full of taxidermy, skeletons and fossils, enjoy the acclaimed aquarium, animal walk, gardens, hands on base, nature trail, there’s even a farmer’s market. Free entrance to the museum.

4-7 April Easter Holidays: Spring is in the Air Decorate plant pots, make scented herb bags and create garden animals from clay. Age 11 and under, 10.30am-12.30pm and 24pm.

12 April Big Wednesdays: Spring A day of family activities including art, performance and storytelling inspired by the start of spring.

11am-3.30pm. Drop in.

14 and 17 April A World of Stories - Good Friday and Easter Monday Their popular storytellers bring the collections alive with stories from around the world. 11am, 12.15pm, 2pm and 3.15pm, drop in.

15-16 April Horniman Easter Fair Find goodies in their special arts and crafts market, go on an Easter Egg trail, or venture through the rabbit hole.

MERTON ABBEY MILLS Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk 16 April Easter Thrills at the Mills A day of fun and exciting things for kids to participate in, including art, craft, pottery, cake making, music, drama and dancing. There’s also soft play, bouncy castle, face paining and a chance to meet the characters from the Colour House Children’s Theatre. 11am-5pm.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Nine free galleries to explore, check website to hear about their Sundays in April with fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm, their Saturdays in April, to hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects and their Wednesdays in April with creative sessions for toddlers and much more.

1-17 April Great Fire Archaeology Find out about the Great Fire from the artefacts that survived, during this programme of free family events.

Write a message to the archaeologists of the future or become an archaeologist yourself and piece together your own puzzle. All ages.

11-12 April Family Festival - Families Find Out Investigate the Great Fire of London like never before with students from Imperial College London and get ready to be inspired by science and technology in this extravaganza of activities in the galleries. All ages.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in April Magic Carpet Storytelling Fly away on a magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each week, and join Paul Rubinstein for a musical magic carpet storytelling. Age 2+, 10.30– 11am and 11.30am-12pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk/lates 26 May

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Lates Visit the Museum after dark and experience a unique Friday night in London. Enjoy expert-led talks, workshops and special events. 6-10pm. Book now, April is already full.

THE RAGGED SCHOOL MUSEUM 46-50 Copperfield Road E3 4RR www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk First Sunday of every month Learn a Victorian Lesson Find out what life was like 150 years ago at Dr Barnardo’s ‘ragged school’.

Dress up and experience a Victorian classroom for yourself. All ages, free.

SKY GARDEN 1 Sky Garden Walk EC3M 8AF www.skygarden.london Zip up 35 floors of the Walkie Talkie and you'll be transported to a public garden with some truly spectacular views. Sky Garden boasts three storeys of landscaped gardens with South African and Medterranean plants, observation decks, an open-air terrace, two restaurants and an uninterrupted panorama of the city's skyline.

Entry is free, but visitors must book their 90-minute time slot at least three days in advance.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk 7 April – 7 May Game Changers: Another Way to Play A free exhibition exploring evolutions in game design, showing how designers and artists continue to reinvent familiar game mechanics in new and imaginative ways. The show will examine how traditional forms of chess, billiards and mazes continue to influence and inspire today’s game designers.

FREE ACTIVITIES

SURE START ROEHAMPTON Roehampton Centre, 166 Roehampton Lane SW15 4HR www.eastwood.wandsworth.sch.uk Tuesdays and Fridays in April Toy Library for Babies and Toddlers Weekly sessions where children aged 0-5 years can play with educational toys to help their learning and listen to stories. No need to book. Check your local Sure Start centre.

TENNIS CLASSES Holland Park and Kensington Memorial Park Wednesdays and Thursdays in April Improve your shots and get a workout. To find out more email Ebony Beckford ebony.beckford@rbkc.gov.uk or call 020 7938 8179. Times vary, first session free, subsequent sessions cost only £2.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk 23 April St George’s Day Discover the delights of English folk music and dance traditions with rousing song, dance and instrumental performances by the Trad Academy and Sea Shanty choir. With art and craft activities. 11.30am-4.30pm.

BOLINGBROKE STAY AND PLAY Bolingbroke Early Years Centre, Chivalry Road, Wandsworth Common SW11 1HT 8 April Stay and Play Up to 7 years old, 9.30-11.30am, drop in, donate up to £3.

Somerset House Now Play This

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

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PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SAY WHERE YOU SAW THEM—IN “FAMILIES”

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed.

Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

FUN DAYS OUT GIANT EASTER DUCK HUNT The London Wetland Centre, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 1-17 April Some of the Wetland Centre’s ducklings have gone missing, can you help them find them? They have disguised themselves as the ducks that live at the Centre, so follow the Easter duck trail around the reserve to discover where they are hiding. £1 per trail including a prize, plus admission to the Centre. Always lots of fun!

BRIXTON WINDMILL 22 Blenheim Gardens SW2 5BZ Brixton Windmill has reopened for the season, kicking off with an Easter egg hunt on Sunday 16 April. Easter events include two bat walks, a Beer and Bread Festival and a Harvest Festival.

Most events are ideal for the whole family.

EDDIE CATZ PUTNEY, WIMBLEDON AND EARLSFIELD First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com Throughout the Easter Holidays Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – there will be plenty of Easter Camps to choose from including Make a Bear, Playball, Street Dance, Art and much more! See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

Prices usually include lunch and a free play at the venue, plus Eddie Catz appears in all venues twice a day to meet and greet the children.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 4-7 April Easter Holiday Activities Decorate plant pots, make scented herb bags, create garden animals from clay and that’s just to start with. Workshops for ages 5-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm daily, workshop places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

EASTER HOLIDAY LISTINGS PART 2

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk 3-14 April except Wednesdays and Weekends Family Art Fun: Easter Holidays Join in the free and fabulous Horniman craft activities this Easter holidays. Create something inspired by their new temporary display Celebrating Ganesha, the spring season or even their Gardens. Sessions run every 45 minutes, 11am-2.45pm, drop in, FREE.

SEW ME PRETTY Wimbledon Park Road SW19 6PE 07714 252660, me@sewpretty.me.uk www.sewpretty.me.uk 3-13 April Kids’ Sewing Workshop Feeling creative? Want to become a fashion designer? Why not try something different at these creative sewing workshops. 10am1pm or 1.45-4.45pm, £28 including materials. Full day sessions 10am4.45pm, £56, age 7-12.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand WC2R 1LA 020 7845 4638 www.somersethouse.org.uk 5 April Wild Life Drawing: Exotic Mammals and their Habitats Meet and draw a variety of exotic mammals, including skunks, Sugar Gliders, Pygmy Hedgehogs and a Ground Squirrel named Pringle. A great way to get creative this Easter holidays. 11am and 2pm.

PLAY WITH PAINT Workshops in Wimbledon for 6-11 year olds with Katherine Smith, Oxford Graduate. The workshops are a space in which students can experiment and be playful with art and in this way develop intuition as artists. Formal emphasis will be on colour and composition.

Fridays 7th April and 12th May, 4.30pm-5.30pm at Holy Trinity Church. £20 per child, payment in advance to reserve place. www.paintwritenow.co.uk @paintwritenow 07779 100 659

SCIENCE LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE Imperial College, Coopers Arms Chelsea, Kensington United and Hollywood Arms, SW10 www.littlehouseofscience.com 11-13 April - Aeronautics and Forces, 18-20 April - Ladybugs and Echosystem Little House of Science fosters children’s curiosity and re-enforces STEM related subjects in a fun, project-based way. All workshops are 2 hours long, £45, age 4-9.

HAM HOUSE MESSY EASTER St Luke's Church, Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9HF www.stlukeschurch.co.uk 1st April Messy Easter Saturday A fun way for families to explore Easter together with crafts, activities, songs and food! Suggested donation £2 per child.

And join the Easter Sunday Family Service for all ages 16th April at 11am, from 3-5pm.

Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden 1-13 April Easter Holiday Fun Come and play during the Easter break with all sorts of art activities, storytelling, a spring trail and an amazing range of 50 Things To Do activities. 10am–5pm every day, find out more about activities as well as times and dates on the website.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

There is so much going on at Eddie Catz this Easter

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EASTER HOLIDAY LISTINGS PART 2

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Exhibition Road SW7 2AX www.richereducation.co.uk 10-13 April Easter Break Science Camp A 4-day themed camp where children will participate in a variety of demonstrations, group activities and practical experiments and will learn about exciting and enriching topics. Age 5-11, £225, book on 020 3059 7907 or online.

