Families North London November/December 21 Digital

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North London

20 Nov 2021 2 Jan 2022

IN THIS ISSUE All things Christmassy!

ACHIEVE ARTS SPEECH AND DRAMA SCHOOL & YOUNG PERFORMERS AGENCY BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY!

Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching Drama, Speech and Singing to children and young adults.

Young performers work towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre whilst learning key life skills.

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20 Nov- HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK 02 Jan 020 8985 2424 Issue 151 November / December 2021 familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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www.razzamataz.co.uk

As well as performing arts lessons for ages 2-18, we’re a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun!

Razzamataz Barnet

Razzamataz Belsize Park

Contact Michael on: 07788 592171 barnet@razzamataz.co.uk www.barnet.razzamataz.co.uk

Contact Victoria on: 07425 918328 belsizepark@razzamataz.co.uk www.belsizepark.razzamataz.co.uk

Razzamataz Hackney

Razzamataz Queens Park

The Petchey Academy, E8 2EY

St Mary Magdalen Catholic Junior School, NW2 5BB

Contact Marc on: 07456 868266 hackney@razzamataz.co.uk www.hackney.razzamataz.co.uk

Contact Victoria on: 07425 918328 queenspark@razzamataz.co.uk www.queenspark.razzamataz.co.uk

Wren Academy, N12 9HB

Fleet Primary School, NW3 2QT

Enter our Christmas Gift Giveaway!

More details in the Gift Guide T&Cs apply

Young Drivers Driving Experience

Brave Girls’ Book Club 10 boxes available

2 le availab

Storytime magazine subscription

Silverstone Lap of Lights Experience

10 annual subscriptions available

SnapWatch

3 available

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Waboba Moon Ball

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So Slime DIY Ice Cream Station

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Familiesonline.co.uk

Welcome

In this issue: 6 Mums in Business 7 Education 18 Christmas 27 Early Years 31 Clubs and Classes 33 What’s On 34 Family Life 36 More Christmas!

Welcome to our November / December issue!

CONTACT US: Families North London Magazine Editor:

Danielle & Helen T: 07815 573 052 / 07411 070 316 E: editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk HADLEY WOOD HIGH BARNET

ARKLEY MILL HILL

BRENT CROSS BRENT CROSS

CLAY HILL ENFIELD PONDERS END

EAST BARNET WINCHMORE HILL TOTTERIDGE SOUTHGATE LOWER EDMONTON WHETSTONE ARNOS GROVE

FINCHLEY HENDON

M25

TRENT PARK

COCKFOSTERS

M1

A406

MUSWELL HILL WOOD GREEN CRICKLEWOOD

CROUCH END

TOTTENHAM

FINSBURY PARK STOKE NEWINGTON HIGHGATE SWISS COTTAGE HIGHBURY HAMPSTEAD KENTISH TOWN ISLINGTON WEST HAMPSTEAD CAMDEN CHALK FARM KING'S CROSS GOLDERS GREEN

ST JOHN'S WOOD

REGENT'S PARK

HOXTON

It’s that time of year again, when its cold outside, the nights are drawing in and the little ones are asking how many sleeps until Christmas!

Our bumper packed Christmas issue has everything you need to help you through the Festive Season! From the great Christmas gifts for children and adults to our Christmas What’s On guide for North London and from deliciously fun recipes to Christmas audiobooks.

Plus, we have some great articles to mull over and fantastic opportunities in Education, Clubs and Classes and Early Years.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Happy Reading!

Danielle and Helen Danielle

Helen

Paper used to print Families North London is from fully-managed sustainable sources and is recyclable.

Follow us on social media and stay up to date, informed and entertained.

Tweet us on Find us on @familiesnorthlondon @FamiliesNthLon

Include us on @familiesnorthlondon

Families North London 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 content of Famileis North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photogrpahic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from Families North London.

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

Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching Drama, Speech and Singing to children and young adults.

Young performers work towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre whilst learning key life skills.

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY! CROUCH END, HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, MUSWELL HILL, PINNER AND TUFNELL PARK www.achievearts.co.uk www.achieveartsagency.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk November/December 5

Could this be your dream job?

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Families North London is the premium free magazine for parents of children ages 0 to 12 in Cheshire and it’s now looking for a new owner!

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Families North London magazine is part of the brand-leading Families Magazine franchise group, which was established in 1990 and has 40 local titles around the UK. If you are interested in: running your own business and learning the skills of print publishing, copy writing, design, sales, social media and business management

Business Franchise Opportunity

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North London

IN THIS ISSUE Back to School Local Clubs and Classes Early Years What’s On

Familiesonline.co.uk Issue 150 September/October 2021 familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 1 familiesonline.co.uk 1

FREE

TAKE

ME HO

ME

®

North London

To find out more about this exciting opportunity, call 07411 070316 or 07815 573052 or email editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE

30 Things to do this Summer Mums in Business WIN tickets to a family show

Issue 149 July/August 2021 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 1

London International Bilingual School from Nursery to Year 10

Enrolment for 2022-2023 is now open!

CFBL’s mission is to provide students with the best of French and British educational cultures, while preparing them for life in the modern world through an international, and multicultural education.

CFBL | Collège Français Bilingue de Londres www.cfbl.org.uk | info@cfbl.org.uk 87 Holmes Road - London NW5 3AX +44 (0)20 7993 7400

REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT OPEN DAYS: - Sat. 20th Nov. 2021 - Fri. 3rd Dec. 2021 - Sat. 8th Jan. 2022 OR CONTACT US AT inscriptions@cfbl.org.uk

EDUCATION

Finding the right tutor for your child

By Kate Hilpern Here’s some ideas of where to start.

Word of mouth. Asking around is the most effective and popular way to source good tutors. Parents whose children have just done the relevant exam, if that’s what you’re preparing for, are often the best source.

Your child’s school. Talk to your child’s teachers. They may be happy to help out a little outside school or know of other people who tutor.

Tutor agencies. While you are not getting a tutor recommended to you by someone you know, you can pick the one who seems most compatible and switch if it doesn’t work out.

Website agencies. Parents can interview or chat with as many potential tutors as they like before agreeing to start tutoring. Be aware, however, that there may be little support if things go wrong.

What questions should you ask a prospective tutor?

What is your educational background? Particularly in the subject they are teaching.

How much tutoring experience do you have? Are they fully up to date with the current curriculum?

8 November/December

How will you tell if you’re suited to tutoring my child? Do they adapt to children who might be very shy or boisterous?

What are your tutoring methods?

Is the work all done in the session?

Will there be additional homework?

What is your success rate? If they tutor for specific exams, do they achieve consistently good results?

What hours are you available and where do you tutor?

How long do you expect the tutoring to last? Do they teach fixed blocks or until everyone agrees the child is ready to ‘go solo?’

What are your fees? Any additional costs? Terms and conditions? Are materials and textbooks included?

What happens if either of you have to cancel a session?

Can you provide references and DBS records?

Kate Hilpern is from The Good Schools Guide, the leading impartial source of information on schools in the UK, helping parents with every aspect of choosing the best education for their children.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Encouraging your child to become an independent learner

By Bradley Busch and Edward Watson As children get older and progress within the education system, how they manage their time and how efficiently and effectively they study independently becomes an ever-increasing premium skill. So, what does academic research tell us about how parents can help facilitate this?

