Families North London Magazine Issue 92 Sept/Oct 2011

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

e! e r F Issue 92 Sept/Oct 2011

Back to school!

PLUS • Yoga after Birth • Pilates and the Postnatal Period

Stagecoach Primrose Hill Parties!

Themed

Welcome to the magical mysteries of Stagecoach Parties for Primrose Hill Parties where we will take children on a 4-10 years! roller coaster ride through their imagination and land them safely back home with a bulging bag of amazing memories!

Unforgettable stories and characters!

Thrilling and exciting party games!

Stagecoach Primrose Hill Enrolling now for

Spectacular

Themed parties venue available

Tel: 07766 227 810

primrosehill@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/primrosehill

Autumn Term

Murder Mystery

14-18 Years

Parties for 11-16 years!

The original, largest and still the best Performing Arts School in the world Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster

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

For Tumble Tots classes in Muswell Hill, Finchley Central and St John’s Wood Call: 020 8381 6585 Email: fun@tumbletotsnorthlondon.co.uk www.tumbletots.com/hampstead 1280_GENERIC quarter page ad-ROMFORD:Layout 1

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The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world for 4-16 year olds, after school and at weekends.

Your child is invited for a FREE fun-packed afternoon of dance, drama and singing.

Stagecoach Highgate

is holding a ‘Discovery Day’ on Saturday 17th September at 2.30pm for 6-16 year olds.

Held at: St Michael’s C of E School, North Road, Highgate N6

Call: 0207 272 8108 Simple, online booking

.......

to book a place www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate Spaces are limited!

Free gift for all birthday boys and girls

.......

From £13.95

for more information call 01708 768003 www.kidspaceadventures.com The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU

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www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Contents Issue 92 | Sept/Oct 2011 | Families North London

This Issue

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7

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10 Back to School: 10 Give them a Healthy Start 11 School Matters 12 Education News 13 Is my child able to pass the 11+?

14 Moving on up!

18 Get set for Snow!

11

Regular Features 4

News

7

Health:

10

18

16

7 Love your Lunchbox 8 Yoga after Birth 9 Pilates and the Postnatal Period

15 Five of the Best Educational Extras

16 Book Corner 19 Out & About Families North Magazine PO Box 56943, London N10 9AE Tel: 020 8815 1351 Proprietor/Editor: Harriet Taylor Web Manager: Melanie Carpigo melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Advertising: advertising@familiesnorth.co.uk Listings: Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.com Distribution: distribution@familiesnorth.co.uk Design: Positive2 020 8444 5050 Print: Bishop’s Printers Next issue: Nov/Dec 2011 Focusing on: Festive Fun Deadline: 7th October 2011

Welcome

Shine up the school shoes, get the PE kits packed, sew on the name-tapes – it’s that time of year again! Whether your child is starting school for the very first time, or you are beginning to research secondary schools in your area, don’t miss our Back to School feature this issue packed full of useful and informative articles.

Or, if you have just had a baby, our extended health pages have plenty of postnatal exercise ideas to get you inspired and regain your fitness levels to help you in this challenging world of parenting!

Harriet Taylor Editor

Confidence, Communication and Concentration Book your FREE Drama Class today Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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

Classes for 4 – 8s and 8 – Visit perform 12s. .org.uk to find your nearest venue.

0845 400 1274 3

news

News who why where

Got some news for us?

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

BrEAsTFEEDiNg WELCoME sChEME!

ThEATrE Bugs BoosT CoNFiDENCE!

Islington is fast becoming one of the best places in the capital to breastfeed openly! It is the latest place to introduce the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, a campaign to encourage public venues to sign up to welcome breastfeeding mums.

Although everyone knows that ‘breast is best’ for babies, most mothers in the UK stop breastfeeding before they want to. One of the reasons given for this is that they felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public.

So far, over 150 different places throughout Islington have signed up to join the scheme, from cafés, pubs and museums to health centres and council offices.

Each venue displays a Breastfeeding Welcome window sticker to show mothers who wish to breastfeed that they will be welcome. www.breastfeedingwelcomescheme.org.uk

How about a drama class to build your child’s confidence ahead of their exams?

With the dreaded 7+ and 11+ exams in January looming, Theatre Bugs will help your child’s confidence increase, boost self-esteem and nurture their imagination.

The fun drama classes encourage communication, observation, problem solving, thought sharing and decision making… all fantastic preparation!

For further information visit www.theatrebugs.co.uk or telephone 0208 209 0442.

CrEATivE Wiz KiDs rELoCATE! After 16 years at St Lukes Church, Hampstead, Creative Wiz Kids is moving in September nearby to Golders Green Parish Church in West Heath Drive to hold its classes. Classes will be operating four mornings a week in addition to morning and afternoon holiday clubs and customised birthday parties. New exciting afternoon classes are also planned for 2012!

Creative Wiz Kids is one of the oldest Arts

and Music groups in the North London area.

It was founded in New York City in 1990 by Painter/Poet Frances Bildner and has seen quite a number of children come through its doors!

All the staff at Creative Wiz Kids are professionals in the Arts with a great deal of experience in their fields and especially with children. Come and be part of the new adventure! Bookings being taken now!

Call 020 7794 679 or visit www.creativewizkids.com.

kidsunlimited naturally inspiring childcare

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

Find your nearest kidsulimited nursery

Save £50 on your registration fee bring this leaflet with you

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Call 0845 365 2988 www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

rEgAL BALLET Regal Ballet has proved to be a huge success since its launch 4 years ago and is continuing to expand due to popular demand! Regal Ballet offers ballet lessons to children from age 18 months up in a fun yet structured environment, where the happiness of the children is priority! For the older children from age 6, RAD exams classes are now offered!

For adults inspired to learn ballet after the hit movie ‘Black Swan’, it’s never to late to learn! Adult beginner and intermediate classes offered in St Johns Wood. For more info call 07704290479 or email therese@regalballet.com to book a free trial lesson for you or your child! Visit www.regalballet.com to find the closest Regal Ballet venue to you!

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

news

CrEATivE FuN WiTh NATurE ‘Green Peas’ are bringing exciting new creative eco play activities to North London – nature & eco crafts afterschool clubs for 5-10 years old and natural messy play for under 5’s. Green Peas offer a unique opportunity for children to play creatively with natural objects. Under 5’s get messy and creative with grains, leaves, seeds and lots of paint whilst school kids have fun with nature collages, grains mosaics, and rock art! Materials used are recycled and natural, foraged locally. The classes are held in Muswell Hill and Crouch End. For further details please visit: www.greenpeasevents.co.uk or call Anna on: 0794 939 2708.

FAMiLy PhoTogrAPhEr suPPorTs ChiLDrEN’s hosPiCE In conjunction with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Russ Jackson is celebrating the launch of his new baby, child and family photography business by offering special discounted photography sessions.

For just a £10 donation to Noah’s Ark,

sTAMPEDE iNTo ThE JuNgLE!

gET sET For gyMBorEE! Gymboree triumphed yet again at the prestigious national ‘What’s On 4 Junior 2011’ Awards recently! The awards celebrate the best activity classes all over the UK – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents!

Gymboree Islington achieved national acclaim in the Best National Pre-School category.

Competition was fierce in this year’s awards, with over 32,000 online votes cast.

Jenny, Emma and Rachael of Team Gymboree Islington said ‘We are thrilled to have been voted the Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity for 2011 and would like to thank hundreds of our members and the thousands of Gymboree families nation-wide who took the time to vote.’

Gymboree Islington is based at Highbury Corner. For over 30 years they have been offering fun, interactive classes for children from newborn through to age 5. Classes include Newborn Sensory Exploration and Play and Learn sessions on their specialised equipment.

