Families London SW Sep 2020 (Digital)

FR DIGITAL TAKE EE ME HO ME ISSUE

South West

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Win a magical break to

• Clubs and classes for your child • Supporting our high streets • What’s on • Readers offers and competitions • State or private schools?

September 2020 2020 Issue 299 September

in 2021

familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

In This Issue Contact us 4 Education 10 Autumn Families SouthActivities West 020 8696 12 Early9680 Years

editor@familiessw.co.uk

14 Halloween

30thHealth years in business!

16

17 Parenting Celebrate with us with a year of prizes 18 Clubs & Classes

20 Activities See below to win a trip to Lapland

Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

We’re Celebrating!

There are some reasons to celebrate as we head into autumn.

Our children will hopefully get to go back to school and nursery after a huge break, which is really good news for parents. This autumn also marks the 30 year anniversary of Families Magazine, first launched in London in 1990. Throughout the next 12 months, we’ll have lots of freebies on offer for our subscribers to mark this milestone. So sign up if you don’t want to miss out! It’s FREE. To get the ball rolling, we’re proud to offer you the chance to win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland! See below for details.

In the meantime, we hope you find this issue useful in negotiating the start to the new school and nursery year.

Win a magical break to Santa's Lapland in 2021 Enjoy a Reindeer sleigh ride, sledging with huskies, exploring a real igloo and much more, including a once in a lifetime private visit with Santa himself!

Click here to enter

Entries close at midnight on 30th October 2020. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 3

EDUCATION

Free Learning Support Resources Need some additional tools to help your child catch up at school?

BBC Bitesize

Preschool, KS1, KS2+.

Oxford Owl

Early Years, KS1, KS2+.

BBC School Radio

Daily Phonics Lessons by Ruth Miskin Training

Mathematics Mastery Home Resources KS1, KS2.

Literacy Counts Home Learning Packs

Reception, KS1, KS2.

Bud’s Number Garden Game

Literacy Shed

NRICH Maths at Home Resources

Preschool, KS1.

Preschool, KS1.

4 September 2020

KS1, KS2.

Early Years, KS1, KS2.

KS1, KS2+.

familiesonline.co.uk

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STEP 1 STEP 2 Tell your child when to Fill in daily Explain behaviour rewards your colour in the animals! targets child will receive

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for a day at a WIN Family Tickets Park of your choice!

UK Zoo or Wildlife children. two adults and two Tickets are valid for

o.uk info@familiesmagazine.c completed chart to an image of your child’s you or your child explaining How to Enter: Email up to 50 words from 2020 to enter. age, your postcode and You have until 30 June with your child’s name, them achieve their targets. how the chart has helped

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Magazine 2 September 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons * Win chocolates for Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers Issue 10 March/April 2020

email: editor@familie

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ME

2 Families South West • September 2020

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EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Duck and Penguin That Dog! Things I Love by Emma Lazell.

Do Not Like Bear Will smart dog outwit the Susie Linn/Alex Willmore.

Sleepovers Julia Woolf.

Night time adventure for babies/toddlers.

dog-nappers?

For babies/toddlers.

Scenes and activities little ones will recognise.

For babies/toddlers.

The Diddle That Dummed

It’s OK to Cry

I’m Sticking with You

Kes Gray/Fred Blunt.

Laughter, music, word play & silliness. Ages 3+.

Molly Potter/Sarah Jennings.

Great intro to emotions.

Ages 3+.

Moth

The Blue Giant

Egneus. Powerful/ visually spectacular evolution story.

Ages 5+.

story about pollution in our oceans.

Ages 5+.

Smriti Halls/Steve Small.

A story about friendship.

Ages 3+.

Super Milly and the

By Isabel Thomas/Daniel By Katie Cottle. Poignant Super School Day

6 September 2020

By Owen Millward.

Upbeat/funny picture book about kindness.

Ages 5+.

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EDUCATION

Top Homework Tips Where, When and How

Let THEM Do the Work

Create space. If possible, this should be a communal space but one with minimal distractions.

