Families London SW October 2018 Issue 280

FREE

TAKE M E HOM E

South West

IN THIS ISSUE

15 pages of things to do!

Free activities, exhibitions, tours for children, fireworks, Halloween events and courses, bonfires and more Autumn School Open Days

Pick up your mine of information!

Issue 280 October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

contents Spooktacular Science October Half Term Holiday Camp with Little House of Science

October 2018 Issue 280

4-5 Local news 6 Families TOP Five activities this month

South West

education Feature 9 How thinking skills can equip

25 Go wild this autumn 26-29 October half term activities Swimming, tennis, balls skills, touch typing, arts, music, dance, drama, languages etc

your child for the future • Families London South West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. • The contents of Families London South West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London South West.

• Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts.

• Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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

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: November/December 2018 ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2018.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon

familiesonline.co.uk

10-11 Open Days 12 News from Peregrines School and Redcliffe schools

14 A family reflects on 3 years of extra tuition at Explore Learning

18 News from Sydenham High School and the White House School

20 How to secure the best school for your child with School Search

23 Free Activities From a magic carpet storytelling to Bookfest.

30 News from your local Clubs & Classes 33-34 Halloween activities From Pumpkin parties to a Raver Tots Halloween rave!

36-37 Local fireworks Guide to Guy Fawkes Night

39 Halloween craft Make a doorway dare

40-46 What’s On • Diary dates • Cinema for children • Drama • Museums and Galleries • Art activities • Babies and toddlers

Advertise in our next issue. Contact us on 020 8696 9680

October 2018 • Families South West 3

News We love the new ecoSplash range from Muddy Puddles: fully waterproof jackets, all in ones and trousers made with … recycled plastic bottles!

Volunteers sought to help struggling readers

Curiosity is key to early childhood success

The national reading charity Beanstalk is looking for volunteers to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially life-changing reading support programmes.

According to latest statistics, 25% of children across England left primary school not meeting the expected levels in reading last year. This can have a devastating effect on those children’s futures leading to all sorts of problems in secondary education and beyond.

Could you join its network of trained reading helpers?

New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success.

Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were.

That was true even when the students weren't very good at a self-control measure called ‘effortful control’, which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks.

The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement.

More info at www.nature.com

Beanstalk provides full training and ongoing support to all volunteers. For more information or to apply, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0301.

4 Families South West • October 2018

For Fish’s sake no plastic in the Thames Catch of the Day is part of the For Fish’s Sake (#FFSLDN) campaign to raise awareness of how litter in our waterways is harming marine life both in the river and out at sea. The issue of plastic pollution in our oceans is now well known, but closer to home the Thames is home to 125 species of fish and up to 75% of flounder in the river have been found to have ingested plastic.

For Fish’s Sake has been brought to Putney by Hubbub in partnership with Wandsworth Council, Positively Putney and Port of London Authority. The campaign is calling on people who live, work or visit the River Thames and other waterways in the UK to help stem the flow of litter. The campaign was piloted last year and reduced riverside litter in the test area around London Bridge by 32%. We can all do our bit by being vigilant with our plastic waste or better try and reduce our plastic consumption.

familiesonline.co.uk

Bootcamp for mums with their babies With MAMAWELL there is no excuse left not to exercise! MAMAWELL’s group bootcamp allows you to bring baby with you to enjoy high-energy and uplifting sessions. Pelvic floor work, joint mobilisation and stabilisation will provide the base for the higher intensity circuits that follow. You will work your whole body, improve your cardiovascular fitness and

‘TED talks’ for mums!

Meet Babble Talks: an opportunity for new parents looking to stimulate their minds.

Founded in early 2018 when local mum Ruth Bennett was on maternity leave, each event features an expert guest speaker giving a fun and accessible talk on a topic that is not baby-related! These daytime events are for parents with babies up to one year old, as a way to reclaim their brains and connect over topics. (14th November is a talk by archaeologist Paul Duncan McGarrity, and on 5th December Professor Christopher Jackson will give an account of going inside an active

Museum tours for children Especially popular during school holidays, the Little Grand tour take children in gallery or museum tours in London. The two hour tours are designed for 6-12year olds and delivered by fabulous ‘art wizards’ who engage children with carefully chosen artworks through a

strengthen muscle tone. All levels of fitness welcome. They also offer personal training for new mums at their home, workplace or in the park for those looking to get that extra help with achieving post-birth wellness goals.

Outdoors only £7 per session. Wandsworth Park, Putney Bridge Road SW15 07943 093130 info@mamawell.org www.mamawell.org

Keep up the cycling and walking to school!

volcano.) Talks start at 11.30am and tickets are £7.50 in advance or £10 on the door (subject to availability). Tooting and East Dulwich. www.babbletalks.com

Cycling or walking is good for the environment and it saves you money, reduces congestion, especially around school gates, making it safer.

Very importantly it provides an active start to the day, ensuring your child will be more alert in lessons.

combination of listening, interaction and creativity, specifically designed for children.

Choose between Calendar tours, detailed on the website, and Tailored tours for your own group of children, friends or family. Such a lovely idea! www.thelittlegrandtour.co.uk

Crowdfunding appeal for young struggling mums For struggling mums in Wandsworth, just getting out of the house can be a challenge—but what if you want to get out but have nowhere to go? The social enterprise Young Mums Support Network has partnered with Griffin Primary School to create 'the Hub': a centre where women can attend courses, get emotional and practical support, reduce their isolation and build independence. The Hub is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to expand operations. Anyone interested in supporting this worthwhile programme can find more information at www.spacehive.com/make-the-house-ahome

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 5

Families Top Five activities this month Here is our pick of the best days out for the whole family this October…

Royal Observatory Greenwich SE10 8XJ. www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory 22-26 September Half Term Events. Includes Out of this World: Moon, including a planetarium show, interactive quiz and virtual reality activity.

Join the Royal Observatory Astronomers for a series of activity packages for older children that include a brain-bending Moon quiz, the chance to feel what it’s like to step onto the lunar surface and a rock handling demonstration to show what features to expect on the Moon. Plus, Holiday to Space, with a fun filled Space Safari show. Learn more about Ted’s adventure in this workshop by choosing which planet would make a good holiday destination and helping the brave teddy bear prepare for his stay. Times, dates and ages vary.

Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 2 October – 30 December The Wider Earth. For the first time in its history, the Natural History Museum creates a 357-seat traditional performance theatre to host the European premiere of the awardwinning Darwin drama, The Wider Earth.

Featuring a cast of seven, and 30 handmade puppets representing the exotic wildlife Darwin encountered, this is an ingenious coming-of-age story celebrating the incredible complexity of our planet and Darwin’s adventurous spirit as he faced perilous environments and unknown dangers on his bold voyage. The production explores the little-known story of the young Charles Darwin when, aged only 22, he set out on his daring five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle. It promises to be a goodie – don’t miss out!

Science Museum SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk From 6 October The Sun: Living with Our Star. The sun, its beauty and power have inspired us since the dawn of civilization. Set at the centre of our solar system, its brilliant light shapes our sense of time, our health and our environment. This is the story of humanity’s ever-changing relationship with our nearest star. Plus, on 2-3 November the museum has the first of their The Sun: Living With Our Star Family Festivals with pop-up workshops exploring the science behind the Sun and hands-on interactive activities designed to inspire the whole family.

6 Families South West • October 2018

Museum of London Docklands Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ

E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands

www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 23-26 October Half Term Events. Visit the museum for a variety of children's daily workshops, all for ages 5+ and free – just book on the day. Includes silk-screen printing, making canvas bags, designing teacups and saucers, holding tea parties, creating jewellery and even making huge sandwich boards!

To 28 October Roman Dead. In 2017 a rare sarcophagus was unearthed in London, where an ancient cemetery once stood. Discover the story behind this remarkable find in this new exhilarating exhibition, plus find out more about London's history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners' jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 7

Southfields call 020 8870 8300 email southfields@numberworks.com

Battersea call 020 7223 1882 email battersea@numberworks.com www.numberworksnwoods.com/uk

8 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Education Feature

How thinking skills can equip your child for the future

By Dr David Walters

W

hat jobs will be available to my child when the time comes for them to enter the employment market? It’s a worry for every parent. Artificial Intelligence will ‘kill off’ five million jobs by 2020, according to some of the more alarmist headlines. While AI threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the retail and administration sectors, top professions such as the law and medicine are also set to be transformed by the ‘march of the robots’.

So how can we help our children to futureproof their skills?

In the world of education, the speed at which the robots are advancing has poured more fuel on to the debate about the value of learning by rote. Are schools, under enormous pressure from government to deliver ever-better exam grades, responding by priming a generation of students simply to remember, recall and regurgitate facts just as the need for those skills is being usurped by Siri and Alexa?

Surely, if we want our children to succeed in a future where so many jobs will be dominated by automation, we should educate them with skills unique to human beings?

So, what are those uniquely human skills, and where can your child learn them? What do we as a species have going for us that the computers don’t—and are unlikely to for at least a while?

One of our most important is cognitive—or thinking—skills.

Back in the 1950s a US psychologist called Benjamin Bloom devised his now-famous hierarchy of thinking. This “pyramid of thought” classifies thinking according to six cognitive levels of complexity. It is increasingly relevant today. According to Bloom’s hierarchy, the least complex (lower order) thinking skills such

familiesonline.co.uk

as recalling information form the base of the pyramid and the most complex (higher order) skills, such as creativity, sit at the peak.

Put simply, the higher up the pyramid you go, the safer you are from the rising tide of the machines.

Thinking Schools, at which these higher-order skills are taught, can be found all over the world, including in Dubai, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, Nigeria and Thailand. In Malaysia, the government has looked to introduce the Thinking Schools model in 10,000 public schools.

In Britain, too, there is a new enthusiasm for schools where these skills form the basis of teaching. There is growing recognition that Thinking Schools drive the type of unique thinking skills and intelligent learning behaviours that we all need in an increasingly technological world. Much of education has shifted too far towards pure recall and regurgitation of fact.

But thinking skills are not an education programme; they are an attitude to learning.

In a Thinking School:

n all members share a common language of learning; n thinking strategies and tools are used across the curriculum and teachers and students have sound understanding of metacognition; n all students are developing and demonstrating independent and cooperative learning skills; n there are high levels of achievement and an excitement and enthusiasm for learning.

Typically, in a Thinking School you will see pupils working with ‘map’-like visual tools which help children to understand their thinking processes and ultimately to create, understand, problem-solve and persist with tasks rather than merely regurgitate answers.

