Families London South East September 2016 issue 179 lr3

ESTABLISHED 1996

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ISSUE NO. 179

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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southeast london familiesonline.co.uk

online edition

with working website links

OUT OF SCHOOL FUN Clubs and classes in southeast London EDUCATION NEWS Local schools, and open day events THE BOOK PAGE New books for the new term WHAT’S ON Where to go, what to do, what to see this month

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Team GB - didn’t they make us proud? Our mighty Olympians swam, rowed, sprinted, battled and leapt to tremendous heights, proving that when it comes to sports, we can certainly show the world a thing or two.

And amazing to think that there are primary school children today who could be in with a chance of joining the team at the 2028 Games. Everyone has to start somewhere - if you think you might have a contender in the making, read on from page 4 for local classes where you can start their ball rolling.

Robina Cowan, editor

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

The UK’s 1st ‘pop up’ sustainable department store

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3 Local News and Views Blue Patch launches in Dulwich; a book festival for children; working from home with FamiliesOnline; and the importance of expert legal advice

l l l l 4-8 Out of School Fun

Clubs and classes for all interests, to nurture new talents and like-minded friends

9 The Book Page

New books to read, reviewed by the rather marvellous Justine Crow

10-15 Education News

School’s news, Open Day events, and what to do when your child doesn’t want to go to school

16 Turn Back the Clock Fitness expert Aylia Fox explains the benefits of stretching and offers personal training

17 Family Health

Heading off headlice; dental care just for babies, and essential oils in a stick

18 What’s New

An exclusive 15% childrenswear discount for readers; handwriting matters; and celebrating World Vegetarian Day

Blue Patch has chosen Dulwich to launch the UK's first ‘pop up’ sustainable department store, full of inspiring ethical businesses and independent manufacturers.

Blue Patch is an online marketplace for British sustainable products and services, and a social enterprise too.

Founder Jane Langley told Families: “We’re on a mission to kickstart the new green economy and bring Britain’s High Streets back to life. By enabling small businesses to club together to create marketing campaigns and retail opportunities from pop ups to partnering with independent shops, we believe independent businesses can hold their own against the dominant big brands.

“Everyone I speak to recognises the importance of supporting small, local businesses to safeguard jobs and create taxable income. We hope that the enthusiasm for the department store will lead to doing more in future - we’d really like to work with landlords to host longer pop-ups in disused shop and department store buildings.”

On 1 October, Blue Patch will open its doors to the public for one day only, giving customers the opportunity to browse a selection of innovative, sustainable and quality creations from some of Britain’s best designers and producers, who will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss their handiwork. In true department store fashion, there will be something for everyone on the day, from delicious chocolates, handmade rugs and bespoke cabinetry, to organic beauty products, hand built bikes and even cutting edge renewable technology in the form of a Tesla Power Wall. Blue Patch will also be running a hub throughout the day offering advice to small businesses, designers, makers and sole traders; with HR specialists, apprenticeship advisors, green energy, marketing and social enterprise experts all on hand to support people to make their creative ideas a reality. It’s also the launch of the Blue Patch Movement and the first time many members will get to meet each other. The event is free to attend, and there will be a collection for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

And it’s right here in southeast London, 10am-6pm, 1 October in St Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village SE21 7BT, and online at www.bluepatch.org.

19-23 What’s On

Family events, art trails, shows and creative workshops to liven up your weekends

Families London South East

@ FamiliesSE

Front cover: Schoolwear from Matalan, instore and

online at www.matalan.co.uk. 0333 004 4444 Next issue out 6 October, deadline 16 September

STREAM 2016 Book Festival

Families South East

Tickets are booking fast for STREAM 2016 - a free book festival for readers of all ages, from nursery-school age to young adults.

Held on 5 November at Streatham & Clapham High School, the day will be packed with exciting sessions with top-name authors, activities and events, workshops, panels and competitions.

Author and patron Malorie Blackman OBE headlines with her new book Chasing the Stars, in a line-up of top writers including Judith Kerr, Marcia Williams, M G Leonard, Sophy Henn and local author Tamara MacFarlane.

There will also be a magical event celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh’s 90th birthday, with stories, games, singing and rhyme.

Tales on Moon Lane is the partner bookshop, and fantastic food will be supplied by stalls from Norwood Feast.

The full line-up and ticket bookings are online at www.stream2016.co.uk.

PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesonline.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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families south east - september 2016

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Online offers flexible, home-based, part-time work

Legal advice - you get what you pay for

You’re reading this, so we hope you already love Families magazine. Did you know Families also has a brand new website?

Families Online re-launched in July, with 342 local websites covering the whole of the UK. Like our magazine, it is the go-to site for parents, carers and grandparents, offering all the information they need to enjoy family time in their local area.

The hyperlocal websites are run by Area Managers who are responsible for creating content, managing social media, marketing the site to local businesses and selling advertising on the site - and there are vacancies now for interested parents. The role can be run from home around the needs of your family, there are no start-up costs and you will be trained by industry experts. Interested? For more information, email recruitment@familiesonline.co.uk.

The Court of Appeal has handed down a decision which should give considerable pause for thought to anyone who is tempted to use a ‘law shop’ or similar provider rather than an experienced firm of solicitors to handle their affairs.

The case was, in principle, simple. The woman who brought it was unhappy with the financial settlement she received on her divorce and considered that the firm which had acted for her with regard to it had been negligent in not advising her that she should not have agreed to the settlement offered.

The decision in the case ultimately depended on the contract between the woman and her advisers. In the view of the judge in the lower court and subsequently the Court of Appeal, the firm’s retainer was limited in scope and dealt with the formalities of the agreement only. The firm did not have the wider duty to the woman to advise her on the wisdom or otherwise of accepting the settlement.

To ensure that you get the best settlement possible on divorce, using an experienced and capable solicitor is essential. Grant Saw LLP is an experienced and local company of solicitors who include specialists in family law. For advice, contact Mandeep Clair on 020 8305 4235 or Michael Dear on 020 8305 4238, www.grantsaw.com. They offer a first fixed fee appointment of up to one hour for £100 to all clients in respect of relationship breakdown and/ or issues concerning children.

DIY Doers ISSUE NO. 171

Where is Families South East?

Around 17,000 copies of every issue are distributed through nurseries, schools, after school clubs, playgroups, libraries, leisure centres, independent shops and cafes across southeast London.

If you would like your local family-friendly hotspot to receive a batch of copies, ask the owners to contact us and we will make it happen - it’s free!

®

familiesse.co.uk

southeast lond

on

BACK TO SCHOOL School news, pla yground tactics and ope n days BEYOND THE CLASSROOM After school act ivities and clubs in sou theast London WHAT’S ON Family events, workshops and shows

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ESTAB LISHE

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SEPTEMBER 2015

If you’ve ever watched BBC2’s ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’ you may have spotted Catford father Wayne Perrey hard at work.

Along with his business partner Steph Bron from Forest Hill, the pair are passionate about encouraging people to pick up tools and gain the confidence to fix DIY jobs around the house.

As well as answering DIY questions for the Sunday Times Home Section, Wayne and Steph have set up www.thediydoers.com as a free resource to help people learn new DIY skills, and an interactive Facebook page The DIY Doers Club. Useful!

Now where’s that spirit level...

Humphrey’s pyjama week is back Humphrey’s Pyjama Week returns from 3-7 October - with a chance for nurseries, playgroups, primary schools and mother & toddler groups to get their pjs on and raise money for The Children’s Trust.

For a voluntary donation of £2, youngsters, staff and parents can wear their favourite pyjamas for one day during the week and organise themed events, such as best dressed competitions and slumber party games. Money raised will go towards research, rehabilitation, care and support for children with brain injury and their families.

Participants will receive an event pack which includes activity ideas, stickers, posters, a certificate for each child and a story booklet. To register for your pack, go to www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey.

familiesonline.co.uk

september 2016 - families south east

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ses s a l C ow n ing book

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116 Blackheath 020 7112 8242 Beckenham 020 8541 0833 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 Upper Norwood 020 8672 6066 www.stagecoach.co.uk

WITH A

DIFFERENCE

With over 120 centres across the UK, head online to !"#$%&'#!()'(*+#,(!+'(CALL 01483 447 414 TO BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL SESSION TODAY.

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families south east - september 2016

ACADEMIC PROGRESS CONFIDENCE NEW SKILLS LOVE OF LEARNING

EducationInvestor

/explorelearning

@exploretutors

Awards 2015

familiesonline.co.uk

Out of School Fun

clubs & classes When school feels like work, work work, a weekly dance, music session or heart-pounding sport session with like-minded friends offers a real highlight to the week diddi dance is the only pre-school dance programme to explore 16 different dance styles from reggae and hip hop to ballroom and Bollywood.

Classes are ideally suited for 2-4 year-olds, however early movers from as young as 16 months really enjoy the sessions. A free trial class is offered and then booking is made in half term blocks through a new online booking system.

0797 398 2790 or 07832 913282, www.diddidance.com.

There’s nothing like developing a new skill to put a smile on a child’s face, but what to choose? If they’re forever throwing themselves all over the sofa, consider a gym, swimming or dance class to focus their energies; if they’ve babbled from an early age, train their ears further with a fun music class; if they’ve scribbled on the walls since an early age and can’t eat their fish fingers, carrots and peas until they’re carefully rearranged on the plate, consider art and craft or pottery classes.

From music to football, languages, computer coding, tennis, dancing, drama and art - southeast London is awash with classes offering every interest under the sun. Try our advertisers first - they’re here because they want you to know about them, and many offer free trials so you can see what they’re all about before signing up. For more, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk where a simple postcode search will take you to classes that are close to home.

Active Bodies Tumble Tots Team GB’s fantastic medal haul has proved that sport is cool, knocking reality TV ‘celebs’ into a cocked hat when it comes to heroes to look up to.

First Hand Experiences run school holiday day camps exploring seasonal, nature based themes that celebrate the natural world. The outdoor adventures take place in London’s wild green spaces and include mudlarking, foraging and bughunting, fuelled by healthy whole food. Children make new friends over traditional arts and crafts, joining in with original songs and themed games.