This enables parental supervision/input without it feeling like an intrusion.

Provide guidance, not answers.

Use questioning to help them get as close to the answer as they can but don’t tell them.

Establish a routine. Some children prefer to do homework straight after school; others need to ‘unwind’ or eat first. Whatever is decided, stick to it.

Get organised. Have your child do the hard work first when they are most alert. Help them make a “Done/To Do” list.

Let them make mistakes.

Giving answers means they will not learn the material and their teacher will not know how much they understand it.

Step in only when progress comes to a halt.

Encourage them to set small positive targets promoting independent working and selfsufficiency.

What YOU Can Offer Discuss homework. Even if you know nothing about a subject, you can still help just by talking, listening and helping them to find the right answer.

Use a timer. Challenge your child to estimate how long an assignment might take. Suggest setting a timer for that amount of time, or less.

Encourage. Praise effort not achievement. Focus on hard work or improved concentration, handwriting or presentation.

Make it positive. Tell them how important school is. Your attitude to homework will influence their attitude. familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 9

ACTIVITIES

Autumn Outdoors Enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities with the family.

Bark Rubbing

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Conkers

Mushroom Hunting

Tree Decorating

Making and Flying a Kite

Building a Hedgehog Home

Litter Picking

Making a Leaf Maze

10 September 2020

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FamiliesSWLon

September 2020 • Families South West 9

EDUCATION

What Do We Say to the School about our Separation?

Five “Must-Do’s” When Choosing a School for your Child

Any parent who has been through a separation will understand the massive stress it involves and the anxiety around co-parenting. One of the important issues that can get overlooked in the mix is what to tell your child’s school.

READ MORE

It always makes sense to put your child at the centre of the process when choosing a school.

Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be and individual schools can be very different too.

By Rebecca Giraud & Bob Greig

By Judith Judd

READ MORE

Coping with Back to School Stress

Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So what can we do to help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 5

EARLY YEARS

A-Z of Early Years Activities

By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

Animal Hunt. Search for tiny creepy crawlies, the chirpy in the trees kind and the bigger more exciting kind!

Baking. Use overripe bananas to bake muffins. Or roll out some biscuit dough.

Cardboard Creations. A pirate ship, a car, or a doll’s bed? Save a box, colour it in or cut it up!

Den building. Inside with chairs and sheets. Outside with pieces of wood!

Envelope Endeavours. Send photos/stickers or a letter/card to a friend/family member.

Film Fun. Make popcorn, print off ‘cinema tickets’ and snuggle up.

Garden Growing. Ingredients: patch of soil for digging/planting, old spoons for digging and water for watering!

Hiking. Pack a bag and snacks/ drinks. Get your kids excited about a little ‘hike.’

Imaginary Play. Kids LOVE it!

Visit the doctors or take a pet to the vet!

Jumble Sale Jollies. Involve kids in sorting things for charity or a jumble sale.

Kickabout. Visit the park with a ball – run, jump, slide, shout!

Learning through Play...is the best way! Games like i-spy improve letter/sound recognition.

Mud Mess. It’s such FUN! Make mud pies.

Noise. Bang pans; pick out a tune/rhythm with bells or drums.

12 September 2020

Outdoor Painting. Paint leaves/stones. Add food colouring to bubbles and ‘paint’ windows – it washes off!

Puzzles. Jigsaws develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

Quiet. Help your little one enjoy quieter things - small world toys, books, colouring or painting.

Reading. Make reading special.

Try different voices to captivate your child’s imagination.

Safari Special. Hide toy animals (or pictures) around your home. Grab paper/pen and go on safari. Write down the animals you see.

Treasure Time. Make a map and hide “treasure.” Grab a toy sword and battle pirates as you search for it!

Under the Stars. Show your toddler the twinkling lights from galaxies far away.

Virtual Fun. Journey down the Amazon; enjoy a virtual roller coaster ride!

