Families SE London Sept Oct 2018 issue 193

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FR EE

TAKE M E

South East

ONLINE N EDITIOin g

with work website links

BACK TO SCHOOL • Open days tips and diary dates

OUT OF SCHOOL FUN • Clubs and classes in southeast London

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS • October 7 is their special day

WHAT’S ON • Where to go, what to see, what do to this autumn

Issue 193 September October 2018

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After a corker of a summer - a glorious, sunny staycation for us this year we’re ready for autumn (big fat house spiders spreadeagled in the bath remind us it’s here).

We are ready for the school run with squeaky new lace up shoes and trousers that aren’t scuffed at the knees (yet), ready to re-enroll with after-school clubs. We’re even ready to wriggle under beds to see if last year’s Halloween costumes will still fit, after a year lurking among neglected toys and dusty cobwebs (did I mention the house spiders?).

Meanwhile if you find yourself twiddling your thumbs while your children are at school and would like to earn some money for Christmas do get in touch - we’re looking for a couple of new team members of our fantastic delivery team.

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3

Local News and Views Fitness for families and fun in the holidays at Dulwich College Sports Club; community projects in southeast London, activities for children and delivery job opportunities with Families magazine

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Education News Local schools’ news, Open Day tips and dates, and number one tuition provider Explore Learning

10

Family Life £500 for new parents, free bullying support workshops, car seat safety, baby babble, and eye care for children with learning disabilities

11

A Celebration of Grandparents Is ‘celebration’ the correct collective noun for grandparents?

It should be. In October they will have their own day when we say hurrah for these special family members

12-16

Clubs and Classes Community centres, church halls and playing fields are springing back to life as venues for out of school activities, and southeast London has plenty to offer

17

Mothers Mean Business Swapping notes with musician Anna Melon, who celebrates the tenth anniversary of Boppin’ Bunnies this year

18

email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

NEWS FO R PA RE NTS Classes now included with membership at Dulwich College Sports Club With the children back at school, how about your own new term?

Dulwich College Sports Club runs a huge range of fitness and relaxation classes including Zumba, cardio, aerobics, yoga and more; has a well equipped fitness suite, racket courts and a pool, all run by sports professionals. Family-friendly, there are plenty of activities for children as well as adults.

AUTUMN OFFER: With no subs to pay until 1 November 2018 there has never been a better time to join your local family-friendly sports club. Check out the facilities and membership offer online. www.dcsportsclub.co.uk

Holiday Drop Off Holiday Drop Off has again improved upon their extremely popular children’s holiday camp and birthday party offerings with an exciting mix of fun filled activities for children aged 5+. If your children simply can’t wait for half term, you can book one of their amazing weekend party packages including their new inflatable assault course, zorbs and Big Splash! pool parties. www.holidaydropoff.com www.eventdropoff.com

Justine’s Book Page Shake the sand out of your beach novels and donate them to a charity shop - making space for some lovely new parents’ guides and picture books for children; reviewed and recommended by Justine Crow

19-23

LocalNews

What’s On Our pick of the best events, shows and workshops to welcome you into autumn Front cover: Model wears F&F check pinny set, ages 1-7, £12 from Tesco, www.tesco.com Xmas issue published 9 November, deadline 19 October

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, editor@familiesse.co.uk

Life in the fast lane On your marks; get set for the thrills of go karting in London Docklands.

TeamSport’s newly redesigned indoor track offers a massive 800m tarmac circuit which ranges from gentle sweeps to punishing hairpins; top-spec 270cc LPG karts and cadet karts for younger visitors.

Small groups, big groups, children’s parties and family days can all be booked now, at their track on Herrington Road, Charlton SE7. www.team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-london-docklands :

www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack

Families South East London

@FamiliesSELon

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 Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

2 Families South East

Can you deliver?

FREE

TAKE

South East Families South East is looking for distributors to deliver our magazines once every two months.

You supply a cheery smile and your time; we supply boxed magazines and a list of the schools, cafes, nurseries, libraries etc who have copies what a team!

The vacant rounds are in Forest Hill, Sydenham and Penge; and Camberwell, East Dulwich, Peckham and Rotherhithe; and can be completed during school hours.

If you have a car, spare time at the beginning of each month and would like a nice little earner while your children are at school, please email editor@familiesse.co.uk for more details.

Issue 193 Septem ber October 2018

BACK TO SCH OOL •• Open Open days days tips tips and and diary diary

dates dates

OUT OF SCH OOL FUN •• Clubs Clubs and and classes classes in in southea southeast st London London

CELEBRATIN G GRANDPARE NTS

•• Octobe Octoberr 77 is is their their special special

day day

WHAT’S ON

•• Where Where to to go, go, what what to to see, see, what what do do to to this this autumn autumn

familiesonline.co.u k

familiesonline.co.uk

ME HOM

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‘Mother Bear’ supports local mothers-to-be Congratulations to The Brun Bear Foundation, who reached their fundraising target with their ‘Mother Bear’ family day in Bromley at the beginning of August. Thanks to a well-attended, day-long parenting and family event, the charity is able to fully fund wellbeing wallets for expectant mothers at Lewisham Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital for a full year.

Established in 2015, The Brun Bear Foundation supports charities and projects focused on medical research into infant and childhood illnesses; animal welfare with particular emphasis on bears; and community projects in the London boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham.

It all began with two bears... the charity has an intriguing story which you can read about and support online. www.brunbearfoundation.uk

A new sensory garden for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice Grant Saw Solicitors has had close links for some time now with the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Bostall Hill, London SE2. When the firm became aware that the hospice was planning to undertake a major re-design of an area in their gardens, they decided to help out with a donation towards the project.

On a sunny evening in June, the hospice opened its doors to all those who helped with the garden both physically and by the donation of funds and the garden looked stunning.

A plaque was unveiled, including Grant Saw as one of the organisations which provided funding. The wonderful outside space will provide a safe, peaceful and easily accessible haven for patients and also a place for their family members to be when the doctors are attending to the patient.

With offices in Blackheath, Greenwich and Sidcup, Grant Saw Solicitors LLP provide a range of legal services and businesses including family law matters. www.grantsaw.com www.communityhospice.org.uk

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ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Make time for music September is an exciting time in every calendar - the start of a new school year and the beginning of new adventures. For parents it is a natural point when we think about how best to support our children and equip them with the tools they need as they take on new challenges.

Many families will be considering courses and classes.

Whether music, sport, drama, dance or STEM, term time courses are a great option, but it can be difficult knowing which one to choose. If you are considering extra-curricular lessons for your child then here are a few tips from The Strings Club head office team, all gained from experience as mums and dads and education professionals.

• Make it fun. It goes without saying that your child has to have fun. If this first box isn’t ticked then they won’t be interested in the class and it will have a negative impact. Make sure your chosen course creates an exciting atmosphere, meet the team if you can, just like at our Discovery Days.

• Make it rewarding. In our experience children gain the most when they are rewarded for their progression. Whether, like our weekly music lessons, your chosen course has incentives and a nationally recognised scheme such as Music Medals from ABRSM, make sure there is something which helps your child understand that they are doing well so they can feel good about themselves and encouraged all the time.

• Boost development. You understand that your child’s time is precious that’s the reason you are considering the course after all. Make sure you look out for how your chosen course talks about the positive impact it has on your child, what they will learn and how it will help them fulfill their potential. If they are seriously on their game they will have a personal report just as we do in our Term Time Courses.

The Strings Club office are busy getting ready to launch their Term Time Courses - weekly music lessons lovingly developed and specifically designed for beginners aged 4-11 - on Saturday 29 September: “We run our Term Time Courses because we know from experience that engaging in music has a powerful impact on a child’s life, everything from developing skills, building confidence and boosting educational attainment.”

Call 0121 296 9204 or read more online. www.thestringsclub.org

Boppin’ Bunnies live on stage at OnBlackheath Festival Boppin Bunnies founder and local entrepreneur Anna Mellon was involved in a near fatal road accident last year and is very proud of Boppin’ Bunnies in its 10th year celebrations after being rushed for life-saving surgery by the NHS. Recent performances by the Boppin’ Bunnies team at OnBlackheath, led by Anna Mellon and Claire Pearcy, were a real triumph for the local entrepreneur who told us: “I honestly never thought I’d get back to the business side so positively and quickly, let alone perform in front of thousands of families at a festival. I feel privileged to be in this position and can’t wait to continue celebrating our 10th anniversary with local children and parents.”

Boppin’ Bunnies was launched in Blackheath & Greenwich by local musician and mother of two, Anna Mellon. It is renowned for its award winning Music Classes and Interactive Music Events.

Over the past ten years Boppin’ Bunnies has sold out venues across London, hosted events with CBeebies’ Andy Day and performed at Camp Bestival and Beautiful Days music festivals.

Boppin’ Bunnies proves that exposure to live musicians, real instruments and great recordings, engages and brings enrichment to children and adults alike. The Boppin’ Bunnies team are role models that prove; Local community, friendship, teamwork, unique & high quality music services coupled with the ‘live life to the full with a smile’ attitude, are the secret to success. www.boppinbunnies.co.uk

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E D U C AT IO N N E W S Colfe’s School celebrates 20 years of educating girls and boys together In September 2018 Colfe’s enters its twentieth year of educating the girls and boys of southeast London. Originally founded by Abraham Colfe in 1652, the school’s long history as a boys’ school changed forty years ago with the introduction of girls to the sixth form and for the past twenty years it has been co-educational with girls throughout the school from ages 3-18.

Through its award-winning pastoral care programmes, the school makes a particular focus on preparing pupils for real life, not just for exams. Developing the personal and social skills they will need in their home life and their careers, from teamwork and mentoring to budgeting and planning.

Headmaster Richard Russell says: “Real life is co-educational and we think school should be too.

Colfe’s is a school that replicates society at large and prepares its pupils to make the most of their lives in the future. Although we have been fully co-educational for 20 years we are not complacent.

The co-education committee, comprising both teachers and pupils, meets regularly with the belief it is possible, within the controlled environment of the school, to confront the sexism and discrimination which continues to thrive in the less advanced corners of society.”

Colfe’s has always been a local school, reflecting the local mix of families and occupations.

Means-tested scholarships support local children at entry to the senior school, including the fully-funded Leathersellers’ Scholarships Programme for the Sixth Form. 60% of GCSE results are A* or A. At A-level over 80% are A*, A or B; 50% are A* or A and 80% of leavers enter their first-choice university, including Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge.

To book your place on a forthcoming Open Day or to find out more, visit the school’s website. www.colfes.com

Quantum potes tantum aude - dare to do your best Bishop Challoner Junior School pride themselves on an excellent academic education within the strong Catholic ethos of the school. They told Families: “Our pupils are challenged to do their very best in a stimulating and supportive environment. We aim to develop a lifelong love of learning in our young pupils by engaging their curiosity, encouraging them to question and allowing them to explore their own interests and independence. “Our broad curriculum is based on the National Curriculum but not bound by its confines and we offer specialist teaching in many areas. Our skilled teachers are highly motivated and dedicated to the children’s education and well-being.”

Prendergast Ladywell School: “all our students can achieve excellence” Niall Hand, Headteacher of Prendergast Ladywell, tells us about his school: “We believe that all our students can achieve excellence, which is the motto written on the badge of every student in the school.