Music sessions, art classes and even party packages also available. Contact Gymboree Islington on 07818 153700, or visit www.gymboree-uk.com.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

This term, Perform children in North London will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be exploring the jungle! Kids will explore tropical rainforests full of colourful wild adventures,

ExPECTiNg A BABy? ExPAND your suPPorT NETWorK! Are you expecting your baby in October, November or December? Here is a great opportunity to meet other families in Haringey expecting a baby around the same time…

NCT Newsletter Editor Emma will be hosting (her second baby is due in October) and NCT antenatal teachers will be on hand to answer any questions about pregnant/birth/life with a new baby.

There’s no need to book but if you are hoping to come along please do let them know so they can plan for numbers, and if you’re a facebook user you can RSVP on their site at www.facebook. com/haringeynct or drop an email to gasandair@haringeynct.org.

professional photographer Russ Jackson will come to your home to photograph your children and family. You will then receive a 10”x 8” photograph of your choice from the pictures taken. Russ has been a photographer for the best part of ten years. His experience ranges from photographing one-day-old babies to 100-year-old birthday celebrations, and the stunning gallery of pictures on his website speak for themselves.

As a father of two young children himself, Russ understands how precious our children are to us. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is a cause very close to his heart and one he will continue to support for a very long time to come.

To book your special photography session telephone Russ on 07896 634015 or visit www.russjacksonphotography.co.uk (Offer available until 31 October 2011). and meet Eli the Elephant, Snow the White Tiger, the cheeky Cheetah and go on an exhilarating Jungle Rumble. What’s more, they’ll enjoy themselves so much that they won’t notice how much they are improving their communication, concentration and co-ordination skills at the same time.

Any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session.

Classes run in Hampstead, Hampstead Garden Suburb, St Johns Wood, Primrose Hill, Highbury, Totteridge Village, Finchley, Southgate, Muswell Hill, Highgate, Hadleywood, Stoke Newington, Crouch End and Barnet.

Phone: 0845 400 1274 or visit www.perform.org.uk quoting Families North.

MoNKEy MusiC Monkey Music is is synonymous with preschool music groups and a rite of passage for thousands of babies and young children across the UK, nurturing a child’s lifetime love of music.

Innovative weekly classes are entertaining and educational, encouraging social and musical skills within a fun, friendly environment. Specialist teachers make full use of the lively half hour sessions to captivate the children using a winning combination of catchy songs, percussion instruments, colourful visual props and boundless energy, with lots of opportunities for the children to experiment with the instruments and make music of their own.

Classes are small and the children are grouped according to their age.Visit www. monkeymusic.co.uk and book a free trial.

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news the children just loved the thumb grips, and

enjoy a ball 64 a copy

30/3/07

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Page 1with cuffs that can be rolled down for extra

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A FLEECE For ALL sEAsoNs! We road tested the wonderful fleece jackets from Polarn O. Pyret on an Alpine adventure in the summer, and just had to write home about the quality and versatility of this most useful and quite frankly vital piece of kit for kids!

The windproof and water-resistant soft fabric is warm yet lightweight and breathable,

growing room you really do get value for money!

The fleece is lint-free so it does not bobble with wear, and has safety reflectives and striped zip pull reflectors. The zips are cleverly covered to protect little chins and cheeks from chafing. The small, smart standing collars, and pre-bent sleeves for increased mobility aided comfort whilst we were trekking. My kids used them as an alternative to a sweater, rather than leaving their jacket back at base camp!

The bright unisex colours are fresh and funky, and name tag space for two or more names means they are just perfect for handing down to brothers or sisters. They are machine washable at 40˚ and can also be tumble dried, though they dried for us very quickly draped from the roof of our tent! For more information visit www.polarnopyret.com

DEBuToTs – ENhANCiNg your WEEK! Recently nominated Franchisee of the Year, Jennifer will now also be delighting children at Arts Depot, Finchley with Debutots’ unique interactive storytelling and dramatic play sessions. Contact 020 8442 2380 or Jennifer@debutots.co.uk to arrange a FREE taster for your 6mths-4yr old in Finchley, Muswell Hill, Crouch End or Hampstead.

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

We are looking for babies and children between the ages of 0 and 12 years to assist us in a range of fun activities investigating how children see.

The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London.

We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.

020 7608 6819 www.childvisionlab.org

Enjoy-a-Ball Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Classes running in Finchley, Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Children’s parties also available!

Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.

www.enjoy-a-ball.com

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

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

020 7794 6797

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

PROFESSIONAL BABYSITTING

• ALL sitters fully vetted and background checked • Daytime or evening babysitting • Excellent rates • Free ironing service www.sittingpretty babysitters.co.uk

07971 083207

Free Ironing Service Once the children are tucked up in bed, your babysitter will do your ironing!

TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? £500 – £2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business life” Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry” You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life …

If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.

Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242

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www.familiesnorth.co.uk

health

Love your lunchbox!

by Nutritionist Kirsten Davies BSc NTP BANT

Packed lunches need to provide your child with a third of their daily nutritional requirements.

Therefore this food should be carefully planned in order to provide them with a nutritious lunch. Get the balance right: ideally, this should contain Protein (essential for building, maintaining and repairing body tissue such as bones, cartilage, ligaments, teeth and nails), Carbohydrates (the body uses carbohydrates as the main source of energy and keeping warm), fruit and vegetables (to provide many vital minerals and vitamins as well as valuable PackIt from www.trendykid.co.uk £14.99 A compact and versatile foldaway lunchbox needing no ice pack to keep its contents cool.

fibre), water or fruit juice, and perhaps… an occasional treat (‘a treat isn’t a treat if it’s eaten more than twice a week!’)

Although wholemeal bread is preferable to white bread, white bread is higher in calcium and other vitamins, usually because the flour is fortified.

However, because most of the fibre has been removed from white bread then add a fibre rich vegetable or dried fruit such as dates, apricots or raisins. See some healthy lunch ideas on page 10 to inspire you more or visit our website.

For personal consultations please contact thefoodremedy@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07780007361 www.thefoodremedy.co.uk

sNACKs oN ThE MovE! A new range of healthy snacks packaged in the Munchcup® from Benjoy. Antispill, ‘less mess’ packaging and an easy solution for a lunchbox treat. 100% natural ingredients, try freeze dried fruit slices, wholesome multigrain bites and mini vegetable crisps. Available at selected Morrisons and Waitrose stores plus online.

FAMILIES NORTH FORMAT (....YOUNG AS 3 MONTHS) NOV2010 Size: 62mm deep x 87mm wide Little Angels day nursery for children from as young as 3 months.

Although wholemeal bread is preferable to white bread, white bread is higher in calcium and other vitamins, usually because the flour is fortified.

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

North London

“Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at nursery” (Latest Ofsted Highbury) A warm and caring environment with special facilities for the very young, Little Angels can and do offer one-to-one care whilst your child is settling in.

Our staff to child ratio is amongst the highest in London, so babies in particular are always closely supervised by qualified and enhanced CRB police checked carers. As a matter of principle we do not employ agency personnel and we are proud that many of our staff have been with us for years.

For more information and to arrange a personal guided tour, call Caroline Thompson now: Tel: 020 7354 5070 (Highbury) Tel: 020 7281 3514 (Highgate) Email: littleangels@btconnect.com www.littleangelsdaynursery.co.uk

Little Angels Day Nursery and Pre-prep Schools 217 Blackstock Road, Highbury, London N5 2LL • 70 Bredgar Road, Highgate, London N19 5BF

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Win goodies and games for the kids this Summer! www.familiesnorth.co.uk Win this Fireman Sam ‘Spin & Rescue’ game, or how about a copy of ‘The Incredibles’ on Blu-ray?

