FREE take me home
!
RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career.
IN THIS ISSUE Education focus
If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle
What’s on in September & October
please call Katie Bridge 07909 681884
Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK stagecoach.co.uk/ cheamandworcesterpark COULSDON & CATERHAM stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon
SUTTON stagecoach.co.uk/sutton SHIRLEY stagecoach.co.uk/shirley
CROYDON stagecoach.co.uk/croydon EPSOM stagecoach.co.uk/epsom Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
Issue 88 September/October 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders
Ca 01 73 ll us 7 3 on 55 33 2
Banstead
Opening Autumn 2019 For viewings and enquiries contact us now! Spacious, bright environment with an indoor soft play area and fully enclosed garden For job opportunities contact
srichards@shapesdaynursery.co.uk Epsom 21 West Street, KT18 7RL 01372 877863
Banstead 28a High Street, SM7 2LJ 01737 355332
Reigate 11 Lynn Walk, RH2 7NZ 01737 221441
www.shapesdaynursery.co.uk
2 Families London Surrey Borders
familiesonline.co.uk
Welcome to issue 88 Adventure time! The start of a new academic year, and the kaleidoscopic cycle of nature as she turns from bright sunshine to the warm colours of autumn.
London Surrey Borders Editor Tamar Pearson editor@families-LSB.co.uk Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk Printer Print Mates 21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue Next issue November/December Booking deadline 4 October Cover Image Depositphotos
This issue we bring you a plethora of events and activities to enjoy over September and October, and a selection on Bonfire Night activities. Before the winter arrives, get out and enjoy the last of the autumn warmth. Wishing all your little one’s huge amounts of happiness, as they set out into a new academic year. Happy reading!
Tamar xx
In this issue 3. News & Views 4. Local news 5. Clubs & classes news 8. Eduation news 12. Education feature
Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and events happening your local area
13. Independent school open days
www.facebook.com/FamiliesLSBMag
19. What’s on at the theatre
DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 40,000+ PARENTS? Families LSB Magazine can help promote your business to over 40,000 parents in the local area. The booking deadline for our Nov/ Dec issue is 4 October. To be included contact:
Tamar on 07947 535986 or email: editor@families-lsb.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London Surrey Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London Surrey Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families London Surrey Borders; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
familiesonline.co.uk
14. What’s on
Hear echoes of the past at Polesden Voices Exhibition Polesden Lacey is known as the weekend party house of Dame Margaret Greville, the indomitable Edwardian socialite who used it to entertain royalty and high society, including Winston Churchill, Beverly Nichols and Queen Ena of Spain. The research team at Polesden Lacey have conducted hundreds of interviews over the years with people, and the families of people who lived and worked at Polesden Lacey during Mrs Greville’s time. These recollections have been painstakingly compiled and are now brought to life in this new exhibition, telling the stories of the men and women who lived, worked, and made their own special memories at Polesden Lacey over the last century. Step inside one of the parties that Mrs Greville held for the village children each summer, learn about estate manager Mr Hepburn and his prize-winning turkeys and even discover who found love at Polesden Lacey. Echoes of the Past runs from Mon 9 September – Thursday 14 November. Usual admission applies; admission is free to National Trust members. More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey
Families London Surrey Borders 3
News & Reviews Visit the Family Learning Festival The Family Learning Festival which runs from 19 October to 3 November is a national celebration to inspire a love of learning in family life. Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE creative family learning activities. This year’s Festival theme is ‘Future Families’ and organisers will be holding activities to encourage families to become earthy explorers, digital discoverers or wellbeing warriors! Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school classrooms and formal education. The family is where we learn important life skills and positive attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confident, motivated lifelong learners. To find a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com
Active Girls are Happy Girls A new report has found that girls that are physically active are happier and more resilient than those who are not. The findings are drawn from of a survey from more than 25,700 primary and secondary aged children by the national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust. More active girls showed higher levels of the qualities associated with wellbeing which are self-belief, confidence, resilience, happiness and empathy. The largest difference was seen in girls’ resilience. 77% of more active girls said they were resilient compared to 46% of less active girls. It also found that more active girls were happier with 75% stating so compared to 55% of less active girls.
Croydon crowned with London’s seconded largest National Nature Reserve South London Downs, London’s third National Nature Reserve (NNR) has recently opened to the public in Croydon. Bordering Croydon and Surrey, the 417-hectare reserve is surrounded with stunning views across south London. Marian Spain, interim Chief Executive of Natural England, said: “I am delighted that we can now formally declare the South London Downs as London’s third National Nature Reserve. The new NNR will make a huge difference to South London’s wildlife and the lives of Londoners by giving them access to some of the country’s very best wildlife in beautiful open spaces right on their doorsteps, demonstrating why London is indeed a National Park City. “This site will be celebrated for years to come as an iconic natural sanctuary in South London, a haven for wildlife and a centre for learning. More info: www.croydon.gov.uk
Free Family Fun with Heritage Open Days This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date. Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England’s history and culture, allows visitors’ FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides. With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside.
Ali Oliver, the Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust says: “We owe every girl the opportunity to become a confident mover, find a sport or activity that she enjoys, and through that experience improved physical health and emotional wellbeing.”
Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.
More info: www.youthsporttrust.org/girls-active
For local events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Promote your business in our next issue Education I Tuition I What’s on... plus Where is Santa? Pantomimes and family shows Christmas events & activities Book today! Call 07947 535986 I editor@families-lsb.co.uk 4 Families London Surrey Borders
familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & classes news Improving your Child’s Concentration
Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offer their tips. Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts. Set Up for Success - Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times.
A Confident Start with Jigsaw Performing Arts A new school year is here - time to try something new with your weekend? Our popular dance, singing and drama weekend classes for 3-18-year-olds are designed to develop children’s confidence, self-expression, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends. Parents share in the excitement and their children’s progress with regular presentations, shows and reports from our team of highly experienced teachers. For more information or to book a two-week trial, search for your nearest school www. jigsaw-arts.co.uk or call us on 020 8447 4530
Don’t forget to say you saw these advertised in
Make it Fun - Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention eg tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first! Keep Practising - Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions. Praise the Good Stuff - Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t eg “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.” Seek Advice - A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP. More from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentration-boosting drama classes in Purley. More about Perform Weekly Drama, Dance and Singing Classes for 4 – 12’s Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.perform. org.uk/try to book a FREE class today.
Baby Massage and Yoga Classes Massage offers a unique way to communicate with, and soothe you little love, whilst raising the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin in both yourself and your baby, baby massage helps you both feel calm and relaxed and improves muscle tone and stimulates growth hormones. Baby yoga is relaxing and enjoyable for both mum and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby, quality time that’s fun. 55x70_alison.qxp_Layout 9 25/08/2016 10:52 Pa
For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy
For more information, call Pinal on 07956442223, visit www.thelotuspractice.com
Birthday Parties Too!
Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation Walkers to 2 years music, movement and motor development 2 to 4 years dance, musicality and beat competency
Classes in Croydon & surrounding areas Call Alison on 020 8407 1726 or email: alison.storey@madacademy.com
madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!
familiesonline.co.uk
Families London Surrey Borders 5
Clubs & classes news
Learn to swim with Everyone Active Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience. Swimming lessons teach children independence and give a sense of accomplishment as they feel themselves improving. Swimming offers a whole-body workout like no other, helping children to keep active whilst having fun. Notably, learning to swim also gives children the ability to get themselves out of potentially dangerous situations, enabling them to fully enjoy trips to the seaside and beach holidays. Everyone Active’s awarding winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim. As they improve, this distance is increased, and all strokes are introduced. They also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and other aquatic disciplines such as Rookie Lifeguard, synchronised swimming diving and water polo. More info: www.everyoneactive.com
A warm welcome to Julia Dryland, the new Jo Jingles franchisee for the Epsom My name is Julia Dryland and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Jo Jingles franchisee for the Epsom area. I am so pleased to be joining Jo Jingles as it is such a well-respected and established programme, with a long history of providing high quality music and movement experiences for children. I run classes during term time in Epsom and Worcester Park. Prior to working for Jo Jingles I taught Reception and Year 1 - I love working with small children and enjoy their energy, enthusiasm and natural curiosity! When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my own little boy, who has just turned 5. He is enthusiastic about music and already enjoys playing the drums and ukulele! To find out more about Jo Jingles, and to find a class in your local area, please visit: www. jojingles.com or call Julia Dryland – Epsom, 07735 535321 or Lorraine Bryant - Banstead, Sutton and Purley, 07376 381617. More about Jo Jingles Jo Jingles provides fun singing and movement classes which teach children to play percussion instruments expressively, sing songs and find the rhythm to move and dance. Age-specific classes are tailor-made to engage even the youngest children. Classes encourage hand-eye co-ordination, and help children learn social skills and make friends, as well as encouraging their physical, mental and emotional development. Children play two age-specific percussion instruments each week. No membership fees! FREE Trial!
Traymark Junior Dance Club Traymark Junior Dance Club is a successful dance school based in Morden. IDTA Medal Classes are held for boys and girls in Latin American, Ballroom, Rock’n’Roll, Salsa and Freestyle (Solo, Pairs, Trios and Teams). Also included is a General Dance Session where pupils learn up-to-date pop routines alongside traditional dances. IDTA Medal Tests are held twice a year. Emphasis is placed on high teaching standards, to promote kindness, respect and inclusion. New beginners’ classes for 3 – 5 year olds will run on Saturdays from 10.25-11am where children will learn the basic steps to Latin American, Ballroom and Freestyle Dances. Free trial lesson, call to find out more. Contact Tracy Felton on 0208 643 5919 or visit, www.traymark.weebly.com
PHYSICS CLINIC Your JourNeY to SuCCeSS
Striving for an A* in your GCSE or A Level Physics? Looking to ace the Oxbridge Physics/ Engineering Admission Tests? One to one tutoring Detailed worked examples Extensive Past Paper Practice Help with Homework Revision for tests and exams
Tu to
r
O C A xfo re Ph lum rd U den ys ni, ni tia ov ics Q ve l er tea ua rsit s: y l ex ten che ified pe ye r w rie ars ith nc of e
Oxbridge applications for Physics and Engineering courses – Personal Statements and Interview Practice
Now Recruiting Contact: Mrs Tracy Felton (020 8643 5919) Member of the IDTA, AQA/NSAP Professional Award, CRB checked, School Curriculum approved. Fully insured. Hillcross Primary School, Ashridge Way, Morden, SM4 4EE
www.traymark.weebly.com TraymarkJuniorDanceClub 6 Families London Surrey Borders
In depth preparation for the Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford University and the Engineering Admission Assessment for Cambridge University
Now Recruiting DBS checked
Areas covered:
Croydon, Selsdon, Forestdale, Sanderstead, Purley, Addiscombe, Shirley
CALL TO RESERVE A PLACE NOW
07576 337017
Contact: Mrs Tracy Felton (020 8643 5919) Member of the IDTA, AQA/NSAP Professional Award, CRB checked, School Curriculum approved. Fully insured. Hillcross Primary School, Ashridge Way, Morden, SM4 4EE
www.traymark.weebly.com TraymarkJuniorDanceClub familiesonline.co.uk
Kim Findlay, Principal of Stagecoach Performing Arts Shirley awarded the Franchisee of the Year Award Having moved to London 14 years ago from New Zealand, where she also taught dance and choreography, Kim has turned a childhood passion for performance into a successful business. Amongst the school’s other successes, the students have participated in West End performances at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre. They were also part of a world record set for the largest number of simultaneous performances of one show when the Stagecoach network put on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in multiple locations across the world in July 2018. Kim said, “I am privileged to work with a great team of teachers at Stagecoach Shirley, who are really dedicated to the students, who in turn are passionate about our classes. This award is testament to all their hard work and we look forward to building on our successes to date. To find out more about Stagecoach Shirley, visit www.stagecoach. co.uk/shirley, or call 020 8949 1116. More about Stagecoach Performing Arts Stagecoach Performing Arts teach children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage but also, more importantly, to perform better in life. Suitable for a range of abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply learn some new skills to share with family and friends.
MAD Academy Croydon MAD Academy classes for preschool children are free spirited and bursting with energy and fun! Our classes are funky and physical, and packed full of singing, dancing, music, games, props and, of course, laughter! Classes are also educational, helping children develop key skills aligned to the government’s Early Years Learning Framework. We harness the power of music and movement to teach a whole range of skills and knowledge, from letters to numbers, from shapes to weather. But it’s not like traditional learning! So, come along and bring a little MADness to your week. For more information please contact Alison Storey on 020 8407 1726 www.madacademy.com
MultiSports Sutton and Cheam MultiSports is about introducing children aged 4 - 16 to a wide range of sport orientated activities, harvesting potential no matter how great or small, a developing life skill such as confidence, personal achievement and teamwork. Classes take place on Saturdays at Nonsuch High School. All new students are invited to attend trial sessions at a one off cost with no commitment to join. This gives both you and them the chance to come and see what MultiSports Sutton and Cheam is all about! For more information, please call 01293 774051 or visit www.multisportssutton.co.uk
Students are encouraged to take ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals and performance, which brings out a willingness to take on new challenges. Classes usually run for 12 weeks during the school term. Each class is small to allow our teachers and their assistants to give each child support and attention. Stagecoach Performing Arts nurtures the shy and apprehensive, until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy.
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools
dr ama singing dance Schools in:
Croydon Epsom Mitcham Sutton AND MORE!