“We provide an excellent education, with high-quality teaching, a challenging and enjoyable curriculum that supports individual need, and a range of enrichment activities. Students achieve outstanding exam results and become successful lifelong learners. We have the highest expectations for young people, and are ambitious for every pupil. We work tirelessly to support them in achieving their goals, and we expect students to work hard and be resilient in order to meet these high expectations.

“Our caring community insists on tolerance and mutual respect. The knowledge and skills students acquire at our school will equip them for life as confident individuals and responsible members of society. Our students are entitled to post-16 provision at Prendergast 6th Form.

The forthcoming years at the school will be incredibly exciting. We warmly invite you to be part of our community.” www.prendergast-ladywell.com

Applications for entry at 4+ and 7+ for Autumn 2018 entry are still being accepted and the school welcomes enquiries from all potential pupils at all year groups. To book a tour or assessment, contact: admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com www.bishopchallonerschool.com

Choose respect The theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Choose Respect’. Running from 12-16 November, a wealth of free support material is available to help schools and parents raise awareness and embrace the theme of respect. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Ten year-old school girl makes brush time more fun A ten year-old southeast London schoogirl has won an Aquafresh Inventors Academy competition with a toothbrush designed to make brush time more fun.

Giselle, a pupil at Archbishop Sumner Primary School in Kennington, saw her invention actually made, won her class a sleepover at the Science Museum, and £1,000 worth of equipment for her school.

With a shocking 170 operations a day in the UK to remove rotten teeth in children, the Aquafresh Inventors Academy wanted to get children involved in making brush time more fun.

Giselle’s winning design is a ‘Create Your Own’ toothbrush with a number of elements that children can change around to make brush time something that they look forward to every day.

Giselle clinched the title by scoring highly for innovation, creativity, quality and effectiveness from the judges: Dominic Wilcox, Chief Inventor at Little Inventors, representatives from the Science Museum and Aquafresh. The judges commented: “There is a shortage of technical skills and experience in STEM, especially in young girls, and to see so many creative inventions come in has been truly inspiring. We whittled down almost 400 entries to find our winner and it was such a difficult decision.”

The new Aquafresh Advance range is widely available in Boots and other retailer stores with a £2 rrp. See the website for tooth brushing tips, including a free singing timer download. www.aquafresh.co.uk www.archbishop-sumners-primary.lambeth.sch.uk

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EL

EBRATIN G

C

E DUC AT ION NEWS

YEARS

YEARS

Whole School Open Morning

Senior School Open Morning

Saturday 22 September 9am -12 noon

Saturday 10 November 9am -12 noon

Sixth Form Open Evening

Book your place online today

Thursday 18 October 6pm - 8pm

We - lleyn's

V

Open Events 11, 12 and 29 September and 7 November Co-educational excellence in a caring community for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

11+ and 13+ open events take place on 12 September at 2.00 pm, 29 September at 9.30 am and 7 November at 2.00 pm.

16+ open events take place on 11 September at 2.30 pm and 29 September at 9.30 am.

Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available.

A registration fee waiver is available for those who qualify for pupil premium. @Alleyns_School I 020 8557 1500 Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU

familiesonline.co.uk

PREPARATORY SCHOOL IAPS co-educational school for 3-11 years

www.colfes.com

Alleyn’s School

www.alleyns.org.uk

BLACKHEATH

Overlooking Blackheath and set in five acres of beautiful grounds, this leading prep school offers an outstanding education.

open mornings are held throughout

Regular

when you join us on the term can come and

day.

a normal working

Applications for entry to Year 3 in September 2019 (7+ assessment) are invited and should be received by 1st January 2019.

Bursaries may be available in some of our Prep classes.

4 St. Germans Place, Blackheath, London SE3 0NJ Tel: 020 8858 0692 Email: info@blackheathprepschool.com www.blackheathprepschool.com Company limited by guarantee No. 672569 Charitable Status No. 312732

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E D U C AT IO N N E W S Open Day Tips 3Don’t miss the head teacher’s talk. A good school will have an inspiring, enthusiastic and committed headteacher, supported by a loyal and united management team - and it will show

3Don’t be shy of asking lots of questions - good school staff have nothing to hide and will appreciate your interest. Take your child with you to gauge their initial impressions and to see if the staff are interested in them as well as making a good impression on parents

3In senior schools, look beyond the headline exam results.

Can pupils sit exams in all the subjects they want; are some dissuaded from sitting certain (harder) exams - or even asked to leave (it happens)

3Where do pupils go on to from this school? Is the school realistic 3You’re bound to talk to other parents, and they can be helpful, but and supportive of their students’ next steps?

don’t get pulled along by their tide. Your child is different - do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power

3If you are set on a particular school, do your homework about

whether your child fits its entry requirements. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change

3Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem

motivated and happy? Are they polite? If you have time, pass by at home time. Could you see your child spilling out of the school gates with them?

3Remember that there is no all-round perfect school. Each one has strengths and weaknesses. There’s more than one school that can be right for your child

Bi Bish Bisho Bis Bishop C Ch Cha Chal Challo Challon Challone Challoner Chall School S Sc Sch Scho Schoo Shortlands Shortla Shortl Sh Sho Shortlan Shor Short Shortland A Catholic Independent School for Girls & Boys 3 -18 Years

Open Morning Saturday 15th September | 9.00am

www.dulwichpreplondon.org admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org 6 Families South East

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1.0 1.00 1.00p Contact: admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com www.bishopchallonerschool.com

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EDUCATION NEWS

I N D E P E N D E NT SC H OO LS ALLEYN’S SCHOOL 12 and 29 September, 7 November seniors 11+ and 13+ entry 11 and 29 September 16+ entry 22 September, 4 October and 13 November juniors Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU, 020 8557 1519, www.alleyns.org.uk BISHOP CHALLONER SCHOOL 29 September whole school 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, Kent BR2 0BS, 020 8460 3546, www.bishopchallonerschool.com BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL GDST 6 October senior school, and ‘school in action’ visits 7 and 15 November Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath SE3 7AG, 020 8853 2929, www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net BLACKHEATH PREPARATORY SCHOOL Regular open mornings during termtime 4 St Germans Place, Blackheath SE3 0NJ, 020 8858 0692, www.blackheathprepschool.com BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL GDST 6 October plus regular Taster Events Blackbrook Lane, Bromley, Kent BR1 2TW, 020 8781 7025, www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

COLFE’S SCHOOL 22 September whole school, 18 October sixth form, 10 November senior school Horn Park Lane, Lee SE12 8AW, 020 8852 2283, www.colfes.com DULWICH COLLEGE 13, 19 and 28 September, 6, 17 and 14 November year 7, 12 September, 10 October and 8 November year 9 Dulwich Common SE21 7LD, 020 8299 9263, www.dulwich.org.uk DULWICH PREP LONDON 15 September 38-42 Alleyn Park, West Dulwich SE21 7AA, 020 8766 5500, www.dulwichpreplondon.org ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE 13, 27 September and 11 October junior school, 29 September, 17 November seniors.

10 October sixth form.

Stanstead Road, Catford SE6 4TY, 020 8516 7200, www.stdunstans.org.uk JAMES ALLEN’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL (JAGS) 6 October prep school 2 Dulwich Village SE21 7AL, 020 8693 3465 26 September, 6 and 18 October seniors, 6 October sixth form 144 East Dulwich Grove, SE22 8TE, 020 8693 1181, www.jags.org.uk

OAKFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL 25 September, 16 October and 6 November 125-128 Thurlow Pak Road, West Dulwich SE21 8HP, 020 8670 4206, www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk RIVERSTON SCHOOL 63-39 Eltham Road SE12 8UF, 020 8318 4327, www.riverstonschool.co.uk SYDENHAM HIGH SCHOOL GDST 15 September whole school, 3, 10 and 18 October juniors.

27 September and 6 November seniors, 2 October sixth form, plus regular Taster Events 19 Westwood Hill, Sydenham SE26 6BL, 020 8557 7000, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

ARK GLOBE ACADEMY 2, 4 and 9 October secondary school, 6 December sixth form Harper Road SE1 6AG, 020 7407 6877, www.globeacademy.org ARK EVELYN GRACE ACADEMY 24, 25, 26 and 27 September 255 Shakespeare Road, Herne Hill SE24 0QN, 020 7737 9520, www.evelyngraceacademy.org CHARTER SCHOOL Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24 9JH, 020 7346 6600, www.charter.southwark.sch.uk CHARTER SCHOOL EAST DULWICH 11 Southampton Way SE5 7EW, 020 3873 2290, www.chartereastdulwich.org.uk

ELMGREEN SCHOOL 25 September, 1, 9 and 17 October senior school Elmcourt Road, Tulse Hill SE27 9BZ, 020 8766 5020, www.the-elmgreen-school.org.uk ELTHAM HILL SCHOOL 22 and 25 September, 3 and 12 October Eltham Hill SE9 5EE, 020 8859 2843, www.elthamhill.com FOREST HILL SCHOOL 24, 27 and 28 September, 1 and 2 October Dacres Road, Forest Hill SE23 2XN, 020 8699 9343, www.foresthillschool.co.uk GREENWICH FREE SCHOOL 403 Shooters Hill Road SE18 4LH, 020 8319 3692, www.greenwichfreeschool.co.uk

CONISBOROUGH COLLEGE Conisborough Crescent, Catford SE6 2SE, 020 8461 9600, www.conisboroughcollege.co.uk

HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S HATCHAM COLLEGE Jerningham Road, New Cross SE14 5NY 020 7652 9510, and Pepys Road, New Cross SE14 5SF, 020 7652 9510, www.haaf.org.uk

DEPTFORD GREEN SCHOOL Edward Street, New Cross SE14 6AN, 020 8691 3236, www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk

THE HALLEY ACADEMY Corelli Road, Blackheath SE3 8EP, 020 8516 7977, www.thehalleyacademy.org.uk

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KINGSDALE FOUNDATION SCHOOL 12, 15, 19, 26 and 29 September, 3 and 6 October Alleyn Park, Dulwich SE21 8SQ, 020 8766 7051, www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk LANGLEY PARK SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 9 September Hawksbrook Lane, South Eden Park Road, Beckenham BR3 3BE, 020 8639 5200, www.lpgs.bromley.sch.uk LANGLEY PARK SCHOOL FOR BOYS South Eden Park Road, Beckenham BR3 3BP, 020 8639 4700, www.lpsb.org.uk St MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE Llewellyn Street, Bermondsey SE16 4UN, 020 7237 6432, www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk St PAUL’S ACADEMY Finchale Road, Abbey Wood SE2 9X, 020 8311 3868, www.stpaulsacademy.org.uk PLUMSTEAD MANOR SCHOOL Old Mill Road, SE18 1QF, 020 3260 3333, www.plumsteadmanor.com

THAMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 25, 29 September and 10 October Wye Street, Clapham Junction SW11 2HB, 020 7228 3933, www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

PRENDERGAST LADYWELL SCHOOL 11, 13, 18, and 20 September Manwood Road, SE4 1SA, 020 8613 7490 (primary), 020 8690 1114 (secondary), www.prendergast-ladywell.com

TRINITY SCHOOL 6 October Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT, 020 8656 9541, www.trinity-school.org

PRENDERGAST SCHOOL 12, 13, 19, 21 September Adelaide Avenue SE4 1LE, 020 8690 3710, www.prendergast-school.com

S E C O N DARY SCH O OL S ADDEY AND STANHOPE SCHOOL 472 New Cross Road SE14 6TJ, 020 8305 6100, www.as.lewisham.sch.uk

Schoolwear F&F at Tesco

Open Days The schools we choose for our children have a huge influence on their development and character, from the quality of teaching and enrichment programmes, to possible lifelong friendships.