Recent research has shown that attending an accredited Thinking School can improve pupils’ GCSE results by as much as a grade above what they were originally predicted.

Accredited Thinking Schools have been rigorously assessed by Exeter University’s Cognitive Education Development Unit to ensure that they meet strict criteria and a list of them can be found at http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/education/thi nkingschools/accreditation/accreditedschools/ Should your child not be at an accredited school, you can still access the Thinking Matters approach to education used by Thinking Schools. Cog-Ignition (www.cogignition.com) works directly with families, and use ‘cognitive coaches’ who work one-to-one to develop the thinking skills, attitudes and interpersonal skills needed to succeed at school and far beyond.

We don’t have to think of machines purely as a threat. They are, after all, our creation. The key is to develop the intelligences and skills to get them to work for us!

Dr David Walters is Deputy Principal of a secondary school in the South West and Honorary Fellow, Exeter University Graduate School of Education. Thinking Matters works with schools all over the country which want to become Thinking Schools. For further information, visit www.thinkingmatters.com

October 2018 • Families South West 9

Schools Open Days OCTOBeR 2018 SW1 St Matthew’s School 3-11 Co-Ed Visits with the Headteacher by arrangement throughout October and November 020 7504 0500 www.stmwschool.org.uk More House School 11-18 Girls Visits by arrangement in October and November 020 7235 2855 www.morehouse.org.uk eaton House Belgravia Pre-prep 3-8 Boys Open Evening 6/11 7-9pm 020 3917 5050 www.eatonhouseschools.com

SW3 Hill House 4-13 Co-Ed. Tours of school available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday during term time at 8.30am, no appointment necessary 020 7584 1331 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School 4-11 CoEd Reception Open Days 11/10 at 2pm and 7/11 at 6pm 020 7589 2438 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

SW7 The Hampshire 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 eaton House Belgravia Prep 8-13 Boys Autumn Term Open Days TBC 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Franciscan Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Reception and Nursery Schools Tours throughout October and November 9.15am 020 8672 3048 franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk Hyde Park School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn Open Morning TBC 9.30am, plus the school offers show rounds on Wednesday and Friday mornings 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Queen’s Gate School 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Evenings 4/10 and 6/11 from 5.35pm, Junior School At-home Receptions 4/10, 17/10, 6/11 and 15/11 at 9.15am 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk

SW8 SW4 eaton House The Manor 8-13 Boys Open House 10/10, 17/10, 31/10, 7/11, 28/11 and 5/12 at 9am 020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com Allen edwards Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days TBC in October and November, booking required 020 7622 3985 www.allenedwards.co.uk Larkhall Primary School Open evening 30/10 5.30pm Open morning 31/10 8.30am 020 7622 3820 www.larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk Parkgate House School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Day 6/10 9.30am-12pm 020 7350 2461 www.parkgate-school.co.uk

SW6 Fulham Prep School 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Mornings 16/10 and 29/11 at 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 020 7471 4217, 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, Open Day 6/10 at 9.30am 020 7371 9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk L’ecole des petits 4-11 Co-Ed School visits are held on Thursday mornings 4/10, 11/10 and 18/10 at 10am, 8/11, 15/11, 22/11, 29/11, 6/12 and 13/12 at 10am. Visits are by appointment only 0207 371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk All Saints C of e Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 3/10, 7/11 and 5/12 at 9.30am 020 7736 2803 www.allsaintsce.lbhf.sch.uk 10 Families South West • October 2018

Newton Prep School 3-13 Co-Ed Open Day 13/10 9.30am-12.30pm, plus Friday Tours with the Headmistress on selected Fridays during term-time, 9-10.30am, by appointment only 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

SW10 Redcliffe School 3-11 Co-Ed Open Day 2/11 at 9am, places must be reserved, plus tours Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout October and November 9.30am booking required 020 7352 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com

SW11 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 Dolphin School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings every Thursday morning 9.15-10.40am by appointment only 020 7924 3472 www.dolphinschool.org.uk L’ecole de Battersea 4-11 Co-Ed School visits are held on Friday mornings 5/10, 12/10, 9/11, 16/11, 23/11, 30/11, 7/12 and 14/12 at 10am, by appointment only 0207 371 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Thames Christian School 11-16 Co-Ed Open Morning 10/10 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 www.thameschristianschool.org.uk John Burns Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 5/10 and 12/10 at 9.30am 020 7228 3857 www.johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk

Call to book your place now!

Shaftesbury Park Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 9/10 and 23/10 9.30-11am, plus show rounds on Tuesday mornings from 23/10 through to 15/1/19. Individual tours of the school can be booked on Friday mornings during term time 020 7228 3652 shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk Christ Church C OF e Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days 14/11 1.30-3pm and 7/1/19 10.30am-12pm, by appointment only 020 7228 2812 www.christchurchwandsworth.sch.uk

SW12 London Steiner School 3.5-14 Co-Ed Weekly school tours by appointment every Wednesday at 9am 020 8772 3504 londonsteinerschool.org Hornsby House School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn Open Morning 18/10 at 9am 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk LA Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School 11-18 Girls Open Mornings 4/10, 5/10 and 9/10 at 9am-12pm 020 8673 5644 www.laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk ST Francis Xavier Sixth Form College 16-18 Co-Ed Open Day 12/11 10am-2.30pm 020 8772 6072 www.sfx.ac.uk The White House Preparatory School 2-11 Co-ed Open morning 13/10 9.30-11.30am. www.thewhitehouseschool.com

SW13 THe Harrodian School 4-18 Co-Ed 11+ Open Morning for Year 6 pupils only 9/10, or call to arrange an individual tour 020 8762 6321 www.harrodian.com

SW14 Tower House Prep School 4-13 Boys Tours of the school by appointment 020 8876 3323 www.thsboys.org.uk

SW15 ibstock Place School 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep School Open Mornings 14/11 and 30/1/19 at 9.30am, booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Granard Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 5/10, 7/11 and 4/12 at 9.15am, call to book a place 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk Putney High School 4-18 Girls Open Week from 13/10 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net Merlin School 4-8 Co-Ed Open Day in Autumn term TBC, book in advance 020 8788 2769 www.merlinschool.net

familiesonline.co.uk

SW15 contd.

Hurlingham School 4-11 Co-Ed email admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk to arrange a visit 020 8874 7186 www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk Mosaic Jewish Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 17/10 at 9.30am 020 8944 8731 www.mjps.org.uk

SW16 Streatham High School 11-18 Girls Prep School Open Mornings 6/10 and 6/11 10am12pm, Senior School Open Morning 9/10 and 7/11 9.15-11.30am, limited places, register online 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net

SW17 Burntwood School 11-18 Girls Open Morning 9/10 at 8.45am 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com ernest Bevin College 11-16 Boys Open Mornings 3/10 and 5/10 at 9-10.45am, Sixth Form Open Evening 8/11 020 8672 8582 www.ernestbevin.org.uk Fircroft Primary School Open morning 16/10 9.30 – 11am. Meet the Headteacher Denise York and to see our school in action. officemanager@fircroft.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW18 The Roche School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 12/10 and 14/11 9.30-11.30am call to make an appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk ST Michael’s Ce Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings by appointment only on 8/10, 15/10, 29/10, 5/11, 12/11, 19/11 and 26/11 at 9.30am 020 8874 7786 www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk ST Faith’s Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 3/10, 17/10, 7/11 and 22/11 at 9am 020 8874 2653 www.stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk ST Anne’s Ce Primary school 4-1 Co-Ed Open Days 9/10 and 6/11 9.30am and 2pm 020 8874 1863 www.stanneswandsworth.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

SW19

W14

The Study Prep School 4-11 Girls Tours on Tuesday mornings throughout September and October 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 10/10 9.1510.45am, bookings are open now 020 8946 1001 www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk Wimbledon High School 11-18 Girls Senior School Open Mornings 6/10 and 9/10 at 8.50am, Sixth Form Open Evening 6/10 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Kings College School 7-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed Senior School (11+ entry) Open Evening 9/10 6pm, 16+ Entry (Sixth Form) Open Evening 4/10 6pm, 020 8255 5437 www.kcs.org.uk Holy Trinity Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Reception Open Mornings 16/11 10am-12pm 020 8542 1591 www.holytrinity.merton.sch.uk Albemarle Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day 15/11 at 11am 020 8788 3170 www.albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk Our Lady Queen of Heaven Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Afternoon 14/11 at 1pm, by registration only, plus monthly tours for Reception and Nursery can be booked through the school 020 8788 7420 www.ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsworth.sch.uk

Fulham School 4-16 (by 2021 it will be 4-18) Co-Ed. Prep School tours by appointment only, Fulham Senior Information Evenings 3/10 69pm, no appointment necessary 020 7386 2444 http://fulham.school

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

W6 Fulham School 4-16 (by 2021 it will be 4-18) Co-Ed Pre-Prep Open Mornings 16/10 and 29/11 at 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and time slot 020 7471 4217 http://fulham.school Ravenscourt Park Prep School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 11/10 and 15/11 9am, booking necessary 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk

SE22 Alleyn’s School 4-18 Co-Ed Junior School Open Event 4/10 1.30-3pm. 11+ & 13+ Open Event 7/11 2pm. 020 8557 1500 www.alleyns.org.uk Dulwich College Junior School 7-10 Boys Open Day 13/10 9.30am-12pm 020 8299 8432 www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school James Allen’s Girls’ School 4-18 Girls Prep School Open Morning 6/10 10am-12pm, Senior School Open Morning 6/10 10am-1pm (11+ entry and Sixth Form entry) and 18/10 10.30am-12pm (11+ entry only), plus tours Wednesday mornings by appointment only 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk

SE26 Sydenham High School 4-18 Girls Prep School Open Mornings 3/10 9.30am-11am (10+ Entry), 10/10 9.30-11am (7+ Entry), 18/10 9.30-11am (4+ Entry), plus Taster Days 7/11 (4+ Entry), 8/11 (7+ Entry), 13/11 (10+ Entry), Senior School Open Mornings 6/11 and 22/11 9.3011am, plus Taster Days 9/10 and 17/10 for current Year 6 pupils.