Water. As a wise person once said: when a child is grumpy “just add water!”

X-Ray. Draw around your child’s body. Stick the drawing on the floor. Draw in bones, explaining what they are and what they do.

Yoga. Find great kid-friendly options on Youtube.

ZZZZ….Time to sleep. familiesonline.co.uk

HARRIS CLAPHAM SIXTH FORM

Introducing Harris Clapham 6th Form Courage, Confidence and Commitment Harris Clapham 6th Form will be a brandnew academy that will open in September 2021. Our state-of-the-art building will have excellent facilities including science labs, computing suites and art areas. Construction is already underway at our site on Kings Avenue in Clapham, SW4.

The academy will have 600 students overall and will open with 300 places for Year 12 students in the first year. We will offer a range of Level 3 A-level and vocational courses. including mathematics, the sciences, languages and the arts.

One of our aims will be to make sure that all students achieve the best qualifications and a well-rounded education, so that they can move on with confidence and success in life after 6th form.

Our website will launch soon, watch this space! This will include details of our courses and open events! But, please do check out https://www.harrissixthform.org.uk/ to give you a flavour of Harris 6th Form courses.

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FamiliesSWLondon

September 2020 • Families South West 13

EARLY YEARS

Clever Ways to Get your Child Eating Healthily

Childcare Post Lockdown

Do you dread mealtimes? Does your child have little interest in broccoli and beans? Whether you’re trying baby-led weaning or desperate to get vegetables into a pre-schooler, here’s our tips on how to give your child the best start at the dinner table.

As childcare opens up postlockdown, there is a sense of unease about whether it’s safe to send our children back to nursery. Of course, we want to protect them. So how are nurseries making their environment safe for our children?

READ MORE

By Gabrielle Nash

READ MORE

More Healthy Eating Tips Dr Pandora Giles (University of East London) outlines her ideas.

• Make meal times fun. Chat, sing, talk about the food.

• Encourage food play. Make faces out of fruit or a forest with broccoli!

• Offer new foods alongside a favourite.

• Swap excessive milk/juice between meals for water if your child is eating little.

• Have clear mealtimes of around 20 minutes.

• Eat with your child. Offer encouragement.

• It’s never too late. Tastes change, so you can introduce variety at any point. familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 13

NUMBER

2 16

IN LONDON

TH

NATIONALLY

CLUBS & CLASSES

Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs

Mother Nature Science

Gymboree

Teddies Music Club

Sing and Sign at Home

Music Bugs

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy

Face to face classes for 0–5s utilising music, Face to face and online Face to face and online science activity classes movement, props, and music toddler groups patented apparatus. for 5-12yrs. for 0-5s.

Online baby signing classes.

Online sensory music classes for babies and toddlers.

Rugbytots

Little Gym

Face to face rugby play programme for 2-7 yrs.

18 September 2020

Face to face drama classes for 5-17yrs.

Little Kickers

Face to face and online Face to face football gymnastics activities classes for 18mths-7yrs. for 4mths-12yrs. familiesonline.co.uk

11 plus tuition Getting your child ready

to reach the stars...

Year Four

Year Five

Year Four and Five

11+ Foundation

11+ Preparation

11+ Mock exams

11+ Online Courses - now also available

92%

Cloze Procedure Non-Verbal Reasoning Exam Technique

Overall success rate if your child starts in year four

SMALL CLASS SIZES

All courses include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

All taught by Mrs Jones herself

35

YEARS

Mathematics English Verbal Reasoning

Teaching experience

To book, call 0208-390-6076 or 01239-851942 or visit 11plustuition.co.uk

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FamiliesSWLon

September 2020 • Families South West 17

CLUBS & CLASSES

Face-to-Face and Virtual Classes and Clubs

Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School

FunTech

Caterpillar Music

Tots Play

SA Dance

Parrot Street Book Club

Online tech and coding Face to face and online music/movement for 7-18 yrs. classes babies and Face to face and online toddlers. drama for ages 4-18yrs.