MUSIC AND DRAMA FUNKY MONKEY WITH CHILLDERNESS The Curved House, Trouville Road, Clapham, London 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info or 07951 957067, bookings@chillderness.co.uk www.funkymonkey.info www.chillderness.co.uk/duet 13 April Piano Duet Music Workshop This unique workshop focuses on the art of piano duets, bringing children and adults together. You and your chosen partner in crime will learn an uplifting song together, guided by energetic and inspiring people. You don’t need any

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

experience of playing a musical instrument, although seasoned musicians should find much to discover in this fun, engaging afternoon. 2-6pm, £75, book via www.childerness.co.uk/duet or call Anjana on 07951 957067.

ALLSORTS DRAMA 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Several venues, see website for details and booking.

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular Easter drama workshops for ages 4-6 & 7-11yrs. The children will have fun with games, prop making and working towards a show that they will perform to family and friends on the last day.

Term time classes for ages 4–16 in SW1, W11 and NW3. Free trial class for the summer term.

FUNKY MOVES DANCE 07810 431101, info@funkymoves.com www.funkymoves.com 3-6 April

Playball is always such fun!

Easter Holiday Course 9.30am12.30pm, age 4-12 at The Bedford, Balham SW12 9HD, £105 + VAT for one child, sibling discount available.

10-13 April Easter Holiday Course 9.30am12.30pm, age 4-12 at Eddie Catz Wimbledon, Station Road SW19 2LP, £105 + VAT for one child, sibling discount available.

3-4 April Easter Classical Ballet Repertoire Workshop Children will learn ballet choreography from The Classical Ballet Sleeping Beauty, £36 per day or £70 for 2 days, 9.30am-12.30pm at West Wimbledon Society, Avenue Hall, Avenue Road, SW20 0QR. Children must have at least Grade 3 ballet experience.

POLKA THEATRE

LANGUAGES

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 5-7 April Easter Holiday Workshops A range of exciting holiday workshops, including Easter Egg Adventures for ages 3-4 and ages 4-5. Plus, Choreography Masterclass on 6 April for ages 814, £30, 10.30am-3.30pm - work with their professional choreographer and devise your own dance piece with the group to share with family and friends at the end of the day. Or try Story Hunt on 7 April, ages 5-7, £30, 10.30am3.30pm, and become a story detective for the day and help find the stories in this fun, creative and imaginative drama workshop.

SIEGERIS SCHOOL OF DANCE

Piano duet workshop with Funky Monkey

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07730 536499, info@siegerisdance.com www.siegerisdance.com 3-6 April Musical Madness and Let's Make a Ballet For children aged 5 years and older, £28 per day or £50 for 2 days, 9.30am-12.30pm at Holy Trinity Primary School, Wimbledon SW19 8PW. All levels welcome.

ET PATATI PATATA Thomas’ Academy, Parsons Green SW7 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com 3-7 April Fun French Day Camp French without leaving London! 30 hours per week of French immersion led by an experienced native French teacher, 9am-3pm, ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-16. A wide range of fun activities including Pop French Music, French cooking, French Art, Capoeira, Science Day, French Coding and more.

SPORT CENTRAL LONDON GOLF CENTRE Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk 27 March – 15 April Junior Golf Easter Camps What better way to spend the Easter School Holidays than improving your golf at one of these fun camps with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks? The golf camps are for children of all levels, whether your child is a beginner to the game or a progressive golfer.

April 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Camps are designed to improve their enjoyment and ability under professional supervision and includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill challenges and prizes. Full day £45, half day £30, 9am-3pm.

KIDDIKICKS Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk Throughout Easter Holidays Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place.

MERTON ACTIVE KIDS Locations across the borough of Merton www.merton.gov.uk/activekids 3-21 April Easter Holiday Activities A huge range of fun holiday activities including sailing, multi-water sports, horse riding, football, tennis, badminton, squash, multi-sport, song writing workshops, golf and much, much more. Week long, all day or half day camps available.

Ages 4-16, see website for details, times and dates.

EASTER HOLIDAY LISTINGS PART 2

PLAYBALL gavin@playball-london.com www.playball-london.com 3-7 April Playball holiday camps are tailored to meet the needs of younger children and are based on the fundamental sport skills for just about any ball sport you can imagine! Throw in treasure hunts, water bombs and a whole array of games and you have a fun filled day ahead.

The purpose of the Playball holiday camps are to provide high quality, age-appropriate activities. Their holiday camp venues include Battersea, Clapham and Balham where children will enjoy mornings of outdoor games and sports activities in a safe and friendly environment. 10am to 1pm, 3–9yrs.

BEST TENNIS Barn Elms SW13 9SA 07595 946116 www.besttennis.co.uk Easter Tennis camps 3-14 April Age 3 - 5 yrs: 10am -10.45am £55 Age 5 - 8 yrs: 11am -1pm £110 Age 8 - 14 yrs: 1pm -3pm £110 Tennis & Netball camps Age 8 - 14 yrs: 10am -3pm £150

TELFORD PARK TENNIS CLUB coaching@telfordparktennisclub.co.uk 07736 068375 www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk Structured, progressive tennis coaching for all abilities delivered

by LTA Tennis Professionals.

Wow! The Flying Fantastics looks fun!

Children’s group lessons for 3 - 17 year olds Advanced Performance Tennis Squads Junior Holiday Tennis Camps Excellent coach to player ratios Individual and adult group lessons Sibling and early bird discounts available.

Book now for your Summer tem weekly courses and summer tennis camps!

SOUTH WEST SWIMMING SCHOOL Emanuel School, Battersea Rise SW11 1HS Ernest Bevin College, Beechcroft Road SW17 7DF 020 8767 2723, admin@swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk 3-14 April Splash Holiday Courses Sign up now for an intense holiday swimming course at either Emanuel School or Ernest Bevin College and get those strokes in order before the summer! 9am-12pm every day, sign up for one or two weeks.

DAY CAMPS BARRACUDAS

Central London Golf Club

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

Streatham & Clapham High School 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk 3-13 April Activity Day Camps 80+ fun and exciting activities including archery, crafts, fencing, football, drama and many more. For children aged 4.5 to 14yrs.

Childcare vouchers accepted, Ofsted registered. Standard opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm but these can be extended from 8am to 6pm with their Early and Late Clubs.

FLYING FANTASTIC 2 day aerial workshops in hoop, silks and trapeze Come learn to fly with us by learning skills and tricks on aerial hoop, trapeze and silks! Our Young Flyers aged 7-15 learn to climb, perform tricks and learn clever manoeuvres in the air - many upside-down! Students work in small groups with a dedicated trainer, so everyone has plenty of airtime and is challenged at their own level.

3rd & 4th April, Battersea, 9.30 to 12.30pm 5th & 6th April, Bankside, 2-5pm 10th & 11th April, Wimbledon, 9.30 to 12.30pm Price £80

www.flyingfantastic.co.uk edel@flyingfantastic.co.uk

ROLE MODELS Venues in SW London 020 3637 7107, hugo@rolemodels.me www.rolemodels.me 3-7 April Easter Confidence & Resilience Courses Influenced by extensive research the courses are designed to help build and develop children’s character in a fun, action-packed and pressure-free environment.

Ages 8- 9 and 10-12 at Chelsea Academy School, Lots Road, SW10 0AB and at KCS Wimbledon, Wimbledon Common, SW19 4TT. £390 (+VAT) with lunch included.

Childcare vouchers are accepted at Chelsea Academy School only, £60 discount for friends or siblings.

EASTER SEN CAMP for 6-12 yr old children with mild-moderate special needs in Southfields SW19 6JP. Mon April 3rd-Fri April 7th (9.30am - 3.30pm daily).