Added to league tables and Ofsted reports, Open Days provide a tangible experience of the teaching, the space and the range of local schools. Visit with an open mind and take your son or daughter with you; they will see things through a different set of eyes, and their opinion matters.

Some open events welcome allcomers, while others ask parents to book first - check the websites of those you’re interested in for more information.

HARRIS ACADEMY GREENWICH 27 September Middle Park Avenue, Eltham SE9 5EQ, 020 8859 0133, www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk HARRIS ACADEMY PECKHAM 9, 10, 16, 17 October 112 Peckham Road SE15 5DZ, 020 7703 4417, www.harrispeckham.org.uk HARRIS BOYS’ ACADEMY East Dulwich Peckham Rye, East Dulwich SE22 0AT, 020 8299 5300, www.harrisdulwichboys.org.uk HARRIS GIRLS’ ACADEMY East Dulwich 24, 25, 27 September, 3 and 4 October Homestall Road, East Dulwich SE22 0NR, 020 7732 2276, www.harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk HARRIS CITY ACADEMY Maberley Road, Crystal Palace SE19 2JH, 020 8771 2261, www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF GREENWICH 21 Meadowcourt Road, Lee SE3 9DU, 020 3096 0781, www.iaog.org.uk THE JOHN ROAN SCHOOL Maze Hill, Blackheath SE3 7UD, 020 8516 7555, www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk

ROYAL GREENWICH TRUST SCHOOL 765 Woolwich Road SE7 8LJ, 020 8312 5480, www.rgtrustschool.net SEDGEHILL SCHOOL Sedgehill Road, Catford SE6 3QW, 020 8698 8911, www.sedgehillschool.co.uk STATIONERS’ CROWN WOODS ACADEMY 145 Bexley Road, Eltham SE9 2PT, 020 8850 7678, www.scwa.org.uk St SAVIOUR’S & St OLAVE’S New Kent Road SE1 4NN, 020 7407 1843, www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk SYDENHAM SCHOOL 11, 19, 27 and 29 September, 5 October Dartmouth Road, Sydenham SE26 4RD, 020 8699 6731, www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk THOMAS TALLIS SCHOOL Kidbrooke Park Road, Blackheath SE3 9PX, 020 8856 0115, www.thomastallisschool.com St THOMAS MORE RC COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL Footscray Road SE9 2SU, 020 8850 6700, www.stmcomprehensive.org St THOMAS THE APOSTLE COLLEGE 25, 26 and 27 September Hollydale Road, Nunhead SE15 2EB, 020 7639 0106, www.stac.uk.com St URSULA’S CONVENT SCHOOL 70 Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8HN, www.stursulas.com

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Dyslexia Awareness Week 2018

According to a recent Ofsted report, more than a third of parents said homework isn’t helpful to their children in primary school. Many parents said homework was a huge cause of stress for the whole family and had a negative impact on home life. Nearly three quarters thought allowing children more time at school to plan and get ready for lessons through research was a better alternative to homework.

On the plus side, supporters said that homework enables them to feel part of their child’s learning and that it helps them to support that learning with other activities, such as visits to museums and home projects. The discipline, planning and time management skills that homework gives children were welcomed and homework was viewed as a way of promoting independent learning. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ ofsted-parents-panel

Dyslexia Awareness Week (DAW) will take place from 1 to 7 October 2018, with World Dyslexia Awareness Day being celebrated on 4 October.

Good early language and communication skills are crucial building blocks for literacy but last year, over a quarter (28%) of five-year-olds in England finished their first year of school lacking the early language and communication skills expected for their age. This is a gap most will never recover from during their school life and one which has a huge impact on social mobility.

The National Literacy Trust is a founding member of the Department for Education’s new coalition which aims to halve the number of five-year-olds who start school without good early language and communication skills by 2028. The Trust will help bring together leading businesses, tech companies, media organisations, charities and academics for an autumn summit to identify the best ways to give parents the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to support their young child’s language development at home. www.literacytrust.org.uk

The British Dyslexia Association campaign to promote a dyslexia-friendly society, and provide services and information for dyslexic people and all those who support them. A children and school pack will be available during the week, along with links to Local Dyslexia Associations which run courses and helplines, offer befrienders and contacts for local facilities for assessment and tuition. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

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The ups and downs of homework

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E DUC AT ION NEWS

Explore Learning “Emily's school work and self-confidence have significantly improved” Explore Learning provides maths and English tuition to children aged four to 14, with 139 centres across the country. Families caught up with an Explore Learning member to find out more about their experience.

Emily how to prioritise her work whilst completing the work within the required timescales. This was a weakness of Emily's prior to joining but is now no longer a concern to us as her parents - or her school teachers.

How long have you been going to Explore, and why did you decide to join?

How has Explore worked with you as a family?

Emily joined Explore Learning over three years ago. We wanted to help raise Emily's low self-esteem and to provide her with some confidence with her learning and within herself.

What impact has Explore had?

Emily always enjoys her time spent at Explore and finds the experience there fun, calming, challenging and most of all rewarding. Emily has seen for herself the progress she has made at school, which can be attributed to the excellent learning at Explore. This has helped to boost Emily's self-confidence and makes her eager to continue with her sessions each week.

The tutors have provided Emily with the tools to enable her to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It has taught

At the end of each session the tutor provides feedback to parents, which helps us to follow Emily's progress. Additionally, the regular parents' meetings have provided us an opportunity to discuss Emily's progression.

There are reports produced by the team for the parents' meeting, which demonstrate our daughter's progress, along with her strengths and weaknesses. We are able to use this consultation time to set any new goals or targets for Emily to work towards.

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore?

We would recommend Explore to any parent/ guardian or child of any school age and of any ability. We would advise them to attend a free

trial session with their child at a centre convenient to them. Once booked, we are sure your child will be hooked! They have knowledgeable members of staff/ tutors who really do care about the children and their on-going learning. Explore offers great staff to children ratios, which enables each child to be able to ask for and obtain help where necessary.

Try it yourself Explore Learning has been voted number one private tuition centre in the UK. Since 2001 they have helped over 200,000 children to achieve their potential. They get to know every child as an individual, giving them the space to unlock their imagination and discover the magic of learning. Get in touch with Explore Learning today by calling 033 0124 3802 to discuss your child's need and book your FREE trial.

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F A M I LY L I F E

£500 cash grant for new parents September is officially the baby boom month of the year, with the most popular birthdate confirmed to fall on the 26th of the month (think back to last Boxing Day...)

Despite the likely influx of wellmeaning hand me downs and knitted creations, the number of up-front costs facing new parents is difficult to avoid. Whether it’s buying the baby’s first cot, a stack of nappies, investing in a convertible pram or stocking up on clothes soon to be outgrown all these essential purchases can lead to one big bill for a very tiny person.

Sure Start Maternity Grants are a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. The grants are available to people on certain income-related benefits who are expecting their first child or for those expecting a multiple birth and have children already.

The new baby grant does not impact other benefits or tax credits and doesn’t have to be paid back. And new changes coming into effect earlier this year also mean those who care for a child and go on to have their own baby are still able to benefit from this financial support.

For details and to check for eligibility, call 0800 169 0140 or read more online. www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant

ZAP workshops for bullied children ZAP is a free one-day workshop for nine to 16-year-olds who have experienced bullying.

Run by Kidscape, the workshops are interactive days that focus on assertiveness skills and raising confidence so that young people are able to deal with bullying situations effectively.

Parents and carers also attend a separate workshop on the day, picking up expert knowledge of how to effectively support their children. Run across the country, the next London dates are 11 and 25 September, 16 and 30 October. For more dates, details and free bookings, see the website. www.kidscape.org.uk/zap

Car seat safety Parents are being advised to check their children’s car seats after a new study found that two in three children aren’t safe while travelling.

The What Car? study, created in conjunction with specialist organisation Child Seat Safety found that 59% of children are sitting in car seats that have been incorrectly fitted or are inappropriate for them.

The survey on 3,000 seats, with and without children in them, held at random seat-checking events throughout the UK, revealed that 36% were incorrectly fitted in the car, while 33% of those that had children in them weren’t suitable.

Many of the mistakes were said to be “simple and easy to avoid,” and included tightening seat belts, incorrect head restraints or harnesses being in the wrong position. In the UK, children are legally required to remain in a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

The science of babytalk You thought it was just teenagers who prefer their own kind, eh? Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than adults.

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on 5-month old babies. By using a synthesiser that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices. The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to them for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices.

This doesn’t mean we should give up oohing and aahing in high voices, according to Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University: “Babies do respond to these kinds of sounds. However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.” www.sciencedaily.com

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Equal right to sight Children with learning disabilities in London’s special schools are 28 times more likely to have a serious sight problem than other children.

Around 16,000 children attend special schools in London, including the majority of children with severe learning disabilities or autism. According to SeeAbility, the national learning disability and sight loss charity, up to half of these children are likely to have a problem with their vision, yet alarmingly thousands who desperately need glasses have never received any eye care; many suffering extremely poor vision without anyone knowing about it, impacting on their ability to learn, play and socialise.

16-year-old Abigail, who has autism, is a pupil at Charlton Park School in Greenwich. When SeeAbility tested Abigail’s eyesight they discovered that she was very short-sighted and desperately needed glasses. Her mother Lorraine said: “We had no idea that Abigail’s vision was so poor. Every child with learning disabilities should have access to sight tests and glasses so they can get the education they deserve.”

All children in England are entitled to have a free NHS annual eye test. However, children with learning disabilities are often unable to access or cope with standard eye tests provided in high street opticians or in a hospital clinic. SeeAbility is calling on NHS England to make wide reforms to community eye care for children and adults with learning disabilities and introduce adjusted eye tests in special schools. www.seeability.org/equal-right-to-sight

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Celebrating Glorious Grandparents

By Claire Smith

Grandparents’ Day in the UK takes place on the first Sunday in October - this year it falls on 7 October For those of you less familiar with the history of this important day, Grandparents’ Day was first introduced in 1990 by the charity now known as Age UK. The first British celebrations began in 2008 and the October date was selected to honour the autumn years of a grandparent’s life.

It is worth considering how you would cope without the support of your parents, or parents-in-laws. Terribly? You are not alone.

Recent research from the Baby to Toddler Show has found that 55% of new parents wouldn’t be able to return to work at all without the help of their children’s grandparents.

“According to Grandparents Plus, a staggering 1 million working mothers in the UK rely on grandparents for childcare” The importance of a grandparent in a child’s life is far reaching. An overwhelming 92% of parents say that the involvement of their parents enriches their children’s lives while 84% look to their own parents for parenting inspiration.

The role of a grandparent has never been more vital or appreciated. Whether it’s advice on raising children, giving their time for childcare or supporting busy parents, grandparents are an ever-present shoulder for parents to lean on and, as the research reveals, it does not go unrecognised! And it’s not just the children and busy parents that benefit from the relationships. There is evidence to suggest that increased social interaction for the elderly

is linked to a reduced risk of disease, improved mood, mobility and memory.

