Families-LSB March-April 2013

includes local 'What's On' for families with children 0-Teens

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Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

Issue 49: March-April 2013 www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Easter Egg Hunts FREE

DELIVERY!

Win a family ticket to Marwell Zoo FREE

DELIVERY!

Stagecoach Theatre Arts

www.stagecoach.co.uk

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Cheam Coulsdon Croydon Epsom Merton Park Mitcham Shirley Sutton Worcester Park

020 8224 2442 0845 078 0805 0845 265 7083 020 8642 3500 020 8942 3502 020 8942 3502 020 8949 1116 020 8651 1909 020 8224 2442

Call us on 020 8669 5187 or email Editor@Families-LSB.co.uk

news & views includes local 'What's On' for families with children 0-Teens

ne EEke o FRe ta

version2_Layout 1 28/11/2012 10:16 Page 1

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Epsom and Ewell, Sutton, Croydon and nearby areas.

Issue 49: March-April 2013 www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Easter Egg Hunts FREE

DELIVERY!

Win a family ticket to Marwell Zoo FREE

DELIVERY!

Stagecoach Theatre Arts

www.stagecoach.co.uk

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Cheam Coulsdon Croydon Epsom Merton Park Mitcham Shirley Sutton Worcester Park

020 8224 2442 0845 078 0805 0845 265 7083 020 8642 3500 020 8942 3502 020 8942 3502 020 8949 1116 020 8651 1909 020 8224 2442

Call us on 020 8669 5187 or email Editor@Families-LSB.co.uk

Editor: Izabella Shaw 0208 669 5187 editor@Families-LSB.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

FREE

DELIVERY!

Title: Villervalla Spring/ Summer Collection

FREE

DELIVERY!

Stockist Details: Impkids www.impkids.co.uk 0208 672 2391

News in Brief Full stories at www.families-LSB.co.uk/articles Wednesday Club at Nickel Support, Carshalton. Every Wednesday from 6.30 - 8.30pm, a weekly activities for young people with a learning disability. Entry: £3.00. For more information, contact Elena Nicola on 020 8669 4882 or elena.nicola@nickel.org.uk or visit www.nickel.org.uk Heritage Farm in Wallington has closed after negotiations with Surrey County Council over their rent failed.

New leisure centre has opened in Waddon. Check out the new facilities available at www.

‘Families London-Surrey Borders’ is part of a group of maga-

croydon-leisure.com

zines headed by ‘Families South West’ established in 1990. All

EcoLocal are running monthly FREE Healthy Eating sessions at Carshalton Community Allotment.

See www.localfoodnetwork.org.uk

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.

Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd 01256 300420, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 6XN. © 2013 Families London-Surrey Borders.

Contents News and views . . . . . . . . . 2 – 3 Clubs, classes and activities . . . . . . 4 Easter holiday classes and clubs . 6 - 7 Behind the Scenes at Hobbledown . . 8 Benefits of playing outdoors . . . . . 8 Childcare in the home . . . . . . . . 9 Understanding babytalk . . . . . . . 10 Real nappies . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Health - Coeliac disease . . . . . . .12 Schools places and appeals . . . . . .13 Value of independent education . . .14 Education news . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Easter traditions and Egg hunts 18 - 19 Diary dates for families . . . . 20 - 21 Unusual Easter gifts . . . . . . . . . 22 What’s on at local theatres . . . . . 23 Competitions for Families Readers . 23 Classified advertisers . . . . . . . . 24

For the full stories go to www.families-LSB.co.uk/articles

New Parent Book Club at Carshalton Library at Westcroft Leisure Centre A Pre-School Parent Book Club has started at the Carshalton Library at Westcroft Leisure Centre.

Parents of pre-school children can meet in the relaxed environment of the children’s library, with toys available, where they can discuss books while supervising their children.

Meetings are usually held towards the end of the month during term time. They are welcoming new members, so please speak to a member of the library staff if you are interested in coming along.

Contact Stella at Westcroft Library on 020 8647 1151.

Labels4Kids launches new website Leading UK based international kids’ labelling specialist Labels4Kids is launching their new website in March 2013.

The new website makes ordering easier and you can even try designing your own labels on the site prior to ordering. The site covers labelling for your children, your sport requirements, camping, corporate and even care home items for grandparents.

Ann-Maree Morrison, founder and Managing Director, said “We are not the cheapest labelling company. You wouldn’t skimp on what you feed your child, or on their needs, so why skimp on labelling their expensive belongings? What we do, we do well and the difference with us is we listen. Labels4Kids has very high levels of customer service with a money back guarantee, a free returns policy and a free 1st class delivery option.”

See the full range by ordering at www.labels4kids.com/fam today.

Join us on Twitter and Facebook 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.

Westcroft re-opens

We’re also posting updates and stories at Facebook.com/FamiliesLSB.

The new facility includes a creche and a library, as well as two swimming pools, a cafe and a fully-equipped gym and training centre.

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.

@FamiliesLSB

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new

The new Westcroft Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 26th January 2013 with a day of free activities.

Silver medal winning breaststroke swimmer Michael Jamieson at Westcroft Leisure Centre

The £11m new Westcroft Leisure Centre facilities now include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

For more information, programme & parking arrangements visit

everyoneactive.com/westcroft

Fitness Centre Main swimming Pool Teaching Pool Group Exercise Meeting Room Sports Hall Squash and Badminton courts Gymnastics and Trampolining EA School of Dance Creche Soft Play Area Café Westcroft Day Spa

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

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March-April 2013

news & views MAD Academy Croydon wins national award At the annual MAD Academy national conference, local music and dance instructor Debbie Mason was presented with the Franchisee of the Year award.

Debbie runs MAD Academy classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years in Selsdon and Purley. The classes combine music, movement, rhythm and dance.

Debbie’s customers have more than doubled in the past year and demand is high among nurseries and preschools for her special blend of education and entertainment. She is also becoming renowned as an outstanding children’s party entertainer.

Helen Harrington, founder of MAD Academy, was thrilled to recognise Debbie in this way. “I am extremely proud and pleased of Debbie’s achievements.

She has amazing energy and passion, and her sense of fun is infectious. Her energetic approach is as popular with parents wanting a work-out, as with the children who love to let of steam through her funky dance routines and games.”

For more information about Debbie’s classes visit www.madacademy.com/croydon

Stoneleigh library re-opens as Community Library Stoneleigh library re-opened on 16 February following refurbishment.

The library has been restocked with an exciting new selection of books for adults and children, including 250 brand new children’s non-fiction books. There is also a new seating area with free Wi-Fi. The library will be running as a community partnered library with the ongoing support of Surrey County Council.

If you want to find out more about volunteering at Stoneleigh Library please contact Friends of Stoneleigh Library by email at friendsstoneleighlib@gmail.com or by post c/o Stoneleigh Library.

They are looking for people willing and able to support this Community Library in a variety of ways, so please do contact them if you would like more information.

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

Shoehouse in Banstead now open on Sundays There are a lot of things happening at Shoehouse, the independent shoe shop in Banstead. They have extended their opening hours for the summer months. From March to September, in addition to being open 9.00 - 5.00 pm, Monday to Saturday, they are also open on Sundays 10.00 – 4.00pm.

They also now stock accessories for children and adults including handbags, hats and scarves and a range of educational toys, games and craft kits by Djeco & Eebo, which make great gifts for children from 12 months to 16 years of age.

Shoehouse’s new manager has worked in the shoe industry for 17 years and with her wealth of experience in fitting children’s shoes, she and her friendly staff can give you good advice when you are purchasing shoes for your children.

They have just launched a loyalty scheme called School Club. On joining, you receive a card which you show to receive a 10% discount when buying school shoes. Contact them for more details.

01737 377638 www.shoehouse.co.uk

Shoehouse 127 High Street, Banstead SM7 2NS

Join the Bluebell Steam Railway at East Grinstead The Bluebell Railway has been extended to East Grinstead. The new line opens to the public on 23 March 2013.

Families will now be able to travel by train from East Croydon, Sanderstead, Riddlesdown or Upper Warlingham directly to East Grinstead.

Connect with the volunteer-run Bluebell Railway on the brand-new platform by simply walking across to Platform 3.

To mark the special occasion the Bluebell Railway will be holding a two week opening festival from Saturday 23 March until Sunday 7 April with many different special events taking place. Visit their website for more details and to book tickets. www.bluebell-railway.com/east-grinstead-festival

Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 3

0845 400 1273

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020 8669 5187

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

clubs, classes and activities Ready Steady Go Kids picks Epsom & Ewell for national launch Australia’s popular programme brings multi-sport exercise to children aged 2½ to 6 years

The Olympics was not the only big sporting news to come out of the UK last year.

Ready Steady Go Kids, Australia’s largest multisport program for children, also announced that it will commence operations in the UK. Kathy and Matthew Bees have brought the concept to the UK after finding it incomparable to anything else currently being provided.

“As parents, we’re passionate about the need to introduce sport and an active lifestyle to children before they reach school age,” said the couple “Our program does this and also provides many other life skills and benefits to its participants.

Most importantly, it’s great fun.”

Physio-designed for children aged from two-anda-half to six years, Ready Steady Go Kids aims to instill in its participants positive attitudes towards exercise that they will carry for life.

Classes cover the fundamentals of 10 different

Diddidance is 10 years old - Score a 10% discount Diddi Dance is now 10 years old. The classes aim to get children moving and are a great way of keeping toddlers aged two to four active. Classes are for both boys and girls and every activity is especially developed to build the child’s confidence, balance, agility and rhythm.

sports while developing age-appropriate motor skills. Kids also learn about the concept of sportsmanship by taking turns, playing by the rules and cooperating with their peers.

“The program’s fun environment is the ideal platform to inspire young children while teaching them important developmental and social skills,” said Matthew.

Kathy and Matthew have introduced Ready Steady Go Kids to the UK by opening locations in the Epsom and Ewell areas in January 2013.

Further expansion through Surrey will continue throughout 2013 with an aim to franchise the business nationally within the next 18–24 months.

The classes have been very well received by parents and children.

You never know, the program may contribute to paving the way for tomorrow’s Olympic champions. www.rsgk.co.uk 0800 690 6591 info@rsgk.co.uk

Gymnastics classes launch at Oasis Academy, Old Coulsdon

Diddi Dance runs on a two year programme, with each half term exploring different themes such as tap, hip-hop, salsa, Bollywood, country and Charleston amongst others. Other activities include singing and galloping and counting up to 10 in English, French and Spanish. They also run parties that have been specially designed for a fun-filled hour of dancing games and routines.

To coincide with their 10 year anniversary, Diddi Dance are offering a 10% discount off party bookings made up to 30 June 2013 inclusive.

