Families-LSB Sept-Oct 2011 by Families Magazine

Sept-Oct 2011 Issue 40

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Special features: Back to School Clubs and classes

Including our popular local 'What's On' for families with children aged 0 - 12 in Epsom, Sutton, Croydon and surrounding areas

news & views Editor: Izabella Shaw 0208 669 5187 editor@families-LSB.co.uk www.families-LSB.co.uk ‘Families London-Surrey Borders’ is part of a group of magazines headed by ‘Families South West’ established in 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and its agents cannot be held responsible for loss or damage, or for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted are sent at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for any loss or damage.

Contents News and views .............................................2,3 Parenting .............................................................4 Clubs and classes...............................................5 Which club or class to choose................... 6-7 Clubs and classes for your children........6-11 Education starts at home...............................12 How to get the best from your school......14 Independent schools listing.....................15-17 School open days.............................................18 What’s on - Diary dates for families.....20-21 What’s on - Halloween...................................21 What’s on - Theatres......................................22 What’s on - Diary dates for parents...........23 Classified Advertisers......................................24 Families Magazine is now Tweeting. We’re at @FamiliesLSB. Why not follow us? Our tweets can tell you whenever we update our site with competitions, news items, and when we update the What’s On section of our site with new venues and things to do.

We would like to thank all our advertisers, without whose support this magazine would not be possible. If you enjoy reading Families and find the information in it useful, please remember to let them know where you found out about them, should you contact them.

@FamiliesLSB

Local on-line store, We Love Our Skin has added a range of educational toys to its multi-ethnic dolls, games, books and other toys. The shop stocks products which feature people, faces and personalities from different ethnic groups, including Afro-Caribbean, East Asian, Indian sub-continent and aboriginal from Australasia, the Americas and elsewhere. The new range of educational toys are all unusual and hard to find in other stores. www.weloveourskin.com

DB Pristine can make your oven as good as new Cleaning your oven can take up precious family time and without the correct tools and materials, can become an almost impossible task. This editor had D.P.B. Pristine Oven Cleaning in to clean her oven and wanted to tell readers how pleased she was with the results. At D.P.B. they only use environmentally friendly products in your home, no toxic smells or odours, safe for young children and pets alike. Fully trained and insured operatives will leave no mess but a shiny oven. An oven smelling of rotten food and smoking is not only unhygienic but can also become a fire risk. They also clean Agas, range cookers, hobs, extractors, microwaves and BBQs. For further information call 0208 393 1935 or 07906567646.

Earn cash through Labels4kids Children’s labelling company Labels4Kids is recruiting sales agents. In exchange for a small start up cost, readers who refer friends and family to the company’s website can earn money back in commission. You get to show and explain products you like to others who may also benefit from their use, and make some money too. Over the years Labels4Kids has been entered in and won numerous high profile awards, including Online Retailer of the Year in 2010.

We’re also posting updates and stories at Facebook.com/FamiliesLSB. Again, whenever we get late-breaking news or web-only competitions, we can let you know about them. But only if you ‘Like’ our page.

Build-A-Bear recalls Love Hugs Peace Lapel Pins Build-A-Bear Workshop is issuing a voluntary product safety recall of its Love Hugs Peace Lapel Pin. The lapel pin, pictured above, was sold from July 2009 through to October 2010 and given away as a gift with purchase during the last weekend in July 2009.

As well as ordering kits through the website, customers can read blogs on numerous topics on the latest educational and parent-related issues. There is also a Labels4Kids Facebook page where news, discounts offers and news are posted. For orders, go to www.labels4kids.com/fam To ask about becoming an agent, email sales@labels4kids.com.

Back to school … A coat to last all seasons Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden have cracked the dilemma for parents everywhere this autumn. The coat solution that can handle warm, windy, raining, snowing and freezing. How? Flexible, lightweight, high-tech layers that are waterproof, windproof and most importantly for active children…breathable

Build-A-Bear Workshop has discovered excessive lead in a small portion of the surface coating of the lapel pin. The pain exceeds US Standards limits. Customers can return the pin to their local Build-A-Bear Workshop, where they will be able to exchange the pin for a £5.00 coupon for a future purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop. If it is not feasible for customers to return the pin to their local store, they may contact Build-ABear Workshop at 0800-432-0779 for other instructions (line open from 2pm until midnight on weekdays and until 10pm on Sat.). www.buildabear.co.uk/lp/recall/default.aspx

We Love Our Skin adds educational products

The windproof, water resistant soft fleece jacket fixes into the shell jacket when winter weather arrives. The thumbholes stop sleeves riding up…and kids just love these they are so happy to wear them – they don’t have to be told twice to put them on. It is, without a doubt, the most popular children’s item. Children love them because they can move freely in them – they are so lightweight. They keep you dry in a downpour and are warm and windproof, yet breathable so the most active child doesn’t overheat. polarnopyret.co.uk/

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September-October 2011

news & views Buy local; Get an organic Veg Box Sutton Community Farm is expanding its Veg Box programme. The Community Farm, based in Wallington, grows organic vegetables and sells them to local people. They can deliver either a box-full of organic, locally-sourced veg to your door once a week, or you can collect direct from the farm. A large box, suitable for a family, for a week, costs £11.50, while a small box, suitable for a couple, costs £7.50. Anna Francis, project manager, told Families, “The whole focus is increasing access to affordable, healthy produce. We launched the box scheme in June, but as the harvest season approaches, we want to expand it throughout Sutton.” She said the veg box focuses on the staples you might otherwise buy from a supermarket – potatoes, onions, carrots and other common veg. A typical week at the end of August offered tomatoes, salads, broccoli, courgettes, potatoes and onions. She said the box occasionally includes more exotic veg, but a recipe is included when that happens. The group also has a Veg Van which sells the produce from various locations in Sutton. http://www.suttoncommunityfarm.org.uk/veg-box/ http://www.vegvan.org.uk/

Real Nappies –Saving the planet from the bottom up Croydon Real Nappy Network is offering Croydon residents a £30 voucher to help them try washable nappies in place of the disposables that most mums use. It is no longer necessary to boil and soak cloth nappies. Biodegradable ‘one way’ liners can be used inside a nappy. They are simply lifted out and then hygienically flushed down the loo. Alternatively, you can use fleece liners which provide a stay dry layer. Store soiled nappies in a bucket with a tight fitting lid. You can dry-pail nappies and wash every couple of days or wet-pail using a soaking solution. Nappies can simply be washed at 60°C with your usual detergent. Britain throws away nearly three billion nappies a year. That’s a hefty eight million a day. Disposable nappies are not just wasteful and costly for parents. Dealing with nappy waste costs local authorities hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. Over seven million trees are chopped down every year to produce disposable nappies. Meet the Real Nappy Network at Kidplay Cafe on Monday 12 Sept from 9.30am to 11.30am or First Wednesday of every month at Croydon University Hospital from 7.30pm. http://www.croydonrealnappies.org.uk/

Inspirational book asks how long is a piece of string Local mum, Michelle Falzon has written and self-published a book called How Long is a Piece of String? (Paperback, 108 pages). Aimed at seven- to 13-year-olds and their carers, the book follows the progress of Nando as he works his way through some of life’s problems, like procrastination; fear of the unknown; making mistakes and anger. It’s all done metaphorically, with Nando dealing with small issues in a weird and wonderful back-to-front world. It’s easy to translate those small events and problems into the bigger events and problems facing young adults in the real world. Your English teacher might have a few comments about the grammar and sentence structure, but that really is less relevant than the storyline. It’s a great book, telling a great story which is accessible at many different levels. Hint: read it aloud to your child. ISBN-10: 1452071306 www.michellefalzon.co.uk/ Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

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parenting Purley after-school club teaches French, Spanish

Nutrition with Purpose

A new after-school club, which offers all the normal childcare and taxi services, but adds language tuition as well, has opened in Purley.

A new Nutrition with Purpose programme starts this Autumn Term. Yvonne Stone who runs the programme hopes it will help improve the health of the next generation, while also raising money for schools and helping solve global malnutrition.

The club is aimed at children from five to ten years old and takes place in the Purley Montessori Nursery to the South of Purley Cross. Sara Lamloumi, who runs Little French Bears, a baby-sitting service which offers language tuition as an added extra, runs the after-school club. She said, “I have been working in an after-school club, but it can be a little boring as they play with the same toys.” At the new club – which opened over the Summer – they will get food and do the same things as other after school clubs but in addition, they speak French and Spanish.” The children are picked up by private mini-bus and driven to the club. Parents pick up at 6 pm.

The programme is based around a unique children’s nutritional supplement which, she claims, supports the immune system, helps concentration, memory and focus. Just four small chewy bear treats a day will give your child the nutritional goodness of 11 freeze dried fruits and vegetables.

Contact Sara Lamloumi on 07804 892922

If you’re interested for your children, or are involved in a PTA and you think your school might be interested, then contact

Soft play venue opens in Purley

Yvonne Stone RSHom, SRN on 020-8647 2924 - Mob 07942 816937 or email enquiries@nutritionwithpurpose.org.uk

Jayne Harris, Sarah Bridger, and Sarah’s sister, Tracey Villis have set up a multi-activity soft-play centre in Purley. Henrys House includes the Soft-play centre which has two sections – one for 0 to two year olds and the main structure for two to nine years. The other half of the venue is Jayne’s AngelstoZombies party shop which sells dressing up clothes, Lego models, Harry Potter collectibles and toys. www.henryshouse.co.uk www.angelstozombies.co.uk 07766 100 393

For more information about the Give for Real program, visit their website at www.giveforreal.com.