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Telford Park Tennis Club Structured, progressive tennis coaching for all abilities Delivered by LTA Tennis Professionals

Children’s Group Lessons for 3 - 17 year olds Holiday Tennis Camps, Advanced Performance Tennis Squads Adult Group Lessons, Individual Lessons www.telfordparktennisclub.co.uk coaching@telfordparktennisclub.co.uk 07736 068375 SW2 4NX

EASTER TENNIS CAMPS WITH

Barn Elms (SW13 9SA)

TENNIS CAMPS

w.b 3 Apr and w.b 10 Apr 10am -10.45am (Age 3 - 5 yrs) £55 11am -1pm (Age 5 - 8 yrs) £110 1pm -3pm (Age 8 - 14 yrs) £110 TENNIS & NETBALL CAMPS

10am -3pm (Age 8 - 14 yrs) £150

To book camps, call 07595946116 or go to www.besttennis.co.uk

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SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Painshill Park Easter Eggstravaganza

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES St Alban's, Margravine Road, Fulham W6 8HJ 01843 652833 contact@firsthandexperiences.co.uk www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk Dates in April TBC Spring Into Life! Easter Holiday Day Camps These children's camps explore seasonal, naturebased themes that celebrate the natural world. Day camps, clubs and sleep-away adventures that celebrate the natural world.

Includes Outdoor Adventure, Whole Food Adventures and Back at Our Indoor Bas,. £280 per week or £65 per day, including lunch and trips, sibling discounts available, age 4-11.

EASTER HOLIDAY LISTINGS PART 2

Telford Park Tennis

PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk 4-6 and 11-13 April Wild Easter Camp Great fun for children aged 8-13 years over the Easter break, guaranteeing all sorts of great adventures with activities ranging from bushwhacking and den building to woodland craft and more. £40 per day, 9am-4.30pm.

BOOK AHEAD FOR THE SUMMER WIGMORE TENNIS CLUB 43 Becmead Avenue, SW16 www.tenniscoaching.london Summer bokings now live, early bird discounts! Introduction to all the strokes in tennis, technical and tactical advice, and an opportunity to develop skills in a relaxed environment. From mini tennis for 3-4 year olds to performance and adults too. Great social tennis.

WILD LEARNING Sheen Common, Wimbledon Common, Putney Lower Common 01483 424400 www.wild-learning.net 3-14 April Holiday Clubs Play, learn, get muddy and just be kids in a safe, nurturing but wild environment.

Practice woodland parkour, make and float rafts on the water, build dens, make assault courses and play stealth games. 10am-4pm, age 5-11, £45.

Book now for Sparks popular Summer FIlm making workshop

SPARKS (formerly Studio Film School)

Broomwood Hall School, Nightingale Lane SW12 8NR 020 7101 9329, hello@sparksignite.com www.sparks-ignite.com Dates throughout July and August Summer Film Shoot Fall in love with film this Summer! The Summer Film Shoot is back for it’s 7th year in Balham. Over a week, young filmmakers aged 7 – 18 can join them to shoot, crew, direct, act in and edit their own summer blockbuster. You’ll celebrate in style as you tread the Red Carpet at your very own VIP Film Premiere at Soho’s Curzon Cinema. Visit www.sparks-ignite.com for more details. Course runs from 9am–3pm throughout July and August.

If you missed the first part of this fantastic listing, go to www.familieslonline.co.uk/FSWeaster

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

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| A place to meet, to learn and to inspire each other...|

BRAND NEW VENUE BOOK YOUR EVENTS NOW

WORKSHOPS • EVENTS • MEETINGS COURSES • CHILDREN’S PARTIES ACTIVITIES • EXHIBITIONS VENUE for Families–Children–Adults Need to hire a place for a one-off event, to run a course, a yoga class or for a private party?

The Living Room A new venue for meetings and events on the Furzedown/Streatham border. This small-scale venue is designed to provide homely, flexible space for events, workshops,etc...

19 Thrale Road, Furzedown, London, SW16 1NS info@TheLivingRoom.Place 020 8696 9680 Social media: @LivingRoomPlace 26

BABY FEATURE

Experts and doctors warn:

Pregnant women and children should not be exposed to wireless radiation Although you can’t see it, electromagnetic radiation is all around your baby. Not everyone is aware that, for example, a cordless baby monitor emits radiation or that a cordless phone is effectively a mast in your own home acting as a transmitter.

HOW MUCH RADIATION ARE YOU EXPOSED TO? Whenever we, at Families, speak to parents about the level of EMR their children are exposed to, the response is more or less the same: “It is probably not very good for us, however there are masts everywhere and every household receives so many strong WiFi signals from other houses, there is nothing I can do about it.”

Whilst is very tempting to want to bury your head in the sand on the subject of EMR, there is lots you can do to at least become well-informed and take simple precautions to keep you and your family protected.

CREATING A SAFE ZONE AT HOME It’s better to be safe than sorry: follow these easy and practical steps to minimise risks of over exposure: • do not place your wireless router close to baby’s bedroom • switch off wireless routers, especially at night when not required • pregnant women should not carry their phones next to their bodies, (as recommended in mobile phone instruction booklets!)

• mobile phones should not come to rest anywhere close to the baby’s body, not in the pram, not in your pocket etc.

• choose low-radiation or analogue baby monitors. If you really must use one, place it as far to baby as possible.

DON’T BE COMPLACENT Did you know there are a massive number of studies and reports, expert opinions and statements which state there is a “strong suspicion of possible damage” from EMR? Check out the information campaign called The Babysafe Project, which is coordinated by The Grassroots Environmental Education and Environmental Health Trust. Based on independent, scientific research it links exposure to wireless radiation from mobile phones during pregnancy to neurological problems and behavioural disorders similar to ADHD/ADD in children.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE? Olle Johansson, Associate Professor of The Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm says: “Various so-called “official expert reports” have been presented.

These conclude that there is no cause for concern. It makes me very worried. This would mean that all the thousands of papers published on very serious side-effects of electromagnetic radiation fields — in fully accredited scientific journals — must then all be wrong. Can this be true?”

PARLIAMENT HAS TAKEN NOTE Both the European Parliament and the Council of Europe have listened to this. In 2011, the European Council, in its Resolution No. 1815: The potential dangers of electromagnetic fields and their effect on the environment, noted the following: “The precautionary principle should be applied when scientific evaluation does not allow the risk to be determined with sufficient certainty. Given the context of growing exposure of the population, in particular that of vulnerable groups such as young people and children, there could be extremely high human and economic costs if early warnings are neglected.” The resolution goes on to say: “…for children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, give preference to the wired Internet connections, and strictly regulate the use of mobile phones by school children on school premises.”

We, at Families, are very concerned. If you are concerned about EMR and want to know more, email editor@familiesSW.co.uk If there is sufficient interest, we will host a talk on the subject of EMR. Inform yourself — for more information visit these websites: • www.wifiinschools.com • www.babysafeproject.org • www.stopsmartmeters.org.uk • www.grassrootsinfo.org 27

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

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BABY FEATURE

What to expect when you become a mum

By Tina Perridge, caseload midwife at Neighbourhood Midwives

Becoming a mother is the most significant change we will ever experience, it affects us physically, emotionally and the phrase “life will never be the same again” certainly rings true, but that doesn't have to be a negative thing. As a midwife providing caseload care, I support women until six weeks post birth. What I have learned is that it is all about having realistic expectations, both for yourself and for the baby.

They say that pregnancy gives us 9 months to GIVE YOURSELF A WEEK IN BED AND WEEK ON THE SOFA prepare for being a mum, I am not convinced A To start with a woman who has been pregnant for nine months, grown a fully formed human being, dealt with the demands of childbirth and is now it’s long enough! coping with the responsibility of a new baby and probably producing milk for the baby…deserves a bit more than a lie in!

MOTHERHOOD BRINGS IN A NEW ‘NORMAL’ Some women think that having a baby won’t change them, that life can go on as usual, once they “get back to normal.” The problem is that motherhood brings with it a new normal. Other women think that they will never get a decent night’s sleep and that life will be one long round of exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Of course, reality lies somewhere in between.

