Families South East London September/October 23 Digital

South East

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.

• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

• Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?

Take our free test to find out.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.

** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.

Welcome

So it’s back to school already! Maybe you’ll have some time this month to take a look at our fabulous Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween. So take a look at our fab Halloween cooking and craft ideas and download our free Halloween activity pack! We’ve also got great suggestions for board games for the family as the nights draw in and familyfriendly museums to visit as the weather turns.

I

Mighty

Education

Performing arts What’s On

CONTENTS Get in touch

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

A CKHE A TH HIGH

Best new adventure books for kids

We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

By Davina Tijani

A fun fantasy adventure inspired by African mythology. Ages 5+.

Leif the Unlucky Viking

By Gary Northfield

Highly illustrated, laugh-out-loud Viking adventure. Ages 5+.

The Lucky Bottle

By Chris Wormell

A beautifully illustrated, mysterious maritime adventure. Ages 8+.

Friends and Traitors

By Helen Peters

A thrilling wartime mystery with a classic feel for readers. Ages 8+.

The Housetrap

By Emma Read Scooby Doo meets

Escape Room in this entertaining adventure. Ages 8+.

Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight

By Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

Epic new fantasy series. Ages 8+.

Tiny the Secret Adventurer

By Aisha Bushby

A heartwarming, inclusive adventure story. Ages 5+.

All the Way Down

By Stewart Foster

A life-affirming story packed with friendship, resilience and empathy. Ages 8+.

The Stolen Songbird

By Judith Eagle

A gripping mystery set in 1950s London. Ages 8+.

The perfect setting to shape your child’s future

} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life.

} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous fiveyear curriculum.

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ into Year 3 at independent or state schools – with that special Herne Hill School spark.

} Unique Reception Cycle for 3+ year-olds with a bespoke and ambitious curriculum that is fun, fun, fun.

} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm.

} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group.

“I knew it was right

him when we

Something just felt right, like he belonged there.”

Meet the Head

Families chats to Louise Davidson, Head Master of Dulwich Prep London.

What do you like best about being Head of Dulwich Prep London? The school is a vibrant community that feels like a family, with values at its heart and academic excellence as the constant and achievable aspiration. No day is the same, and my job is the best in the world as a result.

In three words, how would the students describe you? Approachable, kind, firm, but fair.

What aspect of the school’s offering are you most proud of?

The diversity of the community and curriculum. The way we support boys to be the best versions of themselves in character and achievement. The bubble we create in which they can discover themselves and prepare for their future lives.

Dulwich Prep London is a boys’ prep school from age 3. What are the key benefits you offer young boys?

We nurture their natural curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through daily play-based tasks indoors and outdoors, including weekly Forest School lessons. They become independent and learn to think for themselves. Initiative is praised, and the resulting selfconfidence helps children develop a positive attitude towards learning, enabling them to succeed.

How are your personal values reflected in those of the school?

I judge myself by high moral standards. Yet as adults, we don’t always get it right, nor, of course, do children. Boys will make mistakes along the way to becoming future change-makers, so we offer a safe space in which they can reflect and honestly confront these. Above all, I believe in showing love and helping boys talk confidently about love in all its forms.

How do you strive to ensure the pupils at Dulwich Prep London are happy?

We’re proactive in our approach to wellbeing and values, weaving these through the curriculum so children feel safe and supported. We also have a Wellbeing Suite with a fulltime counsellor. READ

Phonics resources to assist with reading

Is your child learning to read? Help them learn with these fun phonics activities.

Phonics

Phonics information, games and activities. £12 per year.

YouTube Channel

Over 500 literacy resources recorded by a Year 1 teacher. FREE.

Reading Eggs

Online phonics activities and games for learning. £6.99 per month.

Over 150 eBooks to help your child put learning to practice. FREE.

Sort That Sound! Activity Set

Identify and sort sounds and images, building phonemic awareness.

£25

Children sing a song for each phonics sound. CD & explanatory book. £8.75.

Teach Your Monster to Read

Mini-games help children recognise letters and practice blending sounds. FREE.

Created by reading experts. £5.03.

iPhone/iPad app

Fun, engaging combination of letter and sound pronunciation and writing practice. £6.99.

abc PocketPhonics

Jolly Songs Book and Audio CD

Play

Oxford Owl Phonics Storybooks

Mr T’s Phonics

Julia Donaldson’s Songbirds Phonics Games

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Celebrating different learning styles

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student told me that, despite being offered speech-to-text assistive technology, he found writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his thoughts and process his ideas. So how could AI help assist with this?

