Families NW London Magazine October 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE Education SEND - what is Dyslexia and Dyscalculia?

Parenting and Family Health What's on for Families this Autumn and Half term Issue 138 October 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London

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3 Local News 4 Understanding Dyscalculia 6 Understanding Dyslexia 8 Why Bribing is bad for Education 10 Keep your family Active this Autumn 12 Local Clubs and Classes 14 What's On!

Welcome to the

October 2020 issue!

CONTACT US:

IN THIS ISSUE:

Families North West London Magazine

EDITOR:

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

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

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Where is Families North West London?

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west.

You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

Families North West London Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families NW London Magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North West London Magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families North West London Magazine, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Reddiford’s pupils and staff were delighted that their new school gym and specialist classroom building was ready for the start of the new academic term.

It had been an anxious time as most of the country’s construction industry had been in lockdown. However, Darwin Group were able to complete it in time for the first day of term. The Chair of Governors, Mr. Graham Jukes OBE, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony and said a few words to mark the occasion. The Head Boy and Girl read a moving prayer in which they gave thanks that the Reddiford community were able to join together again in celebration of this new building.

Mr Jukes thanked Mrs. Batt, the Head Teacher and Mrs Shepherd, the Bursar, for their drive and enthusiasm over the last few years is ensuring that this project was completed for the new term.

This new facility will be much used by the school and will enhance their learning facilities. It will be particularly useful for the delivery of their extra curriculum programme, including karate, information technology and coding club and a wide range of music and sporting activities. Sadly it will be a little while before the school are able to reap the full benefits of the new building due to the covid 19 restrictions on performing arts. familiesonline.co.uk

News Reception Testing Delayed to 2021 The government’s plan to introduce Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) will be delayed until September 2021 because of the disruption caused by

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In September 2017, the Department for Education announced that a new start-ofschool assessment for children ages 4 and 5 would be introduced as a baseline measure to track progress during primary school.

Children who start Reception in September 2021 will be the first group to take the new RBA during the first six weeks of the autumn term.

The test is due to eventually replace key stage 1 SATs in providing the baseline on which pupil progress scores are based.

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The report looks at the advantages of listening to a recording of a novel being read, and the impact on young readers.

The research suggests that listening to a recorded story requires the same mental skills as reading in print, so audiobooks can help with understanding words and remembering information. They can also give children access to a broader range of texts and engage readers who might be reluctant, struggling or developing.

Emily Best, from the National Literacy Trust, said: “Audiobooks can be the key to unlocking a child’s love of reading. They enable children of all reading abilities and interests to access and explore the incredible world of stories, which are brought to life by a range of exciting voices, different accents and sound effects.”

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...where to begin Families North West London

Education

How dyscalculia affects numeracy

By Ronit Bird Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s number sense and therefore their ability to acquire arithmetic skills. Dyscalculia affects numeracy in much the same way as dyslexia affects literacy: it is a condition that results from unusual neural connections in the brain. It has nothing to do with a person’s level of intelligence or the amount of effort they put into their studies. Dyscalculia affects roughly 5% of the population, but is not yet very widely recognised or well understood.

As with any specific learning difficulty they are born with, children do not outgrow dyscalculia. However, the good news is that there are strategies

and teaching approaches that can help them learn to work around their difficulties.

Parents who suspect their child might have dyscalculia should look out for the following indicators. Firstly, the lack of number sense, or what is sometimes called a ‘feel for numbers’. This manifests itself in noticeable difficulties with even the most basic of numeric calculations. A tell-tale sign is an overreliance on finger-counting, at an age when most other learners have already progressed to more efficient strategies.

Another sign is an inability to estimate even small quantities, to relate the magnitude of one number to another, or to have any idea whether a given answer is reasonable or ridiculous.

Even basic counting can be a challenge, especially counting backwards.

Pupils with dyscalculia are, typically, unable to remember facts and procedures accurately or consistently,

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no matter how many times they try to learn them by heart. Other indicators of dyscalculia worth mentioning are difficulties with sequencing, left/right confusion, problems learning to read the time on an analogue clock and comprehensive difficulties with dealing with time and money.

Given all the above, it is understandable that pupils with dyscalculia can experience maths lessons in a classroom as stressful and exhausting.

This often begins in the early years when pupils are first taught number bonds and multiplication facts for the first time and are subsequently expected to remember all these facts. Problems generally continue throughout a child’s maths education, as pupils find that the amount of effort needed to get the arithmetic facts right requires so much thought and concentration that it interferes with their ability to pay attention to the mathematical concepts they are being taught.

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Education

The best way to help dyscalculic learners is to focus on developing a sound mathematical understanding of numbers and their relationships to each other. This can be achieved by using concrete materials that are designed to provide versatile practical experiences and strongly visual models, in order to lay sound foundations for later, more abstract, work. For example, working with Cuisenaire rods helps learners develop a realistic idea of the relative sizes of numbers and how they can be built up out of smaller components (for addition) or split up

into smaller pieces (for subtraction).

Rote learning, memorising and mechanical practice are generally not effective in the teaching of dyscalculic children. For example, it is unhelpful to give out a list of times tables’ facts with instructions to go home and learn them. What a child with dyscalculia need instead is assistance in understanding what the multiplication facts mean and to be shown how each new fact can be derived from one that the child already knows.

It is equally important to recognise that learning maths is hierarchical. It is therefore essential to break down the learning into very small steps and to ensure all the pre-skills are securely in place before requiring a child to learn a new concept or calculation method.

Ronit Bird is the author of a series of ebooks for parents (published on Apple Books) and has also posted many demonstration videos on YouTube.

For more information on dyscalculia, including Top Ten Tips for Parents, visit www.ronitbird.com

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Education

Supporting a Dyslexic Child

By Ellie Malt “Do you think she might have dyslexia or something like that?” I asked.

I was standing in the playground with one of the teaching assistants, watching my 4 year old climb into her buggy, eager for her after-school snack. Although it was only her second term in Reception, I’d noticed she seemed uninterested in the alphabet, while other children could already write their names.

But I was only really thinking out loud. Even to me, it seemed ridiculously early to be jumping to any conclusions. “Probably” she shot back over the general hubbub. I admit, I was shocked.

