Families North London issue 86 Sep-Oct 2010

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E! E R F Issue 86 Sept/Oct 2010

Schools special! INSIDE! UÊ-V Ê"«i Ê >ÞÃ UÊ*Ài} > VÞÊ >ÌÌiÀÃ UÊ > iÌÊ-«iV >

Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster

BUGGY RESULTS A UNIQUE 30 MINUTE OUTDOOR POSTNATAL EXERCISE CLASS DESIGNED FOR ALL NEW MUMS. + Your level of fitness

doesn’t matter, just bring your baby and your buggy and join us in Priory Park to have fun and get fit. Classes held 10am Wednesdays Priory Park

WWW.EQUALSRESULTS.CO.UK INFO@EQUALSRESULTS.CO.UK MOBILE: 07793600213

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PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO

THE WEEK-END FUN STARTS ON FRIDAY! STAGECOACH teaches 4–16 year olds the skills they need to act, sing and dance. Soon they begin to speak and move better, to grow confident and self-assured - skills they learn for life. Schools open in term time on Friday Evenings, Saturday Mornings & Afternoons. For a prospectus and more details call:

STAGECOACH HIGHGATE 020 7272 8108

,5963305. 56> 2

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLS www.stagecoach.co.uk

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Contents

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This Issue 7

Pregnancy Matters

8

Education Special 8 Open days 9 Education news 10 Secondary School options

9

4

7

18 Ballet Special

Regular Features 4

News

14 Health

18

15 Five of the Best: Playgrounds near to decent CafĂŠs

16 Eating Out 17 Book Corner 20 Out & About Listings

Front cover photograph by Julian Barton www.bartonportraits.com

Families North Magazine PO Box 56943, London N10 9AE Tel: 020 8815 1351 Proprietor/Editor: Harriet Taylor Editor-at-Large: Naomi Reynard Web Manager: Mel Carpigo melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Advertising: advertising@familiesnorth.co.uk Listings: Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.com Distribution: distribution@familiesnorth.co.uk Design: Positive2 020 8444 5050 Print: Bishops Printers, Fitzherbert Road, Farlington, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1RU Next Issue: Issue 87 NovDecember 2010 Focusing on: Christmas & Skiing Holidays Deadline: 30 september 2010

Welcome

/Â…iĂŠÂ?œ˜}ĂŠĂƒĂ•Â“Â“iĂ€ĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ?ˆ`>ĂžĂƒĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠÂœĂ›iÀÊ>˜`ĂŠĂœÂ…iĂŒÂ…iĂ€ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠĂœiÂ?Vœ“iĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ Ă€iĂŒĂ•Ă€Â˜ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂ€ÂœĂ•ĂŒÂˆÂ˜iĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠĂœÂœĂ€Ă€ĂžĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠ>vĂŒiÀÊ>Â?Â?ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂƒĂ•Â“Â“iĂ€ĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ?ˆ`>ÞÊ `iÂ?ˆ}Â…ĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠV…ˆÂ?`Ă€iÂ˜ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠLiĂŠĂ•Â˜vĂ•Â?wÂ?Â?i`ĂŠ`Ă•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ Ă•ĂŒĂ•Â“Â˜ĂŠĂŒiÀ“]ĂŠ Families NorthĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠÂ…iĂ€iĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂ€i“ˆ˜`ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠÂœvĂŠ>Â?Â?ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ}Ă€i>ĂŒĂŠ>VĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ iĂ›iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂœvviĂ€ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ ÂœĂ€ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ œ˜`œ˜°ĂŠ ĂŠ vĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ…>Ă›iĂŠ>ĂŠV…ˆÂ?`ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ9i>ÀÊxĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠĂˆĂŠĂŒÂ…iÂ˜ĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂœĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ“iĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂƒĂŒ>Ă€ĂŒĂŠ ĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜ÂŽÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>LÂœĂ•ĂŒĂŠĂœÂ…>ĂŒĂŠĂƒiÂ˜ÂˆÂœĂ€ĂŠĂƒV…œœÂ?ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠĂƒĂ•ÂˆĂŒĂŠĂŒÂ…i“°ĂŠ"ÕÀÊ `Ă•V>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ -ÂŤiVˆ>Â?ĂŠ}ÂˆĂ›iĂƒĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠ>`Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂ…iÂ?°ĂŠ ĂŠ ÂœĂŠ>Â?ĂƒÂœĂŠĂ›ÂˆĂƒÂˆĂŒĂŠÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂ˜iĂœĂŠĂœiLĂƒÂˆĂŒiĂŠĂœĂœĂœ°v>“ˆÂ?ˆiĂƒÂ˜ÂœĂ€ĂŒÂ…°VÂœ°Ă•ÂŽĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ Ă€i}Ă•Â?>ÀÊvi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒ]ĂŠÂŤÂ?Ă•ĂƒĂŠÂœÂ˜Â?ˆ˜iĂŠVÂœÂ“ÂŤiĂŒÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ°ĂŠ 9ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒĂŠĂŒĂ€Ă•Â?Ăž]

Get in touch naomi@ Naomi Reynard Perform_Families-North_QPL-Ad.qxd:Perform 21/7/10 13:46 familiesnorth.co.uk

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(Harriet Taylor is on Maternity Leave)

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Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills as well as giving them the best fun they’ll have all week. Book your child’s FREE class today. Call 0845 400 1274 or visit perform.org.uk

perform.org.uk www.familiesnorth.co.uk

0845 400 1274 3

news

News who why where

Got some news for us? If you are a North London based group or organisation whose services or products are for families of young children, we’d love to hear from you. Send press releases and pictures to: naomi@familiesnorth.co.uk

A WELCOME WEBSITE We are pleased to announce that the Families North website is now up and running. Please do come and see our excellent competitions only available online at www.familiesnorth.co.uk. You will find everything that is available in the magazine plus more at www. familiesnorth.co.uk. ‘What’s on’ in North London plus local information, children’s activities & clubs, nursery & school information, soft play centres, party entertainers, food & health, shopping and plenty more. All our information is constantly monitored and updated to provide you with the latest news. Don’t forget if you have any items you would like to sell locally, then please consider posting them on our ‘Items for Sale’ forum.

‘CUT BACK’ QUEEN’S WOOD ART SHOW 2010 – SEPTEMBER 11th & 12th

Every September in Queens Wood, an ancient woodland deep in suburbia, a site specific , sculpture and performance art show takes place. It has grown from humble beginnings to an anticipated local event with 65+ artists taking part and thousands of visitors over the weekend. The artists range from ‘A’ level students to internationally recognized artists. Event Organiser Tony Peakall, sees it ‘as an antidote to the white cube and warehouse exhibition, this is art versus nature in the raw with the real public thrown in for good measure’. This year’s economy relevant theme is ‘Cut Back’. Queens Wood, Wood Vale London N10, Highgate Tube station.

MIXED-UP MONKEYS AT ZSL LONDON ZOO A mixed-up monkey is confusing visitors at London Zoo after taking a shine to another species’ baby. Maternal Juanita, a golden-headed lion tamarin, has adopted an emperor tamarin baby – much to the surprise of zookeepers. The surrogate mum, who jumps around the zoo’s Rainforest Life exhibit with the two-month-old baby on her back, started taking an interest in her neighbours’ baby just weeks after it was born. The baby emperor tamarin, who is grey and already sporting the start of an adult’s signature white moustache, was first seen clinging on to

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BORIS SUPPORTS CYCLING ON THE PAVEMENT The police are to take a more relaxed approach to children cycling on pavements after Boris Johnson secured support from the Met Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson. Cycling & walking to school can improve children’s health and fitness, reduce childhood obesity and at the same time reduce carbon emissions by reducing the number of cars on the school run. Safety is an important consideration, however. When your child starts secondary school, they won’t want the shame of being escorted to school by their parents. However 80% of primary school children are taken all the way to school by their parents and so children may not be as familiar with traffic and safety as they think. Make sure that they know how to cross roads safely and perhaps invest in some high visibility clothing for those dark mornings and evenings. Many high street retailers sell children’s jackets with high visibility patches on them. Alternatively, we liked the Pedalite solar-powered lighting system, which can be worn over the shoulder or fits over any size backpack or bag, so is ideal for cyclists and for children. Baglite from Pedalite – Retailing at £25 in good bike shops Juanita’s fiery orange mane, a month after it was born. Emperor tamarins, native to South America, are usually brought up by their fathers who carry them until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Senior keeper, Lucy Hawley, said: ‘At first the father of the emperor tamarin baby was a little nervous about Juanita – but now they all seem to get along just fine. ‘Juanita has never had a baby before so it seems like her mothering instinct has just kicked in this time around… who knows what animal she’ll be carrying around next.’ Visit www.zsl.org to follow Juanita’s and the baby Tamarin.

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news For continuously updated details of what’s on visit our website at www.familiesnorth.co.uk Parent & Toddler Groups with a difference! Help your child develop co-ordination, independence, language and social skills with Montessori-based play activities Contact Rochelle: 07950 995771 rochelle@i-can-do-it.net www.i-can-do-it.net Groups in Enfield, Grange Park & Oakwood – book now to reserve your place!

