Families London SW June 2018 issue 277

FREE

TAKE ME HO ME

South West

IN THIS ISSUE

Book your child’s summer activities now The best local party entertainers Are you entitled to tax free childcare?

What to do, what to see in June Make your own healthy ice lollies Issue 277 June 2018

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contents June 2018 Issue 277

4-5

News Win tickets to see Dinosaur World Live at Regent’s Park open air theatre

6

Families top 5 activities this month

7-14

Education

South West - Local education news - Is sport the cure?

- Are you entitled to tax free childcare?

Cover Photo Enjoying a picnic at one of our favourite parks: the Rookery on Streatham Common (Model represented by Ray and Robin)

15

Make your own ice lollies Tips for teaching your child to ride a bike

Photo:

16-17 Clubs and Classes.

Don’t miss out: Book ahead!

Jessica Sharp Photography jessicasharpphotography.co.uk

18-22 Parties Special Be on trend with your child’s party in 2018 The best local entertainers, the best parties and the most fun

• Families London South West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. • The contents of Families London South West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London South West.

• Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts.

• Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

Advertise in our next issue. Contact us on 020 8696 9680

24-27 The best local Swimming schools Super useful tips and advice around children’s swimming

28-35 Summer holidays Be prepared for the summer with a range of activities to keep your children occupied this summer

36

Have kids will travel How to stay cool and avoid travel disasters

37-42 What’s On - Diary dates - Babies and toddlers - Theatre - Museums, galleries and days out - Art activities Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon

Tel 020 8696 9680 Editorial editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk News news@FamiliesSW.co.uk Adverts/Artwork adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk Events/Diary Dates/What’s On whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk Next Issue July/Aug 2018 Deadline Early June. ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2018.

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June 2018 • Families South West 3

Survey Testimonials In our May issue we ran a Reader Survey to Win an annual family membership to Dreamland Margate. Here are some of your responses: As a single parent it can be very isolating and having moved to a new area where we don't know many people, Families magazine lets us know of local events suitable for me and my children which allow us to get out and enjoy ourselves whilst meeting other families.

Krissi Binder Families magazine is that rare combination of interesting articles that I enjoy reading over a cup of tea with helpful information pages that I can tear out and put on my pin board so I’m never stuck for things to do with the family at weekends!

Heather Newman I find Families magazine really useful to find unusual days out for myself and my family. We like to try different places and Families Magazine shows all sorts of events going on.

So we always find something new!

Rebecca Pritchard

News Travel Designers best travel agents Travel Designers, a friendly familiar face in the community, has been named Top Travel Agency in London by industry bible the Travel Trade Gazette. Congratulations! The Judges said of Travel Designers: "Local community engagement help the team win plenty of new business—while Travel Designers' exceptionally personalised customer service ensures they come back again and again." Join Travel Designers and the Club Med Team in-store on Saturday 9th June from 11am until 2pm for croissants and bubbles. Your chance to discuss with the experts your next adventure, from mountain resorts to impressive over water villas in the Maldives. There will be a chance to win 7 Nights for two people at Club Med along with exclusive offers only available on the day. Don’t miss it!

8 The Boulevard, London SW17 7BW www.traveldesigners.co.uk

WIN tickets to

Dinosaur Live at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre!

see Dinosaur World Live!

Travel back to a time when giants roamed the Earth in the stunning new interactive stage show. Cross unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.

One lucky reader will win tickets to the mindexpanding Jurassic adventure Dinosaur World Live (14 August – 9 September, ages 3+).

For more information about Dinosaur World Live and other productions visit www.openairtheatre.com All you need to enter is to Like us on Facebook: FamiliesSWLondon Closing date 14 July

Next month: Let us know which one is your favourite London park and why. Some of them are really tucked away and have unusual features, like the sand and water play structure in Norwood. Have you got favourites? Take a picture with (or without ) your child, upload it to our Facebook page or email it to editor@familiesSW.co.uk We’ll publish the best ones in our July/August issue.

Terms & conditions: One reader will win a family ticket (four tickets, minimum one adult) to see Dinosaur World Live at the Regent’s Park Open Theatre, valid for all performances, until 9 September 2018. Subject to availability. Travel and accommodation not included. No cash alternative.

Thames path to open While Fulham FC redevelops its Riverside Stand to increase capacity, the work will also see the Thames Path opened for the first time, for pedestrians to walk all the way from Hammersmith to Putney Bridge! The riverside walkway will be open to the public on nonmatch days, and the development also includes new leisure and retail facilities, plus improvements to Putney Bridge station and a huge investment in the restoration and maintenance of Bishops Park. A great idea, we think!

‘Sponsor a brick’ at Fulham Palace New IDKids store opens in Southside Welcome to ÏDKIDS, the new emporium for children and their parents. The French export will bring a unique range of toys, games and beautiful clothes to the UK for the first time.

The store will offer three innovative brands, each with products designed in-house, for children aged 0-12. www:idkids.com

4 Families South West • June 2018

Fancy becoming a part of history? Fulham Palace has launched a new fundraising campaign to help support the restoration project to renew and restore the Palace, brick by brick. ‘Sponsor a Brick’ will allow visitors the opportunity to sign their name on a brick which will go into the walls of the Palace and be a very special part of the restoration project.

The sponsorship will, quite literally, help build Fulham Palace’s future. To sponsor a brick or find out more about the project, visit www.fulhampalace.org

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News Free cycle skills courses

New cycle routes Kensington and Chelsea’s first Quietway routes are now open and the Royal Borough invites local residents to try them out for themselves.

8km of cycle routes are now in place, designed to make cycling more attractive by providing continuous routes away from roads. The routes are ideal for people who are new to cycling, but provide useful marked links for experienced cyclists too. Councillor Gerard Hargreaves, Lead Member for Planning and Transport said, “Residents are rightly concerned about local air quality and helping more people to cycle is one part of our plan to get people out of their cars, reduce pollution and improve air quality. I’d encourage all cyclists, new or experienced, to try out these routes.”

Children living or going to school in Southwark or Lambeth are eligible for FREE cycle skills courses throughout the summer holidays. Courses (provided by Cycle Confident, in collaboration with local authorities) will be run out of Dulwich Park, Burgess Park, Clapham Common and Brockwell Park. There are courses suitable for complete beginners, those able to ride but not yet on road and those looking to learn some on-road cycle skills. Summer courses will be bookable from July onwards and more information plus booking forms can be found then on the Cycle Confident website www.cycleconfident.com or by calling 020 3031 6730.

Their warm and friendly environment provides a real sense of wellbeing, community spirit, and above all, the motivational group dynamic shared when exercising with other mums. Ask for details on 020 8673 0808 balham@moversandshapers.co.uk

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The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test. The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers. The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools. Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

Fitness classes for mums with babies in tow Do you know Movers & Shapers studios in Balham? They offer an exclusive fitness experience designed to boost your mood and support lifestyle change.

You can bring your bundle of joy along, so they can watch mummy get fit, strengthen her back, abdominals and pelvic floor.

New Times Table Test for Year 4 Pupils

Temperate House restored Kew’s biggest ever restoration project has been completed after a five-year closure of the world's largest Victorian glasshouse, and the Temperate House re-opened on 5 May. After having 15,000 panes of glass replaced and enough litres of paint used to cover four football pitches this glistening glass cathedral will reclaim its place as the world’s greatest glasshouse. It is twice as big as Kew’s Palm House, so well worth a visit! www.kew.org

June 2018 • Families South West 5

Families top 5 activities this month

Here are our top picks of the best ways to spend this June with the whole family…

Century of the child, Nordic design for children 1900 to today.

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout June The 20th century’s most iconic and influential Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been brought together for the first time in this stunning new exhibition at the wonderful Museum of Childhood.

Not now Bernard The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 1 July “There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me,” said Bernard. “Not now, Bernard,” said his mother. David McKee’s iconic picture book, loved by children and adults for over thirty years, is vividly brought to life in a brand new version directed by Sarah Argent (Baby Show, Seesaw). An astonishingly clever, sometimes melancholic and outrageously funny play for children over 3, and a must-see for parents. From £6.

Explore the influences which have helped forge Nordic design and examine how children have inspired some of the century’s most progressive designs, architecture and literature. In celebration of children’s creative freedom, there is a host of Nordic inspired interactives for families to explore and enjoy.

The exhibition runs until September – make sure you don’t miss out!

Open House Families: At home with Sir Richard & Lady Wallace.

The Wallace Collection Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 9 June What was life like in a big house in London in Victorian times? On this interactive family tour, learn not just about the owners of this house Sir Richard and Lady Wallace - but also about their thirty-four servants. Using carefullyselected documents, plans and photographs, as well as the building itself, you will discover all about their jobs and living conditions and discover the secrets of the house before it became a museum. After the tour, design your own room using the Wallace Collection as inspiration. This workshop is suitable for children aged 8+, 11am-1pm, free but booking essential.

We’re going on a Bear Hunt.

Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8DP www.bearhuntlive.com 4 July - 2 September Although it doesn’t open until July, make sure you don’t miss this smash-hit production as it returns to the West End in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick, oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. Ages 3+, from £15.60.

6 Families South West • June 2018

Pirate takeover festival Museum of London Docklands Canary Wharf E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands 16-17 June Ahoy there maties! All aboard for this pirate adventure! Prepare as you set sail on a journey beyond all imagination. Along the way loot the captain’s locker for your fearsome pirate costume, hunt for treasure or sit back, relax and listen to tales of the sea. Who knows, you may even bump in to a few crew members along the way. Come along, bring all, no pirate shall be left behind! This festival has been developed by year 12 students. familiesonline.co.uk

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June 2018 • Families South West 7

Education News

Falcons School for Girls and Peregrines Pre-Preparatory Parsons Green Prep School’s enjoyed excellent 11+ results, with three of the children being offered scholarships this year www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

Falcons School for Girls and Peregrines PrePreparatory School has announced the appointment of Sara Williams-Ryan as headmistress from September 2018. Sara Williams-Ryan will join the Putney-based school, from her role of Assistant Head (Pastoral) at Emanuel School in Wandsworth where she has been a member of the Senior Management Team for 13 years.

Opening in September 2018, Peregrines is a co-ed Pre-Preparatory School which shares Falcons School for Girls’ stunning surroundings and where boys and girls aged 3 to 8 are encouraged to flourish and thrive. Falcons School for Girls is one of London’s Leading Independent Preparatory Schools and is part of the prestigious Alpha Plus Group. www.falconsgirls.co.uk www.peregrinespreprep.co.uk

Forthcoming Open days Burntwood School Burntwood School is a highly successful, popular girl’s school with a mixed Sixth Form.

The school was recently rebuilt and has won the prestigious Stirling Prize for Architecture.

More importantly this means that their students have access to state of the art specialist teaching facilities in the Sciences, Media, Art and Design, Performing Arts and Sport.

They told us: “We believe strongly that all our young people should have the opportunity to study and embrace a varied curriculum that will allow them to access academic, creative and practical subjects enabling them progress to a host of world class further education establishments.”

Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls which proudly holds a CPD Platinum Mark, the EQualities Award, the International School Award, and has UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold status.

The Willow Nursery Good to know: established for over 30 years, this family run, traditional nursery school now offers afternoon sessions. It boasts a unique ethos and fabulous premises, for 2 1⁄2 to 5 year olds.

8 Families South West • June 2018

Helen Shorrock will be the new Principal as of September when the current principal, Helen Dorfman, retires after 16 years at the school.

