Families LondonSE JanFeb 2017 issue 182

ESTABLISHED 1996

EE

ISSUE NO. 182

FR

NEW YEAR 2017

®

southeast london familiesSE.co.uk

online edition

with working website links

A GREAT 2017 Putting a positive spin on winter JOANNE HARRIS An interview with the author WHAT’S ON Theatre treats, family workshops and half term fun

WELL, HERE WE ARE at the start of a squeaky, sparkly new year. To celebrate, our designer has given the magazine a dewy, fresh-faced makeover - we hope you like it as much as we do.

While we’ve nearly finished picking all the pine tree needles out of the cats’ whiskers and retrieved the last bauble from under the sofa, the supermarkets are slying slipping hot cross buns and creme eggs onto the shelves. Of course. Here comes 2017 - bring it on! We send warm wishes to you all.

Robina Cowan, editor

Local News and Views Community playspaces, £10 theatre tickets, wearing a hat for charity, birdwatching and baby scientists

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Here’s to a Great 2017 Putting a positive spin on the new year; maths and reading skills, and first aid training

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email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Welcome to the Triangle

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3

LocalNews Tucked behind Sainsbury’s and Westow Park in Crystal Palace, a whole lot is going on for families with young children.

At Barnado’s Triangle, 0-6 year olds play on four storey soft play equipment, take part in EYFS designed activities, play outside, or simply read a book.

Throughout the week, onsite community rooms are used for Hartbeeps music sessions, health visitor appointments, NCT pre and post-natal classes, yoga, sound baths, counselling services, private parties and much more.

The building is also home to a well stocked Barnardo’s shop full of parent and baby bargains, and a lovely café.

All income generated at the Triangle goes towards Barnardo’s work supporting the most vulnerable children and young people in the area, so you can help a great cause while having fun. The centre is at 2 Coxwell Rd, SE19 3BG - find Barnado’s: The Triangle on Facebook to read more.

Childcare News Tips for finding the right childcarer, and new nursery spaces

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Legal Matters Divorce day, pre-nuptial agreements, and child maintenance court orders

8-11

Education News Local schools’ news, tutoring children, school reports and independent school open days

12

Playtime at the Bridge A warm welcome also awaits at the local community centre in Pleasaunce park, Greenwich. The Bridge runs play and stay sessions, a gardening club, art and music classes for under 5s, as well as classes for adults including yoga. Find more details at www.thebridgegreenwich.co.uk.

Joanne Harris Speaks to Families The best-selling author on her passion for writing and storytelling

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The Book Page Justine Crow runs her fingers along the new year bookshelves and pulls out her top picks

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Are you Feeling SAD? Winter-busting tips for coping with winter tiredness and flagging energy

14-19

What’s On Switch off that tablet - there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored together

Families London South East

@ FamiliesSE

Front cover: Girl’s ear beanie hat £6, stripe coatigan

£15, little sister t-shirt £3, all M&Co, 0800 092 4686, www.mandco.com Next issue Easter issue out 16 March, deadline 24 February

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesse.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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families south east - january february 2017

Jump into Jigsaw with a free trial Now that 2017 is well and truly underway, what better way to kick off the year than with drama, singing and dance classes in southeast London?

Jigsaw has been running weekend performing arts classes for 3-18 year-olds across London and the South East for over 20 years. From musical theatre to contemporary drama and dance, the performing arts are a hugely enjoyable way for children and young adults to develop skills for life.

Jigsaw is incredibly passionate about building talent and finding success.

They told us: “We understand that attending a performing arts school for the first time can be an exciting but nervous experience. That is why we offer a two week trial, giving students the opportunity to try Jigsaw first-hand before committing to a full term.”

There are classes in Dulwich and Deptford Bridge. To book your free two week trial, go to www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk, or call 020 8447 4530.

Big shows, small prices Get Into London Theatre is back, and running until 10 February.

With over 50 participating productions ranging from plays and musicals to dance and opera, the scheme covers the full range of extraordinary shows on London’s stages, with tickets from just £10.

For the full list and ticket bookings, go to www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk.

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Take flight with Peter Pan and Perform Let your children fly to Neverland for an unforgettable three-day adventure this half term.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust, children can join Peter, the Lost Boys and Tinkerbell on a journey to the land where no one grows up. Perform’s team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will show each child how to project their voice, learn energetic dance routines and sing catchy songs in preparation for a show-stopping performance on the last day. Ages 4-7, 13-15 February in Blackheath. 020 7255 9120, www.perform.org.uk/peterpan for bookings.

Watch the birdie The Big Garden Birdwatch is back from 28-30 January.

The RSPB are once again inviting everyone to head into their gardens to help them build a picture of garden wildlife across the UK. Last year, more than 519,000 people all over the UK counted an incredible 8,262,662 birds, at home, parks, school grounds and nature reserves.

A free pack of fascinating packs, tips and advice is available to everyone who registers at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Free publicity for your events Wear a Hat Day Pencil 31 March into your diary Wear a Hat Day is back for the eight time and it promises to be even hattier this year.

Wear a Hat Day is a great way to show your support and raise money for brain tumour research during a day of hat-filled fun and games.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds sustainable research into finding a cure.

Register now and start planning your event with the charity’s pack of fundraising goodies which include leaflets, posters, balloons and event ideas, available from www.wearahatday.org.

National Storytelling Week National Storytelling Week is coming up from 28 January to 4 February - how marvellous!

Run by the Society for Storytelling and now in its 17th year, events take place in schools, storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes (where this event has been steadily growing each year!) From folk tales and fairy lore to figments, phantoms, dragons, serpents and storms at sea, a good storyteller captivates the imagination.

To celebrate, we bring you an interview with renowned author Joanne Harris on page 12; facing Justine’s new year Book Page. How appropriate.

To find participating events, go to www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week.

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Do you have a nearly new sale or family-friendly event coming up this spring?

Do let us know for our next issue listings.

And there’s more - you can now promote it on Families website - for FREE; or add a free listing for your business.

The website includes hyper local pages right across the country. Log on for our sites in Greenwich, Southwark and Lewisham. To add your listing, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk, click the ‘promote your event’ box then follow the menus.

Should you let your child use a tablet?

A newly-launched research project aims to discover the influence technology has on children’s learning, social interactions and play, from birth to 47 months - and parents are invited to join in.

Dr Elena Hoicka and PhD students from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology are looking to discover whether technology, such as tablets, is good for children’s development, bad, or a bit of both.

The survey asks questions about how long children use different types of technology - such as a tablet or a television the previous day. It also asks questions about how children prefer to learn, what children understand about other people, and whether and how children engage in pretend play.

Parents of children with low activities levels, such as newborns, are also invited to participate, as the researchers are interested in how technology impacts children right from the beginning. All participants will then be invited to repeat the survey six months later, which allows researchers to determine whether or not technology has had an impact.

At the end of the survey, parents will receive a summary of their child’s learning style, social understanding, and play. For every parent who completes the survey twice, six months apart, £2 will be donated to UNICEF. It only takes around 20-30 minutes to register and complete the survey.

To sign up or read more, go to https://babylovesscience.com.

january february 2017 - families south east

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Here’s to...

a great 2017 Are you a New Year’s Resolution sort of person? At this time of year, when it’s relentlessly dark and cold, we all need inspiration. So we asked around and found some.

That’s a good start, eh?

A positive spin

By Like Minders With Christmas over, the rather predictable new year resolutions kick in; it’s back to work for parents, and back to school for the children. You could quite easily decide after a December of excess to take up a gym membership.

Is that really worthwhile when the membership card will sit there gathering dust for 11 months of the year? Or giving up one of your guilty pleasures? It’s hard to see how that will get you through the remaining dark winter months.

At Like Minders, our advice is to take a positive spin on the new year, whether that be taking up something which you will all enjoy as a family - or becoming more disciplined about having time to yourself. Ideally do both if you can, but often the hardest thing to achieve as parents is having proper distinct time as grownups away from the children. Making sure you set aside times when you can relax as adults and keeping that time sacrosanct is both important, yet difficult to achieve.

That is one of the many reasons why Like Minders offers its flexible service.

Childcare around your plans when you want it. No rules on how much notice we need, no restrictions on when or how often. And we even have an app so once registered, you can book childcare in a few easy taps. Read more at www.likeminders.co.uk. Or call us for a chat on 0844 879 7189.

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A recent study revealed that most Brits (53%) plan to make at least one resolution, but that the majority (81%) will be broken.

It’s not all bad though - research by the literacy charity Beanstalk also showed that when we can see the positive difference a resolution is making, or when we enjoy them, they can really last.

Every year people contact the charity as a result of a New Year’s resolution to do something positive, to learn new skills, meet new people or take up a new challenge. With training and support, they become volunteer reading helpers in their local primary schools, working with children who are struggling with their reading. These volunteers really do transform lives by building pupils’ confidence and helping them reach their full potential.

Last year alone over 200,000 children left primary school unable to read to the expected level. So if you’re considering a new challenge for the year ahead, make it something meaningful and become a Beanstalk reading helper.

For more information on volunteering or supporting their work, go to www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 020 7729 4087.

Be a lifesaver Burns, choking, breathlessness, deep cuts or falls - if your first response would be panic, booking onto a first aid course could give you a cool head and the skills to know what to do.