Face to face and online baby and toddler play programme.

Online dance classes for 2.5yrs+.

Teddy Tennis

Lingotot

Face to face tennis classes for 2.5-6yrs.

familiesonline.co.uk

Face to face and online language classes for 0-12yrs.

Monthly subscription book club for 5-11yrs.

Water Babies

Swimming classes for 0-5yrs.

September 2020 19

18 Families South West • September 2020

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Granard Primary School “Growing together; Achieving together”

A child’s first school is an important stepping stone into education.

Granard is friendly, caring and inclusive. We nurture each child’s academic, sporting and music opportunities to enable them to succeed academically and socially. We provide a caring and nurturing environment for children from Nursery to Year 6 (age 3 — 11).

Come and find out about our excellent teaching, the support we offer and see our wonderful facilities, including our swimming pool.

Please contact the school office on 0208 788 3606 to arrange a visit.

20 Families South West • September 2020

Our Open Mornings are at 9.15 a.m. on:

Tuesday 29th September | Thursday 22nd October, Wednesday 25th November | Monday 14th December, Friday 8th January

Breakfast and After School Clubs available

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FamiliesSWLondon

September 2020 • Families South West 23

YEAR 7 VIRTUAL OPEN EVENTS Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls which has an established tradition of academic success, providing a relevant and challenging education which enables all members of our school community to reach their full potential.

'Pupils understand that leaders and staff want them to be successful. They know that high expectations are set.

Pupils respond to this challenge by achieving well in their studies'

Wednesday 30th September 6.30pm Tuesday 6th October 6.30pm For more information please visit www.burntwoodschool.com ‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’

Ofsted, March 2020

24 Families South West • September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On September 2020 Despite it being the shortest What’s on we have produced in 30 years, there are still many activities and places open to keep you active and busy this September. Might be wise to doublecheck with the organiser before setting out though.

The Dinosaur Project

Arts & craft market lovewimbledon.org Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm. Love Wimbledon hosts an annual Arts & Crafts market every autumn on The Piazza in the centre of Wimbledon where you’ll find unique pieces from local artisans.

The Chelsea History Festival 17-27 September 2020 www.chelseahistoryfestival.com In Chelsea and in your home. This year’s Chelsea History Festival will bring the past to life through a series of talks, tours and events, on a virtual and physical stage. From military to art history, natural to social history, immerse yourself in over 50 varied events and discover the relevance of history today.

Ciné Lumière Institut Francais, SW7 www.institut-francais.org.uk

Until 13 September: The Lost Prince, a modern-day fairy tale taking us into the world of Djibi, a single father (Omar Sy) whose life entirely revolves around his beloved 8-year-old daughter Sofia.

FREE TO DOWNLOAD PACKS www.theherdtheatre.co.uk Get new themed activity packs to spark imaginations, to get your child creating and celebrate your dinosaur expertise. All of the packs are free to download and contain fun crafty tasks you can easily do in your home. Once you’ve done the pack take a photo of what you created and share it with them to help make their next show! 3-7yrs.

Battersea Park Zoo

www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk A perfect afternoon out… on your doorstep!

Otters, agouti, donkeys, hedgehogs, reptiles and birds and much more. Meet the critically endangered Cotton Top Tamarins and rare breed arrivals. Not too big, not too far, your littlest ones will love this zoo. Check out the feeding times on the website before you go. £7.95 to £ 9.95.

The Scrapstore 13 Blackshaw Road SW17 0DA www.workandplayscrapstore.org.uk A fantastic supermarket-style treasure trove presenting waste as arts and crafts materials to inspire creativity… paper and paint, textiles and trimmings, buttons, wood and wondrous props, foam and fine wire and so much more…

Only open Thursdays 11am-8pm. Small membership fee otherwise free, take as much as you want.