Burntwood Lane, London SW17 0AQ www.burntwoodschool.com

55 Grafton Square, Clapham Old Town, London, SW4 0DE www.thewillownursery.co.uk

The Willow Nursery

Parkgate House School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Day 9/6 9.30am-12pm 020 7350 2461 www.parkgate-school.co.uk Hyde Park School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 20/6 9.30am, plus the school offers show rounds on Wednesday and Friday mornings 020 7225 3131 www.hydeparkschool.co.uk Queen’s Gate School 4-18 Girls Senior School Open Day 27/6 020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk Hornsby House School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Morning 7/6 9am 020 8673 7573 www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk The Roche School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 13/6 9.30-11.30am call to make an appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk Burntwood School 11-18 Girls Open Mornings 5/7 8.45am 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com St Michael’s CE Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings by appointment only on 4/6, 11/6, 18/6 and 2/7 020 8874 7786 www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk Wimbledon High School 11-18 Girls Junior School (4+ and 7+ entry) 26/6, 3/7 bookings open 1/7) 020 8971 0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net

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THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

THE MONTESSORI CHILDREN

HOLIDAY AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

We provide a delightful environment for children from 2yrs of age. Offering the full Montessori curriculum with visiting teachers for Music, Dancing, Yoga, French, Drama, Sports & Gymnastics.

Local children up to the age of 8yrs are welcome to join in with our fun and creative activity days during school breaks.

School pick-ups and homework clubs are also available during term time.

CALL US TO BOOK A VISIT TO THE NURSERY

0208 673 8037 102 Chestnut Grove Balham, London, SW12 8JJ

TEA TIME FOR TODDLERS This session takes place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm for children from approximately 2yrs of age to attend with an adult

www.themontessorischool.co.uk

Make a splash! ... at Dawmouse Montessori School Come and see how we teach with passion in our two Montessori Schools in Fulham.

Fully qualified staff, small class ratios, established for over 20 years, modern in our approach.

Call Miss Emma on 020 8398 9294 or visit our website www.dawmouse.co.uk

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June 2018 • Families South West 9

Education

Is Sport the Cure?

By Ben Coombes

“The best kids are going to become the best. But the best thing about it is that you're going to learn lessons in playing those sports about winning and losing and teamwork and teammates and arguments and everything else that are going to affect you positively for the rest of your life.” Carl Lewis (9 times Olympic Gold Medallist)

W

ould you want to be a child today? A recent report by TES suggested that nearly half of all 12 year olds in the UK report feeling anxious once a week, whilst the Independent direct correlated this with internet usage. Furthermore, 80% of NHS trusts have said that they don’t believe they have the resources available to treat those suffering from Mental Health Crises effectively. Our children inhabit a world of selfies and sexting; a virtual reality where the person behind the screen is often forgotten, and when they need help it’s not always there due to funding issues

10 Families South West • June 2018

and budget cuts. So what can be done to help this, and ideally to prevent these Crises from occurring? There is much evidence available to suggest that encouraging all children, regardless of ability, to participate in regular physical activity, improves mental wellbeing both in their childhood, carrying through to adulthood.

Only today The Guardian newspaper reported an “emerging crisis” in Xanax misuse amongst young people, who are apparently selfmedicating for anxiety with drugs purchased on the dark web. As would be expected with

unregulated access to drugs, there are overdoses—in May 2017 twenty Wiltshire teenagers required medical attention having overdosed on Xanax. Are young people really to blame for taking such drastic measures though, when NHS bosses warn of a mental health crisis, with a shortage of specialist staff leading to long delays in treatment. Surely, when faced with such a dilemma, the best treatment is not self-medication with drugs bought off the internet, but preventing these crises from occurring (or at least minimizing the severity of them)?

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Education So why does sport seemingly have such a positive mental impact?

Well, there’s the obvious—physical activity has been shown to release endorphins (the happy hormones) so exercising creates a feeling of wellbeing, or the “runners high” as it is sometimes called, whilst also allowing for better sleep patterns. Team sports allow for children to be part of something bigger than themselves; well managed team sports allow players to feel a sense of belonging among their peers, and strive towards a common goal—both important attributes for working life. In addition, there is all the work that sports federations such as the FA and RFU are doing to improve communications about mental health. The 2015 Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation was born out of a desire from sporting bodies to reduce mental health prejudice. As a result of this initiative, and others, sporting role models such as exEngland Football Captain Rio Ferdinand have spoken freely about their own battle with mental health, encouraging children to be more open, and aware of, their mental health.

Playing sports has proven to improve one’s mood, improve concentration, reduce stress and depression, helps sleep, boosts selfconfidence, it has shown to improve leadership traits as well as academic performance. As a teacher I have seen all of these shine through in children. It is often whilst playing sport that we, as adults, forget ourselves and create an environment where the main reason children play sport is taken away. Research shows that children play sport for fun. Often as Laureau states, (2008 p188) “sport allows parents opportunities to activate their cultural and social capital on behalf of their children”. So do we as adults, seemingly add to this pressure and remove the enjoyment through our misunderstanding of how sport and physical activity helps our children to grow?

Parsons Green School at Cranleigh Prep School football Tournament

Regular participation in sports protection against mental illness The Child Mind Institute reported that there are fewer behavioral and emotional problems reported amongst children who play sports, team sports especially. Those children who were active sports people were found to be less likely to participate in recreational drug use and have better body image. This was supported by a 2018 study between Bangor University and Public Health Wales which reported that children who had been abused, and neglected, but regularly played sports were less frequently diagnosed with mental illness as adults, compared to their peers who had been through similar experiences but hadn’t played sport. The report concluded “of childhood activities measured, only regular participation in sports showed a protective effect against mental illness”. familiesonline.co.uk

It is not only children who benefit from sport, although evidence suggests that instilling a healthy enjoyment of physical activity early on is best (AACAP, 2013), but adults too. This was possibly most evident last year with the documentary “Mind Over Marathon” (BBC) which followed a team of 10 runners training for (and eventually completing) the Virgin London Marathon for the Heads Together initiative. All of the runners featured had firsthand experience of mental health problems, and undertook the challenge (supported by a team of nutritionists/running experts/psychologists) partly in light of the substantial evidence in place that physical exercise affects mental wellbeing. The Public Health Wales/Bangor University report agreed; stating that the proportion of adults who played sport and were being treated for mental health issues was almost half of those who didn’t.

As adults we have a duty of care to ensure that the children in our society have the best possible chance of success; and the evidence suggests that encouraging a love of sport (regardless of natural ability) will stand our young people in good stead to face the challenges of modern society. As Churchill said “healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have”, and there is no health without mental health.

Ben Coombes left a 30 year career in education, including positions as Director of Sport, to found IWeYou—a consultancy dedicated to improvement, be it individuals, corporations or the leisure industry. Ben regularly travels all over the UK to coach young people facing difficulties. For more information please email ben@iweyou.org

June 2018 • Families South West 11

To advertise in our next issue Contact us on 020 8696 9680

LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play We are an Ofsted rated 'Good' day care nursery school. We lay the foundation of learning where your child's interests form the base to develop their full potential.

Our nursery is very homely and friendly, and staff are fully qualified with many years' experience in Early Years.

Open all year round 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday except bank holidays and four weeks in a year.

15/30 hours weekly free sessions available for 2-4yrs.

Please contact our office on 020 7274 8333. info@littleangelsbrixton.co.uk www.littleangelsbrixton.co.uk 50 Gresham Road, Brixton, SW9 7NL "Overall, staff provide a stimulating learning environment where children are motivated and eager to learn" OFSTED

12 Families South West • June 2018

Christ Church Street French Nursery We are a bilingual nursery and all parents are welcome whether or not they are French. All the staff are qualified and 70% of the staff speak French; children learn French every day.

The nursery is a warm and happy place for any child to be part of our family.

Children from 1 year old are welcome.

3 Caversham Street, SW3 4AF 020 7351 9648 and 07530 825528 Lindaccsfn@gmail.com www.frenchnursery.co.uk

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Education

Are you entitled to tax free childcare?

By Stephanie Rough

In April 2017, the Government launched a new system called the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme offering a new form of childcare vouchers. It also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria to meet.

Are you eligible?

Yes, if: • Both parents are working (or a sole parent is working) • Both earn over £120 per week • Employed or Self Employed • Live in England No, if: • Either Parent earns over £100,000 per annum • You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme Companies have offered corporate childcare vouchers under the Company Childcare Voucher Scheme for many years and so are familiar with this salary sacrifice scheme. The new Tax-free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered not by companies but purely by parents.

Parents must open an online account and the Government will pay £2 for every £8 paid into the account by the parent up to a maximum of £2,000 every year (ie a Government contribution of up to £500 per quarter). Parents will then be able to pay their OFSTED registered childcare provider (nursery, childminder or nanny) directly from this account. The benefit of this new scheme is that it is calculated per child (not per parent), therefore those with more children and higher childcare costs could be at an advantage. In addition, those that are selfemployed were not previously entitled to join company schemes but are eligible under the new scheme. Unfortunately though, there are familiesonline.co.uk

disadvantages too: namely that every 3 months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme, it is ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet the eligibility criteria.

15 and 30 hours Free Childcare For many years all children in England, aged 3 and 4 have been entitled to 15 hours of free childcare, available at participating childcare providers from the term following their child’s 3rd birthday. These hours are administered direct by the childcare providers through the local council (although parents do sign to confirm they are not getting the hours elsewhere).

Since September 2017, if parents meet the Tax Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free (hence the name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in which they are entitled to the benefit. For example, if your child turns 3 in November, you will be entitled to the additional 15 hours from 1 January, therefore you must apply prior to 31 December.

Again, every three months you will be asked to re-confirm your eligibility.

What next?

Firstly, parents should check their eligibility and entitlements for any of the new offerings. It’s also important to fully understand the financial impact of such changes on your family.

Free hours Due to funding issues, most nurseries are offering increased hours, but not necessarily the full 30. They are not able to charge you extra fees for the additional hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check with any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child what their specific offering is.

Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme Comparing the benefits of the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme and the Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme is essential, especially whilst you still have a choice—you do have up to October 2018 to enter a company scheme. (This was going to be April 2018 but the company scheme received an 11th hour reprieve from the Government.) Many parents will be better off under the current Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme but new Tax Free childcare WILL provide savings for some parents.

It is worth noting that you are able to combine the employer supported Company Childcare Voucher Scheme AND the 30 hours free childcare but NOT the Company Childcare Vouchers Scheme AND the New Tax Free Childcare Vouchers Scheme. So you need to decide which is best for you. In addition you can’t use Tax Free Childcare and Universal Credit or tax credits.

For more information visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Find out if you qualify www.wandsworth.gov.uk/30hours

Stephanie Rough is Childcare Manager at Parental Choice; a “one-stop shop” designed to help you make the right decision on your childcare needs including nanny searches and payroll. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk.

June 2018 • Families South West 13

YEAR 7 OPEN DAYS Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls which proudly holds a CPD Platinum Mark, the EQualities Award, the International School Award, and has UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold status.

‘Students work hard, have high aspirations for future employment and are proud of their school.’

Ofsted, May 2016

14 Families South West • June 2018

- OPEN MORNINGS Thursday 5th July 8.45am Tuesday 9th October 8.45am - OPEN EVENING Wednesday 26th September 6.00pm ‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’

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Tips for teaching your child to ride a bike

Healthy ice lollies to make with your children Let the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit time to allow them to set. Below is my favourite recipe for yoghurt and berry ice lollies, which is also one of the easiest!

Yoghurt and berry coconut ice lollies

Summer is a great time to teach your child to ride their bike. Here are a few tips for those of you taking on this important project.

Teach in Short Sessions: Do not overtire your children or they may be put off cycling. 30 minutes at a time is enough for young children.