CR9 Trinity School, Croydon 10-16 Boys, 16-18 CoEd Open Morning 6/10 9am-12pm 020 8656 9541 trinity-school.or

BATH Prior Park College 11–18 Co-ed Open morning 6/10 9.30am 01225 835 353 www.priorparkcollege.com Kind edward’s School Bath 3-18 Co-ed Senior, Junior & Pre-prep Open morning 13/10. Sixth form open evening 12/10 01225 820 399 www.kesbath.com

October 2018 • Families South West 11

Education School News News from Redcliffe School

By Mrs Lemmon, Headteacher “When Redclifffe School became fully-coeducational for pupils aged 2 ½ to 11 in September 2017 we discussed ways to make our provision even more stimulating.

Given the drive for wellness, making changes to sport seemed a great way forward. Sport helps children develop self-esteem, social, personal, physical, cognitive and creative skills and teaches them to have respect for their peers regardless of gender and exposes them to different viewpoints.

Redcliffe’s exciting new sporting curriculum which rolled out this

September as we celebrate the school’s 70th anniversary, ensures all pupils from Reception upwards will be able to participate in a range of sporting activities for up to 3-4 hours a week depending on their ages. Nursery children also participate in a variety of activities which help promote their physical development through dance, movement and multi skills games.”

Visit the school at their next Open Morning on November 2nd at 9am.

Redcliffe School 47 Redcliffe Gardens, London, SW10 9JH www.redcliffeschool.com

Peregrines off to a flying start

Putney-based Falcons family of schools has extended a warm welcome to its first cohort of new boy and girl pupils as part of its new Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School launch.

Located within the leafy conservation area of Woodborough Road, on the same

site as sister school Falcons School for Girls, the co-ed Peregrines Pre-Preparatory is a family school set in stunning surroundings where boys and girls aged 3 to 8 are encouraged to flourish and thrive.

The site has benefitted from considerable investment and

enhancement of its facilities to create superior IT facilities and a freeflow ‘indoors to outdoors’ learning and play areas, leading to a spacious outdoor classroom, a deck activity area and an astro turf safe-play section.

Headmistress Sara WilliamsRyan explained: “We are thrilled to welcome our inaugural Peregrines boy and girl pupils, and are delighted to see them enjoying the newly improved facilities. At Peregrines we provide inspiring learning experiences that encourage curiosity and engagement. We want our pupils to be ambitious, have a go, be positive and take responsibility for their behaviour and learning.”

Local children are invited to Come and Play events Throughout the year Peregrines is hosting a series of ‘Come and

Play’ events at the school. The first one will take place at 1011.30am on 1st November.

Locally-based children under four are invited to the school for refreshments and to join in fun activities, including tackling a junior obstacle course.

After Peregrines, Falcons School for Girls and Falcons School for Boys offer places to pupils at Year 4. Peregrines has strong links with both the schools, with a number of joint activities scheduled throughout the year so pupils can benefit from being part of a larger group.

For more information on Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School, or to register for the Open Day or Come and Play event, call Harriet Stokes, Registrar on 020 8992 5189 or email admin@falconsgirls.co.uk

You are invited an exclusive evening talk

12 Families South West • October 2018

For those who are unsure and just curious as to what a dedicated boarding community might be like, Cranleigh School will host an introduction to Modern Boarding at The Royal Society SW1 on 10th October.

Schools Council; and Neil Brooks, Headmaster at Cranleigh Prep School, as well as Martin Reader in his role as Chair of the BSA. Drinks and food at 6.30pm, followed by some short presentations and a Q&A session.

The evening will feature talks from: Grace Moody Smith, Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants; Jan Shilling, Education Consultant formerly with the Independent

Tickets are free but places are limited so booking is essential via www.cranleigh.org/ourschool/academics/resources/cranl eigh- training/what-is-modernboarding/ familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 13

A family reflects on 3 years of extra tuition at Explore Learning

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to explore?

We would advise them to attend a ‘free’ trial session with their child at a centre convenient to them. Once booked, we are sure your child will be hooked!

Can you tell me what you think makes explore Learning a unique tutoring service?

They have knowledgeable members of staff/tutors who really do care about the children and their on-going learning. Explore offers great ‘staff to children’ ratios, which enables each child to be able to ask for and obtain the help where necessary.

Explore Learning provides maths and English tuition to children aged four to 14, with 139 centres across the country. Families caught up with an Explore Learning member to find out more about their experience.

How long have you been going to explore?

Emily joined Explore Learning over 3 years ago.

Why did you decide to join explore?

To help raise Emily’s low self-esteem and to provide her with some confidence with her learning and within herself.

14 Families South West • October 2018

How has explore supported what your child is working on at school?

Since Emily has been attending Explore, her school work and self-confidence has Her school significantly improved. This is clearly How has explore helped/ work and selfevident from Emily’s school reports and what impact has explore confidence has her school progression chart. Emily had? significantly recently sat her SATS tests at Junior School They have provided Emily and her great results achieved were can be improved with the tools to enable her attributed to attending Explore. to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It Get in touch with Explore Learning by calling has taught Emily how to prioritise her work 033 0124 3802 to discuss your child’s need and whilst completing the work within the required book your free trial. Alternatively, visit timescales. This was a weakness of Emily’s explorelearning.co.uk Centres in Brixton, East prior to joining but is now no longer a concern Sheen, Fulham, Merton, Nine Elms and to us as her parents or her school teachers.

Wandsworth.

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 15

16 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

11 PLUS TUITION

Mrs Jones EDUCATION

Y4 & Y5 COURSES 2018 & 2019

11 Plus Foundation – Year 4 (one year)

Limited Space

11 Plus Preparation – Year 5 (one year and 16 months) 11 Plus Mock Exam Only – Year 4 & Year 5 Highly Experienced Graduate Teachers EXCELLENT RESULTS

Call us to book your child’s place

0208 390 6076 South West London

11 PLUS MOCK EXAMS State Grammar and Private Schools Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cloze Procedure and Exam Technique

Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

Year 4 and Year 5 NOW BOOKING courses starting in January 2019

www.11plustuition.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 17

How to reduce plastic use at The White House School

Single sex education: here to stay!

The White House Prep has introduced classes dedicated to 'Projects' for children across the school to get involved with.

Recently their focus Project was plastic, more importantly reducing plastic waste throughout the school and discussing the impact excessive use is having on the environment. Pupils worked on Powerpoint, gave presentations and created statistics about how much plastic was being used in the school and how we can reduce this further. A Year 2 child has even been brainstorming what to do with the plastic yogurt pots we use at lunch.

By Mrs Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress At the start of the twentieth century less than 25% of girls aged between 12 and 18 attended any type of school. Pioneering women such as Mary Buss, Emily Shirreff and Maria Grey were instrumental in paving the way for girls to be educated. Today, the girlsonly sector still has a strong presence, with a number of highly successful single-sex schools proving that this model really does work. As a leader of a girls’ school, one of 25 schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of girls’ schools, I am clear as to why this route works and why it is still as strong as ever.

T

In a world where inequalities still exist in so he debate around co-ed or single-sex is many quarters, it is imperative that young certainly not new and, given that men women are encouraged to step up from the and women coexist throughout daily life, youngest possible age and to own and it is understandable that many might question celebrate their successes every step of the way. how single-sex education can offer the best By focusing on, and understanding exactly how preparation for adult life. Yet, there is plenty of girls learn and develop, and by promoting all research to demonstrate that girls do better careers paths and subject academically, as well as socially and emotionally, in a single-sex “The girls-only school choices, girls are empowered and are able to excel with no environment. sector stubbornly limits to their learning or refuses to die” aspirations. They can be I am a firm advocate based on themselves, without the my experiences as a teacher, as Dr Kevin Stannard constraints of ‘masculine’ or well as a parent. I believe and ‘feminine’ traits, and there is the recognise that girls and boys opportunity to stamp out all conscious and learn and develop differently, and in a singleunconscious biases. Empowering every girl to sex environment have a greater opportunity to be aspirational in all walks of life, developing flourish and succeed. In a girls-only her growth mindset, as well as her resilience, environment, stereotypes fly out of the window empathy and self-belief, will help to ensure and everything is an option. Girls are free to that her future ambitions are limitless. take greater risks in their learning, not be afraid of making mistakes, to speak out, and to put Sydenham High School | GDST 19 Westwood themselves forward. There are fewer Hill, London SE26 6BL distractions and inhibitions with no boys in the www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net classroom complicating the social strata.

18 Families South West • October 2018

At the White House, every child has a voice and a special part to play in school life and they are constantly striving to ensure the children are ahead of the curve when it comes to current affairs.

The White House Preparatory School & Woodentops Kindergarten 24 Thornton Avenue, London SW12 0LF www.whitehouseschool.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Ensuring every child fulfils their potential

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

c

7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A Level, IB EAL specialists for international families SEND advice & learning support specialists School advice & consultancy services Tailored 1-1 support with inspiring teachers & tutors, enabling maximum progression.

Contact: charlotte@firstclasstutorsgroup.com Visit: www.firstclasstutorsgroup.com

ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

'Through Christ, we achieve our Personal Best'

RECEPTION OPEN DAYS 11th October 2018 at 2pm

7th November 2018 at 6pm

BOOK A TOUR

to register your attendance

020 7589 2438 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk admissions@stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2QT

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 19

Education Feature

How to secure the best school for your child

HOT TIPS!

Autumn, that time of year when memories of long Summer holidays quickly fade and families frantically prepare children for a fresh academic year. For many, the start of the year brings additional challenges, with demanding entrance examinations looming and preparations starting in earnest in many classrooms across London and beyond.

C

ompetition remains fierce to gain entry into London’s top schools and with admission processes changing, 2019 will bring fresh and possibly uncertain challenges for schools, families and children to navigate.

So, with the growing diversity of the London education system, how do parents secure the very best school for their child?

Janie Richardson School Search recognises the key is for parents to be fully prepared and remain focused throughout. It is fundamentally about investigating all options and finding a school that suits the needs of an individual child and their family.

Methodical research is absolutely vital:

n Knowing what schools are available, n When is best to attend heavily subscribed open days n What are admissions and examinations requirements for each individual school.

Undoubtedly time consuming but a very valuable investment by parents in the next stage of their child’s educational journey.

Janie and her team further maintain that preparation clearly

extends to the children themselves. Whilst good schools will be looking to get pupils ready for examinations, it is important that parents work in partnership and stay informed of paper structures and testing methods.

“If a child knows what is expected and is given the skills to perform then we are confident they have the best chance to shine at their chosen schools.”

