Families London SW Sep 2020 (Print)

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Issue 299 September 2020

in 2021

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2 Families South West • September 2020

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Families South West • September 2020

In this issue

6 & 7

10 & 11

12-40

TEN THINGS WE LOVE

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN PRINT!

EDUCATION and BACK TO SCHOOL

26-27

39

41

ENCOURAGING PLAYSTREETS

MEANINGFUL FAMILY MOMENTS

MAKING A WILL

42 & 43

44-51

53-55

READER OFFERS

See more local news and events on:

CLUBS & CLASSES

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WHAT’S ON

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To advertise: 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: October 2020 | ISSN 1354-9553. | All contents ©Families SW 2020.

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THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

by Melissa Reynolds, one of our Roving Mums

he consumer world is always changing, just like our needs and interests.

Families has compiled a list of ten great new products and services we think might be just what you’re looking for!

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1. Buggi, Buggy subscription service Buggi is the UK’s first buggy subscription service that allows parents to change their buggy to suit their needs, and their wallets! For a monthly subscription fee, users can rent the buggy of their choice and then switch every 6 months should they choose. www.buggi.co.uk Why we love it: Not only does it help out those who find one buggy can’t do it all, it’s also kind to the environment with fewer buggies in circulation, and ending up in landfills. It’s also not a rent to own, so when you’re done there’s no need to find storage!

2. Nimble laundry detergent Little people can make big messes, but they also have sensitive skin, which is why your laundry detergent should be something you give some real thought to. Nimble’s Laundry Lover is gentle and effective for newborn clothing and doesn’t irritate the skin and smells great! https://nimblebabies.com Why we love it: Nimble is created using plantbased surfactants from coconut and an allergen-free fragrance and is made from 88% natural ingredients. Love the detergent? Check out the rest of Nimble’s cleaning line!

3. Pepi re-usable nappies Pepi’s reusable pocket nappies let you greatly decrease the amount of nappies (£1,500 worth) you will use in your little ones infancy. Pepi

Shortlisted for Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year for London & East of England at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

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6 Families South West • September 2020

recommends 20 to 25 nappies for full time use.

Each nappy comes with two bamboo mix inserts and an outer shell – simple. For those heavy wetters, simply add more inserts. www.pepicollection.com Why we love them: “They’re fab - so easy to fit, super soft inside and out!! I’m really impressed, congratulations! I just couldn’t resist a little try on as soon as it arrived!! Love love love the print too - very unique and it looks like it should be so much more expensive.” Pleased Pepi user.

4. Totty and Py’s backpack Designed by a local mum, Totty and Py’s items are all made out of soft, flexible material that is also quick drying. The backpack is a hit with a front zip pocket, two side pockets and lots of room for storage. Made with certified sustainable ink and thread, the backpack has a low impact on the planet! www.tottyandpy.com Why we love it: “The backpack is a fantastic size for young children and easy to carry. It has two slots on either side to put your child’s water bottle or snack for easy access,” says Roving Mum Andi.

5. Scooter bags by Scooterbuddies If the variety of fun fabrics and patterns aren’t enough reason to love these super cute bags, then the amount of stuff they hold will be.

Each bag has adjustable straps and a navy liner.

Invented and made by a local British mum, Scooter Bags can also come with a matching water bottle bag! www.etsy.com/shop/Scooterbuddies Why we love it: Your own purse will no longer suffer the effects of half eaten oranges, apple peels, stones, sticks, half eaten cookies or leaky juice boxes!

6. Cookies that count Give in to your cookie craving with Cookies that Count, freshly baked chocolate and sea salt cookies delivered by post! Available in boxes of two or six, they are created by Tooting chefs Sarah Kettel and Jessica Dames. These brilliant bakers also donate 35% of their profits to charity. goodeats.io/cookiesthatcount

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Cookies that count (continued) Why we love it: Not only are they currently donating 35% of profits to Hospitality Action, they also aim to use donated surplus ingredients to cut down on waste! In the future they plan to allow other charities to embed an order platform on their website to receive a portion of sales.

7. Slumbersacs sleeping bags with … feet Some babies and toddler just need to keep going. If you’re little one doesn’t like to feel confined, Slumbersacs Sleeping Bag with Feet may be the ticket!

They can learn to walk and move around, while enjoying the comfort of their sleeping bag when ready for bed. Feet can be tucked in or left out! www.slumbersac.com Why we love it: “My twins have always been very naughty, real live wires.

They regularly jumped out of their cots still in their sleeping bags and run riot. However the bags didn’t have feet so it was almost dangerous for them. Slumbersacs have feet: it is the product we had been wishing for!”

Pascale Gravell, FSW editor 8. 1TcA Recyclable masks Now that face masks are as necessary as your credit card when leaving the house, why not choose one that does some good? 1TcA (1 Thought Changes All) is a fully recyclable and sustainable UK mask with HeiQ Viroblock which protects from microbes and germs. All ingredients are cosmetic grade, bio-based and recycled, so both the technology and fabric used for the face coverings are environmentally friendly! https://1tca.com/ Why we love it: Produced in the UK at factories paying a living wage, all profits are donated to charitable causes. And no adding to the landfill either, 1TcA masks are completely recyclable!