Finish the session on a high, even if they haven’t managed to pedal unaided, and stop when boredom or frustration set in.

not recommended when children are learning to ride as they will learn the wrong weight distribution and arm movements for turning.

Make sure the rider can reach the brake levers and can put their feet comfortably on the ground when seated on the saddle. Lower the saddle if necessary to the lowest setting.

Location: It is best to use a hard, level surface, rather than grass. Ideally, choose somewhere with a gentle slope. Make sure the location is traffic-free but keep an eye out for pedestrians, animals and parked vehicles.

Scooting: Ask the rider to let go of the brakes and start scooting. They should use the bike like a hobby horse and push along the ground using their feet.

Bike setup: Check the rider’s clothing is appropriate and the helmet fits correctly with the straps not too loose or too tight. It should be seated over the front of the rider’s head.

Supporting: Whilst they are learning to pedal you may need to support them. Hold them gently under the arms or by gently holding the middle section of the back of your child's top.

Braking: The best way for children to grasp the concept of braking is for them to walk alongside the bike with their hands in position and attempt to use the brakes in this way.

Time to let go: Many children may not realise they are riding without help and will be amazed when they stop and turn round to see you are now some distance away. Congratulate them on their achievement and pause for a breather!

Balance: Use a balance bike or take the pedals and stabilisers off a normal bike. Stabilisers are familiesonline.co.uk

For more information, visit www.cycling.org

Ingredients Makes 4 (but this is depending on the size of your lolly moulds) • 400g of frozen (or fresh) berries.

• 1⁄2 tin of coconut milk • 400g natural yoghurt • 1 tbsp maple syrup (use a little less or more depending on how sweet your fruit is) • 1tsp vanilla Instructions 1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

3. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for achieving physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family www.healthywholeme.com June 2018 • Families South West 15

Clubs & Classes book ahead Out of school activities improve educational attainment Cookease

Running, kicking a ball, playing an instrument, learning a new skill, singing, acting or playing volleyball is excellent for your child’s grades! Also with exam pressure and digital overload, having fun and making friends has never been more important.

A study by researchers from NatCen Social Research at Newcastle University has found that children who take part in organised sports and after school clubs can improve primary school academic performance and social skills.

The study of 6,400 children in England found that those who took part in organised sports and physical activities at the ages of 5, 7 and 11 were almost one and a

Allsorts Drama 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Several venues, see website for details & booking.

Weekly drama classes across London for 4 to 18 yr olds.

Different levels of classes relevant to the age of your child. The younger children delve into dressing up boxes and use

half times more likely to reach a higher than expected level in their Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths test at the age of 11.

According to the Lead Investigator, Emily Tanner of NatCen said “Results showed that sports clubs were positively associated with attainment outcomes at age 11, even when accounting for prior attainment at age 7.”

The research also found that disadvantaged children who attended after-school clubs developed better social, emotional and behavioural skills than those, also from similar social circumstances, who did not.

For more information, visit www.ucl.ac.uk colourful stage make up to transform themselves into their favourite characters. The older children enjoy devising their own plays, script writing and character development, also improvisation, mask work and vocal work.

Book your child’s classes NOW Brixton Bulls Brixton Bulls is the only rugby club in Lambeth, and one of the fastest growing rugby clubs in London.

Sessions are every Saturday at those times, year round (during term time) at Woodmansterne Playing Fields, 49 Stockport Road, SW16 5XE. For more information email brixtonbulls@hotmail.com or go to www.brixtonbulls.com

All Star Tennis Award winning camps for 3yrs to teens. Full year round term-time and holiday programme for adults and juniors available across 6 locations in Wandsworth.

All Star Tennis are renowned for their fun and creative approach to learning tennis and have clubs running Monday to Thursday & Saturdays.

Contact: info@allstartennis.co.uk | 020 8871 4706 Book: www.allstartennis.co.uk/termtime-clubs/

Volleyball club Very successful club for all ages plays in various London Leagues divisions. Open junior volleyball sessions in Lambeth and Wandsworth boroughs. www.volleyballevents.org Facebook Little Giants Volleyball

Little green fingers at Cookease The children at Cookease have been busy planting their pea shoots and will tend them until ready to cook up in a delicious chicken and veg stir-fry later in the term.

Recent research has shown that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruit and veg, show a greater knowledge of nutrition and are more likely to continue healthy eating habits throughout their lives.

Teaching children where their food comes from and how it grows is a key aspect of the weekly cookery classes Cookease runs for 2-4 year olds. Each term the children grow a different fruit or vegetable and have fun creating a delicious, healthy meal with it. Growing just a few fruit and vegetables with children can ignite great excitement and enthusiasm for healthy foods, sometimes even encouraging them to eat those they have previously refused!

For more information on classes, visit www.cookease.org.uk

Paint Pots House Creative Classes The Boltons Location: St Mary The Boltons Church, SW10 9TB Book online at www.paintpots.co.uk. Autumn term booking available from 4th June.

Autumn Term: 10th September – 14th December 2018 From the wonders of the Treasure Baskets to other Sensorial activities, the children move naturally onto Toddler Art and Music, Early Montessori,

16 Families South West • June 2018

Music and Movement and the delicious Cooking classes.

Age: 6 months – 6 years, accompanied and unaccompanied

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South West

Distributors Wanted!

Do you have a car and a few spare hours a month?

Join our delivery team and earn some pocket money. Email distribution@FamiliesSW.co.uk

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June 2018 • Families South West 17

Parties

Top tips for a budget party

Be on trend with your child’s party in 2018!

By Claire Winter

Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.

Unusual themes Think of a party with a twist. “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018!

Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic.

Think, oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!” says party organiser fableandmoon.com Chocolate parties Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own. The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children. The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get to take away their chocolates instead of a party bag.

Unicorns are still cool Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme takes centre stage at children's birthday parties.

18 Families South West • June 2018

Over the last few months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicornthemed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands.

A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!

Glamping Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden—set up the tents in the house. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!”

Get me out of here Escape rooms venues are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes—you could even get guests to dress up to match it!

You need to check what the age range is and whether you need adult supervision.

Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp."

Look for bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the children to decorate them. Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!

Themed parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade—get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration.

Share Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is at a similar time.

Just make sure you agree who is doing what!

Don’t forget to say thanks Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots or use an online site.

Get your kids to write a thank you note on the back with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great momento and thank you all at once!

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Photo: Perform Parties

Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their children in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.

The best local entertainers, the best parties and the most fun!

Parties

Keep this listing handy and please make sure you tell them where you saw them

Upbeat Music

The Action Station The team continues to seek out the best and most unique entertainment for your party. Creative interactive storytelling, magicians, jugglers, DJs, and fantastic facepainters for memorable fun filled parties with the Action Station – 0870 770 2705 www.theactionstation.co.uk

Adam Ants Parties Adam Ants offers amazing parties at affordable prices. Adam Ants and his talented team make sure their parties are non stop fun. With something for all ages: magic, balloon modelling, puppets, music, dancing, games, face painting. They also offer amazing disco/sports parties or the ever popular a Build a Bear party. You can hire tables and chairs/bouncy castles/soft play and ball ponds. Why not invite your favourite character to the party from Mickey Mouse to Pepper Pig and many more?

“Just wanted to say a massive Thank You for today! It's was such an amazing party & Kitty had the best time ever!!!”

Sarah. 020 8959 1045 / 07969 121094 info@adamantsparties.co.uk www.adamantsparties.co.uk

Allsorts Drama for children Allsorts offers fantastic original themed drama parties. Understanding how important birthday parties are to children, they want them to have the most fabulous party ever!

The parties are always a whirl of excitement, fly to the world of make believe, become a Film star, Magician or Detective.

Explore the drama of murder mysteries. The only limit is your imagination!

020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run term time classes, holiday courses and private tuition.

Battersea Park children’s Zoo The perfect place for children to celebrate their birthday with their friends and the animals too. This family friendly zoo hosts fantastic children’s parties which include a mini tour, where children find out lots of funny and foul facts about lemurs, snakes, monkeys, mice and meerkats, get to help a zookeeper to prepare an animal’s dinner, meet and stroke a rabbit, create their continued on page 20

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June 2018 • Families South West 19

Parties very own animal badge and the birthday child paints a brick on ‘The Birthday Wall of Fame’! Party food and goodie bags are included and guests can stay on and enjoy the zoo. Parties start from age 4 upwards and last for two hours.

0845 601 6679 info@batterseaparkzoo.co.uk www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Nutty’s Children’s Parties A variety of fun-packed, exciting, dynamic, highly interactive, imaginative and original adventure parties, discos, drama workshop parties, holiday workshops and more for ages 3-11.

All parties are run by experienced, dedicated, professional actors and most themes can be catered for.

For more info please visit www.nuttyschildrensparties.co. uk or email danny@nuttyschildrensparties.c o.uk or call Danny on 07884 050954.

For regular updates and their many 5* reviews please also visit www.facebook.com/nuttyschild rensparties

Kids Fusion Beautiful private venue Based in the heart of Battersea, Kids Fusion can be pre-decorated with customised themes, they can arrange facepainters, caricaturists, balloon twisters, qualified fun sports coaches and more!

Book your child’s party experience on parties@kidsfusion.co.uk 020 7998 8480

Blueberry Playsongs Parties Blueberry parties are lively, interactive musical parties for ages 0-5. One of their talented entertainers will play guitar and sing songs with joining in, actions, jumping games, dancing and instruments. Shaky egg maracas, parachute games and a puppet will add to the fun—perfect for little ones! A 45-minute session in London is £125.

“Blueberry is wonderful entertainment for little ones; fun, cheerful and gentle.”

020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

London Karting and can either bring their party format to their popular London locations, or if you prefer they can bring the event to your preferred location.

020 8677 8677 www.londonkarting.com

Little Kickers Tooting, Balham, Streatham Little Kickers offers fun filled football based parties for ages 2-7.

Karting For all those budding Lewis Hamilton's out there, why not sample a real children’s motorsport party experience with The London Karting Company?

With their large mobile circuit being setup in Battersea and Roehampton, drivers from 4 -11 years old can race one of the amazing F1 styled electric karts around the 150-international track.

Drivers will receive race suits and helmets and are given a full safety briefing along with live race commentary through-out the event and nicely finished off with the trophy and medal podium presentation.

The London Karting Company have been running motorsport parties for children all over the UK since 2011. They are fully mobile

Working closely with you, your energetic and enthusiastic Little Kickers’ Coaches will create the perfect football party. They can adopt your party theme and create imaginative games based on your child's favourite things—be it a swashbuckling pirate, a powerful superhero or a superstar footballer!

020 8675 1155 trichardson@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk

Dive into magic with Richard Pinner Magic has never been more popular thanks to successful television programmes such as ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘Help, my supply teacher is magic’.

Children are becoming ever more engaged with the fabulous art of magic. During the early school years it can be tricky to inspire children with theatre. A high quality Magic Show is an excellent way to bring the theatre to you! For ages 4-7 there is little better for a civilised birthday party.

Magic is not only a performance art form, it is an excellent platform for learning. It engages the mind in processing problems logically and forces us to think outside the box as well as

encouraging confidence through performance skills. Richard Pinner’s workshops for children aged 8-12 are a brilliant idea for parties and bring a group of children together in a problem solving exercise. All the children learn how to perform simple magic tricks that they can take home and perform again and again.

Call Richard and learn more about the world of magic. www.MagicAndLaughter.co.uk 020 7352 3524

PARTIES! Wonderfully fun musical parties for your under-5’s! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, jumping and dancing, instruments, puppet and parachute!

The perfect party for little ones.