But looking back years later, finally in possession of a formal diagnosis, I appreciate her honesty. I only wish I had acted sooner; it could have saved so much struggle and frustration.

In the following years, when I picked my daughter up from playdates, I would see the books being read by her friends. They were usually far in advance of anything we were struggling through at home. Bedtime reading had become a frustrating experience. Spelling tests were dreaded. I turned to friends who were teachers for advice. “Each child learns at their own pace” they all said. I clung to that mantra for a couple more years, but eventually the issues became too difficult to ignore. Plucking up my courage, I approached her teacher and suggested dyslexia

should be investigated. Her reply was discouraging: “Do you really want to label your child? In any case, there is no official diagnosis possible until she is seven.”

By my daughter’s eighth birthday, her loss of confidence was dramatic and she was falling even further behind at school.

To me, it seemed obvious there was a problem. But still I had to push her school into running a screening test. The Head of Learning Support called us in. “I think she has dyslexia” she said. “You should see an educational psychologist for a proper assessment.” Six months and several hundred pounds later we had the official diagnosis. While it was a relief, it was also the beginning of a new and difficult stage in the dyslexia journey as we struggled to work out what to do next.

According to the Richmond Dyslexia Association: “Neuroscience has made lots of very recent discoveries about the learning brain and what a dyslexic brain looks like.” Crucially, there may be several reasons why the connections between the sounds and the shapes of the alphabet don’t establish themselves firmly in some children in the early years. A really good strategy for parents is to find out which reasons apply specifically to their child.

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Education “Dyslexia is on a spectrum so is it an umbrella term for a wide range of strengths and difficulties? In fact, it is becoming much less common for it to be given a single diagnosis” reports Sophie Camillieri, Chair of Richmond Dyslexia Association.

Many of the explanations for why an intelligent child finds it difficult to learn to read or write begin with the two main ways we absorb language from the world around us: our eyes and ears. Good words to google here are “sensory processing.”

For some children, discriminating between different sounds is problematic. For others, a barrier to learning might be found in the visual pathway. As a starting point in establishing which of these issues apply to your child, you could seek an assessment from a Behavioural Optometrist, Auditory Consultant or Speech and Language Therapist.

Dyslexia also overlaps with other conditions that could be affecting your child’s sensory input, such as hyper-mobility and ADD or ADHD. Finding out more about these could help you to rule them out or find therapies that will remove as many barriers to learning for your child as possible.

It’s also widely accepted that memory is a key part of the dyslexia puzzle. If a child is absorbing sounds and symbols differently, it’s not surprising if the brain learns to handle and store that data differently. Educational Psychologists talk about “working memory.” Neurologists refer to the “semantic memory.” This is where many of the various approaches to dyslexia learning support come into play because, by triggering all five senses, they rely on the episodic memory instead of the traditional “working” or “semantic” memory.

When it comes to reading, some learning support methods focus on breaking words down into chunks, combined with repetition. Others are more about enjoying reading. According to Dyslexia Author, Dr Gavin Reid: “Studies have shown that releasing children from the burden of decoding can facilitate or enhance comprehension.” A child with dyslexia will learn differently, you just have to work out what works for them.

While no one wants to reduce their child to a label, the official diagnosis of dyslexia for my daughter gave me the confidence to start looking for answers and to begin finding the help we needed. Teachers are still given almost no training in how to recognise dyslexia and how to help a child. So the support your child receives will very much depend on your ability to support them. There is no one central place to go for help and no single answer that works for all. But the more I have learned, the more I have been able to help. And while she may always have “the label,” she is now an 11 year old, with a reading age of a 14 year old! An achievement that seemed unthinkable a few years ago.

Ellie Malt is a writer. She lives in Surrey and is the mother of two primary school age daughters.

Some features of dyslexia Your child may: Talk well but write surprisingly little; Be a slow or reluctant reader; Have difficulties with spelling; Have difficulties with writing; Not always remember or understand what he/she has just read; Seem inattentive and unable to concentrate or remember instructions; Have difficulty organising himself/herself; Find it hard to remember the order of things, such as the days of the week; Have difficulty copying from the blackboard; Feel discouraged and at times causes trouble. get a diagnosis?

How to get a diagnosis Getting a full report from an Educational Psychologist is a lengthy and expensive process. Sometimes these reports are required by schools before they will provide extra help such as learning support, or extra time in exams. But they are not always necessary and schools don’t have to act on them. Learning technology consultant, Caroline Batemen, recommends parents check with their child’s school first as to what difference a full report will make.

Cheaper and quicker alternatives include using a level seven qualified assessor or an online screening test such as the one on the Nessy website at https://www.nessy. com/uk/product/dyslexia-screening

Sources of Help It’s really helpful to look for organisations that provide support in your local area. Here are some good national sources, some with links to local support. (Eds can replace national support organisations with local if preferred).

British Dyslexia Association (www.bdadyslexia.org.uk) offers advice, assessments and a free helpline. It also helps you find your local dyslexia association (www. bdadyslexia.org.uk/contact/find-a-local-dyslexiaassociation)

Dyslexia Assessment Service

The Dyslexia Association (www.dyslexia.uk.net) offers screening, assessment, tuition, assistive technology training and a free helpline.

A reliable diagnosis ensures that children with dyslexia get the help and support they need. Darshani Nardani is a fully qualified and experienced dyslexia teacher and assessor with a specialism in teaching and assessing primary and secondary children.

Dyslexia Assist (www.dyslexia-assist.org.uk/supportnear-you) provides information about where to find local support.

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Achieve Now (www.achievenow.org.uk) works with pupils with dyslexia and IT. It has great resources on its website and provides all services and consultations online.

IPSEA (www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/serviceoverview) is an Independent Provider of Special Education Advice that offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre (www.arkellcentre.org.uk) is regional (based in Surrey) but is considered significant in terms of influence.

Families North West London

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Education

Why Bribing Children is Bad for their Education

By Wendy Berliner Many parents have been there. They have a child who will not eat vegetables or won’t tidy their room. Or any other behaviour from a long list that drives their parents spare!

With battle lines drawn and no significant improvement from hectoring or cajoling, bribery can follow – anything that makes family life work better. If you eat your broccoli, you can have your pudding; if you do your homework properly you can have extra time gaming; if you put your dirty laundry in the washing basket you can have extra pocket money.