A NEW SETT FOR HIGHGATE St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District is launching a Badger Sett which will run on Monday evenings for 6 – 10 year olds. The organisation has a thriving youth programme, through which younger children can take part in activities and learn new skills as St John Badgers, while those from 10 to 18 then become Cadets, before progressing to the adult membership. Just as in organisations like Brownies and Cubs, St John Ambulance Badgers can work their way through a variety of badges and awards. These culminate in gaining a Super Badger Award. In total, Badgers can choose from 15 subject areas in a quest to complete their Super Badger Award. The subjects are geared toward encouraging social and citizenship skills and include things like Health and Caring, or Creative and Active. Badgers meet for around an hour 3 weeks in a month, with sessions being led by energetic and

TICK TOCK MUSIC Tick Tock Music for the under 5’s, established in 1992, performs lively, educational entertainment shows weekly for children aged 6 months to 5 years in Islington and Muswell Hill. Our programmes facilitates the development of musicality, imagination, vocabulary, confidence, number and letter recognition and

Football training for under 7s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun and exercise CRB checked and FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses and parties across London

appropriately trained youth leaders. St John Ambulance London trains 32,000 people in first aid every year and nearly 5,000 volunteers serve the London element of the organisation, providing over 574,000 hours of duty service throughout the year. To join Highgate Badgers or Cadets email: Youth-joinus@Highgate. sja.org.uk or phone: 07969642893 joinus@ london.sja.org.uk

an appreciation of the pleasures and disciplines of performance, observation and group membership while providing you and your child with a warm and lively social environment. Do join us for a fantastic mix of music, songs and Makaton signing, movement, drama, participation and fun. We also have a musical show for children’s parties.

kiddikicks.co.uk

0845 602 8276

As seen on London News, ITV HOLIDAY CLUBS for 3 -7 year olds Year round Programmes 1 - 3 yrs

Customised Art & Music Birthday Parties 1-12yrs and after school club

020 7794 6797

LONDON MUM’S AWARD WINNING SAUSAGES AND BEEF

A London mum with a passion for quality food has launched an online business selling pork and beef produced on her farm in the Cotswolds. Using traditional farming methods, Irayne Paikin supplies hotels, restaurants and consumers with her produce and has just been awarded two gold medals for

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their ‘good, honest and delicious sausages’. Irayne and her husband rescued Todenham Manor, a derelict Manor House, farmhouse and farmland in 2005 with no real intention of farming however things changed when they met a local farmer who had tenanted the land in the past and wanted to know if he could continue to do so. Using the land for Barry’s sheep led to other ideas and before long Pedigree South Devon Cattle arrived along with a bull and some pigs. Despite the fact she had never produced sausages before and is known locally as the ‘Jewish pig farmer’, Irayne takes full responsibility for the pigs and wanted to create sausages that were not full of the worst kind of meat and filler. Saddleback, Gloucester Old Spot and Middle White pigs are traditionally reared and allowed to grow slowly. The five varieties of sausage are made without any colours using fresh spices, ground by hand. Boxes are ÂŁ65 including free delivery. A mixed taster box costs ÂŁ35 including delivery. Visit: www.todenhammanorfarm.co.uk

email: creativewizkids@gmail.com www.creativewizkids.com

Aupairka agency WE PLACE:

s Au Pair s Mother’s Help s Au Pair Couple s Housekeeper s #2" AND REFERENCES CHECKED s WE COVER WHOLE 5+ s REGISTRATION IS FREE

01992 715 122

WWW AUPAIRKA CO UK INFO AUPAIRKA CO UK

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news

THE SCHOOL BUS PROJECT Transport 4 schools Ltd set up the ‘School Bus Project’ in response to the high level of interest from schools and parents. Eighteen independent schools have joined this project, most of them concentrated around the Hampstead and Belsize Park area. Their aim is to help parents living a long distance from the school with the stress of the school run, and to help the community around us to reduce traffic and pollution. Now after running the first few school buses succesfully in the borough of Camden, they are extending the project to other boroughs. Demand will dictate both the schools served and the pick up points.

NEW ROOF FOR THE BOBATH CENTRE The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy will no longer be putting buckets out when it rains after replacing its glass roof in reception with a £50,000 new one. The charity in East Finchley suffered from a number of heavy downpours last winter leaving the carpet ruined and paint peeling. Premises Manager, David Hanson says: ‘The problem had

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They have a passenger assistant/chaperone on each bus to supervise the childrens’ safety, coordinate with parents and assist the driver. You can find more information about their bus routes on their website: www.transport4schools.org For general enquiries, please call them on: 07512 322 952 or e-mail them at bizzy_bus@o2.co.uk. The School Bus Project The service will start again on Wed 8th September 2010

been getting worse and the area was becoming unfit for parents and children to use.’ The work took place over two weeks in June when traditionally fewer families attend the Centre. The majority of the costs were met by charitable trusts. Fundraising Manager, Kevin Gillespie says: ‘We can now welcome back families to a reception that is bright, welcoming and above all dry.’ www.bobath.org.uk

WHAT DO YOU WANT? Families come in all shapes and sizes and for many, balancing the demands of work, family and personal life is not as easy as we would like it to be. Taking part in a coaching programme can help you find a number of easy ways to make family life the best it possibly can be. COACHING SKILLS FOR PARENTS WORKSHOPS are practical, fun and interactive and can help you achieve what you want for your family. FAMILIES NORTH The workshops look at a whole new range readers Claire is pleased to offer of parenting skills to free half hour help you manage the of Families North a n for all those day to day challenges coaching consultatio ching. interested in exploring coa of family life, know orti rep s@ more about yourself and Contact her at clai hotmail.co.uk how this impacts on family life, understand your children, their different behaviours and how to deal with them more effectively. Visit: www.claireportiscoaching.com

Free offer

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pregnancy matters

Pregnancy Matters By Sophie Baudelin

T

here was a time one could actually blame morning sickness on a maternity wardrobe. We all know there has been tremendous improvement in this area of fashion, but the first trip to a maternity shop can be daunting. I recently took a newly pregnant client on a shopping trip. At an early stage, she found the idea of maternity clothing confusing.

Sophie trained and worked in Beverly Hills, California as a stylist for television, film and major award shows. Pretty Pregnant offers a cosy Boutique atmosphere and a high quality of service. The staff are knowledgeable and will guide you at every stage of pregnancy and beyond. An expert bra fitting service is offered from 12 weeks, and all staff are trained at the Royal College of Midwives. This one stop shop is stocked with treasures to keep

you pampered and stylish! The jeggings were my favourite piece. Both comfortable and stylish, they will work in any season. This autumn, wear them with high boots, or a long jumper. They will look great in the spring too with cool sandals or with layering of a waist belt and tee shirts. Career ladies will be spoiled with a chic line of work wear and occasion dresses in gorgeous tones to keep you looking fabulous at the office and events. If you live in jeans, you won’t have to quit the habit. Pretty Pregnant has a phenomenal choice in stylish jeans. 7 for All Mankind,

Citizens of Humanity, James Jeans to name but a few. There is something for everyone. And now, the treat. Why not fill one of the fabulous Koochoo handbags with pampering goodies and Boob organic cotton breastfeeding shirts for your upcoming trip to the maternity ward? The bag is roomy and cleverly designed and gorgeous of course! The kind that almost make morning sickness worthwhile... Go to www.prettypregnant.co.uk to view collections and helpful tips. Sophie Baudelin’s company, MyStylist, offers personal shopping services, wardrobe detox, and image consulting. Sophie trained and worked in Beverly Hills, California as a stylist for television, film and major award shows such as the Emmys, Grammys and the Oscars. Contact Sophie on 07525163756 or mystylist@sophiebaudelin.com

PILATES PLACE Pilates is the ideal exercise during pregnancy. It accommodates the changes of the body during pregnancy and addresses the need for internal muscle strength when carrying a baby. In addition to maintaining a moderate fitness level, many women have avoided the onset of backache associated with pregnancy. After the birth, Pilates can help women get back into shape as the exercises efficiently target the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. At The Pilates Place in Crouch End you can attend specific Ante Natal classes, and in their Post Natal classes, your baby is most welcome to come along with you! Private tuition is also available. For further information please call reception on 0208 348 4345 or visit www.pilatesplace.co.uk

IT’S A BELTER! This clever piece of fabric allows you to stretch the waistline of your favourite trousers or skirt by up to 18 centimetres. Simply put the belt across and attach to the existing button. Ideal for early to mid pregnancy and after the baby, when the old clothes aren’t quite fitting yet! The Fertile Mind ® Belly Band – BellyBelt costs £13.95 online from www.cheekyrascals.co.uk.