Grandparents have a big presence in the lives of young UK children - 21% of new grandparents see their grandchildren daily and 43% see them at least once a week. Two thirds of new parents would in fact, like their children to see even more of their grandparents! For the vast majority of children in the UK, grandparents are regularly on hand to offer support, advice and comfort.

I spoke to Ellie, a nurse, who lives with her partner Ben and daughters Imogen, Beatrice and Matilda. Ellie recognises how much her family has benefited from the assistance of two sets of grandparents: “We have been very lucky to have both sets of grandparents living close by to help with childcare and bringing up our girls. I have gone back to work between having each of our children and having grandparents around has allowed me to do this. I love my job and feel that it is important for my girls to see me going out to work, so me working is beneficial for everyone.

“Our girls’ grandparents take them to amazing places, play games with them and are there for stories and cuddles. They are only able to do certain activities and classes that they love because their grandparents are around to take them when we are working. This means that the girls don’t miss out on opportunities. Having their grandparents around in their lives has enabled us as a family to get so much more out of life.”

Jaimie and Scott, who have one daughter, Martha, are also celebrating the role of grandparents in their lives: “Our parents have been an integral part of Martha’s life since she was born. It was never a feasible option to become a stay at home mum.

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So, take out your diary or schedule and make a note of Sunday, 7 October.

Grandparents always love a home-made card or gift - better still being treated to a lunch or trip out where they are not on duty!

About the author Claire Smith is marketing manager for The Baby to Toddler Show, which returns to ExCeL London on 18 and 19 November, and the NEC in Birmingham from 24 to 26 November.

The shows are organised by Clarion Events, organisers of The Baby Show, the hugely popular pregnancy and parenting event which attracts over 70,000 people each year. For more information and advance tickets, see the website. www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk

Silver Sunday Grandparents’ Day is held on the same day as Silver Sunday. On 7 October, organisers up and down the country will be hosting free events and activities for older people, in celebration of their contribution to society. www.silversunday.org.uk

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“My parents encouraged Martha with her crawling and walking. At the moment, they sing nursery rhymes with actions and she is picking these up. If my dad is doing DIY, he involves Martha if he is able to.

“I am extremely grateful that my parents are able to look after Martha. Nothing ever seems to be a bother for them and they really do love having her.”

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Southeast London

Clubs and Classes It’s that time of year again. Just as the school year has started, community centres, church halls and playing fields are springing back to life as venues for out of school activities.

Here in southeast London there are so many activities to choose from, enriching life outside the classroom and providing a new source of friends.

Aren’t they busy enough already?

Good point, but busy doing what? When downtime means our children choose just to ‘be’, whether watching clouds pass, raindrops running down the kitchen window, picking up a book or colouring, it can be a healthy, mindful space. However, if they’re forever battling foes on Fortnite, glaze-eyed browsing on your tablet, or picking fights with their siblings, then you all need inspiration. Which is where we come in.

What, why, where?

Sport and fitness As a population, we’re eating too much processed, fatty and sugary food and not exercising enough; and rising levels of childhood obesity are a real cause for concern. According to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, 5-12 year-olds should exercise for at least 60 minutes every day. This figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside.

The easiest way to make sure your child is getting enough exercise activity is to walk everywhere you can (standing on their scooter while you pull them along doesn’t count!), and include at least one physical activity as an out of school interest.

Playing sport doesn’t just improve physical health - a study by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority found that the adrenaline boost to pupils’ brains from games helps them concentrate on lessons, so reading and writing skills receive a boost too.

CRYSTAL PALACE GYMNASTICS, preschool to teens, Crystal Try these: TENNIS-4-KIDS, ages 2-11, www.tennis-4-kids.com TUMBLETOTS, ages 6 months to 7 years, www.tumbletots.com DULWICH COLLEGE SPORTS CLUB, classes for all ages from children to adults, www.dcsportsclub.co.uk MICROSPORT, ages 2-8, www.micro-sport.co.uk MINI ATHLETICS, ages 2-7, www.miniathletics.com RUGBY TOTS, www.rugbytots.co.uk CRYSTAL PALACE DIVING, beginners to international levels, www.crystalpalacediving.co.uk LITTLE KICKERS, ages 18 months - 7 years, www.littlekickers.co.uk

Palace Gymnastics at www.facebook.com SOUTH EAST LONDON TENNIS, children to adults, www.southeastlondontennis.com TRY TIME KIDS RUGBY, ages 2-7, www.trytimekidsrugby.com/dulwich DULWICH RIDING, Horse riding for ages 6 to adult, www.dulwichridingschool.co.uk ALL STARS CRICKET, ages 5-8, www.allstarscricket.co.uk WALTERS TAEKWONDO, children to adults, www.walterstaekwondo.com

Dance Dance is a great form of exercise and a natural instinct witness the small child jiggling around to a catchy rhythm.

Dance promotes SOUTH LONDON DANCE spacial awareness, SCHOOL poise and correct body alignment, accepting the body and being comfortable in it, along with social skills and acquiring a sense of commitment and determination in order to achieve progress.

There are many dance styles to choose from, from the timeless ballet to contemporary dance, jazz, tap and the cool routines seen in pop videos.

Try these: DIDDI DANCE, preschool from 18 months, www.diddidance.com DANCE ON BROADWAY, children to adults, www.danceonbroadway.co.uk SOUTH LONDON DANCE SCHOOL, children to adults, www.southlondondanceschool.co.uk PERFORM X STREET DANCE, ages 6-12, www.perform.org.uk BABYBALLET, preschool classes, www.babyballet.co.uk ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS, ages 18 months to adults, www.better.org.uk/timetoperform SUNSHINE BABY BOOGIE, parents and carers with babies in slings, www.facebook.com/SunshineBabyBoogie

School support If your child is struggling in class, and you’ve exhausted both your own and the school’s additional resources, it may be worth looking into external support. In London particularly, tutoring is par for the course in helping children reach their potential, or to boost their skills and confidence in a smaller setting.

Try these: EXPLORE LEARNING, maths and English tuition, ages 4-14, www.explorelearning.co.uk KIP McGRATH, English and maths, year 1 to A’level, www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/foresthill YES TOUCH TYPING, all ages, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk SPARK 4 KIDS, computer coding, ages 5-14+, www.spark4kids.com FLEET TUTORS, all ages and areas, 020 8580 3911, www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Music

Performing arts

As a group activity, music encourages teamwork, co-operation and respect for others.

Music is also believed to help spiritually and emotionally by developing the ability to communicate, and bringing a sense of wellbeing and ‘wholeness’.

If your child is keen on music but the only tunes you play are streamed through your smartphone, don’t worry - there are plenty of qualified, keen professionals out there. What your child needs from you is interest, support and encouragement.

Try these:

For most students, drama classes lead naturally from the dressing up role-play games they’ve enjoyed at home.

At an all-round theatre school they’ll come away with singing, dancing and acting skills.

It introduces them to music beyond the YouTube scene, and teaches them to express themselves in other ways than just shouting. Some find they ‘have a voice’ and go on to join a choir or take up an instrument. They may be invited to get involved with charity performances or semi-professional engagements including TV and radio appearances.

Drama classes really help children to come across well at interviews for schools, universities and colleges and in later life with job interviews and making presentations.

ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS, ages 18 months to adults, Try these:

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD CLASSES, ages 4-9, www.funkymonkey.info THE STRINGS CLUB, ages 4-11, www.thestringsclub.org BOPPIN’ BUNNIES, from three months, www.boppinbunnies.co.uk ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS, ages 18 months to adults, www.better.org.uk/timetoperform BEA’S BABY MUSIC, ages 0-3 years, www.babymusic.co.uk MONKEY MUSIC, 3 months - 4 years, www.monkeymusic.co.uk LITTLE FOLK NURSERY RHYMES, babies to preschool, www.littlefolknurseryrhymes.com MUSIC GIGGLES, ages 3 months to 4 years, www.musicgiggles.com

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD CLASSES

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STAGECOACH, ages 4-16, www.stagecoach.co.uk PERFORM, ages 4-12, www.perform.org.uk JIGSAW, ages 3-18, www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk TYI’S YOUTH ACADEMY, ages 1-18 years, www.tyisyouthacademy.co.uk

www.better.org.uk/timetoperform FREEDOM ACADEMY, ages 3-18, www.freedomacademy.co.uk MONTAGE THEATRE, ages 3-18, www.montagetheatre.com STUDIO 23, ages 4 to adult, www.studio23performingarts.co.uk/classes

Languages

Arts and crafts

Many Londoners are bi-lingual or even multi-lingual, and learning a new language helps children to appreciate other cultures.

Children’s classes are designed to be fun, typically using songs, games and puzzle sheets to build vocabulary and improve accents.

Most schools do not introduce foreign language tuition until children reach secondary school; yet learning a foreign language from an earlier age is much easier. Young children are very receptive to new sounds and learn without inhibition or the self-consciousness that afflicts many Brits as soon as we venture abroad.

Try these:

Art and some form of crafts have become an easy target for school timetable cutbacks which is a real loss because as well as developing self-expression and imagination, these skills complement and assist literacy and numeracy skills by providing a balanced and creative outlet.

Try these:

OLE KIDS, www.olekids.com LINGOTOT, www.lingotot.com LE CLUB FRANCAIS, www.lcfclubs.com ECOLE GRENADINE, ages 3-15, www.ecolegrenadine.com

JUNIOR WRITECLUB, ages 7-13, www.spontaneousproductions.co.uk ALL FIRED UP CAFE, drop in for all ages, www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk INKHEAD CREATIVE WRITING, ages 7-14, www.inkhead.co.uk THE LITTLE ART-VENTURE CLUB, ages 4-6, 8-11 and 9-14, www.conservatoire.org.uk SPARKS MOVIE MAKING CLUB, ages 7-14, www.sparks-ignite.com LONDON MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES, many of whom run regular art and craft workshops. Check out our What’s On listings to find in drop-in events.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Club News Boosting children’s self-esteem and life skills with Perform A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential.

Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential - even those who are shy and reserved.

“Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows.

The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.

“Classes are small with both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.”

Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children.

“Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within five or six classes, they will run in without waving goodbye” reports Karen.

Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions at their venues in Blackheath, Greenwich, West and East Dulwich, Beckenham, Eltham, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Herne Hill and Hither Green; with additional Perform X street and hip-hop dance classes in Blackheath and Sydenham. For more information, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

A confident start with Jigsaw Performing Arts Children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape cold, wet weekends.

The classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends.

With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near you. For more information, call 020 8447 4530 or see their website. www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

16 Families South East

A career in performing arts Freedom Academy have gained a reputation within the industry as one of the go-to schools for young talented grounded performers. For those children wanting to further their career within the performing arts, Freedom Academy groups have been chosen to perform on CBBC, at The O2, the Southbank Centre and most recently on ITV’s Keep It In The Family.

The Saturday School in Dulwich acts as the perfect springboard to go on to train at top full time schools, with many students currently studying music and theatre at the world-famous Brit School.

Freedom Academy leads the way in part time performing arts training. Through fun technique classes children are provided with a host of opportunities to learn new skills, develop confidence and celebrate their individuality. Students aged 7 to 19 attend three x 1 hours and children aged 3 to 6 years three x half hours of acting, singing and dance classes lead by industry professionals and guest workshop leaders from the worlds of TV, theatre and music. The company offers group LAMDA exams, full scale theatre trips and guest tutors and workshops, and its own talent agency. www.freedomacademy.co.uk

Woolwich has talent!