01843 652 833, www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk.

Tennis-4-Kids offer a fun-filled introduction to tennis for children aged 21⁄2 to 11 years. Sessions are played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and a scaled-down court, after school, on Saturdays and Sundays, and during some school holidays.

When the weather is up to it, older children are coached outdoors.

07877 391 005, gordon@tennis-4-kids.com, www.tennis-4-kids.com.

Tennis-4-Kids

Microsport

familiesonline.co.uk

Try Time Rugby

Tumble Tots is the country’s No. 1 physical play programme and Julia Forrest is celebrating her 29th anniversary of running sessions in southeast London. She told us: “Tumble Tots has always been great fun to run, not only because of the wonderful children that have attended over the years, but also because of the fantastic staff we have - many of whom have been with me for eight years plus and have a wealth of experience and expertise in our field.

“Using specifically designed equipment, we offer a structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills along with the key motor skills of balance, agility, co-ordination and climbing.”

If you would like to join in the fun, contact Julia on 020 8464 4433 or email julia.forrest@tumbletots.com.

South London Dance Studios in Herne Hill provides outstanding ballet, tap, modern and commercial dance classes for all ages. Teachers are inspiring and nurturing and classes develop skills for life.

Lower school classes focus on the creative aspects of dance, whilst older students develop technique, artistry and performance skills. Specialist boys’ training is available. Adult dance classes are fun, and can improve fitness, posture and coordination.

september 2016 - families south east

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Freedom Academy

Perform X

South London Dance Studios

Children achieve consistently outstanding results in the highly regarded Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance examinations, and full-scale dance shows are regularly presented. Students who show exceptional potential can audition for West End shows and can go on to train at top vocational colleges.

Their next show, to include an original ballet based on Neil Gaiman’s ‘Coraline’, will be on Saturday 8 April 2017 at Langley Park Centre for Performing Arts in Beckenham.

020 7978 8624, info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk.

South East London Tennis offer affordable, quality tennis coaching to people of all ages and ability, through local tennis courts, primary school programmes and holiday courses.

Believing in ‘tennis for all’, the coaching includes pre-booked and drop-in sessions, offering everything from mini tennis sessions for children, to evening play and cardio tennis for adults, and wheelchair tennis.

Founders Chris Howard and Michael Stephens are both LTA licensed club coaches, DBS checked, and bring years of experience and fun to local tennis.

0773 993 6999, www.southeastlondontennis.com.

Perform X are hi-energy dance classes for 6-12 year-olds, using original street and hip-hop music, energetic games, physical improvisations and a performance at the end of each term. Classes are available in Blackheath and Dulwich, with a free trial available.

020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/x.

MORE CLASSES Microsport 01689 600992, www.micro-sport.co.uk Gymboree East Dulwich 020 3616 0033, www.gymboree-uk.com Crystal Palace Gymnastics www.crystalpalacegymclub.wordpress.com Crystal Palace Diving 07776 284 651, www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk Old Colfeians Rugby for boys and girls, www.ocrfc.co.uk/minis Herne Hill Velodrome www.hernehillvelodrome.com Try Time Kids’ Rugby 01252 794150, www.trytimekidsrugby.com Angela’s Swim School 0780 1237 165, www.angelasswimschool.co.uk Football Magic Coaching 07730 131 023, www.footballmagiccoaching.co.uk Baby Ballet Greenwich 01422 329471, www.babyballet.co.uk Tiger Sharks Swimming Club 020 8677 0104, www.tigersharksswimmingclub.co.uk 2020 Archery Club www.juniorarchery.co.uk Latino Bambino 07961 838349, www.latinobambino.co.uk Greenwich Dance Agency 020 8293 9741, www.greenwichdance.org.uk Let’s All Dance 020 8265 4634, www.lets-all-dance.co.uk GDND Dance Academy 07904 424 504, www.gdnd.co.uk Duke McKenzie Boxing Gym 07541 118 607, www.dukemckenzie.co.uk Saizen Kai Karate www.saizenkai.com Charisma Gymnastics Club 020 8462 8004, www.charismagymnastics.co.uk

Performing Arts

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Drama is a wonderful extension of the ‘let’s pretend’ games children love. Classes open and extend imagination through role play and characterisation, speech, song and movement. Students learn to work effectively in groups, growing in confidence as they learn to express themselves more fully.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is the original and skills, with either a demonstration class or play at largest network of part-time performing arts schools the end of each term, and holiday workshops. in the world. The classes offer quality training in 020 8949 4116 Dulwich, 020 7112 8242 drama, dance and singing to local young people Blackheath, 020 8541 0833 Beckenham, 020 7228 from 4-16, after school and at weekends.

0981 Sydenham, 020 8672 6066 Upper Norwood, The classes are designed to build confidence www.stagecoach.co.uk and develop communication through performance

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Jigsaw Arts Theatre Tots was launched by Laura Sydonie in 2008, and has grown to offer weekly classes, workshops for schools and nurseries, the Curtain Club for children with special education needs, shows, published books and parties. Each class offers a mix of stories, music and movement to engage and enthral the youngest imaginations.

With classes across the country, Laura’s latest venue is Under 1 Roof Kids in Woolwich, where classes run on Wednesdays during term times from 10.15am for 18 months to 3 year-olds, and from 11am for 3-5 year-olds. Trial classes are £2 per child, with a flexible booking system after that.

For bookings, email info@theatretots.com.

07801 072 776, www.theatretots.com.

Freedom Academy is a local independent theatre school, established in 2007 to offer top quality affordable tuition in acting, singing and dance for 3 to 18 year-olds. Students work towards full scale productions, group LAMDA examinations, have guest tutors such as Britain’s Got Talent’s “Twist & Pulse” as well as attending regular fun technique classes. With an agency as well, the school has gained a reputation within the industry as one of the go-to places for young and talented, grounded performers.

020 3793 6843, www.freedomacademy.co.uk.

Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops started a class in January 2000 and now have more than 5,000 children attending their workshops across London. Focusing on child development, they use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/ teachers. They offer exclusive classes for 4- 7 and 7-12 year olds and focus on helping children develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week.

020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk.

Jigsaw Arts has offered weekend performing arts classes to children aged 3-18 across London and the Home Counties for over 20 years.

2016 has been an exciting year for the company, as Jigsaw has been shortlisted for The Business Award for Arts and Creative Services in the 2016 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards.

At the start of the new academic year, children will be lacing up their jazz shoes and taking a leap into the performing arts for the first time, gaining the opportunity to build confidence and develop social skills. Jigsaw told Families: “We understand that attending a performing arts school for the first time can be an exciting but nervous experience. That is why we offer a two week trial, giving the student the opportunity to try Jigsaw.”

Jigsaw is opening brand new schools in Dulwich and Deptford Bridge.

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Music & More

Funky Monkey

Hartbeeps

Beckenham Junior Choir

Numerous studies demonstrate that no matter the level of skill, music is one of the best ways to help early language development.

Perform MORE CLASSES South London Youth Theatre 020 8850 0516, www.slyt.co.uk Take Flight Academy of Performing Arts 07736 469 321, www.takeflightacademy.co.uk Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts 0800 531 6282, www.pqacademy.com East Dulwich Academy of Music and Performing Arts 020 8693 3568, www.eastdulwichacademy.org IAB Performing Arts School 07405 209 935 www.iamblessed51.com Theatrebugs 0800 975 5290, www.theatrebugs.co.uk

Musical Bumps classes offer children and their carers traditional songs and lullabies with musical games, puppets and percussion from around the world. The babies and children also develop and practise non-musical skills including turn-taking, sharing, listening and joining in. Experts agree that music benefits all areas of learning and that children who attend music classes from an early age have increased confidence, greater language skills and are flexible adaptable learners by the time they start school. Musical Bumps teachers also understand that toddlers cannot sit still for long so incorporate lots of different activities as well as a break for refreshments into their classes enabling carers time for a chat as well.

Local classes are held on Tuesdays in West Dulwich and on Thursdays in Forest Hill. Katherine is looking forward to meeting lots of new families and is offering free trial sessions. 07599 628 542, dulwich.foresthill@musicalbumps.com, www.musicalbumps.com

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes run fun-packed classes teaching 4-9 year-olds how to read and write music in small groups, up to a recognised grade, providing a springboard for other instruments later on. New players can try a class for free, or join a holiday course.

0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info.

MORE CLASSES Hartbeeps www.hartbeeps.com The Strings Club 0121 369 1950, www.thestringsclub.org Music Giggles 07876 256168, www.musicgiggles.com Little Folk Nursery Rhymes 07940 478 605, www.littlefolknurseryrhymes.com Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance 020 8305 9400, www.trinitylaban.ac.uk Beckenham Junior Choir 020 8650 9164, www.beckenhamjuniorchoir.co.uk

SOUTH LONDON DANCE STUDIOS

Established

1979 Stretch Your Potential Dance classes for children from 18 months and adults

in West Dulwich and Forest Hill Top quality friendly music classes for babies, toddlers and pre school children. Traditional songs from around the world, exciting percussion, puppets and other props!

Contact Katherine 0759 962 8542 dulwich.foresthill@musicalbumps.com

www.musicalbumps.com Contact us for information and September enrolment 130 Herne Hill, SE24 9QL 020 7978 8624 info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk

COMPUTER CODING FOR KIDS

The springboard to confidence for your child • Exciting physical play programme • Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination • First steps to an active life • Great fun! • Parties available For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

d idd i d a nce

®

classes ool dance funky presch boys for girls and

Games Coding, Robotics Drones, Websites, Minecraft Fun, engaging sessions

parties classes

nurseries

Term/Holiday courses Ages 5 to 14+

fun and relaxed

Email hello@spark4kids.com Call 020 8090 1444 www.spark4kids.com

familiesonline.co.uk

l origina music

16 dance styles

classes across South East London SE1 - SE18 call Anne-Marie: 07973 982790 SE19 - SE27 call Nicola: 07832 913282

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English, Maths & Computing If your son or daughter is a natural at maths or writing, you might want to give them more challenging and stimulating tuition - or maybe you simple want to supplement what is being taught in school by introducing the skills needed for independent study and fluency in the subject.

