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IN THIS ISSUE Getting Back to School Nursery Clubs and Activities!

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Issue 137 September 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE: 3 Local News 4 A-Z of Early Years Activities 6 Coping with Back to School stresses 7 Educating the future 8 Choosing a school 10 Tackling gaming issues 12 Local Clubs and Classes 14 What’s on

Welcome to the

September 2020 issue!

Cover image:

Families North West London Magazine

EDITOR:

Heather Waddington

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Where is Families North West London?

T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR:

Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon @FamiliesNWLon Readership of over 60,000 local parents, carers and teachers every issue. Published seven times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

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Win a magical break to Santa's Lapland in 2021 Enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride, sledging with huskies, exploring a real igloo and much more, including a once in a lifetime private visit with Santa himself! To enter, visit SantasLapland.com/families by 30th October 2020.

Terms & conditions apply, please see website for details. 2

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News

Win a 3-day Magical Holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland There’s lots of wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas, but nothing beats a magical family trip to meet Santa and his cheeky elves in his Lapland home. In December 2021, one lucky family will go on an unforgettable break to the other-worldly snowy forests of Saariselkä, situated in far north Finland, more than 200km above the Arctic Circle. Here, on a Santa’s Magic trip, you will get to enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride, sledging with huskies, exploring a real igloo, tobogganing, ice fishing and much more, including a once in a lifetime private visit with Santa himself! You’ll stay two nights in Santa's Hotel Holiday Club, with return economy flights included for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 2*-12). From the natural beauty of the multi-coloured skies and snowy landscapes of Saariselkä, to going on your ‘Search for Santa’ with Rudolph and friends, your trip to Santa’s Lapland will be cherished by your family for years to come. You may even be lucky enough to experience the wonder of The Northern Lights! For more info and a chance to win this magical prize, visit www.SantasLapland.com/families. T&Cs apply. See website for details. *Holiday not recommended for children under 2 years.

Back to school with Sprout Pencil The world’s first and only patented plantable pencil that grows into vegetables, flowers and herbs when you’ve finished using them. Instead of throwing them out when they become too small to use, just plant the Sprout Pencils into soil, and water – the capsule cleverly dissolves and will sprout into anything from cherry tomato plants and basil, to carnations and sunflowers. It’s a great way to demonstrate sustainability and encourage children to think about recycling, the natural world and environment from a young age. Includes a colouring book made from eco-friendly paper. 8-pack edition with 2 graphite pencils and 6 colour pencils that sprout into herbs, vegetables and flowers. RRP: £14.95 http://www.sproutworld.com

Trusted local provider now under a new name! The popular tuition centre based in Eastcote, is relaunching as ‘The Learning Wheel’. Over the last 9 years the centre has been at the heart of the local community and provided support in Maths and English to children of all abilities. The Learning Wheel, for children aged four to seventeen was opened by the mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Teji Barnes, on 1st September 2020. Classes officially begin on 7th September 2020. Darshani Nardani, the proprietor and teacher of the tuition centre said; “The Learning Wheel has added an exciting new element to its services as it now provides assessment and support for children with dyslexia. It is also a place that will help children to get the support they need to catch-up with their Maths and English since the lockdown in March”. The Learning Wheel has been seen a place of support for parents too. A local mum said “I would highly recommend The Learning Wheel to anyone looking to give their child's maths and English or confidence a boost. I found all the staff to be very helpful, positive and focused on helping children to catch-up with their learning.” The tuition centre is open every evening and weekends. Strict social distancing and strict Covid-19 measures are in place to meet government guidelines. The Learning Wheel is located in The Barn House, opposite Eastcote Library. For more information or to book a free assessment call 0208 868 7672.

Perform returns with Covid Safe Confidence Building Fun Families talks to Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick. We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do and we're thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities. We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines whilst making sure the children can still sing, dance, act and have the best fun of the week. To help children get back to enjoying the things they love most, our autumn term is packed with games and activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun that they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won't be handholding games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend. Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s as well as Perform At Home, our popular online classes. Book a FREE no-obligation class in Croxley Green, Dartmouth Park, Golders Green, Eastcote, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Stanmore, West Hampstead and Wembley by visiting www.perform.org.uk/try Families North West London

Parenting

An A-Z of Early Years Activities By Gabrielle Nash The minutes and hours can pass slowly when you are entertaining a child under 5. So here is a theme for every day of the alphabet to help you out when you need new activity ideas! ANIMAL HUNT Go searching for the tiny creepy crawly kind, the chirpy in the tree tops kind and the more exciting kind found in zoos and farms! BAKING Save those overripe bananas and bake some muffins. Or let little hands enjoy rolling out some biscuit dough. Anything with different textures will entice help introduce your little one to unfamiliar foods. CARDBOARD BOX CREATION Save the next one you get. What can it be? A pirate ship, a car, or a doll’s bed? Colour it in or cut it up – it doesn’t matter! DEN BUILDING Build one indoors with chairs and sheets

or head to a local wood or park and gather large pieces of wood. It doesn’t have to be a work of art to spark the imagination. Is it just a den, or is it cave for monsters? ENVELOPE ENDEAVOURS Pop in photos, stickers, a letter or card and send to a friend or family member. Kids always love sticking the stamps and visiting the post box. FILM FUN Enjoy a film at home and make a game of it! Make popcorn, print off “cinema tickets” (maybe even “charge” entrance!) and settle down with a family favourite. Perfect for a rainy day! GARDEN GROWING It does not have to be big! You can create a garden suitable for kids very simply; a patch of soil for digging or planting some flowers or veg, a few old bowls and spoons for mud pies and access to a bucket of water! HIKING Okay, maybe not up Ben Nevis, but get your kids excited about a little “hike.” Pack a small bag, grab a snack, fill a water bottle. Staying active with your kids is key to healthy living. IMAGINARY PLAY It is so easy, with few props needed and little ones LOVE it when you make up a game. Get them to be a patient at the doctors, the receptionist at the dentist or taking their dog to the vet.

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Parenting JUMBLE SALE JOLLIES Get your little one involved with going though old things that need passing on to charity or selling at a jumble sale. Help them understand we need to pass things on to other people who need and want them to make way for new clothes and toys. KICKABOUT Never underestimate the benefits of getting out to your local park for a kickabout with a ball – plus some running, jumping, sliding and shouting! LEARNING THROUGH PLAY … is the best way! Playing i-spy on a country walk helps to identify letters and sounds. Spotting different coloured cars, teaches younger ones their colours! MUD MESS! And lots of it. Yes, it is messy, but it’s amazing fun for little ones. Get them making mud pies in the garden or doing some mud mark making on a wet walk. NOISE Bang old pans with infants, pick out a tune or rhythm with bells or drums with older ones. Sing songs loudly; clap hands softly. OUTDOOR PAINTING Collect leaves or stones and paint them! Add some food colouring to bubbles and “paint” windows – it will wash off! PUZZLES Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination, as well as a quiet way of sharing a special few minutes together. QUIET It’s essential for everyone’s peace of mind! Try encouraging your little one to find fun in quieter things, whether it’s small world toys, looking at books, colouring, or painting. READING When you settle down with a story at the end of the day, make it special. Try different voices to captivate your child’s imagination. Develop that love of books as early as possible.