First Aid for Life has a team of nurses and emergency services professionals who use their first aid on a regular basis. Highly experienced and proficient first aid trainers, they run regular short paediatric and adult courses in Balham, www.firstaidforlife.org.uk Alternatively, the childcare agency Little Masters and Misses run British Red Cross First Aid courses on Saturdays, www.littlemastersandmisses.com.

It’s the one skillset you hope to never need, yet one that could help save a life.

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Brush up on maths

By Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning In the recent PISA rankings that compare the results in maths, reading and science of 15 year olds from across the globe, the UK came 27th in maths.

Education policy will have some effect, but I believe that it’s our attitude towards maths that is having a major impact.

I meet so many well-meaning parents, who are desperate to get maths support for their children, who start the conversation with ‘’well I’m no good at maths so neither are they.’’

This makes me sad in so many ways. Firstly that it’s socially acceptable for us to just say we’re not good at maths.

People go to extreme lengths to hide the fact that they can’t read or write but it’s just accepted that it’s fairly normal to not be good at maths. I’d like to see this stop.

Secondly, parents are trying to help their child, but by announcing that they can’t do it they’re normalising a lack of maths skills and allowing the next generation to grow up with the same nonchalant attitude towards maths.

Thirdly, if you think you can’t do maths, how do you know if you’re getting a bargain?

I think it’s great for parents to let children know that everyone finds things hard and that adults can’t just do everything. Please do show your children that you struggle sometimes and work hard to learn things too.Just please don’t say “I can’t do maths”.

Why not try and learn something together? Accept that things are sometimes hard, but face your fears alongside your child and get stuck in. Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset theory shows that everyone can improve their skills, in anything, if they think in the right way. You won’t always be the best, but by believing in your ability, being determined and with lots of practice (and mistakes!) you’ll improve.

ses s a l C ow n ing book

Download some fun apps you and your family can play: 10 Monkeys Multiplication is great if you want to learn your times tables; while The Khan Academy offers over 2000 free videos tutorials on loads of different maths topics, at www.khanacademy.org.

Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, which has centres across southeast London, including Sydenham, Greenwich, Abbey Wood, New Cross Gate, Brixton, Bromley and Orpington. The company is offering a £50 saving if you enrol from 16 January until 28 February. To book your free trial, check out www.explorelearning.co.uk/offer.

Call your local Stagecoach: Dulwich 020 8949 4116 Blackheath 020 7112 8242 Sydenham 020 7228 0981 Upper Norwood 0744 253 2386 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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january february 2017 - families south east

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Debbie Eliff (NNEB) has run Little Masters and Misses for over 32 years.

Here she offers some tips for searching (particularly online) for a nanny, childminder or evening babysitter.

More and more parents are turning to the internet to find childcare. Lured in by the promise of cheap fees and ‘1000s of CVs’ they get swept up by the convenience of being able to browse 24/7 without checking the small print. These online services are just 21st century shop notice boards and not, as many parents believe, a Nanny Agency like Little Masters and Misses.

It’s unlikely that the IT people who run the site have reference-checked, interviewed or even spoken to the childcarers listed. So parents must be vigilant about making their own reference checks, ensuring that there are no unexplained gaps in employment and understanding the various qualifications and what they mean. Sadly, in practice this doesn’t always happen and we know of a number of serious scenarios, gross misconduct issues and parents being unfairly gross overcharged on salary.

1. Finding the right child carer cannot be rushed - you are planning to hand over responsibility for the people you treasure most in life, together with giving access to your home and belongings.

Finding the right person is a huge responsibility so make sure to leave yourself enough time.

2. Question why people pay to be on a website where no checks or interviews are made - it can be an easy way for unprofessional, unreliable or unscrupulous people to display their unchecked CV where they can invent baby experience information, delete a past job/s where an employer might not give a good reference, or over quote on their salary. We’ve seen all these things happen!

3. Interviews - these should always be face to face.

A second interview of around two hours is essential and this is the time to see how they communicate, play and relate with your child and family.

4. Be clear what you want from them - discuss your house routines, rules and chosen outings and make sure the candidates understand how you want things done 5. Reference telephone checks - aim for three to include their past and current employer. Don’t be afraid to ask if they would re-employ them.

17-19 Blackwater Street East Dulwich Maybe enquire what was SE22 8SD the best thing about them or if they had to change one thing, what that would be.

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families south east - january february 2017

6. Legally - when employing a nanny the employer must make PAYE tax deductions.

There is lots of information online about how to meet this responsibility.

7. The really good news - in 2017 Little Masters and Misses is launching a safer, stress free and easy to use online service to help parents find the right childcarer. All the CVs on our site will be from candidates that we’ve interviewed face to face and for whom we’ve started reference checks. All for a cost to you of just £99!

Little Masters and Misses has an office in Beckenham and covers London, Kent and Surrey.

To find out more, contact Debbie on 020 8650 3232 or go to www.littlemastersandmisses.com.

One year on in East Dulwich Abbeville Nannies celebrated their first run up to Christmas in the new East Dulwich office which opened to complement the busy Clapham and Putney offices.

They told us: “We opened the office early in 2016 in response to a noticeable increase in demand from families in the SE London area, who need a range of childcare from full time nannies to part time mothers helps and of course after school nannies.

We’ve noticed that nanny shares are increasing as they are so cost effective. Also, East Dulwich and the surrounding areas are a popular place for nannies to work, so we’re delighted to have joined the local community.” To get in touch with the team, call 020 7720 1144 or see www.abbevillenannies.co.uk.

Beacon Tots A brand new private nursery opened on Sydenham Hill just before Christmas. Beacon Tots Nursery cares for children aged three months to five years, with additional breakfast and afterschool clubs available for 5-11 year-olds.

Based in Sydenham Hill Community Hall, there is plenty of indoor and outside space for learning and play, lead by a team who have nearly ten years’ experience of preschool childcare across southeast London.

The nursery is open from 7.30am-6.30pm Mondays to Fridays. To ask about places or book a visit, call 0755 12 66553 or read more at www.beacontotsnursery.co.uk.

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Child maintenance court orders must be obeyed

By Grant Saw Solicitors It is inevitable that those in receipt of court orders often consider them to be unjust - but that is never an excuse for failing to obey them. The High Court made that point in imposing a suspended prison sentence on a recalcitrant divorcee who took it upon himself to reduce his child maintenance payments.

Divorce Day

By Mandeep Clair, collaborative lawyer The first working day in January is commonly known as Divorce Day, when family lawyers receive more enquiries than at any other time of the year.

114,720 couples divorced in England and Wales in 2013, down almost three per cent on the previous year. The statistics also show that marriages are more likely to survive the ‘seven year itch’ with divorce rates at the eight year mark nudging down by one per cent. For older people, it’s a different picture. Over 60,000 people who divorced in England and Wales in 2013 were over 50, a rise of 11 per cent.

Alongside the slow-down in divorce for younger couples, the Law Society has reported a rise in enquiries for pre-nuptial agreements, with commentators suggesting it’s being driven by parents who are investing in housing to enable their children to get on the property ladder, but wishing to protect family money against any future marriage breakdown.

Under a previous court order, he was required to pay his ex-wife a lump sum of £13,500 to cover arrears of child maintenance, £1,150 in monthly maintenance for his eight-year-old daughter and to contribute £5,500 towards his ex-wife’s legal costs. Despite having had substantial income and assets when the order was made, he had only partially met those obligations and had unilaterally decreased the amount of child maintenance, which had fallen more than £4,000 into arrears as a result.

The Court imposed a 14-day prison sentence, but suspended the term for 28 days to give him an opportunity to pay all outstanding sums.

If your ex-partner fails to adhere to the rulings of the court - for example as regards maintenance or access to children, an experienced and capable solicitor can assist you to make sure the situation is resolved.

South East London solicitors Grant Saw LLP offers friendly, professional legal services including an initial one hour consultation for a fixed fee of £100 to all clients in respect of relationship breakdown and/ or issues concerning children. For advice, contact Mandeep Clair on 020 8305 4235, mclair@grantsaw.co.uk, or Michael Dear on 020 8305 4238, www.grantsaw.com.

Family law expert Mandeep Clair of Grant Saw solicitors explained: “Older couples may have less to worry about in relation to the impact of divorce on children, but dividing finances will probably cause more concern, as they are more likely to be asset-rich and with valuable pensions.”

She added: “It’s a hard decision at any time of the year and at any stage of marriage, but perhaps the most important thing for any couple is to consider children first and to avoid finger pointing as they go through the process.”

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january february 2017 - families south east

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Education News LOCAL SCHOOLS

Mindfulness classes for five-year-olds

School head’s flight fantastic “Creating a healthy and vibrant school food culture,” was the mantra from keynote speaker, Tim Baker, head teacher at Charlton Manor Primary School, who recently addressed food nutrition experts at an International Conference in Dubai.

Tim Baker opened the keynote session on the challenges, costs, and solutions of childhood obesity which worldwide have doubled in the last 40 years. Tim believes the main reason for that increase is the advent of new technologies like mobile phones, Internet, social media networks, and advanced games that reduce physical activity and the increased consumption of fast food, which carry more sugar, saturated fat and salt.

Mr Baker believes that children learn best when they are active, engaged and enjoying what they are doing. He has found that through gardening and cooking behaviour is much improved and this impacts greatly on attainment. The school uses exercise, food growing and cooking as a vehicle to drive the whole curriculum.