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets

FREE introductory session

07877 391005

revitalise your website phone

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

lots of fresh ideas for websites, blogs & shops 020 8658 9975

www.lancasters.co.uk

Fleet Tutors is the UK’s largest agency, with 40 years’ experience in providing tailored, private home tuition across all school subjects and stages including school entrance exams, GCSEs and A’levels, plus holiday revision courses. All the tutors are experienced professionals who have been screened and vetted, and the agency comes recommended by The Good Schools Guide. 020 8580 3911, www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.

Explore Learning

Explore Learning’s passion is to help students achieve their potential and be the best they can by supporting children both academically and attitudinally.

They told Families: “We get to know each child as an individual and help them to fall in love with learning.

Our goal - to build confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge. We’ve delivered award-winning maths and English tuition to over 175,000 children across the UK. This summer we encouraged children and parents to learn new skills together, showing off what they’ve achieved back at school this September!”

There are over 120 centres across the UK. To find your nearest one and book a free trial, go to www.explorelearning.co.uk or call 01483 447 414.

Let your child choose and sample each activity before deciding if he or she wants to commit to it longterm - many clubs offer a free taster session for this very reason.

While it might seem tempting to guide your child to musical, sporting and artistic genius outside the classroom, they need time for just ‘chilling’ as well. Remember that children get exhausted too - give them time to themselves as there’s no gain in putting your child under pressure. And then: • Think ahead. You may need to join a waiting list, particularly for popular classes

YES Tuition and Training teach intensive touch typing, using their own highly successful programme. Classes are held on Saturdays and every school holiday and they are fun! Most children are touch typing in just 10 hours, helping enormously with their school work and using a laptop at home. There are particular benefits for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk.

Spark4Kids offers computer coding sessions for children in games design, robotics, web design and coding, from absolute beginners to the more experienced. There are weekly sessions during term-time, as well as holiday workshops in Dulwich.

To find out more, visit www.spark4kids.com, or call 020 8090 1444.

MORE CLASSES Kumon Maths and English 0800 854 714, www.kumon.co.uk Inkhead Creative Writing 07943 514408, www.inkhead.co.uk Heron Junior Chess Club 07538 035896, http://chessforchildren.influencer.biz

Practical considerations

•

Stay local. Walking distance is best, otherwise getting there and back becomes another chore for you

•

Great staff. The best leaders are enthusiastic, trained, and have eyes in the back of their heads to spot the children who need a little more encouragement, particularly when they are new and might feel shy

•

Additional costs. Will you need specialist clothes or equipment? Does the club offer these second hand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees?

•

Look-see. Take advantage of free trial sessions before signing up to a whole term

•

Give it time. Some children are prone to giving up early. Unless you think they are completely and utterly unsuited to the activity, encourage them to give it at least a couple of terms. When they start to improve they are likely to start loving the classes.

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

SCHOOL IN:

Bexleyheath NEW : OLS IN SCHO

ge rd Brid Deptfo h Dulwic

3–18 years TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE!

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk 8

families south east - september 2016

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The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Autumn. For years the very word smacked of the prospect of cold knees for months on end while I waited on the railway platform in a ridiculously thin school uniform, that experience colouring my opinion of the convention ever since. I mean, even in this day and age we send children off in polyester shirts and the world’s cheapest trousers (see supermarket wars passim) when clearly the most sensible outfit for the chilliest season is fleecy track bottoms, a hoody and slip-on boots. Oh, but I can just imagine all those governors shuddering at the very notion that parents and schools might put warmth before smartness. I still have nightmares about the struggle I had working in Early Years when we had to get 15 four year old girls in and out of tights for PE in the hall. By the time they were down to their pants and vests, there was five minutes of star-jumps before we had to put the apparatus away and begin the slog of getting them all dressed again. And as for the boys?

They would proffer their feet like little princes for us to slot on then lace up their shoes.

LIFT & LOOK SCHOOL - Bloomsbury rrp £5.99. Along with DINOSAURS, GARDEN and SPACE, this is one from a helpful board book series that tackles its subject with familiar scenes and - look away now traditionalists - a sense of fun. For many this month, Nursery and Reception is the start of a long period of institutionalisation (and all the star-jumps, fussy uniform requirements, league tables and, oh goody, student debt that implies), it’s as well to begin with a lot of lift-the-flappery and ubiquitous smiles as broad as a white-board.

A DOG CALLED BEAR - by Diane and Christyan Fox, Faber rrp £6.99. Having spent several weeks on holiday before term began with my niece Sid and nephew Dink going on and on about having a dog, I can fully appreciate young Lucy’s obsession here.

Like her, they were forever showing us pictures of the breeds they preferred, the names they would choose and, when asked what they wanted for tea they’d reply, a spaniel s’il vous plait. Unlike Lucy however, they weren’t going to be fooled by any old hairy creature waltzing in and barking. Still, it was amusing watching them insist their uncle run and fetch sticks for hour after hour.

QUICK QUACK QUENTIN by Kes Gray & Jim Field - Hodder rrp £6.99. You’ve got little Andromeda’s name down for Cambridge and wee Ptolemy is already on the list for a Coutts account, but how about introducing them to the concept of vowels first?

Especially in a way that doesn’t shrivel their brains with boredom.

Or indeed, as parent or carer, yours...

R IS FOR RAILWAY by Greg Paprocki - Gibbs Smith rrp £6.99.

Hey, I’m all for an “industrial revolution alphabet book” that teaches “babies about history and their ABCs,” especially given that in my area we spent most of the summer when we weren’t away from London without ANY trains stopping at our local station. Some may even suggest we have gone backwards since the ground-breaking Stevenson’s Rocket first pulled in.

ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST by Andrea Beaty - Abrams rrp £10.99.

In this tale of curiosity and experiments, this author does more than most to upend preconceived archetypes, not to mention convention. As in her previous book when Rosie grows into an engineer, this has a witty yet progressive narrative while all the myriad illustrated stories next to it in the bookshop children’s section still have their nascent females dreaming of becoming fairies or bossy queens. Personally, I have no problem with the current academic gap in achievement levels between boys and girls. Boys have done better for thousands of years - and still did in the days when my knees went blue waiting for the train - so it’s about time girls went ahead. But when is the rest of publishing going to catch up? More positive picture book heroines you lot up in your ivory (fairy tale) towers, please.

THE DARKEST DARK by Chris Hadfield - Macmillan rrp £11.99.

Now here’s a hero. No, not because he’s a man that went up into space but because, using a clever combination of social media and - shock, horror - honesty, when he got up there he dashed macho preconceptions about what makes an astronaut and instead played his guitar against a wistful back-drop of stars. So how does a boy like him overcome his fear of the dark to pursue

his childhood ambition? Here you go, bedtimes will be a breeze after this!

GRANDPA WAS AN ASTRONAUT by Jonathan Meres & Hannah Coulson - Little Gems rrp £6.99. This is an excellent imprint from Barrington Stoke, the specialists who make the business of reading chapter books less of a drag for the daunted.

Famed for his more, shall we say, down to earth WORLD OF NORM series, this rather beautiful fable addresses friendship, departure and our place in the grand scheme of things.

CALMER EASIER HAPPIER HOMEWORK by Noel Janis-Norton - Yellow Kite rrp £8.99. With many politicians and it must be said, parents too, demanding much more homework for our budding learners, we are all going to need as much help as we can get to actually get the little critters to do it. The premise here is that patience and psychology plus one day a week with no studying at all (hurrah!) will yield the same results that all those Tiger mums - and dads - crack the ferocious whip for.

However, us more timid parents will have to do some homework of our own to succeed.

CALMER EASIER HAPPIER BOYS uses a similar softly spoken but firm method for reining in innate aggression and making the most of male strengths when it comes to sticky subjects such as untidiness, screen-time and eating greens. My friend Sally - a big shout out here to the Forest Hill Massive! - always maintained that you weren’t a ‘whole’ parent until you’d had one of each type. I’m not sure ‘the experts’ would agree with that but generally I, an expert of sorts (after two girls my relieved mother-in-law sighed: “You’ve finally found the recipe,” as if I’d mislaid some instructions for homemade egg custard before my son suddenly popped out) have found that puppies and kittens do indeed have distinct inherent character traits and to coin a phrase that will send shivers down Nigel Farage’s spine (should he own one), we must absolutely ‘Vive la difference!’ with each and every one of them.

CHIPS WITH EVERYTHING! - Ebury rrp £9.99. Hahaha!

One in the eye for the healthy-blog brigade though, importantly, spuds count as one of the five-a-day in these parts. No really. With dishes such as The Ultimate Chip Butty, Leek and Chip Soup, Tuna Chip Melt and the famous Gallic Chip Monsieur, there’s something for everyone here in deepest Elmers End. MUM HACKS by Tanith Carey - Crimson Publishing rrp £9.99.