Academy Performing Arts, based in historic Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, is one of London’s “hidden gems”, offering affordable dance and drama classes for children as young as 18 months through to adults.

Offering classes including hip-hop, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Street and Musical Theatre, the Academy encourages children of all ages to get moving and performing in a safe and encouraging environment. With three music studios offering a wide-range of affordable 1-2-1 music lessons in a variety of instruments, plus rehearsal and performance spaces, children can grow their talent and potential.

The Academy holds auditions for its own contemporary performance and Street Dance crew, which perform at major dance events across the UK. Striving for excellence in all its activities, The Academy’s exam results are exceptional and follow recognised syllabus in dance, drama and music. Classes start from 3 September.

Book a free taster session now by emailing academyinfo@gll.org, and find out more online. www.better.org.uk/timetoperform

Stagecoach Dulwich expands A new Stagecoach school will be opening in Adys Road Peckham this autumn, with brand new Early Stages and Main School classes for 4-16 and 6-18 year-olds.

Stagecoach is also offering a two-week trial in Dulwich from mid-September, and is enrolling now for the Forest Hill school. www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich

South London Dance School South London Dance School in Herne Hill provides exceptional dance classes for children from 18 months.

The School Principal, Zoe Dawson, has personally created a unique lower school syllabus for children up to age 6. Carefully constructed class plans teach basic dance movements and positions through use of stories, songs and improvisation. From around age 5 years, the stories and music used in lessons are from some of the world’s most famous ballets, forming an important part of children’s artistic education.

Classes are focused and productive so setting the guidelines for all future learning such as listening and responding to the teacher and turn taking.

Students from age 6 years progress through the highly regarded Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) syllabus in ballet, tap, modern and national dancing.

Limited spaces are now available for new children this term. Read more and complete an enquiry form online. www.southlondondanceschool.co.uk

“I promise that I will do my best...”

Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts meet weekly to take part in a range of activities, games, badge awards and trips. Activities are wide and varied, promoting self confidence, tolerance, teamwork and leadership skills, tailored by age. Beaver scouts are 6-8 yearolds, cub scouts 8-10; scouts over 10 to 14.

Rainbows are 5-7 year-old girls, brownies 7-10, and guides 10-14. A shortage of volunteers sadly means that there aren’t many packs in southeast London, but it’s worth a look. www.girlguiding.org.uk, www.scouts.org.uk

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Mothers Mean Busines Anna Mellon is a musician, the founder of Boppin’ Bunnies and a mother of two. With Boppin’ Bunnies reaching its tenth birthday this year, we caught up with Anna to congratulate her on her success

FSE: Have you always been a children’s music class teacher or did motherhood change your career?

After completing my Music Degree at Goldsmiths College and before having children, I was a specialist music teacher in primary and secondary schools for ten years. I did this in many primary schools across Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth. I also taught at secondary schools and ran choirs. I was the singing tutor at Blackheath High Senior School for many years (as well as their trampoline coach for 4 years!) - don’t ask :) FSE: What happens in a typical Boppin’ Bunnies class?

What makes Boppin’ Bunnies special is that we are a team of musicians who perform live music in every class.

Every Boppin’ Bunnies music class has the brilliant talent of experienced music teachers who perform live on their instrument/s; our unique Boppin’ Bunnies recorded music (I selected a group of talented children from the schools I worked at previously and took them to the Recording Studio to record our Boppin’ Tracks); and high quality percussion instruments through our partnership with Normans Music Shop in Eltham.

At Boppin’ Bunnies we ask adults to engage and interact in our classes. We encourage them to sing and fully participate with their children throughout the music class and to be their role models. This develops the children’s learning and music skills for the future. Boppin’ Bunnies is not a music class where the parents can sit on the sidelines and chat whilst the class is happening. It’s not a ‘drop off’ class. It’s not a playgroup. It’s a fully immersive musical experience for adults and children together.

This makes every Boppin’ music class unique, bespoke and personal.

FSE: You run Interactive Music Events as well - how do they work?

Our programme of Interactive Shows encompasses the music from our workshops and classes. Our Interactive Events take Boppin’ Bunnies to a bigger platform of exciting stages and music festivals. Everything you see on stage in our performances is what families experience in the regular weekly classes with their Boppin’ musician. We have just performed on stage at OnBlackheath music festival.

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FSE: What are your plans for the next ten years?

We have just moved to a new head office at Vincent Road Campus (Plumcroft Primary School). With the assistance of my wonderful EA Hannah Grain and manager Claire Pearcy, I am hoping to grow Boppin’ Bunnies UK wide in the next 5 - 10 years and develop a network of musical parents and children across Great Britain.

FSE: Can you see your children following you into a musical career?

My children are very lucky as my husband Andy is also a professional composer and musician.

Our son Charlie learns the trombone and our daughter Jess learns the trumpet. However they don’t get away with ‘not practising’ in our house. Apologies to the neighbours as well!

FSE: What do you love most about your job?

I love launching classes in new areas like our iconic new Canary Wharf location. But you can’t get any better than teaching Boppin’ Bunnies.

The special moment when the babies’ eyes widen in amazement as you play your violin, clarinet or ukulele close to them, then they crawl over to reach out and touch it, is wonderful.

FSE: How easy or difficult is it to juggle your work and family life?

A total juggling challenge if truth be told! You need to organised and build up a complete family and friends support network to be a successful working parent.

FSE: When you have time off yourself, what do you like to do?

I love running with my doggy Barney in the woods or by the river. I enjoy regular yoga classes and cycling from place to place. I enjoy a bit of solo quiet time in my time off and these activities make me feel refreshed.

FSE: Have you always lived in southeast London? If not, what brought you here?

I was born in Edmonton and grew up in Forest Hill, so I am a Londoner through and through. I have an Italian Nonna and grew up with aunties and family in Bologna, so we visited often and have a lovely Italian connection.

FSE: Do you have a favourite local shop, cafe or park?

That’s hard to choose as I love so many! Ottie and the Bea is my favourite shop as it has so many lovely items. Moca and the lovely cafe in Charlton Park are two of my favourite places.

One of best spots to work for me is on a picnic blanket, on the grass overlooking the City at the top of the hill in Greenwich Park.

FSE: How can readers find out more about what you do?

You can read more about Boppin’ Bunnies (and its sister company Stretto Music - providing musicians to primary and secondary schools for specialist music teaching) on our website.

You can book for a free taster class to try any Boppin’ Bunnies class - but always email to book first, as September spaces are much in demand! www.boppinbunnies.co.uk

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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 head to their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Today’s page comes to you straight from the till.

Yes, when the planets of necessity collide, I am often obliged to do several very important things all at the same time. On this particular occasion, I also have a serious crisis somebody has taken the shop baby. This makes me very cross and not least because I now have to tolerate the grizzling three-year-old who has just scurried up to our play table and found it missing. Granted, when she asked where it was I probably shouldn’t have snarked bitterly that it was stolen. But then again, I could’ve used the word abducted.

BABY’S FIRST BANK HEIST by Jim Whalley & Stephen Collins - Bloomsbury £6.99.

So folks, this is what happens when you let your beloved darlings just walk off with things that aren’t theirs. Frank may be little but, if mum and dad don’t explain that just because he wants something very badly doesn’t mean he can help himself, he’ll become a fully-fledged tea leaf. And a criminal record before starting primary school isn’t a good look. Incidentally, the baby in question is a doll called Patience and by coincidence, I am losing mine. Parents, search your conscience and toy boxes and consider me and the disappointed toddler, not to mention the raft of abandoned purchases while her wailing drives everyone out the door.

BAD BUNNY! by Steve Smallman & Migy Blanco - Scholastic rrp £6.99. “He may look sweet and innocent, but don’t be fooled” it says on the back of this handful of a boisterously illustrated picture book about rules wantonly broken. The blurb may well apply to my second toddler problem who has just arrived to scale the children’s section batting the dusty Elmer mobiles and yelling “Lazeee bum!

Lazeee Bum!” while his Dad has mysteriously discovered there’s a very interesting selection of Noam Chomsky and a comfy kickstool on which to park his at the very back of the shop. Personally I think this craze for infant insurrection is way overrated.

BILLY & THE BEAST by Nadia Shireen Penguin rrp £6.99. The epitome of helpful forbearance (my neighbour’s perpetually barking pug is preferable to the noise right now), I’m now trying to find a picture book for a customer who notes that we have plenty featuring little girls with brown faces but not so many with little boys. Hey, what about it publishers? The Billy we alight upon is also of the heroine species and though we both love her, it’s her cat with a comically resigned mono-brow as he is about to be eaten by the

very same beast in the title that clinches the sale.

100 DOGS by Michael Whaite - Penguin rrp £6.99. Noisy creature number three is a dog called Bertie. And Bertie is afraid. So much so that his owner has to pick him up because he is whimpering behind the delivery boxes. Regular readers will be familiar with my unfashionable opinion that pets of the canine variety are a frightful waste of Hoover bags (see above) but poor shivering Bertie isn’t on the floor long enough to leave any fur behind and shuts up instantly. Unlike the motley pack of fluffmongers featured in this fun picture book who bound, pant, howl, slobber, sleep, scratch, snap and generally pull way too hard on their leads. Believe it or not it says DOGS WELCOME on our door. But it actually means, so long as they are like Bertie.

TREE by Britta Teckentrup - Little Tiger rrp £7.99. And suddenly peace reigns. No customers. Just an open door and the gentle flap of yoga adverts on our notice board. Time then to enjoy this artful depiction of the seasons as observed by a stoic owl that also comes in a rather darling board book edition. As I hold it up and peek through the hole from summer to autumn, I realise I am looking directly at a chap who is waving a sheet of wrap. “Alright if I pay for this on plastic?” No, of course it’s not. It is utterly ridiculous. But I nod mutely through the hole as if I always conduct conversations this way and flash his card at the reader. “Sorry, it’s not contactless,” he grins. So I hand him enough duplicated thermal receipts to fell a forest.

ALASTAIR HUMPHREY’S GREAT ADVENTURERS, illustrated by Kevin Ward Big Picture Press rrp £16.99. Does anybody actually ‘explore’ anymore? Apparently they do, with as much bravery and initiative as their predecessors, including the author of this book.

Here we meet heroes past and present, including sea kayaker Sarah Outen, writers Nellie Bly & Wilfred Thesiger, Jacques Piccard underwater conservationist and dear old Ranulph Fiennes, who cut off the tips of his frostbitten fingers with a buzz saw rather than wait for a hospital appointment.

DEREK THE SHEEP, FIRST SHEEP IN SPACE by Gary Northfield - Bog Eyed Books rrp £9.99. My nephew, Dinky Bill, announced proudly that he didn’t like reading “one bit” before taking me around the treetop walk at Kew and reading aloud lots and lots and lots of bits from the information signs, pronouncing

words that would stymie a teenager. Comics and graphic novels are perfect for reluctant readers and I challenge all haters (I’m looking at you Dink) NOT to laugh at Derek discoing in the field with MC Cowpat.