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9. Kew Gardens kids cookbook Kids can not only learn how to grow their own veggies, but cook them up using a step-by-step guide in this helpful cookbook! Learn how plants grow, water, weeding, harvesting and composting. It also includes advice on cooking tools and utensils. shop.kew.org/products/the-kew-gardenschildrens-cookbook Why we love it: By eating what they’ve grown, kids will learn about eating healthy and having a balanced diet! Added bonus, hopefully they can soon cook for you!

10. Scrubbingtons hand and face wash Developed by two British mums who wanted to empower their young children to clean themselves, Scrubbingtons is 98% natural with no parabens, SLS or artificial colourants. With added Aloe Vera it’s even ideal for dry hands! Best of all it foams up well for bathroom fights! www.scrubbingtons.com Why we love it: Bottles are made from 50% recyclable plastic and can be topped up with refill pouches! The foam lasts twice as long as gel and uses less water to wash off.

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September 2020 • Families South West 7

Quality, affordable meals delivered to your door Families meets local independent family business which provided free meals to NHS workers.

What happened during the pandemic?

“Initially we were forced to close our shop and catering business; but things changed after I was contacted by a consultant friend at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. She said that the frontline night staff were working terribly long hours, were exhausted and very worried about becoming ill as they had no time to eat. Joe (my husband) and I immediately began to help by providing hot, healthy nutritious meals. Initially we were funding the meals ourselves, however we soon needed to step up, so we set up a GofundMe page, where we raised in excess of £13k, providing over 5,000 meals on a ’not-for-profit’ basis.

Catering,

“OMG, I can’t tell you what a life line this is. Who are these people who are so amazing??? It means so much to us, it makes me want to cry.

15% off your first order with code FSW

Turning a lemon into a lemonade The feedback received from the NHS staff was overwhelming and so, in a bid to keep our staff employed and our business from folding, we have launched a home delivery food service.

All our meals are freshly cooked to order using quality ingredients sourced from London’s finest markets.”

020 7928 8088 masterscatering.co.uk

So you are now supplying meals to families?

Finding time to go grocery shopping and preparing healthy meals can be a struggle with a young family. Masters Catering offer a fusion of high quality, affordable nutritious meals delivered to your door. Your meal is delivered fresh and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is also suitable for home freezing. Children’s menu, desserts and drinks; food for meetings and events. Environmentally friendly packaging. From £5 a meal.

“I’ve been working all day and only finishing now at 9pm and I haven’t eaten all day. It’s like a war zone in there. Thank you, thank you.”

5,000 meals like this were donated to NHS frontline staff

Supporting local businesses and shopping safely in Putney Exchange

A

fter a long spring and summer of Covid-19 lockdown, many of us have breathed an enormous sigh of relief that life can go back to feeling a bit more free and ‘normal’ in our towns and communities.

The Putney Exchange Shopping Centre continues to work very hard to safeguard the health of every shopper now that the centre has fully reopened. Here is what they told Families: “You will see our housekeeping team are cleaning down all ‘high touch’ points in the centre on an enhanced basis, including: door handles, lift buttons, escalator handles, payment touch screens and seating areas.

We are doing everything we can to make your shopping experience as pleasurable and relaxed as it has always been, despite the ongoing requirement to remain socially distanced from other shoppers and the wear face masks in shops.

Each £1 pound that you spend in local shops goes towards that small business owner being able to stay open and provide the variety of products and services that are so essential in keeping a town centre alive and prosperous. Many of these small businesses also provide jobs to Never has it been more important to support our local and small businesses in Putney local workers, which in turn helps the local employment as they reopen their doors to welcome you. market.

Our baby change and feeding room has recently been completely renovated providing parents a safe and relaxing environment, and our car park has also recently had an investment of £1.5million to improve its surfaces and facilities, including the provision 8 Families South West • September 2020

of wider bays and better payment options whilst you are shopping in the centre.

The shopping centre management team also have access to live footfall data to ensure that at no point do we exceed safe numbers of customers in the centre whilst we continue to be socially distanced from one another.

So, this autumn, as you step out to go shopping for the new season of clothing, household items or even your Christmas shopping (yes, in September!), do pop into our wonderful, small and safe shopping centre to see what our retailers have on offer. “ They are ready and waiting to welcome you! familiesonline.co.uk

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September 2020 • Families South West 9

South West

Which are your favourite places in SW London?

In our 30th anniversary October issue, we will feature 30 places we love in south west London.

We’d love it if you could help us celebrate the joy of living in this part of London by sharing with us the many places you go to and love.

It can be a museum, a landmark, a restaurant, a park, a city farm, a sport or fitness place, anything you enjoy with your family or on your own.

Text 07949 889901 or email the name of your favourite place(s) to editor@familiesSW.co.uk, and tell me why you like it in no more than 40 words each (and a picture if you can).