It seems so simple, especially if it gets results. But should you be doing it? The answer from half a century of research is a resounding NO. Bribes and their frequent partner, punishment, may work in the short term to get children to do what you want but they won’t help them become capable of their most creative work.

A highly influential motivational theory known as selfdetermination developed in the 1980s after New York based research found that paying students for solving puzzles demotivated them.

In essence, students offered money for solving Soma puzzles (precursors to Rubik’s Cube) lost interest when they were given extra unpaid time at the end of experiment to carry on solving puzzles. Students in a separate test who were not offered money carried on trying to solve the puzzles after they were told the test had finished.

Subsequent research over many years with children and students of different ages with differing tasks has repeatedly confirmed the phenomenon.

The nub of the theory is that by offering rewards or bribes you are undermining the value of the task and the motivation to do it.

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Education There are two types of motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic (also known as controlled and autonomous). Rewards and punishment form extrinsic motivation. Someone is doing something to you to make you do something. It might be nice or it might not be. You might do it because of the carrots or sticks applied but it doesn’t become something you do by choice.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is what is needed to become an independent learner capable of your best work. It is not dependent on other people telling you to do things. You do things because of the enjoyment, interest and value you get from them.

A child who will spend hours playing computer games is intrinsically motivated – it’s just not the kind of motivation that is good for them if it comes at a cost to their school work or personal relationships.

So how do you develop that all-important intrinsic motivation in your children? The theory argues humans require certain needs to be met before they can become motivated from within.

Competence – we need to feel confident and effective in what we are doing – we have a human need to build our skills. To facilitate this, don’t tell your children they are no good at things if they struggle. That includes when you are trying to be kind – a comment like ‘I wasn’t any good at maths either’ is telling them they aren’t competent.

to understand the importance of homework, for example, so that they can make good choices by themselves on how to use their time.

That last one is really important. The child who understands their parents’ arguments about the importance of getting good grades at school to the establishment of a worthwhile and interesting career, may internalise those arguments and do their homework willingly because they see the value of doing so; they have become autonomously motivated. Over to you.

Wendy Berliner, with co-author Judith Judd, are authors of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published

by Routledge and available from amazon and good book stores.

Sources Deci, E. L. (1971). ‘Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation’. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1), 105-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0030644 Deci, Edward L., Ryan, Richard M. (1985) ‘Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior’. Springer Science & Business Media.

Relatedness - we need to feel a sense of belonging to others, to feel cared for by groups that are important to us and to care for others. So make the atmosphere at home kind and supportive.

Autonomy – we need to be able to decide what we do rather than be coerced. To assist with this, help your children learn to take responsibility for what they are doing,

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Parenting

Keep it Moving!

By Gabrielle Nash One of the pleasant, unexpected consequences of lockdown, was witnessing so many families taking to their screens for some physical activity courtesy of the likes of Joe Wicks and Cosmic Kids Yoga. Wouldn’t it be amazing to take that motivation to be physically active into other areas of life too?

With childhood obesity a pressing issue, even more so given the link between obesity and poorer outcomes from Covid 19, it is more important than ever that we prioritise staying active.

Instilled at a young enough age, a love of physical activity stays with a child for life, decreasing their risk of many major

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There are some major barriers to our children’s activity levels though: screen time, lack of ability for children to roam unsupervised outside and busy family lives. But these barriers can be overcome. The very first thing you can do is set boundaries for screen time and use it as a privilege to be awarded to your children, rather than a default activity.

It’s challenging to re-create for our children the freedom and physical benefits of roaming freely and unsupervised in the closest green

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space, climbing trees, building dens, playing football or tennis or even just riding bikes in the street. Efforts to recreate these types of experiences for our children now involve planning, structure and parental involvement.

But, with effort, they can be recreated.

Look for places nearby or within an appropriate driving time that offer similar opportunities to be physically active outside. National Trust, Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust outdoor spaces are a great option, as are local parks, commons and heaths, and coast lines.

Life is more hectic than ever, so fitting in the time for family fitness is hard. Making it part of a new routine requires effort.

Start by prioritising one outdoor physical activity a day at weekends and during holidays and as many walks to school or nursery and plays in the park as possible at other times. Once something becomes habitual, it is easier to continue. Your attitude is vital too, so be positive about any element of activity!

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Parenting If there is an activity that motivates and excites your child, find new ways of exploring it. For example, if cycling is a big interest, set them a challenge. If they are little and cycling to the end of the road and back again is sufficient, then aim for that. If they are older, what about seeing how many new places you can visit with their bike in a month?

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Staying active doesn’t need to take up

hours either. A quick game of tag outside or a dance-off in the house could be a quick 20 or 30 minute activity.

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Whilst it is important that you are regularly active, it’s also important to diversify and keep it fun. Don’t see it as a chore! If you do, your children will too.

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Here are some resources for fun ideas: Boing Kids (www.boingkids.co.uk)

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Top Tips for Getting Active

Don’t be over-ambitious. It doesn’t need to be a 10-mile hike! Go for a walk, bicycle ride or scoot anywhere for any length of time. Just do it often.

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Why is it so important that us parents get active too? www.bachtobaby.com are the rolefor models SatWe 11 Jan & Frimost 7 Feb important – Dino Snores Kids for our children.

(SW7) wonder what happens in the Museum when behaviour everyone’s OurEver behaviour influences their and ultimately, gonetheir home? future The night begins as you and set up camp in one of the Museum’s health happiness.

So, inspire them and lead spectacular galleries, and there will be plenty to learn and discover byyour example! during stay at the Museum. Stalk the galleries as night descends and find T. rex in hidden in shadows. At midnight, it’s time to settle down Imagine Children’s Festival 12-23 Feb If you are to sleep.

For ages 7-11.already active, great. Can you talk to your children about it? Explain why you do it but avoid talking about www.nhm.ac.uk

Why You Should Role Model Physical Fitness

weight loss and physical appearance at all costs.