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SAFARI SPECIAL Place some toy animals (or pictures of animals) in unusual places around your home and/garden. Then take a piece of paper and pen and go on safari with your little ones, writing down the animals you see. Try out your best David Attenborough impersonation. They will not get it, but it will make you giggle. TREASURE TIME Make a map and hide some “treasure.” Throw together some pirate accessories or costumes (make a paper hat, or grab a toy sword) and navigate through your home/ garden/park to find the treasure. Don’t forget to battle those pirates along the way!

YOGA They are never too young to learn how to pause and breathe. There are some great options on Youtube with fun kid friendly themes. ZZZZ…. For many children, it’s hard to unwind at bedtime. So why not try to make it into more of a game, albeit a relaxing one. “Where has the toothbrush gone? It’s tucked up in bed with your pyjamas, let us get them on now.” Or: “What are your toys doing? They’re all sitting down to listen to this bedtime story.” For more from Gaby, follow her on Instagram @thelondonishmum

UNDER THE STARS As the nights evenings draw in, there’s a great opportunity to get a wow moment from a toddler by looking outside and showing them all the twinkling lights from galaxies far, far away. VIRTUAL FUN There are going to be times when being at home is the only option. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Go online and try: a virtual roller coaster ride, a journey through the Amazon or even a rocket launch! (Visit our lockdown issues at (insert link to your Issuu stack) for some great virtual fun.) WATER WISE Whether it is the warm bubbly kind in the evening bath or the cold splashy kind from a sprinkler, a wise person once said: when a child is grumpy “just add water.” X-RAY Take a roll of paper and draw round your child. Stick it on the floor and, as you draw in some bones, talk to them about bones in their body and what they help you do.

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Parenting How to Keep your Kids Stress Free

Coping with Back to School Stress

Natalie Costa, Confidence Coach for children and founder of Power Thoughts (www.powerthoughts.co.uk) shares her tips. Allow space to talk about their worries Listen to your child’s worries and validate their feelings. This allows them to feel connected, listened to and heard. It may be tempting to try to reassure by saying something like: "Oh don’t worry about that…” However, more helpful may be something like: “It’s ok to feel upset about this. Shall we look at what we can do to help you feel more prepared?”

Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So how can we help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

For those less inclined to talk, encourage drawing/writing out what’s on their mind. Creating a ‘worry character’ with a silly name and voice can help children recognise that they are not their worries. Remind them of their strengths

Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sarah Mundy from parentingthroughstories.com says it’s vital that we support our children to make sense of what we like to call the ‘new normal.’ She cautions against dismissing our kids’ emotions: “We need to support children to make sense of their feelings and the changes that the pandemic has caused. We need to normalise anxiety rather than dismiss it and help them (and parents and teachers) find ways of coping. Emotions are contagious so the more the adults and systems around children can model that they can cope, despite the uncertainty and collective anxiety, the better.” Evidence Based Parenting and Education expert, Dr Kathy Weston (www. drkathyweston.com) says we also need to be positive about the return to school. If your child is worried remind them of: The measures that the school is putting in place to keep children safe; The things that can be controlled versus the things that can't; The innovation that is happening in healthcare science to help us move towards eventual normality. Kathy adds: “Beyond that, we need to remind children that their learning is important; school is a place where we go to work hard, grow and develop. We need to make our children feel like school is a happy, safe place to learn.” Kathy’s other tips for parents include: • Provide a positive home learning environment; • Use effective praise to motivate your child. Children and young people respond to praise when it is sincerely given; • Remember to be organised as a family during those first few weeks of term. Perhaps create a daily check list of things 6

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that need to be remembered; • Ensure your child gets enough sleep! Children who are sleep deprived can feel more anxious, less resilient and can experience difficulty memorising and learning. Education specialist and author of ‘100 Things to Learn Before you are 10’ Gail Hugman (www.lessonsalive.com) says it’s important to check in with your child regularly. “Have a chat with them about how they are adapting to the new school routine and friendships. Is everyone glad to be back? Is there anything they like better? Is there anything they miss? Do they feel worried about anything? Do they need to catch up with anything?” In terms of school work, Gail says it’s important to remind your child what was achieved during lockdown. “Actively talk to them about the progress they made in any area (include maturity, self-control, confidence, new skills learned.) Also, remind them that the teacher also went through lockdown and isn’t expecting them to be perfect, just polite and well behaved!” Gail says staying in touch with their teacher will also help. “Check in with them every now and then to make sure your child is on track, and to alert them if there are any worries. It is far better to deal with concerns early on, rather than have them build up.”

Remind children of previous challenges, changes and, uncertainty they have faced. Create a poster about these. What did they learn from them? How did the challenges help them grow? Your child could also write themselves a letter reminding them that they are brave and can do difficult things. Encourage them to include the new and fun experiences that await them too. They can refer to this whenever they feel anxious about changes ahead.

Books to help with stress and anxiety Recommendations from Dr Sarah Mundy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and author from www.parentingthroughstories.com Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19 by Elizabeth Jenner, suitable for all ages. Illustrated by the brilliant Axel Scheffler and available in paperback, this accessible book provides clear explanations about Covid-19 and its impact on health and family life. Please Stay Here - I Want You Near is Dr Sarah Mundy’s first book in a series about Bartley Bear and his adventures as he navigates the challenges of growing up. This interactive book allows children ages 2 to 4 make sense of their own feelings and understand and cope with spending time away from their parents.

Last but not least, she suggests keeping one evening free a week to have fun. “Have a ‘no expectations, no pressure’ night. Films, games, popcorn, familiar, cosy things you did together during lockdown to relax the system and chill out!”

The Goodnight Caterpillar by Lori Lite is a relaxation story for ages 4 to 9. The caterpillar teaches the child how to relax, unwind, and see things more clearly. This encouraging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can fall asleep peacefully.

If you are worried about your child make sure you reach out to get help and reassurance from your child’s school. Remember though that learning how to cope with uncertainty will set your child up to be resilient and able to cope with change later in life.

The Huge Bag of Worries by agony aunt Virginia Ironside is a brilliant book for ages 2 to 5 exploring emotions and wellbeing. Worry follows Jenny in a big blue bag; it’s there even when she is relaxing watching TV. Will Jenny get help to get rid of the worry?