We will publish the top hits parade in our 300th anniversary issue.

Get thinking and sharing!

10 Families South West • September 2020

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Email editor@familiessw.co.uk with your name and post code.

After a year of planning and preparation, our academy finally opened its doors to our staff and our very first intake of Year 7 students in early September. Our building and facilities are amazing.

It has been an absolute delight to meet everyone in person and put names to faces. We are bringing to life our vision that ‘everything is possible’. Our Clapham Commitment guides us all in striving to be the best version of ourselves we can possibly be. Our students have engaged fully in our broad curriculum and enrichment offer as they embark on their ‘whole child’ education with us.

Open Events for Prospective Parents and Students

We are also getting ready to welcome our second year group in September 2021. You would be very welcome to join us at our open evening and mornings in October.

Please check out our website for further details: www.harrisclapham.org.uk

Open Mornings Friday 9 October 9.00am-10.30am Monday 12 October 9.00am-10.30am Wednesday 14 October 9.00am-10.30am

Open Evening Wednesday 7 October 2020 4.30pm-7.00pm

SELF-BELIEF • HONESTY • EXCELLENCE • ENDEAVOUR • GLOBAL

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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September 2020 • Families South West 13

Private or state education?

By Kate Jefferson MA (Cantab) LLM NPQH Headteacher at Millbank Academy, Westminster

P

arents want the best for their children. For many of us, though, this involves a difficult balance of practical and aspirational considerations. Children are in school the majority of the waking day from the age of three, making the correct choice critical. A good education provides the building blocks for children to lead to a purposeful and fulfilling life. In central London, with a plethora or schools within walking distance, what considerations are key?

1. The curriculum State schools must follow the National Curriculum and are supported to do so by the local authority. High levels of fidelity to the government programme guarantee the coverage that your child will receive.

Independent schools and academies have much greater autonomy and can determine their curricula. At Millbank Academy, for example, we have a bespoke curriculum, which includes British history, ancient history and Latin. Knowledge sits at the heart of our curriculum and we make no apologies for this, thus providing an education comparable to the best independent schools within the state sector.

2. Teaching In state primary schools, a child has typically one teacher all day. The perceived advantage of this is that there is one consistent adult who knows your child very well. In private schools, however, at Key Stage 2 the children often have a form teacher for pastoral support and subject specialist teachers for academic subjects. The genuine advantage of subject teachers is the depth of knowledge and passion for the subject that will go beyond the curriculum itself. Millbank Academy mirrors this model and all teachers are experts in their fields.

3. Academic challenge Selective private schools are likely to have higher levels of challenge than state schools because of their entrance requirements and the potentially deeper curricula. When choosing a school, it is essential to ask questions about the level of academic rigour 14 Families South West • September 2020

and to see examples of work produced. At Millbank Academy, we believe in teaching an intellectually demanding curriculum, focussing on ‘the best that has been thought and said’.

4. Pastoral and ethos Each school, private or state, has its ethos. This will vary more significantly than one might expect and can only be determined in person.

At Millbank Academy, we foster a nurturing yet rigorous environment where effort is rewarded, a healthy spirit of competition is rewarded, horizons are widened and imaginations are fired. We provide students with the opportunity to develop high levels of resilience and selfdiscipline that will prepare them for success in their future.

5. Enrichment Private schools often have a wide range of extra-curricular activities that most state schools do not have the resources to facilitate.

These may range from robotics clubs to impressively staged dramatic productions.

Enrichment exists in state schools, but there are potential additional charges and less choice. However, this is not true at all state funded schools; Millbank, we prioritise enrichment and operate an extensive and subsidised programme, at little or no cost, such as small group music tuition, knowledge and experience of higher education and work, and Outward-Bound type residential stays.

6. ‘Wrap-around’ child care As a working parent, a key consideration is whether the school provides before and after school care. While this may not be a factor in your child’s first years, do consider it for the

future when short school hours may mean the need for additional childcare and expense. At an independent school, the day is potentially longer and may encompass more of the working day. At a state school, if care is provided, there is likely to be a charge. At Millbank Academy, our care lasts from 8am to 6pm for just £9 per day!

7. Class sizes Some studies have found that reducing class size to 20 appears to result in around three months' additional progress for pupils (EEF), although this research is keenly debated.

Benefits are mainly seen by low achievers and younger pupils. Class sizes are likely to be smaller in independent schools, but this is not always true and should be a key question when visiting all types of school.

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Education

“There is no right or wrong decision. What suits one child may not suit another, or even the same child across the two decades of their education” 8. Special Educational Needs In an academy or state school, a child who has additional needs (such as autism) may receive an Education Health and Care Plan (EHC). This means additional funding for the school, which often results in 1:1 support for the child.

Schools can also refer children to more specialist settings. For example, at Millbank Academy, we have the Windmill provision for children with autism.