Call Melissa on 07939 420 638 for parties in Addiscombe, Mitcham, Croydon and Purley or Jo on 07873 634 292 for parties in Banstead, Epsom, Hooley and Wallington or book online at www.diddidance.com.

Quote ‘Families10’ to obtain your discount.

New Dramabuds Academy for 7 – 10s Dramabuds has launched a Drama Academy for children aged 7 – 10 years in Carshalton.

The class runs every Saturday in term time from 11.45 - 12.45 and is led by experienced Dramabuds teacher Penny Levick. She holds an MA in Drama and Theatre Studies and trained at the London International School of Performing Arts, and brings a wealth of experience to the classes as a performer, director, drama workshop facilitator, choreographer and musician.

The children will be learning to act and sing, boosting their confidence, and will culminate in a performance to family and friends The class is limited to a maximum of 16 children to ensure each child receives individual attention.

Dramabuds offers your first class as free trial then the cost of a 12 week term is £84.

As we went to press, there we only 10 places left. So if you would like to book your child a place to join please contact Dramabuds on 020 8669 2355 info@dramabuds.co.uk 4

Caterham Gymnastics Academy have started new Saturday classes at Oasis Academy, Old Coulsdon. The new classes offer Gymnastics and trampolining classes for children aged 2½ to 18.

Classes for the younger children are split into Gym Tots (for ages 2½ –5 years); Amateur Classes (for ages 4–7 years); Mixed Ability (for age 7 years+).

Head Coach, Lisa has been involved in gymnastics from the age of 3 years and has been teaching for 17 years. For more details contact them on: 07989977542 / 01883 340503; caterhamgymnasticsacademy@gmail.com www.caterhamgymnasticsacademy.com

GBMAA for women-only classes Calling all Epsom and Dorking Mums. As a little extra Mother’s Day gift, GBMAA Epsom and Leatherhead would love to offer you a free class in their Women’s Only KickFit / Self Defence classes at both Epsom and Dorking.

If you decide to join then they will offer you 50% off the joining fees.

The class is fantastic for weight loss, toning, keep fit and self-defence, as well as enabling you to meet some great people along the way.

All levels are welcome. Gain in confidence while keeping fit the fun way. For more information call 07584 473784 or visit www.gbacademies.co.uk

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

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March-April 2013

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â˜şRated “Goodâ€? by Ofsted â˜şAges from 3 months to 5 years old â˜şCompetitive pricing from only ÂŁ30 per day â˜şOpen from 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri â˜ş10% discount for students and NHS staff â˜şAccepts all childcare vouchers â˜şOpen 51 weeks per year â˜şClose to Tram (Phipps Bridge & Belgrave Walk)

* T&Cs apply - phone for details

For more information or to book places, CALL NOW! 0203 617 3388 info@kingswooddaycarenursery.co.uk kingswooddaycarenursery.co.uk

www.littlekickers.co.uk

Fun Science Parties!

Stress-Free Parties Fun Science Shows Crazy Experiments CRB Checked Entertainers Relax and Enjoy Age Range 6 - 12 Other Events - Please Contact Us For Details Rockets, Hovercraft, Slime, Candyoss, Pink Potions, Dry Ice, Electrical and other themed events.

Learn to dance, act & sing Little Stars (4 – 6 years) A fantastic introduction to the fun of performing arts. Each session includes dance, drama and singing and are structured to help your child build self confidence, work in a team, learn actively and realise their potential. Different material every term finishes with a fantastic costumed performance to family and friends.

New term now booking!

Free trial sessions are available at all classes.

Call us on 020 8460 5711 now or visit www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk to book.

Call *020-8123-8697 or email *info@e-entertainers.co.uk or visit *www.e-entertainers.co.uk 5

Bromley | Croydon | South Croydon | Orpington Purley | Sanderstead | Selsdon | West Wickham

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Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies SUA129 STS Families London Surrey Little Stars Ad 87x85.indd 1

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March-April 2013

holiday camps and classes Studios

Expert Tuition in Drum and Guitar for Ages 4 and Upwards Studio phone: 020 8647 7801

Mobile: 07932 023 298

RECORDING 4 FUN KIDS POPSTAR PARTIES An extra special fun party session in our Professional Recording Studio with a top Music Producer!

• Perfect for Birthdays or any celebration.

• Suitable for all ages from 7 upwards.

• Groups sizes of 5 to 15 participants.

• Personalized CD with group photo for each child.

• Studio featured on TV (Britain’s Got Talent) • Prices from just £99!

Also available: Fun solo and duo Recording Experiences & Gift Certificates

CALL US ON 020 8287 8585 email:

recording4funstudio@gmail.com

www.recording4fun.co.uk

Every fingerprint is unique.

From your fingerprint create a stunning piece of art.

You choose the colours and style of your print which may be produced on canvas or Perspex.

Ideal presents for all occasions.

www.fingerprintart.me.uk 07790 447820 or fingerprintjac@yahoo.co.uk

LUCY ROMANO LANGUAGES EL CLUB ESPAÑOL LE CLUB FRANÇAIS Spanish & French Fun Childrens Language Clubs Private Tuition & Adult Classes

info@lucyromanolanguages.co.uk Call Lucy : 07767 375074 www.lucyromanolanguages.co.uk 6

Whether your child likes sport, enjoys being on the stage or is a budding scientist, we have a selection of holiday activities available locally.

Check www.families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on for updates.

MULTI-ACTIVITY Jancett Playsafe Holiday Clubs Satellites Club, All Saints Primary, Carshalton 020 8669 1725 www.jancettplaysafe.co.uk Dazzlers Club, Dorchester Primary School, Worcester Park Beano’s Club, Barrow Hedges Primary School, Carshalton Stanley’s Club, Stanley Park Infant School, Carshalton Collingwood Club, Collingwood School, Wallington Buddies Club, Beaumont Primary, Croydon Multi activity holiday clubs. Visit their website for details of dates, times and prices and to be able to register online

crafts). You can book individual days or full weeks. For children aged 4-14. See their website for details of costs.

ADVENTURE

Kidspace Adventures Croydon The Colonnades, 619 Purley Way, Croydon CR0 4RQ 020 8686 0040 www.kidspaceadventures.com/ croydon Mon – Fri multi activity camp including action packed activities; creative and educational activities; an exclusive ‘free play’ session (exercise in disguise); all drinks and snacks; lunch and evening meal.

Half, full and extended day sessions available. Visit their website for full details and prices.

Kingswood House School 56 West Hill, Epsom KT19 8LG 01372 746590 kingswoodactive@ kingswoodhouse.org www.kingswoodhouse.org 8 - 12 & 15 - 16 Apr 8.00am – 4.00pm Kingswood Active A variety of activities are offered including art, crafts, sport, laser quest and caving. For boys and girls aged 3 -13. £28.00/day – contact the school for discounts available.

Supercamps: MultiActivity Camps Royal Russell School, Croydon 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk Sutton High School, Sutton Whitgift School, South Croydon Wimbledon High School, Wimbledon 1 - 12 Apr 9.00 – 5.00pm with extended hours (8.00 - 6.00pm) available, contact them for details.

Action packed camps with over 40 activities on offer (sports, arts and

Supercamps: Raw Adventure Camps Royal Russell School, Croydon 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk 1 – 5 Apr 9.00 – 5.00pm extended hours (8.00 - 6.00pm) available, contact them for details.

Courses that give your children the opportunity to explore and discover survival skills in the outdoors. Activities include building your own survival kit; wild bug hunt, stone tools and trap making, mini expedition, including map making, advanced map skills.

For children aged 7–14. See their website for details of costs.

ARTS & CRAFTS

© Copyright Salvatore Vuono

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Camps and Classes at Easter

Children’s Art School Art studios at Ricards Lodge School, Wimbledon, SW19 7HB 07780 611 939 www.childrensartschool.org 2 – 11 Apr 9.30 -3.00pm Day courses, each with a different theme, for children aged 7-12 of all abilities. See their website for details and prices.

Supercamps: A Passion For… Arts and Crafts Royal Russell School, Croydon: 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk

8 – 12 Apr Whitgift School, South Croydon: 1 – 4 Apr 9.00 – 5.00pm with extended hours (8.00 - 6.00pm) available, contact them for details.

Workshops that give children the chance to explore and develop a specific activity. Children can follow their passion or discover a new one. The workshops are led by specialist leaders. For children aged 6-14. See their website for details of costs.

PERFORMING ARTS Dramabuds Carshalton Beeches Baptist Church, Banstead Road SM5 3NL 020 8669 2355 www.dramabuds.co.uk 3 – 5 Apr Alice in Wonderland Drama Camp Join Alice this Easter as Dramabuds transport your child to Wonderland. This 3-day Dramabuds camp will be full of drama, dance, song and laughter, culminating on the final day in a performance to family and friends.

For ages 4 - 8. £39.00 3 Apr, 1.30pm (2 - 5 years) 3 Apr, 2.30pm (4 - 8 years) Mad Hatters Dramabuds Tea Party Follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole, before growing tall and shrinking small, through the tiny door you go to this magical new land with lots of strange creatures and happenings. The Mad Hatter invites you all to a birthday tea party where you enjoy lots of mad party games before meeting the Queen of hearts who is very mad because someone has stolen her tarts. For ages 2 - 8. £7.00 per child Polka Theatre Workshops 240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

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020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

holiday camps and classes 2 Apr 10.00 - 11.15am (For ages 4 – 5) Feathered Friends Create some feathered friends inspired by the show Egg in this drama and craft workshop. £18.00 Wed 3 Apr 10.30am – 3.30pm (For ages 7 – 11) Open Wardrobe: Play in a Day A chance to try on costumes and explore the props and puppets from past productions. Then bring them to life in your very own performance. £30.00 4 and 5 Apr 10.00 - 11.15am (For ages 3 – 4); 11.30 – 12.45pm (For ages 5 – 6) Spring Time Bugs and Butterflies Create Springtime creatures and bring them to life in this fun drama, storytelling and craft workshop. £36.00 9 Apr, 10.00 -12.30pm (ages 6 – 10) Blossoms and Blooms Welcome in the Spring by creating origami blossoms and blooms this Easter holiday. £25.00.

Pull The Other Youth Theatrelab Epsom Playhouse Rachel: 07801 268387 or Helen: 07725 606833 pulltheothertheatre@gmail.com pulltheother.moonfruit.com 8 –12 Apr, Mon-Thu 9.30am-1.30pm, Fri 10.00 – 5.00pm Performance at 6.00pm on Friday Workshop and Stage In 5 Days ‘Hamlet’ Act. Direct. Stage Craft. Introducing Shakespeare’s legendary story in a funfuelled, energised and professional environment. Honing individual talent and promoting teamwork with selfconfidence, creative expression and imagination culminating in a work-inprogress performance. For ages 9-14.