READ MORE

James Allen’s Girls’ School Autumn Open Events

Everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style can help you support their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

READ MORE

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. This may be a new experience or you may have attended these events already. So how do you get the most out of them?

READ MORE

Independent school open days

South East London is home to some of the most respected independent schools in the country. Open Events need pre-booking; see websites for a flavour of the school and to register your interest.

Blackheath High School

GDST, SE3

Independent girls’ school, 3-18 yrs.

Whole school open morning: 30 Sep

Junior school open morning: 10 Oct

Seniors: 12 Oct

Plus regular taster days.

The Pointer School

Nursery-11yrs, boys and girls.

Open events: 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 2 Nov

Plus regular midweek open mornings.

St Dunstan’s School, SE6

Independent co-ed, Nursery-18yrs

Whole school open day: 23 Sep

Riverston School, SE9

Nursery-18yrs, boys and girls.

Senior school open days: 18 Oct, 22 Nov

Colfe’s School, SE12 3-18yrs, boys and girls

Whole school open morning: 23 Sep

The Laurels School, SE19

Independent senior girls’ school, 11-18yrs.

Open morning: 23 Sep

Dulwich Prep London, SE21

Independent boys’ school, 3-13yrs. Nursery: boys and girls.

Open morning: 23 Sep

Dulwich College

Independent boys’ school, 4-18yrs.

Year 7 entry: 12 Sep, 22 Sep, 12 Oct

Lower school tours: 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 7 Oct, 17 Oct

Year 9 entry: 13 Sep, 26 Sep

Junior school: 23 Sep, 11 Oct

Rosemead Preparatory School

Independent prep school and nursery.

Open morning: 7 Oct plus group and individual show-rounds.

Oakfield Preparatory School

Independent co-ed prep school.

Open days plus private tours available.

James Allen’s Girls’ School, SE22

Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs

Prep open morning: 7 Oct

Senior school: 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 7 Oct and 12 Oct Booking required.

Alleyn’s Junior School

Independent co-ed school.

Open events and tours available.

Herne Hill School, SE24

Independent co-ed preschool and pre-prep, 2-7yrs.

Open morning: 30 Sep, plus regular tours.

Sydenham High School

GDST, SE26

Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs

Whole school open morning: 16 Sep

Prep open mornings: 26 Sep, 10 Oct & 8 Nov

Senior school open mornings: 28 Sep, 9 Nov

Bromley High School

GDST, BR1 & BR2

Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs.

Whole school open morning: 23 Sep plus regular taster days.

Bishop Challoner School

Independent co-ed school

Whole school open day: 23 Sep

Come shine with Cosmos

Find your feet at South London Dance School

Discover Cosmos Performing Arts, an outstanding performing arts school in SE15, run by dynamic sister duo, Emily and Freya.

Its enriching experiences for children ages 3 to 11+ include musical theatre, singing and dance classes, holiday schemes and parties and are tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, making classes inclusive and welcoming for all.

What sets Cosmos Performing Arts apart is its commitment to bespoke learning and industrystandard education and its belief in the power of performing arts to build confidence and pave the way for future success. Experienced and qualified teachers bring real-world expertise, encouraging every student’s potential.

Explore the world of Cosmos. Find your passion nurtured, your growth assured and your unique voice celebrated.

More info HERE

South London Dance School has provided high quality performing arts education to children and adults since 2009.

Within its own professional Herne Hill dance studios, weekly classes range from baby ballet to street dance and musical theatre, supported by strength and flexibility classes. The school holds regular ISTD examination sessions in which its students achieve outstanding results, as well as annual performances.

Principal, Zoe Dawson has developed a bespoke training system which allows the youngest children to master basic dance skills and experience the joy of dance and music through a creative approach, before embarking on more focused dance training. Zoe is involved with the work of her talented team to ensure each child achieves their personal best.

Enrol now for this term. Hurry, spaces are limited.

More info HERE

Kickstart your autumn with a FREE Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

This term, children ages 4 to 7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, children ages 7 to 12 are going to the ball in a rags-toriches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Book a FREE class in one of the following venues HERE, EMAIL or call 020 7255 9120.