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jan - London Model

Engineering Exhibition (N22) Now in its 24th year, Instead, focus on how it helps you to run around after them, the popular exhibition returns to the iconic Alexandra Palace. This carry them, play with them and importantly,leading emphasise thatengineers continues to enthral visitors exhibition for model it makes you feel good! and enthusiasts alike with thousands of scale models from the early

If you are struggling to get active, find simple activities that work for you and get your kids involved. Start off with 2 or 3 extra walks a week; try some gentle stretches/yoga at home. Then maybe move onto a more organised option: coach to 5k, Joe Wicks, swimming or a walking group.

Paediatric First Aid Courses

age of steam engines right up to today’s modern marvels. There will be plenty of ‘hands on’ activities for children to participate in, from creating a large LEGO mosaic at the Fairy Bricks stand to taking part in model experiments at the Imagineering Foundation stand science lab or even a treasure hunt! www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk Mon 20 Jan - Tiny Troopers: Posters (SW3) Take your little ones to the toddlers’ session at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 4. Sing, play and create with your little one - each time, Tiny Troopers will have a different theme, with this session being inspired by Army posters.

Sessions start at 10am and 11.20am, and last approximately 45 minutes. www.nam.ac.uk Sat 25 Jan - Chinese New Year (SE10) Visit the National Maritime Museum and celebrate the Year of the Rat. This

Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85 Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk or on 07814 191 395 for bookings

S 4 W EEK FREE

Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG

Sat 26th Sept; ThursHarrow 1st Oct;onSat BOOK NOW! the31st Hill Oct

Suitable for Ofsted Registration.

Includes some home study.

family-friendly day will include make and take craft workshops, stories, performances, and a traditional Lion Dance. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 25 Jan - Tiny Groovers: A Day-Time Party for Under 5s and their Adults (E2) Visit the V&A Museum of Childhood to let loose and stomp your feet with your Tiny Groovers. Dance away the January S blues and enjoy a DJ set from Mr ERthe INNand Manic of LuckyBDip surreal and spectacular storytelling EGDisco ER include a movement session F from The No-Shamen.

L OFactivities PECIAOther S with a contemporary dancer, arts activities and sensory experiences for babes. 1-3pm. www.vam.ac.uk/moc Sat 25 Jan - Inventors of Tomorrow Family Workshop (W11) Are you looking for some quality family learning? EnjoyClasses fun for theheld whole family at the Museum of Brands as you experiment, learn and Thursday explore the at world of technology, with the unique Every 5.30pm Inventors of Tomorrow in collaboration Prestonworkshop Manor High School, with tech toy experts, Big Clown. 2-3pm.

Carlton Ave East, amy@museumofbrands.com Wembley, HA9www.museumofbrands.com 8NA

Every Saturday at 2.00pm

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

patel.karate@icloud.com

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES Families North West London

11

Local Clubs & Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS

Capital Connection Chorus - female Acapella harmony (HA4). Calling women who love to sing! Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. We meet on a Wed night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre. www.capitalconnection.org.uk. During the pandemic we have been meeting virtually but are planning a move back to face to face rehearsals. Please do give contact us to learn more. We would love to hear from you.

Rize (NW6) Your energy will Rize with your favourite group exercise classes - sociable and coached fitness in Queens Park,68 Salisbury Rd, London NW6 6NU. Call 020 7624 8687 or email queenspark@wearerize.co.uk to book your first session.

South Oxhey Choir Why not join the South Oxhey Choir, no audition required, just enthusiasm for music of all kinds. Popular classic and classic pop. Currently virtual meetings via Zoom every fortnight. Contact: Ann Cox 07852369935 or email:sochoirs@mail.com or annecox0107@gmail.com

First Aid

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

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded.

(020 7631 6258 www. Cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child speak Gujarati confidently. Classes are currently being run online until we can return to our usual premises in Eastcote, HA5 www.sansaar.org classes@sansaar.org.

The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An Independent Practice providing an exceptionally high quality, caring and individualised service for promoting the communication needs of children. We offer Speech and Language Therapy sessions within a modern clinic base, nurseries and schools.

(01923 824074 07956 994721) www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Guju Tots Swagatham! Kem Chho? help kids 6 months to 5 years learn Gujarati through songs & stories! Online classes on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays with free taster sessions available.

Please contact Smitty Hindocha for more details on 07956 385316. www.gujutots.co.uk

Sign Language Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills.

Babies 6-30 months. Online classes currently. www.singandsign.com info@singandsign.co.uk

ACTIVITY CENTRES

JAMtots (HA4) An interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots and Gym Tots. (01895 624755) thewindmillstudio.com Jungle Monkeyz (HA5) offers a unique Indoor Soft Play Area that is a safe environment for children aged 0-9 years. There are special areas 12

Families North West London

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

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening.

A wonderful introduction to music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun! 07721 623 171 www.beatbuilding.co.uk Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills. ( 020 8444 9435) www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk Diddi Dance Harrow & North Hillingdon (various) At diddi dance we enhance children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of fun sessions that build confidence, coordination and creativity. Provisional timetable from September 2020. Contact Tejal Patel on 07521 454235 tejal.patel@diddidance.com Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers.

Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Currently online classes available. (020 8427 6595) www.monkeymusic. co.uk OB1 Rhythm & Rhyme Online Our Music and Movement classes are fun and engaging for both parents and children. Come and meet Ozzie Bear and enjoy songs, stories and puppets. Our classes support coordination, physical development, as well as excite curiosity, and are aimed at 3 months to 4 years. We follow the EYFS framework. Join an online class at www.OB1TheatreSchool.co.uk/rhythmrhyme.

Contact: 07522 405486 TheatreSchool@OB1. co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE

All Stars Cricket Gives boys and girls aged 5-8 the chance to play, learn great skills and make new friends! 8 week courses. www.allstarscricket.co.uk Enjoy-a-Ball classes - multi - sports coaching for 3 to 9 year olds in a fun and positive environment. A perfect introduction to sport.

Physi-ball classes - ball skills and core skills for

toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years.

Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Timetable can be found at https://eab-northlondon.class4kids.co.uk/ We also run parties and camps.

All information can be found at www.enjoy-aball.com.

Any questions please email us at northlondon@ enjoy-a-ball.com Everyone Active (various) Everyone Active’s awarding winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim. As they improve, this distance is increased and all strokes are introduced. They also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and other aquatic disciplines such as Rookie Lifeguard, synchronised swimming diving and water polo. www.everyoneactive. com/content-hub/swimming/ Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.