3–18 years TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE. BOOK NOW!
T: 020 8447 4530 W: Jigsaw-arts.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families London Surrey Borders 7
Education news Outstanding results secures exciting future at Croydon High School GDST
grades awarded being A* or A.
The Class of 2019 have much to celebrate at Croydon High this summer, with almost half of all
In a year group of diverse interest and ambition, Croydon High girls are heading off on many different paths, secure in the knowledge that their hard work has paid off and they have achieved their goals. Headmistress, Emma Pattison is not only extremely proud of the academic achievements of our girls but also of the individual journeys they have taken. The school is delighted to report that 60% of students will be taking up places at one of the prestigious Russell Group universities and equally proud of those who have chosen to follow different paths, including a highly competitive apprenticeship, or on more specialist courses in subjects they are passionate about. For more on A Level results day at Croydon High, please visit www. croydonhigh.gdst.net/a-level-2019
Elmhurst School invites you to discover what makes them so special Elmhurst School is an independent day school for boys aged three to eleven, located in South Croydon. At Elmhurst, we identify, nurture and celebrate the talents of each and every boy, in an inspiring environment which blends innovation with tradition and successfully equips boys with the skills they need to excel in the 21st Century. To gain a true insight into school life, we recommend that you visit us, so why not come along to our next Open Morning on 12th October, 10am - 12pm, to sample the atmosphere and discover what makes Elmhurst School so special. More info: www.elmhurstschool.net
Banstead Prep has exiting new announcements to make! Banstead Prep School is excited to announce the opening of new sports changing facilities to enhance onsite playing field and full-sized all-weather pitch.
First Class Learning meets three essential requirements to provide structured, flexible learning programmes in Maths, English and 11+ The material is designed and developed specifically to support children in the UK. It is therefore relevant to any course of study which must meet the learning outcomes of the National Curriculum. First Class Learning (FCL) programmes are personalised, taking into account the learning needs and style of the individual learners. Maths and English are both skill-based subjects that can only be mastered through patience. Finally this practise must be part of a structured, yet flexible programme so that your child can recognise his or her own achievement. We are very proud of our students and excited to keep building children’s self-confidence, good learning habits and knowledge. Comtact: Sutton: sutton@firstclasslearning.co.uk, 07712 323582, Carshalton: carshalton@firstclasslearning.co.uk, 07957 966316, Banstead: banstead@firstclasslearning.co.uk, 07789982055 or South Croydon: croydon.south@firstclasslearning.co.uk, 07790004416.
Old Palace of John Whitgift welcomes new head In September, Old Palace looks forward to welcoming new Head, Mrs Jane Burton. This follows the retirement of Mrs Jewell, who has been Head of Old Palace for 11 years. Mrs Burton brings with her extensive expertise as former Head of Wallington High School for Girls, Deputy Head at Nonsuch High School for Girls and most recently as Chief Executive of the Girls’ Learning Trust (GLT) where she spearheaded the strategic development of the UK’s first all-girls multi-academy trust. Mrs Burton is a strong advocate of girls’ education. She says: “I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to raise the School’s profile across London and the South East, and ultimately, continuing to ensure that our students leave school as confident, courageous and resilient young women who are well prepared for the rigours of the 21st century”. Prospective families will have the chance to meet Mrs Burton at both the Senior (9:00-11.00am) and Nursery & Preparatory School (2:00-4:00pm) Open Day on Saturday 5th October. Old Palace was recently rated in the top 30 independent schools in London in the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2019. More info: www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk
Vicky Ellis, Headteacher said “The new building will enable us to use our exceptional sports facilities to an even greater extent, improving the experience for our children as well as visiting sports teams and spectators. This is the first of several planned building works, demonstrating United Learning’s commitment to the school and their confidence in our continued sucess.” The school has also extended the dining hall to increase capacity and further building is planned for 2020, including an additional classroom to accommodate expected increases in pupil numbers. Another new addition to the school is Toddler Time, a free parent and toddler group open to the community, that runs once a month on Fridays from 9.30am - 11am during term time for children aged 1-3. For dates and further details please see our website or Facebook page. More info: www.bansteadprep.com
8 Families London Surrey Borders
familiesonline.co.uk
The love for learning starts here! Croydon High School in Selsdon, Surrey is an exceptional independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK, Croydon High has been delivering outstanding education to local girls since 1874. Girls join Nursery in the term in which they will turn 3, progressing through Junior School, gaining confidence and experience, enjoying unparalleled opportunities to discover individual talents with a curriculum specifically developed to empower and inspire girls. This includes specialist teaching in areas such a computer science, drama, music and PE from Nursery up. From her very first day, every girl is treated as an individual. Relationships with staff are crucial; staff know each girl, her likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and plan teaching opportunities to suit each and every one. A personal tour of the Junior School on a normal school day is the perfect opportunity to meet Head Sarah Raja, to see first-hand how the girls learn and to soak up the school’s unique atmosphere. The Junior Admissions team is on 020 8260 7508 or juniors@cry.gdst.net More info: www.croydonhigh.gdst.net
Now we are five! Five years ago, Play B C Preschool began as a pack away setting in a church hall with just five children registered. Five became ten, then ten became twenty as the family steadily grew and outgrew. We extensively remodelled Elm Grove Hall and relocated in 2017, developing a fantastic learning environment. The team has tripled in size to accommodate continually expanding numbers and now includes a second qualified teacher with a third on the way. We continue to offer fun yet challenging learning and prioritise relationships with our wonderfully diverse cohort, which has included children with diabetes, autistic spectrum disorders and Down’s syndrome. This year we were thrilled to attain an ‘excellent’ score for interaction in an external ratings assessment and to secure an Early Years Quality Mark. We can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring. More info www.playbc.co.uk
The Trinity Voice awarded a special mention at the Shine School Media Awards The Trinity Voice, a school newspaper produced by students at Trinity School, Croydon has been awarded a special mention in the ‘Rising Star’ category at the recent Shine School Media Awards. The certificate was presented at a recent gala awards ceremony at Stationers’ Hall in London. The Shine School Media Awards recognises UK secondary schools that produce an outstanding newspaper, magazine, podcast or website. The school’s first newspaper, The Trinity Voice was created by Sixth Form student Maddy Burt and written, edited and produced by a team of students. The paper includes a wide variety of school-related issues and current affairs articles. Deputy Headmaster Eugene du Toit said “I am delighted that Maddy and her team’s efforts have been recognised in this national competition. ‘The Trinity Voice’ has been a huge success and is very well received by pupils and staff alike, and we are proud to see it being recognised outside of the school. More info: www.shine-schoolawards.org or www.trinity-school.org
Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures. The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue. They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.” According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.” More info: www.change.org
The Lotus Practice Now offering
Autumn at Nower Wood Open Day 29th Oct Plus Ancient Adventures, Creatures of the Night, Wild Tots & more! Booking essential: surreywildlifetrust.org Find us on the B2033 nr Leatherhead
familiesonline.co.uk
ü Cranio-sacral therapy ü Baby Massage Courses ü Baby Yoga Courses ü Osteopathy CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system and better overall health.