It helps to understand that the newborn human is totally dependent on his/her carers, so, the baby is born with quite a primitive brain but one that is wired to ensure he/she survives. This means that every behaviour is designed to ensure the baby’s needs are met whether that is food, warmth, comfort or security. The baby simply cannot rationalise or behave logically. The prime instinct to survive drives every action and so it makes sense to meet those needs to ensure that the baby can develop well. If the baby cries, she needs, food, comfort, cuddles, warmth or sleep. Simple. Just sometimes difficult to remember.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

There is a myth that getting yourself dressed and getting out will make you feel better. Chances are it won’t, it will simply tire you out and make the baby grumpy. Think about giving yourself a week in the bedroom and a week on the sofa. Arrange for someone else to prepare all your meals and tend to your needs. All you do is rest, eat, drink and get to know your baby. I promise you the reward will be a calmer, happier baby and at the end of two weeks you will feel really well rather than exhausted.

HAVE A ‘BABYMOON’ At Neighbourhood Midwives we call it a Babymoon, a special time to get used to being a family while you ignore the demands of the outside world. We try to prepare the whole family to enjoy this special time.

There is a reason why traditional societies give new mothers 30-40 days of being cared for. Finally, when the moment comes to say “Hello” to your baby, relax and enjoy that special time together.

Life will ever be quite the same again.

020 8874 6624 www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk

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All our applicants are personally interviewed and their references checked

Nannies, Maternity Nurses, Housekeepers and Mother’s Helps Permanent and Temporary Residential, Daily, Full and Part-Time Evening Babysitting Register

Tel: 020 8947 4666 Facebook: Wimbledon Nannies Twitter: @wimbledonannies

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info@wimbledonnannies.co.uk www.wimbledonnannies.com 184 Copse Hill, SW20 0SP

BABY FEATURE

A controlled focused approach with lots of opportunity for bonding between adult and baby

PARENT AND BABY CLASSES SwimWay Parent and Baby classes are a great way to introduce your baby or toddler to swimming. Through a series of different techniques the children learn water confidence and safety, develop an understanding of water movement, breath control through submersion, floatation front/back, how to kick correctly and basic arm movement.

The classes are progressive with a strong emphasis for the children to have fun, while developing several important factors including: Water safety and awareness Physical development (muscular, neurological, cardio vascular, coordination, motor skills) Speech and language skills Bonding for both baby and adult Confidence and self-esteem Adult self-assurance, supporting the baby in and around water Learning skills (sharing, taking turns, following instructions) Gentle exercise and social activity for new mums SwimWay operates in a number of exclusive venues in London. The majority of the locations are private houses with beautiful swimming pools perfect for swimmers of all ages and skill levels: from small group parent and baby lessons for ages 6-36 months to 1:1 and 1:2 children’s lessons for ages 2-9 years.

GORGEOUS GIFT BOXES Whether to welcome a new baby, to thank hosts for a dinner invitation, to celebrate an anniversary, or to simply thank someone, check out Victoire & Lou for wonderful “signature” gift boxes.

Sandrine Lippuner, founder of Victoire & Lou, launched her inspiring gift boxes company last autumn in London. She provides a service of customisation for gift boxes perfectly suited to any special occasion.

Visit her website www.victoireandlou.com to discover her prettiest and most delicate gift boxes adorned with beautiful flowers or plants.

45 MINUTES OF QUALITY TIME TOGETHER WITH NO DISTRACTIONS!

020 8871 3972 www.swimway.co.uk

GYMBABES is the renowned programme from Tumble Tots, for babies from 6 months to walking confidently. It is a great opportunity to play with other babies of a similar age and develop their social skills and a great way to meet new local parents and carers.

9 MONTHS PLUS, THE BABY CONSULTANTS

Gymbabes includes developmental exercises to strengthen muscles and action songs to help develop listening skills. Babies can explore specially designed equipment to experience various gradients and textures, crawling through tunnels, balancing on beams, rocking and rolling on barrels, climbing over ladders and generally experiencing different kinds of activities for the very first time. All activities take place under the supervision of trained staff. Go in and join the fun.

After working for many creative and supportive employers, Toni Asri and Patricia Malone were often asked: "Could we have a Toni or Patricia to help us? Their reply was “sorry they broke the mould when we were made". It was because of these comments that they decided to create a personal service for new parents who don't need full time help, but would welcome some helpful advice and tips during their new adventure into parenthood.

Contact Julia at julia.forrest@tumbletots.com

Toni and Patricia are 9 Months Plus, the baby consultants based in Fulham. They offer practical parenting seminars, baby massage classes or can help you with your nursery set up and shopping. We all need a Toni or a Patricia! info@9monthsplus.co.uk 020 3413 0972 Toni 07595 047229 Patricia 07715 213846

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BABY FEATURE

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR POSTNATAL ‘MOT’ YET?

EDUCATING WITH STYLE – NEW CHILDREN’S BRAND LAUNCHES

From 6 weeks onwards, following delivery, Balance Physio recommends you book in for your individual assessment with a specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist.

Your body goes through enormous Jo Fordyce and Sally Murray changes during pregnancy and delivery.

These changes can lead to problems developing later if not addressed.

The postnatal assessment will focus on each new mother’s needs to prevent problems such as back pain, or bladder and bowel problems.

A postnatal MOT will check your: • Abdominal muscles – which will be weak and overstretched.

The gap (known as diastasis recti), will be assessed and a targeted treatment programme will be given.

• Pelvic floor muscle strength – a bespoke postnatal exercise programme will be given to you to treat muscle weakness which can cause bladder, bowel or sexual concerns.

• Posture – whether lifting, carrying or feeding, your posture will be assessed and you will be given advice and exercises to avoid back pain.

Other women’s health services include: • Ante and post natal exercise classes, pilates, pregnancy massage as well as breastfeeding counsellors.

Balance Performance Physiotherapy, 113 Gauden Road, Clapham SW4 6LE. For bookings or more information please contact the Women’s Health Team at Balance Performance Physiotherapy on admin@balancephysio.com or 020 7627 2308.

£25 OFF discount with code MBSPRING

BABY-FRIENDLY BOLTHOLES - FAMILY HOLIDAY SUPERHEROES! Not only is the Baby Friendly Bolthole website crammed full of eyewateringly beautiful cottages and villas, but all have been handpicked for their parent-friendly fixtures and services. They go way beyond simply supplying a cot and a highchair, these stylish escapes come with a list of kit from sterilisers and stairgates to toy boxes and dressing up gear.

Everything on offer is detailed in the handy ‘Fast Facts’ box on each cottage or villa profile on the website. Many of the places are run by parents of young children too so they know that bedtimes and routines can have parents ‘cottage or villa-bound’ from early evening, so they offer handy services like gourmet ready-meal delivery or day or night babysitting.

They are offering readers a brilliant £25 off discount code too! Just quote MBSPRING on the booking request form to claim. Valid until 31st May 2017. Grab a coffee and get ready to day dream about all the holiday options at www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk

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littlesmarts is a new-to-market kids brand specialising in t-shirts with a phonics twist. The colourful and original designs are aimed at toddlers and children up to the age of 7, and are all designed and printed in the UK. littlesmarts is brought to you by a local mother of three from South London who had a vision of having phonics on t-shirts to encourage learning at home and benefit parents as well as their children.

The phonics method is used in all primary schools in the UK to help children learn to read and write and in 2016 over 600,000 year 1pupils took the phonics screening check.

These fun, colourful, t-shirts are aimed to help primary and pre school children start to recognise letters and sound out the words. A fun sound on a littlesmarts product will stimulate family discussion and fire imagination! ‘b is for bear…’ t-shirt is available at www.littlesmarts.co.uk All enquires please contact Niki Chapman 07398 714035

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST CHILDCARE? ..then look no further than Heavenly Nannies! Working parents and those just Quote needing a helping-hand ‘FamiliesMag’ trust Heavenly Nannies to for a nanny find a nanny who will treat fee discount! your precious ones with the same gentle and nurturing care as a mother or father. Understanding your need for experienced, highly individualised and loving care for your baby or child, their heavenly nannies aim to give parents complete peace of mind.

All Heavenly nannies are DBS checked, have good references verified by the Heavenly Team and have passed their interviews. “As working parents ourselves we share the need to have absolute faith in the nanny and to know she/he will look after your baby in the precise manner required by you and with utmost love, dedication and attention.

We only place nannies whom we would happily engage in our own families!”

Call now for information on Live-In and Live-Out nannies, nanny share, bilingual, nanny housekeepers, nanny PA, maternity nurses also au pair & mother’s help. Check out their very competitive Nanny fees & free replacement policy!