In previous years School Search Consultants have largely provided tailored support and guidance for overseas families looking to gain knowledge and an understanding of British education. In the past 12 months the powerful combination of rising demand; alongside a growing intricacy of admissions has generated need for their experience and support amongst London families looking to secure the very best for their child’s education. This changing client base has further led consultants to expand their offering to include vital student support to meet the needs of the families they work alongside.

Janie Richardson School Search & Placement www.Jrschoolsearch.com

OPEN DAYS 2018 OPEN EVENINGS (5.30pm) Tuesday 30th October Tuesday 4th December OPEN MORNINGS (8.30am) Wednesday 31st October Wednesday 5th December Smedley Street, London, SW4 6PH T: 020 7622 3820 E: admin@larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk www.larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk

20 Families South West • October 2018

“Since 2014, Lark Hall children have achieved higher standards than children of the same age and ability in other schools” Department for Education value added measure of progress (ages 7-11)

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 21

Book now to advertise in our Christmas issue!

22 Families South West • October 2018

Call: 0208 696 9680 familiesonline.co.uk

FREE activities for October 2018

Meet Francesca Simon at Wimbledon Bookfest © Helen Giles

Wimbledon BookFest

Morden Library

The Bailie Gifford Big Tent, Wimbledon Common, nr Wimbledon Village www.wimbledonbookfest.org 4-14 October A packed Children’s programme featuring former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, Radio 1 presenters Greg James and Chris Smith talking about their book Kid Normal, and Francesca Simon, bestselling author of the Horrid Henry books with a new picture book. Plus two bestselling adult authors Sophie Kinsella and Jessie Burton introduce their new children’s books. With loads of storytelling, workshops and arts and crafts for kids of all ages.

Polka theatre family storytelling session. 13 October 10.30-11.45

Lots of free activities in Merton libraries Check with each library on how to book Wimbledon library - Music workshop for mums and children.

13 October 10.30-11.30am - CoderDojo 20 October 2.304.30pm. A volunteer-led global movement running free coding clubs for youngsters.

- Cats protection talk and craft session 26 October 2.30pm

Mitcham library Magical Quests theatre show Thursday 11 October 4–5pm Free film screening Saturday 13 October 10.30am

Pollards Hill Library Free Musical Workshop with Jigsaw Players 13 October 10.30am – 11.15am.

familiesonline.co.uk

Family Saturdays at Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk Final Saturday of the month Families take over the Centre for a day of fun, food and free activities.

There is something for everyone to get involved with and space for the whole family to chill out and relax.

Includes The Bee’s Knees, a magical indoor play space for ages 0-5. 10am-3pm.

The Big Draw Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk/museu m/inside-the-museum 22-26 October Climb aboard the boat in the museum Stock Office for inspiration and design a boat fit to sail the seven seas. Which materials will you use for your ship to make it strong and sturdy? What other

Merton Libraries

features should it have? Your imagination is the limit! Submit your masterpiece to enter the competition for your chance to win prizes.

V&A Museum family activities www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout October 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. Age 7-12.

Magic Carpet Storytelling The National Gallery www.nationalgallery.org.uk every Sunday in October 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.

A fabulous day out for free – Deen City Farm Merton Abbey, Merton, SW19 2RR 020 8543 5300 www.deencityfarm.co.uk What do you mean you have never heard of this farm? Round the corner from Merton Abbey Mills’s covered market (another favourite haunts of ours) this farm has many animals of all sizes from cows, sheep and owls… Children are encouraged to get close to the animals and will love stroking the rabbits and guinea pigs as well as feeding the goats, pigs and alpaca. Enjoy the community gardens, café or use the picnic area and playground. The friendly, helpful staff engages well with the children, answering any questions. A firm favourite at Families!

October 2018 • Families South West 23

Please tell advertisers you found them in...

THE STUDIO DAY NURSERY

Fircroft Primary School Fircroft Road SW17 7PP

OPEN MORNING Tuesday October 16th 2018 9.30 – 11.00

91-93 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 2DA Telephone: 020 7736 9256 Email: thestudiodaynursery@icloud.com Ofsted Number: 143814 Est. 1987 “Children make good progress from their starting points” “Children are ready for their next steps in learning and their move to school” - Ofsted 2017

24 Families South West • October 2018

We warmly invite you to meet our Headteacher Denise York and to see our school in action.

We offer a broad, creative curriculum firmly focused on achieving high academic standards. Through inspiring teaching, we strive to help every pupil be the best they can be, achieving their ambitions, both within and beyond the classroom.

“SUCCESS FOR ALL, IN ALL WE DO” If you would like to join us on Oct 16th please email:

officemanager@fircroft.wandsworth.sch.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Go Wild this autumn!

By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks Autumn is a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods. Every child should experience this.

There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas: Make leaf mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle.

Go wild foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods.

Gather some berries, nuts and leaves.

Hold a wild bake-off challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs? Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque. Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods! Alternatively a mud pie will be even more fun!

Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations!

Create: Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces.

Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting.

Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves familiesonline.co.uk

and attach them to the jars with elastic bands.

Pumpkin lanterns - carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow.

Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie.

Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

Safety Tips • When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds • Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads • Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins

More about Going Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published

by Frances Lincoln in July 2018.

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

October 2018 • Families South West 25

Half-term holiday activities listing Compiled by Joanna Parry

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.

Languages Club Petit Pierrot Venue in Kensington TBC 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 22-26 October Fun French Halloween October Half Term Holiday Club A magical week inspired by Halloween spookiness, with fun creative activities and projects (totally in French) such as arts & crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, sporty games, theatre and language games, ending with a fantastic Fancy Dress Party. For ages 3-5 and 6-8, half day 9am-1pm, full day 9am-3pm.

26 Families South West • October 2018

Et Patati Patata Venues across SW London 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com 22-26 October Fun French October Day Camp Join the award winning French immersion programme and learn French without leaving London.

Fun activities including French music, French art, patisserie, French coding, French musical, sport…and it’s all 100% French fun!

Age 4-10, plus a Teen GCSE programme, 9am-3pm daily.

Developing skills SPARK4KIDS Computer coding 020 8090 1444 www.spark4kids.com Dulwich 22 to 26 October This October half-term, Spark4Kids are running holiday workshops that

Spark4Kids introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, Unity/C#, Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit, Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, and 8+.

Inkhead Venues include Streatham Library, Manor House Library and West Norwood Library 07943 514408 inkhead.co.uk 24-26 October, dates vary

depending on course Half Term Holiday Courses Courses include 11+ Revision Courses (learn how to approach comprehensions with confidence and even enthusiasm!), Creative Writing and Punctuation for ages 7+ (help your children plot and write a story with a beginning, middle and end), and How To Write and Perform Stand Up Comedy for ages 10+ (have you got a joker in your midst? This course has been developed by inkhead tutors, Max Wilkinson, their very own playwrite and performer).

familiesonline.co.uk

activities all based around music thrown in for good measure, you'll be amazed how much they can learn whilst having fun.

Perform

Dantastic

Chelsea, Clapham south and Wimbledon 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/castaway 22-24 October Castaway Island: Perform’s three day October half-term course for 4-10s Ahoy me ͛earties!

You’re setting sail on an imaginative adventure filled with drama, song and dance. Prepare to climb aboard The Jammy Dodger as we voyage to a tropical island of lush sandy beaches and Caribbean sounds.

10am-3pm.

Polka Theatre Naomi Martin Touch Typing Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ 07949 204553 www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk Throughout October Half Term Touch Typing Courses Touch typing courses for children aged 718, classes are 90 minutes long, of mixed age and ability. Sibling discounts available, 9.30-11am or 11.30am-1pm, £250 for the week.

Yellowbird Education Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road SW6 4LJ 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318 www.yellowbirdeducation.com 22 October – 1 November Creative Writing Workshops Workshops include Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Workshops for 11+ students (years 5 and 6), a 5-day Handwriting Intensive Workshop, a 5-Day Creative Writing Workshop, and a 5-day Comprehension and Composition Workshop for ages 7+, 8+, 11+ , plus Interview Skills for ages 7+, 8+, 11+. Times and dates vary depending on course.

Music & Drama Dantastic

Better life skills, better results Role Models Day Courses Chelsea Academy School SW10 0AB 020 3637 7107 www.rolemodels.me, info@rolemodels.me 22-26 October Resilience and Leadership Course. Role Models are running their unique Resilience & Leadership Courses for ages 8-12 this half term. The courses focus on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead. £395. (Book now for December 17-20th course at Eaton Square School, SW1V 1PP)

Perform

familiesonline.co.uk

Venues across SW London including Southfields Library, Sindbads Soft Play Centre, Raynes Park and Corfield Centre, Streatham 07460 222003 www.dantasticproductions.com/cl asses Throughout October Half Term Holiday Baby and Toddler Classes Action packed, interactive musical adventure classes aimed to inspire, educate, build confidence and improve fitness. Expect plenty of singing, dancing, puppets, instruments and sensory activities.

Drop in for only £8 (£5 siblings), dates vary depending on venue.

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Streatham, Clapham and Blackheath, Herne Hill, Sevenoaks, Sydenham 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 22-25 October Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes ‘Frightful Fingers’ Spooktastic one day electronic keyboard workshops for 4-8 year old beginners with a spellbinding Halloween theme. The perfect opportunity to try out the keyboard and make music the fun way! Children learn in small groups how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. It's a wonderful, relaxed introduction to practical and theoretical music, and with games, quizzes and art

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 24-26 October October Half Term Holiday Workshops A range of exciting holiday workshops for budding actors, directors, designers and costume makers, including Storming Stomp!, Spooky Shadow Puppet Show, and Autumn Stories workshops. Age 2 upwards, dates, times and ages vary depending on workshop.

Sparks Ignite Broomwood Hall School, Nightingale Lane, Balham SW12 8NR 020 71019329 www.sparks-ignite.com/balham 22-24 October Aliens vs Zombies. Young movie makers can pick a horrifying side as they make a half term movie masterpiece to settle once and for all… Aliens, or Zombies?! Three days of special effects and sci-fi movie making fun for ages 7-14, 9am-3pm, £165.

The Strings Club Tooting Primary School, Franciscan Road, Tooting SW17 8HE 0121 296 9204 www.thestringsclub.org Dates in October Half Term October Holiday Camp Discover Days or Week Long Courses - each day with The Strings Club is wonderfully different, including exciting creative workshops alongside high quality small group instrumental sessions. Fully Ofsted registered, all children aged 4-11 are able to attend for the whole day. Half days from £20, early bird and late club £5.