The competitions keep coming, so get set for the holidays, and log on to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions to enter!

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health

Yoga after birth

by Claudia Weston

Yoga can be a wonderful way of finding some calm within the many highs and lows of the postnatal period.

The responsibility of a new little person and the seemingly endless haze of feeding, changing nappies, more feeding and then more nappies, can sometimes feel as though there is little time for oneself.

Even just a few moments of relaxed breathing can be very nurturing. A yoga posture which gives space in a tired body can feel really good to do – toning the muscles and bringing a sense of well being. Or maybe you are exhausted and crave some much needed rest to energise for the tasks ahead...

Here is a yoga relaxation posture which you can do anytime of the day (or night!) to unwind and clear the head – I have included a gentle optional abdominal toner – if you want to reawaken the

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stomach muscles...

Begin by lying on the ground gently hugging your knees towards you. If your baby needs to be close to you – place him or her on your chest...

Breathe... Then when you are ready place your feet on the ground, knees bent towards the sky. Let your hands rest by the sides of your body with the palms up. Give the weight of your body to the ground and try to settle your thoughts.

If your thoughts keep racing use your breath as a focus – notice when you are breathing in and notice when you are breathing out... Rest and breathe here as long as you can...

This posture Savasana realigns the spine and nurtures the many systems of the body.

For an abdominal toner, still in Savasana, place your hands on your belly. Each time you breathe out emphasise your footprints into the ground and feel the back of your waist

coming in contact with the ground and the abdominal muscles strengthening.

When you breath in relax everything.

Exhaling again emphasise the footprints – on the inhalation relax. Carry on this pattern of breath with movement a few more times and then allow all the muscles in the body to release and breathe freely...

When you are finished roll over onto your side, staying for at least half a minute so your body can adjust before coming to upright. Use your hands for support when you come up – this will protect the abdominal muscles and keep your spine nice and long.

For further information visit: www.cloud9yoga.org www.yoga4mums.com www.elaines-yoga.com claire@yogabugs.com

A yoga posture which gives space in a tired body can feel really good to do.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

health Pilates can substantially help towards a woman’s recovery from the effects of pregnancy and childbirth, and give focus to your week, plus an all important energy boost!

Pilates and the postnatal period This is a crucial time for new mothers to work on rehabilitation and strengthening of their core muscles.

awakened with regular practice, and abdominal muscles that have separated during pregnancy and birth can weave back together again.

At The Pilates Place in Crouch End, you can enjoy machine based pilates, and an individual programme to work from. Babies are welcome in postnatal sessions, and their small friendly classes are ideal for postnatal mums who want to get their strength back, but don’t want to leave baby behind!

For mat based classes, try Your Pilates, whose popular classes are a great source of comfort to the mums who attend – and the women support each other, learning about their bodies as they progress through the course.

With two instructors running the class someone is always on hand to help mums catch up if they have had to stop to feed/comfort baby in tow.

Particularly after the pressure that the pelvis has been put under during pregnancy, and the added stress of labour itself, pilates can be a great help.

With the vulnerability of the integrity of the pelvis from bearing down and / or caesareans, and then the manual load from lifting and carrying, more and more women have the potential for back trouble as their spinal support weakens.

Pilates can substantially help towards a woman’s recovery from the effects of pregnancy and childbirth, and give focus to your week, plus an all important energy boost! Pilates helps www.your-pilates.co.uk women regain their strength and fitness, and efficiently targets abdominal and www.pilatesplace.co.uk pelvic floor muscles. www.pilatespromise.com Clare-118mmx70mm-1.pdf Core muscles can gently be re- 1 11/10/2010 17:48

Pilates Classes • Mondays 6.30-7.30pm St Mary’s Crypt, Upper St N1 • Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm Highbury Roundhouse N5

P

ilates romise

Small classes and one-to-one sessions at your home with Jackie Johnson, Qualified Pilates Foundation teacher 07796 955334 jackie@pilatespromise.com www.pilatespromise.com

Fun, Creative Yoga forÊ childrenÊ agedÊ 2½Ê toÊ 12Ê years!

CallÊC lare:Ê Ê 0845 863 0680 orÊ clare@yogabugs.com www.familiesnorth.co.uk

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back to school Consult our website for a list of independant school open days.

Visiting a school first hand tells you so much more than the prospectus alone.

Directory oF ScHooL oPeN DAyS iN NortH LoNDoN

www.familiesnorth.co.uk/opendays We have it all covered!

Give them a healthy start!

Back to school tips and advice from Nutri Centre Head Nutritionist, Shona Wilkson

When our kids go back to school, we want them to be in the best of health, full of energy and able to resist all those bugs that can go around.

A great first step towards this is to ensure they are eating good healthy food. It has often been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and sending children off to school on a good breakfast will ensure that they get the best start to the day.

Examples of good nutritious breakfast foods include wholegrain sugar-free cereal, muesli sprinkled with a few chopped nuts and fresh berries, or wholemeal toast with scrambled egg.

For lunch, a common concern for parents is what to give children to take to school if the school dinners aren’t up to scratch. A basic rule here is to make sure we include one or two servings of fresh vegetables or fruit and a good source of healthy protein. Some simple and healthy options include: • W holemeal bread sandwich with free-range fresh turkey slices and some slices of cucumber or cherry tomatoes • S mall sticks of raw carrot or cucumber with a little pot of hummus • C hicken legs left over from the Sunday roast • N atural yoghurt (sugar-free, live) mixed with a few chopped nuts and raisins or goji berries.

• Small pot of cherry tomatoes

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• F resh fruit, for example – apple, pear, apricots, cherries or raspberries • O atcakes with a few slices of good quality cheese or hummus and some cherry tomatoes • Hardboiled egg • A small pot of brown rice salad (mix with sweet corn, tomatoes and cucumber chunks, olive oil, a pinch of natural sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice).

It is also helpful to give growing children a few well-chosen supplements to ensure that they are receiving all the nutrition they need. A good kids’ multivitamin and mineral can help energy levels particularly if a child is tired or run-down, or eats little in the way of fresh vegetables and fruit (but should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet).

Choose one that is free of artificial sweeteners or other additives. To help support the immune system, a probiotic (‘friendly bacteria’) or a kids’ beta glucan supplement can be beneficial.

Beta glucans are thought to trigger receptors on the body’s immune cells to help strengthen the immune response.

For concentration and learning, a good children’s fish oil may be particularly beneficial and may also help to reduce hyperactivity.

Another common problem for children at school is head lice. Neembased shampoos can be very effective at getting rid of the lice and are a good natural alternative to treatment shampoos containing insecticides.

! n i W

CoMPETiTioN CorNEr!

This issue could score you extra brownie points with your kids, as we have some fun and fabulous prizes to win on our website.

Up for grabs is a bumper prize of £50 worth of cool new ‘Tinc’ stationery. The lucky winner will handpick from a selection at the brand new Westfield store.

Or how about a Badgeit badge making kit?

There are some really fun prizes. The beautiful and tactile Circular Calendar that will help even the youngest children understand the cycle of the year.

Log on to www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ competitions and enter today!!

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

back to school

School matters

By Elisabeth Dolton

Make sure you have chosen the right school for your child, with these simple ways to monitor the progress of the school and that of your child.

So you have been through the dilemma of choosing the school and now your child is settling into their new environment. Your job is done... or maybe not. Now it’s time to start thinking about how to monitor your child and the school’s progress. Are the teachers doing their best for your child?