Let’s look at three different but related techniques.

Introduce learners to effective goal setting. This must include Improving self-reflection. The more flexibility, short and long-term goals and enough challenge to maintain self-aware learners are, the more motivation. likely they are to manage potential distractions. Self-monitoring is READ MORE a skill that can be developed by encouraging children to ask themselves good questions, such as ‘how can I get better?’ and ‘where do I do my best work?’

Better time management. Left to their own devices, people tend to procrastinate. Some studies have found that seventy five per cent of students consider themselves procrastinators, with fifty per cent procrastinating regularly and to a level that is considered problematic.

Research suggests that most students are poor at estimating how long a task will take to complete, as they get distracted or face unexpected obstacles along the way. This is called ‘The Planning Fallacy.’ Find out more here.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 9

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HENDON PREP IS AN INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 3–11 YEARS OLD

NOW ENROLLING FOR RECEPTION & PRESCHOOL 2022 “At Hendon Prep our curriculum is designed to stretch every pupil so that they each fulfil their own unique potential. Our pupils’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We are an inclusive community and embrace diversity as we foster a global outlook in our pupils”.

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EDUCATION

DIY Christmas gifts for teachers Fabulously creative and low-cost presents that will excite your kids and delight their teachers.

Make Christmas brownies in a jar

Create origami bookmarks

Make a homemade candle

Make scented soap

Bake a bird feeder

Paint a Sharpie mug

Plant a succulent mini pot

Make a rice heat bag

Create a tissue paper vase

12 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

What homework should my child get?

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble Here’s our rough guide.

Reception. Formal homework is rarely set. However, children are likely to bring home first reading books. Listening to your child read is invaluable.

Years 1 and 2. One or two literacy or numeracy tasks weekly. Children should spend no longer than thirty minutes on each task. Daily reading with your child is essential.

Years 3 and 4. Most schools set two homework activities per week of up to forty five minutes each, typically, one literacy and one numeracy.

Years 5 and 6. Two or three pieces of homework weekly totalling approximately two hours per week, in preparation for SATs and transition to secondary school.

Top tips for homework support A quiet, designated homework area where everything they need is accessible.

A regular study time. Avoid late in the day. Encourage regular breaks.

Eliminate distractions. Ensure screens are off and out of reach.

Start with the hardest work first.

Then the rest of the work will feel easier!

Praise work and effort to encourage a positive response to homework.

Teach by example. Work at the same time in the same space, if possible.

Accept help, when needed, from YouTube videos, websites like Khan Academy or even tutors.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Lisa and Catherine are cofounders of EmParenting, which works with schools and parents to strengthen children’s core qualities like kindness and offers insights and tools to nurture their development and wellbeing.

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Scan here to visit our website 15 November/December 13/10/2021 13:43:53

EDUCATION

Things to know about class WhatsApp groups

By Claire Winter Love them or loathe them school class WhatsApp groups make it incredibly easy and quick to communicate with a community with common interests. But, as with most things, there are pros and cons!

Pros Messages from other parents act as a valuable reminder of the important that keyword will appear. things you were told in emails from your child’s school but have To respond to a specific message, forgotten. hold your finger on the screen over that message and click the Sub-groups are fabulous for backwards arrow. You’ll see the organising the dialogue and message you want to respond to mean you can easily be in touch appear in the chat box and you write with individual parents or groups your reply underneath. of parents with specific shared interests.

Getting overwhelmed by different chats in different groups? Decide Cons which groups are important and politely leave the rest.

Expect flurries of panicked, confused and last-minute threads!

Don’t use your class group like Not everybody in the class group your personal social media will always check email or previous pages and post irrelevant videos, threads. If you are getting confused photographs, memes, conspiracy yourself, always go back to the theories and articles. Or ask for official school correspondence. medical advice! This type of usage can cause tension.

Tips for using WhatsApp You can also mute notifications by To find information on a clicking the profile at the top and particularly topic quickly, press selecting mute if you don’t want to the three dots in the corner of your be constantly pinged all day. screen and click ‘search.’ Type in a keyword and messages that have 16 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

TWEEN

Tween sleep habits

By Chris Skeat

It’s just as hard for tweens to get a good night’s sleep, as it is for their parents! Pre-teen/teen experts at wearetwixt offer tips on healthy sleep habits for this age group.

Children ages 10 to 12 years should get between nine hours fifteen minutes and nine hours forty five minutes of sleep a night (NHS). But, at puberty (on average, between 10-12 for girls and 12-16 for boys), children’s natural sleep patterns may start shifting.

Sleep is essential for forming and maintaining pathways in the brain that facilitate learning and create new memories but research shows we’re now having two hours less sleep a night than in the 1960s.

A key reason? The blue light from digital screens suppresses the body’s sleep hormone, melatonin, which helps us drift off.

bed the first week, building to sixty or ninety minutes.

How can bedtime routines and bedroom set ups also improve tween sleep?

READ MORE

Banish the blue-light According to a BBC survey, fifty seven per cent of the UK’s children sleep with their mobile phones by their bed and forty two percent of children always keep their phones with them, never turning them off.

But a pre-bedtime screen time cutoff and no access to technology in the bedroom is crucial for a good night’s sleep.

Switch off before bedtime Fifteen to twenty minutes before Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 17

Christmas THE PURRFECT FESTIVE TREAT! ON LIVE G !

STA E

A musical play adapted & directed

by DAVID WOOD based on the book by JUDITH KERR

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ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © KERR-KNEALE PRODUCTIONS LTD 1968

The Tiger Who Came to Tea The Times

HHHH Daily Telegraph

HHHH Daily Express

6 DEC 2021 - 3 JAN 2022 artsdepot.co.uk

CELEBRATE TOGETHER AGAIN THIS CHRISTMAS

CAROL CONCERTS

MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE

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THE NUTCRACKER

royalalberthall.com/christmas #RAHChristmas 18 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas

The Belle of the Ball!

As Jazmin Patey-Ford prepares to shine as Cinderella in this year’s pantomime, Cinderella and Her Lost Prince at the Millfield Theatre this Christmas, Families North London caught up with her to discover all about her love of panto, her duet dreams and her superpowers!

When did your career as an actress begin?

I started my career as a professional performer by training in dance and musical theatre at Doreen Bird college. Before that I took dance classes from the age of two.

What are some of your career highlights?

One of my career highlights would be traveling around Asia in my little pony the musical and my favourite show was when we performed for under privileged children.

When did you begin performing in pantos?

I have been performing professionally in panto for five years now and some of my other roles include “Snow White” and “Wendy” in Peter Pan. I have always played the princess role as it’s my favourite because I can relate to them the most.

If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?

If I could sing a duet with anyone it would probably be Beyoncé because let’s be honest, she’s a queen.

What would be your superpower and why?

My superpower would be teleportation because I could go anywhere in the word at the click of a finger.

What advice would you give to any budding actors and actresses out there?

My advice for any future performers would be to go for it and never give up. Love every moment and give it your all.

Dance your way down to the Millfield Theatre this festive season Sat 11th December – Fri 31st December for a show that is sure to keep you entertained, laughing out loud and having a ball!

Book your tickets for Cinderella and Her Lost Prince now!

What do you love about pantos?