October 2018 • Families South West 27

28 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 4-13. All abilities welcome, times vary according to course, from £30.

Fulham FC Foundation Allsorts Drama 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Several venues, see website for details & booking.

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular drama workshops for ages 4-6 & 711yrs. 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.

Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamsoccerschools.com Throughout October Half Term Holiday Courses Soccer schools run every day, 9am to 3pm. Play tons of football, learn new skills and make lots of new friends.

Taking place at Fulham FC’s Training Ground in Motspur Park, Bishops Park in Fulham, Dundonald Rec in Wimbledon and other venues across South West London.

Prices start from £21 per day, with discounts for booking the whole week. 3-14 years.

Upbeat Music

SwimWay

Thomas’s Academy, Parsons Green SW6 4LY 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 23-25 October Half Term Holiday Course Pop and rock fun at Upbeat Camps – sing, dance, play in a band, record your tracks and then perform them.

Courses always end with a performance and CD presentation.

Age 5-14, sibling discounts and ‘introduce a friend offers’ available, 10am-4pm.

Balham, East Sheen, Putney, Kensington, Kew Gardens and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk Throughout October Half Term Swimming Courses Intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semi-private basis. Courses run for half an hour each day, book early to avoid disappointment. Age 3-9, dates and times dependent on venue.

Sport All Star Tennis Leaders Gardens SW15 1LS King Georges Park SW18 2GJ Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT Tooting Common SW17 8JU 020 8871 4706 www.allstartennis.co.uk/holidaycamps 22 October – 2 November Half Term Tennis Camps All Star Tennis award wining camps are renowned for their fun and creative approach to learning tennis.

Packed with games, drills, tennis technique, match preparation, fun tournaments, trick shots, prizes and team games. 3-4 years, 3-4pm, 5-7 years, 10am-1pm and 3-5pm, 8-12 years, 10am-3pm, teens, 12-4pm.

Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.co m / soccerschools@chelseafc.com www.chelseafc.com/foundation / www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Throughout October Half Term

familiesonline.co.uk

SW Swimming School Emanuel School SW11 1HS Burntwood School, Tooting SW17 0AQ 0208 767 2723, operations@swswimschool.co.uk www.swswimschool.co.uk Dates in October Half Term Intensive Courses A 4- or 5-day intensive splash courses where children swim everyday with same instructor. All lessons are 30 minutes each day, running between 9am-12pm Monday to Friday.

Youngstars Multi-Sports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon 07749 343116, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 22-26 October Half Term Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst kids are introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-10 years, times and prices vary.

Arts & Crafts 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 October Half Term Holiday Activities Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – there will be plenty of holiday camps, creative workshops and parties to choose from. 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.

All Star Tennis Funky Monkey

Little House of Science Imperial College, Kensington SW7 (age 9-13) Baden Powell House, SW7, age 4-8 0800 092 1062, info@littlehouseofscience.com www.littlehouseofscience.com 22-26 October October Half Term Holiday Camp Spooktacular Science. Join the Spooky Science Lab and explore the dark side of science with Halloweenthemed tricks and treats and loads of hands-on experiments. Learn about toads, jellyfish, spiders and bats, make flying eyeballs, design thunder cans and transform liquids into solids, plus create foaming pumpkins, fake blood and of course Super Slime! Daily Mondays to Friday, 9.30am-4pm, age 4-8 (Baden Powell House, SW7 and 913 (Imperial College, SW7) £395 per week.

Funky Monkey

Fitness for mums with babies Movers and Shapers Balham 020 8673 0808 balham@moversandshapers.co.uk Take your baby to Movers & Shapers in Balham for some fun, social fitness experience. Newly refurbished Studios with a redesigned timetable with a host of brand new innovative and exciting class types: Monday – Indoor cycling Tuesday- Circuits Wednesday- Strike 360 (boxing and power plates) Thursday- Combo 30 (combination of cardio and strength training) Friday – Core Conditioning Mum and baby classes every day at 10.30am for 30mins—with some extra time for baby changing or feeding.

They also offer their members a family fitness class on a Sunday at 11am.

Swimway

October 2018 • Families South West 29

Clubs and Classes

When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! it matters hugely for us

Taking children on a journey of Bilingualism for 25 years In September 1993 eight toddlers and their parents attended a brand-new French class in Victoria: the Club Petit Pierrot. Now, 25 years later, thousands of little ones, including some high-profile families, have joined.

Fun, educational and inspired by a love of language, Club Petit Pierrot delivers truly unique French classes for babies and children. By adopting the ‘immersion’ method, the programme engages little ones from the offset, allowing them to experiment with words and explore the language without pressure.

The founder, Stella Bataille, feels passionately that there is no need to translate in order to teach children! “If you create an appropriate environment where the child is secure and gets lots of opportunities to communicate, they flourish and learn without realising it,” she says.

Congratulations Stella!

Find out about your local classes on www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Learn an instrument with the Strings Club.

Weekly music lessons specifically designed for beginners, on Saturdays

Being a mindful parent Are you interested in mindfulness from the perspective of a parent?

A group of parents in Clapham have got together with Debbie Johnson, a mindfulness facilitator with over 20 years experience, to meet after school drop off. They meet regularly on Wednesdays during term time. Please see the website if you’d like to attend.

Debbie is also running an 8 week Mindful Parenting Course from 5 October, providing parents with practical tools to help parents respond to the daily pressures of family life, in a calm and balance way.

For more information please go to www.beingmindful.co.uk or contact Debbie on 07791 021 147

A confident child with Jigsaw Performing Arts

Contact Stefania 020 8748 6418.

Club italiano for children Children learn Italian through action songs, role-plays and structured games, once a week in Fulham, after school. Basic reading, writing and speaking. Relaxed and friendly.

Thursdays 4 to 5pm.

Only £398 for the whole year, £135 one term.

Club italiano for parents Once a week classes in Barnes, Hammersmith, Richmond. From beginners to advanced. Focus is on conversation and grammar.

Ci sentiamo.

30 Families South West • October 2018

A new school year is here, which means that children in South West London are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet October weekends.

Jigsaw classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills,

while having fun and making lots of new friends. With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, it is still time to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near you.

For more information or to book a twoweek trial, visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call 020 8447 4530.

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 31

32 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, and you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too.

Annual Family Halloween Parties

Halloween events

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 Dates in October TBC. Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – join in the fun with these annual Halloween bashes.

Times vary depending on venue. See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

Twilight Tours at the Tower of London

Here are a few fantastic events that you can enjoy with your family, some are great to turn into a day out or .. a whole night out!

EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Selected Sundays from 4 November Spooky twilight tours in the most haunted of castles. Don’t miss a trip on one of these popular eerie nights out. Tickets £27.50.

The Horniman Halloween Fair

Pumpkin party and monster ball Dantastic

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872, horniman.ac.uk 27-28 October Meet creepy crawlies up close in the Wild Fangs cave, enjoy spooky storytelling and browse for gifts and treats at the amazing arts and crafts markets and fabulous food stalls.

Come dressed in your best Halloween costume! 10.30am-4.30pm, free.

St Mark's Church Hall, Wimbledon SW19 www.dantasticproductions.com 27 October Dantastic Halloween Event. With a Pumpkin Party for ages 3 and under, 2.30-4.30pm, and Monster Ball for ages 3-9, 5-7pm. £18 for one adult and one child, siblings £10, extra adult £5.

Halloween Pumpkin Quiz Trail Battersea Park Children’s Zoo 0207 924 5826, batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 20-28 October.

Which of their animals have pumpkins this year? Buy a quiz sheet upon entry and use the clues to help you find which animals are taking part in the Halloween fun. Cost £1, usual entrance fee applies.

Raver Tots Halloween Rave Under 1 Roof: A Kid's Urban Oasis, The I O Centre, 9, Skeffington Street SE18 6SR don’t miss www.ravertots.co.uk 20 October this!

A family rave where kids and grownups can hit the dance floor and let off some steam together! There is tons of kids fun including face painting, UV lights, bubbles, balloons, confetti and giant parachutes in a rave style atmosphere with some of the UK's top DJ's including residents Artful Dodger, Brandon Block, Slipmatt & Nicky Blackmarket.

The Amazing Halloween experience London Canal Museum Bocketts Farm

Wizards and Witches Week on the farm Bocketts Farm Park Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk 20-28 October Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and freaky activities including a Quiz Trail, Creepy

12-13 New Wharf Road King's Cross N1 9RT www.canalmuseum.org.uk 27-28 October Includes story telling in the museum by a witch whose spine-chilling tales will make your flesh creep, plus a trip through the three-quartermile-long Islington Tunnel on a decorated narrowboat in the dark. Every year this event is a hit with families. Why not dress up for the occasion? 3-9.30pm, prices and times vary depending on event.

Museums at Night Venues across London www.museumsatnight.org.uk 25-27 October Explore museums, galleries and heritage sites after hours and enjoy spooky events, themed talks and immersive workshops late into the evening. With Halloween-themed events, quirky workshops and torch-lit tours, Museums at Night is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy London’s culture and history in a new, spookier light. familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 33

Great for small Christmas parties

Perfect for Baby Showers, Gender Reveal and Bridal Showers

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 Instagram: wimbledon_nannies

34 Families South West • October 2018

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

familiesonline.co.uk

staff, test your nerves at the scary storytelling sessions and take part in gruesome arts and crafts including pumpkin carving.

11am-4pm.

Hallowe’en half term fun Ham House and Garden Ham Street, Richmond-uponThames TW10 7RS 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden 20-28 October Hallowe'en hocus pocus at Ham House. Take part in a children's Witch Hunt, decorate a pumpkin biscuit or make your own witch's hat.

Hallowe’en at Hampton Court Palace

Halloween events Screamfest at The London Dungeon Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth SE1 7PB www.thedungeons.com/london 1-31 October It’s Full Scream Ahead as the Home of Halloween invites you to experience the scariest journey of the 19th Century, with 19 live shows and 2 thrilling rides. This terrifying event gets booked up very fast so get your tickets now!

Turn Halloween into a day out!

this week-long pumpkin festival. £3 per pumpkin, 11am-4pm. Play silly games, jump around in crunchy leaves and carve your scariest face on a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Carving

KT8 9AU 0844 482 7777, hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace 31 October and 4 November.

Family Ghost Tours From the spot where two bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the 1870s to the haunted realm of former Grace and Favour apartments, where will you find yourself as nighttime approaches?