“Healthy food and exercise not only help to build healthy bodies but also help children to concentrate and to focus,” said Tim; “therefore having a beneficial impact on their learning and attainment.”

Charlton Manor Primary School is an award-winning primary school for 3 - 11 year-olds. The school has been awarded the International School Award by the British Council for its impressive partnerships with other schools around the world and the way in which they bring the outside world into the classroom. It is also linked to European schools and others in India, China, Japan and Nepal where it leads in food growing projects and healthy eating.

Read more at www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk.

From Bromley to Broadway A group of girls from Bromley High School headed to New York on a sightseeing trip which included visiting Broadway to see ‘The Color Purple’ The girls visited Ripley Grier Studios, a Broadway rehearsal studio, to take part in a vocal workshop, and later in the day performed a musical about the life of London fashion designer, Mary Quant to a high school in New Jersey. Across the few remaining days, the group performed in New Jersey in a middle school’s assembly; ventured into Central Park to perform an impromptu performance of ‘Let it Be’ to an appreciative audience and, last but by no means the least, took part in a combat workshop at Ripley Grier Studios and learnt to stage fight.

For open day dates, admissions criteria and more school news, go to www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

A local school is aiming to give its pupils the best possible start in life both academically and mentally after launching mindfulness sessions for its youngest students.

The calming lessons were introduced at Bickley Park School by Jon Poole, the new assistant head of pre-prep. He started running mindfulness sessions for his 5-7 year old pupils to give them a chance to take a time out from the busy school day, while giving them a foundation to develop good mental health. He said: “I’ve done quite a bit of research into wellbeing and mindfulness, and while there’s a lot out there for teenagers, there’s not a lot for younger children, Key Stage 1 in particular. Such a vital part of helping pupils have a healthy, happy life is making sure they know how to look after themselves, and taking early steps to help them nurture their mental health is a key part of that.”

Beckenham resident Jon, who studied at St Dunstan’s College, has introduced short sessions after lunch, in which Bickley Park pupils enjoy “five minutes of calm.” He is now working to introduce mindfulness classes throughout the school.

Bickley Park School is an independent prep school for boys aged 21⁄2 - 13 located in Bromley.

Founded in 1918, the school educates 350 boys across its pre-prep and prep sites. Read more at www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk.

NEWS FOR PARENTS

A fearless start to the year Why fearless you might ask? And what does this even mean?

For the maths and English experts at Explore Learning, a child’s educational journey goes beyond acing a quick spelling test or getting to the top of the class for a term. It is about building long-lasting confidence that takes them through their entire life, whether it is through developing a ‘have a go attitude’, or knowing it’s ok to put their hand up without fear of a ‘silly’ question being mocked, or simply feeling excited about their next step. It’s about nurturing a sense of pride, and a fearless attitude to learning, so that every child can become their version of amazing.

The company’s incredible tutors are there to support every step of the way. Rather than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will ask: “are you sure?” or “can you convince me of your answer?”, allowing children to explore and push the boundaries of their thinking each day.

To celebrate the new year and all of the potential it brings, Explore Learning are offering a little something to help your child along their fearless learner journey.

READER OFFER: From 16 January until 28 February, you’ll save £50 when you join an Explore tuition centre. To find your nearest one and book a free trial, check out www.explorelearning.co.uk/offer.

Are you looking for a professional, one to one tutor?

Fleet Tutors has been matching the right tutor to the education needs of students across the UK since 1977. The company’s network of tutors are all subject specialists who tailor the teaching and learning experience to relieve any subject specific anxieties, and help build your child’s confidence so they achieve a successful outcome.

For a helpful discussion about your requirements, speak to a knowledgeable Fleet Tutors tuition consultant today on 020 8580 3911, or go to www.fleet-tutors.co.uk.

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families south east - january february 2017

Tutoring children a head start The tutoring market in the UK is burgeoning.

Figures published at the end of last year suggest that one in four children have sought private tuition and supplementary education to support them at school.

The benefit of reinforcing lessons at school with an outside provider is that it allows parents to ensure their child is keeping up with their peers, and/ or is being stretched to surpass levels in the classroom.

For the first time this year, Year 11 pupils are required to resit English and maths GCSEs if they did not score a C grade, and with just 35.9% of school leavers achieving a C or above, the overall pass rate has dropped.

Kumon Educational offers maths and English programmes for children of all ages and abilities.

The ultimate aim is to encourage students to take learning into their own hands and develop a firm foundation in these key subjects to ensure success at school and beyond.

Visit Kumon.co.uk or call 0800 854 714 to find out more.

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OPEN MORNING TUESDAY 7th MARCH 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction

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Empowering girls to pursue ideals and knowledge unafraid !"#$%%&'()*+$,-&.",/.*,(0*1"/*'(*2!"*,-#"1*%3* * * * * * * * * 4",5635$*)#%5(017*/.'1*$",0'()*8#"8*1-.%%$* * * * * * * %9"#1*,(*%5/1/,(0'()*"05-,/'%(:* * * * * ;")5$,#*%8"(*<%#('()1*,#"*."$0*/.#%5).%5/* * * * * * * /."*/"#<*=."(*>%5*-,(*-%<"*,(0*?%'(*51* * * * * * * * * * %(*,*(%#<,$*=%#&'()*0,>:* * * * * * .(-/01234567()8592:( 859;<25/<:(!=6>=60(-&?(@AB ( ( ( ( ( ( '28C(@D@(EEFE(@GHD(&45I8C(I6J=KL859;<25/<M32M79<==809=4(NNN0L859;<25/<M32M79<==809=4 ( ( ( ( ( (

Senior School Open Morning Friday 10 March 9.15 am – 11.30 am Register for Open Days at www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham High School (girls 11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 senior@schs.gdst.net

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january february 2017 - families south east

9

Education News

Private school places

More music Two thirds of parents can’t name their child’s friend’s parents A recent study has found that many parents are increasingly remote from their child’s social world at school; two thirds of primary and secondary school parents don’t know the name of their child’s school friend’s parents, and three quarters of parents don’t feel as involved in their child’s school life as they would like to be.

Modern work and life pressures are weakening the school gate community, where long-lasting friendships between parents and families are often created.

Classlist aims to connect parents in a world where they spend less time at the school gate than ever before. The free, mobile-friendly service enables parents to get to know one another personally through organising social and fundraising events, lift-shares, playdates and birthday parties.

Alongside social planning, the platform lets parents to communicate about homework, manage lost property and post classified ads.

Parent Teacher Associates and Class Reps are major beneficiaries, with the platform saving them weeks of effort through instant calendaring and ticketing of events; sharing newsletters, and finding volunteers. Most Classlist sites are managed by the school PTA, who also authenticate joiners. The school itself has limited involvement or liability.

Parents can simply search for their school name and once authenticated, join their community.

Read more at www.classlist.com.

Over the next four years the government will provide £300 million to a network of 121 music education hubs to work with schools, local authorities and community organisations to get more young people taking part in music and arts.

Music hubs help hundreds of thousands of 5- to 18-year-olds each year access activities like playing an instrument, singing in a choir or joining a band.

Announcing the funding in November, school standards minister Nick Gibb said: “Music and the arts can transform lives and introduce young people to a huge range of opportunities - whether that is learning to play a musical instrument, understanding local heritage or attending a world-famous dance school. We’re investing more than £300 million over the next four years so that those opportunities are open to all, not just the privileged few.”

Private schools propose offering up to 10,00 free school places a year to children from low-income families in England.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) says if the government pays £5,550 per place - the cost of a place in the state system - the remainder of the cost will be covered by the schools.

The ISC was responding to pressure from the government to do more for their state school counterparts in return for charitable status, which allows for tax breaks. The scheme, which would test some children on academic ability, would be open to primary and secondary school-age children.

ISC independent schools are ranked among the best in the world and educate more than 500,000 children in the UK. Read more at www.isc.co.uk.

Read all about it From starting school to literacy and numeracy, school life, home learning, early learning and special educational needs, Families website is a veritable fount of useful information on all things educational; including local school listings. Far more than we can squeeze into our magazine pages. To read all about it, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/education.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAY DATES Before your visit, check the websites of the schools you are interested in for more information, including whether or not you need to register your interest or book first Rosemead Preparatory School 26 January and 8 March 70 Thurlow Park Road SE21 8HZ www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk Streatham & Clapham High School GDST 10 March senior school 42 Abbotswood Road, Streatham SW16 1AW 7 March prep school and nursery Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR www.schs.gdst.net

Sydenham High School GDST 9 March junior school 15 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6BL 10 March senior school 19 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Thames Christian School 7 March Wye Street, Clapham Junction SW11 2HB www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

School reports“could do better” Schools are now recording more information about the children they teach than ever before. However, over half of parents (57%) feel primary school reports are either too generic or do not contain enough information about how their child is doing - and more than a third of primary school teachers (35%) agree.

Knowing whether their child is happy and confident in class tops the list of information parents want to know from teachers, suggesting that mums and dads do not just want academic results on their reports.

And although three quarters of parents stated that it was very important to have information on happiness and confidence, less than half (46%) reported actually receiving it from their child's primary school.

The research was carried out by Capita SIMS, whose director Phil Neal commented: "The vast majority of parents believe teachers are doing a great job, but the research does indicate that information about how a child is doing in school needs updating. Schools should look at the type of information they send home. Details such as whether a child helped a friend in class or is working hard on a particular project is often just as important as test results."