What I love about performing in panto is the magic we get to bring to life and the happiness we bring to our audience.

Who is your favourite panto character?

My all-time favourite pantomime character would have to be “Buttons” because I think he’s so funny and such a lovable character.

In what ways are you like Cinderella?

In some ways I’m like Cinderella because I believe it’s so important to be kind to everyone but I can’t say I can relate to being good at cleaning!

What can we expect when we watch “Cinderella and Her Lost Prince”?

What you can expect from “Cinderella and the Lost Prince” is lots of Christmas magic, loads of adventure but most of all fun and laughter.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Tickets prices start from just £16.75 per child Book online at www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Or call the Box Office on 020 8807 6680 Millfield Theatre, Edmonton, N18 1PJ November/December 19

CHRISTMAS

Great Christmas gifts for kids Check out our Families gift guide for ideas that will inspire and excite your child - many without lots of packaging!

Brave Girls’ Book Club subscription box

Storytime magazine subscription

Baked In Junior Baking Club subscription box

Diverse stories & powerful protagonists.

Ages 7-12. £17 per month.

For story-loving kids!

Ages 4-11. From £38.99.

Child-friendly recipes for mini-bakers. Ages 5-11.

From £7.50 per month.

Young Driver driving lessons

Scamp & Dude superpower PJs PJs with Superpower Button! Boosts and comforts when most needed. From £28.

So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory

Create three squishy slime ice creams - fluffy, icee and scented.

Ages 6+. £20.

SnapWatch

Waboba Moon Ball

Wildflower kit

Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience. Ages 4+.

Snaps around the wrist and stays. Interactive, easy to use. Ages 5-12. £9.99 + p&p.

20 10 November/December

Pops and bounces to 100ft!

Ages 5+.

Three bamboo pots ready to plant. Six hundred seeds to attract bees! £20.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas gift ideas for adults Eco-friendly, no-clutter and truly memory-making. Check out the Families guide to gift experiences for parents.

Silhouette sitting with Charles Burns Virtual sitting with the famous silhouettist of Royals/celebs. From £45.

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines

Give the gift of wine knowledge! Highlyregarded award, perfect for beginners.

Box 42 Uncharted Love Island box Tropical fun. Themed activities & Spotify playlist. From £31.99 per mth.

Books that Matter Silverstone driving Bloom & Wild book box experience letterbox flowers Thought-provoking and inspiring novel, plus feminist and bookish gifts. From £17 per mth.

Epsom Bakehouse bread making Learn to bake, online classes. Baguettes to brioche. From £19.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Huge range of letterbox bouquets delivered monthly for your giftee to curate.

Get behind the wheel of a single-seater race car or top of the range supercar. From £189.

Flying lesson

Fender Play guitar lessons

Learn how to pilot an aircraft in two amazing thirty minute lessons.

Legendary guitar brand with online platform.

Easy-to-follow lessons.

November/December 21

Christmas their grown-ups, Tickets £19.95 includes 1 adult & 1 infant, 11am, 1pm & 3pm

CHILDRENS TREATRE Alexandra Palace Theatre Alexandra Palace N22 www.alexandrapalace.com Fri 26 Nov – Sun 9 Jan - A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story Mark Gatiss leads an ensemble cast, in his own retelling of Dickens’ classic winter ghost story, filled with Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects.

Prepare to be frightened and delighted in equal measure as you enter the supernatural Victorian world of A Christmas Carol.

Mon 6 Dec – Sun 12 Jan – The Nutcracker on Ice A festive treat for all the family, pantomime on ice tells the story of Clara and her adventures in an enchanting kingdom created by her mother many years before. When Clara enters this magical world, it appears all is not as it should be, and together with the help of the Nutcracker Prince, they must find the key to regain order once again.

Artsdepot North Finchley N12 www.artsdepot.o.uk Sun 5 Dec – Baby Broadway Christmas The whole family can sing and dance along to seasonal showtunes from hit musicals and well-known songs from Christmas films, all performed by our West End singers. Open to all ages from new-borns to school age to grandparents.

Festive fancy dress is encouraged and - as well as singing, clapping and dancing along - you can expect bubbles, bells, flying babies and puppetry.

Tickets from £9, ages 0-8, 11am & 2pm Wed 15 Dec – Fri 31 Dec – Breaking the Ice This playful and light-hearted show is inspired by the true story of an unlikely friendship between a husky and a wild polar bear. Join us on a journey into the snow where music, shadows and projection will transport you to a place where polar bears and huskies really can be friends, Tickets from £9, ages 2-7 Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace SW1X www.cadoganhall.com Sun 12 Dec – A Dickensian Christmas Toast the Christmas spirit with Charles Dickens and celebrate the very best of Victorian carols, classics and a 22 November/December

selection of readings from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Recommended age: 7+, 3pm & 7pm Tue 21 Dec – The Snowman + Paddington Bear’s First Concert A showing of The Snowman on the big screen with a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack. Join everyone’s favourite Peruvian bear in his hilarious escapades around London, culminating in him visiting Cadogan Hall with Mr Gruber. The perfect antidote to panto & a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family. 1.30pm & 4.30pm Chickenshed Southgate N14 www.chickenshed.org.uk Wed 24 Nov – Sat 8 Jan EverAfter – A mixed up fairytale An awe-inspiring show for the whole family. When Hansel and Gretel are left to fend for themselves in the Wild Woods, a series of events is set in motion, taking the two children on a journey through some of our best loved fairy tales. Ages 5+, check website for timings Sat 4 Dec – Wed 29 Dec – Christmas Tales at Chickenshed With puppets, singing, dancing and some larger-than-life characters, Christmas Tales is guaranteed to entertain the very youngest of audience (and grown-ups too!), leaving everyone happy and merry at this most wonderful time of the year! Ages 0-7 Dugdale Centre Enfield EN2 www.dugdalecentre.co.uk

Sat 18 Dec & Sun 19 Dec – The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness!

A celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings! Tickets: £10 Adults, £8 Concession £38, 11am & 1pm Mon 20 Dec – Fri 24 Dec – Aladdin Pantomime fun for all the family, Join Widow Twankey, Aladdin and Abanazar in one of the most icon pantomimes ever written, all ages, 11am, 1pm & 3pm, Tickets £3-£10

Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone NW8 www.thecockpit.org.uk Tue 14 Dec – Fri 24 Dec – Christmas is Ruined Whizz off on an adventure to meet a host of huge and hilarious characters where you’ll get to sing, dance & help Fox & his friends as they learn how to be festive. This is a slightly bonkers, fun, family show with larger than life characters, eye popping acrobatics & a generous dose of theatre magic.