Call 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

20 Families South West • June 2018

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Parties Little House of Science Parties Book an amazing science party and get 60 minutes of mind blowing scientific experiments and demonstrations, including chemical reactions, air vortexes and mini robots. The parties are for children aged 4-11 and can be held in your home or your chosen venue in London. www.littlehouseofscience.com

Perform Parties Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. From the moment the lively leaders walk in

the door, they'll give your child and friends the best birthday party they've ever had.

Whether your child wants to be a swashbuckling pirate, a shimmering mermaid or a dazzling superhero, they'll be sure to have a brilliant time.

Themes include: Moana, Ghost hunters, Alice in Wonderland, Outer space, Secret spies, Chocolate adventure, the Ice Queen, Dinosaurs, the Magician's Chamber, the Sound of Music, Finding Dory, Trolls and much more.

To find out more or book a party call 020 7255 9120 or visit www.performparties.co.uk

Playball Chelsea, Fulham, Battersea and Clapham Playball parties can be tailor made continued on page 22

Give your child a party to ignite a new passion Children's birthday parties have taken on a life of their own in the last few years. Parents want to make their little one's day very special but finding something to make the day unique can take a lot of searching.

The fun and exciting parties will be a great way to celebrate with friends while singing, dancing and acting to children's favourite pop songs, and or musical theatre shows. Think Little Mix, One Direction, Matilda the Musical or Frozen!

Razzamataz Parties are a new kind of party that celebrates and ignites a child's imagination through performing arts. Razz parties, a Dragons' Den backed theatre school, is an original way to host a party as well as a way to introduce performing arts to children who have not tried it before.

To find out more information about Razz Parties or a free trial session at Razzamataz Wimbledon

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Bedazzled parties

Bedazzled plans and creates bespoke children’s parties and events, delivering unforgettable experiences to make every occasion one to remember.

Whether you’re looking for just an entertainer or help from start to finish, their dedicated team of event managers and designers work to your chosen budget offering outstanding entertainment and transforming any space into a perfect party venue.

Whether it’s swashbuckling with pirates, learning to be a magician, being a princess for the

afternoon or going on a jungle adventure, anything is possible with enough imagination and they are there to make your child’s dream celebration a reality.

You may have a vision or chosen theme for your child’s party, but if not, they will create one together.

From invitations, theming, party bags and entertainment to the all-important cake, they can arrange as much or as little as you like. www.bedazzledevents.co.uk 07964708505 / 020 3652 5708

please call 07500 837 911 or email: wimbledon@razzamataz.co.uk or visit www.wimbledon.razzamataz.co.uk

June 2018 • Families South West 21

Parties to suit any child's fantasy, be it their favourite sport, superheroes, princesses, cowboys or space rangers. The treasure hunts are always a popular request, with missions to find wild animals and jungle creatures, underwater caves and tunnels or snake infested Crocodile Rivers!

020 8123 2217 gavin@playballlondon.com www.playballlondon.com/parties

Upbeat Pop and Rock parties Be a star!

Choose a song, rehearse it with your very own Upbeat vocal coach, record it with your personal sound engineer and put together a performance with your choreographer.

MP3s/ CDs produced for everyone at the party. upbeatmusiccourses@gmail.com 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk Upbeat Music ‘upbeatlondon'

Silly Millie Clown parties

Mother Nature Science Perfected for boys and girls ages 5-12 – by the nutty MNScience fun-professors over 10+ years in their top-secret UK laboratory. Parties combine the best of learning and the best of fun! – 100% guaranteed and hassle free! Their superscience-parties are presented outdoors, indoors, in homes, or wherever you may choose to hold a party. Each Mother Nature Science party is priced with maximum value in mind and has spectacular demonstrations and interactive activities. www.mnature.co.uk/scienceparty/

Rockstars parties Book a party to remember with these one and two hour Recording Studio parties for children (aged 7 and over). They are based in South London at a professional studio and their experienced staff will ensure that you have a great time and end up with a recording to be proud of.

020 8767 1125 www.rockstarsparties.co.uk

Funny magic show with giggles galore, plus Pass the Parcel, Plate Spinning, Musical Bumps and Parachute Games. And don’t forget Karaoke and lots of balloons.

07939 239397 faith@thetingle.net www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

Sinbad’s soft play parties Choose from Play and Eat Parties at this traditional play venue where the kids have loads of fun in the play frame and then have a party tea in their dedicated party room.

Or choose an Exclusive Private Hire for larger parties: have the entire play space to yourself! Age 0-8, includes playtime plus party food and balloons, from £10.99 per child. 82 Durham Rd, Raynes Park, London SW20 0TL 020 8947 7987 www.sindbads.co.uk

Twizzle parties for families The Twizzle team organise and run the best parties in town! All their entertainers are professionals, many with a background in theatre and television. Some are also members of the Magic Circle.

Whether you want a traditional birthday tea party at home for a few of your child’s friends, or whether you want a sports party for the whole party at an outside venue, they can help with your

The Children’s Entertainer Fun & Games, Mini Disco, Magic, Juggling, Puppet Shows 07961 355269

www.mrbooboo.co.uk Recommended by the Evening Standard

22 Families South West • June 2018

party. Twizzle Parties organise, plan and run parties for families with children of all ages. They can be as involved as you like. If you want them to simply provide a bouncing castle, or food boxes, then they can do that. If you want them to run the entire party, then they can do that too. They also cater for different budgets and can help at your budget, they can provide you with a party that you and your child will remember.

Traditional birthday tea parties, sports parties, and theme parties like Pirates, Fairies and Teddy Bear picnic. Their entertainers are real professionals and have lots of experience with children, meaning that your booking is in the hands of a professional team. www.twizzle.co.uk

Ukulele Gurus Party A Ukulele Gurus party with The Strings Club is packed full of highoctane party games, fun-filled activities and memorable musicmaking. From only £7.50 per child, parties last up to 1.5 hours and are led by not one but two highly talented, super friendly party leaders, hand-picked for their professionalism and fun personality. Free hire of a ukulele for up to 30 children. www.thestringsclub.org

Lucy Sparkles & Friends Fulham, Putney and Wandsworth Outstanding party entertainment for children aged one to six. Very flexible and happy to come to your home or to privately hired venues.

Their fantastic children's entertainment sessions run for 45 minutes, one hour and two hours and can include a live musician, singing games,

rhymes, parachute play, dancing, children's percussion, magic tricks, puppets, games, action songs, 'sparkly' glitter tattoos, face painting, free invitations, treats and, of course, lots of magic sparkles!

Contact Lauren on 07508 900 220 lauren@lucysparkles.com

Silly Millie the Clown Parties for 3-9 year olds

Funny Magic Show, Puppet’s, Party Games, Silly Songs and Balloon Animals Call 020 7823 8329 - 07939 239397

www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk

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Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED

For children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas. Our hosts look after children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience hosting an international student brings.

01684 581600 or email: caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk

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June 2018 • Families South West 23

Swimming

A guide to Staying SAFE around water this summer

By Claire Harrison, Swimming Rocks

With the school holidays just around the corner and many of you looking forward to your summer holidays, weekends away and trips to the seaside, it’s sensible to turn our attention to keeping your family safe around water.

O

ften the excitement of these trips can mean that normal safety actions are not followed and the temptation to just jump in before weighing up the risks can often lead to accidents.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society, “On average, more than 400 people drown in the UK each year. Nearly 60 of these are children and young people and the risks are even greater on holiday”. We believe that if you understand the risks that water can hold, be as knowledgeable and as prepared as possible, you can keep your family safe this summer whilst having some super splashing fun!

Here are our guidelines to staying safe this summer…

• Keep young children under constant supervision, it doesn’t take much water depth to get into trouble and in any case, it’s more fun to swim together!

• Learn to swim—improve your confidence and learn some skills before you go. Many swim schools have 5 day crash courses in the school holidays as well as weekly term time lessons. And remember lessons are not just for babies and children, adults can benefit from a bit of guidance too.

• Look for Lifeguards—a safe pool or beach will always have one on duty. They will be trained about the water risks in a given environment and will give you added reassurance for your family.

• Follow the pool rules and signs—never dive into a shallow pool and make sure that you are aware of water flow, temperature and layout.

24 Families South West • June 2018

• Never swim alone—and make sure that you know where your family is at all times.

• Know the S-A-F-E Code S – Spot Danger

• Don’t use inflatables in the sea—they are a well-known hazard and can easily drift out or get caught in strong currents.

• Be aware of the beach flags and signs—keep to the safe areas and know when the tides are coming in and out. Dangerous rip-tides are a big threat so follow the advice offered.

• Swim parallel to the shore and keep away from rocky areas.

• If you get into trouble in water—wave your hand and shout loud but try and stay calm. The current advice is to float on your back to conserve energy.

• Drowning does not look like it does in the movies. It can be silent and you need to be aware of the signs. RLSS.org.uk is a wealth of information.

• Take a first aid course. There are lots of paediatric courses on offer. It could save a life • Use floatation aids if you need to—they may not be used in your swimming lessons, but they can offer reassurance when on holiday.

We LOVE Swim Fins (https://swimfin.co.uk) which are fun for kids too.

A – Follow Advice F – Stay close to Family members or Friends E – shout for help and know the Emergency numbers for where you are

Now you know how to be safe…. pack your bags, slap on the sunscreen and HAVE FUN! Swimming Rocks offer swimming lessons 7 days a week in venues across London.

They are offering all Families readers 10% off any 5 day summer crash course.

Quote FAM10 to claim this offer.

Follow them on Instagram for helpful advice, news and stories @swimmingrockslondon #swimmingrockslondon www.swimmingrocks.co.uk Tel: 07557 051 904 info@swimmingrocks.co.uk Drowning prevention week is 15th – 25th June 2018 www.rlss.org.uk for more information

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Swimming

Why invest in private swimming lessons for children?

By SwimWay

If you are looking for the quickest, safest and most effective option for your child to learn how to swim, then private swimming lessons are the answer.

Photo: Arthur & Veronica

With SwimWay’s private swimming lessons, the focus will be on your child. Our experienced and highly trained swimming instructors will focus every 30 minute class on your child. This not only helps to build rapport between teacher and student, but it also helps children build confidence in the water. Our students know that their SwimWay coach is right there in the water supporting them.

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In large public classes, the instructor may have to split their time between 8 other students.

That doesn’t leave much time for individual focus and attention. This also means private classes are safer because your children are supervised throughout the whole lesson. SwimWay instructors are some of the most highly trained instructors in London when it comes to safety. All our teachers

participate in safety training at the start of each term, which is specially produced by SwimWay for our private pool locations.

It can be frustrating for parents when their child does not receive enough attention in their classes and falls behind other students.

Our teaching methodology has been specifically designed for small personal classes; it works to the

individual needs of each student.

These bespoke children’s classes begin with teaching children to use their own buoyancy in the water.

We never use buoyancy aids so children learn to swim without relying on something other than themselves to keep them afloat.

To see availability for their private lessons go to www.swimway.co.uk 020 8871 3972.

June 2018 • Families South West 25

Swimming

By Water Babies

Get ready for Summer swimming

W

e’re all dreaming of a long, hot summer. And, of course, a perfect summer includes lots of water fun!

The swimming pool is one of the best places for both you and your little one to cool down and have some splashy fun together. Your baby doesn’t need to have had their immunisations before you take to the pool, but before you go, it’s a good idea to phone ahead to check the water temperature—it should be at least 30° for a baby older than 12 weeks (or heavier than 12lbs), and above 32° if they’re younger or smaller.

Start by holding your baby upright, facing you and bouncing them around in the water, gently splashing from side to side. Keep lots of eye

26 Families South West • June 2018

contact and gentle encouragement. You can try saying your baby’s “name, ready, go!” then wiping a palm-full of water down their face.