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Education

Educating for the future By Arpana Valji

The World Economic Forum recently stated that 65% of today’s jobs will be non-existent for the children that entered primary school this year. The workplace of the future is going to be looking for communication skills, growth mindset, creativity and resilience. The schools that will equip our children with these skills are those that are focussed on the following aspects of education. Independent learning Children need time to think and work independently on tasks, to explore and follow their passions. The focus on testing and exams means that not all schools can prioritise this. Discovery and collaboration Children need even more opportunities to learn about and initiate collaboration. The opportunities for global connection today are endless and children need to learn the art of working creatively with others.

or in after-school clubs, the better. When children find something they truly enjoy doing outside the classroom, they are one step closer to unlocking a happy work-life ethic in the future. Adaptable teaching styles How does your child learns best? How can your child’s school accommodate this? You can support your child differently outside of school too. For example, if they’re really struggling at maths, turn this learning into a fun game or challenge. Celebrating teaching School staff are frequently over-worked, under-paid and undervalued. Teachers and teaching staff are surely most motivated when appreciated and supported by the school and by parents. A simple thank you is a wonderful start! Arpana Valji is a parent and founder of www.schoolpluskids.com, a learning platform that teaches children how to build core life skills, develop, grow, succeed and be happy.

Integral and immersive It’s proven that 90% of the facts you memorise and regurgitate in a test will be forgotten. Learning can be more effective when it’s the result of a more immersive experience like making a video or a drawing. Reducing stress “Success” in education is currently defined as doing well in standardised tests. Testing as a whole can increase stress and have impact children’s mental health. Some schools are introducing mindfulness, yoga and meditation as extra-curricular options, but to have a lasting positive impact, they should form part of the regular curriculum. Creativity and passion Frequently, the school curriculum does not offer children enough opportunities to discover and pursue their passions. The more access children have to alternative and creative activities at school

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Education

Five “Must-Dos” When Choosing a School for your Child By Judith Judd When my daughter was four, she came with us to visit several primary schools so that we could decide where she should start her school life. At the end of the day we asked which one she liked best. “The one with the shoe shop” she said. As it happened, we also liked the one with the (pretend) shoe shop and that is where she went. Maybe it doesn’t always make sense to take a 4 year old’s advice about where they would like to start school but it is always important to put your child at the centre of the process. Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be. Some schools are good at catering for children of all sorts. Some are tailored to the

needs of academic children. Others have long experience in educating children who struggle with school work. One of the first things to bear in mind when choosing a school is that you can’t tell much about it from its label. In recent years, governments have created new types of school – academies, specialist and free schools, for example. In some parts of the country, parents can still choose grammar schools, which select pupils by an examination at the age of 11. Research about different types of schools reveals that the type of school doesn’t guarantee the level of the education. There are good and bad academies and good and bad schools run by local authorities.

suggests that bright children do just as well in non-selective schools. Professor Stephen Gorard says: “Dividing children into the most able and the rest does not appear to lead to better results for either group.” He says that there is no evidence that a particular type of school leads to better attainment.

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Education cream off the more advantaged pupils in an area so that the neighbouring schools have to cope with a disproportionate number of disadvantaged and more challenging children. So the first rule for choosing a school is to ignore the label. It won’t tell you much. The second is to visit the school. When you do, check out the relationship between children and teachers. Do teachers pay attention to what the children are saying? Do they respect them? That’s true for older children, too, and it’s particularly true when you’re choosing a primary school and want your child to have a happy start to education. Find out what progress pupils make during the time they arrive at school and by the time they leave. Schools’ exam results at GCSE and in national tests at the age of 11 give an idea of the sort of children who attend the school but they don’t indicate progress. Grammar schools get better results than neighbouring schools because they select clever pupils. You can get an idea how good a school’s teaching is by looking at progress measures available on government websites for that school.

Look at the Ofsted report. Inspectors give ratings for schools: outstanding, good, requires improvement, inadequate. But equally important is their assessment of how different groups of children fare. A school may do well with able children but not those who struggle and vice versa. The reports also give an idea of a school’s strengths and weaknesses. That’s particularly important for older children who may have particular talents and interests, perhaps sport, history or languages. Talk to the Head Teacher. School leadership is crucial to a school’s success. It’s important that you have confidence in the Head and that she/he impresses you with their engagement with staff and pupils. To most of us, choosing a school feels like a huge and daunting process. One of the reassuring messages from the research in our book is that, though schools and teachers are important in helping children to thrive, parents’ support at home matters more. Judith Judd is co-author, with Wendy Berliner, of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledge and available from Amazon and good book stores.

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What’s On

Parenting

listings for all the family

Here are some useful resources and websites that can help to support you and your child during change and emotional times, including mindset techniques and books. Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

Gift idea for the little cooks in CBeebies – Helping Children Deal group with Change/Helping To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community in the next ChildrenEmail Starting Primary School What’s On listing (March/April 2020 issue) send your entry by 1 Feb 2020. Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. your life www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/helping-children-

Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Little Cooks Co is a monthly subscription based recipe kit that’s posted through www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk the letterbox, direct to kids, in a neat 100% recyclable box with compostable What’s On Jan/Feb 2020 - Issue 133 packaging.

for all our local weekly

Helping your Child Deal with Change By Samantha Francis JANUARY

The box Fri 3 Jan - Pantomime Pandemonium (UB10) is packed Get into the pantomime spirit with games and activities inspired by the with all Great British pantomime, in this hour-long session at Oak Farm the Library and from 3pm. Suitable for ages 6 to 10. Free event - nonatural need to book. www.hillingdontheatres.uk healthy dry ingredients Sat 4 – Sun 5 Jan - Woolly Jumpers (SE10) Boing and bounce a fluffy sheep made with wool just the stuff Cutty of like that Sark used to carry all the way from Australia! 11:30am-1:30pm and 2-4pm month’s at Cutty Sark. delicious www.rmg.co.uk and nutritious recipe for kids to bake in the Wed 8 Jan - Bach to Baby Family Concert home. Kits come complete with all the Right continues itsof (NW3)now, Bach toas Babythe is theworld acclaimed concert series for the whole dry, ingredients perfectly measured family organic to enjoy together. musicians and it is journey back to Featuring some outstanding kind of ‘normality,’ to makeperformances each and also include adeal exhilarating in inspiring venues right onchild your doorstep. important that recipe you can help your 10.30amthe atactivity Hampstead Burgh House. small craft forthat children to enjoy with manyor changes will come with www.bachtobaby.com while making their yummy bake. Each this, including returning to school. Sat 11 Jan & Fri 7 Feb Snores for Kids recipe is fun and easy–toDino make and has Change, when not supported appropriately (SW7)designed Ever wonder what happens in the Museum when everyone’s been by a registered nutritionist, by caring adult, feel goneahome? The night beginscan as you set uplike campa intraumatic one of the Museum’s so is free from refined sugar and experience forandaall child. This can then spectacular galleries, there will be plenty to learn and discover processed manifest asatingredients. emotional issues down the line, during your stay the Museum. Stalk the galleries as night descends and find rex in hiddenstart in shadows. midnight, it’s time to settle down so it isT. important that a Atchild is supported Subscriptions from £8.99/month to sleep. Forand ages feels 7-11. seen and heard when gently www.littlecooksco.co.uk www.nhm.ac.uk change is occurring.