Booking now 10% sibling and friend discount.

SCIENCE Mother Nature Science Easter Science Camp Hillcross Primary School, Ashridge Way, Morden SM4 4EE 020 8940 0289 / 0845 8340986 www.mnature.co.uk Week A: 2– 5 Apr; 9.00 - 3.30pm Week B: 8 –11 Apr; 9.00 - 3.30pm Rockin’ Robots - Series 3 Their Scientists will ensure your children ‘get ahead’ in science this Easter with an action-packed programme of hands-on activities exploring a spectacular array of scientific themes and topics. Every day is filled with science experiments to make and take home. Suitable for 5-12 year olds. £170 (4 days). Multi-booking discount available – please see their website for further information.

Supercamps: A Passion For… Invention Sutton High School, Sutton 01235 832222 www.supercamps.co.uk 1 – 5 Apr 9.00 – 5.00pm with extended hours (8.00 - 6.00pm) available, contact them for details.

Workshops that give children the chance to explore and develop a specific activity. Children can follow their passion or discover a new one.

The workshops are led by specialist leaders. For children aged 6-14. See their website for details of costs.

SPORTS Atlantis Swim School Worcester Park 020 8335 3536 www.atlantisswimschool.co.uk Easter Intensive courses Holiday courses for all abilities, also weekly lessons during term time.

Children’s swimming lessons currently held in Sutton/Epsom/Worcester Park/ Chessington/Croydon and Purley. Small structured classes to develop skills in all elements of the national plan for teaching swimming. Fully trained and accredited staff. For ages 3+

A fantastic range of hand-crafted gift sets and “alternative bouquets” for any occasion.

For gift s with a personal touch!

Call: (01482) 638355

Babies, birthdays and beyond...

www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

JANCETT – helps your child of learn,A fantastic playrangeand grow hand-crafted gift sets and “alternative bouquets” for any occasion.

For gift s with a personal touch!

Nursery & Out of School Care Established 1969

Call: (01482) 638355

Jancett Day Nurseries: www.sayitpersonally.co.uk For ages 0 - 5 years Open 7.30am - 6.15pm

Babies, birthdays and beyond...

Monday to Friday

Jancett Playsafe Clubs: For ages 4 - 11 years Open 7.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday

TUITION

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Epsom Easter Holiday Workshops Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1UF 020 8642 3500 epsom@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom 8 -12 Apr We’ll Show You How To Train Your Dragon (for ages 4-6) Excerpts from Guys And Dolls (for ages 7-18) A professional, fun and vibrant week of dance, drama, singing rehearsals geared towards a large scale performance on the Bourne Hall Stage on the last day.

No extra hidden costs for tickets or costumes. You can bring as many people to watch as you like. No tickets required. All children allocated equal parts. Prices- 4-6 years : £130 all inclusive; 7-18 years: £150 all inclusive.

7

Southern Tutors Courses held at Rosebery School, Epsom 01372 723947/07986 564 651 info@southerntutors.co.uk www.southerntutors.co.uk 8 – 10 Apr

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020 8669 1725 14/10/2012 21:12

Intensive 11 Plus courses Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English classes for 9 and 10 year olds. Fees vary according to number of days attended. Contact the tutors (not the school) for further details.

The 11+ Holiday Learning Club Club held at Laleham Lea Primary School, Purley CR8 3JJ 0800 242 5525 www.holidaylearningclub.com 8 Apr - 12 Apr Visit website for more information.

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

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

www.jancett.co.uk

020 8669 5187

richmond@mnature.co.uk www.mnature.co.uk Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

indoors and outdoors

Behind the scenes at Q A

A

The great British weather is my biggest headache as it’s a challenge for people to realise that we are just as good indoors as we are outdoors.

. What is your name and title ?

David Long - Receptionist, chef, party host, midwife to the goat, general dogsbody, oops I mean General Manager!

Q A

. What is planned for the coming months?

Q A

. What does Hobbledown offer to parents (and children)?

We’ve got lots planned for Easter and over the summer.

Keep an eye on our website for details

Hobbledown offers a great family day out, whatever the weather, allowing a combination of indoor and outdoor play, exposure to both farm and zoo animals, with a great restaurant with healthy food and perfectly ground coffee.

Q A

. What do you do for lunch?

I’m a really fussy eater so I’m lucky that we have such a good chef in our Hobnosh Restaurant that can cater to my whims.

Q

. When do you get in each morning and what’s the first thing you do?

Q A

. When closing time comes, how do you feel?

A

Anything from 6.00am. The first thing I do is unlock the door and turn on the coffee machine before the fun begins.

Q A Q

Delighted to have been given the opportunity to so many children to have a good time

. What is the busiest time for you?

6.00am to when I lock up for the night. . How can parents get the best from your attraction?

Q A

. What’s your best memory of working at Hobbledown?

A

By engaging with their children and making the most of their family time together.

Q

. What is your biggest headache/ challenge at the moment?

Helping to deliver a baby goat at midnight by torchlight.

www.hobbledown.co.uk 0843 289 4979

Fix that “Nature deficit disorder”

By Jon Millington

The world is now divided into two camps, separated by whether you were born before about 1970, or after. Ask anyone over 40 to recount their most treasured memories of childhood play, and I bet they talk about what they did outdoors. I bet there won’t be any grownups in the story either, until the triumphant (or disastrous) ending. As things stand, today’s children will be unlikely to treasure memories like that: just 21% of today’s kids regularly play outside, compared with 71% of their parents.

More children can identify a Dalek than an owl; the distance our kids stray from home on their own has shrunk by 90% since the 70s; 43% of adults think a child shouldn’t play outdoors unsupervised until the age of 14. Our children spend less time in the natural world and know less about it than any generation in history.

However, researchers in all sort of disciplines – doctors, mental health experts, educationalists, sociologists – are beginning to suspect that when kids stop going out into the natural world to play, it affects not just their development as individuals, but society as a whole: what Richard Louv, author of the bestseller Last Child in the Woods, calls “nature deficit disorder”.

Whether you are thinking about whether to let your children go out to play in the woods, or deciding what they’ll do over the weekend, or the holidays, your willingness to let them experience the outdoors on their own terms will impact on more than just how dirty their jeans get.

Just five minutes’ outdoor play can produce rapid improvements in mental wellbeing and self-esteem, according to a study at the University of Essex. Free and unstructured play in the outdoors boosts problem-solving skills, focus and self-discipline. Socially, it improves cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness.

8

Jon Millington runs Wild Learning, an outdoor learning and Forest School company running Forest School and outdoor Summer holiday clubs for children. www.wild-learning.net.

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March-April 2013

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9

childcare

Childcare in the home; but whose?

Faced with a vast range of childcare options these days, parents have to tackle several fundamental issues when deciding upon the best childcare for their children. One of the essential questions is whether to have their children cared for in a nursery that cares for babies and young children on a large scale outside of the home environment, or by a nanny or child-minder who provides care for babies and children in a home setting on a much more personal basis. attention and stimulation throughout the day. The downside to such constant one to one care however is the potential lack of social interaction with other children if opportunities to mix with other children are not incorporated into your child’s day. Just like childminders, nannies can provide a family approach which nurseries can’t.

When the time constraints of a job mean that using a nursery is just not practical or when parents prefer for their children to be cared for in a home environment, then choosing between a child-minder or a nanny is the next big decision. However there are key differences so how can parents decide between the two?

In the past child-minders were undervalued but nowadays this is a profession with many childminders gaining high levels of qualification. They are able to provide a family approach to childcare that is difficult for a day nursery to carry out. For instance, the children can go the shops and the local playgrounds and also engage in domestic activities, all of which are great opportunities for learning and language development. Children essentially can get the social interaction from playing with a few other children, often from outside their family, as well as the comforts of a home environment.

One good reason for choosing a child-minder is one of continuity. As a child gets older, they may access a pre-school or maintained nursery prior to starting mainstream schooling. These are usually half-day sessions and by continuing to use the services of a child-minder to offer wrap-around care, parents are ensuring that their child has continuity of care. This continuity is important for the relationships/attachments that a child forms with carers other than their parents. In addition to this, a child-minder is often a lot cheaper than employing a full-time nanny.

Be aware however that child-minders work from their own home and travel time will have to be built into your day to drop off and collect your children. Child-minders also have relatively fixed hours so if you are held back at work, you will need to make alternative arrangements for your children to be collected.

If money is not a constraint but time is, the final remaining option is a nanny, either full or part-time. A nanny provides one-to-one care for your children alone in your own home, enabling them to benefit from plenty of

New Year’s Resolution

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One of the biggest advantages to employing a nanny is that your childcare is very flexible. If you work and often have to stay late at short notice, having a nanny will mean your child is at home and in safe hands. Although employing a nanny is expensive, it becomes more cost-effective the more children that you have. An option to make it good value for money would be to have a nanny share with another family or as your children get older to divide the week between a nanny and nursery, thereby providing your children with the social interaction that they require.

Potentially the greatest negative aspect to using a nanny, aside from the cost, is that you will become the nanny’s employer. This means you will have to take on the legal responsibilities such as providing a written contract and paying tax and national insurance. Legally, a parent will have to also make sure that they have adequate employer liability insurance.

Using either a child-minder or a nanny is a popular choice because of the special relationship that can be established between the parents and the child-minder or nanny. This relationship is very personal and one which frequently extends beyond the child’s infancy. The child-minder or nanny can become an important part of the family and the connection between your child and their child-minder/nanny should never be underestimated.

Sarah-Jane Butler, Director, Parental Choice. www.ParentalChoice.co.uk a “one-stop shop” to help parents to make the right decision on their childcare needs and guide them through your legal rights during and after pregnancy. On contacting them, please quote ‘FMPC1’ to obtain the 5% discount being offered to Families readers.

Business Mums Wanted Successful local business is seeking five partners to work part time from home without compromising family commitments If you have a Managerial, Sales, Marketing, Recruitment or Self-Employed background, and you wish to develop a more balanced lifestyle around your family's needs please call:

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Katie 01737 766403 or 07909 681884

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March-April 2013

baby page

Translating baby talk

For the first time, researchers will be able to establish language development norms for UK children aged eight months to 18 months. communication abilities in using and understanding speech and gesture, which can be quickly and easily filled in by parents.

© Copyright likr-D Sharon Pruitt1

A tool that could radically improve the diagnosis of language delays in infants in the UK is being developed by psychologists. The tool will plug an important gap which has left UK researchers, education and health professionals at a disadvantage.

Until now, UK language experts have been forced to rely upon more complicated methods of testing child language development, or on methods designed for American English speakers, which can lead to UK babies being misdiagnosed as being delayed in language development.