THE GREAT NORTH WOOD by Tim Bird Avery Hill Publishing rrp £9.99. Forest Hill, Honor Oak, Norwood. This fascinatingly familiar visual exploration for all ages of South East London’s “psychogeography” is a pertinent reminder of what we have lost as well as the significance of the few trees that remain. Nervously replaces empty till roll.

BIRDWATCHING LONDON by David Darrell-Lambert - Safe Haven Books rrp £12.99.

This is a cracking addition to any amateur twitcher’s toolkit also regardless of age, containing ideal locations backed up with photographic evidence of the best places around our green and watery city to spot everything from peregrine falcons to yellowhammers. And our local Sydenham Wood, one of the last fragments of the Great North Wood, as well as Crystal Palace Park get sections to themselves so get digging out the bins. No, not the wheelie kind.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL, LONDON Bloomsbury £9.99. Bless them, we have a tourist family staying nearby at that favourite royal residence, the Queen’s Hotel, (imagine the crashing realisation when they finally checked in) and they are after guide-books for restaurants. I rifle through this neat and stylish tome but hastily plop it back on the shelf when I realise it ventures no further south than Herne Hill market (which doesn’t even show on the map included at the back). It’s a good job I can give them personal directions to every decent eatery (and there are many) within a 5 mile radius of Paxton’s head. Perhaps the author lives above Burger King on Leicester Square and can therefore be justified in calling Soho and Chinatown ‘local,’ but Sir Ranulph didn’t lose his fingers because he couldn’t be fagged to explore beyond Shaftesbury Avenue for dinner.

Speaking of which, it is 7pm and as I jingle my keys around the stragglers chatting on their phones and wasting time, I ponder all that I have achieved on my own today. I may not have gone to university, but I have a degree in multitasking. I unpacked a million books, sold a hundred, reviewed a dozen, and didn’t chuck a single one at anyone!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk Twitter @booksellercrow www.booksellercrow.co.uk 18 Families South East

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Families september / october 18 .qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2018 1:58 pm Page 19

THE BABY SHOW

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

What’sOn

CASTAWAY ISLAND WITH PERFORM

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET

THE DIVORCE SHOW

22 September, CHARLTON MANOR PRIMARY SCHOOL, Indus Road SE7 7EF, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Lots of stalls bursting with top quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years, plus a selection of unique baby and children’s businesses showcasing and selling their products. 1.30-3pm, admission £1.50 adults, children free.

19+20 October, HILTON LONDON OLYMPIA, 380 Kensington High Street W14 8NL, www.divorceshowuk.co.uk

6, 13, 20 and 27 October, CHURCH ROAD, Crystal Palace SE19 2EZ, www.flourishingchildhood.com Learn how play can transform your relationship with your child/ren.

These workshops look at the nine forms of Attachment Play based on Dr Aletha Solter’s book Attachment Play. It is lead by Rebecca Sheikh (MA) who is an Aware Parenting Teacher. 11am-2pm, £285 for all four weeks includes tea, cake and a free follow up session.

FRIGHTFUL FINGERS

THE BABY SHOW

MORE

D I AR Y DAT ES FO R G RO WNUPS

THE POWER OF PLAY IN PARENTING

HOILIDAY DROP OFF CAMPS

Information and answers for those who are contemplating or going through divorce. Meet face-to-face with experts in finance, law, wellbeing and parenting who can help demystify the divorce process. Discover how to thrive post-divorce and be motivated that life can begin anew after a split. Speakers include organisations offering tips on health & wellbeing, DIY divorces, retraining for a new career or setting up a business, property investment, personal styling, aesthetics, dating advice and divorce party planners.

19-21 October, OLYMPIA London, Hammersmith Road W14 8UX, 0871 231 0844, www.thebabyshow.co.uk The UK’s biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, with over 200 baby retailers all under one roof, is returning to London.

It’s a fantastic shopping event and will give nervous parents the chance to speak to experts either one to one or hear from them live on stage as they tackle topics such as birth choices, breastfeeding, sleep, post-partum fitness and weaning. As well as show favourites Tommee Tippee, The Gro Company, iCandy, Stokke, Skip Hop and Chicco, an assortment of new exhibitors will showcase their innovative range of pre and post-natal products.

From nursery furniture to feeding equipment, slings to sleep aids, changing products to clothes, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

Tickets £20 on the door, discounted when booked ahead online.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FAIR 29 October - 4 November, LONDON OLYMPIA, Hammersmith Road W14 8UX, www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk Over 825 independent stallholders and small business start-ups showcase and sell their festive produce in a home of Christmas shopping. Browse a plethora of gifts across fashion, home & interiors, decorations, baby and child, pet wear and male grooming; meet the makers and take advantage of exclusive show offers and competitions. A brand new food court offers a variety of catering options, or treat yourself at Mosimann’s pop up brasserie or one of Louis Roderer’s three champagne bars. Open from 10am daily, tickets £28 for unlimited entry, day tickets from £22.50, under 12 children free.

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS AND DAYCAMPS CASTAWAY ISLAND WITH PERFORM 22-24 October, Blackheath SE3, 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk, www.perform.org.uk/castaway Ahoy me ‘earties! Set sail on an imaginative three day adventure filled with song and dance. Climb aboard The Jammy Dodger for a voyage to a tropical island of lush sandy beaches and Caribbean sounds. Joining Long Gone Silver, the Pirates Pants Gang and the Mermaid of the Pink Lagoon, Perform’s team of theatre professionals will take your child on a sparkling adventure using confidence-building games, songs and dances, topped off with a mini-musical performance on the last day. Ages 4-10, 10am-3pm each day, book first.

HOLIDAY DROP OFF CAMPS 22-26 October and 29 October - 2 November, DULWICH COLLEGE SPORTS CLUB, Pond Cottages, West Dulwich SE21 7LE, 020 3488 1410, www.holidaydropoff.com Holiday Drop Off has again improved upon their extremely popular children’s holiday camp and birthday party offerings with an exciting mix of fun-filled activities for children aged 5+! If your children simply can’t wait for half term, you can book one of their amazing weekend party packages including their new inflatable assault course, zorbs and Big Splash! pool parties. See www.holidaydropoff.com or www.eventdropoff.com.

FRIGHTFUL FINGERS MUSIC WORKSHOPS 22-25 October in HERNE HILL, CLAPHAM, STREATHAM AND SEVENOAKS, 01732 457100, www.funkymonkey.info Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes’ spooktastic one day electronic keyboard workshops for 4-8 year-old beginners have a spellbinding Halloween theme and are a perfect opportunity to try out the keyboard and make music the fun way! Children learn in small groups how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. It’s a wonderful, relaxed introduction to practical and theoretical music, and with games, quizzes and art activities all based around music thrown in for good measure, you’ll be amazed how much they can learn whilst having fun!

France with the Family Justine’s family family friendly friendly house house in in Justine’s rural Normandy is available to rent. rural Normandy is available to rent.

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THE SNOWMAN

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

MoreWhat’sOn T H E AT RE SH OWS THE SNOWMAN

THE OLD VIC

22 November - 6 January, THE PEACOCK THEATRE, Portugal Street WC2A 2HT, 020 7863 8222, www.peacocktheatre.com

The Cut, London, SE1 8NB, 0844 8717628, www.oldvictheatre.com WISE CHILDREN, 8 October - 10 November. In Brixton, Nora and Dora Chance - twin chorus girls born and bred south of the river - are celebrating their 70th birthday. Over the river in Chelsea, their father and greatest actor of his generation Melchior Hazard turns 100 on the same day. As does his twin brother Peregrine. If, in fact, he’s still alive. And if, in truth, Melchior is their real father after all.

A big, bawdy tangle of theatrical joy and heartbreak, Wise Children is a celebration of show business, family, forgiveness and hope.

Ages 12+, tickets from £12.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see The Snowman! This enchanting stage show of Raymond Briggs’ classic book, The Snowman, tells the story of a boy and his magical snowman’s wintery wonderland adventure. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied journey to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, Ice Princess, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost. With music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including Walking in the Air, choreography by Robert North and directed by Bill Alexander, The Snowman stage show has become a much-loved festive tradition.

Ruari Murchison’s enchanting design combined with Tim Mitchell’s spectacular lighting delight young and old alike with a captivating mix of dance, live music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS GO WEST Weekends 15 September to 21 October, UPSTAIRS AT THE SYDENHAM CENTRE, 44a Sydenham Road SE26 4QX, www.spontaneousproductions.co.uk Join the three little pigs Patty, Poppy and Purdy who leave their cramped ‘styscraper’ in New Pork and head west, building homes along the way - but watch out for the Big Bad Wolf on the trail! Can they outwit the villainous BB Wolf and become big movie stars in Hollywood?

This magical, musical, curly tail twisting version of the classic tale is conjured up by Jonathan Kaufman’s Spontaneous Productions - the same team who brought you Goldilocks and The Little Mermaid. Expect amazing video effects, highly original songs and dance routines and an unforgettable chase through the American landscape! Ages 3-10, tickets £6 children (under 3s on knees free), adults £12, from Kirkdale Bookshop, 272 Kirkdale SE26 4RS.

SOUNDS AND SORCERY: DISNEY ‘FANTASIA’ until 30 September, THE VAULTS, Leake Street SE1 7NN, 020 7401 9603, www.soundsandsorcery.com A family-friendly experience taking audience members on an interactive journey through The Vaults beneath Waterloo. Wearing individual headphones, experience the music of Disney Fantasia while surrounded by theatrically designed installations, performances and interactions. Tickets from £30.

GREENWICH THEATRE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, 11 September. ‘I love you right up to the moon - and back’. Join Little and Big Nutbrown Hare as they leap off the page into a playful story of love and nature told through puppets, live music and interactive play for children 3 and up.

BING GOES TO THE THEATRE, 17 + 18 October. Bing and his friends are coming to Greenwich in the first ever Bing stage show!

Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of make-believe things don’t always go according to plan. Full of fun, laughter and music, Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.

20 Families South East

CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA, 020 3285 6000, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, 25-29 September.

Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar - A Musical Adventure follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” Tickets from £23.

PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE, 10+11 October. Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of games, laughter and live music. Ages 2+.

THE SPOOKY MAGIC SHOW, 24 October. Join Magic Mr Steve and his faithful friend Rufus the dog as they discover the magical mysteries in a haunted attic. With amazing magic tricks, spooky special effects and hilarious puppets, this is a Halloween themed treat where you might even become one of the stars of the show.

Turn up in fancy dress for the chance to win a prize. Ages 4+, tickets from £11.50.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com BABY SHOW. It’s baby’s first adventure. Join in with a sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that keep little ones rapt. 6-18 months with parent/ carers, £10 per baby and child.

MOUTH OPEN, STORY JUMP OUT, 18 September - 27 October.

Polar bear makes things up. This is about the moment that started it all, and how one little decision set off a chain reaction that changed his life forever. International assassins, secret codes, dog-eating boa constrictors and more emerge when a father disappears and a boy discovers a talent for telling tales. Ages 8+.

ON THE ROAD, 23 - 28 October. Some people feel at home wherever they are. Others spend their whole life looking, wandering, longing for a place to put down roots and call ‘home’.

But what exactly makes a home, what does it mean? On The Road is a wordless story told using sound, dance and movement to explore what it feels like to be a refugee and the universal need we have to belong. Ages 6-12, tickets £10 children, £12 adults.