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schools special

Schools Special Independent School Open Days in North London

ABERCORN SCHOOL London, NW8 9XP www.abercornschool.com

30th Sept 2010 start: 9.15am 1st Oct 2010 start: 9.15am ANNE MOUNT NURSERY AND PRE-PREP SCHOOL London, N2 OQN www.annemount.co.uk Tours on Tuesday mornings AVENUE NURSERY & PRE-PREP SCHOOL London, N6 5RX www.avenuenursery.com Next open day is in March 2011 (contact school office for further info). BELMONT MILL HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL London, NW7 4ED www.belmontschool.com

9th Oct 2010 start: 9.30am end 12pm 24th Nov 2010 start 9.30am end 11am DEVONSHIRE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL LONDON London, NW3 6AE www.devonshirehouseprepschool. co.uk

Wed 13th Oct 2010 Thurs 14th Oct 2010 HIGHGATE JUNIOR SCHOOL London, N6 4PL www.highgateschool.org.uk

LYNDHURST HOUSE PREP SCHOOL London, NW3 5NW www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

Wed 20th Oct 2010 start: 9.30am Wed 9th Feb 2011 start 9.30am Wed 25th May 2011 start 9.30am MULBERRY HOUSE SCHOOL London, NW2 3SD www.mulberryhouseschool.com

27th Sept 2010 start: 6.30pm 4th, 25th Oct 2010 start: 6.30pm 8th, 22nd Nov 2010 start: 6.30pm 13th Dec 2010 start: 6.30pm PALMERS GREEN HIGH SCHOOL London, N21 3LJ www.pghs.co.uk

9th Oct 2010 start: 9am end 12pm SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL London, NW3 5TH www.southbank.org

2nd Nov 2010 start: 9.30am end 11.30am Mar 22nd 2011 start: 9.30am end 11.30am

ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL London, NW3 5AE www.st-christophers.hampstead. sch.uk School tours operate once or twice a week. Next set of dates will be released in September ST JOHN’S WOOD PRE-PREP SCHOOL London, NW8 7NE www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk Tours once a month TAWHID BOYS SCHOOL London, N16 3DR www.tawhid.org.uk Next set of dates tbc. Check website for information THE SWAMINARAYAN SCHOOL London, NW10 8HE Tel: 020 8965 8381 www.swaminarayan.brent.sch.uk

9th Oct 2010 start 11am end 1.30pm THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN LONDON London, NW8 ONP www.asl.org Private tours only THE CAVENDISH SCHOOL London, NW1 7HB www.cavendishschool.co.uk

9th Oct 2010 start: 10.30am THE MOUNT SCHOOL London, NW7 2RX www.mountschool.com

25th Sept 2010 start:10am end 12.30pm Head’s talk at 11am 6th Oct 2010 start: 9am end 10.30am Head’s talk at 9.15am 9th Nov 2010 start: 9am end 10.30am Head’s talk at 9.15am 7th Dec 2010 start: 9am end10.30am Head’s talk at 9.15am THE ROYAL SCHOOL HAMPSTEAD London, NW3 5UD www.royalhampsteadschool.net

25th Sept 2010 start:10am THE VILLAGE SCHOOL London, NW3 2YN www.thevillaeschool.co.uk

Oct 2010 tbc UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL London, NW3 6QN www.ucs.org.uk

16th Sep 2010 start: 4.30pm VITA ET PAX PREPARATORY SCHOOL London, N14 4AT www.vitaetpax.co.uk

Wed 6th Oct 2010 start 9.30am end 12pm Sat 9th Oct 2010 start: 9.30am end 12pm

Regular open mornings where booking is required KEBLE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Wades Hill London, N21 1BG www.kebleprep.co.uk

2nd Oct 2010 start:10am end 12pm KING ALFRED SCHOOL London, NW11 7HY www.kingalfred.barnet.sch.uk

LET’S GO TO SCHOOL – DVD It’s the day before their first day of school and Tad and Lily are nervous. Luckily, their magical firefly, Edison is there to ease their concerns. Edison takes the twins on a tour of their new classroom where they discover the classroom is more nervous than they are! Along the way, Tad and Lily learn key lessons of Phonics, Counting, Days of the Week and Animal Families and learn to love school-life. LET’S GO TO SCHOOL is a great way to introduce small children to school. Published by Leap Frog RRP: £9.99

Once a year 25th June 2011

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schools special

Education News Makaton is a communication technique that uses speech, facial expression, gestures, signs and symbols to convey information. A new, 6 session, Makation signing course for parents and babies is starting in September in North London. Class sizes are small (8-10) so that everyone can learn together in comfort. Babies are encouraged to come with parents/carers to the class, which has lots of practical activities including singing & signing. No previous experience of Makaton required. Venue: Royal Free Recreation Club Time: Monday afternoons 2.00-3.30pm (first session – September 27th) To book call: 0207 267 3461 or 07970837442

. Be Safe, Be Searden ed

of er details h t r u f r o F isit d clubs v n a ls o o h sc w. ite at ww our webs k orth.co.u familiesn

School safety is to be rew in a national campaign to find . the UK’s unsung safety heroes ar dye Goo nt gia Global tyre is calling on pupils, parents and teachers to make the nominations in a bid to recognise those who make schools a safer environment to teach, learn and play. rain or shine to cross Lollipop ladies who turn out ernors who work tirelessly children safely or school gov ty equipment; whoever the to introduce playground safe know your reason to award person, Goodyear wants to de. them this prestigious accola y jackets and a brightly bilit visi h hig win will Schools the best twenty coloured walking rope from set of OptiGrip tyres will be nominations received and a ty hero to thank them for awarded to the winning safe . their contribution to society brand manager, ar’s dye Goo er, Fish Michelle message that said: “Safety is an important to children, needs to be communicated elling to especially when they are trav ge of ‘be and from school. The messa t van rele still is n’ safe, be see do ers driv en wh lly today especia ugh eno lves mse the not allow king.” stopping distance when bra to s tion ina nom Send your safety@connect-group.com.

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a short The Bloomfield Learning Centre is running designed is e cours The ts. paren for ics course on phon to show parents the easiest way of helping their children learn to read. There are lots of games and lots of fun as well as a flawlessly structured multi-sensory synthetic phonics programme which, it is believed, provides the most direct route to literacy. The teaching aim is to compliment and enhance classroom t into the and provide parents with an invaluable insigh process of learning to read. week The school currently teaches 72 children every from come rals Refer ns. sessio idual indiv in hour-long schools and parents. mber The course will run on two mornings in Septe would ts paren gh enou if n sessio third nal with an optio like to develop their knowledge further. To book, please contact Jane Orr on 020 3228 9766/67 or visit www.blearning.biz

Easy Peasy?

new to ink can be found The perfect pen for children onomic Rollerball pen. It’s with Stabilo’s Easy Gel erg sable blue ink, and has easy to hold, comes with era options. Although it says both left and right handed perfect for messy writers 6+ on the packet, it is also of all ages! RRP £6.67

Au Revoir & Ciao

Ma Petite Ecole www.mapetite ecole.co.uk. Fun French and Italian classes for BILINGUAL childre n aged 4-10 years. Small groups, excellent results, native French and Italian teachers fully qualified and CRB checked. Classes are held on Thursday afternoons in NW6 and Saturday mornings at The Rosary School in NW3. Should you be interested please call: ring: Florence Zinzen (Fre nch classes) on 07941 964 609 & Silvia La Greca (Italian classes) on 07958 076704 .

Organised Mum Mum needs a Family Weekly

Every Wannabe Organised r (starts in September Planner. A 16 month calenda s appointments. It has ne’ 2010) with space for everyo do’ lists and stickers with tear off ‘shopping’ and ‘to’ and ‘dentist’ on. A must useful items such as ‘car tax although keeping the have for any chaotic family, ge might be tricky. £10.99 ran stickers out of 5 year old uk from www.organisedmum.co.

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schools special

Secondary School Options By Katie Krais

What are the choices for 11 year olds?

T

here are three main choices for secondary schools for you to consider. These are state, state selective or private. Entry criteria into these schools varies greatly and it is vital that you can navigate your way through this minefield. Entry into state schools are coordinated by the local authority where you reside. While there are a range of different types of state schools including the new high profile academies, they are all organised through your local authority.