Ages 3+, tickets from £9, see website for times

Hackney Empire Hackney E8 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Sat 20 Nov - Sun 2 Jan - Jack and the Beanstalk When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted into selling his family’s beloved cow for a bag full of magic beans, he finds himself tangled in an adventure of GIANT proportions. Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-than-life mum – Dame Trot. Tickets from £10 Hoxton Hall 130 Hoxton Street N1 www.hoxtonhall.co.uk Fri 10 Dec – Fri 24 Dec – Sleeping Beauty A hilarious family friendly pantomime which is not to be missed, With a hilarious comic, an outrageous dame, a devilish baddie, a dashing hero, tons of adventure and bags of slapstick fun, this classic, romantic fairy tale, ages 3+, Ticket from £8, 11am, 2pm & 6pm Jacksons Lane Highgate N6 www.jacksonslane.org.uk Fri 17 Dec – Sun 2 Jan – A Circus Carol A Christmas Carol is turned on its head in this spectacular new production filled with gasps, thrills and laughs. Combining stunning acrobatics, spinning in the sky (even Scrooge…) and truly amazing trickery, ages 3+, Tickets £14.95, see website for times Mon 13 Dec – Fri 17 Dec – Glisten The perfect alternative family Christmas experience, Glisten is performed to a small audience creating an intimate & welcoming theatrical event, an interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months &

Little Angel Theatre Islington N1 www.littleangeltheatre.com Sat 13 Nov - Sun 23 Jan There May Be A Castle On a frozen Christmas eve, Mouse Mallory & family are on their way across the snowwhite valley to their grandpa’s house. But they never arrive.

This remarkable story about love, loss & the power of the imagination, ages 7-11, tickets from £8 Millfield Theatre Edmonton N18 www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Sat 11 Dec – Fri 31 Dec CINDERELLA AND HER LOST PRINCE A magical adventure with a modern twist, that promises to be packed with dazzling costumes, modern humour, amazing dancing, big tunes, singing, cheering & booing bringing a feel-good factor to the Millfield Theatre in true Platinum style! Suitable for ages 3 - 103! Running Time - 2 hours including interval Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com Tue 7 Dec – Sun 30 Jan – Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! New Adventures A fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite.

Expect a sprinkling of delicious new surprises in this reinvented production for 2021, Prices from £15

Shaw Theatre Euston Road NW1 www.shaw-theatre.com Sat 18 Dec – Fri 24 Dec – The Wizard of Oz Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Shaw Theatre for a fantastic all-new panto-style version of The Wizard of Oz. Packed with brilliant dance routines, well known pop song, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family, all seats £27, see website for times

Park Theatre Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 https://www.parktheatre.co.uk Tue 14 Dec – Sun 19 Dec – Five Little Christmas Monkeys Join Sue the Zoo Keeper as she struggles to get mischievous Little Monkey to bed and discovers that numbers are all around us. Packed with bold, engaging puppets and music from dub reggae and funky rapping to classical ballet, ages 2-6, Tickets from £12.50 Familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas SANTA’S HERE AGAIN! After dashing through last year, Santa is back in North London and he is eager to meet, visit and entertain North London Families.

Here is our list of some of the best local choices: Alexandra Palace Santa’s meeting Father Christmas too.

Grotto (N22) Little ones are £10 per child, adults go free. treated to a meeting with Santa, Sat 4th, 11th and 18th Dec a small gift plus the opportunity www.pickledpepperbooks. to have their photo taken with co.uk Santa at his festive grotto.

Christmas Wonderland @ £14.50 per child. 3 Dec – 23 Springtime Nurseries, Enfield Dec www.alexandrapalace.

(EN2) The magical new train com/whats-on/santasride takes you to see Santa in grotto-3/ his NEW magical Ice Kingdom Christmas Grotto @ Pickled at the North Pole. £12 (£4 Pepper Books (N8) per accompanying adult) pre Join Gingersnap, the chief Elf in booked. Child ticket includes a Father Christmas’ Workshop, as train ride through the Grotto, she welcomes you to the North visit with Santa and a present.

Pole! A wonderful Christmas https://www.christmasadventure to experience whilst wonderland.co.uk

SKATE YOUR WAY INTO CHRISTMAS AT THESE ICE RINKS, LOCATED IN THE CAPITAL Alexandra Palace (N22) No need to restrict our skating delights to just the festive season, this ice rink is open all year round! www.alexandrapalace.com Canary Wharf (E14) Until 22 Feb Skate under the sparling lights in the shadows of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers for a truly

INDULGE IN THE FULL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AT THESE FUN FESTIVE EVENTS. Christmas @ Kenwood House (NW3) A brand new festive event within the grounds of Kenwood House. www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/ Christmas @ The Tower of London (EC3N) Discover the iconic history of the Tower of London this Christmas through the animals that once lived within these walls, with a magical, festive experience for all ages.

Included in palace admission. www.hrp.org.uk/tower-oflondon/whats-on/christmas-atthe-tower-of-london The Magic of Christmas @ London Zoo (NW1) Enjoy a fantastically festive day out. Find presents for the animals, follow the Festive Trail, savour the Sensory Sweet Shop and write letters to Santa in Mrs Claus’ post room; plus much more. Entry from £16.54 for children. 27 Nov – 3 Jan www.zsl.org.uk/ Winter Festival @ Brent Cross (NW4) A festive treat for the family, featuring exciting rides, one of London’s largest ice rinks and a grotto to meet Santa.

Entry £2.50. Rides, grotto visit and ice rink is extra.

27 Nov – 3 Jan Familiesonline.co.uk

captivating experience. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Hampton Court Palace (KT8) 13 Nov to 9 Jan Prepare to be swept away by the seasonal atmosphere of Hampton Court Palace this Christmas as the stunning ice rink returns for another year. www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt-palace www.winterfestivalbrentcross. com/grotto. And four of the best choices further afield: Legoland (Windsor, Berkshire) Santa Sleepovers including a magical LEGO Christmas experience that your little ones will treasure for a lifetime, including Elves’ Magic Show, Lego building activities and more! 26 Nov Onwards. www.legolandholidays.co.uk Willows Farm (St Albans, Herts) Santa Spectacular is a full day out of festive family fun and the child ticket price includes all the activities and shows plus a visit to Santa and being able to choose a gift from his Toy Shop, making a toy bear in the Create-aCharacter workshop and biscuit decorating. Dates from 20 Nov www.willowsactivityfarm.com Storytime with Father Christmas @ the Royal Albert Hall You are invited to step inside a whimsical, magical Winter Grotto where you’ll be greeted by Father Christmas and his merry head elf Crumpet. £17.50 per child. 2 Dec – 21 Dec. www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/ Santa Experience @ Lee Valley Farm A Christmas treat for the whole family with cheeky elves and magical shows with a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Entry from £22 per person. Dates from 20 Nov. www.leavalleyfarm.co.uk

Meet Santa @ London Zoo (NW1) Little ones can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the Zoo and receive a special early Christmas gift to take home.

4 -5 Dec & 11-24 Dec www.zsl. org.uk/ Santa’s Christmas Grotto @ Lauderdale House (N12) Select a half-hour slot. Within your booked time slot, children will take it in turns to meet Father Christmas with the adults accompanying them. £10 per child. Sat 11 & Sun 12 Dec http://lauderdalehouse. org.uk

Lee Valley Ice Centre (E10) Open all year round, Lee Valley Ice Centre offers public skate sessions, lessons for all ages and abilities and weekend disco nights. www.leevalleyicecentre.com/ the-new-ice-centre/ Natural History Museum (SW7) 22 Oct to 16 Jan Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History

Santa’s Grotto @ Winter Festival, Brent Cross (NW4) Children will be able to meet Santa at his Grotto in the Magical Castle and children will receive their very own gift from Santa himself! Book online.