A free guide is available for parents and schools, which contains a list of questions parents should ask schools about pupil progress, and tips for schools on improving reporting. Download Could do better: is it time to change the school report? from www.capita-sims.co.uk/evolution.

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families south east - january february 2017

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Registered charity numbers 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

A first class education for girls 4 to 18

Open Mornings Junior: Thursday 9 March 9.30am Senior: Friday 10 March 9.30am

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january february 2017 - families south east

11

National Storytelling Week

Author Joanne Harris speaks to Families To mark National Storytelling Week (28 January - 4 February), international best-selling author Joanne Harris spoke to Families about life as a writer, how storytelling has evolved through social media, and gives her advice for those with a passion for writing stories.

The success of Chocolat kick-started your career as an author - was it an easy decision to retire from teaching?

Writing is generally a job that doesn’t make a lot of money, and nearly all writers have another job. For my first three published books I was a teacher and if one of my books hadn’t been unexpectedly successful I would have stayed a teacher. When you reach a certain level of success it’s very difficult to do the two things at once, so I gave up teaching.

I thought then temporarily, and it turned out to be permanent. But it could have been different.

How did it feel when you found out that Chocolat was being made into a film?

I didn’t believe it at first, because books get optioned all the time, but very rarely do they end up making films. I started to pay attention when they started filming, and when they invited me on set, when it was clear something was actually happening. By then it didn’t really have much to do with me, so I was able to enjoy it in a different way.

It was very nicely done, the cast was great, the direction was great, the score was great, and they deserved the success it had.

Do you ever meet people and think they would make a great character in a book?

I’m borrowing from people all the time. It’s part of being a writer, using the experiences you have with people and conversations; things you’ve noticed about them, and you filter them through this process. I don’t think I’ve ever actually put someone in a book, but I think we all borrow extensively from other people around us.

It’s National Storytelling Week in January, what advice would you give to children or adults if they have a passion for writing and want to take it to the next level?

To be a professional writer you have to write, a lot, and understand that a lot of it will be bad but practice makes you better.

So start writing, and don’t worry too much about where you are heading. Also read a lot, because the more you read the more you realise how writing works and why it’s good and why it fails, and just keep improving all the time.

Have you faced any challenges when writing books, and what did you learn from them?

It’s useful to keep an open mind. There is no way you can please everyone all the time. Learn to live with criticism even if you think it is unfair and still do what you are doing. If you are absolutely convinced that your book is a masterpiece, but people read it and think it’s rubbish, then there’s probably some truth in it. However, keep believing you can do it, and learn from mistakes, acknowledge them and move on.

Do you have any new books or projects that our readers can look out for?

I’ve got an illustrated book of the Storytime stories coming out, hopefully next year, called Honeycomb.

I’m also working on a sequel to The Gospel of Loki, which hopefully will come out the year after next. I’ve also got another illustrated project, which may or may not come out next year.

Favourite writing drink?

Tea Favourite writing food?

Toast The best thing about being an author?

Spending my life doing something I love, and getting it out to people who also love it.

For more information on Joanne Harris and her work, go to www.joanne-harris.co.uk.

National Storytelling Week celebrates the art and enjoyment of oral storytelling.

Now in its 17th year, events will again take place in schools, storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes (where this event has been steadily growing each year). From folk tales and fairy lore to figments, phantoms, dragons, serpents and storms at sea, a good storyteller sparks the imagination.

The week is run by the Society of Storytelling.

To find participating events, go to www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week.

Favourite childhood book(s)/ author?

Ray Bradbury - Something Wicked This Way Comes Favourite character you’ve created?

The villain in Gentlemen and Players Favourite book/ story you’ve written?

The Gospel of Loki

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

I’m usually working on more than one thing. Some have taken me 10 years to finish, some only one.

Some I’ve started and then finished 5, 10 or 15 years later. I tend to start things off and then quite often put them on the back burner for a bit, work on something else and then go back. Sometimes I just need to let it lie, do some research, or work out a plot construction.

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© Kyte Photography

You’re very active on social media, do you think this new digital age we’re living has changed the way people tell stories?

I think it’s had an impact on the whole of the book business in a lot of ways, some good, some bad.

What it has done is given us more access to each other and provides a much more interactive side to telling stories I tell my #Storytime stories on Twitter, and you really feel as if you’re talking to people, because it’s a very conversational medium, which is its charm.

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The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

There is much to commend 2017 for, though it’s mainly the fact that it isn’t 2016 (the year that behaved like a right Kevin, had a teen tantrum and then cut off his snivelling nose to spite his sulky face). To borrow from the great L.M Montgomery, she of Anne and her most sensible green gables: “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it?”

Personally, the year is already heaps better by the very virtue of the neighbour’s building work being over with and I’m looking forward to actually enjoying my garden again without the birdsong being accompanied by a concrete mixer, fag smoke and swearing (though unless somebody removes their pug’s voice-box, I fear my own bad language may spoil the view). In Bookland, there is plenty to look forward to should we ever allow ourselves the pleasure of doing the right thing again.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO CALL MY CAT by Simon Phillip & Ella Bailey - Simon & Schuster rrp £6.99.

I know what I call the dog nextdoor... Meanwhile, I’m sure our cat also has a few names for it too. Not least after he has been barked at for a full hour for merely setting paw outside the back door. This is a brilliant idea for a picture book and you’ll recognise the illustrator’s charming style instantly. Funnily enough, I play this game when I can’t sleep - choose a letter of the alphabet and then try and think of as many names for a pet as I can but I have never, it has to be said, come up with anything as excellent as Elton.

ODD DOG OUT by Rob Biddulph - Harper Collins rrp £6.99. A new book by this author is always something to look forward to and here’s proof that not all small dogs are annoying - I challenge you NOT to find a dachshund reading a paperback on a sunbed irresistible. So, this one sets off to find her place in life but, pleasingly, absolutely refuses to conform as she progresses. Atta girl. I think if the world had more sausage dogs in it, there would be no wars.

SOLOMON & MORTIMER by Catherine Rayner Macmillan rrp £6.99. I also like the idea of crocodiles getting some decent press for a change. Our cheery eponymous reptile has a new chum in this follow-up in which the pursuit of fun is top of the watery agenda and this time it is an unsuspecting hippopotamus that is the recipient of their snappy solution to boredom.

I CAN ONLY DRAW WORMS by Will Mabbitt Puffin rrp £6.99. Due in February, the author of the Mabel Jones adventures has come up with something a little more, um, down to earth. Billed as a book to encourage creativity, he insists that there is nothing boring about nature’s little bores.

What geniuses they are.

RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSYTOWN TREASURY Random House rrp £12.50. The aforementioned wriggly invertebrate even has a literary protagonist in

the form of the heroic Lowly Worm, with his cocked trilby and single sneaker. Scarry’s first book was published 75 years ago and yet Busytown seems to be as relevant as ever. Apparently, he constantly updated editions in order to take on board changes in attitudes and technology which is why they seem so timeless. Thus, the gentle but daft inhabitants are as popular now as they were when I was growing up.

In fact my dear late mum claimed she got her very own Mr Frumble when she married my dad in 1961.

Soon afterwards he proved her correct when after filling up, the fender of his MGB Magnet got snagged on the wooden kiosk at the petrol station and he dragged it across the forecourt.

THE LONDON NOISY TUBE by Marion Billet Macmillan rrp £7.99. Truly though, what IS it about things on wheels that fascinates small vulnerable humans? Whether one of Scarry’s hard-hatted kittens on a digger or any of this author’s superb vehicular board books, toddlers can’t get enough of things that go. I mean, before the combustion engine, did they obsess over horse-drawn carriages and farm buggies? Now to add to the allure - voice rises to a shriek of excitement - we have a sound button with a real live “mind the gap” message.

Expect paroxysms from your two year-old.

LOTS by Marc Martin - Templar rrp £11.99.

Tiresomely for a bookseller who has seen it all, the publishing world still treats jumping on the band wagon as a competition sport and therefore the first whiff of a new idea - retro style manuals for boys or girls, adult colouring books, the Ladybird spoofs, the Five Go parodies - triggers a deluge of similar projects. But I confess the recent ‘big book’ phenomenon is one I approve of. While not quite the size of Animalium, this journey across the world is nonetheless visually spectacular. The only problem is finding the shelf space to accommodate the dimensions.

JUST CALL ME SPAGHETTI-HOOP BOY by Lara Williamson - Usborne rrp £6.99. From the eminently accomplished writer of The Boy Who sailed the Ocean in an Armchair, this is an upbeat story about adoption. Imagine discovering that your birth mother had christened you ‘Ace.’ That’s either one too many Jim Carrey movies or some serious ambitions in the tennis dept!

100 WOMEN WHO MADE HISTORY - Dorling Kindersley rrp £12.99. See what I mean? I reviewed the Frances Lincoln Little People Big Dreams series back at the beginning of 2016 - oh, how innocent we were then - and we’ve sold lots of Bloomsbury’s Fantastically Great Women, rrp £6.99 since then too. Suddenly publishing has discovered the female pound and Frida Kahlo, Ada Babage, Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou are flavour of the day all over the schedules. Shame none of them

got to see it in their lifetimes. But I guess with 50% of the population hitherto ignored by the compilers of history books for younger kids, it is gratifying now that those that are living exemplars of achievement also get recognition - step forward Malala and the mighty Serena Williams.