Gardening at Bandstand Beds The community garden, Windmill Drive, Clapham Common. www.bandstandbeds.org.uk Until 28 September

Tools, equipment, seeds and plants are provided, but please wear sturdy footwear suitable for gardening. No gardening experience necessary. Homemade cakes and biscuits always welcome! Mondays 11am-2pm.

Let them know if you are going to drop by ccbandstandbeds@gmail.com

St George’s Hospital Charity Help the charity say thank you to our healthcare heroes with the re-launch of the SGHC X Adam Bridgland collection in partnership with Jealous Gallery. Having already sold 103 t-shirts and raised over £1,200 they are putting them back on sale, with a new addition, and hoping to raise even more money to support our NHS. www.stgeorgeshospitalcharity.org.uk

Streatham Space Project

Royal Museums Greenwich

www.streathamspaceproject.co.uk Eurydice 14-20 September An internationally award-winning retelling of the Ancient Greek myth between side streets, dive bars, karaoke joints and ancient kids. The sister show of Orpheus (which will be available to watch on Friday 18th September. 12 + PLAY by Snakebox 27 September A thrilling immersive performance filed by the think tank of its audiences' inner child. In a safe participatory experience, expect song, dance and innovation in the open process of people creating together. 5-6 pm slot suitable for 5+; 7 - 8pm slot - suitable for all ages.

Queen's House, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum www.rmg.co.uk Housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17thcentury Queen's House and Cutty Sark work to illustrate the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers.

Travel the World at Kew Gardens Until 16 October Take a one-day trip around the world by exploring Kew Gardens’ breathtaking botanical landscapes. You will be guided across six continents, through designated locations set within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. By highlighting beautiful plants from 10 countries and regions, visitors will be transported to these parts of the world through sights, smells, and spirit of place.

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FamiliesSWLondon

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

11am-4pm, free.

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

Pre-book a timed slot online in advance.

September 2020 • Families South West 53

What’s On September 2020 The Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open once again to ticketed visitors, young and old can explore the museum in person or take part in some of their online activities and learn more about London!

Mum2Mum Market The Streatham Food Festival

ZSL London Zoo welcomes the ugliest

www.streathamfoodfestival.com 1-30 September The new look Food Festival will showcase the incredible range of global food on offer in Streatham. The Festival aims to encourage residents and visitors to the area to take a Streatham ‘Taste Staycation’.

Each participating restaurant, cafe or bar will showcase their signature dish with a special offer of between £7 and £10.

Eat out to help out. Hopefully the scheme, whereby you can enjoy a 50% off up to £10 per person, will be extended into September.

pigs on earth www.zsl.org Zookeepers at ZSL London Zoo have been squealing with delight over the arrival of the Zoo’s first 'demon pigs’ – and are determined to rally the public in sharing their newfound love for the unique-looking swines, reputed to be the ugliest on earth.

Until end of September every penny raised towards ZSL and its zoos will be doubled by the Scheinberg Relief Fund, up to a total of £500,000 matched.

www.beingmindful.co.uk Monday evenings - Online via Zoom Mindfulness can nourish us as parents, reduce stress, speed and destructive behaviour and enable us to be fully present for our children. Learn how to open and soften in difficult circumstances, particularly when children are especially challenging.

All-day retreat included. 7-9pm, Online via Zoom. £250 (£190 concessions).

Is your child road safety aware?

www.totallythames.org A brilliant array of online and physical events taking place this September beneath and along the River Thames with live-streamed concerts, boat trips, and walking tours.

Festival highlights include Rivers of the World, an outdoor exhibit of river-inspired art created by young people around the world; Tidefest, a chance for families to actively engage with leisure opportunities on the river; and The London Bridge Experience, a virtual tour of the Thames by Henry Reichhold. See website for the full selection of events.

54 Families South West • September 2020

London Transport Museum WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Learn all about the history of London transport either in the museum or online. The Depot is already open and the museum reopens on September 7. Children will enjoy the stunning exhibits and historic vehicles

Bring your own baby comedy

Mindful Parenting

Totally Thames

Immanuel and St Andrews Church SW16 3PY www.immanuelstreatham.org.uk.