This eerie tour will delve even further into spooky tales of residents past, with the route taking in parts of the castle normally closed to visitors, from empty former Grace and Favour apartments to disused stairwells. £14 adults, £7 children, age 8+.

20-28 October. Beast Quest Meet phoenixes, dragons, wizards, griffins and more this October half term, as the best-selling fantasy

children’s book series and gaming brand, Beast Quest takes over Henry VIII’s famous former home.

The evil Malvel has cast a spell over the palace, the beasts are under his wicked spell and he must be defeated. Once you’ve completed the quest in the palace, head to the Magic Garden to meet even more mythical beasts, including Hampton Court Palaces’ very own fire-breathing dragon! The imaginative play garden is located on the site of Henry VIII’s former jousting tiltyard, offering little ones a chance to besiege the battlements and storm the Tiltyard Towers. Especially for Halloween, there’ll even be Beast Questthemed carved pumpkins to greet every visitor.

Wacky Witches and Wizards at Half Term Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL 01622 765400, www.leedscastle.com 22-28 October Answer a riddle to find the wacky witches and wizards around the Castle grounds and listen carefully to their spooky tales. A fun new haunted trail will guide younger visitors through the Woodland Walk (small additional charge applies), find characters hiding across the estate from 11am to 1pm and again from 2pm to 4pm. At 12pm and 3pm, dance in the outdoor children's 'Monster Mash Ball' and take part in the daily fancy dress competition with prizes for the best costume.

Down House, Home of Charles Darwin Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT www.englishheritage.org.uk/downhouse 22 - 28 October Get creepy this Halloween as you carve your own pumpkins at deadly Down House. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten the fearless staff in a costume competition - a perfect day out for the family this Shocktober half term. Open 11am-3.30pm.

eerie eltham Hallowe’en Pumpkin Festival Osterley Park and House Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark-and-house 20-28 October Enjoy spooky fun and activities in

familiesonline.co.uk

Eltham Palace Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE www.englishheritage.org.uk/eltham 22-26 October Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten the fearless

October 2018 • Families South West 35

Fireworks 2018

Lord Mayor’s show: River Thames, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge www.lordmayorsshow.london 10 November - The Lord Mayors Show celebrates an 800-year tradition with parades, festivities, fireworks and more in this historic London event. The fireworks display starts at 5.15pm, from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Watch from the banks or grab a prime position on one of the bridges. Admission is free or book a Grandstand seat through the website, from £39.

Bishops Park fireworks Bishops Park, Fulham SW6 3LA lbhf.gov.uk 2 November – Doors open 6pm, children’s fireworks 7.15pm, main fireworks 8pm. Plus funfair rides and food stalls. Tickets on the door, under 5s free. Advance tickets available.

Battersea Park fireworks Battersea Park SW11 4NJ wandsworth.gov.uk/fireworks / www.enablelc.org/fireworks 3 November – One of the biggest highlights of the year is the annual Battersea Park Fireworks display. A great night out for families, with lots of entertainment and fun. This year’s display will be set to music made by legends, fired by the award-winning Jubilee Fireworks.

Gates open 6pm (no entries after 8pm), fireworks 8.10pm, advance tickets £7-£10, children under 10 go free but need a ticket.

36 Families South West • October 2018

Compiled by Joanna Parry Crystal Palace fireworks Crystal Palace Park SE19 2AA 07941 003527 crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk 5 November – Not one but two fireworks displays plus a family funfair and stalls selling traditional food and drink. Gates open 6pm, Children’s Show 7pm, gates close 8.15pm, Main Family Display 8.30pm. Funfair runs until 9.30pm.

Tickets must be bought in advance as none will be available at the gate. No parking available.

Lambeth fireworks Brockwell Park, Norwood Road SE24 9BJ lambethfireworks.london 3 November This popular fireworks display is themed on A Night at the Movies, so be prepared for a display set to the songs of films from across the decades.

Gates open at 5pm for the funfair, live music begins at the main stage 6-8pm. Fireworks display starts at 8pm, tickets in advance £10 adults, £5 children, family tickets for 2 children and 2 adults £30. No tickets available on the night.

Morden Park fireworks London Road, Morden SM4 5HE merton.gov.uk/fireworks 3 November - Amazing Bonfire Night action at Morden Park, with two spectacular musical firework

displays plus traditional bonfires.

Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm. Open until 10pm. Limited tickets on the gate or buy in advance from the website – early bird tickets for children £5.35, adults £7.49, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £23.54.

Southwark Park bonfire night and firework display Southwark Park, Lower Road SE16 2PA southwark.gov.uk/southwarkprese nts/fireworks Date tbc – Short and sweet fireworks, plus family entertainment. Gates open 5.15pm, fireworks display 7pm, free. Tickets on sale from early October, early booking advised as tickets sell out fast.

Wimbledon Park fireworks Wimbledon Park, Park Road SW18 5NR merton.gov.uk/fireworks 4 November – Two bonfires, two firework displays and a fantastic fairground, all set to rousing music.

Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm. Hot food, stalls and drinks. Buy tickets

in advance from the website - – children £6, adults £8, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £25, age 4 and under free. No tickets available on the gate.

Other great fireworks nearby...

Ravenscourt Park fireworks W6 www.lbhf.gov.uk 3 November – Children’s fireworks 7.15pm. Expect rockets, bangers, food stalls and rides. Tickets in advance and on the gate.

ealing fireworks http://buytickets.at/ealingcrick etclub/109953 Date TBC - If you like your fireworks displays to be dramatic and set to rousing music, then head to the Ealing Fireworks Display.

Blackheath fireworks FRee DiSPLAY! www.lewisham.gov.uk/fireworks

3 November – The event also features a funfair from midday and food and drink stalls from 5pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

Remember, Remember the 5th of November…!

Your Guide to Guy Fawkes Night By Olivia Malaure

Gunpowder, treason, and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.

The ‘plot’ was simple - to blow up The Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder hidden in its cellar.

Start with a Bang: Kids love listening to the popping of microwave popcorn that they can munch on.

Guy Fawkes was given the job of lighting the fuse but, on the 5 November 1605, the plot was discovered and he was taken to the Tower Of London and executed. To celebrate his own survival, King James 1 ordered his people to light a great bonfire every year on the night of 5 November. .

You don’t have to go far to be part of the crackle and fizz of Bonfire Night. New local fireworks events pop up annually, whilst the biggest bonfire extravaganzas, at Morden Park, Wimbledon Park and Southwark parks are firmly cemented in the calendar.

Add some Colour: Make a rocket! Wrap silver paper around an empty kitchen roll tube and stick down. Cut out a circle of coloured card (approx 9cm) and make a cone shape. Tape the cone to the top of the cylinder. Decorate the cylinder with stickers and stick strips of red or orange cellophane to the bottom for flames.

Kids can fly their colourful creations around the garden!

Many schools hold organised fireworks displays but if the idea of being outdoors with very young children on a cold November evening sends a chill down your spine, here are some ideas to help you enjoy Bonfire Night at home.

familiesonline.co.uk

Bonfire Baked Potatoes: Cook up edible bonfires! Fill jacket potatoes with child-friendly toppings. Sprinkle some Red Leicester cheese on top for flames, or put the fire out with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top!

Light Up the Night Sky: Kids love torches and they’re a fun, safe way for them to play in the dark and enjoy the atmosphere of Bonfire Night.

Bonfire night safety Did you know that sparklers burn at 200 Degrees Centigrade - 5 times hotter than cooking oil?

Whether you’re planning sparklers in the garden or a full-blown bonfire and fireworks, here are some simple tips to keep you safe this Bonfire Night.

• Sparklers should not be given to children under 5 • Keep a bucket of cold water outside in case of burn injuries • Children can be sensitive to loud noises, consider investing in a pair of ear defenders.

If you are planning to let off fireworks, consult the Firework Code at www.rospa.com Keep pets indoors. Animals have acute hearing and loud noises disturb them Remember, the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display

October 2018 • Families South West 37

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

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

For children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas. Our hosts look after children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience hosting an international student brings.

01684 581600 or email: caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk

38 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Halloween Craft

How to make a doorway dare Knock, knock, Whoooo’s there…

Kids love trick-or-treating - but sometimes it rains, or the neighbours pretend to be out. Here’s a crafty trick or treat game from our friends at Wonderbly that you can make and play with at home.

You’ll create two doorways: one leads to a trick and the other to a treat.

Will your little visitor get a chocolate or an eyeball? It’s a shifty fifty-fifty.

Follow these eight simple steps to build your doorways.

You will need: • 4 shoeboxes (no lids) • a utility knife • a metal ruler • paint • brushes

• a black marker pen • 2 pieces of dark cloth • 2 large buttons, or bottletops • cobwebs (preferably fake) or feathers • tricks and treats

How to make your Doorway Dare Step 1 Take two of the shoeboxes and draw a door-shaped rectangle on each. Using the knife and ruler, cut along three sides of the door, leaving it on its hinges.

Step 2 Grab some brushes and paint the boxes. Try boldly-contrasting colours for the door and brickwork.

Leave your doorways to dry.

Step 3 Get a thick marker pen and add some details: letterbox, doorbell, house number. For a doorknob, you can sew on a button or glue on a bottle cap.

Step 4 Turn your boxes around. Glue or staple a piece of cloth inside each, then cut a slit down the centre of the cloth (for intrepid hands to reach through). Put these boxes to one side.

Step 5 Now take your other two boxes.

Decorate the insides with fake cobwebs, feathers or other touchy-feely things. One should feel lovely, the other should feel icky! These will form the backs (or hallways) to your doors.

Step 6 Tape the hallway boxes to the doorway boxes, so reaching through the door will lead to the sensory items.

Step 1

Step 5

Step 2

Step 6

Step 3

Step 7

Step 4

Step 8

Step 7 Find something lovely and something not so lovely. (Plastic spider/strawberry lolly, lychee eyeball/pound coin etc.) Hide the treat in one doorway and the trick in the other.

Step 8 Dim the lights and invite your little trick-or-treaters to choose their fate. You can even make it a breakfast ritual in the build-up to Halloween. Ratatatat…

Wonderbly are creators of beautiful personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiousity and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

familiesonline.co.uk

October 2018 • Families South West 39

What’s On October 2108 if you only do one thing this month…

On The Road

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Go and see the show

The Unicorn Theatre SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 23-28 October This is a truly delightful show, perfect for big and little kids. Some people feel at home wherever they are.

Others spend their whole life looking, wandering, longing for a place to put down roots and call 'home'.