The two-and-a-half year project funded by the ESRC will also look into the impact of family income and education on UK children’s language development, as well as examining differences between children learning UK English, and other languages and English dialects.

The project is expected to make a major contribution to language development research as well as to the effectiveness of speech and language therapy and improved policy making.

Researchers are keen to hear from parents with children under 18 months to take part in the study.

They are also particularly interested in hearing from English dialect speakers such as families from Scotland and Northern Ireland, and from parents who left school early.

The research team is led by Dr Katie Alcock of Lancaster University’s Centre for Research in Human Development and Learning, who will be working alongside fellow language development specialists Professor Caroline Rowland of the University of Liverpool and Dr Kerstin Meints of the University of Lincoln.

They will develop a UK Communicative Development Inventory (UK-CDI) which will consist of a checklist of a wide variety of children’s

Once the tool is developed researchers will use it to carry out large scale studies of babies and toddlers in the UK. This wealth of new UK-specific data will enable parents and professionals to pick up on problems more easily by comparing a child’s progress against national averages.

Dr Alcock said, “When we study children’s language development, it is crucial to know what a ‘typical’ child can do, in order to ensure that teachers, doctors, speech and language therapists, and policy makers are properly informed.

“Parents are the very best people to tell us what their child can do and say – they know the most about their child.

“Most language milestones occur in the first few years of life, so it is vital that we find out what these typical levels are for very young children.

However, this is extremely difficult because most language tests cannot be used with very young children.

“Effective tools have been developed abroad, but they are not appropriate for UK English speakers. Tools developed in the US, for example, have been shown to give inaccurate results for UK children. One research group for example found that using US scores with UK children would lead to high numbers of UK children being misdiagnosed as language delayed.

“When complete, this new research will directly improve the UK research on child speech and language development and make a substantial contribution to the well-being of children and families in the UK.” Anyone wishing to take part in the study should contact the research team at: uk-cdi@lancaster.ac.uk

Real Nappies…Real Change

Working together to make the best choice for you and your family.

This year’s Real Nappy Week takes place 15 to 21 April, with the theme of ‘Real Nappies...Real Change’.The week is shaping up to be very exciting, with each day allocated a theme such as the benefits of Real Nappies.

Parental Choice is the essential “one-stop shop” for your childcare needs and advice on your legal rights before, during and after pregnancy.

4 Childcare options clearly presented 4 Employment legal rights explained 4 Nanny employment and payroll services.

This year you can get stuck in by taking part in The Great Cloth Diaper Change on 20 April at 11am, and be part of a world record breaking attempt for the most Real Nappies changed simultaneously.

On 21 April join in Real Clean and hang a chain of washing up in your garden, as others will do up and down the land.

Or you can hold your own event - it can be as simple as inviting friends around for a quick demo, or organising a fashion show to show off the latest Real Nappy trends. Email info@goreal.org.uk for help and advice.

Check out the website for details of the Chooser Tool to help you choose which nappy is right for you, plus you can watch online fashion shows where you can see a range of show-stopping nappies.

Check www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week for details of how to enter.

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Advice on maternity and paternity employment rights Complete childcare package sourced for you Guidance on all your childcare options and the costs Nursery search to find the best nursery closest to you Advice on employing nannies Bespoke employment contracts and payroll services.

Parental Choice: dedicated to helping you make the right choices for you and your family.

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March-April 2013

health

Discovering Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease can take a long time to diagnose, as Liz Hutchison found out when her eight year old daughter Emma began to complain of stomach pains..

“We were told that once the biopsy had been done we’d know immediately if Emma had coeliac disease. The tests revealed the villi in her stomach were smooth which meant they weren’t absorbing the goodness from her food.

It was hard to process the information as Emma was still coming round from the anaesthetic but such a relief that we didn’t have to wait a minute longer to find out.

“Emma was struck with sudden stomach pain towards the end of 2011,” says Liz, “and it was almost a year to the day that we finally got a diagnosis of coeliac disease.”

“Out of the blue she began to get severe stomach pain, her heartbeat was raised, she was clammy and showed all the outward appearance of having a panic attack. The pain was bad enough to make her scream but the episodes only lasted for around 10 -15 minutes, after which she would return to normal. After we’d had around three or four similar episodes, and visited the out of hours doctor - once we dashed there so severe was the pain, I became convinced she had appendicitis but nothing pointed towards that being the cause.

“Soon, Emma was given medicine to quell what was thought to be acid reflux, first Gaviscon and then Renitadine which seemed to do the trick. We had no indication that Emma might have coeliac disease at this point because, believe it or not, her symptoms were so mild. Often there is diarrhoea, a lack of energy and poor growth but Emma was growing well and the doctors at her Hospital had no reason to think it was anything other than ‘undiagnosed stomach pain,’ which is very common in children.

“By the time Emma was due to start school again, I began to think she was experiencing anxiety as her symptoms persisted; the same clammy panicky feeling together with the pain. Emma described it feeling as though she was having a heart attack. At a routine hospital visit in October we first heard mention of coeliac disease, although it was suggested more as something to eliminate from the list of potential causes rather than believing it was likely.

“Scans showed everything was normal, despite me beginning to fear the very worst. Finally a blood test, which was quite traumatic in itself, revealed Emma had antibodies in her blood that suggested coeliac disease and that a biopsy would be needed.

“Eating out is something we’re still learning to deal with. Pizza Hut and Giraffe were so helpful despite my bursting into tears at the frustration of it all and the realisation that this is not just a passing phase but is for the whole of Emma’s life. But luckily for her we’ve found out what’s wrong and we’re addressing it - and she’s so much better. We’ve had only one attack since her diagnosis and Emma now tells me her tummy feels ‘happy’ now.

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“School has been very understanding. If she wants a school dinner they will accommodate her, and I’ve printed off leaflets for her to give to her friends’ parents if she goes for tea or to play.

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“We keep Emma’s food away from the rest of the family’s food and she has her own toaster, board and preparation area to avoid cross-contamination. The first meal I served up went wrong because I contaminated it by mixing up serving spoons but I’m now used to serving her food first and taking extra care. Food labelling isn’t as good as it could be but I take my Coeliac Society Food and Drink ‘Bible’ shopping with me and I have been known to Facebook a coeliac-related question in the middle of Tesco. That first trip shopping took three hours but it’s getting easier. We have some foods on prescription such as bread, pasta and pizza bases where Emma can have a set number of units a month because coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition, not an allergy. We have a lovely hamper of treats from Gluten Free Direct for Emma to try out too.

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“I had such mixed feelings at this point,” says Liz. “ On one hand no-one wants a child with a diagnosed illness, but in a way I was relieved that we had an identifiable reason why Emma was ill and that we could do something to help her at last. She’d begun refusing food, believing it was making her ill, and I was starting to worry about that too.

“From then on it’s all been a bit of a whirlwind,” says Liz. “We left with some dietary information, but I spent a couple of weeks feeling shell-shocked. A good friend’s daughter has the disease so I turned to him for help and gradually I’ve been learning what Emma can and can’t have. Her diet is rather limited as she’s quite a fussy eater but we’re working on it and introducing new things as we go along.

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March-April 2013

education

School places: can you appeal?

Finding the right school for your child can be stressful enough – but it can be devastating if having decided on the best possible option you are told they have failed to get a place.

Here we look at what is involved in challenging a decision which did not go your way someone independent – for example a doctor or youth worker – you can strengthen your case.

By Wendy Flynn By now, parents of Year 6 pupils will know which secondary school place their child has been offered. Next month (17 April) the offers go out for reception classes in infant schools.

ACE Education Advice has

For many, everything will have gone smoothly, but a significant minority will feel their world has been turned upside down as they are allocated a place at a primary school they had not listed as a preference.

Legal Advice

While it can be expensive, some parents consult legal advisors to help them establish the best grounds for an appeal and for advice on the best ways to put forward their argument to the panel. In some cases parents will ask a legal advisor to attend the appeal hearing.

Weigh options

Everyone wants the best for their child and it is understandable to get upset and angry if you find yourself in this situation, but it is important for your child that you stay calm, weigh up the options and be realistic.

Only a low percentage of appeals are successful. According to Department of Education figures, the number of appeals both lodged and heard at primary level increased for the fifth year in a row up to 2010/11 (the latest figures available). In contrast, the percentage of appeals decided in the parents’ favour for all primary classes has decreased for the same five year period. So, you need to know what you are up against – and if you decide that an appeal is the best option, you need to do your homework.

The most difficult appeals to win are for a school place in a reception class that already has 30 pupils as there is a legally enforceable limit on infant class sizes. If this is the reason your application was rejected, the appeal panel can only look at the lawfulness of the admission arrangements, and determine if the admission criteria was wrongly applied in your case.

Of course there will be celebration all round if the appeal hearing finds in your favour, but what if it doesn’t?

Those who can afford it might opt for private education but, even if this is not an option, you should stay focused. If the school holds a waiting list make sure you keep your child’s name on the list and check at regular intervals to see what place they are at (it can go up or down). produced a useful leaflet for parents appealing for a school which you can download from their site www.ace-ed.org.uk.

It outlines the steps in the appeal process and explains the sort of questions you should address when putting together your case.

Be aware that the appeal panel, though friendly,

For all other appeals the panel will establish these facts and then go on to balance the opposing arguments. You need to demonstrate that the problems faced by your child in not attending this particular school will outweigh the difficulties caused to pupils and staff in the school by admitting an additional child.

You need to think logically about the case you are putting forward and you will need to set it out clearly. If you can back up the points you are making with documentary evidence from 13

Remember, too, there are many cases where parents have failed to win a preferred place whose children settle happily in another school, make friends and succeed academically. At the end of the day that is what is really important, whichever school you had set your heart on.

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From the outset you should be careful not to denigrate the school your child will attend if your appeal is not successful. However hard you are paddling below the surface to steer a different course, you will want your child to start their new school in a positive frame of mind and they are unlikely to do this if all they have heard you say about it is negative.

Bring out the best in your children!

“Just one extra child – of course the school could manage,” you will think.

But you are unlikely to be the only parent wanting their child to get a place at an oversubscribed school.

is a formal process and you need to make the most of your opportunity before the panel to challenge the decision to refuse your child a place and to articulate your reasons for your appeal. It is worth bearing in mind that you are entitled to take a friend or representative along with you to the hearing.

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March-April 2013

education

Is independent schooling worth it?

Making the decision to pay for an independent education is not easy when times are tough.

In the last 10 years fees have risen by more than double the rise in inflation and parents from many middle class professions are feeling the pinch.

Academic high flyers are stretched to their potential, but it can also be argued that it is the child of average ability who has most to gain as this environment helps them to punch above their weight when it comes to achieving good results.