MAMMA by Mina Holland - Orion rrp £20.00.

Speaking of great women of influence, out in February, this is a serving of ‘oral histories’ from the likes of Ottolenghi, Claudia Roden and the glorious Stanley Tucci that explores our connections with a love of grub via the apron strings of our dear mums.

Mine wasn’t a classic cook - as a war babe from Croydon she had some pretty terrible food hygiene habits, not to mention short-cuts (tinned potatoes should be illegal) but my over-riding food memory of her is that her fingertips always smelled of garlic and onions. It could’ve been worse.

HOW TO COOK HEALTHILY by Dale Pinnock Quadrille rrp £20.00. I don’t do diets, have witnessed the danger of obsessing about weight and fads close up and point blank refused to use food as a reward or punishment with my children. It is possibly the only wise piece of parenting I have ever managed (that and always hide your own hand-towel). As a result, give or take the odd mime of vomiting at the table when a bowl of carrots goes past my son, none of mine have hang-ups. My mantra was always fitness over fatness. Doesn’t matter what shape you are so long as you are strong.

THE DEDALUS BOOK OF GIN by Richard Barnett Dedalus rrp £9.99. What? You nearly had the Complete Guide to Nutrients, Carlton rrp £12.99 next, and then I heard myself and thought, nah. One sensible book is enough of a sop to the resolutions industry, let’s have big glass of the beautiful juniper juice and be done with it. I’m sure it counts as one of your five a day. Published by a company hitherto famed for its off-the-wall list of European literary masterpieces, expect an intellectual approach to five centuries of mother’s ruin.

Mindfulness is another key word recently discovered by the trade that is now attached wantonly to anything from colouring books to cookbooks, pet guides to parenting. Talk about Ker-ching! Though I’d argue that now it’s in paperback, MINDFULNESS FOR THE FRAZZLED by Ruby Wax, Penguin rrp £8.99 should be available on prescription to all parents. What is stress anyway other than a first world conceit? Ultimately as the saying goes, no matter how hard parenting gets, you must always be kind to your kids. Because they are the ones that will choose your care home. Yikes.

It would be sage to raise a glass of that gin to their future prospects then, as well as the New Year!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk w w w. f a m i l i e s o n l i n e . c o . u k

january february 2017 - families south east

13

Family Health

Are you feeling SAD? How to cope with winter tiredness and seasonal affective disorder

By Radhika Holmstrom

Most of us find the winter months hard to handle, so here are our tips about how to help your little ones.

There are lots of good reasons children start flagging as the days are dark, our energies dip even if we don’t end up with full-scale Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s cold, dark and depressing. Add in the winter coughs and colds that lay everyone low at some point, and you’ve got a recipe for exhaustion. So what can you do?

Light up One simple thing you can do is make sure you are getting enough natural light. We need daylight to regulate our body clocks; without a shot of it in the morning, in particular, we end up feeling constantly jetlagged. And yes, it does have to be outdoor light - glass filters out quite a lot of brightness. On the other hand, even on a gloomy day, 10 minutes or so of outdoor light should be enough to get you back on track.

Indoors, it may be worth getting a light-up alarm clock too, in order to ease the kids into the day rather than jerking them out of sleep and leaving them tired (and cranky) from the start. And if you feel that the kids - or you! - are constantly exhausted and weepy, think about upgrading to one of the ‘dawn simulators’ that get to the brightness of natural daylight.

Feed up It’s really tempting at this time of year, to hit the comfort food. And certainly, kids need calories!

However, don’t forget that that stodge alone won’t do it. You don’t have to go the full trendy highprotein route but do try in particular to get some iron-rich foods into them because iron helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body - and therefore give us energy.

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Get up (and down) Don’t give in completely to the temptation to let them veg on the sofa. Exercise, especially outdoors, will lift their (and your!) mood and will also wear them out sufficiently to get a better night’s sleep.

On that same note, don’t forget that even when you’re all worn out, a decent wind-down routine and in particular a screen-free couple of hours before bed helps too.

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If you or your kids just can’t get moving, and are feeling weepy, think about upgrading to a full-scale ‘dawn simulator’ which radiates intense light because that is the best way of tackling Seasonal Affective Depression.

Make sure they’re eating properly, and in particular getting enough iron because that helps give them more energy.

Outdoor exercise will also help lift their mood and make them feel less sluggish.

Exercise (indoor or outdoor) will also help tire them out physically. Even if they already seem tired, their bodies need the workout!

A good bedtime routine isn’t just for toddlers we all need to wind down before bed.

Find brilliant brain-food breakfast ideas at Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/breakfast

Quick tips to combat SAD •

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Make sure you’re getting at least 10 minutes of natural daylight every day - even on a gloomy day, it’s still bright enough to ‘reset’ your body clock and stop the wintry feeling of constant jetlag.

A light-up alarm clock is a gentler way to ease everyone into the day.

About the author Based in southeast London, Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.

Contains no nuts Back in 2010, Caroline Brown’s son Callum was enjoying an ice-cream when he suddenly went into anaphylactic shock and was rushed to hospital where he was administered a dose of adrenalin.

After a number of tests, her son was diagnosed with a tree nut and peanut allergy which meant that he was unable to eat not only peanuts but also lentils and peas. Initially, Caroline found it difficult to explain to her son that he couldn’t eat all the things his friends ate including sharing sweets and snacks.

She soon realised that it wasn’t just parents, and adults in a position of care, that needed informing but the children themselves, and their friends, in order to promote understanding and acceptance.

Thus the idea for a children’s book was born.

Brought to life by bright and modern illustrations, Nutti the Squirrel Who Couldn’t Eat Nuts is a fun storybook for parents to read with their young children as well as for primary school teachers and extended families. It combines the sensitive area of allergies within a charming mainstream story book.

Following the story, the last four pages of the book

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are educational and cover ‘living with food allergies, why is my body special, and how the immune system works.”

Every school and every library who have discovered Nutti have taken a copy and have requested an author reading; it has been endorsed by the national charity Allergy UK, and given the thumbs up by Anaphylaxis Campaign.

Caroline lives in Streatham with her two children Callum and Kameron. Since graduating from Hertfordshire University with a BA in social work she has worked with children and families for charities and local authorities. Caroline has completed a Child Counselling qualification and counselled children with the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, and gained an MSC in Child Forensic Studies Psychology and Law. She is also an active member of a Youth Justice Referral Panel.

Nutti the Squirrel Who Couldn’t Eat Nuts is published by Oswald Publishing, priced £8.99 paperback, £6.99 ebook, and available to order from good bookstores and Amazon. Find out more at www.oswaldpublishing.com, www.nuttithesquirrel.com, or follow Caroline on twitter @cbrownauthor.

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UNICORN THEATRE

What’sOn THEATRE , S HO W S AND MUSIC GREENWICH THEATRE

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE

GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk HEAVEN EYES, 12+13 February. Three youngsters run away from their children’s home and sail down the River Tyne on a makeshift raft. Stuck on the mudflats, they meet a strange girl who lives with an old man, Grampa. The girl has a secret only Grampa knows... and he’s not telling.

The production is adapted for the stage by internationally acclaimed children’s author David Almond (Skellig), and is suitable for ages 9 and over. Tickets from £8.50.

WOW! SAID THE OWL, 14 February. The acclaimed children’s book by award winning author Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful story-telling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite. Ages 2+, tickets from £8.50.

MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW, 15 February. You think Science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen before. Explore the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex generating dustbins, dancing paste, vanishing beakers and even exploding Pringle tubes! All ages, tickets from £8.50.

DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON, 17-19 February. Based on the new book by Steven Lee and with magic designed by TV legend Paul Daniels, this spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults, cheeky cool kids and loving little ones alike. Tickets from £11.

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE, Lavender Hill SW11 5TN, 020 7223 2223, www.bac.org.uk MUCH ADO ABOUT PUFFIN, 16+17 February. Traverse stormy seas in this funny tale about a man all alone, a friendly puffin and a whole lot of fuss over nothing. Told with puppetry, beautiful music, and good old fashioned storytelling. 11am and 1.30pm, AGES 8+, £10 adults, £8 children.

FAMILY SATURDAYS. On the last Saturday of every month, families take over BAC for a day of fun, food and free activities. There is something for everyone to get involved with and space for the whole family to chill out and relax. 10am-3pm, check website for details.

d idd i d a nce

COLOURHOUSE THEATRE COLOURHOUSE THEATRE, Merton Abbey Mills, off Merantum Way SW19 2RD, 020 8543 9608, www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk CINDERELLA, weekends until 22 January. Poor Cinderella has to clean the house for her nasty step-mother and ugly step-sisters. But when the Royal Palace announces there will be a ball to find a wife for the handsome Prince and every girl in the kingdom is invited, will Cinderella finally get the fairytale ending she deserves? 2pm and 4pm, tickets from £10.

RED RIDING HOOD, weekends 4 February - 9 April. Little Red Riding Hood is walking through the woods on her way to care for her poorly old Grandma. A fantastic traditional tale with a musical twist and lots of action and excitement. 2pm and 4pm, tickets from £10.

UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com UP CLUB, Saturdays to 31 July. Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free drop-in activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more! Just turn up to join or sign up online for e-news. All the arts and crafts are activities designed for you and your tiny human to create together. There will usually be cutting and sticking responsibilities for the grown-ups. 2noon - 2pm.

BABY SHOW, 30 January - 19 August. Time for a walk, better wrap up warm. Poppers, buttons, zips. Scarf, hat, mittens. Inside out, upside down, back to front. This brand new show is a sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that will keep your little ones rapt. £10 per adult and child.

THE IRON MAN, 24 January - 5 March. Taller than a house, the iron man stood at the top of the cliff, on the very brink, in the darkness. Using paper-cut silhouettes, puppetry and stop-motion animation, Matthew Robins recreates the world of The Iron Man so vividly that you’ll feel you are there. Ages 8+, tickets from £8.

OMNIBUS CLAPHAM OMNIBUS CLAPHAM, 1 Clapham Northside, London SW4 0QW, 020 7498 4699, www.omnibus-clapham.org WOW! SAID THE OWL, 22 January. Based on the acclaimed children’s book by writer Tim Hopgood, Wow! Said the Owl explores the wow-wow world of colours with a curious little owl who is determined to stay awake to see what daylight brings. 11am, 1pm and 2.45pm. Ages 2-5, tickets from £7.

ENSONGLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE, 25 February. A song about science for every letter of the alphabet. Expect atoms, Big Bangs and cells.

Expect X-rays, Y-chromosomes and plenty of zoology. Expect the unexpected. And expect it to rhyme. 11am and 2.30pm, tickets from £7.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com ME... Until 29 January. The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding her feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. A lovely and touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. Ages 2-6, tickets £10 children, £12 adults.

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WOW! SAID THE OWL

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MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On

THE GLOBE THEATRE SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT, 020 7902 1400, www.shakespearesglobe.com THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL AND OTHER HAPPIER TALES, until 22 January. A dark and haunting telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale. This magical production infuses puppetry and music to transport you into the world of the impoverished little Match Girl. For Adults and the bravest of children, tickets from £15.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, Bow Street, London WC2E 9D, 07304 4000, www.roh.org.uk FAMILY SUNDAYS, Last Sunday of each month. Explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Sundays are packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities. Ages 6+, 12-4pm, £5 adults, £3 children.

FIRST OPERA: WELCOME PERFORMANCES. Welcome Performances are for families who have never been to a ballet or opera at the Royal Opera House before. You don’t need to know anything about either - just come along and give it a try. Tickets £5-£20.

BACKSTAGE TOURS. The Backstage Tours include an introduction to the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions.

Each tour is a unique experience, and may include opportunities to see The Royal Ballet in class, or the magnificent backstage technology in operation. Suitable for ages 8+, book first.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE, Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876, www.puppetbarge.com THE RED BALLOON, 14 January - 19 March. The story of a small boy’s friendship with a balloon and the poignancy of a child’s imagination.

Performed using long string wood-carved marionettes, and accompanied by specially commissioned music. Suitable for ages 3+.

SOUTHBANK SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk GONKS, until 15 January. Can you find the Gonks hiding around Southbank Centre? These mythological creatures from Scandinavian folklore were typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season. The Southbank Gonks are a little larger than average and can be found in forests around Southbank Centre’s site.

BUMP ROLLERDISCO, until 22 January. Take to wheels with your family, complete with sparkle, vibes and weekend Djs and special rollerskating performances. Rollerskates available to fit a child’s size 9 to an adult size 14. Child tickets from £6, adults £8.

ADVENTURES IN MOOMINLAND, until 23 April. The first major UK exhibition on The Moomins features more than 40 items of archive material including original drawings and explores the internationallyrecognised stories of the Moomin family through the life of its author Tove Jansson. Tickets from £10.

RAVE-A-ROO, 11 February. A brand new clubbing mash-up of festival fun for the whole family, Rave-A-Roo features live DJs, madcap hosts, bubble walkabout, hilarious interactive performances and fab giveaways.

It’s an epic afternoon in a safe and spotless environment mixed with a kids’ festival. 1-3.45pm, free.

NIMBLE TOTS MUSICAL STORYTELLING, 11-19 February. Hang out with Becky, her cello, and interactive musical storytelling. Experienced cellist, storyteller and workshop leader, Becky entertains with live music, interactive songs, puppets and stories galore. There’s a different adventure every day. Under 5s, 10.30am, free.

WOW HOOP, 10-12 February. Bring along your baby and run away to the circus. In this circus performance for families, the show begins gradually and softly to introduce the liveliness and joy of circus and performing arts to infants. The performance is perfect for babies aged 4 to 12 months, and their parents. Grandparents are also welcome.

Tickets £12 per adult and baby.

FUNHARMONICS: CONDUCTING SCIENCE, 18 February. Just how high can you hear? Exactly how do pieces of wood and metal produce the amazing sounds of an orchestra? And what are the special superpowers of their very own London Philharmonic Orchestra musicians? 12noon, tickets from £10.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL The ROYAL ALBERT HALL, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP, 0845 401 5045, www.royalalberthall.com AMALUNA, until 26 February. Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring show has never before been seen in the UK and marks Cirque du Soleil’s 20th year at the stunning, world-famous venue.

STORYTELLING AND MUSIC SESSIONS, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 17 January. A series of sessions which encourage interaction between parents/ carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. Ages 0-4, 10am and 11.30am, £5.

LILY AND BEAR, 14 February. A truly magical tale about the give and take of friendship. Lily and Bear play pirates, sing, and partake in all manner of bear activities, discovering the joys of sharing along the way.

11.30am and 2pm.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com BABE, THE SHEEP-PIG, until 5 February. Meet the little pig with big dreams in a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and bravery.

The classic children’s novel comes alive with plenty of laughter, thrills, stunning puppetry and original music. Ages 5-11, tickets from £12.

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS, 11 February. The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the comedy circuit doing their thing for children and their families. Age 6+, 2.30pm, tickets from £9.

HOW TO HIDE A LION, until 26 February. When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It’s not easy - lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy! Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens’ magical book comes to life with playful humour, dazzling puppetry and original songs. Ages 3-6, tickets £12.50 adults, £9 children.

THE PARTY, 14-18 February. The cake is made, the presents have arrived, and the music is playing - it’s going to be the best birthday ever.

Enter a cyclist, a man dressed as a giant chicken and a mysterious stranger as this topsy-turvy celebration spirals out of control! Age 3-7, tickets from £10.

THE GIANT JAM SANDWICH, 23-26 February. One hot summer day, when 4 million wasps invade the village of Itching Down, everything changes. The picnickers panic and the farmer stops haymaking. Luckily Bap the baker has an ingenious idea to bake the biggest wasp trap ever.

Age 3-7, tickets from £10.

CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA, 0844 871 7620, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk CIRQUE BESERK, 18-21 January. Cirque Berserk! brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry and adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers, death-defying stunt men and the award-winning clown, Tweedy. Tickets from £12.

BEN AND HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM, 27 - 29 January. “Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very very small...” From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation - live on stage. Tickets from £17, children from £15.

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, 18+19 February. Michael Rosen’s award-winning book is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in a fun-filled adaptation with catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. Tickets from £11.50.

THE NUTCRACKER, 22+23 February. Tchaikovsky’s rousing and familiar score, sumptuous sets and fabulous costumes, make this magical production of The Nutcracker a visual feast for every audience.

Follow little Clara’s adventures as her world is transformed into a magical snowy pine forest and then into a colourful Kingdom of Flowers. Tickets from £27.50, £10 off for under 18s.

02 ARENA 02 ARENA, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, www.the02.co.uk/events THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR, 25 February. The final eight X Factor 2016 contestants have taken to the road for the live arena tour. 1pm and 6.30pm.

STAR WARS IDENTITIES, Until September. Rediscover the unforgettable characters of Star Wars in a whole new way, through an exclusive collection of 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the Star Wars films. Explore what makes the characters of Star Wars who they are, and take on an interactive identity quest to discover your own personalised Star Wars character. Tickets from £10 children, £20 adults, £48 families.

EV ENTS AND AT TR AC TIO NS THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London, an animal corner and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday.

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THE ROBOT ZOO, 11 February to 29 October. Where can you meet a robotic rhino, a squid with 18-foot tentacles and a huge housefly with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth? The Robot Zoo houses larger-than-life-size robot animals made from familiar machine parts and gadgets, in an exciting hands-on family exhibition revealing some of nature’s most amazing adaptations. Through interactive games and challenges, The Robot Zoo reveals how a chameleon changes colour, what makes grasshoppers leap so high, and exactly why a platypus looks so strange.

And through other interactive exhibits visitors can try their hand at squid racing, fire a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design their own ‘mutant’ robot creature. Child £4.40, adult £7.70, families £18.70.

HALL PLACE AND GARDENS HALL PLACE, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ, www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk/hallplace RSPB BIG GARDEN WATCH, 28 January. Help the garden staff to identify some of the River Cray’s birdlife. At the bird hide in the nursery, follow the signs onsite. 10am - 3pm, free.

SUPERHERO FEBRUARY, 13-17 February. Dress up as your favourite superhero and make your own hero that will pop up whenever you need them. £4 children, adults free. 10am & 2pm, book first.