Change can be a challenge for both parent and child, and is very often a trigger for a range of emotions.

It’s useful to remember also that children connect through fun, so while it is important to talk about change and the feelings associated with it, it’s also necessary to balance this up with time to play. In essence, children need time to process the change but also time away from focussing on it. With the new school year approaching, here are some tips that can support your child: Deal with your emotions first. Be aware of your own anxiety around the changes you are dealing with. When you can hold space for your own emotions and know how to support yourself, it makes you more able

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to hold space for your child’s emotions and understand how to help them. Seek support for yourself, even if it is just a chat with a friend. Remember that it is okay to be honest about your own emotions with your child as that will create connection between you and help your child understand that their emotions are also experienced by others.

deal-with-change www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/how-to-prepareregular events. It’s updated every day! your-child-for-primary-school The Art of Simple – 14 Books to Help Ease Children through Transitions www.theartofsimple.net/14-books-to-help-easechildren-through-transitions The Pathway 2 Success - Making a Coping Strategies Wheel www.thepathway2success.com/how-to-make-acoping-strategies-wheel/ Hand in Hand Parenting – Anxious about Starting School www.handinhandparenting.org/2018/08/anxiousabout-starting-school/ Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg Available from Amazon Big Big World by Samantha Francis Available from Amazon

Prepare your child. Talk about the forthcoming changes. Giving your child advance notice will help them be more prepared. Read books or watch television Imagine Children’s Festival 12-23 TheFeb first half of this new term will see your child shows that your child can relate reconnecting with friends and classmates they may not to about the changes they are have seen for months, getting to know a new teacher or going to be dealing with. a new school. Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jan - London Modeleven settling in atfamily-friendly day will include make and take craft workshops, stories, Engineering Exhibition (N22) Now in its 24th year, performances, and aaround traditional communication. Lion Dance. Listen to your child. Validate Observe how your child feels the feelings. popular exhibition the iconic Alexandra Palace. This www.rmg.co.uk their It’s returns okaytofor them Kids are often nervous about making new friends leadingwhat exhibition for model visitors to feel they feel.engineers Don’tcontinues be to enthral Sat 25 Jan Tiny Groovers: A Day-Time through fear of rejection and- some role play might help Party and enthusiasts alike with thousands of scale models from the early tempted to try to rescue them for Under and their Adultssome (E2) Visit the V&A them in the weeks. 5s You could practise age of steam engines right up to today’s modern marvels. There will be coming Museum of Childhood to let loose and stomp your feet with your Tiny from their feelings or tell them conversation or developers to get them feeling plenty of ‘hands on’ activities for children to participate in, from creating starters Groovers. Dance away the January blues and enjoy a DJ set from Mr nota to Byatjust letting them largeworry. LEGO mosaic the Fairy Bricks stand to taking part in model about Manic confident speaking people orand getting to storytelling of Luckyto Dip new Disco and the surreal spectacular express how they feel, many experiments at the Imagineering Foundation stand science lab or other even children know better. from The No-Shamen. Other activities include a movement session children a treasurewill hunt!feel better and this with a contemporary dancer, arts activities and sensory experiences for If your child has specific worries in their first few weeks willwww.londonmodelengineering.co.uk lead to finding solutions to 1-3pm. anxious about specific things back at school orbabes. is highly their worries. Observe your child’s Mon 20 Jan - Tiny Troopers: Posters (SW3) www.vam.ac.uk/moc or more generally, do share this with their teacher so he/ physical needs too. If your child Take your little ones to the toddlers’ session at the National Army Sat Jan - Inventors of Tomorrow Family she you25 both. exhibits is and also Museum,increased perfect for agesanxiety 2 to 4. Sing,itplay create with yourcan little support one Workshop (W11) Are you looking for some quality family beneficial with on - each time,to Tinyreflect Troopers will havethem a different theme, with this session Teaching your child different of mindfulness learning? Enjoy fun types for the whole family at the Museum of Brands as you stressful pastbyevents they dealt being inspired Army posters. activities such asexperiment, breathing relaxation also with the unique learnand and explore the worldwill of technology, Sessions start at 10am and 11.20am, and last approximately 45 minutes. with successfully. help them shouldInventors they of start to feel overwhelmed at tech toy experts, Tomorrow workshop in collaboration with www.nam.ac.uk Big Clown. 2-3pm. school. These techniques can also be useful if they are Samantha Francis is a mum of Sat 25 Jan - Chinese New Year (SE10) Visit the to settle amy@museumofbrands.com www.museumofbrands.com struggling to sleep at night. Remember that it’s two, best-selling author and the Year of the Rat. This National Maritime Museum and celebrate best to practise the techniques fairly frequently in order parenting and relationship for your child to be able to implement them confidently specialist. in stressful situations.

Settling in

Sat17 26th Thurs 1st Oct; Sat Oct Sun Nov, Sept; Sat 7NOW! Dec, SatHarrow 18 Jan -on Harrow on the Hill BOOK the31st Hill

Suitable for Ofsted Registration. Includes some home study.

Certificate Certificate valid valid for for 33 years years Cost Cost == £85 £85

Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk or on 07814 191 395 for bookings 395 for bookings or on 07814 Other 191 dates available