But what exactly makes a home, and what does it mean?

On The Road is a wordless story told using sound, dance and movement to explore what it feels like to be a refugee and the universal need we have to belong. Age 6-12, from £10.

Diary Dates...

What is modern boarding?

Opening of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

An exclusive evening talk Tickets are free but places are limited so booking is essential via www.cranleigh.org/ourschool/academics/resources/cranl eigh- training/what-is-modernboarding/ 10th October For those who are unsure as to what a dedicated boarding community might be like, Cranleigh School will host an introduction to Modern Boarding at The Royal Society SW1. The evening will feature talks from: Grace Moody Smith, Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants; Jan Shilling, Education Consultant formerly with the Independent Schools Council; and Neil Brooks, Headmaster at Cranleigh Prep School, as well as Martin Reader in his role as Chair of the BSA. Drinks and food at 6.30pm, followed by some short presentations and a Q&A session.

Westminster Abbey SW1P 3PA www.westminster-abbey.org Throughout October Be one of the first to step inside The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in Westminster Abbey, as the once-hidden space opens to the public for the very first time.

Discover an array of fascinating items, including a model of the abbey created by Christopher Wren, a 14th-century service book, the coronation chair of Mary II, and the marriage license for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Cranleigh School

40 Families South West • October 2018

Oktoberfest London Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 2ST erdinger-oktoberfest.co.uk To 28 October Enjoy a whole month of Bavarianthemed fun, as Erdinger Oktoberfest London returns. Sing and dance to some of Munich’s famous Oktoberfest bands, eat traditional German food, plus funfair rides and workshops for kids.

Frieze London Art Fair Regent’s Park frieze.com/fairs/frieze-master 4-7 October 2018 View, browse and buy world-class art from the best international galleries at the Frieze art fairs in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park. Every year, Frieze hosts two important art fairs side by side in the Royal Park: Frieze London which showcases the best of contemporary art, and Frieze Masters which specialises in art from the past.

Young Archaeologists’ Club Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 13 October and 17 November Explore the wealth of archaeology at Fulham Palace and discover the past through investigating artefacts and exploring the world around you. Age 8-16, 10.30am-12.15pm

Can you Foster?

Venues in Wandsworth www.wandsworth.gov.uk/carer_ex periences 18 October and 1 November Informative events either 10am-12 noon, 2-4pm or 6-8pm. Find out more about fostering at one of these events. Go to the website or call 020 8871 6666 to find out more.

How to Move On - The Divorce Show 2018 Hilton London Olympia, 380 Kensington High Street W14 www.oriongrouplondon.uk/thedivorce-show 19-20 October Meet face-to-face with experts in Finance, Law, Wellbeing and Parenting who can help demystify the divorce process and discover how to thrive post-divorce and be motivated that life can begin anew after a split. Worried about the effects of divorce on the children?

Experts will show how to become a successful co-parent and deal with all the stress and confusion within a nurturing and safe environment.

The Baby Show Olympia London W14 8UX www.thebabyshow.co.uk 19-21 October The UK's biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, with over 200 baby retailers all under one roof. It's a fantastic shopping event and will give nervous parents the chance to speak to experts either one to one or hear from them live on stage as they tackle topics such as birth choices, breastfeeding, sleep, post-partum fitness and weaning.

Raver Tots Halloween Rave Under 1 Roof: A Kid's Urban Oasis, The I O Centre, 9, Skeffington Street SE18 6SR www.ravertots.co.uk 20 October A family rave where kids and grownups can hit the dance floor

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On and let off some steam together!

There is tons of kids fun including face painting, UV lights, bubbles, balloons, confetti and giant parachutes in a rave style atmosphere with some of the UK's top DJ's including residents Artful Dodger, Brandon Block, Slipmatt & Nicky Blackmarket.

Race for Nature Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 20 October Raise money for the Museum's vital work in tackling our world's biggest environmental challenges in this 10k run in Hyde Park. Runners of all abilities welcome, and dressing up as something inspired by the natural world is all part of the fun!

8.30-11am, £35.

Theatre in The Greatest Glasshouse in the World Kew Gardens, Richmond www.kew.org 20-28 October Exciting original theatre performances in the newly restored Temperate House. The interactive musical performances feature Siyanda, a mysterious larger-thanlife mysterious creature who will bring to life the story of the magnificent glasshouse and its precious plants.

Southbank Centre SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk 22 October The Bolds with Julian Clary and David Roberts. Join writer Julian Clary and illustrator David Roberts for another hilarious tale from their children’s book series, The Bolds, about a family of hyenas. 2pm, age 6-10, from £6.

27 October Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert. Kick start your weekend with a family concert jam-packed with fuel for the imagination. With Southbank Sinfonia’s 33 intrepid musicians as your guides, embark on an adventure of endless opportunities. In the concert, specially-made videos and projections provide up-close insight into the music being played, then afterwards you can meet the musicians and try out their instruments. 11.30am, age 5-11, from £4.

familiesonline.co.uk

Somerset House Strand WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk From 25 October Good Grief, Charlie Brown! A major new exhibition showcasing the original drawings of the cartoon’s creator Charles M. Schulz, alongside contemporary works inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang. From £11.

The Spirit of Christmas Fair Olympia London W14 8UX www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk 29 October - 4 November Over 825 independent stallholders and small business start-ups showcase their festive produce in a home of Christmas shopping.

Browse a plethora of gifts across fashion, home and interiors, decorations, baby and child, pet wear and male grooming; meet the makers and take advantage of exclusive show offers and competitions.

Family Films

Stick Man Saturdays in October Kid’s Club screenings take place every Saturday at 9.30am. Plus Electric Scream! screenings for parents and carers and their babies under one year old on Monday mornings

Ritzy Brixton Toddler Time Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW2 1JG www.picturehouses.com/cinema/R itzy_Picturehouse Thursdays in October Screenings at 11am every Thursday, exclusively for pre-school children and their parents or carers

Kids Club Film Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT www.picturehouses.com/cinema/ Clapham_Picturehouse Saturdays in October Movies exclusively for children and their parents and carers.

Gate Picturehouse Kids Club 7 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington W11 3JZ www.picturehouses.com/cinema/ Gate_Picturehouse Saturdays in October Screenings for kids at 10.3am on Saturday mornings

Theatre Cambridge Theatre WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout October 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.

Colour House Theatre www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk SW19 2RD every Saturday and Sunday to 11 November Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy over the rainbow as you travel with her along the Yellow Brick Road, all the way to the Emerald City. With the Wicked Witch of the West hot on her trail, Dorothy will need all the help she can get from her new friends. 2pm and 4pm, from £10.

Leicester Square Theatre Stick Man 20 October to 6 Jan Adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson, the multi awardwinning author of some of the world's best loved children's books, most notably the modern classic The Gruffalo which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide.

Running time: 55 minutes.

Suitable for all ages

Lyric Hammersmith W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 5 October – 3 November Othellomacbeth. An audacious condensed staging of two of Shakespeare’s most brutal and poetic plays, exploring fear, continued on page 42

Wizard of Oz

Barbican Family Film Club Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/whatson/tag/framed-film-club Saturdays in October Kids’ screenings at 11am every Saturday morning

Electric Cinema Kid’s Club 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 2ED www.electriccinema.co.uk/portobello

October 2018 • Families South West 41

What’s On jealousy, power and revenge. Two stories in which powerful men are manipulated into destroying their societies, their households, their loved ones and themselves.

From £10.

Lyric Theatre WC2H 8DP www.bearhuntlive.com 23 November – 13 January Room on the Broom Live. Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up in the Olivier Award nominated show.

From £15.

National Theatre SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 8 November – 5 January War Horse. Eleven years after its NT debut, and having played in eleven countries to over seven million people, War Horse returns to the National Theatre to mark the centenary of Armistice Day. At the

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

outbreak of World War One, Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Though not yet old enough to enlist, Albert joins the army, and embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

New Wimbledon Theatre SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 23-27 October The Band – A new Musical. The Band is a beautiful story for anyone who grew up with a boyband and knows how the songs became the soundtrack to their lives. It’s 1992 and for five 16-year old girls, the band is everything. Join us as this group of girls who were once inseparable reunite after 25 years apart and try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes. From £15.

29 October – 3 November Blood Brothers. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on

Book your Christmas Shows now!

Some tickets are like gold dust: don’t miss out, make sure you book your seats now All the shows below are great.

Try your chance to win a ticket for a family of four at our lovely Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. (See details on page 45) • Awful Auntie at the Bloomsbury Theatre 12 Dec-6 Jan • Room on the Broom Live at the Lyric Theatre 23 Nov-13 Jan. • Snow White at the London Palladium 8 Dec-13 Jan • Peter Pan at the Richmond Theatre 8 Dec-6 Jan • Disney on Ice’s Dream Big at The O2 26 Dec-6 Jan.

• Rumpelstiltskin at the Queen Elizabeth Hall 13 Dec-6 Jan • The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre 22 Nov-6 Jan The Royal Ballet's • The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House 3 Dec-15 Jan English National Ballet’s • Nutcracker at the London Coliseum 13-30 Dec.

Don’t miss our November/December issue with our full listings of Christmas shows, pantomimes and carol concerts.

42 Families South West • October 2018

opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. From £17.90.

10 November Harry Hill’s KiDZ SHOW: How To Be Funny - For KIDS! Hints, tips and anecdotes for children who fancy themselves as a bit of a joker, with the self-styled floppy-collared loon Harry Hill on hand to run through his dos and do-nots, as well as offering kids the chance to try out their comedy skills. From £15.

19-24 November Dirty Dancing. Have the time of your life with the ultimate live experience: Dirty Dancing –The Classic Story On Stage. Full of passion and romance, heartpounding music and sensationally sexy dancing, the record-breaking production is even better than before in this new tour. From £21.

Omnibus Theatre SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 21 October invisible Me. Bo is bored of the ordinary. He wants to stay up late, eat biscuits and conquer the world.

One rainy afternoon, an invisible friend comes bursting into his life, turning Bo’s ordinary world upside down. Wherever Bo goes, his imaginary friend follows… But where has this friend come from?

And will he ever leave? From £7, age 5-11.

24 October ice island. Samantha has found herself alone on an island. She's feeling incredibly lonely, until she discovers she's landed on an island full of strange creatures. Help her befriend the island creatures; bring your imagination with you and create unexpected twists, eccentric characters and magical moments.