If you are considering state selective schools, make sure your child is academically in the top 5% You will be given a Common Application Form (CAF) to complete in September when your child is in year 6. This asks you to list preferred schools. This form normally needs to be completed by the middle of October. All schools on your preferred list will be contacted and they will consider giving your child a place based on their respective admissions criteria. Once all the schools have responded your local authority will offer you a place at the highest ranking school that has offered you a place. This will happen in the first week of March. If none of your preferred schools offer you a place, then it is the responsibility of your

local authority to offer you a place at another school within the authority. They are not legally obligated to provide you with any of your preferred schools. Entry into state selective schools is linked to state school entry. The only difference is that the main admissions criteria for these schools is aptitude and ability. Therefore entrance to these schools is usually based on academic performance in an examination Private schools operate a completely different system. You will need to apply directly to the individual schools rather than through your local authority. Most private schools will ask your child to sit an exam and this usually takes place between November and February of year 6. There is also a charge to sit for an exam. Many private schools will also ask your child to undergo an interview. Usually you will find out the results of the private school exams at the end of February when they make their offers. In order to make the right choice at 11+, you will need to know what type of school will best suit your child. If you are considering state selective schools, make sure your child is academically in the top 5% – this can Trapeze School be assessed by their school or using an For children educational consultant who will advise (from 2 1/2 years old) you on your child’s strengths and Atand themeasure Primrose weaknesses theirHill potential community centre and compare it to the level your child is Hopkinson’s currently working at. Place NW1 284 0631/0797 345 1603 If0207 you are considering private gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk schools, make sure you pitch it at the right level. There are a range of private schools which cater for a wide range of academic abilities. They also vary in

the type of pastoral care they provide. In order to prepare for these schools it is important to have exam preparation and be given practise with exam technique. This can be done through 1:1 tutoring or tutor groups. If you are considering state schools, make sure that you are fully aware of each school’s admissions criteria and remember they can change from year to year. Good luck! If you need any further advice please contact Katie Krais at Jaderbergkrais.co.uk or call her on 07956 111728.

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For further details of schools and open days visit our website at www.familiesnorth.co.uk

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Trapeze School

For children (from 2 1/2 years old) At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk

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schools special

Tips for taking the pain out of maths homework Maths is the school subject that worries parents the most. Sometimes the parent is anxious about their own maths ability. Just as often, it’s discovering that the methods we learned at school look completely different from the ones being taught in primary today. Maths for Mums & Dads is packed with tips, games and insights into how children think about maths. Here are some tips from the book:

1

Make maths part of your everyday interactions with your child. Ask your child to help you to work out the change at the shop, to check Pantha karate 62 17/10/07 17:03 how many minutes until the train is due, weigh ingredients etc.

2

Learn about the new methods being taught, particularly the grid method for multiplication and chunking for division. These are more connected to the methods you learned than you might think.

3

Play board games involving dice and money with your child. Car games such as pub cricket are great for maths interaction, too.

4

Learn some mathematical magic tricks (you’ll find plenty in the book). Children love magic and will happily do maths if it is part of performing the trick.

5

When helping with homework, be patient. Children rarely ‘get it’ immediately. If things are getting fraught, take a break!

6

Don’t say ‘I was always hopeless at maths’. It’s usually not true, and it can make your child think maths isn’t worth the effort.

Page 1

‘Maths for Mums & Dads’ by Rob Eastaway & Mike Askew costs £9.99 at www.rbooks.co.uk

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Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North!

Beginners Classes: Wednesdays 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.45 Swiss Cottage

020-8445-2588

www.panthakarateclub.co.uk info @ panthakarateclub.co.uk

for children aged 5 to 14 years

11

schools special Visit our website www.familiesnorth. co.uk for an extensive directory of extra curricular clubs and classes Weekly and Saturday Dance, Music & Drama classes for 3 - 8 year olds in Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Highgate

Unleash the creative potential in your child with the Crazee Kids innovative method which combines dance, music and drama. Develop your childs confidence and imagination whilst enhancing their physical health, and stimulating their mental ability. It’s also great fun!

020 8444 5333 / 07958 501919 www.crazeekids.co.uk

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US GLO C R

Activity party specialists: Trapeze, Rope, Juggling, Hula-hoop, Diabolo, and Devil’s Sticks, Plate Spinning, Stilt Walking and more… 0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@googlemail.com

3–18 YEARS Call 020 8447 4530 for your nearest school

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ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE... HERE’S THE BEST

JIGSAW WEEKEND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS

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020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

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Half Term & Christmas football courses in NW3 Plus: Now recruiting players to join Under 12s, Under 10s and Under 8s teams in the North London Youth Football League. Teams will be formed in Hampstead, Highgate, Finchley, Mill Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb & St John’s Wood for the 2010/2011 season.

020 8446 0891

info@leagueone.co.uk www.leagueone.co.uk

Drama Dance Singing Half Term & Christmas holiday courses in NW3 Star in exciting, original dance shows, musicals & plays Now booking Autumn Term Saturday morning Drama & Dance classes.

Contact us for details:

020 8446 0891

info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk

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schools special

Education, Education, Education. That was another government’s mantra – Tony Blair adopted it as his slogan in 2007 – but it could as easily fit the bill for the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition.

W

hy so? Well, according to education secretary Michael Gove, major changes are afoot...and they’re the sort of changes that many parents have campaigned for years over. In an age when an increasing number of mothers and fathers have questioned all sorts of issues around their children’s schools, Gove has a new message: do it yourself. ‘Free schools’ are the government’s Big New Idea, and here’s how the idea will work. First, you need a group of parents (plus maybe teachers, and other interested parties) who feel there’s a need for a brand new school in their area. Next, you need to gather your case – and get as many supporters as possible. You also need to put together evidence for why the school you’re planning is necessary, e.g. you may think that the existing schools in your area are too large, and that some children would benefit from a much smaller establishment. £50 million has been promised to cover start-up costs for free schools and the current planning laws

and building regulations, which conspire to make life difficult for parents’ groups trying to set up schools, will be reformed. But the free schools scheme is only part of the new government’s plans for education. The other main policy concerns academies. Academies, like free schools, are outside of local authority control and are funded by private organisations, or by central government. Parents and teachers have worried about academies being too exclusive, and discriminating; but Mr Gove has promised they will be governed by admissions codes which will guarantee fair access to all. In all, the reforms promised have the potential to provide the biggest shake-up in state education in a century, with parents in the vanguard. Watch this space! www.education.gov.uk www.newschoolsnetwork.org

(^HYK >PUUPUN -PVYLU[PUP :JOVVS OVSKZ :\TTLY :JOVVS PU 5VY[O 3VUKVU The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School which opened a branch in North London earlier this year is currently taking reservations for its Summer School and for its next Free Taster Day at the Saturday School. The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School originally opened in Hackney in 2001 and now has over 165 students aged 7-18, many of whom have gone on to secure professional work on TV, Film and in theatre, including Charlie Jones who currently plays Ben Mitchell and Belinda Owusu who plays Libby Fox in the BBC series EastEnders. As well as providing professional training, the aim of the school is to also provide a safe and supportive environment for all children to explore their creativity regardless of what career path they eventually choose to follow. Every week students follow a timetable of drama, singing, dance film and occasional set/costume design under under the guidance of top industry professionals. As well as weekly classes, students are given the opportunity to take part in Voice Idol, Drama and Stars in their Eyes competitions, culminating in a yearly Oscar Night.

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The school has recruited some excellent teaching staff including: Mike Burnside, (actor in The Bill, Bergerac, the RSC), Mark Short, (choreograhper to Tina Peter, Peter Andre, Liberty X), Michael Buffong, (director of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street), Jacob Murray, (director at the Royal Exchange Manchester). Celebrities such as Joseph Marcell, (Jeffery in Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Warren Mitchell, (Alf Garnett) have also been amongst special guests to give master classes at this prestigious school. Students get to work with a variety of casting directors, producers and TV directors. They also get the opportunity to be considered for the agency to audition for professional work. For more information on how to sign up visit www.annafiorentini.com or phone 020 7682 1403. Love High School Musical? Love Glee? You'll Love our Summer School. An intensive week of singing, dance and drama workshops led by industry professionals and culminating in an end of week showcase. Please see website for further details.

SUMMER SCHOOL Drama / Singing / Dance / Film / Set & Costume Design

MON 26 – FRI 30 JULY AGES 7 – 18 LIMITED PLACES

Saturdays at Hackney & North London branches Wednesdays at Isle of Dogs branch Ages 7-18. Taught by leading industry professionals. Winner of 3 Business of London Awards.

www.ANNAFIORENTINI.com Tel: 020 7682 1403 =0:0; ;/, >,):0;, ;6 9,:,9=, @6<9 73(*, (; 6<9 -9,, ;(:;,9 +(@