Heavenly Nannies – Member of APNA. www.heavenlynannies.com info@heavenlynannies.com

April 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

BABY FEATURE

FAMILIES PROMOTION TLC – Time to Listen and Care for you Life as a new parent can certainly be a bumpy ride, and all the antenatal prep in world cannot truly prepare you for the moment the most precious bundle arrives in your life. Julie Morris has been supporting new parents for 10 years through birth prep but, more importantly, by providing her time to listen to them in the comfort of their own home. Her colleagues and her have vast experience in childbirth, feeding and comforting baby and they offer bespoke one to one support to meet your needs.

“We know if we focus on mum’s concerns, her instincts and confidence will grow and grow alongside her baby.” www.babyintuition.co.uk

FUN ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS IN STUNNING TUSCANY Would you enjoy a stay in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with fenced pool, airport transfers and all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with wine included?

“Villa Radicata is our family home and we want to share the wonderful Italian hospitality, delicious healthy food and stunning countryside with you and your family.”

Activities for mums (and dads): Yoga, zumba, fitness classes, cooking lessons, wine tasting, massage, visit to the local market and medieval town, shopping at the famous soldini shoe outlet, social media classes (June break), Reiki (May Break).

Activities for babies: Baby massage, Italian songs, on site baby sitter, plenty of toys.

Activities for older children: Yoga, pizza and pasta making, Italian lessons, horse riding, swimming.

Suitable for babies and children up to the age of 10. www.mum-and-baby-experience.co.uk www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com Tel 07785 571 292 or 0039 34 9501 8679.

CATERPILLAR MUSIC FULHAM Caterpillar Music is a unique introduction to music for babies and toddlers from 0-4 years. Experts agree that music enhances learning and helps babies and parents to communicate.

With weekly themes, colourful instruments and exciting puppets Caterpillar Music provides a fun and creative learning experience for your little ones.

• Weekly themes • Colourful instruments • Amazing puppets

Mondays @ Twynholm Baptist Church, SW6 7PP Wednesdays @ Cuckoo Hibou, SW6 4SW Fridays @ Community Church Putney, SW15 2LL Please contact Laura for more information or to book a free trial on 020 3583 9234 or email fulham@caterpillarmusic.com Alternatively visit www.caterpillarmusic.com or find and follow Caterpillar Music Fulham on Facebook and Instagram

Fulham CLASSES ARE NOW OPEN IN FULHAM AND PUTNEY

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

MimiBebe.com Beautiful Babywear Boutique MimiBebe.com is an exclusive on-line boutique selling quality, soft clothes for babies aged 0–24 months. The collection is inspired by classic and timeless French elegance but is also adorable and trendy.

MimiBebe.com was launched in 2015 by Flavie, a Parisian, and was inspired by the many compliments she received when dressing her two babies with French items of clothing.

Selected with care, each piece can be matched with other items in the collection or with everyday clothes. The collection offers pretty dresses, delicate blouses, smart shirts, pantaloons, dungarees, and sweet bonnets and booties. MimiBebe.com's gift service is also a perfect way to send a present to welcome a newborn into the world or for a birthday, baby shower or other celebration. If you are looking for some fresh inspiration for your baby's wardrobe or a charming gift, the Spring/Summer collection is about to arrive at the MimiBebe website online: www.mimibebe.com

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BABY FEATURE

FAMILIES PROMOTION CLAPHAM FAMILY OSTEOPATH Our bodies are always trying to heal themselves, an osteopath’s job is to help that process along using safe and gentle techniques. Health is so much more than an absence of pain. The aim is to connect you and your baby with your natural health.

PELVIC FLOOR AND PROSECCO EVENING Meet the experts in an evening of knowledge and celebration of women, wisdom and Prosecco! Wednesday May 10th 8-9.30pm £20

As a paediatric cranial osteopath, Julia Finlay really enjoys treating babies and children. She told Families: “In my opinion, many issues in the early days for newborns relate to anatomical and functional difficulties with adjusting to life outside the womb. In this phase a baby has many new challenges from both external stimuli and internal sensations and functions. Issues with digestion are particularly common in babies and can relate to this Julia Finlay B.Ost, M.Sc (Paed Ost) process of adjustment.

What will you learn??

I like to encourage mums to think about their own wellbeing in the early days and weeks following birth. If the baby had a tough time then so did you! But women’s bodies are so ready to change at this moment in life that it’s also a great time to deal with any aches and pains that have crept in as a result of pregnancy, birth or handling and feeding your baby. “

Enjoy a warm, supportive environment whilst enjoying some Prosecco and healthy treats. Space is limited at this sociable and informative event.

Treats and goodie bags. Sounds great fun!

020 7993 8116 juliafinlayosteopath@gmail.com www.claphamfamilyosteopath.co.uk

• How to locate and REALLY exercise your Pelvic Floor muscles…. PS. this doesn’t involve CLENCHING at the traffic lights • How to gain control of your bladder and prevent embarrassing ‘leaks’ • What is normal and when to seek help • How to have a ‘better belly’ and core strength at any age or stage • Why some women develop Diastasis Recti (a tummy gap) after birth • How to look after your back and prevent damage in the post natal period • Birth trauma - recovering from forceps and ventouse births, episiotomies and c- section • How to improve your posture • Improving your family health • How osteopathy could help your baby

For more information and to book text 07779 271655 or go to www.elizadoalot.com Elizadoalot Buggyfit/Bootybarre & Holistic Core Restore trainer, Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Paediatric Osteopath. http://ltosteo.co.uk laura@ltosteo.co.uk

WHY BABIES ARE BORN TO LOVE MUSIC Newborn babies have a highly sensitive ear and an abundance of genes and synapses all ready to respond to and learn music.

Research has found that exposure to music early in life supports a child in almost all areas of development children who attend a music class show improved memory, they smile more and develop better communication skills.

Monkey Music’s award winning classes are perfect if you’re looking for a nurturing and stimulating musical environment in which to share precious moments with your baby. Jeni Eastlake from Monkey Music says ‘Our classes are carefully planned to aid a baby’s cognitive, social and motor development. They are so much fun too, for the grown ups as well as the little ones - many people tell us how they have made lasting friendships from their early days at Monkey Music!’

Monkey Music is a highlight of the week for lots of local families, so if you’re looking for a fun, captivating musical activity, do get in touch to arrange your first FREE class.

• For classes in Putney, Barnes and Fulham, call 020 8480 6064 putneybarnesfulham@monkeymusic.co.uk • For classes in Chelsea, Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, Belgravia and Pimlico, call 020 8767 9827 chelsea.westminster@monkeymusic.co.uk www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | April 2017

PREGNANT? OR WANT TO BE? Jeanette Wallis, from Back on Track is a reflexologist and NLP fertility coach specialising in helping women become pregnant and caring for those who are already pregnant. Treatment during pregnancy is a wonderful way to keep the body balanced, Jeanette can support you both physically and emotionally using her unique combination of treatments – ultimately preparing you for a stress-free and balanced approach to giving birth.

If you are trying to get pregnant her treatment can make the difference, whether you have a known reason for failing to conceive or simply because ‘it’s just not happening!’ Spring is coming which is a wonderful time to change your mindset and approach to what can be a stressful situation.

“Jeanette was an amazing support. I had suffered two miscarriages, and was desperate for answers. Treatments balanced my hormones and her gentle counselling enabled me to let go of my anxieties and look forward. When I did get pregnant the sessions relieved my aches and pains and I felt relaxed. It even helped my baby arrive on time!”

Back on Track, Wimbledon, The Harley Street Fertility Clinic 07973 779853 www.Wallishealth.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

SEE MORE EVENTS IN OUR ONLINE WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

We take much care in preparing these What’s On pages, but please do double check with organiser before setting out as things change.

DIARY DATES ANIMATION WORKSHOPS Cartoon Museum 35 Little Russell Street WC1A 2HH www.cartoonmuseum.org Throughout April The new satire section at this wonderful museum shows cartoons published from 1961 onwards, including Ralph Steadman, Steve Bell, Dave Brown and Matt. Plus, discover comic strip art such as Dandy and the Beano, Rupert the Bear, Dan Dare, Judge Dredd et al.

Children's animation workshops are held throughout the Easter holidays, see website for details.