) 07956442223 : thelotus@hotmail.co.uk 8 www.thelotuspractice.com Families London Surrey Borders 9
Education news
Reduction in School Breaks ‘Unhealthy’ School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation. The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools. It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential serious implications for children’s well-being and development.
School Children to Tackle Speeding Drivers
Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less.
An initiative in London is getting primary school pupils to confront speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce the 20mph speed limit near schools.
According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons.
The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught speeding and pulled over by police officers being given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their license, attending a speeding awareness course or being told off by children. Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a police national computer check will face questions such as “are you aware of the consequences of speeding” and “why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?”. Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or death of children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road collisions in the UK and over 15,700 children were injured. Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, including parts of Hertfordshire, West Yorkshire and Northumberland. More info: www.tfl.gov.uk
Teachers ‘As Good as Tests’ at Predicting Success Sats are no better than teachers at predicting pupil’s GCSE and A-Level results, a study has found. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, found teacher assessments at age 7, 11 and 14 were just as effective as using Sats results to predict pupils’ subsequent exam success. Researchers say their findings, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, question whether the benefits of standardised exams outweigh the costs. A lead researcher Dr Kaili Rimfeld, from the King’s College London, said: “We have shown for the first time that teacher assessments predict GCSE and A-level results just as well as earlier exam scores.” “The fact that exam scores correlate so highly with the teacher assessments raises questions about the value of the testing culture that characterises compulsory education in the UK.” More info at www.kcl.ac.uk/news 10 Families London Surrey Borders
More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org
Outdoor Education programmes at Surrey Wildlife Trust The Surrey Wildlife Trust have two private educational nature reserves in Surrey, both with classrooms, amenities and acres of beautiful natural surroundings. As they are closed to the public these reserves make the perfect safe environment to immerse yourself in nature. The early years and primary programmes are designed to guide children on a journey of discovery into nature, inspiring natural inquisitiveness, a sense of adventure and empathy for the natural world. Sessions are planned with the children in mind, involving a range of engaging, hands-on activities and games to suit all learning styles. Every session aims to encourage enquiry, creativity and teamwork as well as delivering subject-specific learning outcomes. Early years sessions include sessions for EYFS, KS1 and KS2. It is well-known that the best way to learn is through practical experience and our secondary programmes use field studies, scientific investigation techniques and real-world examples to demonstrate concepts in biology, geography and environmental studies. There are sessions available for KS3, KS4 and A-Level Programmes. For more information and to book an outdoor education session, please email education. centres@surreywt.org.uk, or call 01372 379509. Visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org
Is your child striving for an A* in GCSE and A level Physics or aspiring to apply to Oxford or Cambridge University? Physics Clinic, run by Naomi Aubeeluck, offers the boost that your child may require. After completing a Master in Engineering Science at Oxford University, Naomi trained as a Physics teacher. She possesses a decade of experience teaching in independent schools. Passionate about her subject, Naomi founded Physics Clinic as a means to aspire more pupils, especially girls, to excel in Physics or even apply for Physics related degrees. Her tutorials encompass an initial assessment of areas of difficulties, detailed worked examples and extensive past paper practice. Students would need to commit to unflinching hard work, including homework. Furthermore, Oxbridge applicants may benefit from her services during the notoriously competitive application process. Naomi can assist with refining personal statements to an exceptionally high standard, mock technical interview practice and preparing students for the Physics Aptitude test for Oxford University and Engineering Admission Assessment for Cambridge University. These Admission tests indicate pupils’ ability to Admission tutors. To reserve a space, please call 07576337017. Naomi tutors in different areas of Croydon or online. familiesonline.co.uk
Build your child’s confidence and learning skills. Ages 5 – 16 years. Sutton 07712 323582 sutton@firstclasslearning.co.uk Carshalton 07957 966316 carshalton@firstclasslearning.co.uk Banstead 07789982055 banstead@firstclasslearning.co.uk
Activity Mornings for children starting Reception September 2020 Wednesday 25 September Thursday 28 November Book online at www.bansteadprep.com/visit
South Croydon 07790 004 416 croydon.south@firstclasslearning.co.uk
Visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk to enquire or book an assessment.
Celebrating 150 years ~ 1869 - 2019
SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737 363600
Preparing Boys for the 21st Century
Today I started my thesis… Our Nursery girls are discovering the joy of seeing their words come to life on the page. The best preparation for their future university studies will actually be the hours we spend developing self-confidence and a passion for learning.
Open Morning:
To find out more about how we are inspiring every girl, every day, call 020 8260 7508 or visit www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Croydon High Junior School. Make the best start.
Saturday 12th October, 10am - 12pm Call us on 020 8688 0661 or visit www.elmhurstschool.net to book An independent day school for boys aged 3 to 11 - South Croydon, CR2 7DW
familiesonline.co.uk
www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Families London Surrey Borders 11
But there are simple, practical and evidence-based steps that parents can take to support their child’s development. And the most effective approaches are often the most obvious - daily stories, teaching them songs and nursery rhymes, and playing with letters and numbers. These are all proven to help children discover the joy of learning. This, in turn, will help close the early attainment gap. Of course, part of the answer to early years education lies in giving toddlers and pre-schoolers access to high-quality nursery provision, with well-trained and skilled staff. But parents are a crucial part of that equation. After all, they are their child’s earliest educators.
How Parental Engagement Improves Learning
By Stephen Fraser
As a parent or carer, you want to give your child the best start in life and you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s learning before school and throughout their time in education. Research is clear that levels of parental engagement are also consistently associated with better learning outcomes. At no point is parental engagement more important than in the early years. They are a vital time in the life of any child and play a significant role in shaping the person they will become and the opportunities in life they will have. It is also a critical, and often difficult, time for parents, trying to balance the wellbeing and development of their child with the need to provide financial stability, and especially for first time parents, with the emotional and practical complexities that can accompany the joys of parenting. Unfortunately, the early years are where we first see the attainment gap – the difference in educational outcomes between young people from the least well-off backgrounds and their classmates – first take hold. There is already a big gap in the school readiness of less well-off children and their more advantaged classmates when they start school: five year olds from economically disadvantaged homes are estimated to be over four months behind their peers. This link between family income and attainment, even among young children, is clear-cut, long-standing, and difficult to break. But there is nothing inevitable about this trajectory. The best research we have provides a much more hopeful message. As a parent, your occupation, education and family income matter less 12 Families London Surrey Borders
to your child’s intellectual and social development than what you actually do with your child. In short, parenting can trump background. Research by charity, the Sutton Trust, has found that good parenting and a supportive home environment are more important determinants of good levels of learning at age 5 than family income. It also found that most children with a good level of learning at age 5 are read to every day, taken to places of interest, and given regular bed times. Evidence from our Early Years Toolkit suggests that effective parental engagement can lead to learning gains of around four months over the course of a year. This shows what is possible. Challenges, of course, remain. Many parents, as well as being time-poor, may lack confidence in their own reading, writing and maths skills. Some parents may have had negative experiences at school that have an impact on how well they can engage in their own child’s learning.