Private schools can also be effective at providing additional academic support. Indeed, some will specialise in SEND and, if your child has an EHCP, may receive a place wholly or partially funded by the local authority. Without an EHCP in a private school, you may be asked to fund the additional cost incurred by the school in providing your child with more

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targeted support. If you have concerns, ask to book an appointment with the school’s inclusion lead before making your decision.

There is no right or wrong decision. What suits one child may not suit another, or even the same child across the two decades of their education. Tour the schools. Ask questions.

Trust your instinct. You are the expert on your child and are best placed to choose the environment where they will flourish and take flight. www.millbankacademy.org.uk Applications for September places still accepted.

A little re-cap: - Independent, pubic and private schools are terms for organisations that draw their funding from fee-paying parents, gifts and endowments.

- State schools draw their funding from local authorities, who are in turn funded by the government.

- Academies receive their funding directly from the government and are not managed by local authorities. They can stand in their own right, or can group together in multi-academy Trusts.

Outstanding Ofsted.

FamiliesSWLondon

September 2020 • Families South West 15

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September 2020 • Families South West 17

18 Families South West • September 2020

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Lockdown learnings lead to long-term improvements

Education

Families South West met Grace McCahery, Vice Principal of the White House school, for a virtual cup of tea. See how the school has come out of lockdown even stronger!

Q: The lockdown has been tough on children, parents and teachers. Can you see a longterm impact?

At the start of lockdown and school closure, our main concern was the children. Not only the impact on learning but the emotional toll of not seeing their friends and having the social interaction that they need. These two factors drove how we moved forward to minimise the impact in both areas.

We used Google Classroom to host daily ⇒ live lessons. This live interaction and

communication, with both teachers and friends was invaluable to the children and helped keep them on task and focused, especially a few months into lockdown. Coming back to school, we are now using Google Classroom every day! It has allowed the children to communicate as a whole school, rather than just in their bubbles groups. It has also worked brilliantly for homework and we will continue to use this method for children to submit homeworking going forward.

The next stage was to plan to have all the ⇒ children back at school. We looked to our

European neighbours to see how they brought children successfully back into the classroom and began to think about how we could restructure the classrooms if needed. No room was out of bounds and we even considered using the Headmaster’s Office for a classroom if needed! This dynamic and can-do attitude familiesonline.co.uk

and decision making from the founders, an allwoman family team, the Headmaster Tony Lewis and the school staff made return to school a joy for children, teachers and parents! ⇒ We are so proud that we were the first and only school in the area to have a full school back on a full timetable 8:30am-4pm on 15th June. We continued to offer after school clubs and changed these to Class Clubs. We also extended the term by two weeks, allowing children a full half term (7 or 5 weeks respectively) back in the classroom with their friends. This means they have missed out on far less face to face teaching time and they are well prepared for the next school year whatever it may bring.

The key driver was to try and create as ⇒ normal a school environment for children as

possible. This saw the school host a Sports Day, individual class assemblies and a weekly assembly, complete with celebrations of birthdays and house points. This approach saw excited, happy children keen to get back into class. Resilience is a key word at The White House Prep and we are so proud of how our children showed this in abundance. They adapted well to the new Bubble system and particularly liked having their temperature and hands sanitized by the Principals on arrival!

As we embark on a new school year, we feel very prepared and able to tackle new problems with the children at the forefront of our minds.

FamiliesSWLondon

Q: Tell us about the exciting changes at the school We are thrilled to announce that we have acquired the building next door to the school and over the last year we have been working with an award-winning architect, vPPr to create plans for a completely new and sustainable building on the site. The proposed design is for a two storey building that will provide a large, double height open plan space and dining hall on the ground floor and flexible focused learning space on the first floor. The rear garden will offer a "Sensory and Wellbeing Garden", a fantastic addition to our outdoor space. The building will be attractive for the street and built to the highest environmental standards, closely matching the residential houses on the street, and blending with The White House.

These developments reflect our commitment and continued investment to provide an excellent environment in which our pupils will continue to learn and achieve and we are so looking forward to this next step in the journey.

We are hugely excited about the new building which will be completed for Autumn 2021 and look forward to welcoming you when we unveil it!

The White House, number 2 in the Sunday Times Top London Prep Schools www.whitehouseschool.com

September 2020 • Families South West 19

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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Returning to school

Education

By Gizlé Landman, Principal, Harris Academy Clapham There are many inspirational and uplifting quotes to be found on the power of change: ‘nothing changes if nothing changes’, ‘you must be the change you wish to see in the world’, ‘small changes eventually add up to big results’—to name but a few

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et’s face it—we have definitely all had to deal with a significant amount of change in the past few months.

Our ability to cope with and deal with this level of change is uniquely individual and dependent on our own context and circumstances. Reflection is part of human nature and we will all look back at this time through the lenses of our own experiences and take from it what we need in order to move forward.

For our children, ‘moving forward’ means returning to school in September as part of a bigger class group (albeit still in bubbles) and into a different year group. For most it will mean a return to the familiar in terms of setting, staff and peers. For our Year 7 students it will be a completely different world—a new journey to school, a new building, new teachers and a new (much bigger) peer group.