Once we’ve admitted that we need - cue scream - HELP! with both boys AND their homework, how about some hints on reducing the mountain of laundry? Or on how to get the kids to (see above) dress themselves or what to do when they finally get bored of chips? Crikey, she even tries to keep our hallways clear (though I’d like to see her herd the 22 pairs of trainers in mine without using a sheepdog). On the downside, she not only moots “me time” - a testy concept in our particular hovel which seems to engender bad temper in every member of the family - but also within this idea broaches the possibility of keeping a smaller handbag (that means no emergency wipes or hip flask, eek!) and, scariest of all, ditching the hair dye. This latter tip fills me with dread. Don’t get me wrong, I’d happily forgo the humungous cost, followed by the back-breaking humiliation of having to lean over the bath every six weeks to cover up the grey as well as fixing my chlorine damaged ginger fringe. I’d also be thrilled to give up the eye-watering chemical stink and the ritual post-dye sponging down of the bathroom as splashes of “natural light brown” begin to appear like evil mushroom spores all over the tiles and loo seat. But what I cannot face is being told quite casually by friends and customers, as if such comments are perfectly acceptable, how tired and washed out I look when the colour fades. Still, as the temperature drops it’s nearly the right time of year to start wearing a woolly hat permanently and - oh, frabjous seasonal joy - nobody will notice the difference until I take it off next Spring!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk i el isnoen. lci o n .eu. k co.uk f a m i fl iaem s iol n

july / august

september 2016 - families south east

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Local Schools New Headmaster ready to take Trinity to new heights Trinity School in Croydon welcomes a new Headmaster. Formerly Deputy Head at Dulwich College, Alasdair Kennedy brings with him a wealth of experience in the independent day and boarding school sector. He succeeds Mark Bishop, who is retiring having successfully led the school since August 2006.

Alasdair Kennedy has promised to build on the legacy of his predecessor and has already set out the values he wants to promote: community and pastoral care, ambition and excellence, opportunities for all, openness and diversity and a character-building education for every pupil. He commented: “I am hugely looking forward to leading Trinity. I look forward to partnering with parents and all at the school in developing the hearts, minds and talents of our pupils.”

Trinity School is a dynamic independent day school offering an outstanding education to boys aged 10-18. It is part of the Whitgift Foundation, founded in 1596 by John Whitgift. The school is holding an Open Morning from 9am-12 noon on 1 October: see www.trinity-school.org for admissions criteria, news and information about bursaries and scholarships.

New Head appointed at Sydenham High Mrs Katharine Woodcock has been appointed as the Head of Sydenham High School with effect from April 2017. She replaces Mrs Kathryn Pullen who will retire in December after 26 years at the school, 14 of them as Headteacher. Mr Karl Guest, Deputy Head (Staff and Student Development), will be acting Head for the Spring Term.

Mrs Woodcock is currently the Senior Deputy Head of Queen’s College, an all-girls school based in central London, which she joined as Head of Sixth Form in 2005. A graduate of Bristol University, Mrs Woodcock studied French and Russian before completing her PGCE at St Mary’s College in Twickenham. During her career she has taught both French and Russian, and has extensive academic and pastoral experience. Mrs Woodcock is married with two children and lives in London.

Making the appointment announcement, GDST Chief Executive Helen Fraser said that Mrs Woodcock's colleagues describe her as having a natural affinity with her students and speak about her warmth, energy, intelligence, about her forward-thinking approach to her work and her genuine passion for doing the best for the girls.

Helen Fraser also thanked Mrs Pullen for her outstanding contribution to the success of Sydenham High School. She said: "During her tenure the school has gone from strength to strength and is a place where girls can flourish and develop a love of learning."

Mrs Woodcock said: "I am really looking forward to joining the Sydenham High community and getting to know students, parents and staff. My vision is to provide education centred around each individual girl, in a nurturing and inclusive environment in which girls can be happy, challenged yet fulfilled, and free from the fear of failure."

Mrs Woodcock will be visiting Sydenham High during the Autumn and Spring terms, and the school's Saturday Open Days for prospective parents in September. Read more at www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net.

Deptford Green students thrive Deptford Green School in New Cross received more first choice applications than ever before last October.

It is easy to see why the majority of pupils are first choice applicants. The school recently had a visit from Ofsted which found that students “feel safe, well cared for and thrive, show respect and tolerance towards each other and are keen to celebrate differences in this diverse learning environment”.

Mark Phillips, Headteacher said: “We always welcome visitors to look around during normal school lessons in September. Parents and children never fail to be impressed by the atmosphere of engaging learning and the sense of community we have here.”

Located on the borders of three boroughs, the school serves students in Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich. For more information including dates for visits and videos about what typical school life is like from the views of Year 7 students, go to www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk.

Charlton Manor goes into the veggie business

Top internships for Bromley High students The Sixth Form at Bromley High is not only an ‘Exceptional’ (ISI 2016) place to study, it’s a preparation for career success.

Bromley High students shone in competition for top internships this summer. They included Zaina (L6), who won a paid internship in the Statistics Department of The Bank of England and a place on the Ernst and Young Summer Academy; while classmate Susannah spent the summer in the tax department of PwC. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Bromley High works with PwC, Rolls Royce, HSBC and Nomura and the 65,000 strong GDST Alumnae Network to ensure that girls are inspired to aspire.

Read more on the school website www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

Lewisham school students win borough book award A team of pupils from three secondary schools has won a borough-wide award scheme designed to get Lewisham secondary school pupils buried into the latest and the best in young people’s fiction.

For the 10th annual Lewisham Book Award, hosted by Bonus Pastor Catholic College, keen readers from six participating schools rose to the challenge of two terms’ reading and reviewing books, before creating a group presentation to a team of school staff and guest author Sam Hepburn.

In the end it was a team made up of year 7 and 8 pupils from Forest Hill, Sydenham and Conisborough Schools that won over the judges,

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families south east - september 2016

coming up with a persuasive presentation about I Predict A Riot by Catherine Bruton.

The winning team received £10 book prizes, medals and certificates and there were books and certificates for all participants.

The new Lewisham Book Award titles have been chosen for 2016/17 and will be available to schools in the autumn.

Big food suppliers are taking notes after hearing that Charlton Manor has decided to go into the veggie business.

The Charlton primary school - famed for its national healthy eating campaign - is selling vegetables grown at their community garden on Woodlands Farm, Shooters Hill.

Their first deal was with the booming Sticks ‘n’ Sushi restaurant in Greenwich town centre, “and we’re not necessarily stopping there,” declared Year 6 pupil Rosie Ghuman, “Competition is good and we’re looking to expand.”

The school’s big selling point is that their food is fresh, organic and pesticide-free. Together with fellow pupil Daisy Thackrah and other members of the school’s News Team, Rosie negotiated the sale of radishes, coriander, chives and shiso to Stick ‘n’ Sushi.

Rosie added: “I’m sure we’ll do regular business with Sticks ‘n’ Sushi but other restaurants are welcome to contact us as well.”

Find out more about Charlton Manor at www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk.

familiesonline.co.uk

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Empowering girls to pursue ideals and knowledge unafraid Senior School Open Day Saturday

24 September

10 am - 1 pm

Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday

5 October

6.30 - 8.30 pm

Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham High School (girls 11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 senior@schs.gdst.net

MAN RIE BL ACK with MALO thors u a r e th o 0 and over 3

venue: Streatham & Clapham High School, 42 Abbotswood Rd, SW16 1AW for readers nursery school age to Young Adult

www.STREAM2016.co.uk

Developing independent thinkers and learners Prep School Open Days Saturday Tuesday

1 October 1 November

10 am - 12 noon 9 am - 10.45 am

Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham Preparatory School (girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 prep@schs.gdst.net

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september 2016 - families south east

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l l l l l l l l education news SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAYS You wouldn’t buy a new house without seeing it first, would you? The school where your child will spend so many formative years is important too - which is where Open Days come in.

Before your visit, check the websites of the schools you’re interested in for more information, including whether or not you need to register your interest or book first.

Take your son or daughter with you - they will see things through a different set of eyes - and their opinion matters.

Alleyn’s Junior School 24 September, 6 October, 15 November Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU www.alleyns.org.uk

Bromley High School GDST 1 October whole school, 13 October sixth form Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, Kent BR1 2TW, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

Bishop Challoner School 1 October 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, Kent BR2 0BS www.bishopchallonerschool.com

Dulwich College 15, 21 and 30 September Dulwich Common SE21 7LD, www.dulwich.org.uk

Blackheath High School GDST 15 October Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath SE3 7AG, www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

James Allen’s Girls’ School 21 and 29 September, 8 October 144 East Dulwich Grove, SE22 8TE, www.jags.org.uk

NON FEE-PAYING SCHOOLS Addey and Stanhope School 472 New Cross Road SE14 6TJ, www.as.lewisham.sch.uk Ark Globe Academy 5, 6, 8 and 11 October secondary school, 19 October sixth form Harper Road SE1 6AG, www.arkglobeacademy.org Charter School 28 September and 6 October Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24 9JH, www.charter.southwark.sch.uk Conisborough College 20, 23, 27, 29 September Conisborough Crescent, Catford SE6 2SE, www.conisboroughcollege.co.uk

Forest Hill School 28, 29 and 30 September, 5, 6 and 7 October Dacres Road, Forest Hill SE23 2XN, www.foresthillschool.co.uk Greenwich Free School 27 and 28 September, 4 October 403 Shooters Hill Road SE18 4LH, www.greenwichfreeschool.co.uk Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College Pepys Road, New Cross SE14 5SF, www.haaf.org.uk

Streatham & Clapham High School GDST 1 October, 1 November prep school Wavertree Road SW2 3SR, 24 September senior school, 5 October sixth form 42 Abbotswood Road SW16 1AW, www.schs.gdst.net Sydenham High School GDST 17 and 27 September senior school and sixth form, 24 September and 5 October reception and junior school 19 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Harris Academy Greenwich 27 and 29 September, 3 October Middle Park Avenue, Eltham SE9 5EQ, www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk Harris Academy Peckham 29 September 112 Peckham Road SE15 5DZ, www.harrispeckham.org.uk Harris Academy South Norwood Cumbelow Avenue, South Norwood SE25 6AE, www.harrissouthnorwood.org.uk Harris Academy Upper Norwood Spurgeon Road SE19 3UG, www.harrisuppernorwood.org.uk John Roan School 7 October, 15 November Maze Hill, Blackheath SE3 7UD, www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk

Thames Christian School 22 September, 1, 4 October, 3 November Wye Street, Clapham Junction SW11 2HB, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Trinity School 1 October and visits by appointment Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT, www.trinity-school.org