So it is encouraging to see the Department for Education make improving the home learning environment one of its key priorities. This commitment is backed by a £5 million fund which will be used to find out how early years settings can best work with parents to support their children in language and reading at an early stage. There are some practical things that schools and early years’ settings can do, too, such as monitoring parental engagement activities to get the most out of them, looking at the best ways to communicate with parents, and strategies for supporting learning at home. By building effective practice, it will be possible to support more parents to actively engage in their children’s learning, from the early years and throughout school, radically improving their life chances. Stephen Fraser is Deputy CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, an independent charity established in 2011 to improve the educational attainment of the poorest pupils in English schools. For further information, visit www. educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com
Advertise your business with Families London Surrey Borders Magazine and reach over 40,000 local Book today! parents Call 07947 535986 familiesonline.co.uk
For further details telephone 020 8688 2027 or go to www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk to reserve a place at one of our Open Day Events. Old Palace of John Whitgift is an academically selective independent school for girls | Nursery to Sixth Form
Come along and take a look! Whole School Open Day
Senior School Old Palace Road CR0 1AX Saturday 5 October 9am-11am Nursery, Pre School and Preparatory Melville Avenue CR2 7YN Saturday 5 October 2pm-4pm
Sixth Form Open Evening Senior School Old Palace Road CR0 1AX Thursday 10 October 5pm-7pm
Independent Day School for Boys Co-Educational Sixth Form Shirley Park Croydon
OPEN MORNING
Saturday 5th October 2019 9am –12pm or visit us by appointment
A LEVEL CHOICES AND SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
Monday 14th October 2019 by appointment CARING DEEPLY • OUTSTANDING LEARNING • JOINING IN • LOOKING OUTWARDS trinity-school.org familiesonline.co.uk B2482-4 Trinity 130x180mmL 2.indd 1
@TrinityCroydon
020 8656 9541 Families London Surrey Borders 13 16/07/2019 12:01
Independent School Open Mornings Open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check. Aberdour School Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ 01737 354119 www.aberdourschool.co.uk Open Morning Fri 4 Oct 9.30am - 12pm
Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd) South Croydon, CR2 6DA 020 8660 3445 www.cumnorhouse.com Reception Class Open Morning Thu 10 Oct, 9.30-11am Open Morning Fri 11 Oct 9.30am - 11am
Banstead Prep Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 363601 Co educational day school. Pupils aged 2 – 11 years www.bansteadprep.com Open Mornings Fri 20 Sep, 9.15am - 10am Thu 10 Oct, 9.15am - 10am Tue 12 Nov, 9.15am - 10am Toddler Time parent & toddler group 27 Sep & 18 Oct, 9.30 - 11am City of London Freeman’s Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET 013 7282 2423 www.freemens.org/openevents Sixth Form Open Evening Thu 19 Sep, 4.30pm Open Morning Fri 27 Sep, 9.30am Open Morning Sat 12 Oct, 10am
Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery Purley, CR8 3HB 020 8668 0050 www.cumnorhouse.com Open Morning Wed 2 Oct 9.30-11am Downsend School (Pre/Preps) Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom 01372 372311 www.downsend.co.uk Pre-Prep Schools Open Morning Fri 4 Oct, 9.30-11.30am Prep School Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 9.15am - 12noon Pre-Prep Schools Open Morning – Fri 11 Oct, 9.30-11.30am
Elmhurst School for Boys, and Collingwood School Little Elms Nursery Wallington, SM6 0BD South Croydon, CR2 7DW 020 8647 4607 020 8688 0661 www.collingwoodschool.org.uk Independent day school for boys. Open Morning Sat 12 Oct Pupils aged 2 – 11 years 10am-12noon www.elmhurstschool.net Open Morning Sat 12 Oct, 10am 12noon
Croydon High School Old Farleigh Rd, Croydon, CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 admissions@cry.gdst.net Independent girls’ day school Pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Whole School Open Day Sat 12 Oct, 9.30am - 12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening Tue 15 Oct, 7-9pm
Epsom College Epsom, KT17 4JQ 01372 821007 www.epsomcollege.org.uk Open Morning Sat 5 Oct Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Ewell, KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 Co educational day school. Pupils 3 – 18 years www.ewellcastle.co.uk Whole School Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 10am – 12noon Senior School Open Morning Fri 11
Homefield Preparatory Sutton, SM1 2TE 020 8642 0965 www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Open Morning Sat 28 Sep, 10am Early Years Fun Sessions Tue 8 Oct, 2-3pm Kingswood House School, Epsom Epsom, KT19 8LG 01372 723590 www.kingswoodhouse.org Open Mornings 9.30am-12noon Thu 3 Oct, Sat 5 Oct & Fri 8 Nov Laleham Lea Purley, CR8 3J 020 8660 3351 www.lalehamlea.co.uk Open Week Mon 23 – Fri 27 Sep, 9.30am - 11.30am Manor House School & Nursery Leatherhead, KT23 4EN 013 7245 7077 www.manorhouseschool.org Prep School and Senior School Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 10am Oakwood School and Nursery 59 Godstone Road, Purley, CR8 2AN 020 8668 2895 www.oakwoodschool.org.uk Open Day Sat 5 Oct, 10am - 1pm Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory South Croydon, CR2 7YN 020 8688 2027 Independent day school for girls. Pupils aged 4 – 18 years. www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Preparatory Working Open Morning Thu 19 Sep, 9.30am-11am Seniors Working Lunch Wed 25 Sep, 1-3pm Introduction to Year 6 Thu 26 Sep, 6-8pm Seniors Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 9-11am Preparatory Open Day Sat 5 Oct, 2pm – 4pm Sixth form Open Evening
Thu 10 Oct, 5-7pm Seniors Working Lunch Wed 6 Nov, 1–3pm
Royal Russell Junior School Croydon, CR0 5BX 020 8651 5884 www.royalrussell.co.uk Open Morning Sat 28 Sep, 8.30am Seaton House School Sutton, SM2 5LH 020 8642 2332 www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk Open Morning Sat 21 Sep 10am – 12.30pm Drop In Morning Tue 24 Sep 9.30 - 11.30am St Christopher’s School Epsom, KT18 5HE 01372 721807 www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Open Morning Fri 20 Sep Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors Sutton, SM1 2AL 020 8225 3075 Sutton High Seniors, SM1 2AX 020 8642 0594 Independent day school for girls Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Open Morning Sat 21 Sep, 10am Trinity School of John Whitgift Shirley Park, Croydon, CR9 7AT 020 8656 9541 Independent day school for boys. Co – Educational 6th form. Pupils aged 10 – 18 years www.trinity-school.org Open Morning Sat 5 Oct, 9am – 12noon or visit us by appointment A Level Choices and Sixth Form Open Evening Mon 14 Oct by appointment Whitgift School South Croydon, CR2 6YT 020 8688 9222 www.whitgift.co.uk Open Morning – Sat 21 Sep Open Evening – Tue 8 Oct Open Afternoon – Thu 26 Sep Open Afternoon – Tue 15 Oct
Drive for More Men in Childcare
Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour
More men are to be encouraged into careers in nurseries and early years’ settings, in a new project to provide more diverse role models for children before they start school.