STAR WARS IDENTITIES EXHIBITION The 02 Arena, Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.list.co.uk Throughout April An exhibition exploring the concept of identity through characters from the Star Wars universe. Visitors are taken on an interactive quest and leave with a personalised Star Wars character of their very own.

From £10

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS MONTH… GO TO Adventures in Moominland Southbank Centre Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk To 23 April Don’t miss this fantastic immersive, interactive exhibition exploring the stories of the Moomin family through the life of its author Tove Jansson. Created in Finland, the Moomin stories are set in the fictional land of Moominvalley and centre around several oddly-shaped characters, including Moominpappa, Moominmamma, little Moomintroll and their friends. Join them on an enthralling journey through the wondrous Moominland as Step into a fantastic piece of theatre you actually clamber through forests, huddle in caves or set sail on the high seas to try and find the Moomin family. Along the way you can learn how Tove Jansson created these unique landscapes, characters and stories, while uncovering some special original drawings. You can also buy the Moomin Colouring Book for 20% off when you buy a ticket. It’s a real celebration of creativity and the imagination and, more importantly, it’s your very last chance to catch this wonderful exhibition, so make sure you don’t miss out! Age 7+, 10am-6pm, from £10.

CABBAGES AND FROCKS MARKET St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street W1U 5BA www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Every Saturday throughout April Held in the cobbled yard of St Marylebone Parish Church, this market satisfies even the most demanding tastebuds, and there’s a range of retro and vintage clothing plus work from independent designers and craftsmen and women. Some great craft and toy stalls for kids. 11am-5pm.

FIRST AID COURSES TWILIGHT TOURS Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk Selected Sundays in April The Tower’s Yeoman Warders give an exclusive twilight tour of the Tower. Take in world famous sights such as Traitor’s Gate, the scaffold site and the Bloody Tower, and be appalled and amazed by tales of prisoners and past residents.

Suitable for over 12’s, £27.50 / £25 Historic Royal Palaces members.

NCT KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA MEET UP Gambado Chelsea, 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensingtonchelsea Every Wednesday in April A great opportunity to meet other mums with babies under 1. 9.3011am, £1, show your NCT card to get in.

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Battersea 020 8133 8552 www.firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk info@firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 8 April and 6 May Paediatric First Aid (1 day) £96 Discount code: Families.

HAM HOUSE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-houseand-garden Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS A delightful place by the river, would make a great day out.

1-13 April Easter Holiday Fun Come and play during the Easter break. Join in art activities, storytelling, a spring trail and a range of 50 Things Activities.

14-17 April Cadbury Egg Hunt Enjoy a special trail around the gardens to win a chocolate prize, plus art activities and storytelling. £3 per trail.

BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES Brockwell Park SE24 0PA www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 3 and 10 April How To Be a Gardener Go on a trail around the garden to spot garden tools and learn what they are used for. Make a handmade pot from recycled newspaper and plant seeds. 10.30am-12.30pm, all ages, £5 4 and 11 April Round and Round the Garden Celebrate lifecycles by joining in with an animal relay race, make a bird's nest and go pond dipping.

10.30am-12.30pm, all ages, £5 5 and 12 April Leaf Mania Use your senses to explore the wonders of leaves.

Have a go at leaf rubbing, printing and tracing and make a recycled leaf sculpture. 10.30am-12.30pm, all ages, £5

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN Chelsea SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 4 April Chocolate Tuesday Delve into the world of chocolate, create your own unique blend and taste some unusual flavours. During the day you’ll have the chance to look into the rich history, geography and science of chocolate.

10.30am-3pm 5-13 April Easter Activities Workshops and events over the Easter holidays

include Art of the Garden, Lotions and Potions, The Wiggly Wild Show, Passion for Plants and much more. Ages and prices vary, see website for details.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk 4 and 11 April Pond Dipping Discover the variety of spring wildlife living in their Nature Trail pond. Age 5+, £3 per child, accompanying adults free, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm 6 and 13 April Minibeast Safari Search for creepy crawlies and bugs on the Horniman Nature Trail and discover the variety of insect life to be found in London during the spring. Age 3+, £3, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm 14 and 17 April A World of Stories: Good Friday and Easter Monday Hear stories from some of the best storytellers in London, whisking you away to faraway places and different times. Free. Age 5+, 11am, 12.15pm, 2pm and 3.15pm 22 April Nature Trail Welly Walk: Signs of Spring Get your wellies on and join in fun activities to explore spring life on the Nature Trail.

Have a go at sweep-netting, treebeating and identification to discover the insects, animals and plants that live there in the spring.

Age 5+, £5/£3, 1.45–3.30pm

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BABIES AND TODDLERS HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Tuesday and Wednesday in April Busy Bees Lively sessions for under-5s and their parents/carers during term-time. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12pm

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 6 April Bach to Baby These classical concerts for babies and their families are performed by mother and pianist Miaomiao Yu, along with other internationallyrenowned musicians, bringing the past alive for little ones and their families. 10.30–11.30am, £12, children free.

DO-RE-MI BABIES CONCERTS Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout April Inspirational and fun classical concerts. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you

FIRST AID FOR LIFE Balham and Westminster www.firstaidforlife.org.uk 5 and 21 April The Emergency Course A 3-hour course covering care of the unconscious baby and child as well as most commonly occurring injuries and illnesses such as choking, bleeding, breaks, bleeds, burns, head injury and febrile convulsions. 9.30am-12.30pm, £60/£65

NOW PLAY THIS Somerset House Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk 7-9 April A 3-day games and play event filled with a host of hands-on opportunities to get involved, ranging from two-player board games to interactive multiplayer

WHAT’S ON

can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in April Little Explorers Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in April Storytelling and Music Sessions A series of sessions for babies and toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in April The Palace Explorers Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am10.30am

installations, and outdoor activities to experimental video games.

Highlights include a mini-golf course on Somerset House’s River Terrace, an experimental video arcade, a ping-pong table that creates a work of art as you play, a strange game controllers showcase and a board game library. Tickets from £6.50, free for under-12s.

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 8 April Little Green Fingers Gardening Session Sow seeds in the specially prepared Little Green Fingers bed and explore how vegetables and flowers grow during this hands-on gardening workshop. 10.30am-12pm 16 April Springtime at the Palace

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Enjoy Bach to Baby at the Foundling Museum

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk Every Thursday and Saturday 11 May – 24 June excluding half term Tiny Explorers Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Hampton Court Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

From 1 April The Magic Garden Experience the legendary world of the Tudor tournament in this imaginative play garden setting. Included in palace admission.

Celebrate all things springtime at this Easter Sunday activity day, with whimsical storytelling, an Easter trail, Georgian chocolate making workshops and a whole host of fun art and craft activities. Free, no booking necessary, 11am-3pm 17 April Easter Trail The Museum and garden are full of clues this Easter.

Find them all and win a special chocolate prize. £3 per child, no booking necessary, 12pm-3pm

FOUCAN FREERUNNING ACADEMY West London Free Primary School, W6 0LB www.foucan.com/ffa 8 April Free Running and Parkour Learn freerunning and parkour with the founder of the discipline,

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in April Tiny Explorers Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Kensington Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk 6 April London’s Layers Discover what lies beneath your feet in this archaeology themed workshop for under 5s. 10.30am and 1pm

Sebastien Foucan and his team in a playful way with soft, safe obstacles. Gain physical and mental confidence in a supportive and non-competitive environment. £15 per child, times vary depending on age and experience, book at academy@foucan.com

NATIONAL SKIPPING DAY www.skipping-workshops.co.uk 21 April Join children across the UK to celebrate skipping as a healthy and fun form of exercise.

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MUM2MUM MARKET Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, Wimbledon SW19 7HB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 22 April and 20 May Baby and Kids Nearly New Sales With a huge number of stalls for everything you could possibly need. 2-4pm

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES MAKING WORKSHOP The Chocolate Museum 187 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8BA www.thechocolatemuseum.co.uk 22 April Learn about chocolate processes, taste and make your own chocolate truffles, then temper and decorate with colourful ingredients. £40, 11.30am-2.30pm, info@thechocolatemuseum.co.uk to book your place.

BLUEBELL WALK IN GRAVENEY WOODS Tooting Common SW16 1RT www.friendsoftootingcommon.org.uk 23 April The walk will start in the late afternoon. See website for details.