Annelle Scott and Julia Bayden Making the decision to pay for an independent education is not easy when times are tough. In the last 10 years fees have risen by more than double the rise in inflation and parents from many middle class professions are feeling the pinch.

However, the increase was marginal and due to the growing numbers of overseas pupils looking for a traditional English education rather than an increase in British pupils. So, the question is — is it worth it?

Clearly, academic success is one very powerful reason for choosing an independent school, but it is by no means the only one. The ethos of an independent school is to develop the whole person and to enable them to develop their interest and enthusiasm in a whole range of extra curricular activities. Whether it is photography, music, kayaking, or sport – almost all private schools offer an impressive range of clubs and many have state-of-the-art sports facilities.

Why choose private and commit to the equivalent of a small mortgage in fees when there is a free alternative?

It is no coincidence that half of all Team GB Olympic gold medallists attended independent schools.

Ironically, Education Minister Michael Gove provided the answer for many parents when he said the sheer scale of privately educated individuals in positions of power in politics, media, comedy, sport and music was part of a “deep problem” in our country. Thousands of parents make huge financial sacrifices each year – foregoing holidays, new cars and other luxuries – because they believe a private education will give their child a better chance in life.

In the real world, confidence and social skills are just as important as exam results and extra curricular achievements in getting a first job or making your way up the career ladder. Independent schools – due to their small size and more personal nature – are often better at developing self confidence and can-do attitude among their pupils than larger, more anonymous comprehensives.

Yet, despite the worst economic downturn since the 1930s, the numbers attending independent schools in Britain actually rose last year.

The statistics speak for themselves – although independent school pupils account for 7 percent of the pupil population, they achieve 26 percent of A* grades awarded at GCSE level. At A-level, fifty percent of their entries are at A*- or A-grades, compared to 23 percent of entries from state schools. This feeds into University admissions with privately educated students accounting for more than 40 percent of students attending Oxford, and one third attending Cambridge.

Smaller class sizes, better resources and greater one-to-one support are some of the key reasons given for this discrepancy between state and private.

Of course, there are wonderful state schools, and savvy parents may well mix and match with some opting to go private for prep school, hoping it will give their child the edge when it comes to securing a grammar school place. Others will opt to send their child to a good local primary school and focus their resources on paying for a place at a fee-paying secondary school to boost their child’s chances of success.

Whether your child is academically able or of average ability; confident or shy; sporty or non sporty, you will find an independent school that will meet their needs.

Annelle Scott is admissions office at Edgbaston High School for Girls, Julia Bayden is from Highclare.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYS Aberdour, Tadworth, KT20, 01737 354119, Wed 20 Mar 9.30 - 12.00pm, www.aberdourschool.co.uk Chinthurst, Tadworth, KT20, 01737 812011, Sat 9 Mar 9.30 - 12.00pm , www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Collingwood, Wallington, SM6, 020 8647 4607, Call for details, www.collingwoodschool.org.uk Croydon High, South Croydon, CR2, 020 8260 7508, 15 May 6.00 – 8.30pm, www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Cumnor House Boys, South Croydon, CR2, 020 8660 3445, Sat 2 Mar 9.30 - 12.30pm, www.cumnorhouse.com Cumnor House Girls, Purley, CR8, 020 8660 3445, Sat 2 Mar 9.30 - 12.30pm, www.cumnorhouse.com Downsend Prep School, Leatherhead, KT22, 01372 372311, Fri 10 May. Headmaster’s talk: 9.30, www.downsend.co.uk Downsend Pre-Preps, Epsom, Ashtead and Leatherhead, KT17, 21, 22, 01372 372311, Sat 9 Mar 9.30 - 11.30am; Sat 11 May 2.00 - 4.00pm, www.downsend.co.uk Elmhurst, South Croydon, CR2, 020 8688 0661, Sat 16 Mar 10.00 - 12.00pm, www.elmhurstschool.net 14

Essendene Lodge, Caterham, CR3, 01883 348349, Call for details, www.essendenelodge.co.uk Ewell Castle Junior and Senior, Ewell, KT17, 020 8393 1413, Wed 6 Mar 9.00 - 10.30am, www.ewellcastle.co.uk Greenacre School, Banstead, SM7, 01737 352114, Thu 9 May 10.45 - 12.15pm, www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk Homefield Preparatory, Sutton, SM1, 020 8642 0965, Tue 26 Mar 9.30am to 11.30am, www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Kingswood House, Epsom, KT19, 01372 723590, Sat 2 Mar 9.30 - 12.00pm, please register by emailing the Admissions Secretary, www.kingswoodhouse.org Laleham Lea, Purley, CR8, 020 8660 3351, Call for details, www.lalehamlea.co.uk Oakhyrst Grange, Caterham, CR3, 01883 343344, Fri 24 May 10.00 - 12.00pm, www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk Old Palace School of John Whitgift Junior, Croham site, S. Croydon, CR2, 020 8688 2027, Wed 20 Mar 9.00 - 10.30am, www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Senior, Old Palace site, S. Croydon, CR0, 020 8688 2027, Sat 2 Mar 2.00 - 4.00pm, www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Priory Preparatory, Banstead, SM7, 01737 366920, Sat 16 Mar 10.00 - 12.00pm, www.prioryprep.co.uk Royal Russell, Croydon, CR0, 020 8651 5884, Wed 20 Mar 10.00 - 2.00pm, www.royalrussell.co.uk St David’s, Purley, CR8, 020 8660 0723, Sat 23 April, www.stdavidsschool.co.uk St. Christopher’s, Epsom, KT18, 01372 721807, Fri 8 and Sat 9 Mar, www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Seaton House, South Sutton, SM2, 020 8642 2332, Call for details, www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk Sutton High, Sutton, SM1, 020 8225 3001, Wed 6 Mar 10.00am (junior school); Tue 12 Mar 10.00am event for 11+ candidates following notification of London secondary school places. www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thames Christian College, Battersea, SW11, 020 7228 3933, Thu 7 Mar 11.00 - 1.00pm, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

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March-April 2013

Give your daughter the very best start in life

AGED 4-11

Next Open Morning, Saturday 16th March 10am-12noon The Dighton Memorial Scholarship Entrance Exam - Tuesday 26th March.

The scholarship is awarded to a boy entering Year 3 in September 2013.

It will provide a fully funded place. For more details please contact the school office.

A day in the life of Elmhurst... come and see for yourself If you would like to book a place at our next Open Morning to request a prospectus, or to arrange an individual tour, please contact Carole or Paula on 020 8688 0661 or email office@elmhurstschool.net Elmhurst School, 44-48 South Park Hill Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7DW www.elmhurstschool.net

Outstanding achievements, outstanding individuals A consistently high record of scholarships and places to top sought after schools such as Whitgift, Trinity, Royal Russell, Dulwich, St Olaves’s, Wilson’s and Wallington.

Greenacre School offers an excellent education for girls aged 3 to 18 years. Our small class sizes, expert teaching, outstanding pastoral care and extensive extra-curricular programme ensure that every girl has the opportunity to realise her full potential.

You are warmly invited to visit the school.

For more information, please contact our Admissions Registrar on 01737 352114 Sutton Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3RA admin@greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk

www.kingswoodhouse.org

admissions@kingswoodhouse.org

www.royalrussell.co.uk

15

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March-April 2013

education news Elmhurst offers Scholarship to help with school fees Boys in Year 2 are invited to take a test for a Scholarship to Elmhurst School for Boys.

The Scholarship covers fees from year 3 to the end of year 6 at this prestigious school in South Croydon.

The test for The Dighton Memorial Scholarship takes place on Tuesday 26 March 2013.

It is provided in memory of Mr and Mrs Barry Dighton who both worked at Elmhurst and provided many boys with the a wonderful education and opportunities.

This Scholarship is intended for a boy whose parents are unable, for financial reasons, to enrol their son at Elmhurst School.

For further information please visit the website at www.elmhurstschool.net

Do you want something fun, educational and unique for your child to do this Easter Holidays? Let your children get ahead with enriching science and give Mother Nature Science a call.

Children have the opportunity to get hands-on with exciting, fun science activities and take home experiments every day in the four-day Rockin’ Robots Science Easter Camp. Activities include working on gearwheel mechanisms, pneumatics, robotic claws, electronic motors, solar powered grasshoppers, 6-in-1 solar robots, plasma balls, an Eco-Robot design competition and much, much more.

or call Carole or Paula on 020 8688 0661.

The Camp is open to children aged 5-12 years and will run for two weeks during Easter.

11-plus club in The Times, launches Easter sessions

Week A: Tue 2 - Fri 5 April, 9.00 – 3.30pm daily

Wallington-based 11+ Holiday Learning Club was recently featured in The Times Newspaper.

The independently run, Holiday Learning Club runs from Laleham Lea Prep School in Purley and only takes pupils preparing for the 11+ exams The club offers a combination of 11+ tuition, tests and fun. Club manager, Sandra Nicol said, “It is the perfect holiday club for working parents who need childcare for their children preparing for this year’s 11+ exams.”

“We strike a healthy balance between study periods and play to ensure pupils remain enthused about their 11+ study,” she said.

As more parents have recognised the value of this club, Sandra is now running an Easter programme which will run from Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April 2013 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

For more information, please visit www.holidaylearningclub.com .

Teach early readers meaning, not sound

© Copyright Flikr-Myrrien

Mother Nature Science bring science Camps to Merton this Easter

Children would find it much easier to learn to read and write if they were first taught how the English language works and what words mean, rather than trying to sound out words.

Week B: Mon 8 - Thu 11 April, 9.00 – 3.30pm daily.

A ‘multi-booking discount’ is available: book siblings or friends under one payment and save. Mother Nature Science also offer fantastic birthday parties and after school science clubs. Call, email or go online for more information.

020 8940 0289 richmond@mnature.co.uk www.mnature.co.uk

LCF Language opens new classes Lucy Romano Languages – LCF Clubs – is now running fun Spanish and French Clubs in more than 12 different schools across Surrey and The London Borough of Sutton.

They currently have spaces in the Spanish After School Club in Banstead on Fridays 4.15 - 5.15 and in the French After School Club at St Martins Church House, Epsom on a Wednesday 4.00-5.00.

Call or email Lucy for more information: info@ lucyromanolanguages.co.uk or 07767 375074 www.lucyromanolanguages.co.uk

Ian Thorpe takes over headship at Downsend Ian Thorpe will take up his post as Headmaster at Downsend School. from September 2013 when the current Headmaster Floyd Steadman steps down.

According to new research, English is so complex that relying on phonics – the common practice of teaching children to read by sounding out words – makes learning English much more difficult than it needs to be.

In 2012, Downsend School pupils secured 34 Scholarship Awards to a wide range of top senior schools.