Children who go to nursery are better behaved and have fewer emotional problems than those cared for by family or a childminder, a new study has found.
With men making up just 3% of early years staff in England, the project aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to caring roles. The project will be run by the Fatherhood Institute, and will spearhead an innovative recruitment drive that highlights the positive roles men can play in the crucial first years of a child’s education. It will provide practical resources like myth busters, ‘how-to’ guides and online content to support male recruitment into the profession, as well as online peer support for men already working in the sector. More info at www.fatherhoodinstitute.org 14 Families London Surrey Borders
Oct, 9am – 10.30am Nursery, Pre-Prep and Preparatory School Open Morning Fri 11 Oct, 10.30am - 12noon
Those who attended nursery, crèche or day care centre staffed by professionals for a year or more found it easier to make friends and had better social skills than youngsters who stayed at home. Researchers believe more stimulating play, more time spent reading, following rules from a young age and getting praise mean children thrive in a nursery setting. The study by the Sorbonne University in France looked at the factors involved in childhood health and development using a survey of 1,428 children. It tracked their emotional development from birth up to age 8. Previous research has suggested early childcare can boost a child’s language and thinking skills, and may improve their academic performance. More info: www.jech.bmj.com familiesonline.co.uk
What’s On
WITCHES & WIZARDS WEEK
Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families London-Surrey Borders!
12, 19 & 26 September, 3, 10 & 17 Oct, 10am-12pm Wild Tots at Nower Wood Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Wild tots provide a wonderful opportunity for your little ones to experience and learn from nature. Suitable for 2-5 year olds accompanies by an adult. Babes in arms go FREE. BE
Sun 8 Sep, 10.30am-4.30pm Huxley’s birds of prey Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Take flight with a wide variety of birds of prey as they display their beauty and majesty in Claremont’s historic setting. NAA. Sat 7 Sep & Sat 19 Oct 10am-12pm CROYDON Mum2mum Market All Saints Church Onslow Gardens CR2 9AB www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Award winning baby and children’s nearly new sales packed with hundreds of bargains to shop from at each event! Tue 10 Sep & Tue 8 Oct 9.30am Dog Walking Club Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join us on a walk of the estate with your canine friends.
Sat 14 Sep & Sat 12 Oct, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farmers Market Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, SM6 0NB www.ecolocal.org.uk Quality local produce direct from the producer.
26TH OCTOBER -3RD NOVEMBER CREEPY CRAFTS HUNDREDS PUMPKINSOF SCIENCE & SLIME SHOWS
SPOOKY QUIZ TRAIL
REPTILE ROADSHOW
Sun 15 Sep, 10am-5pm Heritage Open Day Hatchlands Park, Guildford, GU4 7R www.nationaltrust.org.uk Enjoy free admission to the house and parkland.
© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images .
Sun 8 Sep, 11am – 2.30pm Ancient Adventures Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Learn ancient crafts from cave painting to Viking braiding and cook bread over the campfire. BE.
ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT AT BOCKETTS FARM PARK
Wed 11 Sep – Sun 20 Oct Autumn Art Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Come along and help create our art installation with fallen leaves, inspired by the landscape and wildlife. Fri 13 Sep, 10am – 4.30pm Heritage Open Day Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wonderful Polesden Lacey is open to the public. Visit for free all day with the family and enjoy the glorious house and grounds.
RN
FM/OCTOBER2019
Every Sat & Wed unitl Oct, 8am – 1pm Sutton Boot Sale St Hellier Open Space Wrythe Lane Opp. St Hellier Hospital, SM5 1AA www.suttonboot.co.uk The Wednesday boot offers buyers an eclectic mix of old household goods from clearance sellers based in and around the London area. Saturdays are a typical car boot sale with loads of amazing bargains and lovely genuine family focused sellers.
N
A EW! DIS NIMAL C BA OVERY
Sun 15 Sep, 11am - 3.30pm Ewell Court House and Library Open Day Ewell Court House & Library, KT19 0EB www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Open day at the house and library. Fun activities for all the family. Sun 15 Sep, 1pm - 5pm Epsom and Ewell Community Fayre Hook Road Arena, Epsom, KT19 8QG www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk A country village fair and entertainment, primarily for children. Sat 14 Sep, 2.30pm – 3.30pm Jingle Ring Leith Hill Place, Dorking, RH5 6LY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Bring your children to a family music session with Jane Newberry, using toys, percussion and dance.
Wiglet's Great Spook-er-ree Don't miss our Low Bangs Firework displays on 31st October & 1st November '19. Book online to avoid disappointment!
Join us for half-term fun this October Halloween trails, nature activities and tons of leaves to play in. Visit Claremont Landscape Garden, Morden Hall Park, Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum.
nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey 26th October - 3rd November 2019 www.godstonefarm.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Families London Surrey Borders 15
Tue 17 Sep, 7pm – 8pm Painshill Guided Bat Walk Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Take a walk in the Painshill landscape observing bats in their natural habitat. Thu 19 Sep Bat Walk London Wetland Centre, Barnes, SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk See and learn about these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics. 8+. Thu 19 Sep, 10am, 12pm & 2pm Heritage Open Day Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Join a free guided tour and explore the rich history of Gatton Park. Meet at St. Andrew’s Church lych gate. Fri 20 Sep, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Creatures of the Night Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Come and discover the nocturnal mammals, invertebrates and amphibians of Nower Wood. Ages 7+. Sat 21 Sep, 10am–3pm & 10am 12pm Family portrait sessions and Box Hill Bugs & Beetles taster session Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill A chance to be photographed with your loved ones, against the beautiful backdrop of Box Hill, with award winning photographer Rachel Thornhill. Plus enjoy singing, playing outdoors and learning some fascinating facts. Sat 28 Sep - Sun 27 Oct Harvest Fest: Hay Maze! Morden Hall Park, Morden, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Celebrate the Harvest Fest at Morden Hall Park trying to find your way out of
a child-friendly hay bale maze. Sat & Sun only. Sat 28 Sep, 10am – 4pm Apple and Orchard Day Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk Celebrate the bounty from the garden of England with our apple and orchard day. With apple tasting and stalls. Sat 28 Sep & Sun 29 Sep, 11am – 4pm Harvest Fest: Apple Weekend Morden Hall Park, Morden, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Get into the autumn spirit with Apple Fest! Try local Merton varieties, taste a range of National Trust harvest goodies and have a go in the child-friendly hay bale maze! Sat 28 Sep, 3pm - 4.30pm NCT Nearly New Sale St Andrew’s Church, Northey Avenue, Cheam, SM2 7HF www.nct.org.uk Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices. Cash only. Buggy park available as space in sales hall limited. £1 per adult. Sun 29 Sep, 10am – 5pm Water Wandleful Weekend Honeywood Museum, Carshalton, SM5 3NX www.sutton.gov.uk Exhibition, fun facts water trail and get creative with our colouring sheets. Sat 5 Oct, 10am – 3pm Family portrait sessions Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill A chance to be photographed with your loved ones, against the beautiful backdrop of Box Hill, with award winning photographer Rachel Thornhill.