Did you choose the right school? How do we keep an eye on things, simply and easily, without joining the PTA? Getting a clear and accurate sense of day-to-day life at the school is

Too cool for school

imperative. An easy first step is to look at information readily available about every school. Once a year, look at these figures for your school, and see what’s changed.

If an area has worsened, ask your child’s teacher why, and what is being done about it? Check the school has good steps to tackle them. Seek evidence that what is planned is being put into place.

The best way to check that the school is right for your child is to ask the people who work there. Regular meetings with teachers are an effective way to monitor your child’s progress, performance and results. Take a morning off work and attend a class if that is possible.

Book a short appointment with the Head teacher. Ask them what the school’s strengths and weaknesses are, the school’s priorities this year, and ask yourself would I hire this person to work in my office?

Finally, ask does my son/daughter appear to be content at school? If the answer is yes, then that’s pretty good.

Ask teachers to show you examples of successful work, compare it to your

child’s work, and see where your child can improve.

As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s academic achievement. Taking steps to monitor the school and track progress helps you know the school is the right one for your child.

If an area has worsened, ask your child’s teacher why, and what is being done about it? Check the school has good steps to tackle them. rELEvANT WEBsiTEs www.ofsted.gov.uk www.schoolinspectionservice.co.uk www.ISI.net www.bridgeschoolinspectorate.co.uk

Clockwise, from above: • S hooting Star erasers www.paperchase.co.uk • Ladybird Packback www.minene.co.uk • Satchel www.room7.com • Doodle Snackpots www.paperchase.co.uk • Wind and waterproof coat www.polarnopyret.co.uk

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back to school

Education news

EDEN PriMAry oPENs iTs Doors

French-English Bilingual Nursery School

St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road)

Haringey’s newest primary school is opening this September with a full class of 30 reception children. Eden Primary is a Jewish school with a refreshingly original ethos: it is open to everybody, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Diversity, tolerance and understanding for all people are at the core of Eden’s ethos. It teaches a full, balanced curriculum while providing a

London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110

www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk

BrAiN ExErCisE ProgrAMME For ChiLDrEN WiTh LEArNiNg DiFFiCuLTiEs

by Usha Patel of Raviv Practice Bal-A-Vis-X (Balance Auditory Vision eXercise) is an education programme new to this country.

It has been running very successfully in the United States and several other countries. It was developed by respected teacher and writer Bill Hubert over 30 ago to help children with special educational needs in his own classroom when he was a primary school teacher.

Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery

Islington Green (Angel). 2-5 year olds.

8.00 am - 6.00 pm 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week 47 weeks a year

020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com

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Why is it effective?

Bal-A-Vis-X helps communication across the key regions of the brain such as the visual, the motor and the auditory. The co-operation of these regions, together with information transfer across the brain hemispheres, is required for effective learning and reading. If this communication does not exist, then it results in the body not being able to implement instructions provided by the

Jewish education from which all children can benefit.

For its first year, Eden is occupying temporary premises in Fortismere School. But from September 2012 it will have its own, purposedesigned building. Construction work begins in September on the site at 79 Creighton Avenue.

The building will be original, flexible and inspiring, as the artist’s impression shows.

For further information, visit www.edenprimary.org.uk brain. This in turn manifests as a learning difficulty.

In the early years, these links between the key regions of the brain start forming when the child is developing co-ordination skills. If these links are not fully developed by the time the child starts school then they may have difficulties with everyday school work. Some problems are fairly apparent, such as when a child has difficulties holding a pen or is constantly bumping into things. There can also be less obvious problems with foundation skills such as visual tracking, sequencing or processing speed which play a key role in comprehending aural information.

How does it help?

Bal-A-Vis-X helps address these problems in an enjoyable way. It is a physical programme which uses beanbags and racquet balls and incorporates rhythmical throwing and catching. The exercises vary in complexity from one ball bouncing exercises, to six ball bounce juggling. Exercises require peer co-operation which creates student cohesion.

Aside from the community spirit, the individual exercises are designed to improve co-ordination and communication across both parts of the brain’s hemispheres resulting in brain and body integration.

To read more about the Bal-A-Vis-X programme please visit our website www.familiesnorth.co.uk where you can see the article in full.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

back to school

Is my child able to pass the 11 plus?

New pencil case. New shoes. New uniform.

New school bag. Once you have spent the pennies and pounds on all your child’s ‘essential’ back to school items it’s time to look at their academic future.

They are one year on and one year nearer to secondary school. Which secondary school will be right for them and is it worth preparing and sitting them for the 11+ exams?

To find this out you need to know their academic level – how bright are they and are they reaching their potential. Whichever group your child For further information and academic assessment bookings please contact Katie Krais on: Mobile: 07956111728, email: kateek@hotmail.co.uk or see www.katiekrais.com and www. jaderbergkrais.co.uk

is in, it’s really important to know if this is where they should be. If they are performing in the middle group and they have average potential then this is absolutely the right group for them.

But what if they are underachieving at school and have the potential to do so much better and pass the 11+? How do you know?

One way is to have an academic assessment with an educational consultant. These consultants will test both your child’s potential ability as well as actual current performing level and allow you to know if your child is meeting their own potential and how their abilities can be moved on.

Good consultants will also give you ‘what next steps’... tutoring recommendations and advice on how to further support your child.

Tests should always be given using standardised scores as these are the scores that are used for most 11+ entrance examinations.

Whichever group your child is in, it’s really important to know if this is where they should be. If they are performing in the middle group and they have average potential then this is absolutely the right group for them.

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

A full consultancy package for parents to determine the most suitable school for their child.

3–18 YEARS

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Services include:

• Advice for parents of children with special needs.

• Up to date advice on state, state selective, independent and faith schools.

• Knowledge about how your child compares against the national average and others competing for year 7 places.

• Specialist knowledge of North London schools and admissions criteria.

• Help with application forms, dates, deadlines and understanding admissions criteria for each school.

• Advice on the best 11+ preparation books and resources to buy.

• Help for ex-pats looking to find school places back in Britain.

Mobile: 07003 451785 Email: kateek@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.katiekrais.com 13

back to school schools tend to have much better facilities). Many teachers no longer want to spend their free time coaching sport, and, unfortunately, sporty kids tend to play their sports at clubs outside school (or ironically, in after-school clubs on school premises, but run by other people).

Do encourage your child to play sport, in or outside school, as it will set them up for life. And take heart: the revised curriculum recently announced by the Government promised an element of competitive sport.

Moving on up!

by Sarah Ebner

A new school year and it’s not just the children who have things to learn.

Sarah Ebner takes a look As your child moves up the school, they (and you!) will face all sorts of different issues. Here are three which I’m pretty sure you’ll encounter…

HoMEWoRK You’ll soon look back upon the days of reading books and learning individual letters as a halcyon time. And if you’re anything like me, you might find that homework is taking up far too much of your – and your child’s – time.

The Government is keen to promote homework and offers specific guidelines.

These suggest an hour a week for Years 1 and 2, one and a half hours a week for Years 3 and 4, and 30 minutes a day for Years 5 and 6.

The idea behind homework is that it builds on what children have learnt at school. The aim is to help learning and encourage children to study on their own and be self-disciplined. It’s not supposed to rely on parents teaching their children new concepts.

But for pupils, homework can become a real burden, and doesn’t actually seem to enhance learning a great deal. It’s worth noting that there’s no definite link between homework and student achievement. In fact, for primary-school children, there appears to be no link at all. A review of 75 years’ worth of studies by the University of London’s Institute of Education found that the

14

benefits were negligible.