Families North West London Upon Thames

12 Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

Tackling your Child’s Gaming Issue By Dr Michele McDowell

As an educational psychologist, I am witnessing an increasingly common pattern: once children and young people have had complete access to electronics for six months or more, their behaviour begins to change. Research has shown that excessive gaming can have a chemical effect on the body; MRI studies have found that gaming produces dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and the production of dopamine pushes the gamer to seek bigger thrills each time. Psychologists at the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University found that, compared with healthy individuals, excessive gaming leads to young people exhibiting behaviours similar to people suffering with drug addictions. So concerning has this pattern of behaviour become that the DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) has identified Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as an area of concern. Alarmingly, the groups of people most impacted by IGD are children and teenagers. The most recent OFCOM study indicated that weekly hours spent gaming increase with age, ranging from 6 hours 12 minutes for ages 3 to 4 years to 13 hours 48 minutes for ages 12 to 15 years. Does my child have a problem? I talk parents that are concerned that their child might have a gaming addiction through the DSM5 criteria. The DSM5 criteria suggests that children exhibiting 5 or more of 9 criteria within a 12-month period may identify as having IGD. These criteria include: 1. Preoccupation with games: thinking about previous gaming activity or anticipating playing the next game; gaming becomes the dominant activity in daily life. 2. Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away. Symptoms are typically described as irritability, anxiety, or sadness. 3. Tolerance: the need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in games. 4. Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce participation in games. 5. Loss of interest in real-life relationships, previous hobbies, and other entertainment. 6. Continued excessive use of games despite knowledge of psychosocial problems. 7. Has deceived family members, therapists, familiesonline.co.uk

or others regarding the amount of gaming. 8. Use of games to escape or relieve a negative mood (e.g. feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety). 9. Has jeopardised or lost a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of participation in games. What does it mean if my child is showing signs of excessive gaming? As more professionals become aware of IGD, we are also seeing an increase in more traditional disorders such as childhood bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) and Tic disorders along with an associated increase in prescribed medication. This increase in diagnosis coupled with the knowledge that some children and young people may be more vulnerable to the impact of gaming, for example those with mental health needs such as depression, anxiety and ADHD, makes the concern even more important.

Discuss the different aspects including privacy settings (ensure that they are not sharing their location), personal information and images, and how they can block unwanted messages. Talk about the type of information that can be shared online, online identities and not meeting people they don’t know offline. Keep communication open; it’s essential that your child feels that they can discuss technology with you in a non-judgemental space. If you are feeling overwhelmed by how to manage gaming and screen time boundaries, then please look for support and seek professional advice. Dr Michele McDowell is child and education psychologist, with 18 years’ experience in her field. In the last 5 years she’s seen a significant increase in cases involving excessive gaming behaviour in children and is keen to help change behaviour. For more information, visit www.mefinition.org/ gaming

What should I do if my child is showing signs of excessive gaming? Parents are desperate to know what they can do to get their children back. I advise the following ABC approach: Awareness: Write down how much actual screen time and gaming your child is taking part in. Be honest. Behaviour: introduce a range of strategies to reduce gaming by: Setting up a gaming contract/ chart with clear boundaries about when/for how long games can be played. Introducing alternative activities and rewards chart. Implementing a regular screen withdrawal/gaming detox. Communication: Continually talk to your child about online safety. Families North West London

Local Clubs & Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS

Capital Connection Chorus - female Acapella harmony (HA4). Calling women who love to sing! Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. We meet on a Wed night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre. www.capitalconnection.org.uk. During the pandemic we have been meeting virtually but are planning a move back to face to face rehearsals. Please do give contact us to learn more. We would love to hear from you. Rize (NW6) Your energy will Rize with your favourite group exercise classes - sociable and coached fitness in Queens Park,68 Salisbury Rd, London NW6 6NU. Call 020 7624 8687 or email queenspark@wearerize.co.uk to book your first session. South Oxhey Choir Why not join the South Oxhey Choir, no audition required, just enthusiasm for music of all kinds. Popular classic and classic pop. Currently virtual meetings via Zoom every fortnight. Contact: Ann Cox 07852369935 or email:sochoirs@ mail.com or annecox0107@gmail.com

First Aid

MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Margaret 07814 191 395 mcstraining@hotmail. co.uk

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. (020 7631 6258 www. Cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child speak Gujarati confidently. Classes are currently being run online until we can return to our usual premises in Eastcote, HA5 www.sansaar.org classes@sansaar.org. The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An Independent Practice providing an exceptionally high quality, caring and individualised service for promoting the communication needs of children. We offer Speech and Language Therapy sessions within a modern clinic base, nurseries and schools. (01923 824074 07956 994721) www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Guju Tots Swagatham! Kem Chho? help kids 6 months to 5 years learn Gujarati through songs & stories! Online classes on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays with free taster sessions available. Please contact Smitty Hindocha for more details on 07956 385316. www.gujutots. co.uk

Sign Language Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months. Online classes currently. www.singandsign.com info@singandsign.co.uk

ACTIVITY CENTRES

JAMtots (HA4) An interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots and Gym Tots. (01895 624755) thewindmillstudio.com 12

Families North West London

Jungle Monkeyz (HA5) offers a unique Indoor Soft Play Area that is a safe environment for children aged 0-9 years. There are special areas for infants and toddlers, as well as the Junior zone for bigger monkeyz which has a 3 tier play structure and exciting Adventure zone. www.junglemonkeyz.co.uk 020 8869 9717 Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Family friendly, cosy, clean kids soft play venue suitable for children aged 0-9 years. Designated age specific areas, sensory room, café serving hot/cold food and drinks. We offer a range of party packages to suit all budgets to make your little one’s celebrations extra special. Call us for more information 0208 427 8847 or email info@rumble-tumble.com www.rumbletumble.com The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults including classes and courses. (01895 624755) www.thewindmillstudio.com email: thewindowstudio@gmail.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun! 07721 623 171 www.beatbuilding.co.uk Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills. ( 020 8444 9435) www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk

www.allstarscricket.co.uk Enjoy-a-Ball classes - multi - sports coaching for 3 to 9 year olds in a fun and positive environment. A perfect introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Timetable can be found at https://eab-northlondon.class4kids.co.uk/ We also run parties and camps. All information can be found at www.enjoy-aball.com. Any questions please email us at northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Everyone Active (various) Everyone Active’s awarding winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim. As they improve, this distance is increased and all strokes are introduced. They also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and other aquatic disciplines such as Rookie Lifeguard, synchronised swimming diving and water polo. www.everyoneactive.com/ content-hub/swimming/ Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket. Traceyfieldendflyers@gmail.com

Diddi Dance Harrow & North Hillingdon (various) At diddi dance we enhance children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of fun sessions that build confidence, coordination and creativity. Provisional timetable from September 2020. Contact Tejal Patel on 07521 454235 tejal.patel@diddidance.com

Harrow Junior Hockey Club (HA1) run sessions for children aged 4- 16 years on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings at The John Lyon School Playing Fields, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3NA. Everyone welcome please contact us for more information harrowhcjuniors@outlook.com

Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fit” for preschoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Currently online classes available. (020 8427 6595) www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Hertfordshire Sports Village (AL10) have plenty of activities and sports sessions to keep your children active throughout the year. They cater for all children between the ages of 0 – 17 years and offer everything from swimming lessons, Gymnastics, Mini Movers, Trampolining and Mini Boots. www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk Kaishi Karate School runs classes for children and adults in north London. Kaishi has been awarded a Safe guarding kite mark by Sport England. Karate aids self discipline and confidence along with many other benefits. Absolute beginners welcome from age 4-94! See details on www.kaishikarate34.com. Or call Sheena on 0787 550 1674.