Beckenham: St George’s Church Hall, Beckenham Methodist Church

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall

Bermondsey: Bermondsey Village Hall

Blackheath: St Michael and All Angels Church Hall

Brockley: St Andrew’s Centre

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church

Camberwell: Longfield Hall

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church

East Dulwich & Dulwich: St

Stephen’s Millennium Hall, St

Barnabas’ Church Hall, Francis Peek Community Room, Goose Green Centre, St Barnabas’ Parish Hall

Eltham: Christ Church Community Centre

Forest Hill: St William of York Catholic Church Hall

Greenwich: The Forum

Herne Hill: The Prince Regent, Carnegie Community Hub

Hither Green: Lochaber Hall

Kidbrooke: St James Rectory

Lee: Church of the Good Shepherd

Orpington: Orpington Methodist Church

Peckham Rye: Amott Road Baptist Church NEW

Petts Wood: Lakeswood Hall

Surrey Quays: Time and Talents in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre

Waterloo: Waterloo Action Centre

NEW

Woolwich: Artfix Woolwich

Enjoy a Code Kids tech class

Code Kids robotics and coding tech classes and camps are loved by children and parents.

For children ages 6 to 14, sessions cover everything from robot design, coding games, modding Minecraft, AI development and learning python programming.

Code Kids helps children unleash their STEM potential and become happy, confident learners who develop a passion for technology. Tutors are experienced teachers and tech professionals whose aim is to inspire young minds.

More info HERE

Climb aboard for a Cutty Sark adventure

Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an actionpacked day out on this worldfamous historic ship.

Meet the cast of colourful characters from the ship’s past, including the fearless Captain Woodget and hear stories about life on board the fastest ship of its time.

Find your sea legs and explore the main deck. Play interactive games and visit the Cutty Sark figureheads, part of the world’s largest collection of ship figureheads.

Follow a free family trail and discover how the ship’s crew lived and worked at sea in the age of sail and treat the family to an unforgettable experience by climbing Cutty Sark’s iconic masts to see breathtaking views of London and get a taste of life as a 19th century sailor.

Book your tickets HERE

Royal Museums Greenwich Cutty Sark | National Maritime Museum | Royal Observatory | The Queen’s House

Cutty Sark Greenwich (only 8 mins from London Bridge) Greenwich Pier

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE HERE

Fun role play ideas for kids

Fantasy role play

Super hero: let your child choose and act out imaginative adventures.

Circus: make tickets and provide hula hoops, face paint, animals etc.

Astronaut: create cardboard spaceships and helmets.

TV character: Paw Patrol, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig. Storybook character: a favourite or a classic eg Cinderella.

Work role play

School teacher: teach the ABCs to stuffed toys or younger siblings.

Police: let kids enjoy the idea of being responsible. Factory: use old containers, tools, masking tape and set a task.

Taxi: two chairs, plate for steering wheel and a destination. Hospital: provide white coat and medical tools.

Café Role Play

Daily life role play

Grocery store: promote early maths skills, use pretend money and home produce.

Restaurant: set up pretend restaurant with menus, play food and tables.

Post Office: use envelopes, stamps and boxes; children can send and receive.

Dentist: settle patient nerves, provide chair, coat and pretend tools.

Small-world role play

Cardboard city: create a pretend urban area using cardboard boxes.

Bug small world: use plastic bugs in a sensory tray.

Dinosaur land: use a tray with sand, pebbles, plastic trees and dinosaur toys

Animals at lake: make miniature beach with sand and animal figurines.

Travel Agent Role Play

A dad demonstrates a café role play with his son.

Enjoy a giggle watching children play being travel agents.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands’ really does have something for everyone. For younger kids, there are quiet beaches and secluded coves. For older ones, plenty of theme parks, aquariums and water sports.

Krk Island, Croatia

Switzerland

Connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

A magical, ‘great outdoors’ destination for family holidays. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, hiking up a mountain or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer adventures.

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. Lots of fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the island’s natural beauty and delicious food.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel. Family-friendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and Warner Bros World.

Sweden

Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, gorgeous year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. Expect family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. My best advice: don’t just fly and flop. Travelling with children is easy here, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options making exploring easy. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s truly something for everyone.

Top family-friendly museums

Head for one of these museums this October half term and you will definitely keep the kids engaged! And, many of them are FREE.

Sheffield Loads of interactive and hands-on activities.

Dedicated, designed and curated by children, a brand-new museum full of wonder. FREE

Dunfermline, Scotland Award winning. Handson activities. FREE.