Co-operative takes over at Buffer Bear The Co-operative Childcare has acquired the Buffer Bear chain of nurseries. The new owner has invested £70,000 in the nursery in Cheam Road, Sutton, to freshen up the facilities and provide new play and educational equipment. It will also be run according to Co-operative values of trust, honesty and openness. Nursery Manager Sonja Ferguson said, “The nursery has had a complete facelift – everything feels fresh and clean and we have many new toys and a lovely new environment for the children to enjoy. ” The nursery is open from 7.30am until 6.30 pm Monday to Friday, all year (not bank holidays). Children from three months to five years are accepted. Co-Operative is now managing the nurseries at the Children’s Trust, Tadworth and in New Addington, following the acquisition. Tel: 0208 643 5278 sutton@ccc.coop http://www.thecooperativechildcare.coop/sutton.html

Open evening for those thinking about fostering If you are would like to know more about fostering check out Sutton’s information evening on Tuesday 20 September. There will be information on what is expected of you as a foster carer, the financial package, training opportunities as well as the children you may be asked to look after. You will be able to meet social workers and foster carers and ask them questions. Here is the voice of a 16 year-old child being looked after by local authority foster carers, “Looked after young people can feel a sense of loss and sadness and they can feel anxious about their future. Give them a sense of belonging and become a foster carer for young people. A house is only made a home to a young person when they feel acceptance. If you can offer time, encouragement and an ear to listen, then you are the perfect candidate to become a foster carer for young people.” Email sutton.fostering@sutton.gov.uk, or go online at www.suttonfostering.org.uk or call 020 8770 4250 to book your space.

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September-October 2011

clubs and classes Little Fishes opens in Croydon Little Fishes, a new swim school for babies and young children, launches from September in Croydon, Oxted and Old Coulsdon.

as well as life saving skills from a very young age. You can contact Dotty at info@little-fishes-swim. co.uk or call her on 07834 737 211. www.little-fishes-swim.co.uk

Lessons will be taught by Dotty Harris, a highly qualified teaching professional, who has over 11 years experience developing swimmers of all ages. Dotty combines her years of swim teaching and education experience to deliver an amazing programme that empowers parents to teach their babies to swim underwater, developing core swim techniques and confidence in children

Mad Academy marks 1st birthday Mad Academy in Croydon and Sutton are marking their first birthday. In their party week from 19 24 Sept, both clubs will be offering music, fun and games to babies, children and their mums and carers. Pauline Llewellyn, who runs the Sutton classes, said all her sessions will be open to anyone who books ahead of time, though the fee is her standard class fee. In Sutton call Pauline on 01372 372 942 or e-mail pauline.llewellyn@madacademy.com In Croydon call Debbie Mason 01689 844848 or e-mail debbie.mason@madacademy.com

Ant Girling takes over at Tumbletots Croydon Antonio Girling has taken over from Karen McGee at Tumbletots in Croydon. Antonio is the 2010 winner of Casterbridge nursery worker of the year, achieved while he was working at The Laurels Day Nursery in Caterham. Antonio said he is not expecting to make many changes at Tumbletots, but one area he wants to expand is the GymBobs classes for five- to seven-year olds.

He said different skills are introduced progressively. Children might be throwing a ball into a hoop, but the word, ‘Basketball’ is not introduced until the end. Antonio said, “The children at that age are curious and really want to learn and they can take their interest a little bit further. They are learning about themselves – so they can go home to mum and tell her that ‘today we played this game called basketball and it was really fun’.” Antonio paid tribute to his predecessor, saying, “I want to thank Karen McGee, she has helped me out she was here for 16 years and done a great job.” 07743 103208 For the full story, see www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Monkey Music expands in Epsom Following extra demand from local mums, Monkey Music franchise manager Dinah Nightingale has opened a new class at David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Epsom. Dinah said the existing classes on Friday mornings have been full for some time, so she has opened a new set of classes on Wednesday mornings. Parents who sign up at Monkey Music have to pay a one-off membership fee of £17 which covers a CD, a T-shirt and access to the on-line Little Monkeys club, but Dinah is offering free membership to anyone who signs up for the new Epsom class before the end of October. Monkey Music runs in stages, with the youngest class – called Rock’n’Roll – taking babies from 3 months up to 12 months. The next class – called Heigh Ho – aimed at babies from 12 – 24 months. The next class up – Jiggety Jig – is designed for two to three year olds. All these run at the new venue on Wednesday mornings, while the Ding Dong classes for three- and four-year olds continues to run on Friday mornings. Dinah also runs classes in Banstead, Esher and Claygate. Tel: 01932 223309 Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

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clubs & classes

Choose an out of school activity

By Robina Cowan

Arts and Crafts Children love to get messy, and the chance to create their own piece of art is something special. Even the smallest child loves the sensation of clay between fingers, or the thrill of splodging finger paints on paper. Expressing themselves through the arts – whether through painting, drawing, story writing or making ‘junk models’ – unleashes creativity and pushes their boundaries.

Music Music gives amazing educational and developmental benefits. From just three months, babies actively enjoy music groups, and as soon as they can shake a rattle, they can join in too. Belting out a song teaches rhythm and helps develop speech.

Languages

Theatre arts

With over 60 different languages now spoken in schools across the UK, we are bringing up our children in a truly multicultural society.

Performing arts classes are not only for children with starry aspirations. Theatre arts bring literature to life, and build self-confidence. Learning to perform in front of an audience can help children with public speaking; role playing and improvisation give their minds freedom to develop while developing empathy for other people’s feelings.

Experts agree that the earlier a child starts learning other languages, the better. Children are extremely receptive to new ideas and information, especially when they’re having fun.

Active Bodies Regular exercise is hugely beneficial to long term health and fitness. It’s easy to see the value of activities that help children burn off some energy at the end of the school day or build skills in sports which they already enjoy at school. Even the tiniest children can benefit from the social side of playing team games, or the fun element of learning a ‘solo’ sport like trampolining, tennis or diving.

What do the children say? How much extra-curricular activity do children think they should be doing, and what are their favourites? Imogen, 8, said, “I did tap dancing with my friend Molly but I didn’t like it, but I like Brownies and I’m in the school rounders team. I just wish we beat other schools more often!” Her brother, Hamish, 11, concentrates on sports: “I do football, cricket and rugby at school, and karate on Saturday mornings. The extra practice

means I get on better teams at school.” Danny, 12, said, “When I was younger I did football club, recorder club, cooking and chess club, but now I’m at senior school, I’m just doing football for now.” Jackson, 9, said, “I go to swimming, football and piano classes. I’d like to give up the piano because I don’t want to practise every day, but my Mum won’t let me.” Ruth, 3, said, “I do ballet like Angelina Ballerina and I wear a tutu.”

Practical Considerations While it might seem tempting to guide your child to an out of school class, they need time for just ‘chilling’ too. Liz Baker is a parent, and also a school teacher. In her view: “there is no point in enrolling in every class going. They will only benefit academically when they are ready, and not before. Children should choose and be given a taste of each activity before deciding if he or she wants to commit to it long-term - there’s no gain in putting your child under pressure.” Think ahead. You may need to put your child’s name on a waiting list, particularly for popular classes. Stay local. Walking distance is best, otherwise getting there and back becomes another chore. Additional costs. Will you need specialist clothes or equipment? Does the club offer these second-hand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees? Look-see. Many clubs offer a free trial class, especially if they run on a term basis. If that’s not 6

possible, ask to pay weekly for the first two sessions. Great staff. The best leaders are enthusiastic, skilled, trained, and have eyes in the back of their heads to spot children who need a little more encouragement, particularly when they are new and might feel shy. Give it time. Some children are prone to dropping out. Unless you think they are completely and utterly unsuited to the activity, or really hate it, try to stick it out for at least a couple of terms.

School support More and more parents, particularly in London, are hiring private tutors to give their child the edge when it comes to achieving in class, or practising and preparing for exams. If your child is bringing home good school reports and is happy and settled, there’s no need. Nevertheless there is lots of extra help if you want it, and the best classes are fun as well as educational.

A selection of classes available locally. For a more extensive list visit our website at www.Families-LSB.co.uk/

CLASSES FOR BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS CR0 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Epsom, Chessington, Worcester Park, Purley, Croydon. Swimming lessons and coaching for children 18 mths +. Term time only but intensive courses during holidays. 020 8335 3536 Cherry Stars—Classes in singing, dancing and acting held at the Brit School of Performing Arts. For babies to seven-year-olds. 020 8653 1662 enquiries@cherrystars.co.uk Diddi Dance—All year round funky pre-school classes & parties for pre-school girls & boys. Addiscombe, Croydon, Purley. Melissa: 07939 520 638 Dramabuds—Kidspace Croydon, CR0, Worcester Park, KT4 & Cheam, CR3 Libraries; Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church, SM5, West Street Evangelical Church Carshalton, SM5 Term-time classes and holiday workshops for two to seven-year olds exploring stories through drama, movement and song. Becca Wall: 020 8669 2355 info@dramabuds.co.uk Little Kickers—Classes held in Esporta Surrey Health and Racquets Club, CR0; Whitgift School, CR2; Sanderstead United Reform Church CR2; Warlingham School, CR6; St Andrews Church, Coulsdon, CR5; St Andrews Church, Cheam SM3; Green Wrythe Primary School, Carshalton, SM5. All year round football coaching for children 18 months to seven years. Tim Jardine: 01737 761601 / 07733 885868 tjardine@littlekickers.co.uk

CR2 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Whitgift Boys School, CR2 6LN—See entry in CR0 Baby Sensory, Sanderstead. For babies from birth to 13 months. Tabita Gerber: 07980 191 420 croydon@babysensory.co.uk Gymboree Croydon—07906 431 703 croydon@gymboree-uk.com Little Fishes Swimming Lessons—St Giles’ School, Pampisford Rd, Croydon CR2 6DF. Classes for three months + .A family run swim school teaching babies and young children. Dotty: 07834 737 211 info@little-fishes-swim.co.uk MAD Academy—Farm Fields Scout Hut, S. Croydon; St John the Divine Church Hall, S. Croydon; The ARC, Caterham. All year round music & dance classes bursting with energy and fun for pre-school children 3mths to 4yrs. Debbie: 01689 844 848 debbie.mason@madacademy.com. See story on p5. Tumble Tots—Classes in South Croydon (6 months to seven-year-olds), Coulsdon (walking to school age), Kenley (walking to three years), Caterham & Thornton Heath (6 months to school age). Classes to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing. Antonio Girling: 07743 103 208. See story on p5.

CR3 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0 Little Kickers—See entry in CR0 MAD Academy—See entry in CR2

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September-October 2011

clubs & classes Congratulations to Stagecoach Worcester Park

Westcroft to close in October, open in 2012

Stagecoach classes in Worcester Park and Cheam have won an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outstandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classification from inspectors.

Westcroft Leisure Centre is closing for refurbishment from 26 October 2011 and is scheduled to re-open over a year later, in December 2012.