Traceyfieldendflyers@gmail.com Harrow Junior Hockey Club (HA1) run sessions for children aged 4- 16 years on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings at The John Lyon School Playing Fields, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3NA. Everyone welcome please contact us for more information harrowhcjuniors@outlook.com Hertfordshire Sports Village (AL10) have plenty of activities and sports sessions to keep your children active throughout the year. They cater for all children between the ages of 0 – 17 years and offer everything from swimming lessons, Gymnastics, Mini Movers, Trampolining and Mini Boots. www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk Kaishi Karate School runs classes for children and adults in north London. Kaishi has been awarded a Safe guarding kite mark by Sport England. Karate aids self discipline and confidence along with many other benefits.

Absolute beginners welcome from age 4-94!

See details on www.kaishikarate34.com. Or call Sheena on 0787 550 1674.

Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet (020 8201 1084) jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk.

Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford (0208 123 9346) jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley ( 0208 422 0676 ) niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Sports Academy (WD3, NW7) classes are suitable for girls and boys of all abilities - from the complete novice to the more experienced dancer. Your child will develop a greater understanding of movement and dance, gain self confidence, increase their fitness level and make new friends. Info@streetdanceacademy. co.uk SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) provide 4

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory -16 year olds with an exciting and educational sports programme at weekends. Encourage and develop young people to grow as athletes and individuals through an extensive programme of team and individual sports as well as weekly team building challenges and sports 0 7983392479 sportskids@outlook.com www. sportskidsacademy.co.uk TISKA Karate - Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Families welcome, minimum age 4 yrs. 4 week free trial (07739 572487) patel.karate@icloud.com, www. tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk / www.tiskakaratenorthwood.co.uk / www.tiskakarate-wembley. co.uk

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level.

(07974 750 224) www.beverleydance.co.uk.

Huzzah Performing Arts & Mindfullness Come and try our course this school holidays! With acting, singing, dancing and a healthy dose of mindfulness, your little one’s half term will be the talk of the playground. For ages 4-11 at St Helens Gardens, W10. Check out www. huzzahperformingarts.com for more info and for creative, calm, confident kids. Hiya@ huzzahperfomingarts.com 02039767171 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available in dancing and drama from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy Agency that is always looking for new recruits for TV, films and commercials. ( 01895 624755) www. jam2000.co.uk OB1 Theatre School Online offers affordable PERFORMING ARTS classes for students aged 4-18, taught by award winning professionals.

Classes are designed to build confidence and self esteem, as well as encouraging skill, creativity and teamwork. We inspire our students to reach their full potential so they can excel in every aspect of life - ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS. Enrol at www.

OB1TheatreSchool.co.uk Contact: 07522 405486 TheatreSchool@OB1.co.uk Perform weekly drama, dance and singingclassesAbout:Confidence building fun for 4-12s.A unique mix of dramagames, dance and singingspeciallydevelopedto bring out every child’s true potential.Classes are kept smallto ensurelots of individual attention.Go to perform. org.uk/try to book a FREE class.. Venues in Croxley Green, Dartmouth Park, Golders Green, Eastcote, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Stanmore, West Hampstead and Wembley. (020 7255 9120 / enquiries@ perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 with venues based in Hatch End and Northwood. Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics. www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun! ( Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599 www.stagecoach. co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

DANCE

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

the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Adult courses are also available. (Gerard on 07767 300940) info@ discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday in Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4, for children aged 5 – 11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.15am and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves, water bottle and a shower proof jacket.

Contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel.raviv@gmail.com www. integratedbrain.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. (07985 588 085) www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk

Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch Club for children and young people. For absolute beginners to advanced. All skills and interests are welcome.

We don’t just learn how to sew, but also how to design, work with all fabrics and to create.

We also hold parties and one-off workshops.

Weekly Dressmaking sessions and occasional workshops for adults.

W: stitch.club E: sam@stitch.club

Little Big Leaders in English, Maths, Science, Phonics, online or face-to-face at Little Big Leaders Saturday Schools and Holiday Schools.

Support, challenge, intensive courses and prep for National Curriculum, 4+, 5+, 7+, SATS, 11+, GCSEs and A Levels, including resits. Childcare vouchers accepted. Contact 020 3637 6266 or info@littlebigleaders.com www.littlebigleaders. com

Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Do you & your kids love Art? Then welcome to the club! Sign up for these fun classes where I teach art techniques to 5+, 7+ , 11-18 year olds & adults.

Weekly term time classes & holiday workshops, with public or small group private options are available in safe online classes. Special member’s benefits, sibling discounts and a refer a friend scheme are available so why not book now & develop a love of Art that will last a lifetime! Contact Suzi at blankcanvasartclub@ gmail.com (07773 819 603 www.Facebook.com/ BlankCanvasArtClub)

The Learning Wheel (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11. www. numberworksnwords.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/ EDUCATION SUPPORT

Academic Primary School Tuition (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year olds at our Little Big Leaders Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School, in our 8th year of success. Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning, and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted.

Free trial lessons. (020 3637 6266) www. littlebigleaders.com Email sent All Saints Pre-School Queensbury (HA8) Free childcare for 2-5 yrs, 15-30 hours. Visit anytime Mon - Fri. Waltham Drive, Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 5PQ. (07985 284 498/07958 473 475) allsaintpreschool@hotmail.co.uk www. allsaintpreschool.com DiscoG Coding Classes and Camps (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding.

Using the Python Programming Language and

Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home based work. The computer interventions is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feed back. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 8 info@ ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) Robot Reg Phonics (various) Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years. A Sounds Right Phonics Class is fun, varied and educational, and the best part is that children don’t even realise that they are learning. https://robotreg.co.uk/ Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests.

All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent of the students on the courses have achieved success. ( 020 7683 0734) www. susandaughtreyeducation.com Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Get ready for school and learn to type faster with our tutor supported online touch typing courses. For Adults/Kids Age 10+.

Choose your course: Fast track (2 Week course) or Slower Pace (12 week course). www.touchtypeit.co.uk 020 8434 7111.

Families North West London

13

What's On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.

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

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

it's updated every day!

Many activities and events require advance booking.

Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.