In addition, following the introduction of the Year 6 pre-tests by some of these senior schools, over 70 of their current pupils have secured 13+ places for September 2014, subject to passing Common Entrance.

Dr Victoria Devonshire, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, trialled a new method of teaching reading and writing with 120 children aged five-seven years old and found the average reading age leapt by 14 months after just six months..

She said: “We were surprised at how compelling the results were. When children were taught to understand why English works the way it does we saw a leap in their ability to learn to read and write.”

She added “I’m not saying abandon phonics, I’m saying give the other elements the attention they need from the beginning of their formal literacy education, at the age of five years, to make sense of how our language works.”

The research is published in the journal Learning and Instruction.

Full story at www.families-LSB.co.uk/articles 16

Downsend School is a co-educational, day preparatory school with pupils aged 2 to 13. It has three pre-preparatory schools based in Epsom, Leatherhead and Ashtead for children aged 2 to 6 and a preparatory school in Leatherhead, for children aged 6 to 13.

School. Tel: 01372 385402 Email: marketing@downsend.co.uk W: downsend.co.uk

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March-April 2013

education

5/11/10

2:53 pm

Page 1

HOMEFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL Founded in 1870 For boys aged 2½ - 13

Homefield best start in life scHool

Give your child the

HOMEFIELD For aged 29boys awards to3-13 Senior PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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in 2010 life theTuesday best start 26th in March

Under-13 National 9:30 - to 11:30am 29 awards Senior

Preparatory Schools Rugby Schools in 2010 Champions 2010 Inspiring love of learning

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StageNational 2 in 2010 Chess Prize Winners 2009 and 2010 Under-13 National Preparatory Schools Finalists of Music for Youth registrar@homefield.sutton.sch.uk Rugby Champions 2010

2009 and 2010

www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk National Chess Prize

Winners 2009 andSM1 2010 Open Morning Western Road, Sutton, 2TE Saturday 24th September Finalists Music for 020of 8642 0965 10am to 1pm Youth 2009 and 2010

www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk

Please contact us to arrange a tour

Scan here to see www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk our020 website8642 0965

020 8642 0965

Office@prioryPrep.co.uk www.prioryPrep.co.uk

First Class Learning Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English

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

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March-April 2013

what’s on

Find the Easter Egg Hunts Searching for chocolate Eggs has become a traditional part of the Easter celebrations.

We’ve tracked down the best egg trails for some Eggs-ellent fun.

Where the Easter bunny comes from and other Easter traditions  Easter was originally a pagan festival – the ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a party in honour of its goddess, Eastre.

© Copyright Flikr-Mike Procario

 The date of Easter changes every year because of Roman Emperor Constantine’s Easter rule, which stated that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This was because it was a day of maximum light (12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of moonlight).

We have hunted out a selection of places you can find the Easter bunny this year, where you can take your family for a great day out… and a bit of fresh air.

Visit our website for updates: 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.

If you find our magazine interesting and useful please support us by remembering to say you saw the event listed in Families London-Surrey Borders.

EASTER EGG HUNTS AND TRAILS IN...

The local area

EDDIE CATZ 42 Station Road, Merton, London SW19 2LP 0845 201 1268 www.eddiecatz.com Mon 8 Apr;10.00–12.00pm

Easter Fun Morning

A morning of Easter games and crafts including making Easter baskets and embarking on an Easter Egg hunt adventure around Eddie Catz. Suitable for 5–9year olds. £15.00 per child to include lunch & refreshments (accompanying adults free).

Accompanying siblings under 2 pay regular admission (crafts and refreshments are not included).

JELLYBUGS The Ashley Centre, Epsom www.jellybugs.co.uk Fri 29 & Sat 30 Mar Come and join in the fun at the Ashley Centre. Jellybugs will be bringing a very special visitor along, their very own Easter Bunny. There will also be various free activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and more. Follow ‘Jellybugs’ on Facebook to keep up to date

MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 (enquiries) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park 18

Fri 29 Mar–1 Apr; 11.00–3.00pm

Easter Family Fun, sponsored by Cadburys

PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS

Drop-in event, booking in advance not required. £3.00 per child. Check their website for more details

Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG 01892 870307 enquiries@penshurstplace.com www.penshurstplace.com

SUTTON ECOLOGY CENTRE

Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Daily from 10.30am

The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk

Daily 12.00–4.00pm

Tue 2 Apr; 10.30 –12.00pm

Easter Bunny Hop

Come and bounce round the Ecology Centre on the annual Easter trail with games and crafts all about Easter bunnies. £3.50 per child. Suitable for ages 3+. Booking is essential.

KENT

HEVER CASTLE Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk Fri 29 Mar–Wed 10 Apr Gardens open 10.30am; Castle opens 12.00–5.00pm

Easter Egg Trail

Fun for all this Easter exploring the gardens as you hunt for clues with the help of Henrietta the Hen and friends to claim your chocolate egg.

Easter Trail Craft workshop

Make your very own boys’ and girls’ Medieval Easter Bonnets and transform into knights and noblewomen. Hunt for the dragon eggs around the gardens and become Easter Eggsperts with the Easter craft activities.

SURREY

BIRDWORLD Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD 01420 22140 / 22992 www.birdworld.co.uk Wed 3 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Crack the clues to claim your egg plus the opportunity to win some other great prizes. Join in with some seasonal arty fun.

BOCKETTS FARM PARK Young Street, Leatherhead KT22 9BS 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

 The Easter bunny also originated with the pagan festival of Eastre, as she was worshipped by the AngloSaxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit.  The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter appears in Germany in the 1500s and it was the Germans who made the first edible Easter bunnies in the 1800s.  Some believe hot cross buns predate Christianity, as buns decorated with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eastre, with the cross symbolising the four quarters of the moon.  According to English folklore, hot cross buns can be kept for medicinal purposes – a piece given to someone who is ill will help them get better.  Eggs are a symbol of re-birth in most cultures and were already being given as springtime gifts before Easter was first celebrated by Christians.  Medieval records note that eggs were often given as Easter gifts to servants by their masters.  The most ornate Easter eggs are probably the jewelled and enamelled eggs that Fabergé made for the Russian royalty.  Egg rolling, which symbolises the rolling away of the rock in front of Jesus’s tomb, was traditionally played with hard-boiled eggs being rolled down a hill.  The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

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March-April 2013

what’s on Easter Eggstravaganza

There’s Eggstra fun to be had at Bocketts Farm this Easter with plenty to see and do. Lambing is the main highlight for most, with over 300 newborn lambs due. There will be plenty of other animals to meet including llamas, pigs, cows and greedy goats. Daily animal handling sessions will give children a chance to get close to the cute chicks and cuddly rabbits and don’t forget to complete the egg hunt trail too, with a yummy chocolate treat for everyone. With indoor and outdoor play plus pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking, ‘meet the tractor’, pig racing, gold panning and more, you can be sure of a great day out for the whole family.

DENBIES HILLSIDE Ranmore Common Road, Dorking RH5 6SR 01306 887485 Wed 3 Apr; 10.00–2.00pm

Easter Egg Trail

Follow a self-guided trail, answer clues and win a chocolate egg. £2.50 per child.

GATTON PARK Rocky Lane, Reigate RH2 0TW 01737 649 066 1 Apr; 1.00–5.00pm

Open Day and Easter Egg Hunt

Park and gardens open all afternoon, bird hide open, free guided tours and free activities for children. Explore the gardens looking for clues to find the eggs. Adults: £4.00; children: 50p to join egg hunt, otherwise free.

POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, Nr Dorking RH5 6BD 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey 29–1 Apr; 11.00–4.00pm

Easter Weekend Family Fun, sponsored by Cadburys

With special activities for children, including face painting and storytelling, you’re sure to have an eggs-cellent time.

Special egg and spoon race on the Monday. Normal admission, plus £2.50 per child.

RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley Thu 28 Mar–Sun 14 Apr

Easter Family Fun Colours of the Rainbow

Discover the clues to follow the Rainbow Trail or try one of the other fun activities available: music workshops, bubble making, build a giant rainbow sculpture, storytelling, birds of prey, sow & grow rainbow wildflowers.

Check their website for more details.

Free with normal Garden entry.

HAMPSHIRE

MARWELL ZOO Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH 01962 777407 www.marwell.org.uk Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Visit the new walkthrough bird aviary, get creative with the free feathery crafts, listen to the fascinating talks.

Take part in the wild egg hunt and visit the Easter Bunny to collect your very 19

own chocolate egg (Bank Holiday weekend only). Enter the competition to win a Family ticket on page 23 of this magazine.

the Easter Bunny. Check their website for updates on Easter activities.

SUSSEX

Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9PA Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr

TULLEYS FARM Turners Hill, Nr. Crawley, West Sussex RH10 4PE 01342 718472 www.tulleysfarm.com Fri 29 Mar– Sun 14 Apr 10.00–5.00pm (last entry to the Egg & Bunny Hunt 4.00pm)

The Big Hatch Festival

Annual Easter Egg & Bunny Hunt. Hunt down the cartoon bunnies and cheeky eggs, find them all to win a prize.

Other activities include fun shows, baby animals, egg spotting wagon ride and a visit to the Easter Bunny’s Secret burrow.

Central LONDON

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 2–5 & 8–12 Apr; 10.00–4.30pm

Easter Eggcitement

Follow the trail to find the chicks and egg hidden in the Museum. You can then create and decorate your own Easter basket to take home. There is a chocolate egg for every child and prizes to be won.

Egg-Tastic Easter Fun

Activities to include an egg hunt, stories, games and basket making.

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

Sutton Parties

Suttonparties@jellybugs.co.uk

Ewell Parties

Epsomparties@jellybugs.co.uk JellyBugs

PARTIES. of fer th

Fri 22 Mar–Mon 1 Apr

The Big Egg Hunt Tour

DUKE OF YORK SQUARE Kings Road, London SW3 4LY www.dukeofyorksquare.com Sat 30 Mar

Hop & Hunt Easter Challenge

Fun for all the family, kids must try and unscramble all the clues and find the hidden riddles dotted around the Square in the race to reach the Golden Ticket. Solve the clues to discover a key word. Whisper it in Mr Bunny’s ear to pluck an egg from his lucky basket.

One lucky egg will contain the Golden Ticket, which will win an iPad Mini, as well as a £200 shopping spree in Duke of York Square for Mum and Dad. Free event with activities all day.

e very be making it as stst in parties, re for you as possss-free yet ensuring thible, our little VIPs at the most amazhave ing time.

Kingston Parties

kingstonparties@jellybugs.co.uk

020 8669 5187

Discover the nesting and spawning secrets of wetland wildlife as you follow the springtime trail. Crack the clues and you’ll be rewarded with a prize. Check their website for more details of this and the other activities available throughout the holidays.