Plumstead Manor School 22 and 26-30 September, 4 October Old Mill Road, SE18 1QF, www.plumsteadmanor.com Prendegast School 15, 21 and 22 September Adelaide Avenue, SE4 1LE, www.prendergast-school.com St Matthew Academy St Joseph's Vale, Blackheath SE3 0XX, www.stmatthewacademy.co.uk St Michael’s Catholic College 26 and 28 September, 3 October Llewellyn Street, Bermondsey SE16 4UN, www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk St Paul's Academy Wickham Lane, Abbey Wood SE2 0XX, www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk St Saviour's & St Olave's School New Kent Road SE1 4AN, www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk

Harris Academy Beckenham Manor Way, Beckenham BR3 3SJ, www.harrisbeckenham.org.uk

Kingsdale Foundation School 14, 17, 21 and 28 September, 1, 5 and 8 October Alleyn Park, Dulwich SE21 8SQ, www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk

Elmgreen School 20 and 26 September, 4, 12 and 20 October Elmcourt Road, Tulse Hill SE27 9BZ, www.the-elmgreen-school.org.uk

Harris Academy Bermondsey 55 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey SE16 3TZ, www.harrisbermondsey.org.uk

Langley Park School for Boys South Eden Park Road, Beckenham BR3 3BP, www.lpsb.org.uk

Sedgehill School 27, 28 and 29 September Sedgehill Road, Catford SE6 3QW, www.sedgehillschool.co.uk

Eltham Hill School 17 and 22 September, 5 October Eltham Hill SE9 5EE, www.elthamhill.com

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace 12 September, Maberley Road Upper Norwood SE19 2JH, www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk

Langley Park School for Girls Hawksbrook Lane, South Eden Park Road, Beckenham BR3 3BE, www.lpgs.bromley.sch.uk

Sydenham School 17 and 24 September Dartmouth Road, Sydenham SE26 4RD, www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk

Deptford Green School 26, 27, 28 and 29 September Edward Street, New Cross SE14 6AN, www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk

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Evelyn Grace Academy 21, 24 and 29 September, 1 and 6 October 255 Shakespeare Road, Herne Hill SE24 0QN, www.evelyngraceacademy.org

St Dunstan’s College 15 and 29 September, 13 October junior school, 24 September and 5 November senior school Stanstead Road, Catford SE6 4TY, www.stdunstans.org.uk

families south east - september 2016

St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive School Footscray Road SE9 2SU, www.stmcomprehensive.org

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Schoolwear from Matalan, instore and online at www.matalan.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

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BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ (ISI 2016)

Smaller school Bigger opportunities Personal attention Great results Affordable Scholarships available

OPEN MORNINGS: THURSDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 11.00-13.00 SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER 10.00-13.00 TUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 11.00-13.00

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2016 9.30am - 1.00pm

JUNIOR & SENIOR TASTER DAYS November and December 2016 BOOKING ESSENTIAL Apply online

For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB

Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the senior school TTel: el: 020 8781 7000 admissions@bro.gdst.net www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

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Bishop Challoner School Shortlands A Catholic Independent School for Girls & Boys 3 -18 Years

Welcoming All Faiths

DISCOVER OVER MORE AT OUR OPEN MOR MORNINGS Wed 21 Sept • Thu 29 Sept • Sat 8 Oct

Open Morning

NO NEED TO BOOK WWW.JAGS.ORG.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Saturday 1st October 2016 9.00am - 1.00pm

JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL 144 EAST DULWICH GROVE LONDON SE22 8TE | 020 8693 1181

admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com

JAGS is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England number 6618970, registered charity number 1124853

www.bishopchallonerschool.com to pre-register

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september 2016 - families south east

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“My child hates school: what can I do?”

How to cope with school refuseniks

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Not all children skip happily through the school gates each day. If yours isn’t keen on heading into the classroom, here’s what you can do.

Try to keep everyone calm Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed a school aversion but it’s important to at least try and all remain calm (easier said than done we know, especially if you’re under pressure from teachers to be punctual). If your little one starts to associate mornings with being told off and stressed, it could add to their anxieties.

It might just be a phase (here’s hoping...)

Many children have a few days now and then when they’re not keen on going to school, sometimes for no obvious reason. If your instincts and chats with your child indicate the situation isn’t serious, try to ride things out without too much fuss. By not making this into a big issue, it might resolve itself this is especially important for children who crave attention.

Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’ perhaps they fancy a day watching films on the sofa (don’t we all sometimes) - stand firm and make it clear that attending school is non-negotiable.

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For more persistent and serious school aversions, consider the potential causes

Still struggling?

If there’s still no improvement and/ or your child has a sudden but severe issue with school, it’s time to find out the triggers in order to help them. This can be challenging if they don’t even understand their fear, don’t want to tell you about it or struggle to articulate it at all.

Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’. So not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears. If they won’t talk to you, perhaps they will do so with someone else, such as their grandparents, or an aunt or uncle.

Common reasons for school aversion include bullying/ friendship problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or a major family event such as a divorce or bereavement. You could mention similar situations you experienced in your school days to encourage discussion.

About the author

Fake illnesses can be a headache...

Meet with their teacher

Mysterious maladies are a common manifestation of not wanting to go to school; although it can be annoyingly difficult to decipher whether kids are crying wolf or actually ill. If it could be the former, threatening a trip to the doctors/ call to NHS Direct will usually either get illness fibbers to confess, or provide a miracle cure.

Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home. They’ll probably have prior experience of all this, can provide extra reassurance or support for your child and you can carve out an action plan together.

families south east - september 2016

Further support for severe cases of school refusal could be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private psychologist.

Liat is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including New Old-fashioned Parenting and How to Unplug Your Child (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Learn to read in just 5 weeks for FREE with Reading Eggs Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive range of online reading lessons and e-books that teach children the literacy skills needed for a lifetime of reading success.

The programme makes learning phonics, sight words and essential reading skills fun - and over 91% of parents report a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading within weeks. Children progress through the one-one-one lessons at the own pace, and you can track their learning with detailed progress reports and assessments.

READER OFFER: See how your child’s reading can improve with Reading Eggs. The five weeks free access offer is available to new customers who register before 30 September 2016. Read more and register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/learn9.

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Independent Education for girls 4 to 18

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Open Days Reception & Junior

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Saturday 24 September 10am Wednesday 5 October 9.30am

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“Pupils feel nurtured, cared for and safe.” Ofsted 2016 /01230(+43554((I((651(73899(I((+/:;(<=6((I (111>05?@830A355B>C51D9E2F>9GE>HI JH9K(:L:M(;N<M((N<M(OOPM(:LOM(;PNM(PN( I Q32DBK(651(73899(R(651(73899()245

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september 2016 - families south east

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Turn back the clock with stretching

By Aylia Fox of FoxFitness

Do you have creaky knees, a shooting pain in your hip, a twinge in your shoulder or stiff fingers?

These are all common signs of ageing and are often the first signs of arthritis - which can be life changing.

NHS figures show that more than 10 million people in Britain are currently diagnosed with the debilitating condition - most of them over the age of 40. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Joint (and associated muscle) pain is NOT inevitable with age and there are many things you can do to prevent it.

Even when you’re suffering, there are solutions to turn back the clock.

First a basic anatomy lesson: joints are the place where two bones meet and move in relation to each other subject to muscle contraction. Problems emerge as you get older because, just like a tyre on a car wears out with use, so too does the cartilage that cushions the joint. The result is inflammation, pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. In serious cases the only remedy is joint replacement surgery which doesn’t always last.

Obviously prevention is better than cure and doctors agree that one of the best things you can do - at any age - is to keep moving and maintain your joints’ range of motion through stretching. But what stretches, how do you do them properly, and how often?

One way to find out is to join a structured stretching programme which - until recently - did not exist in the Greenwich and Lewisham area.

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families south east - september 2016

It was only after working with a range of clients over the years that personal trainer Aylia Fox of Greenwich-based FoxFitness realised there was an overwhelming need for such a programme and decided to put one together.

It is now one of her most popular services and she has success stories which prove how regular structured stretching can really work both as a prevention and a cure for joint and muscle pain.

Aylia, 50, (pictured) said: “The wonderful thing about stretching is that, unlike hardcore exercise, it’s not exhausting and unpleasant, yet the benefits can be huge. I’ve trained people who could hardly get out of bed in the morning they were so stiff, and now they’re jumping up and jogging to the gym!”

Aylia’s other tips for taking care of your joints include: • Lose weight (if you’re overweight) • Do low-impact exercise such as swimming • Eat oily fish and/ or take Omega 3 supplements • Work on maintaining good posture • Avoid quick repetitive movements.

About the author With a child of her own, Aylia knows and understands how changes affect mothers’ bodies.

She is fully qualified and registered with REPS (the industry’s professional body), is insured and DBS checked to work with children. Aylia offers one-toone and group stretching sessions. Individual training can take place in the comfort of your own home with prices starting at £17.50.

Aylia’s full range of personal training services includes a health and fitness assessment which determines whether you’re fit and healthy and, if you’re not, what to do about it. It costs £79.99 including a report.

To book a stretching session with Aylia call: 020 8319 2843 or 07835 260895.

Email foxfitness49@gmail.com or visit www.foxthefitness.com.

familiesonline.co.uk

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FamilyHealth Headlice: an irritating problem – How to cope with those nasty nits

Stress? Anxiety?

Fatigue? Insomnia?

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T. 020 8299 9798

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It’s every parent’s nightmare; the notices go up at school: “a case of headlice has been reported, so please check your children’s heads”. Your child begins to scratch. How do you cope with headlice - and can they be prevented?

What are headlice?

What to treat the hair with

Headlice, also known as nits, are tiny insects that live in human hair and feed on blood. They are very small - they range from the size of a pinhead to a sesame seed, so it’s no surprise that they are difficult to see. Their discarded egg cases are white and look a bit like dandruff stuck to the hair. It’s often these empty cases, the ‘nits’, that you notice first, especially behind the ears and there may also be small, red, itchy bumps on the back of the neck, which is where the insects have bitten your child.