27 Nov – 24 Dec https:// winterfestivalbrentcross.com/ grotto Santa to Your Door Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline 020 8959 1045 or www.adamantsparties.co.uk

Museum is one of the most magical places to be this winter. www.nhm.ac.uk Somerset House (WC2R) 17 Nov to 16 Jan London’s most beautiful ice rink returns, transforming the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court into a winter oasis, and ushering in the festive season with a 40ft Christmas tree. www.somersethouse.org.uk

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

NUTC RACKE R

Children go half-price!*

When booking through London Coliseum Box Office. T&Cs apply.

16 DEC – 8 JAN ballet.org.uk/nutcracker

November/December 23

CHRISTMAS

Christmas audiobooks for the family Grab some blankets and mugs of hot chocolate and curl up to listen to these fabulous Christmas tales.

A Christmas Carol

Mog’s Christmas

A Season of Gifts

Enid Blyton’s Christmas Stories

A Boy Called Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Ages 6+ (2 hours & 44 minutes).

Ages 2+ (8 minutes).

Ages 9+ (3 hours & 50 minutes).

Ages 7+ (4 hours & 42 minutes).

Ages 9+ (4 hours & 26 minutes).

Ages 3+ (12 minutes).

Tumtum and Nutmeg’s Christmas Adventure

Mrs Claus and the Christmas Adventure

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Ages 3+ (1 hour & 26 minutes).

24 November/December

Ages 4+ (1 hour & 9 minutes).

Ages 8+ (1 hour & 26 minutes).

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Keeping kids busy on Christmas Eve Daytime

Evening

Bake some Christmas goodies.

Make gingerbread, shortbread cookies or cakes for everyone to enjoy.

Make handmade decorations.

Allow the kids to decorate their bedrooms with bunting or paper chains and make some lastminute items for the tree.

Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder in the garden so birds can have a Christmas dinner too.

Go ice-skating. Nothing more festive than visiting a local popup ice rink!

Attend a nativity service. Local churches often welcome all to their yearly, special celebration.

Do a local Christmas light tour.

Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood decorations.

Snuggle up. Have a pizza dinner, watch a film or read a Christmas story.

Go carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours to your angelic voices - keeping a safe distance, of course.

Enjoy a Christmas Eve box.

Great for relieving restlessness, if the budget allows. Source a board game or jigsaw from a charity shop and add new PJs, a Christmas decoration, mug, activity book and healthy snacks.

Don’t forget to leave a snack out for Santa and his reindeers!

Make wildlife-friendly reindeer food!

Make a great snack to help Santa’s reindeers keep going on Christmas Eve. It’s good for other wildlife too!

Check out this great reindeer food recipe from the RSPCA. READ MORE

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 25

CHRISTMAS

Best family Christmas recipes For the best fun cooking and eating!

Kid-friendly fruit mince pies

Gingerbread men

Strawberry Santa pancakes

Snowman marshmallow pops

White Christmas crackles

Peanut butter cookie dough reindeers

Snowman pizza

Easy family Christmas nut roast

Cheese stars

26 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Improving your little one’s speech and language post-pandemic

By Joanne Jones Masks, social distancing, no parenting clubs or classes and no visitors to the house...that was the theme of the pandemic.

Consequently, children have had less experience of full faces, watched fewer mouths and played fewer turn-taking games such as ‘I smile, you smile’ with strangers.

Babies and toddlers acquire many of the skills involved in learning to talk from copying and reading facial expressions and copying mouth movements. So, post-pandemic, many parents report that their children are struggling to learn language or to use the words they already know in conversation.

together.

• Your child is not using ‘learned phrases’ to communicate.

• Your child is not chewing or only eating a limited diet and words are not being used.

If any of the above signs ring true for you, firstly, talk to your Health Visitor and ask about a referral to Speech Therapy.

Here are the key signs to look out for that might mean your young child would benefit from some extra Waiting times may be lengthy but help: there are things you can do to help • Your baby/toddler is not babbling your child make progress in the meantime. and making a variety of sounds.

• Your baby/toddler is not watching You are your child’s best teacher your face when you talk. and you can make up for their limited earlier experiences.

• Your baby/toddler is not developing their play abilities to Implement some of the following include a variety of skills. ideas.

• Your child is not using some words by 18 months old.

READ MORE • Your two year old is not combining two or more words Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 27

EARLY YEARS

The Ladder Challenge

Help your child take on a difficult challenge – one step at a time! Download this activity and instructions to get started.

The Ladder Challenge Taking on a difficult challenge – one step at a time Instructions for use We face new challenges every day, and some can seem so big that we want to run in the opposite direction to avoid them!

The best thing to do to make a challenge less scary is to break it down into steps so you can build up the confidence to tackle it.

Look at the ladder on the next page to see how a big challenge can be broken down into simple steps.

Now use the empty ladder and write the thing you find most challenging at the top.

Next, think about what smaller steps you can take to reach your goal and write them on each step – ask your grownup to help if you like.

Building up your confidence with each step will equip you with the positive mindset needed to tackle any challenge.

The Ladder Challenge is an activity for children taken from The Happy Workbook: The Feel Good Activity Book by Imogen Harrison, published by Summersdale.

Final rehearsal the night before

Practise in front of your family

Sing song loudly on s way to sc the ho in the car ol Practise front of yoin grown-upur

Read alou on your owd n

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!

28 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Become weight neutral!

It’s all too easy to talk about food and weight with and in front of our children in a way that may foster unhelpful attitudes towards body image and nutrition.

Do you use either of the comments below or similar?

Download our chart for some suggestions for alternative ways of thinking and speaking which may help foster more nurturing, mindful, conscious and intuitive eating habits and skills.

I can’t eat dessert because I’m on a diet.

Cakes and chocolate are bad for you.

Say This Nothing!

Swap these often used for others phrases Instead of Th is

Any comment about your ow child’s weight. n or another adu lt/ I wish I was ligh any thing that ter/heavier, had more muscl good bodies. rejects yours es…or or their body.

Being overwe ight is unheal All bodies are thy. different and worth looking after.

We have to los e weight to get I love moving happy. my body in new healthy and be and different ways. I nee d to exercise I’m not hungry more so I can for dessert rig eat treats. ht now.

I can’t eat des sert because Are you hungry I’m on a diet. in your head or in your tummy ?

You can only hav dinner. (Overr e dessert if you eat up all idin of moralising goo g hunger and fullness cue your s and d/bad/treat/hea guilt/virtue cyc lthy reinforces We can enjoy le). a cakes and cho and carrots and colate and pep pers grapes and app Cakes and cho le and banana colate are bad s… for you.

Did you know veggies can hel bodies do am azing things? p our brains and You must eat up your veggie s because the good for you. y are I’m hungry! a burger sounds nice today.

I’m going to be Let ’s get outsid bad and have a burger for lun e for some fre sh air. ch.

We need to go We’re not hav for a walk to bur ing n some calorie and yoghurt ins cake right now, we’re hav s. ing fruit We’re tead. not having cak e for snack, bec healthy. ause it’s not Our bodies are am azing! They’re change shape designed to many times as I wish I cou older. we grow up and get be big and ld lose the baby weight; boy s should strong!