13

Health

You are what you eat! It’s that time of year again, back to school. Getting your children up on a school morning with enough time to get ready, fed and organised can be a challenge in itself and that’s without even thinking about packing a nutritious lunch. We are all familiar with the saying ‘you are what you eat’ – and children certainly are what you feed them. Their tiny bodies are very literally made from all the nutrients they receive from food. What children eat directly affects their growth, energy levels, mood and resistance to disease. The correct nutrients given now could help protect against possible future health complications. Packed lunches need to provide your child with a third of their daily requirements. Therefore this food should be carefully planned. Getting the balance right: The ideal lunch should contain s 0ROTEIN – Essential for building, maintaining and repairing body tissue such as bones, cartilage, ligaments, teeth and nails. s #ARBOHYDRATES – The body used carbohydrates as the main source of energy and keeping warm. Complex carbohydrates should make up 60% of your childs diet. s &RUIT 6EGETABLES – provide many vital minerals and vitamins as well as valuable fibre s $RINK

told me ‘a treat isn’t a treat if it’s eaten more than twice a week!’ Examples of how to provide a balanced diet within your child’s lunchbox: Option 1 UÊ Ê V i ÊÃ> >`ÊÃ> `Ü V Ê Ê wholemeal bread UÊ ÊvÀÕ ÌÊÃ> >` UÊ >ÌÕÀ> ÊÞ }ÕÀÌ UÊ 7>ÌiÀ UÊ Ê >ÀÀ ÌÃÊ> `ÊVi iÀÞÊÃÌ V ÃÊ« ÕÃÊ Õ Õà Option 2 UÊ i`Êi}}Ê> `Ê iÜÊ« Ì>Ì ÊÃ> >` UÊ > > >Ê> `ÊÃÌÀ>ÜLiÀÀ ià UÊ iÀÀÞÊÌ >Ì iÃÊ> `ÊÀ>` à ià UÊ À Ê vÊ > vÊÜ>ÌiÀ]Ê > vÊvÀÕ ÌÊ Õ ViÊ Option 3 UÊ Ê7 i i> Ê« ÌÌ>ÊLÀi>`]Êw i`ÊÜ Ì Ê shredded chicken, lettuce, parsley and a little natural yogurt UÊ ÀÕ ÌÊ« ÀÌ Ê vÊÞ ÕÀÊV Vi UÊ iÊ >`iÊ« «V À UÊ À Option 4 UÊ Ü ÌiÊÀ ÊLÕÌÌiÀi` UÊ ÊV V i Ê`ÀÕ ÃÌ V ]ÊV iÀÀÞÊÌ >Ì iÃ]Ê cucumber and carrot fingers UÊ ÊvÀià ÊvÀÕ ÌÊÃ> >`Ê >`iÊÕ«Ê vÊL Ìi à âiÊ pieces of fruit in a little water UÊ Ã > ÊvÀÕ ÌÊ Õ Vi

s /CCASIONAL TREAT – A wise lady once

SNACK PACKS It is very important for every child to carry their lunch or snack to school in a cool (dude) bag, and we really like these bags from Pookie & Peach. Full of personality, you can choose from Owl, Penguin, Mouse or Bumble (Bee). The lunch boxes are insulated and PVC, phthalate and BPA free, so you know that yummy home made lunch will stay warm and fresh till midday.

£12.25 Available from www.pookieandpeach.com.

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Although wholemeal bread is preferable to white bread, white bread is higher in calcium and other vitamins, usually because the flour is fortified. However, because most of the fibre has been removed from white bread then add a fibre rich vegetable or dried fruit such as dates, apricots or raisins. The occasional use of white bread will add variety and as they say ‘variety is the spice of life’. Kirsten Davies Bsc NT BANT thefoodremedy@yahoo.co.uk www.thefoodremedy.co.uk

What children eat directly affects their growth, energy levels, mood and resistance to disease.

Cooking Parties! Fun, cooking parties For boys and girls aged 5-­16 years Cooking classes

Give your child the best party ever! whisking, baking, giggling, rolling, making, laughing, turning, licking, joking

A great way to learn while having fun! Call for details:

020 8876 9912 email: info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk

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5

Five of the Best: Playgrounds near to a decent Café As the leaves begin to fall to the ground, the days get shorter, and the weather isn’t quite so conducive to hanging around playgrounds, we thought it might be useful to suggest some of the best playgrounds that North London has to offer which are also within ‘negotiation’ range of a nice café.

1

Highgate Wood Cafe Highgate Wood has an excellent (and tasteful, not too much plastic) playground, with a separate section for under 5’s. There is plenty to do for all ages with a sand pit, large climbing frame, a zip wire, swings & slides. Outside of the playground the woods and playing field provide plenty of diversion. Next to the café is an Information Hut where older children can peruse the displays (a fake bat in a box always thrills) and worksheets with facts to discover about the woods. The Café serves meals all day

five of the best and has a takeaway cabin for those that can’t face the playground without caffeine. Two minutes walk from Highgate Tube or free parking available most of the time in Church Road & Muswell Hill Road.

Zoo. Nearest tube – Great Portland Street or Regent’s Park.

4

Queen’s Park Cafe Queen’s Park is, along with Hampstead Heath and Highgate Woods run by the Corporation of London. Consequently the facilities and children’s playgrounds are better equipped and maintained than usual. The Queen’s Park café serves light meals and snacks throughout the day, and parking is free at the weekend in most of the surrounding streets. Nearest tube – Queen’s Park.

2

Parliament Hill Cafe At the bottom of Hampstead Heath between the running track and the toddler paddling pool, there is an enormous playground with lots to do for everyone. Swings, slides, roundabouts & climbing frames. Combine this with a walk around the heath, plus duck feeding at one of the numerous ponds on the Heath. If you leave the playground and head east towards Highgate Road, between the bandstand and the tennis courts you will find the Parliament Hill café. This has a much friendlier feel than the Kenwood café, with a self-service counter. Parking available in Highgate Road or at the Lido car park. Gospel Oak Station.

3

The Honest Sausage, Regent’s Park The wide boulevards of Regent’s Park are perfect for roller skating and buggy pushing. If you walk alongside the zoo you can sometimes see animals roaming near to the fence, providing much entertainment for those strapped in buggies. Surprisingly empty playgrounds are dotted around Regents Park. It is easy to park near to the one at Gloucester Gate. Follow this with a trip to the Honest Sausage, which sells free-range sausages & bacon in the Broadwalk, near London

5

Primrose Bakery 69 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 Another excellent playground is situated at the bottom of Primrose Hill. If this doesn’t exhaust the little ones, then drag them up to the top of Primrose Hill, which provides excellent views across all of London. Whilst there isn’t an actual café in Primrose Hill Park, there is Regent’s Park Road nearby and all of the shops and café’s of Primrose Hill. The children will love the legendary cup cakes at the Primrose Bakery. Perfect for a Sunday morning outing. Pay & Display parking is available in Regent’s Park Road & Gloucester Avenue. Nearest tube Chalk Farm (close to Gloucester Avenue than the playground).

Choose kidsunlimited nurseries for: Naturally inspiring childcare All inclusive fees (nappies, milk and food) Experienced managers with care focused and enthusiastic teams Flexible part time sessions and work friendly opening hours Safe & secure nursery environments Care for children from 3 months to 5 years

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www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 15

eating out

Eating out That Place on the Corner 1-3 Green Lanes, Newington Green, N16 9BS www.thatplaceonthecorner.co.uk

That Place on the Corner is a fantastic venue where young children can enjoy arts and crafts, music and dance, ballet and story telling sessions. Oh and food. Children can make their own pizzas here and the menu will thrill the fussiest and keenest of eaters. Sandwiches & Salads for the grown ups. On a weekday it is never too long until something creative takes place, although some classes need to be booked.

Banner’s Restaurant 21 Park Rd, Crouch End, N8 8TE www.bannersrestaurant.com

Banner’s somehow sums up the character of Crouch End; eclectic, charming, perennially popular, a little cramped and with plenty of kids. Banners has been serving up its ‘Global Home Cooking’ since 1992. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner and is always busy. Milkshakes or cocktails (according to age & need), sausages or Salt fish, small meals or big HBWXPEOHBWRWV SGI

meals? There are plenty of vegetarian options, the prices are reasonable and the food is good.

The Upper Deck Cafe and Bar London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

As the long holidays dragged on, and outings were required to relieve the monotony, I arranged to take my 3 year old down to the London Transport Museum. I thought we could make a day out of visiting the museum and then meet up with her father for lunch. During the morning, one thing got in the way of another, a bit of work, a bit of gossip, a bit of tantrum. We finally left the house at 11.50. As we wandered across Covent Garden, I realized we would have to visit the museum after lunch. So we went straight to the cafĂŠ to meet ‘The Dad’. I opted for the ‘London Pea Souper’ at ÂŁ4.20 and the 3 year old went with the fish finger sandwich at ÂŁ6.50. The interior of the cafĂŠ is a little like being in an English Diner with oddly

familiar Northern Line fabric design on the chairs and booths. It’s a nice and relaxing place to sit, overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza with plenty to entertain the children, in the form of the shop, which is adjacent to the cafÊ. As our tasty, lazy & comforting lunch came to an end, I realized that snooze time was looming for the 3 year old. We headed for the shop, purchased a toy bus and we came home on another double decker, without setting foot in the museum. A very satisfactory trip.

Established

1979

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 5 years Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment

For Tumble Tots classes in Muswell Hill, Finchley Central and St John’s Wood Call: 020 8381 6585 Email: fun@tumbletotsnorthlondon.co.uk www.tumbletots.com/hampstead

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www.familiesnorth.co.uk

book corner News from the

Book corner Competition If your ten year old makes you despair with there spelling and can never find the wright place’s to put an apostrophe, then you mite like to think about helping them at home. Often these mistakes seem to go unnoticed at school, but it really is important in any 11 + exam to have the basics under control. I particularly like these new Discover & Develop guides from Practise & Pass as instead of copious amounts of information, each

Ê,iÛ iÜÃ Mission Explore by The Geography Collective

This collection of 102 missions for children to undertake is perfect for that time in between total dependence on parents and the absolute disregard that teenagers have for parental suggestion. A time when they can manage a little independence and adventure but too often turn up in the kitchen whilst you are stacking the dishwasher with an, ‘I’m bored….’ The 102 suggestions are fun, irreverent and imaginative; ‘Follow Command Signs in your local area, play dare with a chair by leaving it in a park, find the highest and lowest places in your town, ask some OAP’s you know to hang out in hoodies on a street corner! Created by a collection of Geographers, the suggestions are all inexpensive ways of getting children out and about, developing independence and having fun. £7.99 available at www. canofwormsenterprises.co.uk. More missions at www.missionexplore.co.uk.