A pharmacist can sell you an over-the-counter remedy which you use in the hair. You have to treat all family members and most products will tell you to treat again after a couple of weeks to take care of any eggs that slip through the net; lice have a 30-day life span, during which a female can lay five to 10 eggs a day.

Some lotions are not suitable for the under-twos or for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Are they obvious?

One of the main problems with headlice is that they are tiny, so they’re difficult to spot and although most children will have telltale signs such as itching and the feeling of something moving in their hair, other children may have no idea at all. It’s often these children whose parents don’t realise they have headlice who will keep spreading it through the class, so even if your child displays no symptoms, always check regularly.

Can I prevent them?

Whilst there is some evidence that they dislike tea tree oil and lavender, you can’t really prevent an infestation. Sorry.

Headlice facts: • • • •

How to check Your best friend is now your nit comb. When you wash your child’s hair, apply plenty of conditioner and comb through their hair in sections, making sure you don’t miss any areas. Look at the comb and check for small dots - they may be black, reddish brown, brown or grey. These are the lice. These should be removed under a hot tap in the basin or into a cup of hot water.

Combing is your most important weapon against headlice, as even if you use a lotion or spray from the pharmacists, eggs may still hatch after you have treated the hair.

•

They can live under water for several hours They are passed from head to head when children sit and play together They are not a sign of being dirty - they prefer clean hair They do not only affect children, so always check your own hair too They can’t jump.

By Sally J. Hall Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

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Dental care for baby teeth

Mummy’s little helper

Despite being the world’s most preventable disease, childhood dental decay sees over 500 children hospitalised every week, usually undergoing general anaesthetic for tooth extraction.

Brush-Baby is an award-winning company that produced dentist-endorsed products specifically for babies, toddlers and children. The range includes chewable toothbrushes, teething wipes, baby sonic and floss brushes, all available in the new Baby Dental section in larger Boots branches across the UK. For early years tooth FAQs and care tips and to see the whole range, go to www.brushbaby.co.uk.

Being a new mother - often grappling with tiredness and fluctuating hormones - can be pretty relentless at times.

MamaBabyBliss’ pocket-sized bottle of pulse-point oil contains a subtle blend of mood-enhancing essential oils including lime, geranium and bergamot that help energise and relieve a tired mind and are great for lifting the spirits.

While - alas - it won’t stop the baby crying, or vacuum the floor for you; dab a little on your wrists for an instant pick-me-up. £6.50 from www.mamababybliss.com

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What’sNew ead r o t n r a Le eeks w 5 t s in ju for FREE! Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading programme, makes learning to read easy and fun for children aged 3 to 13. The programme matches your child’s ability and is based on scientific research to help kids become confident and successful readers.

Your child will love learning to read with entertaining characters, fun songs, interactive activities, and exciting rewards. All the while, you can track their achievements ents with detailed progress reports, which ch show key areas of improvement.

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Not for girls, not for boys Polarn O. Pyret make clothes for children Scandinavians are renowned for their functional design and progressive social attitudes. The top four ranking countries for gender equality are all Scandinavian.

How does this translate into clothing for babies and children? Leading childrenswear brand Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden have been designing unisex clothing for over 40 years with a philosophy to ‘let children be children’.

Famous for their classic stripes in navy and red, Polarn O. Pyret’s head designer Karina Lundell says: “There is no difference in the body-shape of girls and boys until around age 12 years. So we design most of our clothing to be worn by children, not just boys or girls. What colour they choose is up to them.”

Unisex clothing is easier to hand down and PO.P is renowned for durability, the clothes are made to be worn by as many children as possible, not just one. The cost-per-wear value goes up and impact on the environment goes down.

Find your favourite unisex styles, be they stripes, animal prints, motors, sweet treats, cityscapes, sharks, beach scenes or just a plain colour from any part of the PO.P rainbow. You choose.

READER OFFER: claim 15% off your order, exclusively for Families readers when you use the discount code FAM15 at www.polarnopyret.co.uk.

Handwriting matters An ancient skill, people are thought to have started writing by hand more than 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. However, with the popularity of computers, smartphones and tablets fewer people now pick up a pen as part of their daily lives.

Schools in Finland are getting ready to drop cursive handwriting from the curriculum completely. From 2016, children in the Scandinavian country will learn to type instead. And the US education system stopped considering handwriting as a compulsory skill in 2013, leaving individual states free to decide whether or not to teach it in the classroom.

Online retailer Pen Heaven has launched a Handwriting Matters campaign to promote the many benefits associated with writing by hand. Among the company’s range is the ergonomic Yoropen. A clever design with a kink at the base of its neck (to act as a finger support), the ambidextrous Yoropen alleviates writing strain, whilst allowing the author to clearly see each word as it appears on the page thanks to the unique 21˚ angled head.

A perfect learning tool, the pen was invented by a loving father for his daughters, who suffer from cerebral palsy, and is available as a pen or pencil version, with mini sizes for children’s hands, priced from £3 at www.penheaven.co.uk and many other retailers.

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families south east - september 2016

It’s World Vegetarian Day on 1 October - a great time to celebrate all things veggie! Head over to vegsoc.org and pick up a Happy World Vegetarian Day image to share on social media.

If you need mealtime inspiration, the Vegetarian Society’s brand new Going Veggie: What To Eat guide makes it easy and enjoyable for anyone to go meat-free.

The free guide helps you to get the very best out of going veggie, easily meet all your nutritional needs and put together great tasting meals. It’s available to download or order from www.vegsoc.org, or by calling 0161 925 2000.

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LONDON WILDLIFE TRUST

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Join in with fun, free, activities run by the London Wildlife Trust across London; suitable for children of all ages accompanied by their parents or carers. Here are some highlights: for full details and bookings, see www.wildlondon.org.uk.

KEW ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, Kew, Surrey TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655, www.kew.org Kew Gardens is world-famous for its historic glasshouses, magnificent vistas and precious specimen trees, not to mention royal buildings, the Pagoda, beautiful woods, a treetop walkway and great places for children to have fun. Open daily from 10am, admission £15 adults, £3.50 children, reduced when prebooked.

THE HIVE. Reconnect with nature and experience the world of the British bee within Wolfgang Buttress’ award winning installation, The Hive.

Towering 17 metres high and twisting out of the ground in a shape suggestive of a swarm of bees this magnificent, ever changing space will host talks, tours, activities, films and family workshops.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE WEEKENDS. Free activities include pond dipping, bug hunting, wild crafts, stories, crafts, games, making wildlife habitats and bushcraft. 10.30am-12.30pm for families with children aged up to 7, 1.30-4.30pm for children aged 7 and up. Every Saturday at the Centre for Wildlife Gardening in SE15.

SYDENHAM HILL WOOD OPEN DAY, 11 September. Celebrate 34 years of nature conservation with volunteers, who will run guided walks and pond dipping events, a live performance by folk musicians, slices of cake and a tombola to raise money for the wood’s wildlife. 11am-4pm.

TOTALLY THAMES 2016 1 - 30 September, RIVER THAMES, www.thamesfestival.org Celebrate our famous waterway with a 30-day programme of river-inspired events. The Thames is brought to life throughout the month with an exciting season of arts, cultural and river events that span the 42-mile stretch of the river - with everything from large-scale art installations to thrilling river races.

ROYAL GREENWICH TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL, 14 - 18 September.

Dozens of tall-masted sailing ships will grace the east end of the Thames with their presence for this five-day festival. It’s a chance to grasp just how busy and vital the Thames used to be as the quickest trade route out and into the city, and how stunning it would have been to stand bankside and witness huge vessels sail past. Visitors can even climb on board, as well as enjoy gigs, parades, firework displays and other entertainments.

Bilingual and beginners.

Children learn languages through immersion and play. !Group classes across London !Spanish in Nurseries !After School Clubs !Private classes at home !Birthday parties Free weekend workshops at Iberica Canary Wharf while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk !Adult Spanish Classes

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IGHTHAM MOTE IGHTHAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote Enjoy a gentle stroll around the gardens or take in a longer walk on the ancient estate while enjoying the beauty of the Kent countryside.

Open 10am to 5pm, admission from £5.50 children, £11 adults, £28 families.

France with the Family 50 THINGS TO DO. Pick up an activity pack, explore the estate and Justine’s family friendly house in see how many of the 50 things to do rural Normandy is available to rent. you can tick off. Free with admission charge.

Sleeps 6+, fully equipped, APPLE AND ORCHARD beautiful location WEEKEND, 1+2 October.

Contact Justine@Justinecrow.co.uk Celebrate the bounty of the Garden thenormandienest.wordpress.com of England with apple tasting and stalls. 10am-4pm, free with standard admission.

Events and Attractions BROMLEY FOOD FEST 15-17 September, BROMLEY town centre @YourBromley A brand new festival celebrating the vibrant food and drinks outlets in Bromley town centre. Around 20 restaurants will offer mini plates allowing visitors to sample a range of cuisines from places including Havet, Yo! Sushi, Benito’s Hat and Project Pie. A launch party, live music and a children’s recipe competition are part of the event.

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

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17 - 18 September, VARIOUS VENUES, www.open-city.org.uk The hugely popular, capital-wide annual festival of architecture celebrates its twenty-fourth anniversary in 2016. The festival allows access to hundreds of buildings usually closed to the public, including private homes, government buildings, historic sites, educational establishments and many others.

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2016 17 - 25 September, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, www.londondesignfestival.com One of this year’s highlights will be a crazy golf course in Trafalgar Square designed by top British creatives Paul Smith, Mark Wallinger, Tom Dixon and Zaha Hadid. Other projects include Baboushka Boxes that reference London’s housing crisis in Notting Hill, a 20 metre moving metallic ribbon in the V&A’s Tapestry Gallery and a dynamic installation in the courtyard of the Black Cultural Archives. Eight ‘Design Districts’ will offer their own line-up of events and exhibits which showcase local artists and creative industries.

CATFORD ARTS TRAIL 24 - 25 September and 1 - 2 October, in and around CATFORD SE6, www.catfordarts.org/catford-arts-trail/ The first ever free arts trail in Catford has been organised by five local artists, and brings together 70 local artists and makers who will show their work in their homes and public spaces.