Enjoy Autumn at Hever Castle www.hevercastle.co.uk
Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this Autumn to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens. As the gardens turn vibrant shades of red, pink and gold and the leaves tumble from the trees, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Autumn Colour at Hever Castle (from 1 October). Children can take part in a leaf and seed collection challenge with 10 different seeds and leaves to be collected. Young visitors are also given a tulip bulb to take home and plant. Treat the children to a spine-tingling programme of entertainment over the Halloween half term break (19-31 Oct) with prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Creepy craft workshops, spooky storytelling and a scarecrow scavenger hunt to follow in the grounds. From 23 Nov to 24 Dec feel festive. With welcoming log fires, and beautiful decorations in the Castle, an Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas trail to follow and the chance to see Father Christmas – be enchanted by the magic of Christmas at Hever.
Autumnwatch Experience at WWT London Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk
It’s lights, camera, action at new Autumnwatch Experience at WWT London Wetland Centre. Get hands on with this unique wildlife experience at London Wetland Centre, where visitors have a go at being a TV presenter and wildlife researcher this autumn. “This is a fantastic opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an Autumnwatch presenter. Budding wildlife presenters of all ages will have lots of fun and the chance to share their videos with all their friends.
Wiglet’s Great Spooker-ree at Godstone Farm www.godstonefarm.co.uk
Come and visit from 26 Oct to 3 Nov for eerie fun on the farm, and don’t forget your best creepy costume. It’s going to be a Spooktacular half term filled with Pumpkin Carving, Trick or Treat games and our brand-new “Light Illusion Tunnel” with 3D glasses. Our amazing Halloween glasses transform any point of light into Brain Chilling Bats, Scary Skulls and Petrifying Pumpkins! Listen for the “WOW!” every time someone tries them for the first time. There’s crafts, a spooky quiz, face painting and spooky tales too, so this really is a week not to miss!
Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and freaky activities including a Spooky Quiz Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Plus, they’ll be amazing science and slime shows from Einstein’s Entertainers as well as hundreds of pumpkins on sale! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, and you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals too. 26 Oct to 3 Nov.
ROLL UP! ROLL UP! CIRCUS 1903 returns to Royal Festive Hall www.circus1903.com
Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus when CIRCUS 1903 returns to the Southbank Centre this Christmas with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death. Sensational puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before, alongside a huge cast of the most unique, jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe. CIRCUS 1903 is in town for three weeks only, 19 Dec – 5 Jan. Book now to avoid disappointment! 16 Families London Surrey Borders 2193-Hever-Christmas-Daytime-2019-Families-87x130-AW2.indd 1
familiesonline.co.uk 29/07/2019 12:32
Sun 6 Oct, 2pm - 4.30pm Bowsaws and Broomsticks Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve, Epsom, KT19 8PL www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk Take a stroll around Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve with a member of the EEBC Countryside Team and find out about all the work our volunteers carry out on the reserve. Fri 11 Oct – Sun 13 Oct Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival www.twpuppetryfestival.org. Tunbridge Wells will be filled with puppetry in all its forms when the curtain rises on the third Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival. Sun 15 Sep, 10am – 7pm Cheam Celebration of Food & Drink Cheam Park, SM3 8QS www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cheamcelebration-of-food-drink Celebrate the pleasure of food while supporting great small producers and independent food businesses. Sat 19 Oct – Sun 27 Oct, 10am – 5pm October half-term family fun Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT www.nationaltrust.org.uk Learn more about owls who make Ightham Mote their home and try to complete our fun trail in the gardens. Half term: Pumpkin Carving Fest! Morden Hall Park, Morden, SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Drop in to the Stableyard to pick your pumpkin, create your crazy carving and light it with an LED tea light candle. Sat 19 Oct-Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm Trail: Peculiar Pumpkins Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk
There are strange goings on at Winkworth this Halloween. Pumpkins have begun to pop up with creepy carved faces – can you solve the mystery? NAA + £1 per trail. Sat 19 Oct –Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm Half-term potion making trail Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Hubble Bubble, where to find wizard stuff for your potion? Search the ghoulish garden for mysterious ingredients and create some natural magic! NAA + £1 per trail. Mon 21 Oct, 10.30am Bach to Baby Family Concert St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, CR0 7EB www.bachtobaby.com Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert series for the whole family, featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues. Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct, 10am – 6pm Painshill Autumn Tree Festival Painshill, Cobham, KT11 1JE www.painshill.co.uk Celebrate trees at Painshill with tree surgery demonstrations, craft stalls, wagon rides and more.
visitors have gone home. A sensory trail which will fuel imagination! Includes a prize. Sun 27 Oct, 10am start Halloween Fun Run 10K & 2K Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Dress up in your spookiest costume for a leisurely 2K & 10K around the estate. Sun 27 Oct, 1-4pm Spooky Spiders, Wizards and Witches Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Drop in for Halloween activities and enjoy a spooky trail around the grounds. Ideal for younger children. Mon 28 Oct, 11am-1pm Pumpkin carving Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Rd, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Create a spooky pumpkin to take home. Bring your own pumpkin. NAA + £2.