Hancock, Newcastle Natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. FREE

Leeds

Fascinating history of Leeds, signposted selfie points, all-round excellent facilities. FREE

Derby

Hands-on activities, regular family workshops. FREE.

London

Climb aboard vintage buses/trains/taxis/tubes.

FREE for under 17s.

Liverpool

Hands on, interactive displays telling Liverpool’s story. FREE.

Birmingham

Steam engines, talking robots, spitfire gallery and planetarium.

Leeds City Museum

Museum of Making

Great North Museum

London Transport Museum

Museum of Liverpool

National Emergency Services Museum

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Young V&A London

Thinktank Science Museum

Fun board games that encourage development

It’s the perfect time of year to invest in a new board game and these are not just brilliant fun, they also encourage aspects of children’s development.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in young ones in a fun and silly way.

Ages 3-6. £21.15.

Life on Earth Matching and Memory Game

Great for encouraging focussed attention, Ages 3+. £6.

Spot it Junior!

Children have to learn to suppress their first impulse.

Ages 4+. £14.39.

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills and self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £18.50.

Shopping List

Fast paced game which tests memory and matching skills. Ages 3+. £8.30.

Sequence for Kids

Practises turn-taking, planning, prioritising and boosts short term memory.

Ages 4-7. £29.35.

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Promotes planning, decision making and fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £16.49.

Hey, that’s my Fish

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. Ages 8+. £17.23.

Kingdomino

Improves spatial awareness, decision making and executive functioning.

Ages 8+. £22.35.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

What is a Food Scientist?

Fussy eating is common in children, often peaking around age 3.

The consequences include poor dietary variety, especially with fruit and vegetables, leading to concerns about nutrient intake and possible negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to new foods, using a sensory based approach, can help children expand their diet.

Consequences of fussy eating Look

By becoming Food Scientists, children can explore new foods using a step by step, practical approach at a speed with which they are comfortable.

They are encouraged to explore foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in a fun way using all their senses by looking, touching, smelling, licking and listening to their sounds.

Touch

Evidence suggests that the more you expose children to new fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are in time to accept them. Initially suggest your child LOOK at the food they are exploring and describe its colour and shape. Using a magnifying glass enables them to look closely and compare the inside and outside.

Your child can then TOUCH and feel the food with their fingers to see if it smooth, bumpy, wet, dry, soft or hard.

Encourage them to explore further by looking inside, using cutters, peelers or juicers. They can use tongs or a napkin if they dislike getting their hands wet.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

Smell

Encourage your child to progress to eating, from tolerating the food in their space to bringing it closer to their nose and mouth, to find out if it is a big SMELL that fills the room or smaller one, that stays close to the food.

Sound

Finally, children are encouraged to explore a small piece of food in their mouth, by taking a bite and to listen to the SOUND. Is it a squelchy or a louder crunchy sound?

Give children permission to spit the food out (into a tissue) if they dislike it.

Taste

Many children are reluctant to TASTE new foods. Suggest they take a small ‘snake taste’ by putting their tongue quickly on the food. How do the inside and outside compare? Salty, sugary, sour or bitter? They can take a bigger, longer lick, if they want.

About the book

The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food is for children and parents.

Its large childfriendly print and photographs show children how to become food scientists, exploring the sensory elements of different foods.

In small steps, the book supports children to become comfortable with new foods and eventually be able to eat them.

Spooky Halloween crafts

Get crafting with this range of craft activities that will get the family in the Halloween mood.

Free printable bunting

Flying ghost stick puppet

Chalkboard paint pumpkin

Handprint spider

Rock skulls

Witches’ cauldrons

Halloween bowling

Haunted house

Puffy ghosts

Spooky Halloween food ideas

Make these delicious and super-scary Halloween recipes with the kids.

Meringue ghost ice-cream sundaes

Monster cookies

Chocolate mousse mud pots

Spooky sausage rolls

Pumpkin fondue with crispy bats & crunchy veg

Apple pie mummies

Haunted pizza

Banana ghosts

Monster burgers

True’s Mushroom House Playset Giveaway

Worth £40 each

5 available

Come and play with True and Bartleby

Multi-level house complete with furniture for endless play possibilities

Compatible with all True and the Rainbow Kingdom figures, so True’s friends can join the fun Ages 3+

APPLY HERE