OCTOBER Until 31 Oct - The King’s Man Experience (SW3) Immerse yourself in the world of ‘The King’s Man’ at the National Army Museum, and explore the history, legends, politics and people depicted in Disney’s new cinematic release. The King’s Man Experience is an immersive exhibition featuring costumes, props and behind-the-scenes material from ‘The King’s Man’, an explosive new movie uncovering the origins of the fictional Kingsman organisation. http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/kings-man-experience Until 31 Oct - Drive in Film Club at Alexandra Palace (N22) A new drive in cinema has come to Ally Pally. Drive in Film Club, the brainchild of Rooftop Film Club, is taking place in the grounds of Ally Pally. Bringing back the nostalgia of the drive-in cinema, the kings of outdoor cinema aim to provide relief through the power of film to Londoners during this difficult time. Films include Halloween classics such as Ghostbusters and Hocus Pocus. https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/drive-in-film-club/ Until Sun 8 Nov - Create and Grow: Paint a Pebble (HA7) Encourage your little ones to get green-fingered with the Create & Grow event at Squires Garden Centre Stanmore. Paint a vegetable inspired pebble at home before Sunday 8 November and receive a free pack of seeds! Pick up a free pebble from the Garden Centres and paint it at home. Once you’ve painted your pebble, take it back to receive a free pack of seeds in exchange. Your pebble will take pride of place in the display! https://www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk/shop/customer-events/group/ Create%20and%20Grow%20-%20Paint%20a%20Pebble/day/11/month/10/ year/2020.html Until Sun 18 Apr - Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery (E14) Unearth the mystery of the largest ever Bronze Age hoard discovered in London in a major exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. It’s your chance to share in the mystery of the hoard and discover what life was like during the Bronze Age, when the land where London now exists was a very different place. Entry is free with timed entry ticket to the museum. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/ whats-on/exhibitions/havering-hoard-bronze-age-mystery Thu 15 Oct – Mon 2 Nov - Happy Halloween at Paultons Park (SO51) Happy Halloween at Paultons Park is the friendliest, most frightful fun fest in the UK, and is back for another year with even more spooky fun to be had! Peppa Pig World will be transformed for this year’s enchanting festivities! Meet Peppa and George

in their spooky outfits and enjoy lots of fun Peppa themed Halloween decorations. https://paultonspark.co.uk/attractions/13141/happy-halloween-atpaultons-park Sat 17 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – Gruffalo Adventures at Kew Gardens (TW9) Gruffalo Adventures plots a specially curated journey through the Kew Gardens Arboretum, where visitors will encounter much-loved characters from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book, including Fox, Owl and Snake, and of course, The Gruffalo! With map in hand, children can follow the tracks of each animal, leading them to the characters’ hiding spots. https://www.kew.org/ Sat 24 Oct - Tue 27 Oct - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (N12) The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 43 million copies worldwide. This critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New measures at Artsdepot include limiting the number of people in the theatre, socially distanced seating, increased cleaning, reduced queueing and more. https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family-autumn-half-term/very-hungrycaterpillar-show Sat 17 Oct - Sun 1 Nov - Pumpkin Festival (AL4) Pick your pumpkin from Willow’s Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a full programme of pumpkin-tastic fun! There will be 1000’s of Willows-grown pumpkins for children to pick. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we cannot offer shared pumpkin carving utensils. You can take your pumpkin home to carve or alternatively, the staff will cut the top off your pumpkin and children’s pumpkin carving kits will be available to purchase (while stocks last). There’s also a Pumpkin Hunt for you all to enjoy with a prize badge for all those taking part. https://www.willowsactivityfarm.com/pumpkin-festival/ Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov - Where’s Wally?

Spooky Museum Search (SE10) Wally returns to Cutty Sark this October Half Term for Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search! This is to celebrate the launch of the new book, Where’s Wally? Spooky Spotlight Search. Go along to the Cutty Sark and Queen’s House to search for some mini Wallys hidden on site. Look out for Nannie the Witch on board the ship and beware of the ghosts seen wandering around the Queens House. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/wheres-wally-spookymuseum-search

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Families North West London

Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov - Story Sleuths: The stories of Black Londoners (EC2Y/E14) Go along to the Museum Of London and the Museum of London Docklands to explore the stories of past Black Londoners with this digital trail. Hear their words, see their faces and learn how their legacies have shaped this city and the lives of people who live here today. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/eventdetail?id=274008 Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov - October Half Term: Outdoor Family Trails (SE10) This half term, explore the National Maritime Museum grounds as part of the Sailor School trail and the Hide and Seek Bird trail. Download the trail sheet, or pick up a copy from the National Maritime Museum when you arrive, to help guide you around the grounds. Suitable for all ages and abilities. https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/outdoor-family-trails Sat 24 Oct - Sun 1 Nov – Horrible Halloween (HP18) Go along to Waddesdon House and Gardens for a fun and spooky Halloween during the October half-term holiday, where there will be the ever-popular Halloween trail, spooky treats to tickle your tastebuds, and crafty activities for everyone to get involved with. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/horrible-halloween/ Sat 24 Oct & Sat 21 Nov - Doodle Art Workshop (Online) Doodle Art is based on a universal reality that we all have an artist within us. Yet, in the process of growing up, most of us lose touch with the artist within us. Doodle art re-awakens that artist and helps us explore aspects of ourselves through simple and representational icons. This workshop hosed by Harrow Arts Centre will lead children through the art of doodling. For Families with children aged 8-14. Parents, carers and guardians are encouraged to take part! https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/hacfromhome-doodle-artworkshop Sun 25 Oct - Black History Month: Black Sailors (SE10) Join Natalie at the National Maritime Museum, as we get to know one of Victorian London’s 15-20,000 Black residents; a famous sailor-turned-performer of East London as we explore creatively what Black London was like at the time. Just bring along your imagination and your best craft skills; there may even be a song or two in it for you!