As a child moves up the school, I think homework can help with exam preparation and possibly time-management skills. But I’m not convinced that children need so much of it. However, the reality is that homework does exist, so here are some tips to ease the pain: 1 Find somewhere quiet to do it – not in front of the TV or around loud younger siblings.

2 Set up a workstation – a desk or table rather then the floor.

3 Don’t do it too late – your child, and you, shouldn’t do homework when you’re too tired.

4 Don’t help if you don’t know – it’s confusing if you offer help with maths, but don’t know the methods your child uses.

5 If all else fails, offer bribes – for instance, tell them they can play on the computer only after they’ve finished.

THE NExT STEP: SECoNDARy SCHooLS It’s vital for you to start thinking about secondary schools before your child enters Year 6. So, you need to look up OFSTED reports, find out about schools near you and speak to local parents.

There may be all sorts of application criteria which you need to address a year or so ahead (for faith schools, for example), and if you’re choosing a school which selects its pupils in some way (either academically or in a particular area such as music) you might want to think about hiring a tutor. You should plan to go on Open Days when your child is in Year 5 (or earlier if you’re very keen!).

Sarah Ebner is the author of The Starting School Survival Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts primary school, published by White Ladder and available from bookshops and Amazon, www.amazon. co.uk/StartingSchool-Survival-Guide-everything/ dp/1905410875.

SPoRT AT SCHooL You may notice that your child plays a lot less school sport than you used to. PE is part of the National Curriculum, but not a big part. In Key Stage 1, children will take part in some combination of dance, games and gymnastics twice a week, but dancing to nursery rhymes never really appealed to my daughter. In Key Stage 2, they continue with these, but add in athletics, ‘outdoor pursuits’ or swimming (still across only two sessions a week).

One major problem is that lots of schools don’t have sporting facilities and playing fields have been sold off (private

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

5

back to school

Five of the Best:

Educational Extras!

1

Teaching Trends 60 High Road, East Finchley London N2 9AS 020 8444 4473 www.teachingtrends.co.uk Here is a great shop packed full of learning resources for primary aged children. Teachers

stock up on material for the classroom, alongside parents looking for educational games, workbooks and more to inspire and assist learning.

In addition to the obvious array of uniforms, they have an extensive range of sportswear with great brands such as Nike, Puma, Lotto and Jansport, together with stationery from Helix and Casio, hair accessories and of course – name labels!

2

Kumon www.kumon.co.uk With centres all over North London it is not difficult to find extra maths or English help for your child to help them unlock their true potential.

Start them at a young age and they could soar through their times tables by the time they reach Key Stage 1!

5

First News info.firstnews.co.uk Entertains and enlightens while inspiring all of its many young readers to take a keen interest in the world around them. Why not get your kids a newspaper of their own delivered weekly to get them ahead with current affairs?

3 4

Surviving School Transfer www.katiekrais.com A full consultancy package to determine the most suitable school for your child.

Uniform for Kids 1103/1105 Finchley Road, Temple Fortune, NW11 0QB Tel: 020 8209 0999 www.uniform4kids.com

10% OFF COATS, RAIN TROUSERS & FLEECE JACKETS.

Fleece Jacket with thumb grips. £39.00 Kids just love them!

This voucher may be redeemed in any Polarn O. Pyret store or concession in the UK and online.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher or discount valid until 01.11.11.

Online code for 10% and FREE P&P voucher FMAW11.

Find you nearest store at polarnopyret.co.uk

Stores throughout the UK & Eire and online. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Local venues

Nurseries

Schools

Children’s Centres

Parties

Baby Story Play

Imagination takes you everywhere...

story

drama

play

6 months – 7 years

www.debutots.co.uk

Dipping their tiny toes into the world of stories, words and sounds, babies and toddlers delight in a multi-sensory blend of storytelling, puppets, bubbles and music.

Early Years Drama Growing in age and poise, children are inspired by each weekÕ s magical tale to share their own ideas and feelings as they creatively explore the characters, scenery and sounds together.

Family Story Play An engaging blend of our two class formats Ð perfect for siblings, childminders and childrenÕ s centres.

keeley@debutots.co.uk, 020 8211 3389 – Islington, Camden, St John’s Wood jennifer@debutots.co.uk, 020 8442 2380 – Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

15

book corner

Book corner Hello Kitty 123 (Ladybird)

An adorable, super-cute board book for babies and toddlers to enjoy, this vibrant title is a perfect first introduction to numbers 1 to 10. Three other Hello Kitty books to collect ranging from Touch and Feel Playbook to the sturdy Buggy Book, perfect for the smallest of hands.

Jack, Zack, and baby Caspar spend all day fighting dragons in their homemade fort. But when Sir Zack and Caspar are taken inside for bed, King Jack – alone on his throne – finds himself feeling a bit less brave... especially when he hears a thing approaching, a thing with four legs.

A rollicking read-aloud with a charming surprise ending and Helen Oxenbury’s spare, expressive illustrations, this kid-pleaser is a classic in the making.

Rapunzel by Lynn Roberts (Pavilion Children’s)

King Jack & The Dragon

by Helen oxenbury & Peter Bently (Puffin)

An irresistible knights-anddragons fantasy for the very young, in the tradition of Oxenbury’s enduring classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

16

Meet a funky flares-clad heroine and a truly terrifying villain in this wonderful re-working of the classic and much loved fairytale. Set in the sizzling seventies, this lively retelling is bursting with quirky and colourful detail.

Star Wars™ Character Encyclopedia (DK)

Everything you ever wanted to know about your favourite classic Star Wars characters, this comprehensive and fun look at the beloved film franchise is the ultimate character reference guide for fans of all ages. Featuring all new text,as well as stunning images and movie stills in a new, chunky format.

The simple layout of one character per page, arranged alphabetically, makes it easy for readers to find their favourite Star Wars heroes and villains.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

clubs and classes Browse our website to see the huge array of clubs and classes in North London on offer for your children. www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ clubsandclasses

Directory oF eXtrAcUrricULAr ActiVitieS

We have it all covered!

Music classes for babies and young children! ® d no blues ! all r hythm an Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730

Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games

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

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

La Libellule Trapeze School For children (from 2 1/2 years old)

At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0207 284 0631/0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk

B_Panthakarate.pdf 28/03/2011 10:20 www.monkeymusic.co.uk It’s fun, 1formative and a great way of making friends!

La Libellule

Trapeze School

For children (from 2 1/2 years old)

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

020-8445-2588

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

for children aged 5 to 14 years

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

At the Primrose Hill community centre Hopkinson’s Place NW1 0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@blueyonder.co.uk

17

travel

Get set for snow Paul and Francesca moved to Morzine eighteen years ago, started a family ski company and had 3 children.

We asked them to tell us about the most important things you should consider when taking your family on a ski holiday.

• D on’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of 1 to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure.

• Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing!

Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats that you’ll need.

• While you’re on your transfer vehicle

from the airport to your holiday accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible – then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

• It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes – they’ll only outgrow them by next year! Check out The Skiwear Service with showrooms in Hampstead and Park Royal stocking super-cool new snow boots and a wide range of affordable quality kit!

• If your children are attending ski

school or childcare, do name their clothes to avoid mix ups with others. block is • Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer.

Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

For more information contact Chilly Powder on 020 7289 6958 or phone the Skiwear Service on 020 7435 6246 (don’t forget to mention you read about them in Families North!)

Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer.

THE

Skiwear SERVICE

• Everything you will need for your ski holiday in one easy visit.

• Skiwear, snow boots and all the accessories.