All Stagecoach classes are inspected annually, and local entrepreneur Lucy Moorby said she was thrilled with the recognition. Lucy took over the classes at the start of this year. Lucy on 020 8224 2442

During the interim, all classes and clubs run at Westcroft will continue, but in different locations around the Borough. http://www.everyoneactive.com/tabid/1649/default.aspx

and follow the link to the refurbishment site.

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clubs & classes Tumble Tots—See entry in CR2

CR4 Canons Leisure Centre—(GLL) Madeira Drive, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4HD. London Swim School—holiday & term time swimming lessons from three months to adult, gymnastics & trampolining, starting from pre-school age. 020 8640 8543. Little Kickers—See entry in CR0.

CR5 Aquatots Baby Swimming—See entry in CR3 Diddi Dance—Hooley, Wallington, Sutton, Epsom, Banstead. All year round funky pre-school classes & parties for preschool girls & boys. Jo: 07873 634 292. Little Fishes Swimming Lessons. Keston Primary School, Keston Avenue, Old Coulsdon CR5 1HP. Classes for three months+. A family-run swim school teaching babies and young children. Dotty: 07834 737211 info@little-fishes-swim.co.uk. Little Kickers—See entry in CR0. Tumble Tots—See entry in CR2.

CR7 Tumble Tots—See entry in CR2

CR8 Atlantis Swim School Ltd, Thomas More School, Russell Hill Road, Purley CR8 2XP—See entry in CR0. Baby Sensory, Purley—For babies from birth to 13 months. Christelle Laumiere: 07799 050 374 purleyregion@babysensory.co.uk. Diddi Dance—See entry in CR0. MAD Academy—See entry in CR0. Ni Hao Mandarin Language School, Purley. For ages two+. 07794 524 313. Tumble Tots—See entry in CR2.

KT4 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Linden Bridge School, Grafton Road, Worcester Park KT4 7JW—See entry in CR0 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0

KT9 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Holiday Inn Hotel, Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE—See entry in CR0

KT17 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Epsom College, College Road, Epsom KT17 4JQ—See entry in CR0 Diddi Dance—See entry in CR5 Tumble Tots—Ewell, Cheam & Morden classes for children six months to three years, Woodmansterne for children walking to three years. Classes to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing. Debbie Knight: 07710 424 460

KT18 Little Kickers—Epsom Downs Primary School, Merland Rise, Epsom Downs, Surrey KT18 5RJ. 01737 300624 yphillips@ littlekickers.co.uk MAD Academy—Classes held at St Christopher’s School, Downs Road Epsom KT18. All year round music & dance classes for children from 3mths to 4yrs. Karen Morgan: 01372 210378 karen.morgan@madacademy

KT19 Little Kickers—All Saints Church 7 Church Road KT19 9QY. All year round football coaching for children 18 months to 6yrs. Claire Richardson: 01932 847439 crichardson@ littlekickers.co.uk Monkey Music—David Lloyd, Central Boiler House, Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PW and Banstead Centre, The 8

Horseshoe, Bolters Lane, Banstead SM7 2BQ. Pre-school music classes for ages three months to four years Dinah Nightingale: 01932 223319 banstead.claygate@monkeymusic. co.uk. See story on p5.

KT21 MAD Academy—St Michael’s Catholic Church Hall, Ashtead—For contact details see entry under KT18.

SM1 Baby Yoga—Saraswati Yoga Studio, 122 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2SE. Classes for babies from 8 weeks to two years. 0208 6411792 saraswati@blueyonder.co.uk. MAD Academy—Classes in Banstead, Cheam, Rosehill, & Sutton. All year round music & dance classes bursting with energy and fun for children 3mths to 4yrs. Pauline: 01372 372 942 pauline.llewellyn@ madacademy.com Sutton Dance Academy c/o Sutton Tennis Academy, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH. Street Dance, Break Dance, Ballroom and Latin, Ballet and Tap for ages three+. Caroline Howard: 020 8641 6611 info@ suttondanceacademy.com Sutton Gymnastics Academy—c/o Sutton Tennis Academy, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH. Lia Borrotzu 07796 218381 info@suttongymnasticsacademy.comin Classes all year round for ages 18 months to adults Sutton Tennis School—Sutton Tennis Academy, Rosehill Park. After school tennis programmes for all standards. For ages 3+. Holiday programmes available. Jessica Kok: 020 8641 6611 info@suttontennisacademy.com

SM2 Baby Ballet—Twist Gym (opposite Sutton Station), 2-4 Mulgrave Road, Sutton SM2 6LE. 10:30 till 11am. Fun and easy classes providing an introduction to ballet for children aged two-and-a-half to four years. Joanna: 07725 875 330 heyjoanna@hotmail.com Gymboree Cheam—01737 361259/ 07766 651255 cheam@gymboree-uk.com Little Kickers. St Andrew’s Church—See entry in CR0 Tumble Tots—See entry in KT17

SM3 Click IT!—Computer lessons for two to five year olds available at Busy Bees Day Nursery, 261 Malden Road, Cheam, SM3 8ET; Treetops Day Nursery, Ewell Rd, Cheam, SM3 8QL; Lynn Howard: 020 8393 9922 MAD Academy—See entry in SM1 Sing & Sign—Cheam Fields Primary School; Sutton Arena Leisure Centre; YMCA Surestart Children’s Centre, Banstead. The original British baby signing programme. Kelly Lyng: 020 8641 1047 singandsign@sky.com TinyTalk Baby Signing—Cheam Library, Church Road, Cheam, SM3 8QH. Learn how to sign with your baby in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. For ages 0 to two years. Becky Brown: 07702568091 beckybr@tinytalk.co.uk

Little Kickers—See entry in CR0 Sing & Sign—See entry in SM3 TinyTalk Baby Signing—West Street Evangelical Church, West Street, Carshalton SM5 2NR. For ages 0 to 2 years. Becky Brown: 07702568091 beckybr@tinytalk.co.uk

SM6 Diddi Dance—See entry in CR5 First Class Learning—Holy Trinity Parish Church, Maldon Road, Wallington SM6 8BL. A personalised & systematic program of English and Maths tuition which covers the National Curriculum (Key Stage 1 to 4). For children aged three+. 020 8395 6813. wallington@firstclasslearning,co.uk. . See story on p14.

SM7 Click IT!—Computer lessons for two to five year olds held at Wishing Willows Day Nursery, 1, The Drive, Banstead SM7 1DE. Lynn Howard 020 8393 9922. Diddi Dance—See entry in CR5. Little Kickers—Methodist Church Hall, The Drive Banstead SM7 1DA. 01737 300624 yphillips@littlekickers.co.uk MAD Academy—See entry in SM1. Monkey Music—See entry in KT19. Sing & Sign—See entry in SM3. Tumbletots—See entry in KT17.

ART & CRAFT CR8 Get Fired—Purley. Ceramics painting. 020 8660 3188 lisa@getfired.co.uk

SM3 Village Ceramics—Cheam Village. 020 8661 7837 enquiries@villageceramics.co.uk

SM6 Crafty Kids Club—Trinity Centre, Wallington & Bed Zed Pavilion, Hackbridge. Sewing and crafting club for children aged eight upwards. craftykidsclub@gmail.com Glazed All Over Ceramics Studio—Wallington 020 8647 6463 info@glazedallover.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS CR0 Cherry Stars—Classes in singing, dancing and acting held at the Brit School of Performing Arts. For babies to seven-yearolds. 020 8653 1662 enquiries@cherrystars.co.uk Dramabuds—Kidspace Croydon, CR0, Worcester Park, KT4

SM4 Tumble Tots—See entry in KT17

SM5 Caterpillar Music—West Street Evangelical Church, Carshalton SM5 2NR. Fun sessions suitable for very young babies and toddlers. 08701 999 090 havefun@caterpillarmusic.com Click IT!—Computer lessons for two to five year olds held at Busy Bees Day Nursery, The Old Chapel, Kenny Drive, Carshalton SM5 4PH; Lynn Howard: 020 8393 9922 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0

& Cheam, CR3 Libraries; Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church, SM5, West Street Evangelical Church Carshalton, SM5. Termtime classes and holiday workshops for two to seven-year-olds exploring stories through drama, movement and song. Becca Wall: 020 8669 2355 info@dramabuds.co.uk Spotlights Theatre School—South Croydon, Purley, Sanderstead & Selsdon. Drama, dance & singing classes for four to seven years. An introduction to drama, dance and singing, building self confidence along the way. Free trial classes

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clubs & classes

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clubs & classes available. Faye Willingale: 020 8460 5711 info@spotlightstheatre.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts Shirley—Shirley High Performing Arts College, Shirley. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Stuart Burrows 020 8949 1116 shirley@stagecoach.co.uk

CR2 Jigsaw Performing Arts—Whitgift School, S. Croydon. Drama, singing and dance classes for children three to 18 years. 020 8447 4530 enquiries@jigsaw-arts.co.uk Spotlights Theatre School—See entry in CR0 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Croydon—Croydon High

CR8 Perform—St Barnabas Church Hall, Purley. Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged four to 12. Lucy: 0845 400 1273 Spotlights Theatre School—See entry in CR0

KT4 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Worcester Park— Cuddington Community Primary School, KT4 7DD. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Lucy Moorby: 020 8224 2442 cheam@stagecoach.co.uk

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom—Ellie Scott: 01932 784001 epsom@stagecoach.co.uk

KT18 The Jam Academy—The Wells Centre, Spa Drive, Epsom.For ages 2.5 to 16. Helen Mcnee 01372 807279 or 07870 192 266 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom—For contact details see entry in KT17

KT21

CR3 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0 Perform—Caterham Centenary Hall. Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged four to 12 Lucy: 0845 400 1273 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Caterham—de Stafford School, Burtwood Lane,Caterham, CR3 5YX Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Zoe McCready: 0845 078 0805 coulsdon@stagecoach.co.uk

CR4 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Mitcham—Haslemere Primary School, Mitcham. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Claire Guy: 020 8942 3502 mitcham@stagecoach.co.uk

CR5 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Coulsdon—Woodcote High School, Meadow Rise, Coulsdon. CR5 2EH. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Zoe McCready: 0845 078 0805 coulsdon@stagecoach.co.uk

CR0 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Epsom, Chessington, Worcester Park, Purley, Croydon. Swimming lessons and coaching for children 18 mths to adult. Term time only but intensive courses in holidays. 020 8335 3536 Croydon Martial Arts Academy—54 & 58 Frith Road Croydon CR0 1RB. Classes all year round. Award winning children’s martial arts programmes providing the tools for building self discipline, perseverance, self respect and respect for others. Saffron Power: 07584 473784 saffron.power@gbmaa.com

CR2

KT17

School, Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon CR2 8YB. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Rachel Betts: 0845 265 7063 croydon@stagecoach.co.uk Tumble Tots—See entry in Babies & Preschoolers under CR2.