Come and sell, come and buy or both! Browse a variety of baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and more. Stalls must be booked in advance.

Online www.byobcomedy.com Enjoy a laugh out loud afternoon that’s also baby friendly! Soft floors, toys and buggy parking combined with great comedy is a can’t miss! Check website for upcoming dates.

Crib Notes Online www.cribnotes.co.uk While regular sessions are still on hold, you can enjoy live-streamed 30-minute singing breaks on Facebook Monday to Saturday at 11am.

NCT Walk and chat

Test your children on crossing between parked cars and on bends. And ask them if they know to look out for reverse lights so they know if a car is about to move backwards. Test them in the same way you would test them on their spellings or times tables! Children aged 15 and under account for around a quarter of pedestrian injuries and deaths on British roads. https://roadsafetygb.org.uk

Nct.org.uk Every week 10-11am on Tooting Common, starting on 10th September.

This is a ticketed FREE event, you must book to reserve your place coordinator.clapham@nct.org.uk

Deen City Farm Colliers Wood www.deencityfarm.co.uk See many small animals but no handling at the moment. Riding school. Café. Pre-book your tickets, free but donations gratefully received.

Cargo of wild ideas and fine produce www.newdawntraders.com New Dawn Traders connects small producers from across the seas direct to UK consumers, powered by wind alone. They bring its creaking hold of olive oil, wine, salt, chocolate and more to London on Tuesday 22 September. This experimental fair-trade collective is inviting Londoners to experience global consumption on a human scale. A nice spectacle to enjoy! familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On September 2020 Barnes Wetland Centre

Family fun at home

www.wwt.org.uk While all events, walks and talks are cancelled until the end of September, you can still come and give yourself a guided tour through the lakes, ponds and gardens. Enjoy a day out strolling through the urban oasis that is London’s wetlands. Take in the lakes, ponds and gardens, not to mention the birds and wildlife that the wetlands is home to. A ticket must be booked by midnight the night before your visit. Suitable for all ages.

AIMED AT DISABLED CHILDREN Join coaches from SportFit Wales online for 30 minutes of inclusive family fun games. Aimed at disabled children aged 3 to 11, although any families are welcome to join and take part. Once you book your free family ticket, we will email you before the session with the Zoom link and passcode. Search for family fun at home on eventbrite.

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Enjoy the 13 acres of trees in the gardens, discover a 500 year old oak tree, the amazing walled garden, the fantastic natural play area, tour the house and take in the Bishops of London Palace at Fulham exhibition. Give yourself and your family a chance to run, walk and enjoy some great outdoor time. FREE

Singing Mamas Choir www.singingmamaschoir.com Make some music with fellow mums during 90 minutes of “me time” each week. With locations across London, babies and toddlers are welcome, or come on your own!

Chelsea Physic Garden www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk London’s oldest botanic garden (and one of our favourite London places) is home to more than 5,000 different plants as well as walks, talks and fun for the entire family.

Check out website to see when they’ll resume their workshops. Café. £12/8.50

The Bright Emporium Clapham SW11 1SY www.thebrightemporium.com Every weekend delve into their books, share their imaginative worlds and characters through creative workshops, story times and messy toddler time, The Bright Emporium is a great place to let your little ones imagination run wild! Check the website before you set off.

Battersea Arts Centre SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk (Details not ready at time o f going to press)

Polka Theatre SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com While the new and improved theatre doesn’t open until Spring 2021, Polka Online is full of stories to watch and family activity packs, like making your own shadow puppets or your own model box.

Horniman Museum and gardens horniman.ac.uk Enjoy The World gallery, garden walks, the grasslands and sunken gardens, the Butterfly House, the animal walk (alpaca, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits ..)

Permians Monsters: Life before dinosaurs.

Meet monsters from 252 million years ago; family-friendly exhibition.

Horniman Market every Sunday, direct from independent and local producers.