OB1 Rhythm & Rhyme Online Our Music and Movement classes are fun and engaging for both parents and children. Come and meet Ozzie Bear and enjoy songs, stories and puppets. Our classes support coordination, physical development, as well as excite curiosity, and are aimed at 3 months to 4 years. We follow the EYFS framework. Join an online class at www.OB1TheatreSchool. co.uk/rhythmrhyme. Contact: 07522 405486 TheatreSchool@OB1.co.uk

Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet (020 8201 1084) jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford (0208 123 9346) jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley ( 0208 422 0676 ) niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE

All Stars Cricket Gives boys and girls aged 5-8 the chance to play, learn great skills and make new friends! 8 week courses.

Sports Academy (WD3, NW7) classes are suitable for girls and boys of all abilities - from the complete novice to the more experienced

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory dancer. Your child will develop a greater understanding of movement and dance, gain self confidence, increase their fitness level and make new friends. Info@streetdanceacademy. co.uk SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) provide 4 -16 year olds with an exciting and educational sports programme at weekends. Encourage and develop young people to grow as athletes and individuals through an extensive programme of team and individual sports as well as weekly team building challenges and sports 0 7983392479 sportskids@outlook.com www. sportskidsacademy.co.uk TISKA Karate - Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Families welcome, minimum age 4 yrs. 4 week free trial (07739 572487) patel.karate@icloud.com, www. tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk / www.tiskakaratenorthwood.co.uk / www.tiskakarate-wembley. co.uk

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. (07974 750 224) www.beverleydance.co.uk. Huzzah Performing Arts & Mindfullness Come and try our course this school holidays! With acting, singing, dancing and a healthy dose of mindfulness, your little one’s half term will be the talk of the playground. For ages 4-11 at St Helens Gardens, W10. Check out www. huzzahperformingarts.com for more info and for creative, calm, confident kids. Hiya@ huzzahperfomingarts.com 02039767171 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available in dancing and drama from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy Agency that is always looking for new recruits for TV, films and commercials. ( 01895 624755) www.jam2000.co.uk OB1 Theatre School Online offers affordable PERFORMING ARTS classes for students aged 4-18, taught by award winning professionals. Classes are designed to build confidence and self esteem, as well as encouraging skill, creativity and teamwork. We inspire our students to reach their full potential so they can excel in every aspect of life - ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS. Enrol at www. OB1TheatreSchool.co.uk Contact: 07522 405486 TheatreSchool@OB1.co.uk Perform weekly drama, dance and singingclassesAbout:Confidence building fun for 4-12s.A unique mix of dramagames, dance and singingspeciallydevelopedto bring out every child’s true potential.Classes are kept smallto ensurelots of individual attention.Go to perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class.. Venues in Croxley Green, Dartmouth Park, Golders Green, Eastcote, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Stanmore, West Hampstead and Wembley. (020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 with venues based in Hatch End and Northwood. Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics. www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm familiesonline.co.uk

for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun! ( Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599 www. stagecoach.co.uk

DANCE

Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in ballet, tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (tap), and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, North Harrow and Bushey. ( 07814 793 772 ) instepschoolofballet@yahoo.co.uk www. instepschoolofballet.co.uk Street Dance Academy (various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London, Hertfordshire and Surrey. Street Dance Academy also teach Adult Street Dance Classes and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. 0800 0236 236 www. streetdanceacademy.co.uk Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (formerly The Van Niekerk Academy) (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Online private ballet lessons available also. www.elinapatrouacademyofdance.com elinapatrouacademyofdance@gmail.com 07555861561

ARTS AND CRAFTS Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch Club for children and young people. For absolute beginners to advanced. All skills and interests are welcome. We don’t just learn how to sew, but also how to design, work with all fabrics and to create. We also hold parties and one-off workshops. Weekly Dressmaking sessions and occasional workshops for adults. W: stitch.club E: sam@stitch.club

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/ EDUCATION SUPPORT

Academic Primary School Tuition (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year olds at our Little Big Leaders Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School, in our 8th year of success. Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning, and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial lessons. (020 3637 6266) www. littlebigleaders.com Email sent All Saints Pre-School Queensbury (HA8) Free childcare for 2-5 yrs, 15-30 hours. Visit anytime Mon - Fri. Waltham Drive, Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 5PQ. (07985 284 498/07958 473 475) allsaintpreschool@hotmail.co.uk www.allsaintpreschool.com DiscoG Coding Classes and Camps (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and

inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Adult courses are also available. (Gerard on 07767 300940) info@discogcodingacademy. com www.discogcodingacademy.com Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4, for children aged 5 – 11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.15am and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves, water bottle and a shower proof jacket. Contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com www. integratedbrain.co.uk Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. (07985 588 085) www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Little Big Leaders in English, Maths, Science, Phonics, online or face-to-face at Little Big Leaders Saturday Schools and Holiday Schools. Support, challenge, intensive courses and prep for National Curriculum, 4+, 5+, 7+, SATS, 11+, GCSEs and A Levels, including resits. Childcare vouchers accepted. Contact 020 3637 6266 or info@littlebigleaders.com www. littlebigleaders.com The Learning Wheel (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11. www. numberworksnwords.co.uk Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home based work. The computer interventions is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feed back. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 8 info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) Robot Reg Phonics (various) Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years. A Sounds Right Phonics Class is fun, varied and educational, and the best part is that children don’t even realise that they are learning. https://robotreg. co.uk/ Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent of the students on the courses have achieved success. ( 020 7683 0734) www. susandaughtreyeducation.com Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Get ready for school and learn to type faster with our tutor supported online touch typing courses. For Adults/Kids Age 10+. Choose your course: Fast track (2 Week course) or Slower Pace (12 week course). www.touchtypeit.co.uk 020 8434 7111. Families North West London

What's On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events.

it's updated every day!

Many activities and events require advance booking. Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.