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RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

WOW HOOP

SOUTH LONDON BOTANICAL INSTITUTE 323 South Norwood Road, Herne Hill SE24 9AQ, 020 8674 5787, www.slbi.org.uk DYEING FROM DINING, 15 January. Learn how to create beautiful colours and patterns on paper and fabric from a range of botanical kitchen waste. Make your own fabric and paper samples to take home.

11am-2pm, from £30, book first.

WINTER PLANT ID, 21 January. Using microscopes, take a closer look at what you are eating from a different perspective. There will be seeds and plants parts to explore, or take your own plants that you would like to have identified. 11am-1pm, free drop in for all ages.

YOUR SENSES, 14 February. A chance for children to see, touch, smell, taste and hear the botany on their plate. 10am-12noon or 2-4pm, £2 per child, £5 per family, book first.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

TOAD TO THE RESCUE, 13-17 February. Join a costumed storyteller for fantastic tales from the ‘Wind in the Willows’. Sessions run from 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm and 4pm, free.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel.

It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

BACH TO BABY, 9 February. An innovative classical babies’ concert created by mum and pianist, Miaomiao Yu, inspired by Handel. 10.3011.30am, adults £10, children free.

VICTORIAN STREET GAMES, 14 February. Go on an adventure inspired by Victorian street games, in this free family workshop. Join artist Isobel Manning to learn about the outdoor games that children played in the nineteenth century and make your own game to take home.

Sessions through the day from 10.30am to 3.30pm, ages 5 plus.

MUSICAL STORYTELLING, 17 February. Learn about musical games in this interactive story-telling workshop for families. Immerse yourself in the music and sounds of games played by children on the streets of London throughout its history.

Suitable for ages 5-10. Sessions throughout the day from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM, 48 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX, 020 7405 2127, www.dickensmuseum.com See the home where Charles Dickens wrote novels including ‘Great Expectations’, which is still furnished today with his furniture and many personal artefacts. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission £4 children, £9 adults.

THE LADYBIRD LIFE OF DICKENS: AN ILLUSTRATED ADVENTURE, until 16 April. The classic 1965 Ladybird book comes to life in a new exhibition featuring original illustrations and letters between its creators.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London tells the story of wars through the recollection of people who lived through them, both fighting the cause and at home.

Family-friendly attractions a recreated Family in Wartime house, and creative and object discovery sessions for families on Sundays.

Open 10am-6pm daily except 24-26 December, admission free.

SECRET WAR. From the development of MI5 and MI6 before the First World War, to Cold War intelligence-gathering and the contemporary use of highly-trained elite forces, the exhibition examines the facts behind the secrecy and why the need for secret agencies remains a subject of continued debate today.

STAR WARS IDENTITIES

SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.

WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY. The UK’s biggest interactive science gallery is filled with specially-commissioned exhibits and artworks, live science shows, explosive demonstrations and immersive experiences led by the museum’s talent team of science communicators. Day pass £8 adult, £6 child, £22.50 families.

OUR LIVES IN DATA. Information about our lives is increasingly being captured, analysed and used, transforming the world around us. From toys that can understand a child’s personality and smarter public transport planning to new genomic technology that is helping uncover the causes of rare diseases and cancer, big data’s invisible revolution has begun. Ages 8 to adult, free.

SCIENCE NIGHT, 4 February. A special overnight event featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum. Ages 7-13.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

COLOUR AND VISION. Discover the earliest life on Earth and trace the evolutionary history of colour and vision.

Find out how early interactions gave rise to the wide variety of colours that we now see in the natural world. Adults £12, children £6.

DINO SNORES, once a month on Saturdays. Discover what really happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home. Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day. Tickets £60.

GALLERY CHARACTER, 20, 27 January, 3 and 10 February. The greatest fossil hunter ever known was Mary Anning. Meet the museum’s Mary Anning gallery character and hear stories about her life as a pioneering 19th century fossil hunter in Lyme Regis.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Find out more about London’s history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

ARCHITECTURE TALES, 12-19 February. How did the Great Fire change buildings in London? How about the Blitz? Design and make your own timeline of London’s architecture at this art drop in. Then discover the stories these buildings can tell us about famous events in London’s past. Drop in workshop from 12.30-2pm and 2.30-4pm, free.

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THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM

FIRE! FIRE! Until 17 April 2017. The museum’s most theatrical exhibition to date combines a variety of sights, sounds, smells, textures and interactive exhibits to immerse visitors in the events leading up to, during and after the Great Fire of London in 1666. From an imagined Pudding Lane, a giant AV panorama of London on fire and a restored 17th-century fire engine, the exhibition has plenty of star attractions.

Handle Great Fire artefacts, examine them more closely with microscopes and X-rays, try your hand as a firefighter in an interactive touch screen game and listen to audio extracts from original letters written by terrified Londoners. Then follow in Christopher Wren’s footsteps and build your own vision of London. Under 5s free, adults £8, children from £4.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands CHINESE NEW YEAR, 28 January. Celebrate the year of the rooster at a special family festival. Fill a tray of togetherness, try your hand at paper cutting, fashion a zodiac-inspired mobile, listen to traditional Chinese stories, take part in a dragon dance and much more. All ages, 12noon 4pm, free.

STORY SEEKERS FAMILY TOURS, Sundays to 30 April. Join a member of the host team to learn about life in London as you hear, see, feel and smell the past in these multi-sensory, interactive family tours.

Ages 5+, 1.45pm, free.

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CROSSRAIL, 10 February - 3 September.

See the most complete range of archaeological objects unearthed by the Crossrail project, and discover the story of this great feat of engineering.

All ages, free.

HALF TERM SPECIALS, 11-19 February. Throughout half term the museum will host a series of free workshops, craft sessions and storytellers with a different, London-based theme each day. Ages 5 plus.

Toad to the Rescue 13–17 February 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm

Free admission

The fantastic stories from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ are brought to life by our costumed storyteller in these fun and interactive sessions. No booking required.

10:00am–5:00pm Share your experience Monday to Friday.

Closed weekends and boemuseum Bank Holidays. Entrance T: 020 7601 5545 in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum january february 2017 - families south east

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DINOS SNORES AT NHM

FIRE! FIRE! MUSEUM OF LONDON

MUSEUM OF LONDON

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesonline.co.uk then click What's On

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am5pm.

POP-UP PERFORMANCE, 11-19 February. Gaming jumps out of your screen and onto the stage in this interactive performance, including a BSL interpretation on 16 Feb. 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in.

THE IMAGINATION STATION, 11-19 February. Play with space and simple materials on a large scale and create your own monumental environments, 10.30am-5pm. Free, drop-in, for age 3+.

OUT AT SEA: FAMILY FESTIVAL, 11 February. A day-long free family festival to celebrate LGBT History Month at the National Maritime Museum, featuring a sing-along with the London Gay Men’s Chorus, hear thrilling stories of gods, goddesses, mermaids and monsters and explore the history of boys’ and girls’ toys with ‘Let Toys Be Toys’. 11am4pm, for all ages, free.

A MERMAID’S TALE, 13+14 February. Regale in the myths and legends surrounding mermaids and mermen; explore change and transformation in the collection with two creative drop-in family workshops. All ages, from 11.30am and 1.30pm, free.

BEDAZZLED, 13 and 16 February. A fun mask making session inspired by the visually intricate ‘dazzle’ patterns used to camouflage WWI Royal Navy ships to avoid being spotted at sea. Using colourful and bold designs transform yourself and take away your very own dazzle mask.

For all the family, from 11.30am and 1.30pm, free.

CUTTY SARK V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum houses dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails.

There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

THE LOST ROOM, 12-18 February. Put on headphones and enter a private interactive world where your imagination takes flight. Ages 8+, £12 for two people.

BOARD GAME WORKSHOP, 13-15 February. Design and create your own board game to play at home. Ages 7+, £7 per child.

TOY GENERATOR WORKSHOP, 13-17 February. Join artist Amy Brown to become a toy designer, through playing a collaborative card game with your family. Age 4+, £5 per child.

BOARD GAMES REDISCOVERED, until 23 April 2017. Are you a Scrabble champion? A wannabee Chess grandmaster? Or a Monopoly megalomaniac? This exhibition showcases some of the world’s best known and most loved board games and includes hands-on interactives.

CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £7 children, £13.50 adults, from £24 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

CHINESE NEW YEAR, 4+5 February. Celebrate the Chinese year of the Rooster with a paper-cutting workshop, where you can learn to fold, draw and cut out amazing shapes to mark the Chinese New Year and take away your designs to decorate your home. All ages, from 11.30am and 2pm, including in admission price.

STEAM FEST, 13-18 February. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and maths and the week of activities will provide creative opportunities for families to learn together about the science of sailing ships, all whilst visiting one of the finest tall ships in the world. 11.30am3.45pm, included in admission price.

THE QUEEN’S HOUSE GREENWICH ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10 9NF, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection.

It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

THE GREAT EXPLORER is an interactive game for families. Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure.

11am-4pm, free.

GUANGZHOU ART TROUPE PERFORMANCE, 28 January. Catch this breathtaking performance from China’s Guangzhou Art Troupe in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Watch traditional dances and admire their use of puppetry and magnificent costumes up-close.

All ages, 2-3pm, free.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, 29 January. Traditional dance, arts and music for all the family in celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Rooster. All ages, 11am-4pm, free.

EMMA HAMILTON: SEDUCTION AND CELEBRITY, until 17 April.