There will be workshops, demonstrations, music, spoken word, pop-up cafes and three sites where installations will be created by artists and visitors during the trail (including a piece being created by Channel 4’s Shed of the Year 2016 finalist - Michael Connell). There will also be a striking and amusing art installation in central Catford built for the event. 11am-6pm each day, see the full line-up and map online.

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CHITTER CHATTER CRAFT AT CATFORD ARTS TRAIL

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

SCIENCE MUSEUM

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London, an animal corner and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday.

FARMERS’ MARKET, every Saturday. A locally sourced and sold weekly farmers’ market selling a variety of produce, hot food and more in the gardens. 9am-1.30pm.

OPEN HOUSE: BEHIND THE SCENES, 17 September. Learn more about the Horniman Library on a guided tour of the museum’s CUE building. 2-3.45pm.

DINOSAURS - MONSTER FAMILIES, until 30 October. Discover the fascinating world of dinosaurs and how they looked after their eggs, nests and babies through interactive exhibits, specimens from around the world and life-size models. Meet a replica of ‘Baby Louie’, the near-complete skeleton of a dinosaur hatchling, dig in the discovery pit, touch a real dinosaur leg bone and come face-to-face with T-Rex’s relative - a life-size Tarbosaurus skeleton cast. An exciting programme of dinosaur-themed events and activities will also run throughout the year to complement the exhibition. Entry £7 adults, £4 children, £17 families, under 3s free.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

THE STORY OF THE BANKNOTE, from 7 September. A new gallery at the Bank of England Museum is dedicated to banknotes. It includes the very earliest paper money dating from the end of the 17th century, early forgeries, unseen artwork and designs for the tiny details that are contained within each note. The gallery opening coincides with the launch of the new polymer fiver.

PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016 25 September, Guildhall Yard, Mansion House EC2, www.pearlysociety.co.uk A festival celebrating the bounty of the autumn harvest with traditional entertainment, a service of thanksgiving and thousands of buttons! You can expect marching bands, Morris Dancing, donkeys and a host of colourful characters at this event, which raises money for the Whitechapel Mission. A colourful family day out, from 1pm.

LONDON SEALIFE AQUARIUM SEA LIFE London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 663 1678, www.visitsealife.com/london See thousands of sea creatures in over two million litres of water, living in over 65 displays over three floors. Brave the Shark Reef Encounter, join in with public feeding sessions and watch the diving displays. There are real penguins too! Open from 10am daily, admission from £19.50 adults, £14.41 children.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 17s, £16 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

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families south east - september 2016

PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS

ALL ABOARD. In the museum’s playzone, under 7s can get into the driver’s seat of a real bus, repair a mini Tube train and play in the ‘Lost Property’ office. They can also enjoy ‘sailing’ the Thames Nipper, serve passengers in the Nipper Cafe, fly the Emirates Air Line cable car, make driver announcements and help customers at the mini information desk using a magnetic message board, maps and clocks.

THE FAMILY STATION. Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. Open weekends and school holidays, suitable for families with 3-12 year-olds.

SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.

Ages 8-14, free.

OUR LIVES IN DATA. Information about our lives is increasingly being captured, analysed and used, transforming the world around us. From toys that can understand a child’s personality and smarter public transport planning to new genomic technology that is helping uncover the causes of rare diseases and cancer, big data’s invisible revolution has begun. Ages 8 to adult, free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission £9 children, £18 adults.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London tells the story of wars through the recollection of people who lived through them, both fighting the cause and at home.

Family-friendly attractions a recreated Family in Wartime house, and creative and object discovery sessions for families on Sundays. Open 10am-6pm daily except 24-26 December, admission free.

SECRET WAR. From the development of MI5 and MI6 before the First World War, to Cold War intelligence-gathering and the contemporary use of highly-trained elite forces, the exhibition examines the facts behind the secrecy and why the need for secret agencies remains a subject of continued debate today.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES at The Queen’s Walk by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept.

Open 10am-6pm, admission £16 adults, children £8, family tickets from £28.

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets. Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

COLOUR AND VISION. Discover the earliest life on Earth and trace the evolutionary history of colour and vision. Find out how early interactions gave rise to the wide variety of colours that we now see in the natural world.Adults £12, children £6.

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, until 11 September. This living exhibition includes a riot of colourful species usually found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. The magical experience of being surrounded by free-flying butterflies is captivating for young and old alike. Wander through a tropical habitat of flowers, vines and foliage and view these creatures close-up, using a magnifier to admire their intricate beauty and tiny features. Admission £6.50, families £22.

DINO SNORES, once a month on Saturdays. Discover what really happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home.

Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day.

Tickets £60.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games.

10.30am-5pm.

DROP-IN DESIGN, Sundays to 25 September. Pick up a design challenge and bring your fantastic ideas to life. 10.30am-5pm, ages 3+, free.

POP UP PERFORMANCE, Saturdays. Join the performance team for fun and interactive gallery plays and activities every Saturday. 11am, 2 and 3pm, free drop in.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum houses dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails.

There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

CLANGERS, BAGPUSS & CO, until 9 October. Meet Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Oliver Postgate’s voice and Peter Firmin’s puppets shaped the childhood memories of millions since they started collaborating in the 1950s. As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and The Clangers, the exhibition goes behind the scenes of some of their other creations; Pogles Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

familiesonline.co.uk

HARVEST FESTIVAL 2016

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection.

It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

THE GREAT EXPLORER is an interactive game for families. Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure.

11am-4pm, free.

THE LANDLUBBERS’ MARITIME FOLK FESTIVAL, 24 September.

Enjoy the best of maritime folk culture with Royal Museums Greenwich.

Stomp your feet to sea shanties, hear the salty yarns of the clipper’s figureheads, or try your hand at some traditional maritime crafts.

10am-5pm, suitable for all ages.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM St THOMAS’S HOSPITAL, 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW, 020 7188 4400, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, Florence Nightingale was a pioneering nurse, writer, and noted statistician. The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates her life and work, through personal material associated with Florence Nightingale, items relating to the Crimean War and nursing artefacts.

• Open 10am-7pm • ••daily, admission £7.50 •• adults,•• £3.80 children.

CLANGERS, BAGPUSS & CO

CUTTY SARK

TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND, until 30 October. Using the magical collection from Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Take Me to Neverland exhibition tells the real story behind Peter Pan. Discover the origins of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, from the success of the 1904 play to the many adaptations that have continued to inspire both children and adults over the past century.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the latest block-buster exhibition. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charge for some exhibitions.

SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE, 8 September - 29 January 2017. An exhibition which draws on the museum’s unique Southeast Asian shadow puppet collection. Puppeteers can have 200 or more puppets in their collections. Some of these puppets are generic, while others represent specific characters, and a few are considered to be sacred, such as the clowns and the holy man figure used in the rituals associated with the start of a performance in Thailand and Malaysia.

Shows are usually commissioned and performed at life events, such as weddings or funerals, in celebration of the harvest, and in fulfilment of vows, but they have also been commercialised as entertainment in some areas.

DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE, weekends. Learn, discover and create in the Museum’s digital centre. Free activities and workshops using the latest Samsung digital equipment, enabling children to bring the world’s • history and cultures to life through advanced technology.

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BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE

HAMPTON COURT

THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On

SUNKEN CITIES, EGYPT’S LOST WORLDS, until 27 November.

Submerged under the sea for over a thousand years, two lost cities of ancient Egypt were recently rediscovered. Their story is told for the first time in this blockbuster exhibition. Stunning objects in the exhibition range from magnificent colossal statues to intricate gold jewellery, sacred offerings and ritual objects. Tickets £16.50 adults, under 16s free.

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £7 children, £13.50 adults, from £24 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

TODDLER TIME, Wednesdays. Take your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 10-11.30am.

AHOY CAPTAIN! 10, 18 and 25 September. Meet Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, to learn about life on board the fastest tea clipper. 11am, 12noon, 1.30 and 2.30pm.

NANNIE THE WITCH, 11 September. Dance, sing and set sail on an adventure with Nannie, Cutty Sark’s figurehead. 11am, 12noon, 1.30 and 2.30pm.

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE 8 October, MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay E14 4AL, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Get out your glowsticks for a family-friendly rave with DJ Aston Harvey in the museum’s Georgian warehouse. Everyone from the smallest swashbuckler to the biggest buccaneer will enjoy Big Fish Little Fish’s multi-sensory dancefloor delights in this family rave. Expect glitter cannons, giant balloons, bubble machines and a parachute dance.

Get creative at the specially themed craft table, take part in hands-on activities and explore the Mudlarks children’s gallery. Families with under 5s, 2pm start, children £6, adults £9, book first.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

CERAMICS IN THE CITY, 24 and 25 September. Join artists to create your own masterpiece to take home - a hanging ceramic decoration on Saturday; cool ceramic-inspired badges on Sunday. 2.30-4.30pm, free.

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm April - September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50.

FULHAM PALACE FULHAM PALACE, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org The Museum of Fulham Palace charts the long history of the palace site, from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. The museum collection includes paintings, archaeology and artefacts. Open noon-4pm Sundays, 12.30-3.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, admission free.

COMPOSTING, 17 September. Learn everything you need to know about transforming your kitchen and garden waste into nutritious food for your plants. 1.30-3.30pm.

RICE PAPER TALES

THE GIRL WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MOON 11 September, GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk A string of original fair tales stitched together into a Tim Burton-esque patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement and live music from the award-winning Human Zoo.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, Bow Street, London WC2E 9D, 07304 4000, www.roh.org.uk FAMILY SUNDAYS, Last Sunday of each month. Explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Sundays are packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities. Ages 6+, 12-4pm, £5 adults, £3 children.

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OPEN HOUSE LONDON, 18 September. Free tours of the upstairs, usually closed to the public, showcasing architecture from the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras. 10.30 and 11.30am, tickets available on arrival.