Isn’t it wonde rfu kinds of faces l to have 7.5+ billion differe and bodies on nt Isn’t so-and-so the planet? (appearance really pretty, handsome, stro pra good/bad/bet ise reinforces stereotypes ng (to someone ter/worse)? and who has change d weight) However well How are you? inte will always hav ntioned… ‘weight change e praising an eat unknown impact , we cou praise’ ld ing condition or sim disorder, an underlying be health ply equating wo rth with body size.

Nothing!

All bodies are

With thanks to through intuit Nutriri, an organisation cre ive eating an ated by volun d movement for joy courses, teers to offer weight neutr al support, hypnotherapy 1:1 or in group s.

DOWNLOAD NOW! Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 29

To advertise in www.bilingualnurseries.com

®

North London

please email editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

The Grove

Mars Montessori in Angel

Ages 18 months – 4 years

Les Trois Oursons in Paddington

Ages 10 months – 4 years

4 Collins Yard, (off Islington Green), LONDON N1 2XU

Lower Ground Floor, 170 Gloucester Terrace, LONDON W2 6HS

Nursery and Preschool Space to Explore and Grow

Specialist providers of education and childcare for 0-5 year olds The Grove 91 Shepperton Road Islington London N1 3DF Tel: 02072264037 www.thegrovenursery.co.uk

30 November/December

Hendon Highgate Islington Muswell Hill Stoke Newington Rolling bookings... apply now to start soon!

Music Kindergartens ... … for babies, toddlers and children! · Enjoyable, active, fun musical learning based on traditional and classical music · Fosters social interaction, language development and self-esteem in small age-related year groups · High quality music education—broad, structured, proven methodology · Foundation for our hugely successful instrumental programme · Professional musicians, specialists in Colourstrings/ Kodaly/child development · Long-term success on instruments 5-6yrs to 19yrs

www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk

Call Yvonne 020 8444 9435

Colourstrings … a wonderfully imaginative musical journey...

Helping children to long-term musical success since 1995

Familiesonline.co.uk

Get a FREE CarGoSeat Car booster AND pull along case... in one!

3 available

T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE

Magazine

RUGBY & FOOTBALL CLASSES

TOTS KICKERS STRIKERS

FREE TASTER

Ages 18mnths TO 9yrs

WEEKEND CLASS VENUES The Compton School | Kingsmead School Southgate School | St Ignatius College Chase Community College BOOK NOW: www.sport4kids.biz/venue-search/ Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 31

Purple Pages Children’s Parties

Theatre & Performing Arts

Sue Walder – Naming Celebrant

Achieve Arts

Joyous, bespoke naming ceremonies to celebrate new arrivals to your family. I create unique, memorable celebrations that can include poems, parental promises, the appointment of guideparents, and much more.

Perfect for babies, first birthdays, and to welcome adopted children.

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY! CROUCH END, HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, MUSWELL HILL AND TUFNELL PARK

Call me to find out more on 0796 9272235. www.sue.walder@ humanistceremonies.org.uk

Coffee and Crayons Café Coffee and Crayons Café (Ballards Lane, Finchley, N3) is a fantastic café with soft play area available. The café is also available to hire for birthday parties, special occasions and clubs/ classes. www.coffeeandcrayonscafe. com tel 0208 343 1333 info@ coffeeandcrayonscafe.com

towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre whilst learning key life skills.

Singing to children and young adults.

Their young

www. achieveartsagency. co.uk

Zebra Ceramics

The Artz Kidz

(N10) Pottery painting studio, loved by all ages!! Whether it’ s a mug, plate or bowl being painted, we will help all party goers to create something they will treasure forever. Our parties are designed for ages 5 and above. You may also visit us if you are not organising a party, we are open 7 days a week. Tel 0208 442 1314 or visit our website www.zebraceramics.co.uk

The Artz Kidz is a Creative School focusing on ‘The Arts’ as a whole including: Drama, Dance, Art and Singing, for ages 2-12 yrs. Saturday Schools, AfterSchool Clubs, Parties and Holiday Camps. LAUNCH OFFER: 25% off in January for 8-12s 9.15-12am at The Raglan Schools Enfield. Fully qualified Drama &

After Sch Club / Education Clarssroom Highly sought after and recommended professional tutoring, experienced in developing and preparing children to learn, lead and succeed all around.

Reading, English, Maths, verbal

and non-verbal reasoning, ages 3 ½ -13. Book a trial and free assessment today 0203 991 6110 www.clarssroom. co.uk

Vincent & Frida Art History Lessons for children. Art history lessons for children.

Our engaging fun hands-on interactive lessons will run in small groups online and face-to-face. We provide learning experiences that are inspiring and meaningful.

Email office@

vincentandfrida to register your interest for the academic year 2020/2021. www. vincentandfrida. com

Axis Education Highly sought after and recommended professional tutoring, experienced in developing and preparing children to learn, lead and succeed all around.

Reading, English, Maths, verbal

and non-verbal reasoning, ages 3 ½ -13. Book a trial and free assessment today 0203 991 6110 www.clarssroom. co.uk

Music & Movement Colourstrings Colourstrings – for a brilliant start and long-term success in music!

Develop your child’s musical talent in Kodaly-based music kindergartens and instrumental programmes from six months – 19 years. Call 020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk

32 November/December

performers work

Achieve Arts Speech & Drama School and Young Performers Agency is now offering free trials for their Autumn term.

Achieve Arts is a performance centre teaching Drama, Speech and

www.achievearts. co.uk

Primary School Teachers. DBS checked, First Aid Trained & COVID Secure. Contact Helen 07925 581 057. Info@ theartzkidz.com www.theartzkidz. com

Little Supernovas Little Supernovas is an award winning drama and storytelling company.

Providing unique, fun and engaging storytelling and drama sessions for children aged 4-9.

Our 50-60 minute classes include drama games for warm up, followed by an Interactive Action Adventure, and through this they develop dance and drama skills.

Big Supernovas 6-9 year olds will learn all about acting, devising and performance

skills. Our classes incorporate action storytelling, music, props, drama, movement and plenty of giggles.

Classes are lead by Hannah and Brooke.

Venue: Archway Methodist Church.

Every Thursday 4pm-5pm Contact us: 07791235247 or hello@ littlesupernovas. com Book now: www. littlesupernovas. com

Razzamataz Razzamataz Welcome to Razzamataz Theatre Schools the home of Drama, Music, Pop Singing, Musical Theatre and Street dance for kids aged 4-18yrs. Classes aim to build your child’s confidence, maintain their health and fitness, improve their wellbeing, have fun and make new friends. If you would like to book your child/children for a FREE Taster Session and for more information,

Stage Academy

Humpty Dumpty Singalong

Stage Academy is your local independent after school and weekend performing arts school for ages 4 to 18. Building self-confidence, teamwork, ambition and responsibility.

We unlock the potential inside every young person giving them the chance to be the stars of tomorrow.

On-stage or off.

Come and sing with your little one at The Humpty Dumpty Singalong!

With live ukulele music, puppets, bubbles and much more! Sessions for under 5s and under 1s, in Islington and Tufnell Park, advanced booking only, via Happity, at www.happity. co.uk/the-humptydumpty-singalong.

Book a free trial in one of our venues across North London to secure your space for September! stageacademy. co.uk 0800 808 5327 contact@ stageacademy. co.uk

Queens Park/ Victoria: queenspark@ razzamataz.co.uk Belsize Park/ Victoria: belsizepark@ razzamataz.co.uk Barnet/Michael: barnet@ razzamataz.co.uk Hackney/Marc: hackney@ razzamtaz.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thehumpty dumptysingalong.