Transition from primary to secondary school is experienced with both excitement and some trepidation (usually around getting lost as the move from classroom to classroom!). This year, however, it is even more so. Some of our children will not have been in school since March, some will have been in throughout the lockdown and some would have had time in school in June and July. For all of them, the

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end of their primary school career would not have been as they would have anticipated, and the sense of closure may be lacking.

So how do we (both school and home) support our children in returning to school in September?

1. Talk, talk, talk, talk!

Encourage them to speak to you about their hopes, their concerns, their experiences. Allow them to reflect on what it is like to get back to the ‘new normal’ and help them to process what they are experiencing. We have found mindfulness activities to be very useful in supporting them with this.

2. Routine is key Support them to establish this as soon as possible so that the stress of the unknown is reduced. This includes their route to school, packing their school bag, understanding their timetable, getting to know the school building etc. We take comfort in that which is familiar and reassuring. So, alongside all the new and, hopefully exciting, experiences we need to help them to establish the familiar.

3. Hurry slowly Life as we knew it, came to a very abrupt and unnatural halt in March. Our restart needs to be gentle. Allowing time to play, spending time

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in nature and interacting with others will help our children to come to terms with the ‘new normal’ and to process their experiences of the last few months.

4. An attitude of gratitude Helping our children to see the positive in the world around them and allowing them to celebrate success and enjoyment in even the smallest of things, aids mental health and wellbeing.

5. Looking ahead It is important for us to consider that, with all the novelty of returning to school in September, the true impact of our experiences since March are not seen until later in the year.

Having support mechanisms in place from the start will be critical for us so that help is at hand as and when it is needed and not just at the start of term.

We are fortunate as a brand-new academy that we have been able to focus entirely on the health and well-being of our first intake of Year 7 students. Our staff have received training both in mindfulness and from Trauma Informed Schools UK and we trust that our academy family will benefit from this. www.harrisclapham.org.uk

September 2020 • Families South West 21

School Open Days

Update...

Please check direct with the schools concerned in case things have changed. Please mention Families SW. SW1

SW6

SW15

SE21 Dulwich College Junior, 7-10y, B. See website for open events.

020 8299 8432 www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions

Knightsbridge, 4-16y, B&G. Book online to visit.

020 7590 9000 www.knightsbridgeschool.com

Parsons Green Prep, 4-11y, B&G. Open 10/10. Book on: 020 7610 8085 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk

Ibstock Place, 4-18, B&G. Open & Visits via bookings on: 020 8876 9991 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

Future Academies: Pimlico, Millbank, Churchill Gardens.

Book a visit online at www.futureacademies.org

Sinclair House, 2-11y, B&G. Open 8/10 at 10am.

Book on: 020 7736 9182 www.sinclairhouseschool.com

Granard Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open at 9.15am on 29/9, 22/10, 25/11, 14/12 and 8/1.

020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk

SW2 Lambeth Nursery School’s Federation 2-4y, B&G. Free nursery places available. See websites for information and to apply: Effra, SW2 www.effra.lambeth.sch.uk Holmewood, SW2

Fulham, Open 10/10 Visit one or all of the sites: Book via email: admin@fulham.school (4-7 years old), prepadmin@fulham.school (7-13 years old) or senioradmin@fulham.school (13-16 soon 18 years old).

www.holmewoodnurseryschool.org.uk

Maytree, SW4 www.maytreenursery.lambeth.sch.uk Triangle, SW4 www.trianglenursery.org Ethelred, SE11 www.ethelrednursery.org.uk

SW3 Hampshire, 3-13y, B&G. Open 17/9, 19/11, 28/1/21, 18/3, 21/5 020 7352 7077. Book on

SW7 Lycée Francais, 3-18y, B&G French, Bilingual & British curricula. www.lyceefrancais.org.uk St Thomas Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open day via zoom: 17/11 at 6pm 020 7385 8166 www.stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk

www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, 3-11y, B&G. Open days via zoom: 8/10 at 2-3pm; 6/11 at 6-7pm.

020 7589 2438 www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk

SW11 Shaftesbury Park, Nur-11y, B&G. French bilingual & Enterprise.

Open 7/10, 14/10 and 4/11 at 9.30 to 11am by appointment 020 7228 3652

Sacred Heart Roehampton, Recep-11y, B&G. Open 3/11 and 10/11 at 9.30am & by appointment.

020 8876 7074 www.sacredheartroe.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW17 Burntwood Academy, 11-18y, G. Virtual Open Yr7 30/9 and 6/10 at 6.30pm 020 8946 6201 www.burntwoodschool.com

SW18 Roche, 2-11y, B&G. Individual tours by appt.

020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.com Allfarthing, Nur-11y, B&G Open 24/9, 6/11, 3/12 020 8874 1301 www.allfarthing.org.uk

SE22 James Allen’s Girls’ 4-18y, G. Open mornings— older ages: 23/9 & 15/10; all ages: 3/10.