SPORTS

Perform—Drama, dance and singing classes for children aged four to 12. Lucy: 0845 400 1273

Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Whitgift Boys School, South Croydon CR2 6LN—See entry under CR0 Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0 United Martial Arts Academy—Sanderstead Methodist Church, Limpstead Road, Sanderstead CR2 9DE. 020 8777 4875

CR3 Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0 United Martial Arts Academy—de Stafford Sports Centre, Caterham, CR3 5YX and The Centenary Hall, Caterham CR3 5PB. 020 8777 4875

SM1 Sutton Dance Academy—c/o Sutton Tennis Academy—See entry under Sports section Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sutton—Overton Grange School, Stanley Road, Sutton SM2 6TQ. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Jennifer Jones: 020 8660 7753 sutton@stagecoach.co.uk

SM3 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Cheam—Nonsuch High School for Girls, Cheam SM3 8AB. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Lucy Moorby: 020 8224 2442 cheam@stagecoach.co.uk

SM5 Dramabuds—See entry in CR0 Spiral Youth Theatre—Charles Cryer Studio Theatre Carshalton SM5 3BB. A performance production company for young people performing two musicals per year. Seven to 13 (term time); 13+ (all year). Kate Puleston: 07790 125086 katy@puleston.net Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sutton—Carshalton High School for Girls, SM5 2QX. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Jennifer Jones: 020 8660 7753 sutton@stagecoach.co.uk

SM6 Della Academy Of Arts Dance, Drama And Singing. Holmwood Halls, Wallington. For three to 18 years. Della: 07793 555 210 della@bhujoo.fsnet.co.uk Pauline Quirk Academy of Performing Arts— Wallington 084567 32022 info@pqacademy.com

CR4 Canons Leisure Centre—(GLL) Madeira Drive, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4HD. London Swim School—holiday & term time swimming lessons from three months to adult, cheerleading for five to 15 year olds, gymnastics & trampolining, starting from pre-school age. 020 8640 8543 Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0

CR5 Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0

CR6 Swimwell—Term time lessons and holiday crash courses. 01424852935 / 07949184463

CR8 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Thomas More School, Russell Hill Road, Purley CR8 2XP—See entry under CR0 Swimwell—Weekly Term Time Lessons and Holiday Crash Courses 01424852935 / 07949184463 United Martial Arts Academy—St. Marks Church, Church Road, Purley CR8 3QQ and St. Swithuns Church, Grovelands Road, Purley CR8 4LB. 020 8777 4875

KT4

SM7 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom—see entry in KT17

Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Linden Bridge School, Grafton Road, Worcester Park KT4 7JW—See entry under CR0

SW20 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Merton Park—David Lloyd Raynes Park, Bushey Road, Raynes Park SW20 8TE. Dance, drama and singing tuition in a safe and fun environment for performing arts students aged four to 18 years. Claire Guy: 020 8942 3502 mitcham@stagecoach.co.uk

KT9 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Holiday Inn Hotel, Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE—See entry under CR0.

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clubs & classes KT17 Atlantis Swim School Ltd—Epsom College, College Road, Epsom KT17 4JQ—See entry under CR0 Epsom and Leatherhead Martial Arts Academy— Rainbow Centre, East Street, Epsom and Leatherhead Leisure Centre, Guildford Road, Leatherhead. Classes all year round. Award winning children’s martial arts programmes providing the tools for building self discipline, perseverance, self respect and respect for others. Saffron Power: 07584 473784 saffron. power@gbmaa.com

KT19 Epsom Riding School—Horton Country Park 01372 749490

KT18

LANGUAGES CR0 La Jolie Ronde French classes—Tamberlin Room, St John’s Church. Madeline Warren: 020 8654 7969

CR2 La Jolie Ronde French classes—Folly’s End School. Sarah Hall : 0773 993 2351

CR4 Spanish for Fun—19 Wood Street, Hackbridge, Surrey CR4 4JT. Children’s after school clubs. Maria Vidal-Read: 07811 462 287 maria@myspanishforfun.co.uk

CR8 Ni Hao Mandarin Language School—Purley. For ages two+. 07794 524 313

ACADEMIC TUITION

Epsom Fencing Club—Blenheim High School, Epsom KT19 9BH. Lessons for children 10 to 16 years. Nick Payne: 07799 346 829 info@epsomfencingclub.org

SM1 Sutton Martial Arts—c/o Sutton Tennis Academy, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH. Karate classes for ages five+ years. Rachael Porsz: info@suttonmartialarts.com Sutton Dance Academy—See entry in Babies & Preschoolers under SM1 Sutton Gymnastics Academy—See entry in Babies & Preschoolers under SM1 Sutton Tennis School—See entry in Babies & Preschoolers under SM1 Zone Xtreme Junior Gym—c/o The Zone Health and Fitness, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH. For ages six to 16 years. Adam Hewitt, info@zonehealthandfitness.com

Southern Tutors Ltd—After school / Saturday classes for eight+ year olds run in an Epsom secondary school offering 11 plus preparation, Primary, GCSE and ‘A’ level tuition all year round. Rosemary Najim: 01372 723947 or 07986 564 651 southerntutors@yahoo.co.uk

SM1 11 plus tuition. Tuition for 11+ entrance examinations. Gwenda Jones: 020 8390 6076 enquiry@11plustuition.co.uk NumberWorks’n’Words—5 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton. Maths and English tuition for children five to 16. 020 8642 8884 sutton@numberworks.com

SM2 Kumon—Belmont Study Centre. St. Andrews United Reformed Church, Northey Avenue, Sutton SM2 7HF. Maths and English programmes for students of all abilities aged three to 17. Ade Adeniyi: 01737 306013 belmont@kumoncentre.co.uk/belmont See our story on page 14.

CR0

SM3

Kumon—Croydon Central Study Centre—Unitarian Church, 1 The Croydon Flyover, Croydon CR0 1ER. Maths and English programmes for students of all abilities aged four to 16. Dr Fidget Muregi: 020 8686 6833/ 07939442241 croydoncentral@kumoncentre.co.uk Kumon—Croydon Shirley Study Centre—Methodist Church, Eldon Avenue, Croydon CR0 8SD. Misha Singh: 020 8681 1031 croydonshirley@kumoncentre.co.uk See our story on page 14.

Explore Learning—Maths And English Tuition, Sainsbury’s, 566 London Road, North Cheam SM3 9AA. Maths and English tuition for five to 14 year olds of all abilities. 020 8644 0975

CR2 G2Ex – Tuition—South Croydon, CR2 7LN. Specialised 11+ tuitions for boys and girls from eight to 11 years old. Ms Suman Mangat: 07989 467 916 or 020 8655 2271 or 020 868 00176

CR4

SM6 First Class Learning—Holy Trinity Parish Church, Maldon Road, Wallington SM6 8BL. A personalised & systematic program of English and Maths tuition which covers the National Curriculum (Key Stage 1 to 4). For children aged three+. 020 8395 6813 wallington@firstclasslearning.co.uk. See our story on page 14. NumberWorks’n’Words—Suite 2 Marston Court, 98-106 Manor Road, Wallington SM6 0DW Wallington. Maths and English tuition for children five to 16. 020 8669 4343 wallington@numberworks.com. See story on page 12.

MUSIC

Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0

Kumon—Mitcham Study Centre—Mitcham Library, 157 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 2YR. Maths and English programmes for students of all abilities aged three to 17. Mrs Ammu Vijayanand : 020 8656 2075 / 07735 380373 mitcham@ kumoncentre.co.uk. See our story on page 14.

SM3

CR8

SM1

Explore Learning—Maths and English Tuition, 910-912 Brighton Road, Purley. Maths and English tuition for five to 14 year olds of all abilities. 020 8090 2938 purley@explorelearning.co.uk Kumon—Purley Study Centre—St James Hall, Little Roke Avenue, Kenley CR8 5NE Maths and English programmes for students of all abilities aged three to 17. Nalini Contractor 020 8660 2602 purley@kumoncentre.co.uk See our story on page 14.

Sutton Music Centre Music School—35 St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1JB. Individual and group lessons. 020 8642 2838 info@suttonmusiccentre.co.uk

SM2

Everyone Active—Junior Active Gym for 11 to 15 years Everyone Active—Mini Movers for under fives. Cheam Leisure Centre, Malden Road, Sutton , SM3 8EP. 020 8770 4830 (Reception) Sportscoach Cheam—Nonsuch High School for Girls, Ewell Road, Cheam SM3 8AB. Weekend sports schools for four to 16yrs. 01293 776541

SM5 Craggy2 Climbing and Caving Centre—Oaks Sports Centre, Carshalton. Bouldering (rock climbing but without ropes) & caving centre for children eight+. Courses available all year round. 01483 540 888 . Everyone Active—Track Stars. Sutton Arena, Middleton Road, Carshalton, SM5 1SL. 020 8770 4088 (Reception) . A structured programme of all aspects of athletics. For ages two to 10 years. Little Kickers—See entry in Babies & Preschools under CR0

SM6 Everyone Active—Basketball. The Phoenix Centre, Mollison Drive, Wallington, SM6 9NZ for 8 to 11 years & 12 to 17 years. 020 8770 6006 (Reception) Swimwell—Weekly Term Time Lessons and Holiday Crash Courses 01424852935 / 07949184463 United Martial Arts Academy—Wallington United Reformed Church, Stanley Park Road, Wallington, SM6 0EU. 020 8777 4875

KT17 Realistic Rock Academy—81 East Street, Epsom KT171DT. 01372 740 300 info@realisticrock.com

SM2 A to G Music School—Suite 5, Tudor Court, Brighton Road, Sutton SM2 5AE One-to-one lessons for a variety of instruments and vocal coaching. 020 8642 4987 contact@atogmusicschool.com

Five benefits of extra curricular activities 1. Curriculum boosting After-school activities and clubs are a great way to complement and extend what children learn at school, especially art, music and languages.

work, after-school activities on school premises can be incredibly valuable. Most schools offer a mix of teacher—run and externally-organised clubs after school, and even at weekends.