Expect puppetry, shadow play and surprises as you head off on a storytelling adventure for 4-7 year olds and their grown ups. £5.

Invisible Me, Omnibus Theatre

Puppet Theatre Barge Blomfield Road (opposite 35) W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 20 October – 18 November The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. These two famous mouse cousins take it in turns to visit one another, and each mouse ends up much the wiser as a result of their exciting adventures.

Richmond Theatre TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richm ond-theatre 3-7 October Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors. We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see

The Snowman, photo: Tristram Kenton

Polka Theatre SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com To 21 October Three Sat Under the Banyan Tree.

Near the foothills of the Himalayas, three orphans open a magical book under a Banyan tree. Stories of headstrong crows, old lions and devious jackals come vibrantly to life, with masks, movement and music in this fantastic collaboration with Tara Arts. Age 7+.

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On 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.

animals use colour to attract and hide, and look into how different colours mean different things across the planet. Free.

Museum of London Cutty Sark SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Throughout October insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017. This exhibition displays the spectacular winning images from 2017’s competition in the Observatory’s Astronomy Centre. From distant galaxies to our very own Milky Way and neighbouring planets, the entries reflect our enduring fascination with the night sky. Free.

Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience!

4-7 October Horrible Histories - Awful egyptians. From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the Afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!

9-10 October Guess How Much i Love You. Watch Little and Big Nutbrown Hare settle down after a bedtime story and re-awaken to discover the delights and colours of each season as they compete to measure their love for each other in this timeless loveable story. Age 3+.

Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 30-31 October Birmingham Royal Ballet – Fire and Fury. Journey back to the origins of ballet in The King

familiesonline.co.uk

Dances, and glimpse the kindling of its future when David Bintley reimagines ballet’s first searing steps, taken by King Louis XIV of France as he danced the role of the sun god.

1-3 November Birmingham Royal Ballet — La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter). In Frederick Ashton’s joyous country tale, Lise and her mother clash in a foot-stomping, cabbage-throwing, battle of wills.

Lise wants to marry her penniless sweetheart.

Museums, Galleries and Days Out Charles Dickens Museum WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection.

Drop-in object handling sessions throughout the historic interior of 48 Doughty Street. Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities

Throughout October The Magic Garden. Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

Throughout October Tudor Kitchens. A complete reimagining of the famous Tudor kitchens, transporting visitors back to a time when they were the beating heart of life at Hampton Court Palace. New displays will feature interactive technology and sensory experiences, so for the first time ever visitors will be able to see, smell and touch their way through the process of preparing a meal fit for a king.

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in October Museum explored. Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm.

Sundays in October Hands-on history. Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm.

To 7 October Bluecoats in the City. A new display exploring the remarkable history and legacy of The City of London's first orphanage and school. Founded in 1552, Christ’s Hospital transformed the site of a former monastery into a sanctuary for the City of London’s orphaned and impoverished children, offering food, lodging and an education.

National Army Museum SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk To 18 November Special Forces: In the Shadows.

Discover the elite training and extreme skills needed to make the cut as this exhibition explores the operations our Special Forces have undertaken around the world over the past 70 years. A wonderful new exhibition at this completely refurbished museum, perfect for all ages and especially for families with curious youngsters. From £4.

Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Throughout October World Gallery. The Horniman’s exciting new gallery opens this month, displaying over 3,000 extraordinary objects from around the globe. Free entry.

To 28 October Colour: The Rainbow Revealed.

Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour, discover how

Museum of London

October 2018 • Families South West 43

What’s On Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainerled experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives.

Truly fascinating! £8/£6.

The Landmark Arts Centre

Tower of London

National Maritime Museum SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Saturdays in October Character encounters. Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, age 6+.

Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout October Whales Beneath the Surface. A major new exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of whales.

To 6 January in The Dark. Explore the extraordinary diversity of animals that survive and thrive in worlds without light. From the dead of night, to the darkest caves and into the deepest oceans, you may be

surprised by the undiscovered life in the dark. From fish to foxes, bats to boas, visitors will get up close to a huge variety of creatures specially selected from the Museum’s world-leading Collection, each with their own story to tell. From £7.50, children go free.

To 19 October Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

This exhibition combines the extraordinary work of talented professionals and gifted amateur photographers from around the globe. The exhibition showcases the beauty, magnificence and diversity of life on our planet, whilst highlighting its fragility and our crucial role in protecting it.

From £9.

Science Museum SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout October

EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Throughout October Armoury in Action. A family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows and assembling firearms to brandishing swords, a thousand years of history at the Tower is brought to life in this exciting, hands-on experience.

20-28 October Walter Raleigh Beat the Block. Sir Walter Raleigh is one of the Tower’s most famous prisoners. This October Half Term, in the 400th anniversary year of his execution, retrace the Elizabethan explorer’s life with ‘Walter Raleigh Beat the Block’. Join Sir Walter as he regales the audience with stories of his adventures and navigate the choices he made which led to his three periods of imprisonment at the Tower and eventual execution.

To 19 October Wicked Women. Travel back to 1533 at the Tower of London, where King Henry VIII has imprisoned Elizabeth Barton, the Holy Maid of Kent and Alice Wolfe.

Accused of piracy, they face execution if convicted. Listen to their stories and decide whether and how you could help them escape!

V&A Museum of Childhood

Foundling Museum

44 Families South West • October 2018

E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout October Dream On. An exploration of dreams, the unconscious and an imaginary world between sleep and wakefulness.

Throughout October Century of the Child, Nordic Design for Children 1900 to Today. The 20th century’s most iconic and influential Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been brought

together for the first time in this stunning new exhibition at the wonderful Museum of Childhood.

Explore the influences which have helped forge Nordic design and examine how children have inspired some of the century’s most progressive designs, architecture and literature.

From 20 October A Pirate’s Life for Me. Enter an imaginary swashbuckling world of adventure and exploration from a moody coastal inn to a tropical treasure island in search of sparkling riches. This is the V&A Museum of Childhood's first major exhibition to focus on fictional pirates and their influence in popular culture, featuring key loans from the V&A collections, including toys, games, books, real pirate coins and treasures spanning over 300 years.

Art Activities Tate Britain SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Dates in October Under Fives Explore the Gallery.

Experiment with a range of materials while discovering exciting routes and journeys through the galleries alongside other families.

Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Saturdays in October. Art Makers Have fun with different art techniques to create something fabulous to take home inspired by the Horniman’s collections or seasonal celebrations. Different themes each week. 1.30pm & 2.45pm, £3, age 3+.

V & A Museum SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout October 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.

familiesonline.co.uk

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

National Portrait Gallery WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk every third Sunday of the month Drop In Family Sundays. Drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events. Free.

The Wallace Collection W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org First Sunday of the month The Little Draw. Meet artist Grace Holliday and use specialist drawing, handling and surface design techniques to respond to the stimulating forms and colour palettes. All ages, 1.30pm–4.30pm, Free.

The Graveney and Meadow SW17 9NA graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in October Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

Sir John Soane’s Museum WC2A 3PB www.soane.org Third Saturday of the month Free drop-in activities for all ages.

1.30-4.40pm.

The National Gallery WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk every Sunday in October Family Sundays. Art activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11, Free.

Tate Modern SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk Throughout October Family Friendly Art Activities. A range of free arty and crafty workshops, see website for details.

Free

Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk First and last Sunday of each month Art Play. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between.

2-3.45pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

Babies and Toddlers NCT Bumps and Babies Group

What’s On

WIN a theatre ticket for a family of four to see a Christmas show

Riverside Pub, St George’s Wharf SW8 2LE every Tuesday in October Come along at 2.30pm to meet up with other pregnant people or people with babies - completely free and nice drinks available.

Everyone welcome. Contact Caroline Flint 07973 657 642, email caroline.midwife@gmail.com

The Graveney and Meadow SW17 9NA www.graveneyandmeadow.com Thursdays in October Pram Chorus. Child friendly daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult, see website for times.

Fridays in October Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for babies and their carers with instruments. 9.30am, £5.

Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark every Wednesday in October Toddler Time. Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 10-11am, age under 4.

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk every Sunday in October A World of Stories. Enjoy stories from some of the best storytellers in London. Their tales bring the Museum’s varied collections to life and will whisk you away to faraway places and different times. Suitable for families with children aged 5+, free, 2-2.45pm and 3.15-4pm. every Tuesday and Wednesday in October Busy Bees. Lively sessions for under-5s. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. Free.

Dates in October Hands on Base: Family Activities.

Each week these fun family

The Selfish Giant Omnibus Theatre Clapham www.omnibus-clapham.org Award-winning Omnibus Theatre presents an enchanting new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated short story The Selfish Giant. This heart-warming reimagining combines captivating storytelling with spellbinding puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of festive magic.

For ages 3 to 103! From 28 November-23 Dec. Winner will be picked out of all entries received by us on 31st October.

To apply please simply like the relevant post on Families SW’s Facebook and Instagram pages or email the words ‘Omnibus competition’ to editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk sessions will explore a different theme using objects from our Handling Collection, from flying animals to musical instruments.

Age 3+, free, 11am, 11.45am and 12.30pm.

Southbank Centre SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Dates in October Rug Rhymes. A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories. Times vary.

BYOB Comedy Clapham, East Dulwich, Teddington, Putney, Tooting www.byobcomedy.com Dates in October Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby! They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV. NCT Bumps and Babies

October 2018 • Families South West 45

What’s On Unicorn Theatre SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in October Up Club. Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free dropin activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm.

Singing Mamas Choir South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women, with or without children.

Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more. A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities. Contact southlondonsingingmamas@gmail. com, tel 07947 609780.

National Maritime Museum SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Tuesdays in October Play Tuesdays. Embark on a museum adventure that includes

trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm.

Museum of London EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wednesdays in October Little Moles Toddlers Group and Mini Moles Babies Group. Fun, hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.304.30pm, book in advance. Plus sensory, hands-on, play-based activities for you and your baby to enjoy together, 11am-12pm.

Do-Re-Mi Babies Concerts Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout October Inspirational and fun classical concerts. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you 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 SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk every Monday in October 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 SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October 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 SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Mondays and Tuesdays in October 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.

Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

every Thursday and Saturday in October 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.

Kensington Palace W8 4PX hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in October 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.

South West

Distributors Wanted!

Do you have a car and a few spare hours a month?

Join our delivery team and earn some pocket money. email distribution@FamiliesSW.co.uk

46 Families South West • October 2018

familiesonline.co.uk