Jellybugs Kingston

The Rotunda, Clarence St, Kingston, KT1 1QJ Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5.30 Over 1’s £3.95, Siblings £2.95, Under 1’s £1.00, Adults FREE Tel: 07557 648484 Kingston@jellybugs.co.uk * Huge play café * children up to age 7 * 2 level play frame with ball pool, or large toddler area. * really good coffee *Discount at Fairfield Car park.

www.jellybugs.co.uk

‘Jellybugs’

300 eaSter eggStravaganza Bocketts Farm Park 29th March - 14th april 2013

Fantastic Family Fun this spring! › Easter Egg Hunt Trail with chocolate treats for everyone › Panning for Gold! › Daily animal handling with cute chicks and cuddly bunnies!

KEW GARDENS Richmond, TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org/events Sun 31 Mar Get stuck into the chocolate workshops with arts and crafts activities, or join the traditional Easter Egg Hunt and collect tokens from around the Gardens to pick up your prize: a delicious chocolate treat from

Easter Egg Hunt

Open Monday to Friday 9.30am-2.45pm Jellybugs Ewell, The Harrier Centre, Poole Road, West Ewell, KT19 9RY * Large bouncy castle, * Lots of soft play, * Ball pool and more! * Outdoor area for warmer weather. * Small café serving drinks, snacks and lunches.

Over 1’s £3.50, Siblings £2.50, Under 1’s £1.00, Adults FREE Tel: 07717 862577 e-mail: westewell@jellybugs.co.uk

London WC2 www.thebigegghunt.co.uk

Come down for the finale of The Lindt Big Egg Hunt, supporting Action for Children, and collect your Hunt Book from one of our many Eggsperts who will be able to help you with any questions you might have, and point you in the right direction of those eggs you just can’t find. Visit their website for more details.

Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr

Jellybugs Ewell

COVENT GARDEN

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V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk/visit/london/whatson/2013/03/29/easter/

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29 Mar–14 Apr; 10.00–5.30pm

over

baby l am due bs plus

Jumping pillows, play barns, animal handling, tractor rides, pig racing and pony rides daily d ar aw wi nn ing !

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

#

Special

Offer

£1 off full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid from 1st - 28th March 2013.

Only with this voucher.

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March-April 2013

what’s on Contact details for venues

Bourne Hall Museum Children’s Club Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk http://www.epsomandewellhistoryexplorer.org.uk/ BourneHallMuseumClub.html Denbies Wine Estate London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA 01306 876616 events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk Gatton Park Rocky Lane, Reigate RH2 0TW 01737 649 066 education@gatton-park.org.uk www.gattonpark.com Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park for general family event information.

020 8545 6852 isabel.nancarrow@nationaltrust.org.uk Family holiday activities information contact: Isabel Nancarrow Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area 01883 341140 or 07771 715812 Contact: Sarah Clifford Sutton Ecology Centre The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NY 020 8770 5822 biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES

Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE 0870 999 0045 www.chessington.com Zufari: Ride Into Africa! - Opening 20 March 2013 Brand new for Spring 2013 and for the first time ever, a theme park adventure and an array of wonderful live safari animals- including White Rhino, Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra- come together in one amazing attraction as Chessington World of Adventures Resort launches ZUFARI: Ride into Africa! Adventurers will come face to face with amazing African animals as they embark on a thrilling journey but they had better beware of the hidden dangers they may encounter along the way…

For more information and to benefit from advanced booking discounts visit their website.

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@Families-LSB.co.uk

Diary dates for Families For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

Sat 23 Mar, 10.00 - 12.00pm Children’s Nearly New Sale St. George’s Christian Centre, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead KT21 2DA Good quality babies and toddlers equipment, clothes and toys.

Come and grab a bargain. Entry: £1.00. Run by Epsom and Leatherhead Multiples Club.

Sat 9 Mar, 10.00 - 12.30pm An introduction to Ashtead Common Ashtead Common: Ashtead Estate Office Ranger Luke Ellis will be your guide through the habitats that make up this National Nature Reserve. Free event.

Sat 9 Mar, 1.00 - 2.30pm Terrible Trenches – Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club Discover what life was like for ordinary infantryman in the trenches on the Western Front during WWI. £4.00 per child.

Sat 9 Mar, 11.00 – 3.00pm The SCOLA Spring Craft Fair SCOLA Sutton Centre, St Nicholas Way, Sutton Surrey SM1 1EA 020 8770 6901 www.scola.ac.uk A selection of stalls selling handmade crafted items including jewellery and other accessories, homemade jams and chutneys, cards and much more. Find that unique gift for Mum or treat yourself this Mothers’ Day. Craft activities will be available for children. Free entry.

Sun 10 Mar, 10.30 – 6.00pm Free Entry for Mothers on Mothers’ Day Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk Spend the day with your mother in the beautiful landscaped garden.

Free to mothers when accompanied by their children.

Normal admission prices apply to other entrants.

Sat 16 Mar, 11.00 – 1.00pm Signs and sounds of Spring Kenley Common Golf Road entrance Join ranger Zuza for a walk around the Common, listening for signs of the coming spring. Free.

Sat 16 Mar National Learn to Play Day www.learntoplayday.com

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Sat 23 Mar, 10.00 – 1.00pm Family Fun: Den Building at Painshill Gardens Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Get back to nature with a special family den building outdoor activity. Have fun creating your own shelter in the woods with the help of their experienced instructor. Finish off the morning with marshmallows and hot chocolate by a camp fire. Suitable for 5 to 13 year olds (one adult required for every two children).

Adults: £12.00; children: £8.00.

Advanced booking required.

Musical instrument shops open their doors and offer free instrument taster lessons to the general public, young and old.

Check their website for local venues taking part.

Sun 17 Mar, 11.00am Butterflies and Bees Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area Meet at the far end of Tandridge Gardens, off Mitchley Avenue, off the Limpsfield Road in Sanderstead for a 1- to 1½-hour wander around the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area to find queen bees looking for a new home and butterflies looking for food.

Fri 22 Mar, 11.00am Classical Babies In Kingswood Waterhouse Lane Café, 12, Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood Surrey KT20 6EB www.classicalbabies.com Classical concerts, given by professional musicians, in a relaxing environment chosen especially to appeal to adults and babies. Each concert is 40-45 minutes long. Adults: £10.00; babies free. Turn up an pay cash or cheque on the door.

Fri 22 Mar, 10.30 – 1.00pm Grow your own - Carshalton Community Allotment Westmead Allotment Site SM5 2PW poppy@ecolocal.org.uk www.localfoodnetwork.org.uk Come down for a free healthy eating and gardening session. Sow some spring seeds, take them home, care for them and see what they grow into. Free event.

Sat 23 Mar - Sun 7 Apr East Grinstead Festival - The Bluebell Line www.bluebell-railway.com/eastgrinstead-festival Marking the opening of the East Grinstead station extension. Visit their website for details and to book tickets

Sun 24 Mar, 10.00 - 12.00pm Family Day - Stanley Park Children’s Centre Stanley Park Road, Carshalton SM5 3JL 020 8647 6771 If you are a family with children under five, come and enjoy a family play session full of fun activities.

(Siblings under the age of 8 are also welcome) Fri 29 Mar - Fri 12 Apr, 11.00 – 3.00pm Spring Break Family Fun Denbies Wine Estate Daily craft activities from £1.50/ activity and Treasure Trail: £2.00 per child Sat 30 Mar, 10.00 - 4.00pm Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market Town Square, Sutton High Street, Sutton SM1 1DU www.wallingtonfarmersmarket.org.uk Organised by EcoLocal, stalls will include free range meat, speciality bread, wine, sausages, vegan pies, jewellery, lavender beauty products, and more.

Mon 1 April Horse & Carriage rides Denbies Wine Estate Rides in the vineyard (approx. 25 minutes). Adult: £7.00; children (12 and under): £5.00 Tue 2 & Wed 3 Apr, 10.00 – 4.00pm Kidsrome Mobile Farm Denbies Wine Estate £3.00 per child.

Wed 3 Apr, 11.00 - 12.30pm & 2.00 - 3.30pm An Audience with Henry V111 - Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club Bow as you enter the King’s chamber and listen respectfully as he regales you with tales of his life, loves and court. Hear of his heroic exploits on the tournament field.

Be careful not to displease him and be sent to the Tower. For ages 7 – 12. £4.00 per child per session.

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

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@Families-LSB.co.uk

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Easter Family Fun Mon 1 - Fri 12 April Throughout the Easter holidays families can join London Transport Museum’s make and take arts and crafts workshops and story time sessions inspired by the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground.

Story time 11.00 and 2.00pm

daily Find out about London’s Underground stations and meet the imaginary characters who live there. Listen to tales of adventures as they reveal the secrets of what life is like on the Underground. Open to all, but most suitable for age 3 to 7 years.

Make and Take Craft Workshop 11.30 -2.30pm daily Add your contribution to a model tube station, before becoming a junior architect and designing your own fantastical station. Open to all ages but most suitable for age 4 to 12 years Entrance to the Museum is free for children under 16. Adult admission is £15.00 (£11.50 concessions) and tickets allow unlimited entry for a whole year. Further information can be found on their website.

Wed 3 Apr. 2.00-3.00pm The Animal Man Experience with Ranger Stu Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton, London SW19 2LP 0845 201 1268 www.eddiecatz.com The Animal Man Experience with ranger Stu. A one hour show that gives children the chance to learn about and handle a variety of animals. A sensitive display of many live animals, this show is guaranteed to entertain children and parents alike. For ages 5-11.

Thu 4 Apr & Fri 12 Apr, 10.30am, 12.00 & 2.00pm Traditional Fun Punch & Judy Denbies Wine Estate Free admission.

Thu 4 Apr, 11.00 – 3.00pm Duck racing with a difference Morden Hall Park Family holiday activities Challenge your family to a rubber duck race down the River Wandle. £1.50 (per duck).

Fri 5 & Sat 6 Apr Leatherhead Food Festival www.leatherheadfoodfestival.com Free admission for all the family. Tickets for the Masterclasses and the Chefs on Show on sale from a link on their website.

Sun 7 Apr, 11.00 – 3.00pm Get out in your park - Morden Hall Park Meet some resident artists in the park and try your skills at painting the park.

Get on your bike or hire one on site to explore the Wandle Trail or purchase an I-Spy guide or family trail. Free event.

Mon 8 Apr, 10.00 – 2.00pm Henfold Birds of Prey - Denbies Wine Estate Free event.

Mon 8 Apr, 10.00 - 12.00pm or 1.30 - 3.30pm Natural Art - Gatton Park Create some beautiful artwork from natural materials. For 4 - 7 year olds. £6.00 per child. Advance booking required. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. To book or for further enquiries please call or email the Education Manager, Louise Miller.