FESTIVAL OF FUNK The Bedford, Balham SW12 9HD www.funkymoves.com 23 April An afternoon of non-stop dance activities including break dancing superheroes, workshops and free disco dancing, arts and crafts, baby play areas, pop up photo booths plus luxury goodie bags and much much more. 2-5pm, £15/£10

CLAPHAM NCT NEARLY NEW SALE

THE CAMBRIDGE THEATRE

Broomwood Methodist Church SW11 8BD www.nct.org.uk 10 June Lots of fun family friendly activities as well as an opportunity to pick up some nearly new bargains, meet other parents and grab a slice of cake from the pop-up cafe.

9.30-11.30am, £1.50 entry for adults.

Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout April Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

THE BIG LUNCH

CHELSEA THEATRE

www.edenprojectcommunities.com/t hebiglunch 18 June Join streets, communities and friends across the UK to have lunch with your neighbours. This year many street parties will be in memory of Jo Cox, taking the opportunity to assert what unites us as a country, as a nation – the values of community, of tolerance, of baking and of parties. Whether you want to share sandwiches in your front garden, a traditional street party or a big community bash. Your starter pack includes posters, invites and activity sheets.

Get planning now!

7 World's End Place SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 4-30 April White Witch Based on a true story set in Jamaica at Rose Hall in the late 18th Century, White Witch tackles the mystery of witchcraft in the context of the Caribbean against the unforgiving setting of slavery. £12/£10

DRAMA BARBICAN THEATRE Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk 5-22 April The Winter’s Tale Cheek By Jowl’s Declan Donnellan directs a revelatory Winter’s Tale that is ‘as intoxicating as a summer night’.

Age 14+

COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Saturdays and Sundays to 9 April Red Riding Hood Little Red Riding Hood is walking through the woods on her way to care for her poorly old Grandma. A fantastic traditional tale with a musical twist and lots of action and excitement.

2pm and 4pm, £12/£10 Saturdays and Sundays from 22 April Sleeping Beauty As the King and Queen celebrate the birth of their beautiful baby Princess Aurora, an evil Green Fairy casts a spell on the new-born, stating that when she reaches 16 years of age she will prick her finger on a spindle and die. 2pm and 4pm, £12/£10

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

Horniman Museum Robot Giraffe The Robot Zoo

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One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk To 8 April Seventeen Seventeen is set in that time after the end of the last day of school, but just before everyone moves on. It’s about the cusp of adulthood, the cusp of complete change. Wise and a little bit sad, Seventeen will turn our notions of adulthood and adolescence on their head. A cast of veteran actors play a group of seventeen year olds in this unique production. From £15 22 April

A Strange New Space A completely original one-woman show without words, A Strange New Space melds physical theatre with stunning puppetry and original music. Travel on an imagined voyage into space, paralleled with Amira’s real-life journey as a refugee across continents. Age 311, £8 30 May – 3 June The Emperor’s New Clothes An inventive romp through the tale of the eccentric Emperor who loves clothes more than anything.

Age 3-11, £10 30-21 May The Secret Garden Performed by a stunningly talented all-child cast, London Children’s Ballet productions are the best way to introduce young audiences to ballet. The Secret Garden will be LCB’s first ever one-act ballet, and is beautifully narrated to help younger audience members. Age 3-12, £10-£35

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 11-15 April The Red Shoes Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film reunites the team who brought you New Adventures’ world-wide hit, Sleeping Beauty, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston. From £16.50 24-29 April Grease He’s the one that you want! Tom Parker, from the UK’s top boy band The Wanted, is to star in his first ever theatrical role as ‘bad boy’ Danny in Grease, the No.1 greatest musical. From £15 13-14 May My First Ballet: Cinderella Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamourous ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball.

From £11.50

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Daffodils are Leeds Castle

OMNIBUS CLAPHAM 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 9 April A Strange New Space A nonverbal one woman show for 3–7 year olds and their families, with physical theatre, beautiful handmade puppets and original music by Matt Huxley. 11am-2.30pm

THE PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT sadlerswells.com/peacock-theatre 11-22 April English National Ballet and English National Ballet School — My First Ballet: Cinderella. Everyone's favourite rags-to-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards.

Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamorous ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess. From £10

THE POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 21-23 April Chicken Licken Three classic tales from the Ladybird books – Chicken Licken, The Little Red Hen and The Fox and the Hen told with shadow and rod puppetry. Age 3-6, from £9 4-28 May Under The Rainbow With evocative music, puppetry and a beautiful transformative set hear the story of one woman’s courageous journey. As she crosses land and sea, she befriends a turtle and a colourful bird of paradise, discovering a plentiful island that gives her hope for the future. Age 3-6, from £9

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Throughout April The Flight of Babuscha Baboon The story of a baboon who wants to fly to the moon in a hot air balloon. She meets an elephant whose life is threatened by ivory hunters. Can the baboon save the elephant? Age 3+, £8.50/£12

PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk 3-7 April Giants and Dream Jars An action packed week of theatre exploring Roald Dahl’s wonderful story of that very big giant. Full of dream catching, Snozzcumbers, Fleshlumpeater and much more.

Age 7-11, £112, 10am-4pm 10-12 April Hansel and Gretel’s Great Adventure Hansel and Gretel journey through the enchanted forest where they discover some fun woodland creatures and stumble upon a scrumptious gingerbread house. Will they defeat the wicked Witch and find their way home? Age 4-7, 10am2pm, £70

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Covent Garden WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk To 25 April Madam Butterfly Antonio Pappano and Renato Balsadonna conduct two great casts in Puccini’s deeply poignant opera.

SADLER'S WELLS Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 3-8 April New Adventures Matthew

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Bourne returns to his roots for his company’s 30th anniversary, featuring a programme of fun and witty pieces that launched his career, with designs by long-time collaborator Lez Brotherston.

19 April National Youth Dance Company, Damien Jalet This new commission sees Jalet and the company of 40 young dancers present a unique piece of theatre which addresses themes of melancholia, ritual, control and abandon.

22 April BBC Young Dancer 2017 Following the success of the first ever BBC Young Dancer, the Grand Final returns to Sadler's Wells. The winners of the four categories: ballet, contemporary, South Asian dance and street dance, dance in front of a panel of judges

WHAT’S ON

throughout the historic interior of 48 Doughty Street. Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities from a cheque signed by Dickens, to a beautiful dolls house, an engraved snuff box and even a collection of original props from The Invisible Woman.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk To 30 April The Age of the Beard: Putting on a Brave Face in Victorian Britain The Florence Nightingale Museum attempts to unravel the astonishing appeal of mutton chops, goatees and the most flamboyant of moustaches with a photographic exhibition and season of special events dedicated to the Great British Beard.

UNICORN THEATRE

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

147 Tooley Street, Southwark SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 10 April Jeramee, Hartleby and Oooglemore Revelling in delightful innocence and glorious stupidity, Jeramee, Hartleby and Oooglemore is a surprising and surreal encounter with three people who have a lot to say but only three words with which to say it. Ages 3+, from £10

East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt palace 27 May – 3 June Horrible Histories – The Best of Barmy Britain at Hampton Court Palace From battling Boudicca to horrible Henry and the putrid plague, plunge into the history of Britain… with the nasty bits left in. £12/£7, under 5s free but require ticket.

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND DAYS OUT Charles Dickens Museum 48 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com 16 April and 21 May The Housemaid’s Tour Step back in time to 1839…Dickens and his young family are preparing to leave for a journey to their ‘home from home’ – a relaxing holiday in Broadstairs is just the ticket. But during their absence, the housemaid is up to no good.

Discover the secrets of the esteemed young writer and his growing family. 10.15am, 11am and 11.45am, £15/£8 Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection Dropin object handling sessions

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Throughout April Diana Her Fashion Story Diana: Her Fashion Story traces the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life.

1-16 April The Story of Royal Chocolate Discover the royal history of chocolate. Find out how kings and queens enjoyed their chocolate as you hunt for golden Lindt bunnies around the palace, and receive your own delicious Lindt chocolate bunny prize.

KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB www.kew.org 1-17 April Moomin Adventure Experience the wonderful world of the

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Moomins this Easter. With the arrival of spring they will be coming out of hibernation and visiting the Gardens for all sorts of mischief and fun. Try and find them in and amongst Kew’s fascinating plants.