Let them kick their legs, and sit them on the side, gently splashing them in to the tune of ‘Humpty Dumpty’. Take it slowly, keep the mood light, and let your baby dictate the pace and how long you spend in the water.

A question we’re often asked at this time of year is whether it’s safe to take your baby in the sea. While it’s too cold and salty for babies under 6 months, your older baby or toddler will love a splash in the surf! Just remember to stay in your depth, avoid inflatables, and keep hold of your little one at all times.

While you're both having a splashy time, why not keep up the momentum and think about baby swimming lessons? Not only is it one of the best things you can do to bond with your little one, it also develops learning skills, boosts confidence, improves co-ordination and enhances wellbeing. And just think of all the extra fun you'll be able to have the next time you go on holiday with your little water baby, there'll be no stopping them!

Water Babies multi-award winning classes fill up quickly, so give them a call on 020 7585 1510 or email them at readygo@waterbabies.co.uk to find out more.

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Swimming

Pools not Baths

Swimming: an essential life saving skill

By South West Swimming School

With summer holidays fast approaching, families with young children will be travelling to resorts with swimming pools, sea side or lakes. Playing with water is a great way to beat the heat, however drowning at a young age is still one of the most common accidental deaths, says the local South West Swim School. Being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill that can help save your child’s life. ive your child a chance to learn basic swimming’s skills and this will become more than just a skill for a holiday. Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages and children especially love getting in the water and enjoying themselves.

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But it is not just fun, swimming also provides loads of health benefits which can help to keep your children healthy and happy at the same time: • Swimming keeps your child’s heart and lungs healthy, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture

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• Swimming provides challenges and rewards accomplishments, which helps children to become self-confident and believe in their abilities

Many, like us at Waterlife, are concerned by the amount of single use disposable nappies that are sent to land fill each week.

Because our clients are such precious people we take pool hygiene and the environment seriously.

All swimmers are requested to shower and be potty trained.

Children and adults use toilet facilities prior to swimming.

These simple actions drastically decrease the amount of chemicals used to maintain water quality and balance the PH, ultimately kinder to everyone’s skin and our natural water system.

All children up to the age of 2 years old are required to wear both a Happy Nappy and an inner layer to catch any “accidents.”

We recommend the use of a more environmentally friendly nappy liners used in conjunction

with a Nappy Wrap. The liners, being both biodegradable and flushable will ultimately have less of an impact on the planet. After the initial outlay for the nappy wrap, liners are far more cost effective so kinder to your purse.

We like products from www.splashabout.com www.waterlifeswimschool.com 020 8947 2149

• Your child will have plenty of opportunities to make friends and grow in confidence

All South West Swim School teachers are carefully selected for their teaching quality, knowledge and experience.

Call 020 8767 2723 to reserve your space. www.swswimschool.co.uk

June 2018 • Families South West 27

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Summer Holiday Activities Listing Part 1 We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

We strongly recommend to book your activities early, these get booked up really quickly.

Day camps Alpine French School French Alps +33 4 50 79 08 38 www.alpinefrenchschool.com Dates throughout Summer Holidays French Camps (Morning, Day and Residential) Morning French Lessons followed by Afternoon Activities including mountain adventure activities plus weekend excursions for the residential camp, prices start from 229€ for one week, ages 6-17.

Barracudas Streatham & Clapham High School 0845 123 5299 www.barracudas.co.uk 23 July-17 Aug With an unrivalled choice of activities and more ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike. For as little as £3.64 an hour, and with over 80 activities to choose from, they’re sure to have a brilliant time, whatever they’re into! ‘Money back guarantee’ for all new bookers! For children between 4 ½ to 14 years .

Arts and crafts Creative writing through art Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB www.paintwritenow.co.uk 07779 100 659 katherine.smith@gmail.com Heroes and Villains (w/c 13th August) Under the Sea (w/c 20th August) Myths and Monsters (w/c 27th August) Classes divided by age; 8 students per class; £125-£150 per course

Eddie Catz Putney, Wimbledon and Earlsfield • First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF • 42 Station Road SW19 2LP • 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com Throughout Summer Holidays Holiday Activities Across the 3 branches in SW London – Putney, Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Wood—there will be plenty of holiday camps, creative workshops and parties throughout the summer to choose from. See www.eddiecatz.com for more information and to book online.

Prices usually include lunch and a free play at the venue, plus Eddie Catz appears in all venues twice a day to meet and greet the children.

crafts, cooking, singing, dancing, sporty games (indoor and outdoor according to venue and weather), theatre and language games to develop your child’s communication skills in French, as well as developing their creativity, critical thinking and imagination.

For ages 3-5 and 6-8, half day 9am-1pm, full day 9am-3pm.

There is also a Holiday Club in St John's Wood/Maida Vale on 23-27 July.

Paint Pots Summer Fun Paint Pots, St Mary The Boltons, The Boltons, London, SW10 9TB Book online at www.paintpotshouse.com Monday 16th July – Friday 3rd August Arts, crafts, music, games and other seasonal activities.

Age: 3-6 yrs *All sessions are un-accompanied.

Times & Prices: 9.30am12.30pm, £45 / 9.30am3.30pm, £65 Led by their fully qualified Nursery School and Creative Classes teachers.

Languages Alpine French School French Alps +33 4 50 79 08 38 See under Day camps.

Club Petit Pierrot Luke's Church Hall, St Luke's Street, Chelsea SW3 3RP 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 16-20 July Fun French Immersion Summer Holiday Clubs Creative activities and fun projects such as arts &

Club Petit Pierrot

Barracudas

Role Models Better life skills, better results www.rolemodels.me info@rolemodels.me 020 3637 7107 Role Models are running their unique Life Skills Courses for ages 8-12 throughout the Summer. Non-residential courses are at Chelsea Academy School, SW10 0AB, and their residential course is at Ardingly College, Sussex.

The courses focus on developing a growth mindset and the key ‘soft’ skills required to thrive at school, at home and in life ahead. Cost is £395.

Et Patati Patata • Flora Gardens Primary School, Dalling Road W6 0UD • St Albans Fulham, 2 Margravine Road W6 8HJ • Thomas’s Academy, New King’s Road SW6 4LY 07966 893674, caroline@etpatatipatata.com www.etpatatipatata.com 16 July – 10 August Summer Fun French Day Camp Join the award winning French immersion programme and learn French without leaving London.

Fun activities including French music, French art, patisserie, French coding, French musical, sport…and it’s all 100% French fun!

Age 4-10, 9am-3pm.

Developing skills Naomi Martin Touch Typing Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ 07949 204553, www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk Throughout Summer Holidays Touch Typing Courses Touch typing courses for children aged 7+, classes are 90 minutes long, mixed age and ability. Sibling discounts available, 9.30-11am or 11.30am-1pm, £250 for the week.

Yellowbird Education Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road SW6 4LJ 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318 www.yellowbirdeducation.com 16-27 July and 20-31 August Creative Writing Workshops 4day workshops exploring creative writing techniques, 10am-2pm, from £349 per week. Book online.

20-24 August English Exam Preparation For 7+, 8+ and 11+, 10am-2pm, £420.

16-20 July and 28-31 August Comprehension and Composition Workshops For 7+, 8+ and 11+, 10am-2pm, from £365.

16-20 July and 20-24 August.

Intensive Handwriting Workshops For ages 8 and up, 10am-2pm, £499.

Little House of Science Imperial College, Kensington SW7 2AZ 0800 092 1062, info@littlehouseofscience.com www.littlehouseofscience.com 9 July – 7 September Summer Camps A complete summer of exciting week-long continued on page 31

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June 2018 • Families South West 29

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30 Families South West • June 2018

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When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! It matters hugely for us

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Stagecoach Battersea

science camps, including The Science of the Oceans and Ecosystems, Isaac Newton and the Physics of Light and Sound, Meet the Elements: Fun Chemistry, Space, Stars and Galaxies, Explore the Greatest Science Inventions, Amazing Brain and other Wonders of Anatomy, Diversity of the Animal World (invertebrates, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), Aerodynamics and Simple Machines – Engineering and Who wants to be an Architect? Daily on Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am3.30pm, age 4-11, £395 per week.

Music & Drama

Allsorts Drama 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com Several venues, see website for details & booking.

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular Summer drama workshops for ages 4-6 & 7-11yrs. The children will have fun with games, prop making and working towards a show that they will perform to family and friends on the last day.

Term time classes for ages 4–16 in SW1, W11 and NW3. Free trial class for the summer term.

Act Summer Drama

Be.Dance

Broomwood Upper School, 6874 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NR 23rd – 27th July Summer Holiday Drama 'Play in a Week' include summer drama games, improvisation, movement, dance, singing, rehearsals and loads of fun! "You'll laugh all week long and make new best friends- it's the most fun you'll have all holiday!"

Perform your Wind in the Willows summer play to friends and family in the beautiful amphi-theatre and gardens at the school.

Led by professional actors.

Act builds confidence and self esteem. 10am-3pm 4-14year olds Cost: £185 (£155 sibling discount)

Alderbrook Primary School, Balham SW12 07545 697352 becca@bedance.co.uk 30 and 31 July Be.Dance Summer Workshop A mash up of different dance styles including Lyrical, Street, Tap and Broadway, culminating in a sharing of work at the end of day 2. 9am4.30pm, age 8-16, £100.

familiesonline.co.uk

Streatham, Clapham and Blackheath, Herne Hill, Sevenoaks, Sydenham 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 13-24 August Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Summer Workshops One and five day workshops for beginners with a different theme depending on the season - 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 from C to G, and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. With games, quizzes and art activities all based around music - you'll be amazed how much they can learn whilst having fun! Age 4-8, sibling discounts apply. £10 off complete booking for early birds if you book before 1st July 2018.

KKG Productions East Hill baptist church 182 East Hill Wandsworth, London SW18 2BE Contact Korey at Kkgproducions@outlook.com or 07960 874640 www.kkgproductions.co.uk 13th to 22nd August 2018 (not including the weekends) KKG Productions is a performing arts school located within Wandsworth for children aged between 4-14 years old.

They cover drama, singing and dance and have poetry and contemporary dance master classes. They’ll have a guest appearance from a talented actor from the Dumping Ground and some superheroes!

On the final day a showcase for parents and carers to come and see what they have been doing.

Summer Holidays actors, musicians and dancers will work their magic to ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends. Age 4-11.

The Greatest Show on Earth Together with Phineas Barnum, risk everything to put on a spectacular circus designed to show the public things they've never seen before.

The Greatest Show On Earth is a specially written show combining uplifting songs, dazzling dancing and a heart-warming story into a fantastic production. Age 7-12.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools Wimbledon At Aspire Southfields Academy 07500 837 911 wimbledon@razzamataz.co.uk www.wimbledon.razzamataz.co.uk 30th July to 3rd August Fun Summer School This year, why not get youngsters to try something different and take part in a performing arts summer course. Explore the world of Grease the musical in this summer school. Open to current and noncurrent students, no experience is required although those already practised in the performing arts will be challenged and encouraged to push themselves even further.

Razzamataz

Dantastic Across SW London 07460 222003 www.dantasticproductions.com/ classes Throughout the Summer Holidays Baby and Toddler Classes Action packed, interactive musical adventure classes aimed to inspire, educate, build confidence and improve fitness. Expect plenty of singing, dancing, puppets, instruments and sensory activities.

Drop in, dates vary depending on venue.

Perform Drama Venues across SW London 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Various dates in July and August Neverland Set sail for an unforgettable drama, dance and singing adventure. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, Perform’s team of skilled

Perform

June 2018 • Families South West 31

When you book, please make sure you say where you saw them! It matters hugely for us

Summer Holidays Siegeris School of Dance

rock fun at Upbeat Summer Camps – sing, dance, play in a band, record your tracks and then perform them. Age 4-14, sibling discounts and ‘introduce a friend offers’ available.