2. Socialising Claire, mother of four under 10 year-olds, believes it is important for children to make new friends outside school: “It really helps them stand on their own and develop their confidence. There isn’t that pecking order thing that you have in the playground. It’s a chance to break out of whatever mould you’ve been cast in”

4. A sense of achievement Amanda says: “Kitty, 8, has just reached purple belt and she has been made karate captain. She’s very proud, it’s tremendously good for her.”

3. After-school care When both parents

5. For all the family When Patrick started tennis lessons, his parents were inspired to get active too. Mum Maria has joined a tennis club for adult group coaching, and Dad Mike cycles to and from Patrick’s lessons with him.

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Education starts at home

How home life can make a big difference in the education of children By Elisabeth Dolton

Did you know that keeping books in your home can significantly increase your children’s likelihood of going to university? That’s irrespective of background, size of family, where they live, parents occupation or any other social factor. Further research has also shown that the biggest impact on a child’s educational development is reading to them from a very early age. Whether your child is starting school for the first time this year, or they are already progressing through the school years, a few small activities at home can make a huge difference to the development and education of children and powerfully build on the learning they receive from school.

no matter how well or how fast your child understands what they are being taught. Parents’ small actions can plug these gaps, support children and really boost their development.

What activities can be taken? Activities that involve reading, listening, writing, number awareness, sequencing, counting and learning to become aware of the world that surrounds them are ideal for this kind of support. They can help encourage a love and understanding of language, maths and science which are basic tools to boost any child’s education. Keep a library – A few books placed in reach of your children to pick up any time for browsing or talking about. A recent study conducted in the US

Why bother? Most of us want our children to do well at school and a parent’s role in that success cannot be underestimated. Studies in Britain have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform significantly better in academic examinations at 16 years old and beyond than those who do not. Recent reports show boys are still having difficulties with literacy (reading, writing or spelling), and girls having difficulties with numeracy, despite improvements in primary school results. Even the best and brightest teachers can be hard pressed to address the individual needs of every child, especially in a crowded classroom. And what if your child shows a particular interest or aptitude in a certain topic? A love of Physics can start at any age. Similarly, if your child finds a topic difficult, your interest as a parent will help,

NumberWorks ’n’Words opens new centre in Wallington NumberWorks’n’Words is opening a new centre in Wallington. From this September classes will be available at Suite 2 Marston Court, 98-106 Manor Road, Wallington SM6 0DW. Contact them for further details and to book a free assessment for your child. 020 8669 4343 wallington@numberworks.com www.numberworksnwords.com

found that children coming from a “book-friendly” home remained in education for around three years longer on average than young people born into families with empty bookshelves. Read to your children – sharing stories and reading together are vital to the development of a child’s literacy skills. Just ten minutes at the start or end of the day is normally enough to help them to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader. Download free games, activities, and worksheets.

There are many websites offering free activities that encourage basic skill development for children and keep it fun. Get number crunching – Talk about numbers and show them how useful numbers are in almost everything we do. Measure their height and work out how much they have grown, spot speed signs and funny number plates, say the time out load and how long before the next stop, compare the prices of vegetables in the supermarket and how much money you will need to pay, how long tea will take to cook, how much milk you pour on your cornflakes, etc. Problem solving – encourage your children to think things through and work things out for themselves. Ask them why they think metal goes rusty, why the sky is grey, why the Police car makes a noise, etc. If you going away for a holiday or even a weekend, point out things that are different from the way they are at home – buildings, accents, clothes, food, and customs. Experts suggest giving your child a simple map of where they are going. At home, following a recipe together is a great technique to help boost concentration. Keep talking – new experiences and discoveries are always stimulating, so encourage your child to try new things. Look for opportunities to talk to your child about their day – children enjoy sharing what they are learning. Put a pen in their hands – help them develop their handwriting skills by writing words and sentences for them to copy. Point out examples of lovely handwriting and pictures when you see them, encourage them to ‘sign’ birthday and Christmas cards to their friends, and always get them to sign their own artwork. Overall, making sure your activities with them are fun will make a real difference. Children thrive on encouragement, someone who will listen to them when they are struggling as well as achieving. Giving them a little personal attention that they can’t get in the classroom, all add up to fun learning for your child and peace of mind for you that they are achieving the best they can.

Swot up on your schools at the Independent Schools Show. The Independent Schools Show enables parents to find out all they need to know about the best schools in the country, without having to traipse around visiting each and every one in person.

Battersea Evolution Centre, which has free on-site parking for 200 cars, an organic café and champagne bar, plus a children’s play area for younger siblings aged three to six.

One of the highlights of the show is the Education Theatre, where this year’s guest speakers include Tony Little, headmaster of Eton and Ben Thomas, head of the successful Thomas’s group of prep schools. Parents will also have the opportunity to question a team of experts on education-related issues, from nursery education to the International Baccalaureate, via bursaries and scholarships.

For more information and to register for your free tickets, please visit schoolsshow.com

The Independent Schools Show is based at the

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW BATTERSEA EVOLUTION Saturday 5 November (10am - 5 pm) Sunday 6 November (11am- 4.30pm) Chelsea Bridge Entrance, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ.

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How to get the best from school

A new school year and it’s not just the children who have things to learn, writes Sarah Ebner. As your child moves up the school, they (and you) will face all sorts of different issues. Here are three yovu are bound to come across.

Homework You’ll soon look back upon the days of reading books and learning individual letters as halcyon times. 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 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.

Stage 2, they continue with these, but add in athletics, ‘outdoor pursuits’ or swimming (still across only two sessions a week).

Sarah Ebner is the author of The Starting School Survival Guide: published by White Ladder and available from bookshops and Amazon.

One major problem is that lots of schools don’t have sporting facilities and playing fields have been sold off (schools in the independent sector 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 in after-school clubs on school premises, but run by other people).

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.

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, 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).

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

Don’t choose a school on the basis of your child’s friendships (or yours for that matter). They will make new friends, and you need to make sure this is the right school for their personality and abilities, not anyone else’s. Take advantage of parents’ evenings to find out how your child is doing. Many teachers don’t give very specific information, so you may need to press them. There’s no point entering your child for a selective school if they are not going to get in, or manage the work once they are there.

Free Trial at Kumon This Autumn

First Class Learning in Wallington

Enrol at your local Kumon study centre in before October to take advantage of Kumon’s Free Trial offer and see how Kumon can help your child. Your first two weeks will be free of charge, but to make a lasting difference you will need to make a longer term commitment.

First Class Learning, Wallington is a new centre opening on 24th September 2011.

Sport at school

The unique worksheet-based Kumon method is focused on building confident, independent learners who are able to realise their potential in Maths and English. Above all they develop independent learning skills, ensuring that each child can study and achieve by themselves. Kumon’s teaching programmes are not tied to the national curriculum but complement classroom learning, building speed and accuracy and developing abilities such as concentration, time management and problem-solving. For details of the Belmont, Croydon, Mitcham, Purley and Selsdon centres, see the adverts on p9 and p14 or see our classes listing on p11. 14

The next step: secondary schools

Principal Sejal Littlebury said, “I am offering 2 weeks free trial from September 24 (when the centre opens) through to the end of October and no joining fee if the child is enrolled at the end of the free trial period.” First Class Learning offers a personalised, systematic English and Maths program which covers learning outcomes of the National Curriculum (Key Stage 1-4). The sessions will be held at the Holy Trinity Parish Church Hall on Maldon Road SM6 8BL on a Saturday morning from 9:30 - 11:30. Whilst the student will complete some work at the centre, they will also have more sheets to complete for homework. 0208 395 6813

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Independent schools guide

There are a wide variety of schools to choose from locally. Take a visit to see which one would suit your child best...

Croydon High School

examination results. In all 35 scholarship offers, 11 grammar school places and 35 offers of places from the two Whitgift Foundation Schools were awarded. After a transitional year accommodating both boys and girls, Cumnor House School for Girls aged four to 11 will officially open its doors for the first time in September with over 130 girls. The school is delighted to be able to offer girls the same high standard of education that has been offered at the boys’ school for many years.

Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB 0208 260 7500 info2@cry.gdst.net www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

At Croydon High School, an independent day school for girls aged three to 18, they focus on individual care, creating a community of academic bright sparks and those with genuine sparks of talent in all other fields. They encourage and support their girls to become the very best they can be – because, said the school, “the girls they are, make us the school that we are.”

Downsend School 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead KT22 8TJ 01372 372311 (main number) Ashtead Lodge, 22 Oakfield Road, Ashtead, KT21 2RE 01372 385439 Epsom Lodge, 6 Norman Avenue, Epsom, KT17 3AB 01372 385438 Leatherhead Lodge, 13 Epsom Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8ST 01372 385437 admissions@downsend.co.uk downsend.co.uk

The girls of Croydon High have continued the fine tradition of the school for outstanding results and yet again pupils have achieved a 100% pass rate at A-Level. Despite the fact that the bar was already positioned very high, the class of 2011 have again improved upon the previous year’s impressive statistics with 85.4% achieving A*, A or B grades.

Cumnor House School

Downsend School is a co-educational, day preparatory school with pupils aged two to 13. It has three nursery/junior school lodges based at Epsom, Leatherhead and Ashtead for children aged two to six and a main site in Leatherhead, for children aged six to 13. The Lodges also run Toddler Groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.45 to 3.15pm with a session fee of £1 per family. Last month a small group of Downsend children sat tests to try and gain membership to mensa. The tests are extremely challenging and only those in the top 2% in the country will gain entry. As a result, 15 Downsend pupils were offered membership of mensa.

Greenacre School for Girls

Boys: 168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DA

Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RA

Girls: 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley, CR8 3HB

01737 352114 admin@greenacre.surrey.sch.uk www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

Treetops Nursery: 91 Pampisford Road, South Croydon CR2 6DH 13 Woodcote Lane, Purley, CR8 3HB 020 8660 3445 admin@cumnorhouse.com www.cumnorhouse.com

Cumnor House School for Boys is once again celebrating a year of outstanding senior school entrance

Situated on the edge of the Banstead Downs, Greenacre’s small classes, good facilities and quality teaching ensure that every girl will thrive and achieve in a caring and secure environment. An excellent academic education is supported by a range of exciting extracurricular activities for all ages. Girls can join the school at any stage –

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

020 8669 5187

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Families London-Surrey Borders

back to school Nursery, Infants, Juniors, Seniors and Sixth Form. Our next Open Morning is Saturday 1 October from 9.30am to 12.00pm. You are warmly invited to visit with your daughter.