THE ALBANY Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk SIGMA, 21 + 22 September. Gandini Juggling’s mesmerising new show explores the creative interface between juggling, geometry and classical Indian dance. Performed by a virtuosic quartet of female artists, Sigma showcases exuberant rhythms, patterns and colours, at the heart of which is a unique interpretation of the South Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam.

Ages 8+, tickets £14.

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, 23 September. Have you ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon? With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination. Ages 3+, 1 and 3pm, family tickets £24.

THE SELFISH GIANT, 25+26 October. In a very cold, grey town, not too far from here, hidden behind a crumbling wall and a thousand signs which say ‘KEEP OUT’, lives The Selfish Giant. So selfish he shut away the garden where the children used to play and cursed the town to never ending winter. Oscar Wilde’s classic tale is re-imagined for the stage in Wrongsemble’s magical adventure for the whole family. Ages 5+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7.

BUTTERFLIES, 4 November. Three friends embark on an exciting adventure to chase their butterflies away. They cross new seas to uncharted lands, on a journey filled with discovery. The only trouble is they’re all a bit worried about it! During their voyage the group ride the waves, walk high bridges, skirt deep caves and climb to the sky, before reaching dry land braver than ever before.

Ages 3+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7.

CANADA WATER THEATRE 21 Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR, 020 7525 2931, www.thealbany.org.uk HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, 6 October. When the full moon shines bright there’s magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. Stay up late with flying cows, jazzy cats and runaway crockery and as we jump and jive to the music in a brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme. With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination.

Ages 3+, 1 and 3pm, family tickets £24.

STORIES ON A STRING, 20 October. City girl Jacina must leave her Facebook-fuelled life to travel on a quest for her grandma, into the Amazon jungle. Her journey is full of surprises, as she encounters mythical creatures and discovers her family’s roots!

Stories on a String brings the mysteries of the Amazon jungle to life through live Brazilian music, songs and puppetry. Ages 6+, 1 and 3pm, family tickets £24.

SLEEPYHEAD, 22+23 October. Dad’s usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas. As soon as Dad’s out of the way, Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat and when his friend Rabbit shows up the fun and games really begin! Ages 2+, 1 and 3pm, tickets £7, family tickets £24.

LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE 6 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX, 020 77134 2222, www.leicestersquaretheatre.com CHILDREN’S MAGIC WORKSHOPS, 29 September, 27 October and 24 November, Once a month the Museum of Comedy is transformed into the Museum of Magic. Magicians from the prestigious London Magic Circle and West End Magic present an unforgettable afternoon for children and families alike. Discover the basics of magic and learn tricks using everyday objects which are supplied and you get to keep! At the end of each workshop the children are encouraged to perform for the group and the parents as part of a mini-show, and invited to stay on for a one-hour West End Magic show. Ages 7-13, tickets £15.

STICK MAN, 20 October - 6 January. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Tickets from £16.

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com THE EVERYWHERE BEAR, 13 September - 11 November. The captivating and beautiful story from best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Rebecca Cobb springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets.

Ages 3-8.

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THE POSTAL MUSEUM

APPLE ‘N’ SPICE

SLEEPYHEAD, 21 + 22 September. It’s been a long day for Dad and he can hardly keep his eyes open. All he wants is for Baby to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little shut-eye too.

Dad’s usually got some tricks up his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas. Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs. Ages 2-5.

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS, 3-7 October. Join Sue the Zoo Keeper as she struggles to get mischievous Little Monkey to bed and discovers that numbers are all around us. Keep an eye out as unexpected household objects transform into the doctor, warning “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!” Packed with bold, engaging puppets and music from dub reggae and funky rapping to classical ballet. Ages 2-6.

THE ADVENTURES OF CURIOUS GANGZ, 5-21 October. Does the sun travel around the earth or earth around sun? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? How does electricity travel? The Adventures of Curious Ganz is a fictitious story based on the true life of 16th century copper smelter Joachim Ganz. It is a celebration of the new, the strange, the brave and the curious! Told through design, table-top puppetry, music and a few words, all wildly based on the principles of alchemy. Ages 7- adult.

APPLE ‘N’ SPICE, 12 - 14 October. Introduce your children to Indian storytelling with Apple ‘n’ Spice, an original interactive and multicultural dance performance. This charming new fairy-tale tells the story of two stepmothers: one from the East and one from the West, the plot thickens as their stories entwine. Ages 3-8.

PHOENIX AND TURTLE, 21 and 21 October. Turtle is a homebody. Never left the pet shop. Rarely out of her shell. She prefers to take things slowly. Everyday is the same: wake late, crawl a bit, swim a bit, eat, sleep and repeat. Enter Phoenix. Wild, fiery, a thousand years young. You can’t keep her in a cage for long. A story of friendship and freedom, inspired by the poem by William Shakespeare. Ages 4-8.

INVISIBLE ME, 22 - 24 October. Bo wants to stay up late, eat biscuits and conquer the world. One rainy afternoon, an invisible friend comes bursting into his life, turning Bo’s ordinary world upside down. From the creators of The Dream Factory, House of Stray Cats presents a tale of a friendship like no other. Packed full of puppetry, music, magic (and a sprinkle of mischief), Invisible Me promises to be an unforgettable family experience. Ages 5-11.

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, 25-29 October. Ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon?

With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination. Ages 3-8.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX, 020 7960 4200, www.southbankcentre.co.uk UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL, until 30 September. An amazing line-up of entertainment for all ages, now in its tenth year. Family highlights include Circus Abyssinia, SOAP, Arr We There Yet, Children Are Stinky, Aliens Love Underpants, Metta’s Little Mermaid, Monski Mouse, plus comedy and variety from Dick & Dom. See www.underbellyfestival.com for the full line up.

FAMILY GAMELAN TASTER SESSION, 29 September. Play in a Javanese gamelan percussion orchestra. Ages 6+.

SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT, 27 October.

Expect a time-travelling adventure, meet heroes, step into all kinds of stories and discover the many characters of the orchestra.

There to guide you are 33 musicians, each eager to share the secrets of classical music. After the concert, say hello to the players and try out their instruments. Ages 5-11, tickets £8 adults, £4 children.

M US E U M S A N D EV ENT S GREENWICH MARKET GREENWICH MARKET, Greenwich SE10 9HZ, www.greenwichmarket.london MINDFULNESS FOR ALL, 23 + 23 September. Join a family-friendly Happiness Art Class running during London Design Festival.

HALLOWEEN HALF TERM WORKSHOPS, 24 + 25 October.

Get Halloween ready at stallholders’ crafty workshops over half term - sewing, painting and crafting. 10am-5pm each day.

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN, 26 October. Make your own Halloween outfit with Miss Libby Rose at her free sewing workshops; The Gore Store returns for some scary face painting, creeping storytelling, dancing and a freaky fashion show. Enter your dog in a very special Halloween Dog show. 12noon - 5pm.

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, 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, a butterfly house, and a Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.

PLONK CRAZY GOLF, until 30 September. Enjoy a plonk-tastic day of family fun playing crazy golf in the Horniman Gardens.

AUTUMN WELLY WALK, 6 October. Put on your wellies and explore the insects and plants that thrive along the Horniman Nature Trail in autumn. Have a go at sweep-netting, tree-beating and identifying what you discover. 1.45-3.30pm, ages 5+, children £3, adults £5.

COLOUR: THE RAINBOW REVEALED, until 28 October. Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour and discover how animals use colour to attract and hide.

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HORNIMAN HALLOWEEN FAIR, 27 + 28 October. Meet creepy crawlies up close in the Wild Fangs cave, enjoy spooky storytelling and browse for gifts and treats at the amazing arts and crafts markets and fabulous food stalls. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume! 10.30am - 4.30pm, free.

BUTTERFLY HOUSE. Get up close with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical indoor garden. The specially-planted habitat is the perfect place to experience free-flying butterflies and discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures. Adults £6, children £6, families £15.

DEPTFORD X 21-30 September, in and around DEPTFORD SE8, www.deptfordx.org A free annual festival of visual arts, taking place over 10 days in a wide range of public sites and spaces. Founded by a small group of locally-based artists, it is rooted in Deptford’s thriving creative communities. See the website for the full line-up.

BEDBUGS SLEEPOVER

SOUTH LONDON BOTANICAL INSTITUTE 323 South Norwood Road, Herne Hill SE24 9AQ, 020 8674 5787, www.slbi.org.uk LONDON OPEN HOUSE, 23 September. Visit the house and garden and learn more about the institute’s founder, botany and have delicious tea and cake. Admire displays of the collections as well as art from the artist Raksha Patel. 1-5pm, free.

BEDBUGS SLEEPOVER 21 September, 5 and 26 October, ZSL LONDON ZOO, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY, 0344 225 1826, www.zsl.org/bedbugs-sleepovers BedBUGS is a sleepover with a difference! This amazing experience includes; animal talks, a torchlit tour of the zoo, fun activities, goody bags, continental breakfast, a morning tour of the zoo before it is open to the public, a t-shirt to take home and access to the zoo the day after your stay.

Suitable for children aged 7-15 years, tickets £75.

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 10am-5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

THE BIG DRAW: JOIN THE FLEET, 22-26 October. Climb aboard the boat in the museum Stock Office for inspiration and design a boat fit to sail the seven seas. Which materials will you use for your ship to make it strong and sturdy? What other features should it have? Your imagination is the limit! Enter your masterpiece for the chance to win prizes and see your design displayed on the Bank’s social media pages. 10am-4.30pm, 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.

HALF TERM EVENTS, 23 - 26 October. Children’s workshops will run throughout half term, with different daily themes, all for ages 5+ and free - book on the day.

SYDENHAM FUN PALACE 6 + 7 October, VARIOUS VENUES in Sydenham SE26, www.funpalaces.co.uk Fun Palaces is a grass-roots campaign for arts, science, craft, tech, digital, heritage and sports - run by and for local people. At Sydenham’s first, locals can get involved in creative workshops and outdoor activities in venues including Sydenham Wells Park, Sydenham Centre, the Community library and New Generation Centre, where participants will share their knowledge, hobbies, ideas and interests.

THE POSTAL MUSEUM 15-20 Phoenix Place WC1X 0DA, 0300 0300 700, www.postalmuseum.org For more than 75 years, Mail Rail was a vital part of Britain’s communications network, carrying post along its own underground network, hidden from view beneath the streets of London. Journey back in time through the original tunnels and station platforms under Mount Pleasant to explore the surprising and fascinating story of the first social network. From a jam-packed programme of free workshops and a dedicated playspace, The Postal Museum is London’s newest family-friendly destination. Open 10am-5pm daily.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT, 020 7730 0717, www.nam.ac.uk The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. Through its collections the museum preserves and shares stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities; exploring the role of the army and its relevance today. Free children’s trails cover a wide range of topics and suit a variety of age groups. Open 10am 5.30pm, admission free.

SPECIAL FORCES: IN THE SHADOWS, until 18 November.

Explore the hidden world of the Special Forces in a major exhibition which presents ideas of security and secrecy through the lens of the Special Forces. Discover who these soldiers are, the skills they need, and the operations they’ve undertaken at home and abroad. Admission £8, under 12s free, children £4.

PLAY BASE, daily. Whether your child wants to take on the soft play assault course, climb aboard a truck or prepare scoff in the cookhouse, Play Base lets every child shine. Ages 0-8, £4.50 per child for an hour-long session.