Happy singing!

Baby, Toddler & Nurseries Tiny Talk

Baby College Do you want to bring your baby or toddler to a fun class that has new challenges & learning games every week?

Join us in singing, dancing, baby sign language, yoga, massage, music play, language exercises & more!

We follow the EYFS framework & help your baby reach their developmental milestones.

Book now & meet new friends! www.babycollege. co.uk/haringey Online subscription available.

The Grove Nursery and Preschool The Grove Nursery and Preschool offers space to explore and grow.

The Grove Organic home cooked food Quality Specialist providers Assured, HEY (healthy of education and early years) nursery childcare for 0-5 with good and year olds. Offering outstanding Ofsted flexible childcare reports. Based in options; Forest school Islington, N1 3DF. sessions; Yoga, music, drama, French 02072264037 and Spanish. Open www.thegrovenursery.

8-6.30pm Monday to co.uk Friday all year round

The Maria Montessori School The Maria Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for 2-12-year-olds in 5 locations: Abbey Road, Hampstead, Bayswater, Notting Hill and Hornsey Rise. Join a school open day event to learn about the Montessori approach and watch demonstrations of Montessori materials. You will also meet teachers

and be able to ask questions.

To register for an event please go to - https://www. mariamontessori. org/mymontessori/ my-school/ register-fora-parentinformationsession/

Mars Montessori please contact the following principals:

Contact Debs via Happity or email thehumptydumpty singalong@ hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery Nursery (N1) Mars Montessori in Angel is a small bilingual FrenchEnglish Montessori nursery. We aim to provide very highquality childcare in a nurturing environment in two languages. In September 2018, we also introduced an Introduction to Mandarin program, and we are proud of the brilliant

take up. In April 2018, we were given the highest possible rating of OUTSTANDING

by Ofsted in every single category.

020 7099 0452

Learn to communicate with your baby before they can speak, at an award-winning TinyTalk baby signing class.Each class includes: Weekly themes giving you the signs you need to share baby’s world, using British Sign Language (BSL).

An interactive music class with hands-on sensory activities developing all-round

communication skills and stimulating your baby’s senses, Time to relax with a cuppa making new friends whilst your baby enjoys playtime More information at www.TinyTalk. co.uk/zahrak

Theatre & Performing Arts Perform Superheroes Bring out the super in your child with Perform Superheroes this October half-term This October halfterm, Perform are off to Superhero School for an action-packed Top Secret Mission to save the world!

With singing, dancing, twirling and swooping, your child will discover their own special powers as they zoom towards a sensational showcase for family and friends.

Age range: 4-10 years Dates: 2527 October from 10am to 3pm

Venues: Exmouth Market Centre EC1R, St John’s Highbury Vale School N5, St George & All Saints Church N7, The Birchwood Centre N10, Primrose Hill Comm. Centre NW1, Mansergh Club NW8 Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 W: www.perform.org. uk/superheroes

Sports & Excercise Sport 4 Kids Sport 4 Kids is a special place for children to develop their sporting skills and healthy lifestyles. We don’t just teach sports; we build confidence and make sure every child gets the best from their experience.

We run sport specific football & rugby classes, our

market leading holiday camp provision engages every child and develops skills and passion for sport during holidays.

Our Parties are fun and energetic for those big occasions!

Find out more at www.sport4kids.biz

www. bilingualnurseries. com

Familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

WHAT’S ON!

To have your event listed on these pages email the details to listings@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks before hand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

THROUGHOUT NOV & DEC Bach to Baby Concerts, Various Venues across North London classical concert series for babies, toddlers & carers, check website for venues, dates and times,booking essential, www.bachtobaby.com The Secret Garden Pop-up Café Salisbury House, N9; Every Wednesday, 9.30am – 2pm Meet friends over coffee and homemade cake while your little ones enjoy playing in the lovely enclosed garden or taking part in one of our exciting activities including Busybricks Duplo playroom, Tales & Trails storytelling and garden trail and The Positive Bean’s upbeat nursery rhyme sing-alongs. There’ll also be Christmas themed fun for the family in the garden and café. Free entry but advanced booking for children’s sessions advised.

For more info and activity bookings see www.thesecretgardenpopup.com Kenwood House (NW3) First Sunday of the month, creative workshops to bring Kenwood’s world famouspaintings to life. Families get to work together to try out different types of art and craft. £2, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ kenwood/families/

Every Wed from 3 Nov Crafty Chefs Workshop @ Dugdale Centre (EN2) Crafty Chefs Fun with Food Toddler Classes at The Culture Palace, classes will let your toddler explore, create & learn about a variety of foods. Each week they will prepare food, themed to a popular story which we will read together, ages 2-5 year olds 11am-12pm, £10 PAYG or £48 for 6 classes www.dugdalecentre.co.uk/events/crafty-chefsworkshop Every Tue & Thu until 16 Dec Sensory Stretch & Grow @ JW3 (NW3) Join Chloe for a sensory adventure through the seasons of the year, ages 0-2, 10.30am, £7 & £2 per extra sibling, £30 for 5 sessions www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/ sensory-stretch-and-grow-tuesdays Every Sun until 26 Dec Crafternoon @JW3 (NW3) Join Chloe for an afternoon of creativity exploring different themes, in the outdoor piazza or one of the large indoor spaces, ages 3-8, 2pm www.jw3.org.uk/whats-on/ crafternoon-1 FREE

Kenwood House (NW3) Fridays during term time, families with under 5’s can join in with craft making, storytelling, and sing-alongs. £2, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ kenwood/families/

Fri 5 Nov – Fri 3 December Angel Sings @ Little Angel Theatre (N1) Angel Sings is Little Angel Theatre’s weekly playtime for our smallest theatre goers. The class is a fun, playful and educational session to enjoy with your children. Plenty of fun to be had by all! 9:30-10:30 (3 to 18 months), 11.00am- 12.00am (18 months to 4 years), 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Babies and Toddlers). £55 for 5 weeks www.littleangeltheatre.com/ creativelearning/children-families/angel-sings/

Kenwood House (NW3) Last Sunday of the month discover the stories behind Kenwood’s collection with interactive storytelling sessions for families.

Multi-sensory & hands-on, places are limited. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ kenwood/families/ FREE

Sun 7 Nov English Touring Opera: Back into the World @ Arts Depot Theatre (N12) created to respond to many of the challenges children have faced during lockdown. An interactive, participatory adventure, making music together, exploring friendship,

sharing, teamwork and diversity, and discovering the natural world. ages 4-8, 11am & 2pm, Tickets from £9, venue: Studio Theatre www.artsdepot. co.uk/family/english-touring-opera-back-world Sun 7 Nov Family Art Workshops: Our Wonderful World @ British Library (NW1) Find your voice in this collage workshop. Join artist Emily Tracy to explore our wonderful world, and the challenges it faces. Play with our picture and sound libraries, discovering how we record and remember our natural world.