• Kit out the whole family: babies through to adult • Excellent quality and affordable prices To visit us in our Hampstead or Park Royal showroom call

0207 435 6246

Or to buy online take a look at our website:

www.skiwearservice.co.uk 18

Issue 46 : (E)

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

museums out and about

Out & About Your guide to North London family entertainment

Museums

sessions. Admission £14.50/ children free.

BANK oF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk

FoUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ ( Russell Square) 020 7841 3600 foundlingmuseum.org.uk

open House Weekend September 17, 18 Guided tours of parts of the Bank not normally accessible to the public.

Marching Band October 1 Craft activities and a musical parade.

Booking required. 3 – 12 years.

Children + 2 adults free admission.

The Big Draw October 24 – 28 Design a bank note.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HoUSE 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF ( Charing Cross) benjaminfranklinhouse.org Georgian Crafts October 25 Toy making workshops to discover how Georgian children entertained themselves. Booking recommended.

5 – 14 years. Cost £5.

BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Sunday Fun Days September & October Family art and craft activities on Sundays. Free.

CARTooN MUSEUM 35 Little Russell St, WC1A 2HH ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7580 8155 cartoonmuseum.org Family Days September 10, October 8 Drop-in cartooning activities. Also special workshops during school holidays. Entrance £5.50/children free.

CHURCHILL WAR RooMS Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ ( Westminster) 020 7930 6961 iwm.org.uk

out of the Box September 17, 18 Examine replica items such as coats, hats and cigars and original items belonging to Churchill. Drop-in

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Design a Crown October 27 Decorate a crown with jewels and sequins. Booking required. 3 – 12 years. Children + 2 adults free admission.

GEFFRyE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk Free activities for accompanied children 5 – 11 years. Tickets allocated on the day.

Brilliant Bunting September 24 Create hanging decorations.

Magnetic Madness September 25 Paint a ceramic magnet.

HoUSEHoLD CAVALRy MUSEUM Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1A 2AX ( Charing Cross)

020 7930 3070 householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk Half-term Activities October 24 – 29, 11.30am Craft activities based on the history of the Household Cavalry. 5 – 11 years.

Booking recommended. Children free with fee paying adult + small charge for materials.

Storytelling October 25, 2.15pm Suitable for 3 – 8 years.

JEWISH MUSEUM Raymond Burton House, 129 – 131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB ( Camden Town) 020 7284 7384 jewishmuseum.org.uk Shanah Tova!

September 18 Design and decorate cards. Family workshop. Cost £4.

Shofar Hallabaloo!

September 25 Family music session. Admission £7.50/£3.50.

Sukkot Workshop October 9 Create decorations to take home.

Bookable. Admission £7.50/£3.50.

LoNDoN CANAL MUSEUM Gatti’s Ice House, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT ( Kings Cross) 020 7713 0836 canalmuseum.org.uk Tunnel Boat Trips September 18, 25 One hour trip on the Regent’s Canal

through Islington tunnel. Book in advance. Cost £8/£6.

Children’s Activities October 25 Boat trip and craft sessions.

Accompanied 6 – 12 years. Cost £4/£4.

Amazing Halloween Experience October 29, 30 Spooky boat trips and scary stories.

Charges apply.

MUSEUM oF LoNDoN London Wall, EC2, ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Characters from History September 11 Learn about Roman London. 5+ years. Free.

Museum Explored September 18, October 2, 16 Activities to explore the galleries. 5+ years. Free.

Storytime September 27, October 25 Interactive story sessions. Under 5 years. Free.

Half Term Events October 22 – 30 Workshops on Diwali, movement and song sessions and sounds of the calypso. 5+ years.

MUSEUM oF LoNDoNDoCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay)

The NEW digital wristband that helps your child when they get lost When your child is lost, they “Show & Tell” – Show a safe adult – & Tell them to “phone mummy” – Stay where you are Stores up to 5 phone numbers – mummy, daddy, grandma…

Select your number when you go out Invented by a north London mum of three, international award-winning Me Finder™. More info online.

RRP £14.99, with FREE P&P

Buy now online www.kidsshowandtell.com 19

out & about museums • theatres 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands A Pirate’s Life for Me September 4, 11, 18, 25 7+ years. Free.

Mini Mudlarks Babies Group September 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 31 Musical sessions. 6mths – walkers.

Booking required. Free.

Story Time September 29 Story sessions and music. Under 5 years. Free.

Half Term Activities October 22 – 30 Pirate-themed workshops and stories.

Some ticketed events. Free.

NATIoNAL GALLERy Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Free Family Sundays September & October Craft activities, talks and story telling sessions on Sundays and school holidays.

NATIoNAL PoRTRAIT GALLERy St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk Family Art Workshop September 17, October 15 Free art activities. 5+ years.

Family Storytelling September 17, October 15 Drop-in sessions. Free. 3+ years.

Half Term Activities October 22 – 30 Special holiday creative sessions.

PETRIE MUSEUM oF EGyPTIAN ARCHAEoLoGy Malet Place, UCL, WC1E 6BT ( Euston Square) 020 7679 2884 ucl.ac.uk Bloomsbury Festival October 23, 1 – 5pm Includes children’s activities midafternoon.

Hair Then and Now October 26 Family workshop on Egyptian hairstyles, wigs, braids and African Combs.

RoyAL AIR FoRCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk Battle of Britain Weekend September 10, 11 Talks, tours and concerts. Make and paint a Spitfire Airfix model. See

20

animals from Belmont Children’s Farm. Free.

Big Draw October 24 – 28 Watch aviation artists at work and draw an aeroplane. Free.

Witch Weekend October 29 – 30 Craft activities. Free.

SIR JoHN SoANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP ( Holborn) 020 7440 4263 soane.org They Came from the Shadows!

October 26 Shadow puppets and ghostly tales. Booking required. Whole day workshop. 7+ years. Cost £20.

Crazy Capitals October 27 Greek temples. Booking required.

Half day workshops. 7+ years. Cost £12.

Spooky Skeleton Puppets October 28 Puppet making and stories. Booking required. Half day workshops. 7+ years. Cost £12.

Theatres

Chickenshed Theatre

In the Night Garden Live September 10 – 24 Musical theatre with familiar characters.

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

CHICKENSHED Chase Side, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk

The Way Back Home October 9 Will a young boy find his way back home after landing on the moon? 3+ years. Cost £8.95.

Tales from the Shed September 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 Interactive performance with music and magic. Under 7yrs. Cost £5.50.

The Balloon Gardener October 16 A garden of whacky delights! 4+ years. Cost £7.95

ARTS DEPoT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk

;Saturday Shed September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 22, 19 Performance skills workshops.

Booking recommended. 6 – 12 years.

Cost £6 per session.

The Way Back Home October 27 – 30 A young boy flies his plane to the moon where he meets a friendly Martian. 3+ years. Cost £9/family £32.

HACKNEy EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk

BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk

Britain’s Got Bhangra October 12 – 16 Lively music and rhythm. Cost £9.50 – £27.50.

South Pacific Ends October 1 Lincoln Center Theater production.

Cost £15 – £85.

HALFMooN THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Limehouse Station) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk

BLooMSBURy THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1H OAH ( Euston) 020 7388 8822 thebloomsbury.com

Theatre Season Begins in October Full details available on website.

Horrible Histories October 4 – 15 The awful Egyptians and the ruthless Romans come to life on stage. Cost £18.50/£14.50.

BRENT CRoSS CENTRE Hendon, NW4 3FP ( Hendon Central) 0844 581 1250

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3EU ( Swiss Cottage) 020 7722 9301 hampsteadtheatre.com Pocket Comedy September 26 – October 1 Introduction to Shakespeare with The Comedy of Errors. 8+ years. Cost £15/£10.