020 8693 1181 Booking required via www.jags.org.uk

SE26 Sydenham High, 4-18y, G. Book online: 020 8557 7004 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

SURREY Shrewbury House, 7-13y, B. Open 3/10 at 9.30 to 11.30.

Book online.

020 8399 3066 www.shrewsburyhouse.net Whitgift, 10-18 B. See website for Open details.

020 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk Trinity, 10-16y B; 16-18y B&G 020 8656 9541 See website for Open details: www.trinity-school.org

SW19

www.shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

SW4 Eaton House schools, B&G. Book a visit on www.eatonhouseschools.com Harris Academy Clapham, 11-16y.

B&G. Open 7/10 4.30-7pm; 9/10, 12/10 and 14/10 at 9am-10.30 020 8253 7777 www.harrisclapham.org.uk Parkgate House, 2.5-11y, B&G. Private tours, register online.

020 7350 2461 www.parkgateschool.co.uk

SW12 Northwood, 4-16y, B&G. Open day 9/10 9am-12pm 020 8682 8830 www.northwoodschools.com • Broomwood Hall Lower, 4-8y, B&G. • Broomwood Hall Upper, 8-13y, G. • Northcote Lodge, 8-13y, B • Northwood Senior, 11-16y, B&G.

Hall Wimbledon, 4-18Y, B&G. Open 25/9 5.30-7pm; 10/10 9.30-11am 020 8394 6144 www.hsw.co.uk Study Wimbledon, 4-11y G. Visits booked via: 020 8947 6969 www.thestudyprep.co.uk

SW20

020 8682 8821 White House, 6m-11y B&G. www.whitehouseschool.com

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Rowans, 3-7y, B&G. Tours by appt.

020 8946 8220 www.rowans.org.uk

BATH Kingswood, 9m-18y (boarding from 7yr), B&G. Open 6th form: 29/9; Prep: 1/10, Senior: 3/10.

Book via: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Monkton Combe, 2-18y, B&G. Open Mornings Senior: 3/10; Pre-prep: 10/10 01225 721133 www.monktoncombeschool.com familiesonline.co.uk

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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

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Should we allow children to

By Melissa Reynolds, one of Families Roving Mums Despite London being the world's first National Park City* because of its abundance of parks and open green spaces, children desperately need more room to play as well as ways to get safely to and from school.

Some exciting developments are happening for children’s well being right now: Play streets and Schools streets: * Play streets are open road space that can be used by pedestrians, cyclists or children to play and socialize during certain times of the day.

They are often implemented by local parents, approved by local council and monitored by the community. * School streets focus more on cars being restricted during morning drop off and afternoon pick up outside a school with the aim to improve safety and air pollution. They are generally implemented by the local school, an interested parent or the local council and are monitored with barriers.

So what’s happening and where?

Lots is happening and fast!

Wandsworth’s first school street was established by Albemarle Primary School head teacher Theresa Moses in May 20, there are now 6 in place with more in the pipeline.

Merton Council has announced that 28 schools will be taking part in school streets beginning in September—the council received almost £450,000 from TFL to implement the safe streets—with plans still going ahead despite the current Covid situation.

Extinction Rebellion Wandsworth is now partnering with parents to work on a street in Putney that holds both Our Lady of Victories School and Hotham School. “After just over three weeks of ensuring that unnecessary through traffic of motor vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorbikes) was diverted on an alternative route around two short blocks, we had helped embed not 26 Families South West • September 2020

just a physical road block but the realisation that School Streets should be possible for any school who wants one,” says Diana McCann, a member of XR Putney.

Extinction Rebellion also worked with Tooting parents enforcing a school street for Furzedown and Penwortham schools and have surveyed drivers outside Chestnut Grove Academy in Balham to ask drivers if they would be willing to change their route.

McCann says that parent reaction was strong.

“Initially parents were a bit bemused but after a few days we were a familiar sight and they really appreciated that it was completely safe to walk, cycle and scoot along the road within the zone, often calling out a friendly ‘good morning’ or ‘hi’. Parents who drove to school were able to park in the next block and most were happy to walk a few metres to drop off or collect their child.”

With some people still social distancing, play streets also help people spread out into the street as they walk about. Children are also able to make more friends on their streets and neighbours can build a better sense of community.

Opening up more areas in London for outdoor enjoyment is the focus of Play in London, a local organization which aims to create as many enjoyable spaces as they can.

Space for play is losing ground to many outside forces Fiona Sutherland, Director and Head of Communications for London for Play notes that opportunities for children in London to play are under attack from many angles. Not

only is space to play constantly threatened by development and increasing traffic, children also face restrictions on their time due to overscheduling as well as their freedom due to risk and fear on behalf of their parent or carer.

“Children need to play. It is essential for their emotional, social, physical and mental development. It is their basic human right, a right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. London’s children are in particular need – 37 per cent are living in poverty, more than one in five live in overcrowded homes and a similar proportion are overweight or obese,” Sutherland says.

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play in the streets?

London for Play actively works to find more spaces for play, including play streets. They work with other play organizations across London, campaign to raise the profile of play with politicians, decision makers, parents and schools.