Age 5+ www.bl.uk/events/family-art-workshopsour-wonderful-world-07-november-2021-1030 Sun 14 Nov Family Folk Show with Megson @ Arts Depot Theatre (N12) An organic, authentic and fun folk concert for big and little music connoisseurs. ages 0-8, 11am & 2pm, Tickets from £9, venue: Studio Theatre www.artsdepot.co.uk/family/family-folkshow-megson Sat 20 Nov – Sun 21 Nov The Smeds & The Smoos @ Arts Depot Theatre (N12) Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, ages 3+, various times, Tickets from £9, venue: Pentland Theatre www.artsdepot.co.uk/ family/smeds-and-smoos Sun 14 Nov Big Red Bath @ Little Angel Theatre (N1) A quirky, vibrant and humorous adaptation of Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds’ popular children’s picture book that blends music, song and humorous character based performances in a unique new take on this much-loved book, ages 2-5, 11am & 2pm, Tickets from £9, venue: Studio Theatre www.artsdepot.co.uk/family/big-red-bath-0 Fri 19 Nov – Sun 30 Jan The Storm Whale @ Arts Depot Theatre (N12) Tender and heart-warming children’s stories of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show, ages 4-8, tickets from £8 www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/ the-storm-whale/ Fri 26 Nov The Junk Club @ Dugdale Centre (EN2) Eco friendly craft classes for Kids Turn your recycling into art! Culture Palace Upper Circle, Ages 1-4, Tickets £7, 9.45am & 10.50am www.dugdalecentre. co.uk/events/the-junk-club

Next stop, Christmas

Sat 27 Nov The Nightingale Cancer Support Gala Evening @ Forty Hall Estate (EN2) Join The Nightingale in a gorgeous Grade I listed Jacobean Manor house set amidst an idyllic landscape for an evening of drinks, dinner and dancing. Spend the evening in a wonderful setting with some incredible people all to help those who need support the most. 7pm. To book call 020 83669674 www.nightingalesupport. org.uk/product/gala-2021/ Sun 28 Nov Frost Fair with the Finchley Women’s Institute @ Stephen’s House (N3) Finchley Women’s Institute are hosting their 10th Annual Frost Fair, with homemade cakes, gifts, arts and crafts, tombola and much more, 11.30am-4.30pm, FREE http:// www.stephenshouseandgardens.com/events Mon 6 Dec – Mon 3 Jan The Tiger Who Came to Tea @ Arts Depot Theatre (N12) Direct from the West End, smash hit show The Tiger Who Came to Tea is back this Christmas!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic tale; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos, perfect for ages 3+. www.artsdepot.co.uk/ family-christmas/tiger-who-came-tea-0 Sat 11 Dec Family SEND Explorer Events @ London Transport Museum (WC2) For families with Special Educational Needs, incl Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public & with many of the gallery sounds turned off. Advanced booking is essential online, 8.30-10am www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/familysend-explorer-events FREE Sat 11 Dec – Fri 21 Dec Glowing Winter Lights @ Little Angel Theatre (N1) Christmas Lantern making workshop, Join us to get crafty and creative decorating your own glowing winter lantern using techniques borrowed from shadow puppetry, as well as a little bit of winter sparkle! £10 a ticker for 1st child, £5 supplement for additional person, ages 4-11 littleangeltheatre.com/creativelearning/childrenfamilies/summer-holiday-sessions-online-7-11/

KIDS GO FREE

at London Transport Museum From 4 December Meet Santa and help fix his sleigh!

Book at

2020.099_M_Christmas_Ad_Families_180x130mm_V03.indd Familiesonline.co.uk

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FAMILY LIFE

Living safely with a dog

Understanding under 5s

By Caroline Wilkinson

By Dr Sarah Mundy

For children, having a dog for a pet can provide so many social benefits - from having a ‘friend’ to share their worries with, to learning how to be caring and responsible. In fact, being around dogs has benefits for the whole family, with the household more likely to be physically active and suffer lower levels of stress.

One moment a young child can seem like a rational human being, the next, for no apparent reason, a little monster! How do we understand what’s going on for them?

To enjoy all the benefits, we need to ensure that children are helped to act safely around the dogs they live with. So how can we do this?

READ MORE

Our ability to understand our children, think about their feelings and experiences and hold their mental states in mind is ‘predictive of their child’s attachment relationships, ability to understand and manage their feelings and social and play skills’ (Fonagy et al, 2002).

READ MORE

Top tip for dog care Write a list of the daily jobs including feeding, providing water, grooming, providing social interaction, training and walking.

Assign a job to each family member.

It eases the load on you PLUS it gives everyone an opportunity to have a social relationship with your dog.

34 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Overcoming racial bullying

Moving from two incomes to one

By Tamsy Ashman

By Steve Hennessy

Studies show that, recently, racial bullying has increased in schools. A poll of one thousand children aged 6 to 15 found about thirty two percent of children had heard someone be racist at school. (The Guardian, 2020). So what can we do to overcome racial bullying?

READ MORE

Only Mums & Dads support parents to make the best decisions for their family during separation/divorce. Their inbox indicates that one of the most common anxieties for a couple separating is transitioning from a two-income to a single-income household.

READ MORE

Travelling with children with different surnames

Enter our Christmas Gift Giveaway!

By Emma Newman

T&Cs apply

So Slime DIY Ice Cream Station

Planning to head abroad this year? Are you are a parent with a different surname to your child? If so, you may be required to prove that you are your child’s legal guardian. So what documentation do you need to take when you travel?

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

SnapWatch

Waboba Moon Ball

More gifts available

APPLY HERE Magazine

November/December 35

CHRISTMAS

Make you own Christmas decorations Get the whole family in the mood for Christmas with a crafty decoration-making afternoon.

Lemon star biscuits

Button snowflake

DIY wrapping paper

Sugar charms

Christmas crackers

Glue string ball

Paper snowflake wreath

Paper Christmas tree decorations

Festive pine cone mouse

36 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas song sing-along Tunes to get the whole family busting their lungs and up and dancing!

Santa Shark

Underneath the tree

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer

Last Christmas

Frosty the Snowman

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

All I Want for Christmas is You

Merry Christmas Everybody

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 37

CHRISTMAS

Christmas games for the family Some of the best fun at Christmas can be had playing games. Here’s our top seasonal picks.

Christmas song emoji guessing game

Christmas bingo

Outdoor Christmas scavenger hunt

Christmas charades

Christmas memory match

Christmas scent game

Candy cane fishing game

Who am I?

Pin the nose on the reindeer

38 November/December

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

What can I recycle after Christmas?

Christmas trees

Christmas cards

Cut, real Christmas trees: can be recycled and councils often have a specific collection for this.

Living Christmas trees: can be replanted for use next year.

Artificial Christmas trees: CANNOT be recycled. Reuse or give away.

Save to make into gift tags.

Cut into pieces for kids’ projects.

Or recycle BUT only AFTER cutting off any glitter, ribbons, foil, plastic and other unrecyclable elements.

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

Wrapping paper

Decorations

Plastic based or containing foil or glitter: CANNOT be recycled.

Plastic, glitter or glass: CANNOT be recycled. Reuse or donate to charity shops if in good condition.

Natural wreaths: compost if they have no glitter.

Fairy lights: CAN be recycled at household waste recycling centres.

MORE INFO

Other paper: scrunch into a ball. If it stays scrunched it can probably be recycled. Remove all sticky tape and decorations first.

AND check with your council as some won’t take it.

MORE INFO Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 39