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lesson is brief with helpful clues and rhymes for retaining information. For instance Discover English, ‘you hear with your ear, remove the first letter and you get ear’. Multiple choice questions allow you to see if your child has understood. Books are available in Verbal Reasoning, Non Verbal Reasoning, Maths & English. Published by Trotman. Available from all good bookshops and Amazon £8.99 Families North invites 9 lucky readers to win a copy of Practise & Pass. Please contact Naomi@ familiesnorth.co.uk to win a free copy stating your preference for Verbal Reasoning, Non Verbal Reasoning, Maths or English. For more competitions, visit our website at www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Witchcraft – Compiled by Margaret Mcguire & Alicia Kachmar

Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and Witch Craft is the perfect book with which to plan an impressive event. There are recipes and projects galore to decorate, dress, reward & entertain within this book, from making a felt poisoned apple, to marshmallow skulls, spooky lanterns for kids to carry, the Wicked Witch’s Gingerbread House, a fake puppy-fur coat for Cruella-DeVille wannabees, and bones, monsters, spiders, ghosts to put on cupcakes, fuzzy bats, spell-book necklaces, a treat bag, Jazzy the Good Witch, Dragon’s Blood and Flying Potion. Quirk Books £9.99 available at www.quirkclassics.com

If you are under 13 years of age and would like to submit a book review for the next issue of Families North, do e-mail your review, clearly marking it ‘Book Corner’ to Naomi@ familiesnorth.co.uk. The best review will win a £10 book token.

Think Tank by Gavin Ucko

This is just an excellent book for the whole family. I took it on holiday and everyone was fighting for possession of it. There are different sections with different games: ‘Thinking Places’ & ‘Thinking Underground’ offer a collection of cryptic puzzles that will drive you crazy. The answer to each clue is a well-known town, city name or London Underground Station name. For instance; Where do blackboard writing implements grow? Obviously, Chalk Farm! Susan, Margaret, Vanessa, Rachel, Abigail, Melanie & Gabriella all have the same parents? I will let you guess the station. The ‘Thinking Numbers’ section offers challenges such as ‘Work out the addition of the two numbers used to show 75% as a fraction plus the number of degrees in a circle, minus the number of days in a leap year’. A great way to pass a long journey, this book is perfect for stimulating both young and old minds. Published by The Happy Puzzle Company £9.99 www.happypuzzle.co.uk

The Enchanted Cookie Tree by Helen Nathan

Flossie Crums: The Enchanted Cookie Tree is the second in a successful series of ‘baking adventures’ by author and leading children’s baking expert Helen Nathan. Helen believes that baking is great for boosting children’s confidence and that Flossie Crums’ delicious recipes in ‘The Enchanted Cookie Tree’ will inspire creativity. With eye-catching illustrations and stunning full colour photography, this enchanting tale is full of lovable characters, including Flossie Crums, (aged 7 and three-quarters) a girl who thinks ‘Baking is Brilliant’, her little brother Billie (age 6) and her six best fairy friends, Crystal, Cherry, Plum, Honey, Candy and Minty. In her latest adventure, Flossie (with Billie’s help) bakes special cookies fit for the ‘Royal Welcoming’ of Princess Cornflower in the Magical Kingdom of Romolonia, (which just happens to be at the bottom of her garden!) It’s a charming idea to carry bed time tales through to day time baking. £8.99 www.flossiecrums.com

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ballet special

Prima ballerina! Every little girl wants to do ballet lessons, but when is the right time to start? We asked two North London ballet teachers, Therese Schweppe of Regal Ballet and Julie Cronshaw of Highgate Ballet School some questions. QUESTIONS FOR THERESE: What is the best age to start ballet? With Ballet, the earlier you start the better! I start teaching children from 18 months, in a mums’ and babies ballet class. It is great for improving balance, co-ordination, strength in the feet and legs, promoting healthy growth and posture, and, best of all, it’s fun! But no matter what age, it’s never too late to learn and enjoy the many benefits that ballet brings. What is the difference between the various sorts of ballet classes? There are many different ways to learn ballet technique including RAD, Checceti and ISTD.The ballet steps are basically the same every where in the world, but there can be different variations on inclinations of the head and arms sometimes, eg Checcetti. Different countries have their own style too, Russian is different to English which is different to American, all the same steps but just a different energy! Can adults take up ballet as beginners? I run adult classes where any level from complete beginner to advanced is welcome. Some of the women learned ballet as children or teenagers and

wanted to take it up again to get fit, and some have just started learning. They all say they love it and they feel more toned and energised! Many celebrities (famously Princess Diana and Sarah Jessica Parker) loved ballet, as it creates long lean muscles, improves core strength and posture, over all making you look more elegant. Personally I cannot achieve the same feeling that I get after a ballet class anywhere else. I feel I have worked my entire body and had an aerobic workout and stretched too, all while enjoying dancing! Therese Schweppe has just finished performing in Swan Lake with The English National Ballet, at the Royal Albert Hall. Therese is Director of Regal Ballet, and runs ballet classes every day of the week in St John’s Wood & Hampstead for children and adults. For more information and/ or a FREE trial lesson, contact her at therese@ regalballet.com.

QUESTIONS FOR JULIE: Can senior school aged children take up ballet from scratch? Yes, they can, particularly with Cecchetti Method because it is a science that builds the art. My late starter teens love it.

Can boys do ballet? Yes of course!!!!! Is there anyone out there who hasn’t seen Billy Elliot? There is still a stigma attached to boys doing ballet in this country but it is getting much better and many boys love to dance ballet because it enhances their balance and refines the basic dance skills they may be learning in their other dance classes. I find that once a boy starts ballet he soon realises how much harder and more rewarding it is than the other dance forms and he is soon hooked. Those who do apply themselves are usually motivated and often talented so dance teachers love to teach them! What happens to promising students? Where do they go on to? There are Associate programmes at the major vocational schools such as the Royal Ballet School, Central etc. The Cecchetti Society, RAD, ISTD London Junior Ballet, London Children’s Ballet etc all have weekend programmes and courses. Full time students at vocational schools are auditioned first in years 6 (for year 7 entry), year 11 (for sixth form) and year 13 (for college or uni courses). There are arts degrees in Dance now and related studies. Are there local opportunities for budding ballerinas? Most schools do recitals with their students. Some schools prepare students for festivals (the All England is the largest), the London Children’s Ballet does a huge production each year in London and some schools will have their own performing troupe. At my school we have the Highgate Youth Dance Company for example, for dancers aged 10 and over. Summer schools for children 10+ also provide more opportunities to dance with fellow enthusiasts! Julie Cronshaw is Director of The Highgate Ballet School which offers a programme of Cecchetti ballet and pre-ballet classes, plus Tap, Modern and Contemporary dance in Highgate Village, High Barnet & Hendon Central. Visit www.highgateballetschool.com.

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ballet special A protĂŠgĂŠ of the Highgate Ballet School, Sayaka Nagahiro, a 12 year who has attended the Royal Ballet Lower School, a boarding school for ballerinas for the last year. We interviewed her to find out more. How old were you when you started taking ballet lessons? I have taken ballet lessons since I was 3 years old. Were you always quite good at ballet or did you have to work very hard? I think that I was always quite good but I still had to work really hard to improve my technique. How many times a week did you study ballet before you got into The Royal Ballet School? 5 days a week. I had 4 lessons at The Highgate Ballet School and I also went to Mid Associate classes at The Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden every Saturday. Have you been in any shows? Yes, I was in the Nutcracker last winter. I performed ‘Naughty Children’ at the opening and ‘Mice’ at The Battle. I was quite excited. What was the best thing about being in a show? I was able to dance with professional dancers at The Royal Opera House. Its stage was bigger than I expected. I am so proud of myself to have been in a performance at The ROH. Have you ever fallen over on stage? No, I have not! It is tricky though not to trip over the stage sets. I had to concentrate every single second.

Ballet

I was able to dance with professional dancers at The Royal Opera House. Its stage was bigger than I expected. I am so proud of myself. How difficult is it to walk in Pointe shoes? Not as easy as I would have liked. After training, it is getting more manageable but I am still working hard to perfect my technique. What is the worst thing about being at a Ballet Boarding School? Boarding school is fun but you cannot see your family every day. Do you do as much English & Maths as a child in a regular school? Yes, we do. Academic studies are also important at The Royal Ballet School. We have to work on both ballet and academic studies. By the way, after academic classes, we have even more ballet lessons and then take a shower followed by dinner. Sometimes we stay outside for a while, talking to each other. What do most of the pupils at your school do after they have left the school? After they graduate from Senior School, they will join ballet companies all over the world. What would you like to be doing when you are 25? I hope to join a ballet company. I am focusing on that for the future.