It seems obvious to us but it hasn’t always been easy. Sadly play can be seen as unimportant and funding for play is scarce. Sutherland hopes that as more people walk and cycle, perceptions will change on the need for play spaces.

Families loves this!

We need more play streets, the benefits for mental health are huge!

Sutherland: “When we uncovered the dormant legislation back in 2011, there were no London boroughs that offered this opportunity to their residents. Nearly a decade later you are unlucky if you live in a borough that doesn’t have a play street procedure in place and thousands of children and their neighbours are enjoying the benefits—including improved mental and physical health and a hugely enhanced sense of community.”

Now that Covid restrictions are easing up, Play for London are working very hard to lobby the Get involved! government to prioritise children’s mental and It’s not just London for Play that can emotional wellbeing. work to bring play streets to fruition, there is a lot that “Opening up “Our support for Londoners local community members more areas in London wanting to trial a play street on can do too. They should Car Free Day led to an amazing for outdoor enjoyment feel free to contact 385 streets across London being London for Play if you is the focus of Play open for play on that day so feel there is an area in London, a local that was something special! On lacking a play street. the same day we ran a special organization which aims Go Kart Build and Race right Sutherland notes: “A big to create as many outside the Bank of England in the part of our work is City. It was great seeing children enjoyable spaces promoting and supporting and their self-made karts take the play streets, where people as they can” place of black cabs and suited bankers agree to close their road to for the day.” through traffic on a regular basis to allow children to play out. This simple idea is an amazing force for bringing communities together—adults get as much out of it, if not more than children. This is now a possibility in two thirds of London boroughs. We will support anyone who wants to start a play street but we focus our efforts on areas where there is less green or open space, or where children are living in overcrowded or challenging conditions as they are the ones who stand to benefit the most from this initiative.”

Councils have simplified the process and in some cases residents can even apply online.

London for Play will work at identifying areas in need of play space and then working with residents providing them with the guidance and training needed to become advocates themselves. It is the hope that they will then pass on that training to create even more play street advocates.

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The group is also working with residents in 12 boroughs to get play going in their streets.

Currently around two thirds of London’s 32 boroughs are now inviting people to apply for their street. Focus is on 12 London boroughs where the demand for support is greatest: Haringey, Enfield, Waltham Forest, Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark, Islington, Greenwich, Camden, Croydon, Newham, Hounslow and Brent. A board will be created in each area to work on the implementation.

Whether it’s a school street or a play street, every community can benefit. Get involved by checking out www.londonplay.org.uk or www.schoolstreets.org.uk * www.nationalparkcity.london a movement to improve life in London, to make the city greener, healthier and wilder.

September 2020 • Families South West 27

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School News

An independent education The Independent Schools Association has reported a surge in parents looking for private school places from September. A significant 30% increase in the number of UK parents looking into private school places has resulted from concerns that pupils in state schools have "fallen behind" during lockdown and fears of further disruption to state education for the next academic year.

Introducing Harris Clapham 6th Form – Courage, Confidence and Commitment Harris Clapham 6th Form is a brand-new academy opening this month. The state-ofthe-art building has excellent facilities including science labs, computing suites and art areas. It will have 600 students overall and will open with 300 places for Year 12 students in the first year.

They will offer a range of Level 3 A-level and vocational subjects 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.”

Shrewsbury House School

The Rowans School

An outstanding IAPS independent Prep school for boys aged 7–13 located in Surbiton, Surrey, with a superb academic record, committed staff, small class sizes and dedicated pastoral care. Every boy has the opportunity to fulfil his potential. Shrewsbury House School has a national reputation for success in Scholarships and Awards to top day and boarding Senior Schools at 13+. Open Morning on 3rd October from 9.30am – 11.30am. Please register to visit: www.shrewsburyhouse.net/openmorning 020 8399 3066 registrar@shstrust.net

Check out www.harrissixthform.org.uk for details of courses and open events.

The school offers an excellent educational experience to both boys and girls aged between 3 and 7. It is situated in a quiet road in Wimbledon, with beautiful grounds and large landscaped gardens. They pride themselves on providing a nurturing and welcoming start to school life, especially during those early years when key social skills and attitudes are acquired and developed for life. They have a long-standing reputation for academic and allround excellence and every teacher takes great pride in the achievements of each child.

020 8946 8220 registrar@rowans.org.uk www.rowans.org.uk

Open Day events are varied across the education sector, ranging from appointmentbooked only, to online tours, as schools make the safest decisions for their pupils, staff and visitors. See our Open days listing page 22.

Applying for a place in a Wandsworth school for September 2021?

Please note that closing date for applications for primary schools is 15th January and the closing date for secondary schools is 31st October.

The Wandsworth Year 6 test will be held in December 2020 for children starting secondary school in September 2021. If your child attends a state primary school in Wandsworth, they will take the test at school, so there is no need to register in advance of making an application.