11-11.45am, 12.30-1.15pm, 2.30-3.15pm. https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover-sundays Mon 26, Wed 28 & Fri 30 Oct - Grub’s Up: Surviving the Seven Seas (SE10) Explore self-care and wellbeing with a variety of creative workshops for the whole family at the National Maritime Museum, inspired by life at sea. Enjoy Sailor Crafts, Mindfulness Crafts, and create a love token to give to someone you have missed. 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Suitable for all ages and abilities. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/october-half-termgrubs-surviving-seven-seas Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct - The Sailor Experience: Creative Workshops with BLKBRD Collective (Online) The Cutty Sark crew came from all over the world and together they travelled the seven seas in search of different cargo. Exciting though this may seem, the journeys were long and arduous and loneliness and isolation were a part of the sailor experience. Join BLKBRD Collective in a series of creative workshops that explore the themes of memory dreams and migration. These workshops will take place online. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/sailor-experience Mon 26 – Sat 31 Oct – EARTHrise (Online) EARTHrise is a stop-motion animated short that will use natural materials and found objects to unearth an ancient mystery buried deep beneath Harrow. familiesonline.co.uk

What's On Alongside EARTHrise, a series of stop-motion animation tutorial videos will also be released online. Nearly everyone already has everything they need at home to create their very own animation. Three short videos, presented by Louisa, will tell you everything you need to get creative in your own time, using items from the garden or around the house. Hosted

by Harrow Arts Centre. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/earth-rise

Fri 30 – Sat 31 Oct - Museum After Dark (SW7) Halloween fun for the grown ups! Go along to the Natural History Museum on the spookiest nights of the year and explore the vast galleries after dark. Follow the one-off Terror Trail and experience the galleries when they are eerily quiet. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the occasion and there will be prizes for the most frightening face covering. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/museum-after-dark.html

Tues 27 – Wed 28 Oct - Out of this World: Mars (Online) Join our Mars-themed half-term holiday activity, hosted by the Royal Observatory, including a virtual planetarium show and space make-and-do’s! This morning of science fun will include a workshop, talking about how scientists are exploring our neighbouring planet, and inviting you to join in with a set of make-and-do’s that will be sent direct to your door. Suitable for ages 7+. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/out-world-mars

Fri 30 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – The Baby Show Live (Online) Avoid the queues, ditch the facemasks, leave the hand sanitiser!

Just put the kettle on, sink into your sofa and let The Baby Show Live @ Home come to you! The new platform will bring all the benefits of the live event and more: a one-stop-shop for all the best offers on baby essentials (and nice-to-haves), as well as a vital source of information, shared by an unrivalled line up of parenting and baby experts, to empower new parents and parents-to-be on their parenting journey. https://www.thebabyshow.co.uk/live

Tue 27 – Thu 29 Oct - Explorer Adventure Workshops (Online) Families - Nadia the Explorer needs your help!

She cannot complete her mission to discover new animals deep in the most secret corners of the world’s jungles, so will you help her? Nadia will post you an Explorer Adventure pack so the whole family can help create models of new animals and write down their poems and stories. Join Nadia for an online sharing where you can meet strange new animals and share your discoveries! Hosted by Harrow Arts Centre. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/explore-adventure-workshops Wed 28 Oct - At Sea Without Tea (SE10) The Cutty Sark crew have been busy writing a new book for little sailors. Take your toddlers on board to hear about James Robson’s search for tea. Copies of the book will be on sale in the shop. 10.30am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2.30pm. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/sea-without-tea Wed 28 Oct - Pomp, Pageantry and Plasticine: Animation workshop at the Queen’s House (SE10) Join artist Lily Ash Sakula and be inspired by the Queen’s House to create a claymation pageant. In this workshop we will explore how people have subverted symbols of royalty and reshaped them in their own image. We will collect our favourite costumes, symbols and poses from the Queen’s House, to inspire our royal puppets and animate them into a claymation pageant of majestic gifs. Suitable for ages 6 - 13 years. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/pomp-pageantry-andplasticine-animation-workshop-queens-house Wed 28 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – Half Term at the Science Museum (SW7) Join the Science Museum Group this October half term for safe and fun-filled family days out. With a science festival, new exhibitions, family workshops and live science shows, there will be plenty on offer to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays. https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/ Thu 29 – Fri 30 Oct - Holiday to Space (Online) In this online show and workshop, learn about the planets and help Ted to prepare for the trip of a lifetime! Take part in some half-term family fun with an animated musical introduction followed by a make-and-do activity alongside Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers. This 45 minute online event takes place over Zoom webinar and includes an activity pack per child that will be sent to your home address. https://www.rmg.co.uk/holiday-space Fri 30 Oct - Experimental, Sustainable Knitting Workshop (Online) This workshop, presented by Harrow Arts Centre, is an introduction to knitting and is suitable for all abilities, the session focuses on using both sustainable and low-cost materials, with simple techniques. There is no right or wrong method, attendees are encouraged to make their own discoveries, with mistakes are celebrated as part of the artistic process! There will be a PowerPoint presentation with demonstrations, plus samples to inspire further exploration after the session. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/experimental-sustainableknitting-workshop Fri 30 Oct - Family Festival: Spooky Family Quiz (Online) Are you ready for some spooky family fun?

On 30 October, join the Natural History Museum for a live family quiz all about spooky specimens and autumn changes! For kids and adults alike, this quiz with a twist will not only award points for scientific facts but also looking closely, working together and being creative. 10.30-11.15am. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/family-festival-spooky-family-quiz.html

familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 31 Oct - Spook-Tastic Story Time (Online) Join story teller Alex for a fun, interactive and engaging storytelling workshop hosted by Headstone Manor and Museum. This ‘Spook-tastic Story Time’ workshop includes an interactive performance of the classic Julia Donaldson story, ‘Room On The Broom’, as well as the tale ‘Twas The Night Before Halloween’. You will also get stuck into some fun crafts making spooky bats and ghost finger puppets! The workshop will take place via zoom and all families will be sent the zoom link at least 3 days before with the list of crafts required prior to the workshop taking place. 11am-12pm. https://headstonemanor.org/events/spook-tastic-story-time/ Sat 31 Oct - Regent Street Motor Show (W1B) A showcase of 125 years of motoring including veteran, vintage, classic, and modern-day cars. There will be something for everyone with lots of things to see and do including interactive displays and entertainment throughout the day from 10.30am until 4pm. A family friendly environment with the Street pedestrianised from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus. https://regentstreetmotorshow.com/ Sat 31 Oct - Halloween in the Gardens (N3) Go along to Stephens House and Gardens, visit the Spine Chilling Cellars, join the Spooky Garden Spectre Hunt and marvel at the moves of the Fire Artist. Remember to take your torch and pen for your hunt. Social distancing and queuing in operation in the cellars. http://www.stephenshouseandgardens.com/events Sun 1 Nov - The Wrong Rainbow (Online) Online children’s theatre event hosted by Harrow Arts Centre. The Parade Committee are coming together to organise a huge parade to celebrate all of the different people in the city. The first job on their list is to make some rainbow posters, the only trouble is that no-one can remember which colours go in to the rainbow.This is one City that definitely need your help! Wear your brightest colours and hop online for this interactive storytelling adventure on Zoom. Recommended for ages 3-8. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/the-wrong-rainbow