MUSEUM DROP-IN, 2 October. A Roman themed family drop-in. Try on period costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of the palace. 2-3.30pm, free.

APPLE DAY CELEBRATION, 9 October. Celebrate the apple harvest in the walled garden, with apple display and tastings, storytelling, live music as well as food and drink stalls. 11am-3pm.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE HAMPTON COURT PALACE, East Molesey KT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace MAGIC GARDEN, daily until 31 October. Let the kids go wild in the new Magic Garden, set within the very grounds where Henry VIII’s spectacular Tudor tournament played out. The rich history and legends of the Tudor court are reinterpreted in the new garden; from towers to besiege, a secret grotto to discover and even a 25 foot dragon to climb!

There are lots of things to keep children entertained inside the palace too, from dressing up as a Tudor courtier to accepting the digital missions challenge. These missions use iPads to create a unique way of exploring the palace to engage children of all ages.

GNOME SHOW, until 2 October. Look out for some unusual additions in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace this summer! As part of the year-long celebration of its world famous gardens, 15 very special gnomes will be popping up around the Hampton Court estate, revealing hidden secrets to the intrepid explorers who can find them. Designed and created by a range of local community groups, these aren’t your typical common garden gnomes! From the whimsy of the maze, to the Privy Garden’s formal Baroque topiary, each will reflect a unique aspect of the remarkable landscape around the palace, which spans centuries of fascinating history.

GROWING UP CLUB, 25 September, 16 + 23 October. Indoor and outdoor craft and gardening activities: dig, grow, play and discover before after watching a show in the theatre. Ages 2+, 2-3pm, children’s tickets £3.

Theatre, Shows and Music 10 + 17 September, DEPTFORD LOUNGE, 9 Giffin Street, Deptford SE8 4RJ, www.thealbany.org.uk Beautiful Vietnamese folk tales give you and your little ones the chance to experience alternative fairy tales. Age 5+, 1.30 and 3pm, pay what you decide after the performance.

TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND

FIRST OPERA: WELCOME PERFORMANCES. Welcome Performances are for families who have never been to a ballet or opera at the Royal Opera House before. You don’t need to know anything about either - just come along and give it a try. Tickets £5-£20.

BACKSTAGE TOURS. The Backstage Tours include an introduction to the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions.

Each tour is a unique experience, and may include opportunities to see The Royal Ballet in class, or the magnificent backstage technology in operation. Suitable for ages 8+, book first.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA, weekends until 2 October. When Brer Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his grandmother, he gets himself into trouble and needs help from an elephant, lion, tortoise, frogs, and other local animals. Ages 3+, 2.30pm.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE ALBANY THEATRE ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk DISCO KIDS: UNDER THE SEA, 18 September. An underwater adventure for little sea monsters where dressing up is highly recommended. Grab some seaweed and swim on down. Families with under 7s, 2-5pm, tickets £6, families £10.

THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE, 25 September. One day whilst Girl is playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. Climbing up as high as she can to get a better view, she is surprised when she comes face to face with... Giraffe! Charming puppetry and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about wellbeing and friendship. Age 3+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7, families £24.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com EMILY RISING, 10 September - 20 November. Emily wakes up one bright autumn morning to find that her feet can’t touch the ground, and no one can understand why. To everyone’s surprise Emily keeps rising higher and higher. From sleeping upside-down on her ceiling and flying above her school playground, to soaring over a starry-skied London, Emily’s adventure is just beginning. Ages 7+, tickets £12 adults, £10 children.

LET’S FLY, 17 September - 20 November. Can you fly? Just imagine if you could. What does your home look like when you’re as high as the birds and the aeroplanes? Emily knows how to fly and she wants you to come on an adventure with her. You’ve never seen the whole world until you’ve sat on top of a cloud. Ages 2-6, tickets £10 adults, £8 children.

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LET’S FLY – LITTLE ANGEL

RUG RHYMES – SOUTHBANK

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL – POLKA

SOUTHBANK

LYRIC THEATRE

SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8PX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk RUG RHYMES, Wednesdays until 16 December. What rhymes with rug?

Join the Poetry Library puppets Frederico and Firebird to find out, in a short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories for under 5s and carers. 10.30am-11am, free.

MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL, 11, 18+25 September. Let loose on the dance floor with your under 5 in the friendliest of discos. Designed as a super-fun session of dancing and play, with DJ Monski Mouse’s eclectic selection of retro hits and funky nursery rhymes, and boogy with the Monski Mouse Dancers. 3pm, tickets £8, under 6 months free. Book at www.londonwonderground.co.uk.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH, Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith W6 0DL, 020 8741 6850, www.lyric.co.uk

ROYAL ALBERT HALL The ROYAL ALBERT HALL, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP, 0845 401 5045, www.royalalberthall.com STORYTELLING AND MUSIC, Wednesdays until 23 November.

Seasoned storytellers Paul Rubenstein, Olivia Armstrong and Becky Dixon present a series of sessions for babies and toddlers, combining songs, sounds, rhythms and rhymes and exploring the Hall’s story of diverse musical history. Accompanied babies - four year-olds, 10am and 11.30am, ticketed event.

AMALUNA, until 4 February 2017. Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring show has never before been seen in the UK and marks Cirque du Soleil’s 20th year at the stunning, world-famous venue.

STORYTELLING AND MUSIC SESSIONS, Wednesdays until November. Seasoned storytellers deliver a series of sessions for babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage interaction between parents/ carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 0-4 year-olds, 10am and 11.30am, tickets £5.

THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE, 17 September. One day while Girl is playing in the garden, she comes face to face with... Giraffe! Follow their friendship in Half Moon Theatre’s uplifting show told from a child’s perspective. Ages 3-6, 11am and 1pm.

JACK AND THE BEANS TALK, 24 September. A charming and inventive retelling of this classic tale involving magic beans, and enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a giant who sniffs out small boys.

Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm.

THE BOY WHO CLIMBED INTO THE MOON, 1 October. Paul has a Ginormous idea. The moon is a hole in the sky and he’s going to climb into it! Anything’s possible in this warm and very funny story. Ages 5-11, 11am and 1pm.

THE UGLY DUCKLING, 8 October. This is the story of a little bird who sets off on an adventure to find out who he is. Is he just a different duckling, or is he something else? Ages 4-10, 11am and 1pm.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE, Victoria Street SW1E 5EA, 0844 248 5000, www.billyelliotthemusical.com Set against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot the Musical is the inspirational story of one boy’s struggle to realise his dream to dance against the odds. Featuring a timeless score by Elton John, sensational dance and a powerful story, Billy Elliot is an uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.

Tickets from £29.50, family tickets from £105.

WINIFRED KNIGHT

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEATRE ROYAL, Drury Lane, Covent Garden WC2B 5JF, 020 7850 8790, www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in an action packed West End musical directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.

Tickets from £16.50.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL, 21 September - 16 October. As your baby looks and learns, have you ever wondered what they are thinking?

Scientists from Birkbeck University’s world-renowned Baby Lab have teamed up with theatre director Sarah Argent to create a fun, lively show designed to get brainy babies jiggling and giggling. Ages 6-18 months, tickets £12.50.

BRIGHT SPARKS, 24+25 September. Links and Rex are like light and dark, left and right. Links is logical while Rex is a daydreamer. With humour and mesmerising visuals, Bright Sparks explores the beauty of difference, inspired by research into how both sides of the brain must strike a balance for us to see, move and speak. Ages 3-7, tickets £13.30.

DEPTHS OF MY MIND 23 September - 2 October, Brit Theatre, BRIT SCHOOL, 60 The Crescent, Croydon CR0 2HN, 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com Depths of My Mind brings to life the latest developments in neuroimaging around the teenage brain. Suspended above the audience on moving transparent platforms the performers explore what is means to be changing and searching for somewhere to belong. A breathtaking show combining aerial skills, visual theatre, a pulsating soundtrack and stunning projections. Ages 10 to adults, tickets £13.50 adults, £10 children.

Art Activities DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults.

Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

WINIFRED KNIGHTS until 18 September. Declared a genius for her award-winning, apocalyptic work, Winifred Knights (1899-1947) was one of the most original British artists of the first half century. This first major exhibition of her work includes completed masterpieces alongside 120 preparatory works and life studies.

THE CREATIVES: OFF THE WALL, 24 September. An opportunity for 11-18 year-olds to work with a professional artist, engaging in lively discussions and debating the challenge of what galleries are and who they are for. 2pm start, free.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk

SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

ANTHONY GORMLEY 30 September - 6 November, WHITE CUBE, 144-152 Bermondsey Street SE1 3TQ, 020 7930 5373, www.whitecube.com In his new exhibition, Antony Gormley will configure the gallery into 15 discrete chambers to create a labyrinth containing some 24 works of differing size and material. Works include Cave, a 12-metre long tunnel offering a journey into darkness and the unknown; Cotch, a brooding, abstract body comprised of 22 concrete blocks; and at the core of the exhibition, an installation spread over 100 square metres titled Sleeping Field.

Throughout the exhibition visitors will be faced with a choice of passage through differently sized, uniquely lit spaces where each room challenges or qualifies the experience of the last. The works are catalysts for various subjective states and engage the visitor in a journey through time, space and reflexivity. Gallery open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am 6pm and Sunday, 12 - 6pm.

The gallery features thousands of portraits of the most famous people in British history, from the 16th century to the present day. Open 10am-6pm daily.

DROP IN FAMILY SUNDAYS. On the third Sunday of every month, families are invited to drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

TATE MODERN TATE MODERN, Bankside, SE1 9TG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk In June, the Tate Modern opened Switch House, an iconic new London landmark which provides ten floors of new display space, performance and installation art, a new restaurant and viewing level. Across both buildings, the museum displays permanent and temporary modern art, free drop-in events, with family-friendly festivals and activities both in the galleries and online. Open 10am-6pm daily, admission free, charges for major exhibitions.

TATE BRITAIN TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

september 2016 - families south east

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Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com