Hip -h

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Based in Muswell Hill North London Street Dance: Mondays 5pm-6pm 5 week course Ballet, Royal Academy of Dance: Tuesdays, 3yrs & over Performing Arts School: 4.15pm-6.15pm Thursday Holiday workshops – see website for details

07881 553480 kidzonthehill@gmail.com kidzonthehill.co.uk

Dance of Expression

CHANTRAINE

DBNLG]BDGYHUW LQGG

Dance for life - dance for joy! All aspects of dance as an expressive art Children & young people from 4 upwards Progressive, enjoyable, non-competitive classes Centres: W. Hampstead area. Classes weekdays, Saturdays.

photos Mike Massaro

Chantraine School of Dance 020 7435 4247 info@chantrainedance.co.uk

www.chantrainedance.co.uk

Created in France by Alain & Françoise Chantraine since 1958

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

19

out & about cinema ¦ museums

Out & About

Your guide to North London family entertainment

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2 ( Barbican) 0845 120 7528 barbican.org.uk Jasper: Journey to the End of the World September 11 Family film club and special workshop. Cost £5/£3. Tooth Fairy (PG) September 18 Film club. Cost £5/£3. Marmaduke September 25 Film club and special workshop. Cost £5/£3.

BFI IMAX 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, SE1 ( Waterloo) 020 7199 6000 bfi.org.uk/imax The Owls of Ga’hoole 3D Opens October 15 Family fantasy adventure.

EVERYMAN BELSIZE PARK 203 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QG 020 3145 0520 everymancinema.com

Kids club film. Ponyo (U) September 18 Kids club film.

PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk kidsclub@phoenixcinema.co.uk Kids Club September & October Kids club films and activities reopens in September.

THE TRICYCLE CINEMA 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Shrek Forever After September 4 When in Rome (PG) September 11 Beth takes some coins from the fountain of love. Twilight Saga: Eclipse (12A) September 18 Toy Story (PG) September 25

My Fair Lady September 11 Charlotte’s Web (U) September 18 Bee Movie (U) September 25

EVERYMAN HAMPSTEAD 5 Hollybush Vale, NW3 6TX ( Hampstead) everymancinema.com The Red Shoes (U) September 27 Part of Ham & High Fest – based on the fairy tale about a young ballerina. Cost £10.

EVERYMAN SCREEN ON THE GREEN 83 Upper Street, N1 ONP ( Angel) 020 3145 0525 everymancinema.com Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) September 11

20

Marmaduke (PG) October 2 Karate Kid (PG) October 9 Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (PG) October 16 Step Up (PG) October 23, 26 Diary of a Wimpy Kid (PG) October 30

Museums BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2 ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk

Open House September 18 – 19 Drop-in guided tours of parts of the bank and museum. The Big Draw October 25 – 29 Design a banknote.

CARTOON MUSEUM 35 Little Russell St, WC1 ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7580 8155 cartoonmuseum.org Toy Tales Ends September 5 Exhibition of animated characters from favourite children’s programmes. Family Days September 11, October 9 Cartooning activities. Check website for special holiday workshops. Entrance £5.50/children free.

DESIGN MUSEUM Shad Thames, SE1 ( London Bridge) 020 7403 6933 designmuseum.org Cabinets of Curiosity September 12 Family workshops to create mini museums with favourite design objects. 5 – 11 years. Booking required. Cost £6/£4.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1 ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk Family Drop-in October 2 Use beads and fabrics to make jewellery, mobiles and toys. Children free with two accompanying adults.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Workshops September 4, October 2 Fun activities – tickets on the day. Also special half term holiday events. 5 – 11 years.

HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSEUM Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1 ( Charing Cross) 020 7930 3070 householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk Craft Activities October 25 – 29 Leaf printing, make a book mark and plant an acorn. 5 – 11 years. Booking recommended. Entrance family £15 (2+3) Storytelling October 26 Booking required. Under 5 years.

JEWISH MUSEUM 129 – 131 Albert Street, NW1 ( Camden Town) 020 7284 7384 jewishmuseum.org.uk New Year Fun Day September 5 Drop-in family workshop to make Rosh Hashanah cards. All ages. Cost £3. Pop-up Sukkah! October 19 Make a 3D paper sukkah. 8+ years. Cost £5. Shabbat Workshop October 27 Creative activities. 7 – 12 years. Cost £15.

LONDON CANAL MUSEUM Gatti’s Ice House, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk Open House September 19 Free tours. Tunnel Boat Trip September 19 Activities October 26 Fun activities and boat trip. 6 – 12 years. Cost £6. Halloween October 30, 31 Scary boat trips. Booking essential. Cost £10/£8.

MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2, ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk

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museums ¦ theatres out & about Half Term Activities October 23 – 31 Drop-in family activities. 3+ years. Free.

Butterflies and their habitats. Cost family £15.

MUSEUM OF LONDON – DOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumindocklands.org.uk

Dino Snores October 15 Sleepover fun with activities. 8 – 11 years. Cost £45/adult free.

The Big Draw October 25 Family drawing activities. All ages. Free. Black History Month October 27 Make a poster. 5+ years.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, SW3 ( Sloane Square) 020 7730 0717 national-army-museum.ac.uk Invasion Event October 23 – 31 Creative activities on life during WW2. Free. Indian Armies, Indian Art The story of the British in India through paintings collected by soldiers.

NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2 ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Story Telling September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Based on a different painting each day. Under 5 years. Art Activities September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 5 – 11 years. Free ticketed event. Check venue for special half term workshops.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2 ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk Art Activities September 18, October 16, 25 – 30 Free family workshops – tickets allocated on the day. Check venue for special half term events.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Butterfly Explorers Until September 26

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Crafty Nature October 2, 16 Craft workshops. Under 7 years. Free.

Half Term Activities October 25 – 30 African story telling, fun activities, gallery characters, floor puzzles and backpacks. Natural Puppet Tales October 31 Storytelling workshops. Under 7 years.

PETRIE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Malet Place, UCL, WC1E 6BT ( Euston Square) 020 7679 2884 ucl.ac.uk Introduction Tours October 7 Short introductory tours. Free.

ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org Battle of Britain Weekend September 11, 12 Band concerts, air displays, model making and lots of other activities. Free entry. The Big Draw October 25 – 29 Watch aviation artists at work and draw an aeroplane. 5+ years. Witch Weekend October 30 – 31 Make a witch flying on a broomstick.

SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk Fly Zone Gallery The world’s first 3D aerobatic motion experience with the RAF Red Arrows. Cost £6/£5. Fly Kids Interactive flight simulators for very young pilots. Cost £2.

SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2 ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk Free hands-on activities for 6 – 12 years every Saturday. Passion for Pastels September 11

Colour mixing to create a pastel masterpiece.

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Caribbean Liming Families Night September 10, 6 – 9pm Caribbean song, dance and activities. All ages. Free drop-in.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Doll Face Starts September 3 Portraits from the extensive doll collection held at the museum. Cut It, Fold It Starts October 9 Paper models on display. Family Events Free daily art and craft activities and special events during the half-term holidays.

Theatres ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk The Paper Washi Wish September 17, 18, 19 Join Rabbit in his paper world – includes paper making workshop. 3 – 5 years. Cost £7 The Jingle Dress September 26 Rayleen tries to make her jingle dress jingle! 3 – 5 years. Cost £7 Guess How Much I Love You October 2, 3 Magical journey with songs, games and laughter. 3+ years. Cost £10. Arabian Nights October 10 Puppets, masks and music. 4+ years. Cost £7. Farm Boy October 16 The wonders of storytelling. 7+ years. Cost £7. The Bug & The Butterfly October 17 Story of love and friendship. 4+ years. Cost £7. Who’s Been Sitting in My Chair? October 24 Delightful bear hunt. 3 – 7 years. Cost £7.

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2 ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk Parachutists or On the Art of Falling October 21 – 28 Theatrical take on gravity, flying and falling. Includes pre-performance art activities. 3 – 8 years. Cost £7. The Planets October 16 Family matinee concert under the Watch This Space series of events. Tickets £15/£7.50. LSO Discovery Concert October 24 Musical fun. 7 – 12 years. Cost £8/£4.

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1 ( Euston) 020 7388 8822 thebloomsbury.com Horrible Science October 5 – 16 Awful science questions answered using actors and 3D Bogglevision! Cost £18.50/£12.50.