NOVEMBER Sun 1 Nov - World of Whales with Becky Thorns (SE10) Join illustrator Becky Thorns at the National Maritime Museum, to create wonderful deep-sea creatures, inspired by her book The World of Whales. Join a subaquatic crafting workshop to follow agile fins and flukes, learn about what they look like, and replicate them in your self made underwater creatures. 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/world-whales-beckythorns Sat 7 Nov - Wembley Park Market: Meet The Makers (HA9) Wembley Park Market is back in a brand new location on Market Square, bringing you the chance to meet the makers from 11am to 5pm. The first Saturday of every month, the traders of Wembley Park Market will be filling their individual stalls with even more unique items, giving you the chance to shop a wide variety of local and sustainable goods including upcycled clothing, handmade jewellery, organic food and eco-friendly homewares. https://wembleypark.com/whats-on/wembley-park-market-meet-themakers/ Mon 9 Nov - Motivating Our Teens To Learn: online course (various) A workshop for all parents of teenagers.

As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing our children grow into unique individuals and also challenging if we see them struggling or disinterested with school. We will discuss how to support our Teens sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. 7-9pm. To book a place please call 0208 863 7319 or email: info@hopeharrow.org.uk. http://www.hopeharrow.org.uk/index.html

Tue 10 Nov – Tue 15 Dec - On-Line Parenting Course for Separated Parents (various) This course is recommended for parents who have separated or newly separated and would like to co-parent. Both parents are required to attend. In a safe, non-judgemental arena this 8 week programme uses a parent focussedchild centred approach. Children need two loving parents, consistent, positive discipline and clear communication. You will both be able to develop your skills to bring up confident, happy and co-operative children.

7-9pm. Call on 020 8863 7319 to register or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk. http://www.hopeharrow.org.uk/index.html Sat 14 Nov - Puppetry Workshop (Online) Discover new skills and experience the excitement of theatre-making, with this inspiring puppetry workshop led by an expert puppeteer and presented

by Harrow Arts Centre. Have fun in a land of make believe at home and learn to turn everyday objects into puppets as if by magic! Ages 7-11. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/puppetry-workshop Sat 14 Nov - Diwali Online (Online) Celebrate the lunar festival, Diwali, from home with stories, activities and more to enhance your family’s celebrations. To celebrate Diwali the National Maritime Museum is releasing a whole host of resources to add to festivities at home. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/diwali-festival-of-light Sat 14 Nov – Sun 6 Dec - Family Missions: Operation LM (EC2Y/E14) Go on a mission in the galleries at the Museum Of London and the Museum of London Docklands, and then use the intelligence you have gained to get creative at home. Prepare for mission launch in November. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/eventdetail?id=275008 Sat 14 Nov - Sun 3 Jan - Christmas at Waddesdon (HP18) Christmas at Waddesdon is back with magical lights and the gardens aglow. Go along for festive fun with an enchanting outdoor extravaganza that will brighten the end of your year. The Winter Light trail will transform the Pleasure Grounds with dramatic colour and playful installations. The Christmas Fair will take place from 14 Nov-23 Dec - soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with 80 handselected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/christmas/ Sun 15 Nov - Baby Bear (Online) A story of courage and curiosity, this online show, presented by Harrow Arts Centre, will bring the outside in, exploring nature and wildlife in an uplifting, beautiful and comical theatre production. Combining stunning visuals, an exploration of the senses and a mesmerising soundtrack, Baby Bear is a playful, interactive online puppetry adventure for the under 2s and their families brought to you by Moon on a Stick. https://harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/baby-bear Wed 18 Nov – Sun 3 Jan - Christmas at Kew (TW9) Join in the most magical time of year at Kew Gardens as the afterdark trail lights up for 2020. Returning for its eighth year, the enchanting winter trail takes a new route, leading you for the first time through the beautifully illuminated Rose Garden. Old favourites and brand new light installations will sparkle and glow around you, bringing festive cheer to you, your family and friends. 4-10pm. https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas Fri 20 Nov – Sun 10 Jan – Queen’s House Ice Rink (SE10) London’s most ‘instagrammable’ ice rink is back for an unmissable skating experience this festive season. Set against the striking backdrop of the Queen’s House, visitors will have the opportunity to skate in the beautiful surrounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this year the rink is even bigger. You will be able to soak up the beautiful surroundings of Greenwich Park, take in the spectacular views across London and enjoy a hot chocolate while watching the skaters at the only outdoor ice rink in south London this Christmas. http://www.rmg.co.uk/skate Sat 21 Nov – Wed 23 Dec - Christmas at Paultons (SO51) Go and discover a magical celebration of Christmas at Paultons! See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas – complete with seasonal music and meet Peppa and George in their Christmas outfits. Watch Santa’s Special Christmas Show, guest starring the man himself, Father Christmas. Join Santa as he sits down to read a festive story for all the children to enjoy in the build up to the big day. See Magical Illuminations around the Park, then watch the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree – with its own light show every 15 minutes https://paultonspark.co.uk/christmas/

Families North West London

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Puzzles

PARTY MAZE Little Owl is going to a birthday party.

Can you help him get there by drawing a path to the balloons?

ANAGRAM

Can you unscramble the letters to spell out the names of five popular book characters?

1. d i a t m l a

2. p e t h o r r a t y r

3. k t e r a c y r e b a e

4. f g e e l f r y e g h

5. l g p i c n p s k i p g t o o i n

When you’re done, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

The answers are: 1. Matilda 2. Harry Potter 3. Tracey Beaker 4. Greg Heffley 5. Pippi Longstocking. Message is: Happy Reading 16

Families North West London

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