Largely remembered as the woman who captured the heart of the nation’s hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, Emma was an extraordinary woman in her own right. The exhibition traces her spectacular career from rags to riches and back again through over 200 objects, including paintings and heartfelt letters. £14 adults, £6 children.

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THE QUEEN’S HOUSE, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house Designed in 1616 by Inigo Jones for James I’s wife, Anne of Denmark, the Queen’s House is Britain’s first classical building and a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture.

The newly-reopened House showcases new displays, including over 450 works of art from the National Maritime Museum’s art collections.

Focusing on the people and events key to the building’s creation and history, the collection also reflects its significance today. Highlights include the beautifully restored Tulip Stairs, which in turn have inspired a spectacular new art commission on the ceiling of the Great Hall by Turner Prize-winning artist, Richard Wright. Open 10am-5pm, admission free.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the latest block-buster exhibition. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charge for some exhibitions.

DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE, weekends. Learn, discover and create in the Museum’s digital centre. Free activities and workshops using the latest Samsung digital equipment, enabling children to bring the world’s history and cultures to life through advanced technology.

LIVING IN THE MAP, 28 January. Create a giant 3D map through sculpture, collage and drawing. Explore ideas of how we create our environment, how we navigate the world and what happens if our movements are mapped. Ages 5-11, free, drop-in. 10.30am and 1pm.

FESTIVAL OF MAPS, 25 February. Drop-in activities from storytelling and interactive trails, to musical performances, art making workshops and taster sessions in BSL. Free, all ages. 12-4pm.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

A PLACE OF YOUR OWN, 14-17 February. Explore how people make their homes their own. Make door signs, photo frames, ornaments and more. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm.

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES, 14-17 February. Different activities on different days include Marvellous Mini Rooms, Self Portrait Photos, Printed Pillows, Digital Museum Trails, Designer Phone Cases, Awesome Ornaments and Pet Portraits, and much more - see website for details.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM St THOMAS’S HOSPITAL, 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW, 020 7188 4400, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, Florence Nightingale was a pioneering nurse, writer, and noted statistician. The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates her life and work, through personal material associated with Florence Nightingale, items relating to the Crimean War and nursing artefacts. Open 10am-7pm daily, admission £7.50 adults, £3.80 children.

THE AGE OF THE BEARD, until 30 April. In collaboration with Beard historian Dr Alun Withey, the Nightingale Museum will showcase the best of Victorian facial hair, including some bristly soldiers that Florence Nightingale herself might have nursed. The hairy celebrations are brought up to date with a series of events including beard and moustache trimming and styling in the museum and a quiz to test your beardy knowledge. What is a Soup Strainer? Or a Thigh Tickler? Find out at the Florence Nightingale Museum this winter.

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm April September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50.

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C

HINESE NEW YEAR

IMAGINATION STATION AT V&A

FULHAM PALACE FULHAM PALACE, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA, 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org The Museum of Fulham Palace charts the long history of the palace site, from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. The museum collection includes paintings, archaeology and artefacts. Open noon4pm Sundays, 12.30-3.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, admission free.

HANDS ON ARCHAEOLOGY, 22 January. A rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the palace’s archaeological finds.

Suitable for all ages. Free drop-in, no booking necessary, 1pm-3pm.

THE VENERABLE VICTORIANS, 15 February. Imagine yourself as a Victorian lady or gent, with costumes to try on and a whole host of Victorian themed activities and take-home crafts. Free, no booking necessary. 11am-3pm.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE WWT LONDON WETLANDS, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT, 020 8409 4400, www.wwt.org.uk LEGO ANIMAL TRAIL, until 28 January. Eleven awesome Lego models including a kingfisher, an otter and a swan form a trail to inspire children to build a better future for nature.

PUDDLE JUMPING COMPETITION, 11-19 February. Put on your wellies and wet weather gear and use your imagination to create the biggest splash and throw some shapes in the air for extra style. Free with admission charge.

FULHAM PALACE

CUTTY SARK

WALLACE COLLECTION

NATURE STORIES, weekends until 5 February. Join Wetlands guides by the fire for some stories about wetland creatures and their amazing adventures, then make a birdfeeder from natural recycled materials.

Free with admission.

UDDERLY AMAZING COWS, 19 February. The Wetland Centre’s adorable cows often stand out from the crowd of feathered animals on the reserve and although they aren’t wild, they play a crucial role in managing the wetlands. Learn more about their importance and what the wardens have to do to look after our furry friends.10-11am and 1.30-2.30pm. Free with admission.

SPRING WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES, 25 February - 19 March.

Spot the first signs of spring and see which birds have returned from their winter ‘holiday’ in warmer climates. Enjoy a pond dipping session to see what mini-beasts are about and get creative with nature crafts.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN, 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS, www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk SNOWDROP DAYS, 28 January - 3 February. Thanks to its unique micro climate, the garden has snowdrops in all their glory before the rest of the country. Admire their intricate details close up, and for more, join in with themed walks, talks and workshops.

THE WIGGLY WILD SHOW, 15 February. Discover the wonderful world of animals - such as a pygmy hedgehog, giant snails, millipedes and much more. Ages 4+, 10.30am-12pm or 1pm-2.30pm, book first.

UNWOVEN HISTORY, 16 February. Explore the history of silk through story-telling, exploration and practical activities. Ages 7-16, 10.30am3pm, book first.

CHISWICK HOUSE MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL

ART A CTI VITI ES DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

VANESSA BELL, 8 February - 4 June. Widely acclaimed as a central figure of the Bloomsbury Group, the modernist painter, Vanessa Bell (1879-1961) was a pivotal player in 20th century British art, inventing a new language of visual expression.

This first major exhibition of her work shows approximately 100 paintings, ceramics, fabrics and photographs arranged thematically to reveal her pioneering work in the genres of portraiture, still life and landscape. £14 adults, children free.

LEGACY: PHOTOGRAPHS BY VANESSA BELL AND PATTI SMITH, 8 February - 4 June. Displayed for the first time, the exhibition couples work by the British modern artist, Vanessa Bell and the American musician, writer and artist, Patti Smith. It couples two artists both known for their pioneering creative drive and defiance of social mores, showcasing two different but compatible artistic visions.

ART PLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session.

Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

THE LITTLE DRAW, 8 January and 5 February. Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Luisa Rivera, whose work draws on folk culture, history, and storytelling to create narratives.

1.30 - 4.30pm, all ages.

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS: CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP, 11 February. Children will look at the precious paintings and objects, and write some short pieces to enhance their vocabulary, descriptive powers and use of dialogue. Ages 7-11.

IN THE ROUND: INTRICATE WATERCOLOURS, 14 February. Learn some of the stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and sketch figures and classical scenes found on some of the beautiful maiolica plates before learning how to use watercolour paints to apply glazes, creating rainbow effects and fine details. Then, using all you have learnt you will produce a beautiful round watercolour painting. 10.30am-3.30pm for ages 9-11.

DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: DROP-IN AND DRAW, 14-16 February.

Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities. Artist Hattie Moore will show you how to use drawing as a tool to learn more about the objects and paintings. For all ages. 10.30am-12.30pm.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

REAL ROYAL SILVER, 15 January and 15 February. Create your own silver on paper by transforming paint into shiny metal fit for kings and princes.

CHINESE NEW YEAR, 28 January. Celebrate the year of the rooster by taking part in a fun day of free family activities.

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS, 13-17 February. All week the gallery is hosting art workshops on different themes - check the website for full details.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk The gallery features thousands of portraits of the most famous people in British history, from the 16th century to the present day. Open 10am-6pm daily.

DROP IN FAMILY SUNDAYS. On the third Sunday of every month, families are invited to drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

PICASSO’S PORTRAITS, until 23 April 2017. Picasso’s portraits epitomise the variety and innovation of his art. This major exhibition of over eighty works focuses on the artist’s portrayal of family, friends and lovers and reveals his creative processes as he moved freely between drawing from life, humorous caricature and expressive painting from memory. On display will be portraits from all periods of Picasso’s career and in all media, from the realist paintings of his boyhood to his later ultra-spontaneous canvases.

TATE MODERN TATE MODERN, Bankside, SE1 9TG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk In June, the Tate Modern opened Switch House, an iconic new London landmark which provides ten floors of new display space, performance and installation art, a new restaurant and viewing level. Across both buildings, the museum displays permanent and temporary modern art, free drop-in events, with family-friendly festivals and activities both in the galleries and online. Open 10am-6pm daily, admission free, charges for major exhibitions.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753 - 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

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TATE BRITAIN TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

PAUL NASH, until 5 March. Known as a landscape artist, who engaged with the downland and coastal landscapes of southern England and its ancient past, those landscapes also provided a stage for Paul Nash’s engagements with an international modernism, specifically Surrealism.

The exhibition presents the artist’s major works from his early Symbolist manner, through to the iconic works of the First World War, as well as his landscapes of the interwar period.

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Kumonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maths and English Study Centres help children across the country to realise their potential and we have a number of existing and new business opportunities in your area.

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families south east - january february 2017

Come to our information session on Saturday 28 January in London Bridge or Sunday 19 February in London, Victoria to find out how you could be part of our growing network. Book your place before 25 January to guarantee your place.

Call 0800 988 6573 to find out more.

Missed this date? Why not book onto our next information session instead.

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Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

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