LEEDS CASTLE Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com 1-17 April Easter Adventures with Robin Hoodie and Maid Marion Look out for Robin Hoodie, Maid Marion and a merry band of naughty outlaws in the grounds of Leeds Castle for a fun filled 'Walking Theatre' adventure of silliness and laughter - perfect for all the family.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk To 23 April Designology – Shaping London An exhibition celebrating the influence brilliant design has on our daily lives. Design lovers will be able to see early and modern examples of Tube maps.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk To 17 April Fire! Fire! An exhibition showing how London rose from the ashes of the Great Fire. Step into Pudding Lane and see what life was like for ordinary Londoners in the 17th century, then walk into the bakery where the fire started and see how the flames spread across the city. £4-£8, be prepared for long queues at peak times!

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk To 17 April

Emma Hamilton - Seduction and Celebrity. Largely remembered as the woman who captured the heart of the nation's hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, Emma was an extraordinary woman in her own right. The exhibition traces her spectacular career from rags to riches and back again. £14/£6

ROYAL INSTITUTION Albemarle Street, Mayfair W1S 4BS www.rigb.org 10 April Explosive Food Find out about the incredible amount of energy contained in food in this deliciously interactive show packed with exciting chemistry and physics demonstrations. Age 7+, 2.30pm and 6pm 20 April The Tyrannosaur Chronicles Tyrannosaurus is the most famous dinosaur in the world, with its six ton weight and bone crushing bite, but how did the tyrannosaurs come to dominate their prehistoric world? Join palaeontologist Dr David Hone to find about the evolution, ecology and behaviour of this fascinating group of dinosaurs.

Age 7+, 6pm 29 April Family Masterclasses These workshops are aimed at children aged 7-11 with their families.

10.30am-12.30pm and 1.303.30pm, includes Paper Folding, Problem Solving and Briefcase Breakout.

TOWER OF LONDON St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london To 13 April Life in the Medieval Palace Step back into 1299 and the palace of King Edward I and explore a world of chivalrous knights and beautiful ladies, troublesome lords and royal prisoners as the king and his court take up residence at the Tower of London. 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm Throughout April Armoury in Action A new family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows, assembling firearms to brandishing swords, a thousand years of history at the Tower of London will be brought to life in this exciting, hands-on experience.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk 3-14 April Easter Holidays Activities and Workshops Visit the Museum and take part in workshops and activities inspired by the Searching for Ghosts exhibition. Times, prices and ages vary.

ART ACTIVITIES

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout April Robots: The 500 year quest to make machines human Discover how the history of robots has been shaped by religious belief, the industrial revolution and 20th century popular culture.

THE LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 1-17 April Giant Easter Duck Hunt Some of their ducklings have gone missing, can you help them find them? They have disguised themselves as the ducks that live here at the Centre, so follow the Easter duck trail around the reserve to discover where they are hiding. £1 per trail including a prize, plus admission to the Centre.

HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND GARDENS 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Saturday except 15 April Art Makers Have fun with different art techniques to create something fabulous to take home.

Different themes each week.

1.30pm and 2.45pm, £3, age 3+ 3-14 April except Wednesdays and weekends. Family Art Fun: Easter Holidays Join free and fabulous Horniman craft activities this Easter holidays.

Create something inspired by their

new temporary display Celebrating Ganesha. 11am–2.45pm, free.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 16 April Springtime at the Palace Celebrate all things springtime at this Easter Sunday activity day, with whimsical storytelling, an Easter trail, Georgian chocolate making workshops and a whole host of fun art and craft activities. Two chocolate making workshops will be held at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Storytelling and Easter trail are free, no booking necessary.

Chocolate making workshops are £5 per person, booking essential.

11am-3pm

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout April Family Activities Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out, plus regular activities and workshops for ages 7-12 FREE

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin's Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday Drop In Family Sundays Dropin with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

FREE To 23 April Picasso’s Portraits Picasso's portraits epitomise the variety and innovation of his art. This major exhibition of over eighty works focuses on the artist's portrayal of family, friends and lovers and reveals his creative processes as he moved freely between drawing from life, humorous caricature and expressive painting from memory.

FREE

THE WALLACE COLLECTION Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org Throughout April Take a family multi-media tour and bring the exhibits to life. FREE

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13 Lincoln's Inn Fields WC2A 3PB www.soane.org Third Saturday of every month Enjoy free drop-in activities for all ages. 1.30-4.40pm FREE

THE NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in April Family Sundays Art activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11 FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS

EDDIE CATZ WIMBLEDON First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF www.eddiecatz.com 5 April, 1 and 31 May, 28 June SEN Soft Play Evening Sessions Eddie Catz runs regular SEN indoor soft play sessions specifically dedicated to children ages 3-14yrs with special needs. 6-7.30pm, includes access to the soft play areas including the toddler area, plus the disco room will have music turned down and soft lights, wheelchair users will have access to area with soft mats, balls and toys, plus quiet and chill out area.

Book on shop.eddiecatz.com/category/128/S EN_Eve_Play_Session_Wimbledon

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Family Art Fun: Trails Journey across the V&A with fantastic stories, games and multisensory materials. Plus Curious Ceramics - Sensory back-pack for children with visual impairments.

WHAT’S ON

TATE MODERN Bankside, SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk Throughout April Family Friendly Art Activities A range of free arty and crafty workshops, see website for details.

FREE

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road, Dulwich SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Throughout April. Vanessa Bell 1879-1961 A major exhibition of works by modernist painter Bell, who was a central figure of the Bloomsbury Group. From £7

8-17 April Pop-up Performance Celebrate the Dance of Spring with this interactive and playful performance created by Yael Loewenstein, with integrated British Sign Language Interpretation on Thursday 13 April. Suitable for all the family, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

28 May – 5 June Pop-up Performance Experience a playful and interactive performance by Chickenshed, as two best friends come together to create their own music festival. On Thursday 1 June, performances includes British Sign Language Interpretation by Deaf Umbrella.

11am, 1pm and 3pm

© Susan Smart

SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE

Fantastic workshops at the Geffrye Museum

21 May Hands-on Archaeology Come along to this drop-in session for a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their archaeological finds and learn more about the rich and varied history of the ancient site. Free, no booking necessary. Suitable for adults and children of all ages, 1pm-3pm NB These workshops are not specifically designed for children with SEN, but they would certainly be able to cater to their needs, although neither of them will have BSL interpretation. Let Fulham Palace know in advance and they will make sure to let the workshop leaders know that children with SEN may be in attendance.

PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk 30 May Jack and the Beans Talk Join the Garlic Puppet Theatre in the picturesque setting of the large Walled Garden for a charming rendition of a favourite fairy tale classic. Perfect for families with children aged 3-7, from £10, 11.30am and 2.30pm

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 8 April Little Green Fingers Gardening Session Sow seeds in their specially prepared Little Green Fingers bed and explore how vegetables and flowers grow during this hands-on gardening workshop.

Suitable for ages 3+. £7 per child, booking essential. 10.30am-12pm

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COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 3-7 April The Princess and the Toad A wonderful Easter holiday musical show for all the family. 11am and 2.30pm, £10/£

CHICKENSHED KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB www.chickenshed.org.uk 10-13 April Easter Holiday Project A great opportunity for children to develop their performance skills in drama, music, dance and singing using Chickenshed’s proven teaching methods and unique performance style. 10am–4pm, age 6-11, £100, 50% sibling concession.

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Dates in April and May TBC Morning explorers (ASC friendly) Morning Explorers offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as sensory rooms, self-directed trails and an arts and crafts session. Age under 13, 8.30-10am, advanced booking required. FREE

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk First Sunday of every month Audio-described Tours Experience the First World War Galleries through one of these live audio-description tours for blind and partially sighted visitors, ages 14+. 9.30am, booking essential on 020 7091 3157 or visitorenquiries@iwm.org.uk FREE

GAMBADO CHELSEA 7 Station Court SW6 2PY www.gambado.com/centres/chelsea Dates in April Chelsea Autism Session Come and join these fantastic Chelsea Autism friendly indoor soft play sessions at Gambado!

Children £5, includes 1 adult, extra adults £2.50, see website for details.

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