SEPTEMBER Throughout Sep – Totally Thames 2020 (various) Celebrating the River Thames with arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage and education programmes. As part of this year’s reimagined festival, there will be an exciting new Totally Thames online hub with a rich programme of river and cultural content. https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/ From 1 Sep – Potato Shindig! (AL4) Get your dungarees on and head along to Willows Activity Farm! It’s time to dig up your FREE bag of potatoes at Willows Growing Patch. Plus fun-tattie-tastic potato arts and crafts! https://www.willowsactivityfarm.com/potato-shindig-atwillows/

of outdoor cinema aim to provide relief through the power of film to Londoners during this difficult time. https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/drive-in-film-club/ Wed 9 Sep onwards – Cutty Sark Toddler Time Online (various) Every Wednesday 10.30 - 11am. Take your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime as the ever popular toddler time comes to your home. Fun will be had by parents and children, so join in as we board the imaginary Cutty Sark! https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/toddlertime-online

Until 15 Sep - Virtual Spitfire Family Run (various) Organised by the RAF Museum, the popular Spitfire Family Run is back this year, but in a slightly different format. To ensure the health and wellbeing of all those involved, the Family Run is going virtual! This 1K run is perfect for the younger ones but can also be completed by the whole family. The virtual race allows you and your family to tailor the racing experience to fit your schedule - you will be sent everything in advance so you can complete when it suits you. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/virtual-events/virtualspitfire-family-run.aspx Until 30 Sep - The Stars are Bright (EC2A) Jump back into art with your kids this summer holiday in this free exhibition of exotic Zimbabwean art. All the artworks were created by young boys and teenagers, some of whom went on to become the precursors to Zimbabwean modern art. The designated kids’ trail leads little art fans around the exhibition tour to help them enjoy it in a safe and responsible way, whilst spotting the colourful plants and exotic animals that fill the artworks. At The Theatre Courtyard Green Rooms in Shoreditch from 11am-3pm, Tue-Sun. https://www.thestarsarebright.com/ Until 31 Oct - The King’s Man Experience (SW3) Immerse yourself in the world of ‘The King’s Man’ at the National Army Museum, and explore the history, legends, politics and people depicted in Disney’s new cinematic release. The King’s Man Experience is an immersive exhibition featuring costumes, props and behindthe-scenes material from ‘The King’s Man’, an explosive new movie uncovering the origins of the fictional Kingsman organisation. http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/kings-man-experience Wed 9 Sep - Drive in Film Club at Alexandra Palace (N22) A new drive in cinema has come to Ally Pally. Drive in Film Club, the brainchild of Rooftop Film Club, is taking place in the grounds of Ally Pally. Bringing back the nostalgia of the drive-in cinema, the kings 14

Families North West London

Thu 10 - Tue 15 Sep - Zippo’s Circus 2020 ’REBOUND’ Hampstead (NW3) Zippo’s Circus is back with a new show titled REBOUND! Set up to comply with all COVID-19 health and safety measures including social distancing seating within household/party ‘bubbles’ in the Big Top, enhanced ventilation, Covid-trained staff and deep cleaning. http://www.zippos.co.uk/ Fri 11 Sep - Queens Park Lates (NW6) Following on from the success of the Sunday Queens Park Farmers Market; London Farmers Markets are launching their Friday evening market soirees. Salusbury Primary School is the new place to be every Friday. With a carefully curated selection of food stalls you won’t be going home hungry, and the bars will be serving up a host of thirst quenching drinks with craft beers, farmhouse Cider, English wines and sensational cocktails. 6pm-10pm. Free entry. https://www.facebook.com/queensparklates/ Fri 11 – Sun 20 Sep - Heritage Open Days: Watford (various) Discover Watford’s rich heritage with special free events and openings across the town. Heritage Open Days gives you open access to many of the buildings and structures that have so much local historical significance. As the town changes and grows it is all the more important that people have the opportunity to discover our many hidden gems. https://www.watfordbigevents.co.uk/heritage-open-days

Fri 11 – Mon 14 Sep – The Luna Cinema at Waddesdon Manor (HP18) Your socially spacious cinema is here with the ultimate socially distanced open-air cinema experience. All ticket booking groups will be assigned a pitch that will have chairs pre-laid out in it to allow for social distancing. The Luna experience this summer will be a fully seated one, so there’s no need to worry about bringing your own. Films include Rocketman, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman and Joker. https://thelunacinema.com/2020 Fri 11 Sep – Sun 18 Apr - Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery (E14) Unearth the mystery of the largest ever Bronze Age hoard discovered in London in a major exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. It’s your chance to share in the mystery of the hoard and discover what life was like during the Bronze Age, when the land where London now exists was a very different place. Entry is free with timed entry ticket to the museum. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands/whats-on/exhibitions/havering-hoard-bronzeage-mystery Sun 13 & Sun 20 Sep - Story Time with Sita Thomas hosted by Artsdepot (online) Join Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter Sita Thomas for Story Time. She’ll read some well-loved children’s books and show you how to make your very own mini-theatre at home. Ages 3–7 years. This show is available to book now, and available to watch from 11am on Sun 13 Sep to 10am on Sun 20 Sep. https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family-digital/story-time-sitathomas Mon 14 – Sat 19 Sep - Heritage Open Days at Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre (online) This September, join the conservation and learning teams behind the scenes at Royal Museums Greenwich’s state-of-the-art collections centre. This year the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre is throwing open its doors online, with virtual events, video tours and digital resources for everyone to enjoy. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/heritageopen-days-prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre Tue 15 Sep – Tue 3 Nov - Effective Parenting: online course (online) This 8 week programme is aimed to help parents and carers of children ages 3-12 years learn practical communication skills for everyday life and to develop their abilities to bring up confident, happy and co-operative children. 7-9pm, on-line delivery. Call 020 8863 7319 to register or email info@ hopeharrow.org.uk. http://www.hopeharrow.org.uk/index.html Sat 19 Sep - Heritage Open Days: Online Quiz (online) As part of this festival of heritage, nature, community and history, the Royal Museums familiesonline.co.uk

What's On Greenwich will be hosting a family friendly quiz. So if you want to see how your knowledge of nature and heritage stacks up against the seasoned quizmasters, join the live online quiz and test yourself against the rest of the world. Book your free place online and get ready to join in! Quiz starts at 6.30pm. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/heritageopen-days-quiz Sat 19 – Sun 27 Sep - ENO Drive & Live (N22) English National Opera presents Puccini’s La bohème in a unique drive-in theatre experience at Alexandra Palace. This new, modern 90 minute version of the much-loved La bohème is performed live with members of the award-winning ENO Orchestra and Chorus. The performers will be on a raised and covered stage, with large screens to the side also relaying the performance so that all audience members get a great view. If you don’t have a car you can book an Uber Box, or go on a bicycle. Ages 5+. https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/eno-drive-live/ Sun 20 Sep – Memory Walk 2020 (various) Unite with the Alzheimer’s Society on Sunday 20 September and join tens of thousands of people up and down the country getting ready to walk for loved ones. Whether you walk 10,000 steps, 10 miles or for 10 minutes, get ready to make it your walk, your way. You can choose to walk on your own, with friends or family or even your four-legged friends. https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/