Upbeat Music

South Wimbledon Community Centre, 78 Victory Road SW19 1HN 07730 536499 siegerisdance.com 23-27 July and 30 July–3 August Summer School 2018 Five funfilled days of dance (ballet, street jazz and tap) and musical theatre ending in a costumed show for family and friends to enjoy. 10am3pm, age 5-6 and 7-8 in two groups, £180 for the week, 10% sibling discount, includes SSD Summer School t-shirt.

Sport All Star Tennis

Stagecoach Battersea

Stagecoach Merton Park and Tooting

Northcote Lodge, Bolingbroke Grove SW11 6EL 07956 288928 www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea 23-27 July Summer Holiday Performing Arts Camp 5 fabulous days (or mornings) of dance, acting and singing. Brilliant musical theatre fun with experienced theatre practitioners. Put on a performance for family and friends on Friday 27 July. 9.30am-12.30pm for 4-6 year olds, £145 (siblings £130) or 10am4pm for 7-14 year olds, £195 (siblings £175).

• Park Community School, 200 Dorset Road SW19 3NN • Graveney School, Welham Road, Tooting SW17 9BU 020 8942 3502 stagecoach.co.uk/mertonpark, stagecoach.co.uk/tooting 23-27 July Trolls Summer Workshop Age 4-7, 9.30am-12.30pm, with a performance on Friday 27 at 12pm, £135 (£105 for siblings).

6-10 August High School Musical Summer Workshop Age 8-16, 10am-4pm with a performance on Friday 10 at 5.30pm, £160 (£130 for siblings).

The Strings Club Tooting Primary School, Franciscan Road, Tooting SW17 8HE 0121 296 9204 www.thestringsclub.org Dates TBC Holiday Camp Each day with The Strings Club is wonderfully different, including exciting workshops alongside high quality small group instrumental sessions.

Children aged 4-5 join in with the ukulele session whilst those in Year 1+ take part in one of the Sound Start guitar sessions. Half days from £20, early bird and late club £5, 9.30am-4pm, half days 9.30am12.30pm or 1-4pm, wrap around from 8am until 5.45pm.

Stagecoach Wimbledon Stagecoach Fulham All Saints C of E Primary School, Bishops Avenue, SW6 6ED 0845 2025 727 www.stagecoach.co.uk/fulham 23-27 July Holiday Workshop 5 days of fun where you will make new friends, build confidence and put on a show.

Little Performers – 4-6 years, 9.15am-12.30pm; Big Performers – 6-18 years, 9am-4pm.

Kings College School, Southside, Wimbledon Common SW19 4TT 020 8946 3400 www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon 23 - 27 July and 30 July - 3 Aug Legally Blonde The Musical No experience required - just lots of enthusiasm. Age 7-16.

Trolls Week With great songs and a refreshing tale that teaches courage, kindness and that it’s okay to be you. Age 4-6, childcare vouchers accepted.

Upbeat Music Thomas’s Academy, Parsons Green SW6 07816 901396 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 23-27 July and 30 July – 2 August Upbeat Summer Camps Pop and

Locations: Leaders Gardens (SW15 1LS), King Georges Park (SW18 2GJ), Wandsworth Common (SW18 3RT) and Tooting Common (SW17 8JU) Book www.allstartennis.co.uk/holidaycamps info@allstartennis.co.uk 020 8871 4706 From 9th July to 7th Sept 3 to 4yrs: 3-4pm; 5 to 7yrs: 10-1pm and 3-5pm; 8 to 12yrs: 10-3pm; Teens: 12-4pm Renowned for their fun and creative approach to learning tennis. packed with games, drills, tennis technique, match preparation, fun tournaments, trick shots, prizes and team games.

Booking fast: hurry!

Battersea Sports Centre Battersea Sports Centre, Hope Street, SW11 2DA 020 8871 8529 www.enablelc.org 23 July – 17 August Summer Holiday Activities Take part in a range of sports for all ages and abilities. 10am-3pm, 5 days a week, sibling discount available. continued on page 34

Little Kickers

Stagecoach Wimbledon

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Summer Holidays

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June 2018 • Families South West 33

Summer Holidays Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.com soccerschools@chelseafc.com www.chelseafc.com/foundation www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Throughout Summer Holidays London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 4-13. All abilities welcome, times vary according to course, from £30.

Dukes Meadows Golf, Tennis & Skieasy Dan Mason Drive, Chiswick W4 2SH 020 8994 3314 www.dukesmeadows.com 23rd July – 31st August Tennis, Golf, Ski & multisport Camps. Dukes Meadows provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to have fun and develop their sporting skills from beginners to advanced. Children have the chance to participate in tennis, golf, ski and multisport camps.

Individual coaching and Tots Golf also available, call for further details.

Age 5 – 16yrs. Half day 9am– 12pm £35. Full day 9am-3pm (includes hot lunch) £60.

13-24 August Summer Camps Little Kickers Wandsworth will be running camps on weekday mornings 10am-12pm for children aged 2-5. Call or email to book a place.

Natty Little Yogis The Living Room, 19 Thrale Road SW16 1NS 07958 353452 nattylittleyogis@gmail.com www.nattylittleyogis.com 23-27 July Summer Camps Using the body, breath, mind, hands and heart, children will be guided by Natalie during a session of fun yoga and art, to create wonderful yogathemed take home crafts. Each keepsake will be something to remind them of the theme discussed; a tool that can be used for a mindfulness or meditation technique at home. Vegan-friendly snacks provided. 8.30-4.15pm VERY POPULAR

Fulham Football Club

Youngstars Multi-Sports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon 07749 343116, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 23 July – 31 August Summer Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst kids are introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-10 years, times and prices vary.

SwimWay Role Models

Joe and Scott Tennis Fulham FC Foundation Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamsoccerschools.com Throughout Summer Holidays Holiday Courses Soccer schools run every day of the holiday, 9am to 3pm. Play tons of football, learn new skills and make lots of new friends. Taking place at Fulham FC’s Training Ground in Motspur Park, Bishops Park in Fulham, Dundonald Rec in Wimbledon and other venues across South West London.

Prices start from £21 per day, with discounts for booking the whole week. 3-14 years.

Little Kickers Clapham Common 020 8675 1155 trichardson@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk 34 Families South West • June 2018

Wigmore Lawn Tennis Club SW16 1UJ 020 8144 3123 www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/Wigmore Coaching/Coaching/Camps 16 July – 31 August Holiday Camps Camps for children of all abilities, aged 3-14.

Each day and session is carefully structured to provide an introduction to provide an introduction to all the strokes in tennis, offer technical and tactical, and advice, and give everyone the opportunity to develop their skills in a relaxed environment. 10am3pm, from £31 per day.

SwimWay Putney, East Sheen, Kew Gardens, Kensington and Wimbledon 020 8871-3972 info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk Summer crash course programme Intensive swimming course during

the Summer Term (Week 2: 23rd – 27th / Week 3:July 30th July / Week 4: 3rd August 6th – 10th August and Week 5: 28th – Friday 30th August) for children aged 3yrs – 9yrs. The lessons will be provided on a private or a semi-private basis for half an hour each day.

SW Swim School Call 020 8767 2723 to reserve your space. www.swswimschool.co.uk Popular intensive splash courses during Summer Holidays on following weeks: 23/07-27/07 @ Burntwood School and Ernest Bevin College 30/07-3/08 @ Burntwood School

and Ernest Bevin College 6/08-10/08 @ Burntwood School and Ernest Bevin College 13/08-17/08 @ Burntwood School onlyA great introduction into their term time courses for the younger beginners and a great chance to refresh what your children have learnt over term time.

Swimming Rocks Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Chelsea Harbour 07557 051 904 www.swimmingrocks.co.uk Summer crash courses 23 July to 31st August.

See website for full details. familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Holidays

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June 2018 • Families South West 35

Have kids, will travel

By Claire Winter

W

e all look forward to our annual summer holiday but sometimes it doesn’t always go to plan. The children get travel sick, you forget (or lose!) their favourite soft toy, and you nearly miss your flight. Culminating in a massive argument before you are even on the plane (I may, or may not be speaking from experience here). I’ve asked Families readers from across the country for their top tips on how to move from frazzled to fun when you travel with children.

Check, and check again Make sure everyone's passport is valid, and, for travel further afield, not about to expire. Some countries require at least six months on your passport before it expires. Also check flight times and bag restrictions. We’ve all seen stressed out passengers in the check-in queue trying to reduce the contents of their suitcase at the airport. Don’t be one of them!

Pack with precision Make sure you have a packing plan. While it seems a romantic notion to sling a few things in a bag and jump on a plane, those days are long gone. If you are taking hold luggage make sure you mix up the adult and children’s clothes between two suitcases, to make sure you all have something to wear if one bag gets lost. Anne, mum of two girls, says, “Put swimwear for the whole family in your hand luggage in case all your bags get lost. If you can all go for a swim or to the beach on arrival, lost luggage won’t seem so bad!”

36 Families South West • June 2018

Bring food You can never have too many snacks. Most short-haul flights don’t provide food anymore, so you have to buy sandwiches and snacks, which are extortionately expensive. Plus, by the time the food trolley gets to you, the food has often run out, and the children don’t want to eat it anyway! Marissa says, “For early starts, I chuck a load of cereal in small Tupperware containers so they can munch on them in the car or on the flight.”

Make it fun Children love experiencing different modes of transport and being in new places. Sarah, mum to Mae, says, “We make it into an adventure! We talk to Mae about our journey a week or so in advance, so she’s enthused about it.”

Pack surprises Break up a long journey with some fun toys to unwrap. “Go to a pound shop. Buy loads of small toys. Wrap them up and bring one out every hour! I’ve done lots of long-haul flights because we lived out in Singapore when mine were smaller” says Amanda, “and this works a treat."

Don’t forget their favourite toy Most children have a blanket or toy they can’t sleep without. Make sure you, “keep their loved blanket/ toy out of the hold in case the luggage goes missing.

Games are good Top Trumps, Story Dice and sticker books are always winners. Mark says, “There are lots of travel games out there like Connect 4, Chess and Battleships, which we’ve found useful."

Don’t forget external chargers for gadgets when it’s time to get out the iPad or Kindle.

Bring spare clothes These are “a must” if you have young children.

Christine says, "Don’t forget spare clothes in your hand luggage for long-haul flights as you never know when you’ll be delayed or get a surprise stopover, (pack for at least a day, plus baby food). My husband (for once) praised my over-packing when we were delayed in Dubai on our way to Oz for 48 hours with a baby and only our hand luggage!”

Be patient and enjoy It As parents we can feel disappointed when the dream trip to Disney in Florida or sightseeing with the children in Paris doesn’t go to plan.

Jackie says being realistic helps, “Think about your mindset as a parent before you travel— practising patience and going with the flow is a good idea. Also, lower your expectations of your children’s behaviour as they might be tired or feel different due to the journey. In my experience this creates a more harmonious trip.” Holidays are a great way to relax, unwind and bond with your family, just make sure you try and enjoy the bumps in the road too. familiesonline.co.uk

See more events in our online What’s On calendar

What’s On

Diary Dates...

We take much care in preparing these What’s On pages but please do double check with organiser before setting out as things change.

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Graphic Art House of MinaLima, 26 Greek Street, Soho W1D 5DE store.minalima.com/house-ofminalima Throughout June Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the designers behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie artwork, showcase their magical designs in a free exhibition. Wind your way around the narrow staircases of the four-floor house to see walls covered in prints and take a closer look at authentic movie props on loan from Warner Bros.