Homefield Preparatory School Western Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 2TE

Reception to Year 5 classes are located in beautifully refurbished and modernised premises which offer a considerably broader range of learning opportunities than previously.

020 8642 0965 enquiries@homefield.sutton.sch.uk www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk

“Pupils are highly educated and fully prepared for the next stages of their lives. ...the school’s pastoral systems ensure that all pupils are well cared for.” (ISI Inspection, March 2010)

Old Palace of John Whitgift School has a Christian Foundation and is a member of the Whitgift Foundation.

Homefield is a Preparatory school for 400 boys aged three to 13, housed in an extensive purpose-built complex, with well equipped science laboratories, large Art, Design & Technology and Music suites, complemented by a spacious Early Years unit and a 2-acre adjoining playing field. In the last two years the boys have gained 52 awards to Senior schools whilst also winning the National under-13 Prep School Rugby tournament, the under-9 National Schools Chess Championship and qualifying for the final of the National Music For Youth competition. Daily minibuses run to and from Wimbledon and other areas. Breakfast and after-school are available to parents.

Kingswood House School 56 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8LG

Priory Preparatory School Bolters Lane, Banstead SM7 2AJ 01737 366920 office@prioryprep.co.uk www.prioryprep.co.uk

Priory Preparatory School is a leading independent IAPS day school for boys aged two to 13 located in Banstead. In 2011, the School continued its 100% success rate at Common Entrance and it was also found to be ‘Outstanding’ in every section of its latest ISI Inspection Report. The School has an excellent Scholarship record and is expanding its Early Years department with an extra class in Year 1 and in Reception. There are approximately 180 boys in total and the School is highly successful in preparing its boys for top senior independent schools.

Royal Russell School

01372 723590 admissions@kingswoodhouse.org www.kingswoodhouse.org

Coombe Lane, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 5BX

Kingswood House School in Epsom, Surrey, is a progressive school that provides a nurturing and protective environment for boys aged three to 13 and girls aged three to seven years. Small classes enable each pupil to maximise their potential while the academically-gifted thrive thanks to the expert teaching and learning. The school says it lays the foundations for each pupil, preparing them for the next stage in their education and, as a result, every pupil goes on to the senior school of their choice. In addition, 25% on average achieve scholarships to leading senior schools.

Laleham Lea

020 8651 5884 (junior admissions) 020 8657 4433 x 264 (senior) admissions@royalrussell.co.uk www.royalrussell.co.uk

Set in beautiful parkland, girls and boys can enjoy their learning with first rate facilities and highly qualified teachers. Founded in 1853 the school is proud to have Her Majesty the Queen as Patron. The Junior School and Senior School are situated together on the estate providing the key benefit of educational continuity from age 3 to 18. Boarding in the Senior School adds another dimension, from which all pupils benefit. The school is a mix of busy, enthusiastic and ambitious young people who have a real sense of community.

Seaton House School

29 Peaks Hill, Purley, Surrey CR8 3JJ

67 Banstead Road South, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5LH

020 8660 3351 enquiries@lalehamlea.co.uk www.lalehamlea.co.uk

Laleham Lea aims to provide a broad, well balanced and challenging curriculum in an attractive and stimulating learning environment for boys and girls aged three- to 11 years. A caring and supportive atmosphere underpins the excellent achievements of its pupils across a wide range of activities, whether academic, musical, cultural or sporting. Make an appointment to come and experience for yourself the caring, family ethos that is Laleham Lea.

Old Palace of John Whitgift School Seniors: Old Palace Road Croydon CR0 1AX 020 8688 2027 Juniors: Melville Avenue, South Croydon CR2 7YN 020 8686 7347 schooloffice@oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org

At Old Palace, the girls grow and develop together, challenging, encouraging and supporting one another. It requires courage, commitment and 16

communication to set one’s mind free, to unleash one’s creativity and delve into the unknown. They hope girls will join them to enter a world of discovery: all they need is an open mind, a willing ear, a determination to explore and a sense of adventure. They aim to equip learners with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to lead independent, successful and happy lives in an ever-changing world.

020 8642 2332 office@seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk

Seaton House is a school with a happy, welcoming atmosphere. They are proud of their reputation for providing first-rate teaching and excellent educational opportunities for all their pupil - boys from three to five years old and girls from three to eleven years. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tuition is offered from Year 4 in preparation for 11+ selection tests and entrance to Senior School. An addition to the school activities this year, the garden project has been under construction for only a short time, but already the girls have enthusiastically formed themselves into a ‘gardening club’ and are tending to a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers under the supervision of staff members and keen gardeners, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Dawson.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

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September-October 2011

back to school St David’s School, Purley 23-25 Woodcote Valley Road, Purley CR8 3AL 020 8660 0723 office@stdavidsschool.co.uk www. stdavidsschool.co.uk

St David’s says it offers a rich and stimulating curriculum, delivered by a talented and caring staff, giving your child the best possible start. The School has undergone many changes and developments since its foundation in 1912 and they are looking forward to celebrating their centenary year in 2012.

Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London, SW11 2HB 020 7228 3933 info@thameschristiancollege.org.uk www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Looking for an affordable school that will set up your child for life? An independent, co-educational secondary school with a strong Christian ethos. It has small classes and achieves excellent academic results. The school provides a positive and nurturing environment, where learning is tailored to accommodate individual pupils’ needs. Thames Christian are delighted to have won the 2011 Good Schools Guide Award for Personal Finance. This is a result of achieving the best results over 3 years in the Level 2 Certificate for Personal Finance at an English Independent School. The majority of Thames Christian College pupils take Personal Finance early, freeing them up to study other GCSE subjects a year later. The school was founded by parents over ten years ago and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

020 8669 5187

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Families London-Surrey Borders

back to school

School open days

We have prepared this handy guide, listed in postcode order, to help readers plan their visits to local schools. Postcode

School

Place

Tel

Ages/ Gender

Open days

BR4

Wickham Court

West Wickham

020 8777 2942

Co-Ed: 2.5-16

by appointment

CR0

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Senior

Old Palace Rd., S. Croydon

020 8688 2027

G: 11 - 18

Sat 8 Oct: 9.00 - 12.00; Thur 13 Oct and Wed 9 Nov: 10.30 - 12.00

CR0

Royal Russell

Croydon

020 8651 5884

Co-Ed: 3-18

Sat 24 Sep: 8.30 - 12.00 both Junior and Senior schools

CR0

Trinity

Shirley Park

020 8656 9541

B: 11-16 /Co-Ed: Sat 1 Oct: 9.00 - 12.00 6th

CR2

Croydon High

Selsdon

020 8651 3137

G: 3-18

Sat 1 Oct: 9.30 - 12.30 both Junior and Senior schools

CR2

Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd)

South Croydon

020 8660 3445

B: 2-13

Fri 23 Sep: 9.15 - 11.00 for main school and nursery

CR2

Elmhurst

South Croydon

020 8688 0661

B: 4-11

by appointment

CR2

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Junior

Melville Ave., S. Croydon

020 8688 2027

G: 3mths - 11

Wed 5 Oct and Fri 21 Oct: 10.30 - 12.00

CR2

Whitgift

South Croydon

020 8688 9222

B: 10-18

Sat 24 Sep: 9.00 - 13.00; Tue 11 Oct: 4.00 - 8.00pm

CR3

Caterham

01883 335058

Co-Ed: 3-18

Sat 17 Sep 9.30-12.00 Open morning; Tue 11 Oct, 15 Nov: Afternoon (by appointment)

CR3

Oakhyrst Grange

Caterham

01883 343344

Co-Ed: 4-11

Fri 7 Oct: 10.00 - 12.00

CR6

Warlingham Park

Warlingham

01883 626844

Co-Ed: 2-11

by appointment

CR8

St David’s

Purley

020 8660 0723

Co-Ed: 3-11

Thu 13 Oct, 2 Feb, 9.30 - 12.30

CR8

Oakwood School & Nursery

Purley

020 8668 8080

Co-Ed: 2-11

Sat 2 Oct: Open morning

CR8

Laleham Lea

Purley

020 8660 3351

Co-Ed: 2-11

Thu 29 Sep, Sat 1 Oct: 10.00 - 12.00

CR8

Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery

Purley

020 8660 3445

G: 4-11

Fri 30 Sep: 9.00 - 11.30 for main school & nursery

KT2

Kingston Grammar

Kingston-upon Thames

020 8546 5875

Co-Ed: 10-18

Thu 22 Sep: 6.30 - 9.00; Sat 24 Sep: 10.00 - 12.30

KT17

Epsom College

Epsom

01372 821234

Co-Ed: 13-18

Sat 8 Oct: Open morning 10.00am; Thu 20 Oct: for boarders

KT17

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior

Ewell

020 8393 1413

Co-Ed: 3-11/B: 11-18

Sat 8 Oct: 10.00 - 12.00; Wed 2 Nov: 9.30 - 10.30; Wed 12 Oct: 6.00 (senior only)

KT17,21,22

Downsend Lodges

Epsom, Ashtead 01372 372311 & Leatherhead

Co-Ed: 2-6

Sat 1 Oct & Thu 10 Nov: from 9.15am

KT18

St Christopher’s

Epsom

01372 721807

Co-Ed: 3-7

Fri 7 Oct: Headteacher’s talk 9.15am

KT19

Kingswood House

Epsom

01372 723590

Co-Ed: 3-7/B: 8-13

Thu 6 Oct; Sat 8 Oct 9.30 - 12.00 (registration required)

KT20

Aberdour

Burgh Heath

01737 354119

Co-Ed: 2-13

Wed 12 Oct

KT21

City of London Freemen’s

Ashtead Park

01372 822480

Co-Ed: 7-18

Sat 1 Oct, Sat 5 Nov: 9.45am for 10.00 start

KT22

Downsend

Leatherhead

01372 372311

Co-Ed: 6-13

Sat 24 Sep & Fri 4 Nov open morning - Headmaster’s Talk 9:30 am

RH5

Box Hill

Mickleham, Dorking

01372 385002

Co-Ed: 11 -18

Sat 8 Oct: open morning 10.15

SM1

Homefield Preparatory

Sutton

020 8642 0965

B: 2.5-13

Sat 24 Sep: 10.00 - 1.00

SM1

Sutton Grammar School for Boys (Academy)