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PEARLY KINGS AND QUEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL

MUSEUM OF LONDON

MoreWhat’sOn VISIT PARLIAMENT Saturdays and school holiday weekdays, HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT SW1A 0AA, 020 7219 4114, www.parliament.uk Did you know that you can tour the building where the government makes all its important decisions? Have you ever wondered where Guy Fawkes hid before he tried to blow up Parliament? Want to see the very spot where Charles I was tried and found guilty of treason? Would you like to know why the Queen is banned from the House of Commons, or why Black Rod has the Commons Chamber door slammed in his face? Book a 90 minute guided tour or take an audio tour through the building where history is made. Family tours for children aged 7 to 12, adults £18.50, under 15s free.

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 noon-4pm Sundays, 12.30-3.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, admission free.

LITTLE GREEN FINGERS, 15 September. Explore how vegetables and flowers grow, with the opportunity to sow, plant, and care for produce and flowers in an exclusive Little Green Fingers bed in the beautiful Walled Garden. Ages 3+ plus parents/ carers, £10.50 per child.

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS’ CLUB, 15 September, 13 October and 17 November. Explore the wealth of archaeology at the palace and discover the past through investigating artefacts and exploring the world around you. Ages 8-16, 10.30am-12.15pm.

OPEN HOUSE, 23 September. Parts of Fulham Palace usually closed to the public will be opened for select tours, offering a rare chance to revel in London’s architecture. The Palace’s regular historical tour will be conducted free on the day. 11am-5pm.

THE GARDEN MUSEUM Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7LB, 020 7401 8865, www.gardenmuseum.org.uk FLOWER FAIRIES, BOTANICAL MAGIC, until 30 September.

Since they first crept out from behind leaves and flowers in 1918 for the Elves and Fairies postcards, Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies have been enchanting and delighting children and adults alike.

A selection of these charming characters will be on display in an exhibition which celebrates the centenary of the earliest publication of Cicely Mary Barker’s first fairy illustrations. See original illustrations for more than 40 of her Flower Fairies designs, drawing extensively from the Warne Archive, Penguin Random House UK. There will also be previously unseen sketchbooks and drawings together with her research materials. The exhibition will be held alongside a number of family friendly events, including cookery workshops which explore the use of edible flowers in food and garden workshops which will allow children to make fairy gardens. Open Sunday to Friday 10.30am-5pm, Saturday 10.30am-4pm, closed first Monday of the month, tickets £10, concs available.

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.

INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES, every weekend. Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work. Drop-in, ages 3-11, 11am-5pm.

22 Families South East

ADVENTURES TO THE DEEP, Sundays to 23 December. Dive through a reef, come face-to-face with a giant squid and see if you have what it takes to survive 3,000 metres below the surface.

Ages 6+.

LIFE IN THE DARK, until 6 January 2019. From the dead of night, to the darkest caves and into the deepest oceans, there is undiscovered life in the dark. Explore the extraordinary diversity of animals that survive and thrive in a world without light in a family-friendly exhibition that delves into the darkest corners of earth to reveal a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem as rich and diverse as any fuelled by sunlight. Under 16s admission free, adults £14 includes a donation.

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.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN, www.museumoflondon.org.uk BLUECOATS IN THE CITY, until 7 October. Founded in 1552, Christ’s Hospital transformed the site of a former monastery into a sanctuary for the City of London’s orphaned and impoverished children, offering food, lodging and an education. Since opening, Christ’s Hospital has now educated, lodged, fed and clothed more than 45,000 children, thanks to donations from the City of London and charitable benefactors. In 1902 the School moved from the City to the market town of Horsham. However its strong bonds to The City of London remain. Delve into the history behind the School’s creation, its iconic historic uniforms and traditional practices, alumni and centuries-long relationship with London.

CELEBRATING THE CIRCUS, 20-28 October. Celebrate 250 years of the circus in this surprising and engaging science show.

Explore the mystery and history surrounding some of the death-defying feats of circus performers, and get involved in balancing a clown on a high wire, make a spring-loaded cannon work, perfect the pressure for a bed of nails and much more!

Ages 5+, free drop-in.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands 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.

ROMAN DEAD, until 28 October. In the summer of 2017, archaeologists in London made the hugely significant discovery of a rare Roman sarcophagus in Southwark. The ‘Southwark Sarcophagus’ has raised international excitement as a rare historical find and is on public display for the first time at the Museum of London Docklands Roman Dead exhibition alongside the skeletal remains of the women that was buried inside it.

Roman Dead reveals the objects people buried with the dead and why, providing a picture of funerary ritual and exploring the latest research into beliefs around afterlife and burial practice.

Throughout the exhibition there are a number of interactive displays to help unlock the mysteries of Roman London for little Londoners. Peer through magnifying glasses to get a better view of some of the smaller objects, handle a selection of Roman artefacts, see if you can put a foam skeleton back together and try and identify smells from different Roman pots.

THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

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.

10.30am-5pm.

FRIDA KAHLO: MAKING HERSELF UP, until 4 November.

Experience a fresh perspective on Kahlo’s compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongings. This exhibition will present an extraordinary collection of personal artefacts and clothing belonging to the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Locked away for 50 years after her death, this collection has never before been exhibited outside Mexico. Tickets £15.

CUTTY SARK 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.

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.

A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME, 20 October - 22 April. Enter an imaginary swashbuckling world of adventure and exploration from a moody coastal inn to a tropical treasure island in search of sparkling riches. This is the V&A Museum of Childhood’s first major exhibition to focus on fictional pirates and their influence in popular culture, featuring key loans from the V&A collections, including toys, games, books, real pirate coins and treasures and more, spanning over 300 years. At its heart, a large-scale pirate ship inspires learning through active play. Admission free.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 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.

NEW GALLERIES, from 20 September. Following a major redevelopment project, Royal Museums Greenwich will open four new permanent galleries this September at the National Maritime Museum. The four new galleries - Tudor and Stuart Seafarers, Pacific Encounters, Polar Worlds and Sea Things - feature over 1,100 objects, giving visitors unprecedented access to its world-class collections.

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H AL LO WEE N E VE NT S UNDER 1 ROOF

A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME

The I O Centre, 9 Skeffington Street SE18 6SR, 020 3247 4417, www.under1roofkids.com RAVER TOTS’ HALLOWEEN RAVE, 20 October. A family rave where children and their grownups can hit the dance floor and let off some steam together! The fun includes face painting, UV lights, bubbles, balloons, confetti and giant parachutes in a rave style atmosphere with some of the UK’s top DJ’s including residents Artful Dodger, Brandon Block, Slipmatt and Nicky Blackmarket.

3pm start, tickets from £6 children, £9 adults, book via the organisers www.ravertots.co.uk.

HORNIMAN HALLOWEEN FAIR

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.

CHARACTER ENCOUNTERS, Saturdays. Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm.

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.

OPEN HOUSE LONDON Various locations, 22 - 23 September, VARIOUS VENUES, www.openhouselondon.org.uk Open House London is the world’s largest architecture festival, giving free public access to over 800 buildings, walks, talks and tours over one weekend in September each year. See the website for the full list.

PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS HARVEST FESTIVAL 16 September, GUILDHALL YARD, Gresham Street EC2V 5AE Dressed in their best dark suits covered in hundreds of bright pearl buttons, the Pearly Kings and Queens of London are a charming and unforgettable sight. Getting together for the biggest event in the Pearly calendar, they celebrate the bounty of the autumn harvest with traditional entertainment in front of Guildhall from 1.30pm, before parading through the streets to St Mary Le Bow Church for a service of thanksgiving.

Expect Morris dancing, maypole dancing, marching bands and lots of colourful characters at this traditional event.

THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR, 0345 084 0900, www.wbstudiotour.co.uk The Forbidden Forest may be strictly off-limits to Hogwarts students, but visitors to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London are invited to defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and follow the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione deep into the grounds of the Forbidden Forest. Get up close to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.

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22-26 October, ELTHAM PALACE and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham SE19 5QE, and 22-28 October at DOWN HOUSE, Luxted Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 7JT, www.english-heritage.org.uk Creepy crafts await at eerie English Heritage properties this half term. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten the staff in a costume competition, and take part in a pumpkin carving sessions - whose face will you create? Pumpkin carving £4 on top of admission fee.

HIGH STREET HAPPENING

GREENWICH MARKET GREENWICH MARKET, Greenwich SE10 9HZ, www.greenwichmarket.london HALLOWEEN HALF TERM WORKSHOPS, 24 + 25 October.

Get Halloween ready at stallholders’ crafty workshops over half term with children’s themed sewing, painting and crafting.

10am-5pm each day.

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN, 26 October. Make your own Halloween outfit with Miss Libby Rose at her free sewing workshops; The Gore Store returns for some scary face painting, creeping story-telling, dancing and a freaky fashion show. Enter your dog in a very special Halloween Dog show. 12noon - 5pm.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN AT HEVER

ENGLISH HERITAGE HALF TERM HORRORS

31 October, Sydenham Road SE26, www.facebook.com/sydenhamtowncentre An annual, young child-friendly trail organised by Sydenham’s high street traders offering treats to little costumed ghouls.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN AT HEVER 20-28 October, HEVER CASTLE, & GARDENS, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk A half term visit to Hever Castle promises spine-tingling fun for all the family. Follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds, get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever in the Castle. Create a ghost puppet in a free creepy craft workshop or decorate a ghoulish biscuit, and you may even win a prize for your scariest costume.

27+28 October, HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Meet creepy crawlies up close in the Wild Fangs cave, enjoy spooky storytelling and puppetry with Sandal Sticks Theatre, and browse for gifts and treats at the amazing arts and crafts markets and fabulous food stalls. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume! 10.30am - 4.30pm, free.

A RT AC T IVI T IES CATFORD ARTS TRAIL

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

29+30 and 6+7 October, CATFORD SE6, www.catfordarts.org Now in its third year, the trail is growing, with more craftspeople, artists and studios showcasing their talents, offering visitors the chance to meet the makers, have a go, and buy locally created, affordable pieces. Last year’s Trail involved 108 artists, 51 venues, 13,000 recorded visits to exhibitors, and several workshops and activities. See the website for a map and event listings.

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.

DULWICH PICTURE 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.

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.

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. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, Soane’s extraordinary collection educates and inspires. Free drop-in family activities run on the third Saturday of every month, 1.30-4.40pm.

SOMERSET HOUSE TATE BRITAIN Millbank SWP 4RG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain A COMMON GROUND, until 29 October. Tate Britain’s front lawns are transformed into a working garden for the stomach, soul and society. Using sensors, voice recognition and sculptures, the garden is destined to instigate sociability. Open every day, visitors are free to bring picnics, relax in the deckchairs provided, or play a game of table tennis. Around the garden, there is a large programme of events happening for community groups and the wider public to enjoy such as summer suppers, jazz brunches, an event to mark Eid-al-Adha and a celebratory harvest festival.

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.

SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Art and culture in the heart of London in a stunning riverside setting. Open daily, admission free with a charge for some exhibitions. Free family workshops run on occasional Saturdays check the website for details. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN! From 25 September. A major new exhibition showcasing the original drawings of the cartoon’s creator Charles M. Schultz, alongside contemporary works inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Tickets from £11.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY 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 and magic carpet storytellling 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.

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