Visit the website for more details.

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Mon 8 Apr, 10.00 - 12.30pm Eco Experts Club – Sutton Ecology Centre Become a River Expert. A fun walk along the River Wandle with activities along the way, ending at Wilderness Island for pond dipping. £5.00 per child.

Suitable for ages 7+. Booking essential.

Tue 9 - Fri 12 April Lego Exhibition - Denbies Wine Estate Tue 9 & Wed 10 Apr, 11.00 – 3.00pm Lego Build - Denbies Wine Estate Free admission but pre-booking required

Sat 13 Apr, 1.00 - 2.30pm The Suffragettes - Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club For ages 7 – 12. £4.00 per child.

Sat 13 Apr, 11.00am A Spring Scavenger Hunt Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area Meet at Dunmail Drive, off Honister Heights, Purley for a 1 to 1.5 hour walk finding and collecting all sorts of treasures that you may come across on the walk. From leaves to early flowers, see what you can find. For further information please call Sarah.

Sat 27 Apr, 3.00 - 4.30pm Nearly New Sale - NCT Sutton, Epsom & District branch St Andrews Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam. SM2 7HF Priority entry for NCT members on presentation of membership card from 3.00-3.15pm.

Sat 27 Apr, 1.00 – 4.00pm Wildlife Gardening Forum – Sutton Ecology Centre Discover how to improve your gardens for wildlife with a series of interactive talks and activities from leading conservation organisations in the UK. For ages 8+. Booking is essential.

Sat 4 – Mon 6 May, 10.00 – 6.00pm May Fayre - Morden Hall Park Held over the May bank holiday weekend, with crafts, shows, food stalls and exhibitors. Adults: £6.00; Child: £3.00 (Children aged 5-16 years); Concessions: £5.00, Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): £15.00. More Information: Morden Hall Park Sun 5 May, 5.00 – 7.30am!

Dawn Chorus Walk - Sutton Ecology Centre Ever wondered why birds sing at such early hours? Want to improve your bird call and song recognition or simply fancy an early morning stroll to nature’s symphony? Light refreshments provided at the end. Please note early start.

Booking recommended.

Fri 10 May Wildlife Watch at Night Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area This is a special event looking at Badgers in the wild. Places are limited and booking is essential. Please contact Sarah Clifford for more information. (see contacts box -Left)

For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

Tue 9 Apr, 11.00 – 2.00pm Ponds Day @ Anton Crescent Wetland LNR – Sutton Ecology Centre event Come and discover the wonderful wetland at Anton Crescent and take part in pond dipping and nature hunts. £2.00 per person. Partially accessible by buggy. Drop-in session, no need to book.

Wed 10 Apr, 11.00 -12.30pm & 2.00 - 3.30pm The Rockman - Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club For ages 7 – 12. £4.00 per child Wed 10 Apr, 1.30 – 4.00pm Camp Building - Gatton Park For children 8+ years. Build a camp in the woods with your friends. Cost £6.00 per child. Advance booking required. To book or for further enquiries please call or email the Education Manager, Louise Miller. See website for more details.

Thu 11 Apr Tropical Creepy Crawly Road Show - Denbies Wine Estate £6.50 per child Thu 11 Apr, 11.00 – 3.00pm Family holiday activities: Get Growing! Plant it - eat it - Morden Hall Park Find out about growing your own fruit and vegetables and make a start by planting some seeds. Child: £1.50 (For additional children); Family: £4.00 (For family of four). More Information: Isabel Nancarrow

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies March-April 2013 Families London-Surrey Borders

Fri 12 Apr, 10.00 - 11.30am or 1.30 – 3.00pm Toddler Trails and Tales - Gatton Park For 2-4 year olds. Enjoy the story of “Maisy Goes Camping” and go for a walk around the park to bring it to life. £6.00 per child. Advance booking required. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. To book or for further enquiries please call or email the Education Manager, Louise Miller.

Visit the website for more details.

020 8669 5187 020 8669 5187

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk www.Families-LSB.co.uk

Families London-Surrey Borders March-April 2013

easter gifts

ALTERNATIVE Gifts for EASTER We have hunted out some ideas for Easter presents with a difference available locally or online.

For the girl who loves socks the Choc and Sock bouquet.

Available from

Did You Know?

About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs.

Say it Personally

in three sizes 6½ – 8½ / 9 – 12 for the younger girl and 12½ - 3½ for the older girl/teen. Visit their website to see a range of innovative presents for all the family and to purchase online.

www.sayitpersonally.co.uk

Get your family colouring in with these great products from

Egg Nogg.

Choose from an Easter tablecloth or Easter bunting. In addition they produce a wide range of other fun products to keep your children occupied. Buy from local stockists Shoehouse in Banstead, Whitehall Museum in Cheam and Hobbledown in Epsom or online at www.eggnogg.com

Enjoy some chocolate and donate to charity at the same time…

Real Easter Egg

The is the first and only Fairtrade chocolate Easter Egg to explain the Christian understanding of Easter on the box.

A free activity pack in the box which includes the Easter story, activity poster, free iTune download and a sticker set.

With each sale of the £3.99 egg, a donation is made to charity and development projects. Buy online at www. realeasteregg.co.uk (min. purchase 6 eggs)

Fingerprint Art has the answer for an Easter, Father’s Day or present for Grandma: design a unique gift for your loved ones.

Using finger and handprints create a work of art for the home or office, whether you have one child or six, every print is different, with sizes and colours chosen by you.

For a special Families magazine discount of 10%, please email the code FamLSB to fingerprintjac@yahoo.co.uk or visit the website www.fingerprintart.me.uk 22

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

020 8669 5187

www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

what’s on

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline...

Please send info to our listings editor to be considered: listings@Families-LSB.co.uk

What’s showing at local theatres The Colour House Children’s Theatre Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk To Sun 14 Apr 2.00pm and 4.00pm Sleeping Beauty Sat 27 Apr - Sun 30 Jun 2.00pm and 4.00pm Hansel and Gretel Epsom Playhouse Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AL 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Wed 27 Mar at 2.30pm Bringing Down the Moon Tue 2 Apr at 2.30pm Tiddler & other Terrific Tales A magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles Fri 5 Apr at 2.30pm Sid’s Show Join Sid from Cbeebies live on stage in a fantastic fun filled adventure that’ll knock your socks off.

Sat 6 Apr at 6.00pm Pop Factor, The Show Fairfield Halls Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk

Sun 10 Mar at 4.30pm Red Riding Hood 23 Mar at 11.00am Arthur Davison Family Concert Fri 29 and Sat 30 Mar ( various times) Chinese State Circus Sat 13 Apr at 11.00am & 2.00pm Chris and Pui Roadshow Thu 18 and Fri 19 Apr ( various times) Spot’s Birthday Party Wed 3 – Sat 5 Apr (various times) Katie and The Mona Lisa

Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre. com Sat 9, 16 and 23 Mar 11.00am and 2.30pm Grimm Tales Playful, mischievous and deliciously scary fairy tales.

Tue 26 Mar - Sat 30 Mar Curious Journey into a world where kitchen meets garden.

Fri 29 Mar at 2.00pm Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals Follow the adventures of a charismatic singer and his animal band. For ages 4 –

8 years (Pictured centre) Sat 30 Mar at 2.00pm Comedy 4 Kids with James Campbell, the stand up comedian for you and your children.

Wed 3 - Sat 13 Apr (various times) Egg Magic, music and... an egg.

Sat 27 Apr - Sat 17 Aug (various times) Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play Everyone’s favourite brother and sister back onstage with their new show. For ages 4 – 7 years Secombe Theatre 42 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 2SS 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk Tue 16 Apr - Sat 20 Apr 7.30pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Return to the Forbidden Planet Join Captain Tempest and his fearless crew on their journey into space.

Tue 23 – Sat 27 Apr 7.30pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm The Sound of Music For a regularly updated list of local family events visit www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

Competitions for Families Readers

Enter at www.Families-LSB.co.uk/competitions THE POTTY TRAINING RECORDING 4 FUN DRY WIN BREAKTHROUGH THAT’S LIKEME WINNING AWARDS KIDS POPSTAR PARTIES Enter for free & win a fun popstar recording session for two people worth over £200

The winning pair (adults or children) will be given the full VIP Popstar experience in a professional studio with the help of a Top Record Producer, and take away their finished masterpiece on personalised CDs. Enter at www.Families-LSB.co.uk/competitions T&Cs apply - See website (above) for details.

Closing date 30 April 2013 More information on recording parties at

www.Families-LSB.co.uk/competitions Closing date for entries is 30 April 2013.

A visit to Marwell Zoo is a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world – and help save them. We have 3 sets of family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) for you to win.

For a chance to win go to www.Families-LSB.co.uk/competitions.

Closing date for entries is 30 March 2013.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies 020 8669 5187

For more local Easter events, check our updated listings at the Families LondonSurrey Borders website, www.Families-LSB.co.uk/what-s-on

© Copyright Flikr-Benson Kua

WIN a wild family day out at Marwell Zoo

Families London-Surrey Borders

Dry Like Me potty training pads are a real breakthrough in the challenge to get children out of nappies and into their own pants.

For a chance to win go to

www.recording4fun.co.uk

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Dry Like Me are giving away five ‘Smarter Way to Potty Train Packs’ worth £15. Each pack contains four boxes of Dry Like Me pads and a lovely reward chart and stickers – all the tools you need to help your little one achieve potty training success.

Please mention Families magazine if you contact these companies www.Families-LSB.co.uk

March-April 2013

classified adverts Services

Friendly & Cost Effective Services Including Self Assessments, Sole Trader & Limited Accounts email: info@prime-numbers.biz or call: 07961455970

Wagging Tails - Home dog boarding – Your dog stays in a family home.

An alternative to kennels. 01483 592612 www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/kt

Parties

Tuition

FLOSSIE 020 8647 9967 1 or 2 hour Fun Filled Parties with Magic, Music, Games & Balloons.

07954 564372

www.magictheo.com

Fun Entertaining Magic for Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child

020 8642 6519 (Magic Circle & Equity)

Mrs Jones

EDUCATION

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& Numeracy Mock Exam MockPractice Test £10

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When: Monday 8th April – Friday 12th April 2013 Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm Location: Laleham Lea Prep School, 29 Peaks Hill, Purley CR8 3JJ Only 5 mins drive from Wallington

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When: Monday 8th April – Friday 12th April 2013 Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm Location: Laleham Lea PrepTutors School, Southern 29 Peaks Purley CR8‘A’3JJ 11+Hill, tuition; GCSE; level Only 5 mins11+ drive from Wallington courses; 1:1 tuition

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Auctions

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

020 8669 5187

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www.Families-LSB.co.uk

30/01/2013 March-April 2013

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