Mon 28 Oct & Wed 30 Oct, 10am, 11am & 12noon Spooky Train Ride & Storytelling! Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Dress-up in your best spooky costume for a vineyard train ride and storytelling. Tue 29 Oct, 11am-1pm Pumpkin carving Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk We’ll help you create a spooktacular Jack-o-Lantern to decorate your home, just in time for Halloween. Please bring your own pumpkin. NAA + £2. Tue 29 Oct, Wed 30 Oct, Fri 1 Nov, 11am-1pm Creepy crafts Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Get creative with some spooky crafts, mysterious masks and scary spiders. NAA + £2 per craft
Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov, 10am-4pm Halloween half-term Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, GU4 7R www.nationaltrust.org.uk Take the trail through the parkland to discover folklore and superstitions and claim your pumpkin prize. NAA + £3. Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov Halloween trail Polesden Lacey, near Dorking, RH5 6BD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Uncover the mysterious clues around the gardens to find what’s been prowling around at night when all the
Suttonboot.co.uk 0777 444 0774
London Wetland Centre
experience Swap your sofa for our Autumnwatch sofa! Have a go at being a TV presenter and wildlife researcher this autumn.
RIP RIP
RIP RIP
Based on a BBC Programme
Families London Surrey Borders 17
familiesonline.co.uk 2208-Hever-Halloween-Families-2019-87x130mm-AW.indd 1
Find out more at wwt.org.uk/london
18/07/2019 10:51
Tue 29 Oct 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm Nower Wood Autumn Open Day Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/whatson Half term fun exploring the habitats in beautiful ancient woodland. There will be lots of free activities including pond dipping and natural crafts. BE. Wed 30 Oct & Fri 1 Nov, 10-11.30am or 1.30-3pm Trails and Tales: Funnybones Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TW www.gattonpark.co.uk Enjoy the story of ‘Funnybones’ and go for a walk in the park to bring the story to life. £8 per child. Book online. Ages 2-4. Thu 31 Oct, dances at 10.30am, 1.30pm, and 3.15pm Halloween Fancy Dress Disco! Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events Traditional children’s disco including party games & dancing Thu 31 Oct, 4.30pm -6.30pm Spooky walk Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher, KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk Are you brave enough for a horrifying Halloween walk around Claremont? Who knows what’s going to jump out at you? NAA + £1.50 per child.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER 5TH NOVEMBER Fri 1 Nov Bonfire Coldarbour Village Coldharbour Cricket ground www.surreycommunity.info Torch-lit procession from The Plough, Bonfire and fireworks, bar and food. Sat 2 Nov Round Table Carshalton Fireworks Ruskin Road, SM5 3 London www.carshaltonfireworks.org.uk Enjoy one of the largest charity fireworks displays in the South East. Sat 2 & Tue 5 Nov Fireworks Displays Morden Park – Sat 2 Nov Wimbledon Park – Tue 5 Nov www.merton.gov.uk Two musical, themed fireworks shows at each venue. Plus funfair, refreshments and bar Sat 2 Nov Epsom Fireworks Display and Funfair Hook Road Arena, Epsom www.epsomfireworks.com Enjoy another spectacular night of fireworks and funfair fun. Thu 31 Oct & Fri 1 Nov Low Bangs Fireworks at Godstone Farm Godstone Farm, RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Tickets to fireworks are strictly limited and only available in advance. Sat 2 Nov, Event opens at 5pm, fireworks at 6pm, finishes at 8pm. Fireworks Night at Wisley RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Join RHS Garden Wisley’s first familyfriendly, low-bang fireworks display.
LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW
WHATS ON AT THEATRE Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Wed 9 Oct -Sat 12 Oct The Sound of Music A childhood classic that promises a truly nostalgic performance that will bring childhood memories back! Tue 15 Oct – Sat 19 Oct Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of biblical Jesus in the final days leading up to his crucifixion.
Fairfields Halls, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk Mon 14 Oct & Tue 15 Oct Dear Zoo This production will delight all those who have read the book as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Tue 22 Oct & – Wed 23 Oct Justin Live See CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher live on stage. Fri 25 Oct Storytime for the under-fives with the London Mozart Players Children will be taken on an interactive musical journey, featuring their favourite animals and nursery rhymes. New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre Wed 23 Oct - Sat 26 Oct The Wizard of Oz! Join Dorothy, Toto and their three sidekicks as they journey down the yellow brick road.
Sat 12 Oct The Wizard of Oz Join Ballet Theatre UK, and discover the wonders of Oz.
100c 75m 0y 0k
“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt”
Tue 29 Oct Pop Divas Live! Get ready for the best songs from all your favourite female stars in one fabulous fun-packed show.
Mon 28 Oct Once Upon A Princess This smash-hit glittering production features all your favourite fairytale princesses plus a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics.
The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema, RH1 1NN, 01737 276500 www.harlequintheatre.co.uk Based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake White
Sat 26 Oct Jack and the Beanstalk Patrick Lynch (Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.
29 Nov - 5 Jan 2020 Oi Frog & Friends Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho Box office: 0330 333 4812 www.nimaxtheatres.com Packed with music, songs, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at! This is the highly anticipated stage show which brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat! published by the Hachette Children’s Group, into one action-packed musical production. 3+ from £15.50, family ticket £66.
21 Nov – 5 Jan The Snowman Peacock Theatre, Holborn, WC2A 2HT The enchanting festive favourite, The Snowman, returns for a magical 22nd year. Based up the book by Raymond Briggsand produced by John Coates, this charming stage adaptation is guaranteed to transport you to a world of wintery adventure as a boy embarks on a magical adventure with his snowman. The pair go on a journey, venturing to the North Pole for some festive frolics before returning home in time for Christmas morning.
LIVE
TAGE ON S
The Times
£120 LY TICKET ONLY FAMI fee applies. Max £3 , must include at least 1 child Transaction 4 tickets
21 Nov – 5 Jan
peacocktheatre.com 18 Families London Surrey Borders
Based on the books by Kes Gray and Jim Field. Published by Hachette Children’s Group
Tue 29 Oct, 11am until 3pm with a main display at 12.30pm Henfold Birds of Prey Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 6AA www.denbies.co.uk/events See birds of prey fly and perform amazing overhead tricks. Free. Performance subject to weather.
LYRIC THEATRE 29 NOV - 5 JAN
Shaftesbury Avenue nimaxtheatres.com familiesonline.co.uk
Circus1903.com
GREAT FAMILY PRICES | ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL | 19 DEC 2019 – 5 JAN 2020
SWIMMING LESSONS
SPACES AVAILABLE NOW!
DON’T PANIC, WE’VE GOT THIS Cheam Leisure Centre 020 8644 2891
Westcroft Leisure Centre 020 8669 8666
Enrol today at www.everyoneactive.com/swim-lessons 14836_Families Ads_31 Aug.indd 6 familiesonline.co.uk
Families London Surrey14:03 Borders 19 06/08/2019
Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds
CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 020 8773 4242 stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark
CROYDON 0845 265 7083 stagecoach.co.uk/croydon
SUTTON 01372 272561 stagecoach.co.uk/sutton
COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805 stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon
EPSOM 01737 669504 stagecoach.co.uk/epsom
SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116 stagecoach.co.uk/shirley
Stagecoach ArtsBorders is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned FamiliesPerforming London Surrey familiesonline.co.uk by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.