If you only do one thing this month…

Don’t miss …Arrest and Last Days of Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london To 28 August Follow the dramatic story of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII, through her arrest, imprisonment, trial and execution at the Tower in this new play. From hope to hopelessness, watch Anne’s journey unfold in a live performance which will be staged twice per day.

The performance, written and directed by Michael Fentiman, will follow the last 17 days of Anne’s life. After one of the most controversial courtships in history, during the course of which Henry VIII famously broke with the Catholic Church to marry her and conceive an heir, she spent the night at the Tower of London before her coronation in 1533. She returned to the Tower in 1536, accused of adultery and treason. The Last Days of Anne

Boleyn explores her tragic final days at the famous fortress, from her imprisonment and interrogation, through to her trial and execution.

Performances are at 11am and 2pm every FridayTuesday in the shadow of the iconic White Tower. Included in general admission price.

Kids Club Film

Kew Gardens

Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street SW4 0AT www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cl apham_Picturehouse Saturdays in June Movies exclusively for children and their parents and carers. Includes My Little Pony and Shaun the Sheep.

Medieval Midsummer Fayre - not to be missed

Front garden friendly Southfields (but why not create your own event near you!)

9 June Join your neighbours to create London’s first front garden friendly neighbourhood. Plant your front garden, window box or flowerbeds under your street trees to make Southfields Grid a blooming beautiful place to live. Guerilla gardening from 2pm. Enjoy a cuppa with your neighbours from 4pm.

Sign up to GREEN THE GRID at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/68MT TNM

A Child's Guide to Brutalism

The Greatest Glasshouse in the World

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk To 1 July Explore this new display for children on brutalist architecture.

Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery are both notable examples of brutalist buildings, a type of architecture popular in the 1960s.

50 years on, this style of architecture continues to excite and divide the public.

Kew Gardens, Richmond www.kew.org Throughout June Kew’s iconic Temperate House has reopened after the largest restoration in the garden’s history.

Discover the story of the greatest glasshouse in the world, its long journey back to magnificence, and the 10,000 plants, many of which are rare and threatened, that call it home.

Underbelly Festival 30 The Queen's Walk, Lambeth SE1 8XX www.underbellyfestival.com Throughout June The festival returns for the 10th year with stages full of affordable circus, theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and children’s shows. June’s highlights include hilarious and interactive performances with Dick and Dom, comedian Stephen K. Amos and Circa’s thrilling circuscabaret show, Peepshow, plus Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dancehall.

familiesonline.co.uk

Book now!

Kids Week tickets go on sale Tuesday 12th June at 10am.

For the whole of August, a child aged 5 -16 can go to any participating show for free as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult. Adults can also buy up to two extra children’s tickets at half price and there are no booking fees. https://officiallondontheatre.co m/kids-week/

At Streatham Common Rookery, Covington Way SW16 3BX Saturday 16th June From 12 noon to 6pm Annual fun filled family event in the beautiful and panoramic settings of The Rookery at the top of Streatham Common.

Emmanuel The Magnificent the Jester and the Contortionists take center stage at 2.30pm for two of their acrobatic and juggling shows.

Free music and dancing. A Crossbow Challenge will be on site range. Giving the young (and the not so young) Robin Hoods & Maid Marian's the opportunity to see how they would have fared as a Medieval marksmen. There will be Falconry flying and standing display, shopping opportunities of high-quality craft, magical Storytelling, Medieval FacePainting, workshops for children to create their own bow and arrows and more.. FREE for under 18s , adults £3.50 on the door. Many FREE activities or reasonably priced (from £1) to benefit all ages.

June 2018 • Families South West 37

What’s On Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark Throughout June Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2017. This exhibition displays the spectacular winning images from 2017’s competition in the Observatory’s Astronomy Centre. From distant galaxies to our very own Milky Way and neighbouring planets, the entries reflect our enduring fascination with the night sky. FREE. 7 and 8 July White Hat Willis. Join this arts and crafts workshop and design a new hat for Cutty Sark's owner, Jock 'White Hat' Willis, who was known for always wearing a white top hat.

Enjoy an adventure on board the ship before taking your hat home with you. 11.30am-1.30pm and 24pm, age 4+.

The Bright Emporium 103 -105 St John’s Hill SW11 1SY www.thebrightemporium.com Every Saturday in June Messy Toddlers. All the mess, all the fun but none of the tidying up. For mini artists in the making. 10am, age 1-4.

NCT Clapham Venues across SW London www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham 20 June First Aid for Babies Course. 7-10pm at Eddie Catz, Earlsfield SW18 3NZ

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall Underbelly Festival, Southbank SE1 www.monskimouse.com / www.underbellyfestival.com 24 June, 1, 8 and 15 July The undisputed international Queen of Baby-Boogying, Monski Mouse is touring the UK and she is ready to DISCO! A show where all the family can get down to classic tracks, crazy tunes, and thumping nursery rhymes, hosted by DJ Monski Mouse and her Monski Mouse Dancers. Age 0-5 with parents/carers.

Fulham Palace

First Aid for Life 74 Ramsden Road, Balham SW12 8QZ www.firstaidforlife.org.uk 6 and 9 June Paediatric 6 Hour First Aid Course.

From £125.

Chestertons Polo in the Park Hurlingham Park, Fulham SW6 www.polo-in-thepark.frontgatetickets.com 8-10 June Sunday is Family Day - enjoy a relaxed Sunday in the sun, with the free Little Hooves Kids Club provided to entertain the children, including Sharky and George, Eddie Catz and Clip’n’Climb. Watch three matches of polo a day, plus restaurants, street food and a luxury shopping village. Use code LOVEPOLO for discounted Friday and Sunday tickets.

Trooping The Colour St James’ Park / The Mall SW1 9 June Experience a traditional ceremony full of military pomp and pageantry with Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade. Marking the Queen's official birthday, this annual event features hundreds of officers, horses and musicians from the Household Division in ceremonial uniform.

Open Garden Squares Weekend www.opensquares.org/2018 9-10 June Take a peek behind the gates of London's private gardens and discover hidden gems when more than 200 gardens, from the historic and traditional to the new and experimental, are opened up to the public. Venture into private gardens, roof gardens and community allotments, as well as gardens belonging to historic buildings, museums, churches and universities.

Taste of London Regents Park NW3 www.london.tastefestivals.com 13-17 June Discover a tantalising selection of London’s top restaurants. For five summer days, the park is transformed into a foodie wonderland as 40 of London's best restaurants gather to show off the hottest dishes from their extensive menus.

WI Centenary Fair Barnes Green Centre, Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HE 9 June The Fair promises to be an amazing day with a variety of stalls, retro games, taster drop in workshops, plenty of food, and of course, a supply of homemade WI cakes!

FREE, 11am-3.30pm

38 Families South West • June 2018

the chance to see the best of the London stage over one weekend.

Polo in the Park

West End Live Trafalgar Square www.westendlive.co.uk 16-17 June Get a taste of some of London's leading musicals and exciting new shows. Returning to the iconic location for the 14th year, this free event offers thousands of people

Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 16 June Little Green Fingers at Fulham Palace. This hands-on gardening workshop is for children and their adults to 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.

10.30am-12pm, £10.50 per child, booking essential, age 3+.

1 July The Adventures of Dr. Dolittle. The outdoor theatre season returns with much loved Dr. Dolittle, who starts out as a human doctor but then learns how to talk to animals and becomes the most celebrated veterinary doctor in England.

2.30pm, £14 adult, £8.50 child, £3 under 3s .

Battersea Choral Society Presents Music for a Summer's Evening Holy Trinity Sloane Square, Sloane Street SW1X 9BZ batterseachoral.brownpapertickets. com 16 June Battersea Choral Society shares their performance of glorious music for a summer’s evening.

7.30pm, £20.

Clapham NCT Nearly New Sale Broomwood Methodist Church 155a Broomwood Road SW11 6BD www.nct.org.uk/branches/clapham -district 16 June Save money on quality baby and children's clothes, toys, books and equipment. Unlike competitor sales, funds raised by the NCT Nearly New Sale are used to support local parents during the First 1000 Days of parenthood.

9.30-11.30am, entry £1.50.

London First Aid Training Venues in Battersea SW11 www.firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 16 June Paediatric First Aid Course.

Includes resuscitation procedures,

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On drowning, choking, shock, spinal injury, burns and scalds. From £80.

Ham House and garden Ham Street, Richmond-uponThames TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden 020 8940 1950 17 June Father’s Day. Come along and take part in the Father’s Day challenge!

There’s a variety of activities including tea cup racing, butter making and beer tasting.

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival www.festival.org 21 June – 7 July Experience one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, with open-air theatre, dance, art installations and music for all ages in Royal Greenwich and East London.

Fostering Information Event Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street SW18 2PU 020 8871 6666 www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering 21 June Find out more about the possibility of fostering in Wandsworth at these informative events. 10am-12pm, 24pm and 6-8pm on both dates.

Mum2mum market Ricards Lodge High School www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 23 June Come along and buy all kinds of nearly new toys, clothes, books, strollers, car seats, feeding accessories, baby equipment and so much more. Or if you fancy a quick clear out, why not book a stall? Admission £2 on the door, children free. Visit the Mum2mum Market website to get 2 for 1 admission. 2-4pm.

Summer Fair Broadwater Primary School, Broadwater Road, Tooting SW17 0DZ 23 June Fun for all the family at this annual summer fair. Inflatables, face painting, international food, raffle, lots of games and much more!

Entry £1 per person, children go FREE, 12-3pm.

Dunraven School Summer Fair 94-98 Leigham Court Road, Streatham SW16 2QB 7 July A day of fun for all the family with games, stalls, rides and plenty of food and drink to keep you going!

All the money raised goes towards this wonderful school - they'd love your support. 11am-3pm

Theatre...

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk 7 June – 27 July Summer in the Courtyard. Come and enjoy comedy's brightest stars and brand new talents in Battersea Arts Centre's open-air courtyard.

Cambridge Theatre Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU www.uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout June Matilda The Musical. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

Robotics Workshop

Colour House Theatre

Imperial College, Exhibition Road SW7 2AZ www.inspiredmindstutors.com/wor kshops 7 July Take robots apart to learn how they work. They build your own! These carefully crafted workshops are full of hands-on, fun activities. 11am1pm and 2-4pm.

Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Saturdays and Sundays to 24 June The Jungle Book. Join Mowgli on his amazing adventure as he meets all the friendly, dangerous and unusual characters that make this story so iconic. Will Shere Khan get his claws on Mowgli? Will King Louie deceive the young boy into telling him how to make fire? Will Baloo and Bagheera be the heroes?

2pm and 4pm.

Creature Creations Grant Museum of Zoology, Rockerfeller Building, 21 University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grantmuseum-zoology To 14 July Create works of art inspired by some of the weird and wonderful animals that call the Grant Museum home or invent your very own brand new animal, give it a name and add it to their collection in this family art day with their Museum artist. Drop in between 1.30 and 4.30pm, free, no booking necessary.

familiesonline.co.uk

The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 18-23 June Legally Blonde the Musical. OMG you guys!!! The smash hit Broadway and West End Musical based on the best loved movie follows beautiful and popular sorority sister Elle Woods who loves to be pampered and is passionate about pink.

6-7 July English National Ballet School Summer Performance. The talented young dancers of the English National Ballet School return to showcase their skills at the school’s annual Summer Performance 2018. This exciting programme features excerpts from Kenneth MacMillan’s Sleeping Beauty as well as other classical and contemporary choreography.