Sutton

020 8642 3821

B: 11 - 18

Tue 20 Sep: 4pm – 9pm

SM1

Sutton High

Sutton

020 8225 3001

G: 3-18

Sat 17 Sep, Thu 10 Nov: 10.00 - 12.30

SM2

Seaton House

South Sutton

020 8642 2332

Co-Ed: 3-5/G: 5-11

Sat 24 Sep: 10.00 - 1.00pm Nursery open day; tours of main school by appointment

SM7

Greenacre School

Banstead

01737 352114

G: 3-18

Sat 1 Oct: 9.30- 12.00 or by appointment

SM7

Priory Preparatory

Banstead

01737 366920

B: 2-13

Sat 8 Oct: 10.00 - 12.00; Wed 14 Sep, 16 Nov pop-in days: 9.00 - 11.00

SW11

Thames Christian College

Battersea

020 7228 3933

Co-Ed: 11-16

Wed 28 Sep: 10.15 - 12.15; Sat 1 Oct: 10.00 - 13.00

SW19

King’s College

Wimbledon

020 8255 5300

Boys: 7-16/ Co-Ed:6th

Sat 17 Sep: 9.30 -12.30 both Junior and Senior Schools

SW19

Wimbledon High Junior

Wimbledon

020 8971 0902

G: 4-11

Tue 27 Sep: 9.00 - 12.00

SW19

Wimbledon High Senior

Wimbledon

020 8971 0900

G: 11-18

Sat 8 Oct: 9.30 - 12.30

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

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September-October 2011

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

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Families London-Surrey Borders

what’s on - for families

Weekend 10 / 11 September ASHTEAD COMMON 01372 279083

Sat 10 and Sun 11 Sep

ROMAN VILLA GUIDED WALKS Join the Common’s ranger and volunteers for a weekend of discovery as we take you and your family to see this year’s archaeological excavations of a Roman villa and tile-kiln. This event is part of theNational Heritage Weekend. Bring your pennies for tea and cake (donation to local charity). Please call to choose the time of your walk (6 choices available).

BANSTEAD WOODS Holly Lane (B2219), Banstead/Chipstead (nearest satnav: CR5 3NR). 01737 737700 bansteadcountrysideday@surreycc.gov.uk www.downlandsproject.org.uk

BANSTEAD COUNTRYSIDE DAY

has been restored to working order.

LLOYD PARK, CROYDON Sat 10 Sep 12.30-2.30pm

A selection of events. For a more extensive and regularly updated list visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/ What-s-On We try our best to make sure the information listed is correct, but please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline..... Please remember to say you saw the event listed by Families London-Surrey Borders.

FREE FAMILY PICNIC Warburtons is throwing a free picnic for families with games and giant loaves of bread.

NORBURY PARK SAW MILL Norbury Park, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6DN 01372 457 377 www.norburyparksawmill.org.uk

Sat 10 Sep 10.30-4.00pm

Weekend 24 / 25 September

NORBURY PARK SAWMILL OPEN DAY There will be live displays of cutting trees; demonstrations of furniture making and woodland crafts such as charcoal making. For further details visit the website.

COULSDON COMMON

REIGATE CAVES Tunnel Road, off High Street, Reigate RH2 9AA

Make bat boxes and bird feeders. Booking essential – ring for details.

01372 279083

Sat 24 Sep 10.30 - 12.00pm

WILDLIFE BOXES WORKSHOP

www.wcms.co.uk

Weekend 1 / 2 October

10 Sep 10.00-4.00

OPEN DAY Explore the Baron’s Cave, a medieval cavern below Reigate Castle and the Tunnel Road Caves used in WWI. Tours run every 20 minutes or so according to demand / availability of guides. Just turn up and join the next tour. Adults from £2.00; Children from £1.50; Family from £6.00

Weekend 17 / 18 September THE DIAMOND CENTRE FOR DISABLED RIDERS Woodmansterne Road, Carshalton SM5 4DT

MORDEN HALL PARK The Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Oct 12.00 - 4.00pm

APPLE DAY Discover more about the Great British apple with apple displays, apple tasting and apple printing. With an exhibition in the Snuff Mill about apples and the harvest. Free entry to snuff mill.

020 8643 7764 www.diamondcentre.org.uk

Thursday, 6 October

Sun 18 Sep 12.00 - 4.30pm

AUTUMN FAIR

Sun 11 Sep 10.30 - 4.30pm A day to celebrate the local countryside, history, community and rural/traditional crafts with stalls showcasing local produce and local groups; special arena displays throughout the day; demonstrations of traditional crafts including hurdle & charcoal making; lots of activities for children. Programmes and various refreshments on sale on the day.

BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3BN www.bigginhillairport.com/annual-airshow Ticket Line: 0871 220 0260 http://www.seetickets.com/Tour/ BIGGIN-HILL-FAMILY-OPEN-DAY

Sat 10 Sep 10.30 - 5.30pm

FAMILY OPEN DAY Biggin Hill Airport family day will this year be supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund. The day will include ground and air displays, a static aircraft display and various musical attractions.

BOURNE HALL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S CLUB Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF

HAPPY’S BIG TOP CIRCUS Tadworth Primary School, Heathcote, Tadworth KT20 5RR Sun 18 Sep 1.00pm-4.00pm

BOURNE HALL MUSEUM CHILDREN’S CLUB Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk 1.00 - 2.30pm

Victorian crime including the Resurrectionists and Burglars.

Weekend 8 / 9 October MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Oct 12.00-4.00pm

07909 912 900

‘Happy’s Circus’ is a professional circus company with a Big Top that seats up to 600 people. £7.00 per ticket. Under twos go free if seated on parent’s lap. For more information contact Minal.

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Sep 11.00 and 2.00pm

OPEN HOUSE TOUR Visit some of the lesser known parts of the park. Behind the scenes tour led by the Garden Supervisor. Meet by the Riverside Cafe. Free entry

020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

SHIRLEY WINDMILL Post Mill Close off Upper Shirley Road, Shirley, Croydon

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR THE TRUE STORY

Sun 18 Sep 12.00 – 5.00pm Open days at the Grade II listed tower mill which

Sat 10 Sep 1.00 - 2.30pm

A great afternoon for all the family - and the dog. Events including Novelty Dog Show, Dog Scurry & Fun Agility, Shire Horses, Farrier Demonstration, Riding Display, Steam Train Rides, Ferret Racing, The Firestone Rock Band, Punch & Judy, Coconut Shy, Beat the Goalie, plus many other games and stalls. Refreshments, BBQ and Pimms Bar. Adults: £4.00 Children: £1.00

TREES FROM SEEDS A free weekend in which we will assist visitors in collecting conkers from the Nineteenth century Avenue in the Park, planting them in a pot of compost from the kitchen’s composter to grow at home.

Weekend 15 /16 October MORDEN HALL PARK, Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Oct

HISTORY DETECTIVES Discover how to research your family history. With experts available to provide guidance and local facts. Half Term Events / Workshops 21 – 30 October

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

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September-October 2011

what’s on - for families Weekend 22/23 October MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sat 22 Oct 11.00 – 3.00pm

LIVING GREEN CENTRE LAUNCH

THE BIG DRAW

Tuesday, 25 October SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 or email sec@sutton.gov.uk. www.sutton.gov.uk, go to E for Ecology Centre

10.00 -12.30pm

ECO EXPERTS CLUB – NATURE’S RECYCLERS Forage for fungi, look for slimy things and make your own wormery to take home (bring a snack for break time). Cost: £5 per child, booking essential. Suitable for ages 8+ only (parents may sign consent form to leave child with us)

A family holiday activity. Help to produce a collaborative piece of artwork which will be displayed in the newly renovated Stable Yard. £4.00 entry for a family of 4 - £1.50 for additional members.

POLKA THEATRE 9.45 – 11am: for three to four years; 11.30am – 12.45pm; for four to five years.

UGLY DUCKLING’S BIRDS OF A FEATHER WORKSHOP Come along for feathery fun to make wings, masks and bird feeders in this drama and craft workshop inspired by Polka’s show. £15

Wednesday, 26 October

Help to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Stable Yard.

Monday, 24 October SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 or email sec@sutton.gov.uk. www.sutton.gov.uk, go to E for Ecology Centre

10.00 - 2.00pm

NUT HUNT AT SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE Will you be the one to find the golden nut? Join in the nut hunt trail to find out which small furry friends lives at the Ecology Centre. Suitable for all ages. £2 pp, no need to book, drop in any time.

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

10.30 am – 3.30pm

BEHIND THE SCENES: OPEN WARDROBE WORKSHOP

Friday, 28 October POLKA THEATRE 10.30am – 3.30pm

BEHIND THE SCENES: “I HAVE A DREAM...” SCRIPT WRITER’S WORKSHOP

A unique opportunity to try on costumes, wigs and masks from past Polka Production’s, create your own characters and devise a play to perform to family and friends. For 6-9 yrs. £25

A chance to meet Levi David Addai, the script writer from the production “I Have a Dream...” and explore how old photographs, events and real people from the past can inspire you to write your own play. For 7 – 11 yrs. £25

Thursday, 27 October

Weekend 29/30 October

MORDEN HALL PARK The Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

POLKA THEATRE Sat 29 Oct 10.30 – 2.00pm

HIP HOP JAM Learn some new moves in this secret dance session. For seven to 11 yrs. £15

11.00 -3.00pm

HALLOWEEN

With many Halloween events happening locally, we’ve listed a selection of what is available...

Bocketts Farm Park

Chessington World of Adventures

FETCHAM, NR. LEATHERHEAD

LEATHERHEAD ROAD, CHESSINGTON KT9 2NE

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

0870 999 0045 21 -31 Oct 10.008.00pm

WIZARDS AND WITCHES WEEK 22 – 30 OCT

HOCUS POCUS AT CHESSINGTON Discover ‘Krypt’ a new interactive discovery in Wild Asia. With the many spooky adventures available one day just isn’t enough time to visit them all, so head to the resort hotel for the Halloween themed rooms, creepy animal ‘meet and greets’ and a spooky movie club.