CHICKENSHED Chase Side, Southgate, N14 ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Tales from the Shed September 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. Tales to help improve literacy, numeracy and communication skills. Under 7 years. Cost £5.25.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Reopens in October. Check venue for special discounts. Egg & Spoon October 2 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus October 9 Circles in the Sand October 16 Handa’s Surprise October 23 Suitcase Circus October 30

JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk

21

out & about theatres

Twinkle Twinkle September 19 Stella and Ryan wish upon a star. 4+ years. Cost £7.95. The Paper Washi Wish October 3 Japanese stories and paper making activities. 3 – 5 years. Cost £7.95. Three Pigs October 17 Building a new home that’s wolfproof. 2 – 7 years. Cost £7.95. When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat October 24 That magical place called home. 5+ years. Cost £7.95. The Insect Circus October 27 – 31 Fun with Mr Maroc the beast tamer! All ages. Cost £12.75 or family (4) £40.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, N6 ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Steve Grocott ‘Sparklers’ September 11 Fun with music. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50. John Hegley & Otiz Cannelloni September 12 Family show. 3+ years. Cost £6. The Kandinsky Winds September 19 Family friendly concert. 6+ years. Cost £7/£1. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic September 25 Bring a teddy to meet the nursery rhyme characters. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50. Old MacDonald October 2 Enter the Big Book world. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Laurie Temple October 9 Magic, juggling and puppets. 2 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Hiccup the Hippopotamus October 16 The king of the jungle stops the hiccupping. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50.

22

Elliott & the Tooth Fairy October 23 Elliott has lost his tooth and meets the tooth fairy. 2 – 5 years. Cost £4.50.

Messy Play October 30 Cost £5.

Dancers, drums and percussion. 6+ years. Cost £10/£7.

Family Sunday October 31

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage,N1 ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com

MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE 21 New Globe Walk Bankside, SE1 ( London Bridge) 020 7401 9919 shakespeares-globe.org

Fantastic Mr Fox September 11 – November 7 Roald Dahl’s classic tale with puppets and music. 4+ years. Cost £12.50/£10. (Tickets £5 Friday 5pm show)

Postman Pat September 18, 19 Postman Pat, Jess the cat and a brand new helicopter! Cost £14/£10.

Puppet Club September 25 – December 4 Puppet making and play writing with a performance. 5 – 10 years. Cost £80. Crafty Kids October 2 – November 27 See a performance and take part in puppet making activities. 2 – 5 years. Cost £90. Kids Fun Day October 27 Puppet making workshop and watch a performance. 5 – 11 years. Cost £45.

LYRIC THEATRE King Street, Hammersmith, W6 ( Hammersmith) 0871 22 117 29 lyric.co.uk Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus September 11 3 – 7 years. Arabian Nights September 18 Tales of genies, camels and flying carpets. 4 – 7 years. A Flying Visit September 25, 26 A bird’s eye view of life. 5 – 10 years. Handa’s Surprise October 2 Handa’s journeys with her best friend Akeyo. 2 – 5 years. Elmer the Elephant Elmer the multi-coloured elephant does not want to be different. 2 – 7 years. Drum October 16 Gentle rhythm of the drum. 6mths – 2 years. Beginning with Blobs October 23 The creation of playdough blobs! 4 – 7 years. The Very Noisy Night October 26 – 31 There’s something making a noise outside little mouse’s window. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8/£6 or family (4) £25.

NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 ( Waterloo) 020 7452 3000 nationaltheatre.org.uk Watch This Space Festival Ends September 26 Series of outdoor theatre, circus and dance events held in the Theatre Square.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2 ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com The 7 Fingers – Traces September 28 – October 30 Circus act with poles, hoops, skateboards and a piano! Cost £10 – £38. Children half price.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com The Town Mouse & The Country Mouse October 21 – 31 Two cousins meet well-known characters – with music, songs and rod puppets. All ages. Cost £10/£8.50.

ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 0844 482 8008 roundhouse.org.uk Turning Point Festival September 18, 19 Live music, dance, circus and theatre. Cost £18/£8.

The Merry Wives of Windsor Henry IV September & October Childsplay September 11, October 2 Storytelling and art workshops based on the matinee performance. 8 – 11years. Cost £12.50.

SOHO THEATRE 21 Dean Street, W1 ( Court Rd) 020 7287 5060 sohotheatre.com

Tottenham

Comedy Club 4 Kids October 9, 23 Be a stand-up comedian. 6+ years. Cost £10.

SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk Family Concert September 6 String Quartet. Cost £10. FUNharmonics October 17 London Philharmonic Orchestra. Foyer events before and after performances. Cost £16 – £8/ £8 – £4.

THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Shows at 11.30am & 2pm every Saturday. Cost £6/£5. Elmer the Elephant September 18 Elmer the patchwork elephant. 4 – 7 years. Mrs Bubbles September 25 Mrs Bubbles loves to shop. 3+ years. Carnival Child October 2 The carnival child has magical powers. 5 – 11 years.

SADLERS WELLS & LILLIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1 ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Romeo & Juliet October 12, 13, 14 Birmingham Royal Ballet. Cost £10 – £40. Echoa October 22, 23

Malina & The Sailor October 9 Malina saves a stranger’s life. 4 – 7 years.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

theatres ¦ workshops ¦ classifieds out & about The Three Bears October 16, 17 3 – 7 years. Little Red Robin Hood October 23 A merry mix-up! 4+ years. Handa’s Surprise October 28, 29 2 – 5 years. Cost £3/£2.50. Pip’s Wildlife Garden October 30 Puppets, story telling and music. 3 – 6 years.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com The Garbage King September 25 – October 31 Follow the unlikely friendship between Mamo and Dani in Addis Ababa. 10+ years. Cost £16.50/£10.50/£7.

Workshops ART4FUN 172 West End Lane, NW6 1SD ( West Hampstead) art4fun.com 020 7794 0800 Ceramist Kat October 4, 11, 18, 25, 4 – 8 years. Cost £72.

October 6, 13, 20, 27 8 – 12 years. Cost £72. Create clay masterpieces and learn pottery making techniques.

BIZKIDZ The Cool Head Company Ltd, Cholmley Gardens, NW6 coolheadcompany.co.uk Holiday Courses October 25 – 27 Learn about the world of money through games and fun activities. Cost £40/£110.

CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG 020 7472 5500 camdenartscentre.org Colour, Pattern & Form October 26 – 29 Work with textiles, painting and collage. 5 – 7 years & 8 – 11 years. Cost £140. Clay October 26 – 29 Clay modelling inspired by the exhibition. 5 – 7 years & 8 – 11 years. Cost £140.

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CREATIVE DRAWING STUDIO 1097 Finchley Road, Temple Fortune, NW11 OQB 020 8458 0707 creativedrawingstudio.com campaignfordrawing.org

Classifieds

Make Your Mark on the Future October 25 – 29 Celebrate the Big Draw and use recycled materials to make works of art. 6+ years.

CREATIVE MOVEMENTS 020 7435 8217 creativemovements.co.uk The Little Prince October 26 – 28 Held at St Mary’s, Primrose Hill, NW3 3DJ. Artwork, prop making and last day performance. Rising 4 – 8 years. Cost £100.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS St Lukes Church, Kidderpore Avenue, NW3. 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com

SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !

07837 713 699

Half Term Club October 25 – 29 Held at Hampstead and Primrose Hill. Art, music, dancing and fun. 3 – 7 years.

are proud to present

HENRY HEDGEHOG for 2–8 year olds

Delightful, original puppet shows, magic and games www.pippinpuppets.co.uk Tel: 02083484055

Mother & Toddler Group Starts September Held at St Lukes. 1 – 3 years and 2 – 4 years.

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL South Hampstead High School, Maresfield Gardens, NW3 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk Half Term Workshops October 25 – 29 Dramatots: 3 – 4 years. Stage One: 5 – 6 years. Musical Theatre: 7 – 11 years.

Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North!

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Themed Parties & Complete Party Organisation Available “Bewitching!” Daily Telegraph

Magical Parties with Laurie Temple and his Company “A regular favourite with all our nurseries” A. Cook, Director, Happy Child Nurseries Ltd.

Dancers: 7 – 11 years.

“Highly Recommended” Time Out

Tel: 020 8951 9469 Mob: 07951 596240 www.thepartywizard.co.uk

FIMO CLAY Clare McKnight 020 8992 3767 funwithfimoclay.co.uk

Explore the spooky house and garden in fancy dress. Booking required. Cost £6.50.

Aboriginal Work of Art October 18 6+ years. Cost £45 Have fun at Halloween October 29 6+ years. Cost £45 Tom & Jerry November 1 6+ years. Cost £45.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, N6 ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk

Spooky Workshop October 27, 28 Spooky stuff for Halloween! Booking required. 5 – 9 years. Cost £6.50. Spooky Stories October 30 Tales of witches and magic. 3 – 8 years.

LEAGUE ONE SPORTS ACADEMY South Hampstead High School, Maresfield Gardens, NW3 020 8446 0891 leagueone.co.uk Half Term Workshops October 25 – 29 Football courses 3 – 4 years and 5 – 11 years.

Spooky Walk & Adventure Trail

October 31

23

Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North! Physical  Education

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24

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

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