Two Four Six Eight!

October 23 Craig is invited to his friend’s birthday party. 4 – 7 years. Cost £7.95.

The Insect Circus October 25 – 30 Creepy crawly fun for all the family.

Cost £12.95/£10.95/family £40.

LAUDERDALE HoUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk The Tall Tale of Mollie Whuppie September 19 Tale of courage and adventure. 3 – 7 years.

Kate Shortt Comedy Cello September 24 Musical fun. 3 – 8 years.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic October 1

By Humble Pie Theatre. 2 – 6 years.

Kan Kan the Kangaroo October 15

By Jactito Theatre. 3 – 8 years.

LyRIC THEATRE King Street, Hammersmith, W6 ( Hammersmith) 0871 22 117 29 lyric.co.uk The Wild Bride September 7 – 24 A journey from girlhood to womanhood. 11+ years.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

theatres • workshops • special events out and about MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldtheatre.co.uk

020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk The Sleeping Beauty October 22 – December 21

Abba Forever September 16 Cost £19/£17.

SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAyLIS STUDIo Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com

Roary the Racing Car Live September 17, 18 Brand new stage production. Cost £15.50/£13.50.

Little Howard’s Big Show October 2 Cost £12/£10/family £40.

White Caps October 21 – 23 Champloo Dance Company at Lilian Baylis Studio. Cost £12/£7.

PEACoCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com

SoUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Havana Rakatan September 13 – October 9 Dance and music from Cuba. Half price children’s tickets. Cost £15 – £42.

FUNharmonics October 23 Family concert with LPO. Cost £18 – £10/children half price.

Some Like it Hip Hop October 20 – November 19 Comic tale. 7+ years. Children halfprice. Cost £12 – £38.

UNICoRN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com

Billy The Kid September 24 – October 30 Billy’s Chelsea dream – adapted from a novel by Michael Morpurgo. 8+ years. Cost £8 – £19.

Brer Rabbit & the Tar Baby September 1 – 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, October 1, 2 Barge will be moored in Richmond for this show.

The Magician’s Daughter September 17, 18, 24, 25 Written by Michael Rosen, based on The Tempest with puppets and songs.

3 – 6 years. Cost £11/family £32.

The Three Pigs & The Wolf / Captain Grimey October 22 – 28 Double bill with the Three Pigs and Captain Grimey who is the dirtiest sea captain in the world! 2 – 6 years.

Cost £10/£8.50.

Under a Foreign Sky October 4 – 8 Three young immigrants make a fresh start. 13+ years. Cost £11.

RoyAL oPERA HoUSE Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD ( Covent Garden)

Call Mr Robeson October 18 – 23 Paul Robeson’s eventful life. 13+ years. Cost £11.

Videk’s Shirt October 25 – 30 Puppets and live music. 2 – 5 years.

Cost £8/family £24.

yoUNG VIC 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ ( Waterloo) 020 7922 2922 youngvic.org Street Scene September 15 – October 1 New York City musical. Cost £10 – £29.50.

Hamlet From October 28 Michael Sheen plays Hamlet. Cost £10 – £29.50

Billy the Kid at the Unicorn Theatre

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

Workshops BAL-A-VIS-x London W2 07766 837 616 intergratedbrain.co.uk SEN Workshop November 11 – 13 Series of balance, auditory, and vision exercises suitable for teachers, parents with SEN children and therapists. Early bookings discount.

CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG ( Finchley Road) 020 7472 5500 camdenartscentre.org Clay for Infants & Juniors October 25 – 28 Fictional landscapes. 5 – 11 years.

Cost £140.

Sound Machines for Infants & Juniors October 25 – 28 Using digital and hand crafted materials. 5 – 11 years. Cost £140.

CIRCUS GLoRy Primrose Hill Community Centre 07973451603 circusglory.co.uk Half Term Workshop October 26 Circus skills including trapeze, hula hoop, juggling and plate spinning.

3+ years. Cost £30.

CREATIVE MoVEMENTS Held at St Marys, Primrose Hill, NW3 3DJ 020 7435 8217 creativemovements.co.uk Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs October 18 – 20 3 – 5 years. 10% discount for early bookings.

Themed Workshop October 25 – 27 4 – 8 years. 10% discount for early bookings.

CREATIVE WIZ KIDS 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Half Term Clubs October 24 – 28 At Golders Green Parish Church, West Heath Drive, NW3 7QG. Fun activities. 3 – 9 years.

PERFoRM 0845 400 1274 perform.org.uk Half-term Perform Experiences October 24 - 28

PLAyING SPACE Southgate, N14 020 3083 8887 theplayingspace.co.uk Half-term Drama Workshop October 24 – 28 4 – 8 years. Cost £87.50.

WHITECHAPEL GALLERy 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East) 020 7522 7888 020 3326 2090 bookings whitechapelgallery.org Drawing Workshops September 10, 17 October 1, 8, 15 Booking recommended. 10+ years.

Cost £50 for 5 sessions.

Special events ALExANDRA PALACE Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY ( Wood Green) 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com Dolls House & Miniatures Fair October 23 Sales and demonstrations. Cost £6/£2.50.

ANGEL CANAL FESTIVAL City Road Lock/Regent’s Canal, N1 ( Angel) angelcanalfestival.org Festival September 4 Boat trips, entertainment, music, theatre and displays. Free entry.

BARNET WALKS Paul Baker 020 8440 6805 barnetwalks.talktalk.net Battle of Barnet October 16 Guided walks. Cost Cost £7/£3 under 12s.

Halloween Ghost Walk October 28 – 31 Spooky walk through High Barnet and Monken Hadley. Costume prizes.

Cost £7/£3 under 12s.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE SW1W 1QH ( Victoria) 020 7766 7302 royalcollection.org.uk The Big Draw at the Royal Mews October 22, 23 Drawing event in the activity room.

Entry to The Royal Mews only £8/£5/ family (2+3) £21.25/under 5s free.

BURGH HoUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk

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out & about special events • further afield Halloween Party October 28 Spooky stories, ghostly games, fancy dress and weird and wonderful tea!

Advance booking only. Under 10 years accompanied. Cost £15.

Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club September 25 Booking required. 8 – 12 years.

EARLS CoURT Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA ( West Brompton) eco.co.uk

Halloween Activities October 24 – 28 Adventure playground. 5 – 12 years.

The Baby Show October 28 – 30 Shopping, advice and information on birth, baby and beyond.

EFDSS Cecil Sharp House 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY ( Camden Town) 020 7485 2206 efdss.org Apple Day October 15 Celebrate the apple – with workshops, storytelling and music.

Ticketed.

FENToN HoUSE – NATIoNAL TRUST Windmill Hill, NW3 6RT 020 7435 3471 nationaltrust.org.uk Apple Weekend September 24, 25 Stalls, children’s activities, demonstrations and bee-keeping.

Cost £3/£1.

FoRGE VENUE 3 – 7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL ( Camden Town) 020 7383 7808 forgevenue.org Making Chocolate September 10 Learn to make chocolates. 10+ years. On-line booking. Cost adults £25/children £12. One child free if working together with adult’s ingredients.

Wildlife Photography October 1 Demonstrations and tips on how to photograph wildlife. Cost £20 per adult + 1 child free/2+ children £5 each.

FoRTy HALL Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 (M25/J25) 020 8363 8196 enfield.gov.uk/fortyhall Enfield Town Autumn Show September 3 – 4 Annual community festival held at Enfield Town Park, Cecil Road, EN2 6LE. Cost £3/children free.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 020 7482 7073 (bookings) cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath

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Heath Heritage Festival & Conker Championships October 9, 11am – 4pm Parliament Hill Bandstand

The Secret Spooky Garden October 29 Secret Garden, Parliament Hill.