Thu 15 Oct – Mon 2 Nov - Happy Halloween at Paultons Park (SO51) Happy Halloween at Paultons Park is the friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK, and is back for another year with even more spooky fun to be had! Peppa Pig World will be transformed for this year’s enchanting festivities! Meet Peppa and George in their spooky outfits and enjoy lots of fun Peppa themed Halloween decorations. https://paultonspark.co.uk/attractions/13141/happyhalloween-at-paultons-park Sat 17 - 18 Oct – Wild About Wool (HP8) Go along to Chiltern Open Air Museum for a special Wild About Wool knitting event and discover different types of wool and help solve your knitting conundrums by talking to friendly experts.This event is suitable for all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced knitters. https://www.coam.org.uk/events/wild-about-wool-knittingevent/ Sat 17 – Sun 18 Oct - RBC Race for the Kids 2020 (various) This year’s RBC Race for the Kids is going virtual! For the first time ever, the global series of RBC Race for the Kids, of which Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity are the UK partner, will come together virtually to run, walk, wheel, skip or scoot their way to raising money for seriously ill children. Register your interest in RBC Race for the kids and help support seriously ill children at GOSH. https://rbcraceforthekids.com/

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sep – Harvest Festival (HP8) Go along and experience a traditional Harvest Festival in the heart of the Chilterns at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Discover the fascinating traditions of their farming history. This popular annual harvest event provides a unique opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of harvest past, with the Museum’s restored 1947 threshing machine working hard to process the year’s wheat crop – as long as the rain holds off! https://www.coam.org.uk/events/harvest-eventbuckinghamshire/

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct – Fun Palaces 2020 (various) Fun Palaces are about sharing skills and making local connections. While Fun Palaces usually have anything from 20 to 2000 participants, in response to Covid-19, we are encouraging extra-small, hyper-local Fun Palaces this October. A shared creation made by three neighbours along a wall, a seed swap in your street, a drumming lesson from a balcony window, six people socially-distanced in a park teaching each other a 45-minute dance or yoga or fitness sequence, a neighbourhood co-writing a story in chalk on the pavement. https://funpalaces.co.uk/ Sun 4 Oct - Apple Day 2020 (AL4) A fun and traditional celebration of English Apples at YMCA Gym, Highfield Park Centre from 2-4pm. Go along and listen to a local band whilst indulging in homemade cake with a cup of tea or coffee or run round with the younger members of the family with Apple based games such as apple bobbing, Hunt the Apple and many more. https://www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk/calendar/ familiesonline.co.uk

Tue 27 Oct - Terrific Tuesday at Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) The final Terrific Tuesday of the season, taking place over October half term. The theme is autumn and there will be lots of autumn themed activities and crafts planned all for the standard admission price! https://www.coam.org.uk/events/october-half-term-event/ Fri 30 Oct - COAM’s Halloween Spectacular (HP8) For one night only, doors will be open for a spooktacular family Halloween event that sees the historic buildings decorated and inhabited by costumed characters. Around the Museum grounds there will be lots of Halloween-themed crafts, activities and games for the whole family to enjoy. 5pm – 9pm. https://www.coam.org.uk/events/halloween-event/ Sat 31 Oct - Regent Street Motor Show (W1B) A showcase of 125 years of motoring including veteran, vintage, classic, and modern-day cars. There will be something for everyone with lots of things to see and do including interactive displays and entertainment throughout the day from 10.30am until 4pm. A family friendly environment with the Street pedestrianised from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus. https://regentstreetmotorshow.com/ Sat 31 Oct - Halloween in the Gardens (N3) Go along to Stephens House and Gardens, visit the Spine Chilling Cellars, join the Spooky Garden Spectre Hunt and marvel at the moves of the Fire Artist. Remember to take your torch and pen for your hunt. Social distancing and queuing in operation in the cellars. http://www.stephenshouseandgardens.com/events Mon 9 Nov - Motivating Our Teens To Learn: online course (various) A workshop for all parents of teenagers. As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing our children grow into unique individuals and also challenging if we see them struggling or disinterested with school. We will discuss how to support our Teens sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. 7-9pm. To book a place please call 0208 863 7319 or email: info@hopeharrow.org.uk. http://www.hopeharrow.org.uk/index.html

OCTOBER Thu 1 – Sun 4 Oct – Watford Fringe (various) The Watford Fringe will be back with Music, Drama, Comedy, Improv, Dance, Poetry, Art and Beer. Social distancing and other safety considerations will be incorporated, and there will be added online facilities so that the events can reach an audience that cannot or are reluctant to attend live events in person. https://watfringe.co.uk/

half-term holiday, where there will be the ever-popular Halloween trail, spooky treats to tickle your tastebuds, and crafty activities for everyone to get involved with. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/horrible-halloween/

Sat 17 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – Gruffalo Adventures at Kew Gardens (TW9) Gruffalo Adventures plots a specially curated journey through the Kew Gardens Arboretum, where visitors will encounter much-loved characters from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book, including Fox, Owl and Snake, and of course, The Gruffalo! With map in hand, children can follow the tracks of each animal, leading them to the characters’ hiding spots. https://www.kew.org/ Mon 19 – Sat 31 Oct - Pumpkin Festival (AL4) Have a Pumpkin-tastic time during half term at Willow’s Activity Farm. Pick your pumpkin from Willows Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a full programme of pumpkin fun! https://www.willowsactivityfarm.com/pumpkin-festival/ Sat 24 Oct - Sun 1 Nov – Horrible Halloween (HP18) Go along to Waddesdon House and Gardens for a fun and spooky Halloween during the October

Tue 10 Nov – Tue 15 Dec - On-Line Parenting Course for Separated Parents (various) This course is recommended for parents who have separated or newly separated and would like to co-parent. Both parents are required to attend. In a safe, non-judgemental arena this 8 week programme uses a parent focussed- child centred approach. Children need two loving parents, consistent, positive discipline and clear communication. You will both be able to develop your skills to bring up confident, happy and co-operative children. 7-9pm. Call on 020 8863 7319 to register or email info@ hopeharrow.org.uk. http://www.hopeharrow.org.uk/index.html

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Families North West London

Puzzles

AUTUMN DAYS

Find these Autumn words in the grid. Then read the unused letters on lines 7 to 10 from left to right to find a hidden message!

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN HARVEST ACORN COBWEB CHILL GOLDEN HAY SQUIRREL APPLE MIST

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WOODLAND MAZE Little Owl has got lost in the woods. Can you help him get home by drawing a path to his tree?

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H C M V P U M P K I N W

A H I P W S E O M E M T

R V S Q U I R R E L S H

V P T A C J T W C H C S

E O A T F N O U H E O B

S N E R M L O R A S B F

T D G O L D E N Y S W J

P F W A I Z U W L O E U

S Z H S C H I L L O B K

B P R P I V T A O N A P

A P P L E D A C O R N N

PICTURE CROSSWORD Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword? 2

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4 5 7

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9 10 10

Families North West London

familiesonline.co.uk

Families NW London Magazine Sep 2020 (Print)

Articles inside

Local Clubs and Classes

Tackling gaming issues

What’s on

Choosing a school

A- Z of Early Years Activities

Coping with Back to School stresses

Educating the future

Local News