All visitors need to pre-book for a free, timed entry slot. Some interactive exhibits have been removed or covered up.

National History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk Pre-book your timed ticket and enjoy some family favourites like whales, dinosaurs, fossils and volcanoes. Don’t forget to visit the Ostro Stone and the Giant Sequoia as well as Sophie the Stegosaurus – all solo, self-guided tours. Can’t come to the museum? Explore the Museum from home by taking a virtual tour and seeing up to 300,000 specimens. Alternatively flick through Wildlife Photographer of the Year images at your own pace or join the Nature Live Online team on Tuesdays at 12.00 and Fridays at 10.30 for interactive talks with our scientists. Free entry, exhibits extra.

National Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Pre-book your free ticket and take in exhibits from Wonderlab, the Equinor Gallery, Medicine, The Wellcome Galleries and Driverless, Who’s in Control? Don’t forget Science City, Mission to Mercury and so much more! Free entry, exhibits extra.

Zippo’s Circus 17-22 Sept, Figges Marsh, Mitcham www.zippos.co.uk Fun under the big top is back, with acrobats, aerialists, comics and daredevil motorcyclists all ready to astonish and entertain! Minimum 2 ticket purchase is required. £11 to £ 13 • 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.

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ACTIVITIES

9 Best Board Games For rainy weekends and as the nights draw in!

Djeco Little Circuit

Shopping List

Peppa Pig Muddly Puddle Game

Great first game with simple rules and quick games. Ages 2.5-5yrs.

Fast paced game testing memory and matching skills.

Ages 3+.

Help George jump over muddles puddles to climb the hill. Ages 4+.

Cheeky Monkeys

Bananagrams

Jenga

Hang the monkey on the tree. Fun game of chance. Ages 4-8yrs.

Fast paced version of Scrabble. Ages 7+.

Take wooden blocks off the tower without it toppling! Ages 6+.

Monopoly Deal

Hey, That’s My Fish!

Einstein Eats Eggs

15 minute Monopoly – perfect intro to this classic game. Ages 8+.

20 September 2020

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. For ages 8+.

High speed Charadestype guessing game.

Ages 10+.

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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

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Shaftesbury Park Nursery Classes RECEPTION OPEN MORNINGS Strictly by appointment only: Wednesday 7th October 2020 9.30-11.00 Wednesday 14th October 2020 9.30-11.00 Wednesday 4th November 2020 9.30-11.00

Bilingual Class This option will offer the invaluable opportunity for your child to learn French from an early age using a dynamic, immersion approach.

Enterprise Class

The exciting choice of: Bilingual Class or Enterprise class

This option will offer the fantastic opportunity, through an exciting outdoor programme, for your child to develop 8 key Enterprise skills: Problem solving, Leading, Aiming high, Teamwork, Creativity, Staying Positive, Sharing ideas and Listening Carefully.

For further information or to book a place for open mornings please contact the school: T: 020 7 228 3652 E: info@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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PARENTING

Who Will Take Care of the Children IF….?

Busting the Myths about Adoption: Are you Eligible?

It’s tough deciding who will take care of your children if the worst happens and they no longer have a parent around. Unfortunately, in this eventuality, the situation is not straightforward for your children. Find out why.

Sadly, the number of children in care being adopted each year has fallen, while the number being looked after by local authorities is steadily rising. So there’s a continuing need to find more adoptive parents to look after vulnerable children.

READ MORE

By Andrew Campbell

READ MORE

Meaningful Moments

By Claire Winter

We all lead busy lives, with endless to-do lists and children with many hobbies.

Naturally family time can fall by the wayside sometimes.

Yet spending time together is essential if we want a happy and inclusive family environment.

So why not plan some family moments this autumn?

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 17

Well established, independently run Montessori nursery school offering high quality education in a friendly and caring environment. Small classes with qualified staff ensure excellent levels of pupil contact.

Extra activities include sport, drama, music and forest school. Lovely outdoor garden.

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Now booking for Autumn term

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