HARINGEy NCT nct.org.uk/haringey gasandair@haringeynct.org Autumn Speed Bumps September 7, 8pm Question time at World Café, 130 Crouch Hill, N8 9DY – for those mothers expecting a baby October/ November/December. Email to confirm attendance.

Nearly New Sale September 17, 10.30am – noon At Union Church Hall, Weston Park, N8 9TA.

HIGHGATE WooD 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood Moth Identification Evening September 7

Fun on Tarporley September 10 Canal boat trips. Booking required.

Cost £6.50/£5.

Fairytale Fantasia September 10 Concerts with introductions to the instruments. 5+ years. Cost £4.50.

Musical Magic Carpet Ride September 10 Musical styles. Priority booking for children with special needs. 7 – 12 years. Cost £4.50.

Tuba Bears Picnic September 10 Live music with tubas. All ages. Cost £4.50.

Tots Concert September 11 Interactive music and stories. 2 – 3 years. Cost £4.50.

LAUDERDALE HoUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Drawing & Painting From September 12 Styles and techniques. 5 – 12 years.

Family Friendly Concerts September 18, October 2, 16 Children welcome. 6+ years. Cost £7/£1.

Walk to Look at Fungi October 5 Booking required.

Spooky Walk & Adventure Trail!

October 31 Halloween fun. Booking required.

Cost £6.

KEATS HoUSE Keats Grove, NW3 ( Hampstead) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshouse

LEE VALLEy PARK Enfield, EN2 9HG 08456 770 600 (M25/J25) leevalleypark.org.uk

Follow the Dragon October 2 Family event with living history, re-enactments and costumes.

KENTISH ToWN CITy FARM 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ( Kentish Town) 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk Apple Day October 30 Half term activities all week ending with the annual event, family fun day with music, food stalls and games.

Cost £1/£0.20.

KINGS PLACE 90 York Way, N1 9AG ( Kings Cross) 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk Kings Place Festival September 8 – 11 Mozart with Puppets!

September 9 Puppet tales and musicians. 2+ years.

Cost £4.50.

outdoor Cinema September 9, 10 Held at Lee Valley White Water Centre, EN9 1AB. Bring picnic and warm clothes. Check web for family films and prices.

King Harold Day October 8 Held at Waltham Abbey Gardens, EN9 1XD. Displays and demonstrations. Cost £2.50/children free.

LoNDoN oPEN HoUSE londonopenhouse.org Weekend Activities September 17 – 18 Many buildings open their doors this weekend free of charge. Tour areas not normally accessible to the general public.

PEARLy KINGS & QUEENS St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED pearlysociety.co.uk Harvest Festival October 9 Charity collections.

ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ ( Charing Cross) 020 7766 1100 stmartin-in-the-fields.org Mini Maestro Family Concert September 17, October 29 Musical fun and games. Cost £8.50/£6.50.

SUTToN HoUSE – NATIoNAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk House of Arts September 17 Dolls and puppet making. All ages.

Admission charges apply.

Family Day September 25 Dance classes. Booking recommended.

(THE MAyoR’S) THAMES FESTIVAL thamesfestival.org Festival September 10 – 11 Annual free celebrations with food events, workshops, markets, music, parades and fireworks finale.

WEMBLEy ARENA Arena Square, Engineers Way, HA9 OAA ( Wembley Park) wembleyarena.co.uk Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy October 25 – 30 Cost £16.75 – £48.85.

WIGMoRE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk open House Day September 17 Creative music workshops and performances. Free drop-in event.

All ages.

Abracadabra October 15 Family concert. Booking required. 5+ years. Cost £7/£5.

Further afield CAPEL MANoR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane,Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk City Harvest Festival September 17 Displays by local community farms and gardens. Cost £5.50/£2.50/ under 6 years free.

www.familiesnorth.co.uk

further afield out and about Halloween Howler October 30 Craft activities, face painting, ghost stories and tractor rides. £5.50/£2.50/under 6 years.

Free.

Signalling & Signals September 10 – 11 Send a message using naval communications. Adults £12.25/ children free entry.

ELTHAM PALACE & GARDENS Greenwich, SE9 5QE (M25/J3 or Eltham Station) english-heritage.org.uk

oSTERLEy PARK & HoUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB ( Osterley) 020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk

Ghosts & Ghouls October 23 – 25 Halloween crafts and activities. Cost £9.30/£6.60.

Craft Cart September 1, October 27 Trails and family craft activities.

Admission £8.25/£4.15.

EPPING FoREST Visitor Centre, High Beach, IG10 4AE ( Epping) 020 8508 0028 020 8502 8500 (Field Centre) cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping Discovering Badgers September 25 Field Centre event. Booking required.

Discover Days September 25, October 30 Craft sessions and story telling.

Admission £8.25/£4.15. open House September 17 – 18 Explore the park house and gardens.

Entrance £8.25/£4.15.

Half Term Activities October 25 – 28 Varied events.

o2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk

HMS BELFAST Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH ( London Bridge) 020 7940 6300 iwm.org.uk/hmsbelfast

Ben 10 Monster Truck Mania September 10 – 11 Live show with trucks, motorcycles, stunts and cartoon hero Ben 10.

RoyAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045

WATFoRD PALACE THEATRE Clarendon Road, Watford (Watford Junction) 01923 225671 watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Proms in the Park September 10 Celebrations in Hyde Park with special guests. Cost £32.50.

Friend or Foe September 20 – October 1 Stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s exciting tale of two boys evacuated during WW2. 8+ years.

Cost £9/£7.50.

royalalberthall.com

SCIENCE CENTRE THE oBSERVAToRy Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1RN 01323 832731 the-observatory.org Half Term Activities October 24 – 30 Telescope tours and science shows with special workshops at extra cost.

Entrance £7.80/£5.85.

WWT LoNDoN WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13 9WT (Barnes station) 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/London Bats and Spiders Weekend October 22 – 23 See a different side to normally scary creatures. Entrance £9.59/£5.32.

Piano LESSonS Ages 5 – Adult All levels CRB checked TEL. 07792 052 919 www.pianotalents.co.uk

are proud to present

HENRY HEDGEHOG for 2–8 year olds

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

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I provide a professional & efficient Architectural design service. Call James Vesica Design – 07908 687 289

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07837 713 699

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Drama Dance Singing Half Term & Christmas holiday courses in NW3 Star in exciting, original dance shows, musicals & plays

Activity party specialists: Trapeze, Rope, Juggling, Hula-hoop, Diabolo, and Devil’s Sticks, Plate Spinning, Stilt Walking and more…

0797 345 1603 gmonastesse@googlemail.com

N811/04/2010 NW1 NW8 N16

circus_glory_dev.indd 3

Now booking Autumn Term Saturday morning Drama & Dance classes.

Contact us for details:

020 8446 0891

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

09:41

Football training for under 5s who are nuts about football Get your midfield dynamo enjoying super-skills, fun & exercise CRB checked & FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses & parties across London

NEW!

kiddikicks.co.uk 020 7937 7965

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

020 8446 0891

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

Match Play for Under 8s

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Half Term & Christmas football courses in NW3

05/07/2011 09:40

It’s one thing buying kids the latest trainers, but giving them a head start in a sport is a real investment.

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APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 18M TO UNDER 7YRS

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020 8201 1084 020 7431 9967 020 8958 2808

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t: 07826 020 908 e: info@thelittlelions.co.uk www.thelittlelions.co.uk