Omnibus Theatre

Lyric Hammersmith

Battersea Choral Society

New Wimbledon Theatre

One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk To 23 June Fatherland. Tender and tough, honest and true, Fatherland is a vital and necessary show about what we were, who we are and what we’d like to become.

1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 5-24 June The Yellow Wallpaper. Alice has not formed the correct bond with her baby. That’s what her doctor and husband say. Isolated from her child and banished to the country for ‘rest’, Alice falls further down the rabbit hole of her own mind.

The wallpaper haunts her. But is she really sick, or are there more sinister forces at play? Age 12+, from £12.

June 2018 • Families South West 39

What’s On

Lyric Hammersmith

Peacock Theatre

Polka Theatre

WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com To 1 July TriOperas. Three legendary operas come together for an unforgettable journey of love, vengeance, tears and laughter with shortened versions of Turandot, Butterfly and Carmen in one spectacular triple bill.

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 8-10 June Whatever the Weather. Two whimsical characters learn to share the endlessly surprising world of an Alpine Weather House in this humorous and highly visual show for the very young. Winner of Best

Production for Children and Young People, OFFIES 2016. Age 3-6, from £9.

13-24 June This is My Bed. There’s one thing about your bed. It’s your very own bed. Except somebody else seems to think it’s their bed too. And then the bed itself has its own ideas, and can turn itself into a bus or a train or a rocket. And when a bear turns up one night it whisks you off to meet the very things you’re frightened of. Thank goodness there are some unexpected friends to help you along your way. Age 25, from £9.

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 15 June A Button in My Head. A unique opportunity to see award-winning Argentinian/Chilean puppet company, Arriba las Hu! Manos, perform on the barge for one night only, as part of their world tour!

Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/venues/richm ond-theatre 2-4 July Cirque Beserk. Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! celebrates the 250th anniversary of the invention of Circus by bringing this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. It is really very, very good!

Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 12-13 June Birmingham Royal Ballet – Romeo and Juliet. Love at first dance, forbidden passions, dangerous secrets and star-crossed fate combine in this exhilarating classic ballet. In the most famous love story ever told, a dangerous cocktail of arrogant youth, simmering tension and deadly feuds erupts, leaving two young lovers at the mercy of powerful families and their own hearts.

Museums, Galleries and Days Out...

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout June Dream On. An exploration of dreams, the unconscious and an imaginary world between sleep and wakefulness.

9 June Behind the Scenes Tour for Families. A rare opportunity to step into the Museum of Childhood’s behind-the-scene spaces with the Museum Archivist Gary Haines.

Charles Dickens Museum 48 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX www.dickensmuseum.com Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection. Dropin object handling sessions throughout the historic interior of 48 Doughty Street. Discover a unique set of Dickensian curiosities from a cheque signed by Dickens, to a beautiful dolls house, an engraved snuff box and even a collection of original props from The Invisible Woman.

40 Families South West • June 2018

Hampton Court Palace East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPal ace Throughout June The Magic Garden. Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Included in palace admission.

Throughout June Tudor Kitchens. This summer sees a complete re-imagining of the famous Tudor kitchens, transporting visitors back to a time when they were the beating heart of life at Hampton Court Palace.

New displays will feature interactive technology and sensory experiences, so for the first time ever visitors will be able to see, smell and touch their way through the process of preparing a meal fit for a king.

Horniman Museum and gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Throughout June Colour: The Rainbow Revealed. Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are made, peer through a giant human eyeball to find out how we see colour, discover how animals use colour to attract and hide, and look into how different colours mean different things across the planet. FREE. Throughout June Horniman Butterfly House. Get up close with hundreds of beautiful butterflies in a tropical indoor garden. The habitat is the perfect place to experience free-flying butterflies and discover amazing facts about the life-cycle and behaviour of these creatures. From £6.

From 29 June World Gallery. The Horniman’s exciting new gallery opens this month, displaying over 3,000 extraordinary objects from around the globe.

London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Throughout June Poster Girls. Girl power comes to Covent Garden when Poster Girls a major new exhibition about 20th and 21st century female graphic artists opens at the Museum.

Throughout June Digging Deeper. Discover this fantastic new gallery exploring the history of tunnelling from Brunel in the 19th century to modern day Crossrail. Featuring a giant audiovisual tunnel projection and a lifesize recreation of the tunnelling shield that helped create the world’s first electric Tube railway.

Kids go FREE.

Museum of London EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sundays in June Museum Explored. Explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a fun and engaging tour of the museum’s galleries, especially for families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm. familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On Sundays in June Hands-on history. Hear incredible London stories as you touch and hold real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm.

National Army Museum Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk Take Dad to the 17th June National Army Museum • Marching for free Father’s Day workshop with a activities and family First World War workshops soldier 12 & 1pm – 1.30 FREE

• Family Workshop: Animals in the First World War. FREE, collect a ticket on arrival. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis Throughout June Special Forces: In the Shadows.

Discover the elite training and extreme skills needed to make the cut as this exhibition explores the operations our Special Forces have undertaken around the world over the past 70 years. A wonderful new exhibition at this completely refurbished museum, perfect for all ages and especially for families with curious youngsters. From £4.

Museum of London Docklands Canary Wharf E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/mus eum-london-docklands Throughout June Roman Dead. In 2017 a rare sarcophagus was unearthed in London, where an ancient cemetery once stood. Discover the story behind this remarkable find in this new exhilarating exhibition.

21 June Close to the Bone. Join Dr Rebecca Redfern for a unique archaeological workshop that provides inside into the science of a major exhibition.

This unique workshop allows you to get hands-on with techniques such as 2D and 3D facial reconstruction.

Suitable for all ages.

National Maritime Museum Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Saturdays in June Character Encounters. Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, age 6+.

To 30 September The Great British Seaside: Photography from the 1960s to the present. A major photography

exhibition celebrating the nation’s love affair with the seaside, featuring more than 100 photographs by Martin Parr, Tony Ray-Jones, David Hurn and Simon Roberts. The exhibition explores our changing relationship with the seaside and will hold up a critical and affectionate mirror to a much-loved and quintessentially British experience, captured by photographers who share a mutual love of the seaside.

From £5.

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout June Whales Beneath the Surface. A major new exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of whales.

Throughout June Sensational Butterflies. Escape to the Museum’s tropical butterfly house and watch the crawling caterpillar transform into the beautiful butterfly.

This immersive exhibition is filled with life, colour and beauty and features species found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, Africa and Asia. From £5.85.

Royal Observatory Greenwich Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

Weekends in June Weekend Space Cadets. Family workshops related to space science and space exploration; from the International Space Station to the latest discoveries about the Solar System and the wider universe.

12.45pm, from 5+, FREE.

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout June Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainer-led experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives.

Truly fascinating! £8/£6.

Tower of London St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Throughout June Armoury in Action. A family friendly exhibition revealing the fascinating story of arms and the armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows and assembling firearms to brandishing swords, a thousand years of history at the Tower is brought to life in this exciting, hands-on experience.

Art Activities...

Tate Britain Millbank SW1P 4RG www.tate.org.uk Dates in June Under Fives Explore the Gallery.

Experiment with a range of materials while discovering exciting routes and journeys through the galleries alongside other families.

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Saturdays in June. Art Makers Have fun with different art techniques to create something fabulous to take home inspired by the Horniman’s collections or seasonal celebrations. Different themes each week. 1.30pm & 2.45pm, £3, age 3+.

V & A Museum Cromwell Road SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk/families Throughout June Family Activities. Pick up a family trail from the Information Desk and familiesonline.co.uk

explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out, plus regular activities and workshops for ages 7-12. FREE

National Portrait Gallery St Martin's Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday of the month Drop In Family Sundays. Drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events. FREE

The Wallace Collection Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org First Sunday of the month The Little Draw. Meet artist Grace Holliday and use specialist drawing, handling and surface design techniques to respond to the stimulating forms A great and colour palettes.

3 hour All ages, 1.30pm– workshop!

4.30pm, FREE. June 2018 • Families South West 41

What’s On

Babies and Toddlers...

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Every Sunday in June A World of Stories. Enjoy stories from some of the best storytellers in London. Their tales bring the Museum’s varied collections to life and will whisk you away to faraway places and different times. Suitable for families with children aged 5+, FREE, 2-2.45pm and 3.15-4pm.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday in June Busy Bees. Lively sessions for under-5s. Activities include storytelling, art and craft and outdoor play. FREE. Dates in June Hands on Base: Family Activities.

Each week these fun family sessions will explore a different theme using objects from our Handling Collection, from flying animals to musical instruments.

Age 3+, FREE, 11am, 11.45am and 12.30pm.

Bach to Baby Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 14 June Discover the award-winning classical concert series for babies, toddlers and parents. Themed concerts are performed by pianist Miaomiao Yu along with other internationally renowned musicians. 10.30am, £12 adults, children FREE.

The Graveney and Meadow 40 Mitcham Road SW17 9NA www.graveneyandmeadow.com Wednesdays in June Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft classes. See website for details.

Thursdays in June Pram Chorus. Child friendly daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult, see website for times.

Fridays in June Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for babies and their carers with instruments. 9.30am, £5.

The Bedford Pub 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD www.thebedford.com Tuesdays and Fridays in June Baby Sensory classes and Pram 42 Families South West • June 2018

Chorus. See website for details.

Plus, they are running dance classes during October half term and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ “rave” every month, featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine and parachute dance.

Last Wednesday of every month Screaming With Laughter.

London’s original afternoon comedy club, designed for parents with babies under 1 year. See the best acts from TV and the comedy circuit without having to book a babysitter. Buy tickets at www.wegottickets.com/Screaming WithLaughter

BYOB Comedy

Bach to Baby Play Tuesdays. Embark on a museum adventure that includes trails, arty workshops, songs and stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm.

Museum of London

Clapham, East Dulwich, Teddington, Putney, Tooting www.byobcomedy.com Dates in June Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy and you get to bring your own baby! They provide toys, baby changing, buggy parking, bottle warmers and more, so that baby is happy and you can relax and enjoy top comedy stars from the circuit and TV.

EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Wednesdays in June Little Moles Toddlers Group and Mini Moles Babies Group. Fun, hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.304.30pm, book in advance. Plus sensory, hands-on, play-based activities for you and your baby to enjoy together, 11am-12pm.

Unicorn Theatre

DO-RE-MI Babies Concerts

147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Saturdays in June Up Club. Join the Unicorn Play Club most Saturdays for free dropin activities from portrait painting and potato printing to giant rocket making and more. 12noon - 2pm.

Singing Mamas Choir South London Liberal Synagogue, Streatham / The Half Moon (Workshop Room), Herne Hill www.singingmamaschoir.com Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June, depending on venue A Community of Choirs for Women, with or without children.

Sing world songs, folk songs, gospel and more. A warm welcome awaits all singing abilities. Contact southlondonsingingmamas@gmail. com, tel 07947 609780.

National Maritime Museum Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Tuesdays in June

Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout June Inspirational and fun classical concerts. Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June Storytelling and Music Sessions. A series of sessions for babies and toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5

Baby Broadway Family Concerts www.babybroadway.co.uk Saturday 23rd June The Other Palace, Victoria SW1E Thursday 28th June Balham Baptist Church SW12 Friday 29th June Tara Arts, Earlsfield SW18 Sing and dance along to songs from Motown, My Fair Lady, The Lion King, Frozen and many more plus bubbles, puppetry and dance moves in an interactive family concert performed by West End singers.

Open to all ages from newborns to school age to grandparents.

Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in June Little Explorers. Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

Kensington Palace W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in June Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in the Palace together. Discover the stories of Kensington Palace through music, movement, messy play and more. £6 per child, price includes up to two adults £5 per child for members. 10.30am – babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – walkers. familiesonline.co.uk