The Arc, Caterham 39 WESTON DRIVE, CATERHAM CR3 5XY 01883 330 380 info@the-arc-caterham.co.uk www.the-arc-caterham.co.uk Lots of events and workshops throughout the week for children of all ages, beginning on Friday 21 October at 6.30 - 8.30pm with Kids Kaos with the latest tunes and the most bonkers and fun games for kids aged 4 years + in Soft Play. With prizes and competitions galore plus the chance to run around The Arc’s Soft Play – this is the perfect way for kids (and adults!) to welcome in the half term. £8.00 or £5.00 in advance. During the rest of the week, activities will include art, cookery, dance and drama workshops. There will be face painting sessions at £2.00 per face, a colouring competition and Vincent The Vampire will ‘meet and greet’ with Casper the Friendly Ghost at 1.00pm daily. We update these listings often, so for a more extensive list of events visit our website at www.families-LSB.co.uk

Tulleys Farm Whatever the weather, there will be plenty to see and do at Bocketts Farm this Autumn. Meet and feed the friendly farm animals, including a gorgeous litter of micro-piglets, and enjoy a full programme of daily activities, including tractor rides, pony rides, animal handling, goat milking and the famous pig races. The two large indoor playbarns, trampolines, bouncy pillow and play trails will also keep the children amused. Make sure you don’t miss ‘Wizards and Witches Week’ with plenty of pumpkins, spooky fun and creepy crafts, or the brand new Gift Shop selling a wide range of gifts and toys.

TURNERS HILL, CRAWLEY, WEST SUSSEX, RH10 4PE 01342 718472 www.halloweenattractions.co.uk/octoberfest HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL OCTOBER FEST FUN PARK Five spooky haunts and free fun shows provide young visitors with mild scares and thrills and lots of fun throughout the week. There will be lots of entertainment available including a pumpkin carving competition, activity play, free shows and reward games. For the older ones there is the Shocktober Fest Scream Park.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

020 8669 5187

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Families London-Surrey Borders

what’s on - theatres A selection of what is available. For a more extensive list visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/What-s-On

Based on the much loved tale by Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant is a captivating and inventive show of storytelling and dance.

3 Sep – 29 Oct (Main Theatre at various times)

CHARLES CRYER THEATRE 39 High Street, Carshalton SM5 3BB

Sat 24 Sep 12.00pm & 4.00pm

Take a leap into the past in this time-travelling adventure. Suitable for ages 7 – 11. Tickets £6 - £12

020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk Sat 24 Sep 8.00pm

CRUNCH!

THE HONEY HONEY SHOW FOR CHILDREN The world’s first ABBA concert for children and families. Experience a pop concert, a pantomime and going to the cinema all in one show. 7 Oct 7.30pm

‘I HAVE A DREAM...’

After-show Talk Sat 8 Oct 2.00pm & BSL Interpreted Performance Sat 15 Oct 2.00pm 19 Oct 11 – 18 Feb 12 (various times)

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Illustration by Charlotte Cooke

MOSCOW BALLET LA CLASSIQUE THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music fills the air and wondrous characters come to life before your very eyes. 8 Oct 1.00 & 3.00pm

MR MEN See Secombe Theatre for details. Tickets: £10.00 Thu 29 Sep – Sat 1 Oct 7.45pm

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR This production will be part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2011 Open Stages project. Tickets from £9.00 Thu 6 – Sat 8 Oct 7.45pm & Sat Mat 2.30pm

THE MUMMY’S TOMB An epic tale of love, death, deceit and intrigue set between the Wars in 1935. Tickets from £8.00 Sat 15 & Sun 16 Oct 7.30pm & Sat Mat 2.30pm

WEST END TO BROADWAY

The Mr Men & Little Miss are going on the road to celebrate their 40th birthday. 27 Oct 2.30pm

HANSEL & GRETEL As one of the great European fairy tales ‘Hansel and Gretel’ is as applicable today as it has always been.

FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG

Box Office 020 8688 9291 or book online www.fairfield.co.uk A maximum booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply Wed 5 Oct 7.30pm

CIRQUE DU CIEL’S SHANGHAI

Barry Stevens, the nominee for BBC Radio 2’s ‘Voice of Musical Theatre’, returns to perform some of the greatest songs from the classic West End shows. Tickets from £12.00

A combination of acrobatics, modern dance, original music, martial arts and many other Chinese elements with a fabulous storyline. Great for audiences of all ages. £19, £22, £24.50

Sat 29 Oct 7.00pm

Mon 24 Oct 3.20pm (2.30pm Workshop)

SPIRAL SINGS 2011

HANSEL & GRETEL

THE COLOUR HOUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD

ALICE IN WONDERLAND A wonderful musical show for all the family. Suitable for children three+ years old. Adults: £9, Child: £7.00

EPSOM PLAYHOUSE Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL

01372 742555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk 17 Sep 2.30pm

THE SELFISH GIANT

SECOMBE THEATRE 42 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 2SS Box Office: 0208 770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk Thu 22 Sep 7.00pm

TALK LONDON - SUTTON Put your questions to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and panel. For details of topic and how to request free tickets please visit London.gov.uk/ TALKLONDON or call 020 7983 4762 Fri 23 Sep 10.30am & 1.30pm

CRUNCH!

Also showing at the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre on Saturday 24 September Tue 18 – Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm & Sat Mat 2.30pm During the light-hearted workshop some children are chosen and rehearsed into their parts while the rest of the audience is taught the chorus’ of 4 songs. During the interval the children are costumed for the show. £9, Concessions £7, Family £28 (£1.50 Booking Fee Per Ticket)

DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST Step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty and

Tue 25 Oct 2.00pm & 6.00pm

HIGH SCHOOL MANIA Featuring all the best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, and 3, Glee and Camp Rock. £14 Sat 5 Nov 1.00pm & 4.00pm, Sun 6 Nov 4.00pm

GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS Follow Goldilocks as the circus comes to town. This panto style show features colourful costumes, lots of lively characters, music and comedy. Adult £9.50, Child £7.50, Family £29 (£1.50 Booking Fee Per Ticket)

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 22

Suitable for ages 1-5 years. Tickets £7-£9

Combining stories and images of apples from all over the world, Crunch! takes the audience on a hilarious journey of discovery and wonder. Through a mix of physical theatre, original songs, juggling, masks and good old traditional storytelling, Tangram tells the story of the apple through the ages.From £6

An opportunity to see the talented youngsters of the Spiral Youth Theatre perform their favourite songs. Tickets: £8

020 8542 5511 info@colourhousetheatre.co.uk www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Sats and Suns 10 Sep - 13 Nov 2.00pm and 4.00pm

It’s summertime and there’s one egg left to hatch. Crack! Peep! Quack! What’s this...?

the Beast! A beautiful girl, a beast in a castle, and some wonderful music. Tickets from £10.50 Tue 25 – Sat 29 Oct 7.30pm & Sat Mat 2.00pm

SOUWEST 2011 A variety show including dancing, singing and sketches inspired by the original Gang Shows. Tickets from £7.00

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

September-October 2011

what’s on - for parents For a more extensive list of events visit our website at www.families-LSB.co.uk We try our best to make sure the information listed is correct, but please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline..... Please remember to say you saw the event listed by Families London-Surrey Borders.

AUTUMN CRAFT AND BEAUTY FAIR The Arc, 39 Weston Drive, Caterham, CR3 5XY

BABY MASSAGE COURSE St John’s Community Hall , Upper Selsdon Road, South Croydon, CR2 8DD 0208 405 3499 helen_redfern@hotmail.com www.helenredfernbirthandbaby.wordpress.com/baby-massage/ Tue 27 Sep Baby Massage is a great bonding experience for parents and their babies. Classes last about an hour and are followed by a tea break. They are relaxed and fun and offer a great way for mums to meet other local mums. For more details contact Helen Redfern

Sat 10 Sep www.ukcraftfairs.com Stalls will be selling handmade, traditional and contemporary crafts, combined with ones offering beauty products and advice. Tables are £35 for non-members/£30 for members. Kerstin Wonders of ‘Wonders for All’ will be there (see advert on page 7 of this mag), showcasing the beautiful things she makes & giving you the chance to start your Christmas shopping early. Kerstin will also be at the Reigate Fair on 5 Nov (see entry in next column).

NCT CROYDON NEARLY NEW SALE Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 147 Bingham Road, Addiscombe, Surrey, CR0 7EN

Ne a r ly n ew s a le s

BABY & CHILDREN’S MARKET, EWELL The Harrier Centre, King George’s Recreational ground, Poole Road, West Ewell KT19 9RY.

Sat 24 Sep 10.00 - 12.00pm 0844 2436100 earlynewsellers@nctcroydon.co.uk www.nct.org.uk/croydon Doors open at 9.45am for NCT members. Refreshments available. For more information contact Lesley Entry by donation (in aid of NCT Charity) - £1 suggested /adult; children - free.

REIGATE CRAFT & GIFT FAIR Somers Hall, Slipshoe Street, Reigate RH2 9HU

07766110141 tanyapiggins@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Sat 15 Oct 2.00 - 4.00pm Great opportunity for parents to buy and sell excellent quality nearly new brands at bargain prices all under one roof. Why buy new when you can purchase quality items, save money and recycle at the same time. To book a stall or for more information contact Tanya Piggins.

Sat 5 Nov 07881906861 kwcraftfairs@aol.com www.kwcraftfairs.moonfruit.com 24 stalls showcasing local designers & makers with a few regulars but many of the stalls changing each month. For further details contact Kirstin Wood.

ROCK CHOIR

01252 714276 www.rockchoir.com Learn to sing rock, pop, gospel and Motown songs in harmony. In addition to the Epsom choirs, two new choirs will be starting in September - Croydon Rock Choir on Thursdays, 8.00-9.30pm at Thomas More Catholic School, Russell Hill Road, Purley and Caterham Rock Choir on Mondays, 8.00-9.30pm at Soper Hall, Harestone Valley Road.

TABLE TOP & NEARLY NEW SALE Netherne on the Hill Village Hall Coulsdon, Surrey 07709 450 807 sarahe8@sky.com Sun 18 Sep Organised by the resident’s association and toddler group. Sell/buy anything from household items to children’s toys/clothing. There will also be craft & trade stalls. Tables available at £5 each. Email Sarah Edwards for further information.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies September-October 2011

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders

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Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies Families London-Surrey Borders

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

September-October 2011