For further info please visit www.wandworth.gov.uk/admissions

A new Head for The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon Miss Vicky Ellis has been appointed Head of The Study Preparatory School from this September. She takes over from Mrs Susan Pepper, who is retiring after ten successful years at the helm.

Most recently, Miss Ellis was Headteacher of Banstead Prep School, having previously taught and been Director of Studies at Redcliffe School in Chelsea, and taught and been Head of Early Years at Guildford High School. After initially completing a first class honours BSc in Accounting and working at Andersen/Deloitte,

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she turned to a career in teaching, and subsequently completed an MA in Educational Leadership and Management.

Miss Ellis says: ‘I am passionate about the value of Early Years and Primary education, giving children the best possible start, while fostering a love of learning and a lifelong ‘can do’ attitude.’ The Study is nearing completion of its ambitious building work including six new classrooms, a performing arts theatre, a library and a new visitors’ welcome area. www.thestudyprep.co.uk

September 2020 • Families South West 31

School News

Reception testing delayed to 2021 Schools 'strongly advised' to promote active travel

The government’s plan to introduce Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) will be delayed until September 2021 because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In September 2017, the Department for Education announced that a new start-ofschool assessment for children ages 4 and 5 would be introduced as a baseline measure to track progress during primary school.

Parents, staff, and pupils are strongly advised to walk and cycle as an alternative to public transport, to further reduce the demand on public transport and the need for additional capacity.

Children who start Reception in September 2021 will be the first group to take the new RBA during the first six weeks of the autumn term.

The test is due to eventually replace key stage 1 SATs in providing the baseline on which pupil progress scores are based.

Capacity on public transport remains limited given the requirements for social distancing; this will be particularly challenging for children and young people who travel to school or college by bus.

Local authorities therefore have been asked to put in place local demand management solutions for public services, and supplement the public bus network.

Walking or cycling to school increases well-being, a sense of community and is more environmentally friendly!

The new tests have been criticised by some teachers, Head Teachers and parents, who claim it is unnecessary, will cause distress and could damage children’s future learning. www.gov.uk/guidance/reception-baselineassessment

Audiobooks improve literacy Audiobooks can benefit children’s reading skills, according to new research published by the charity, the National Literacy Trust. The report looks at the advantages of listening to a recording of a novel being read, and the impact on young readers.

The research suggests that listening to a recorded story requires the same mental skills as reading in print, so audiobooks can help with understanding words and remembering information. They can also give children access

Educating for the future By Arpana Valji The World Economic Forum recently stated that 65% of today’s jobs will be non-existent for the children that entered primary school this year. The workplace of the future is going to be looking for communication skills, growth mindset, creativity and resilience. The schools that will equip our children with these skills are those that are focussed on the following aspects of education.

Independent learning Children need time to think and work independently on tasks, to explore and follow their passions. The focus on testing and exams means that not all schools can prioritise this.

Children need even more opportunities to learn about and initiate collaboration. The opportunities for global connection today are endless and children need to learn the art of working creatively with others.

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Reducing stress It’s proven that 90% of the facts you memorise and regurgitate in a test will be forgotten.

Learning can be more effective when it’s the result of a more immersive experience like making a video or a drawing.

“Success” in education is currently defined as doing well in standardised tests. Testing as a whole can increase stress and have impact children’s mental health. Some schools are introducing mindfulness, yoga and meditation as extra-curricular options, but to have a lasting positive impact, they should form part of the regular curriculum.

Creativity and passion Frequently, the school curriculum does not offer children enough opportunities to discover and pursue their passions. The more access children have to alternative and creative activities at school or in after-school clubs, the

to a broader range of texts and engage readers who might be reluctant, struggling or developing.

Emily Best, from the National Literacy Trust, said: “Audiobooks can be the key to unlocking a child’s love of reading. They enable children of all reading abilities and interests to access and explore the incredible world of stories, which are brought to life by a range of exciting voices, different accents and sound effects.” www.literacytrust.org.uk

better. When children find something they truly enjoy doing outside the classroom, they are one step closer to unlocking a happy work-life ethic in the future.

Adaptable teaching styles How does your child learns best? How can your child’s school accommodate this? You can support your child differently outside of school too. For example, if they’re really struggling at maths, turn this learning into a fun game or challenge. School staff are frequently over-worked, under-paid and under-valued.

Teachers and teaching staff are surely most motivated when appreciated and supported by the school and by parents. A simple thank you is a wonderful start!

Arpana Valji is a parent and founder of www.schoolpluskids.com, a learning platform that teaches children how to build core life skills, develop, grow, succeed and be happy.

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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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September 2020 • Families South West 33

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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Education

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 how can we help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sarah Mundy from www. parentingthroughstories.com says it’s vital that we support our children to make sense of what we are calling the ‘new normal.’

She cautions against dismissing our kids’ emotions: “We need to support children to make sense of their feelings and the changes that the pandemic has caused. We need to normalise anxiety rather than dismiss it and help them (and parents and teachers) find ways of coping. Emotions are contagious so the more the adults and systems around children can model that they can cope, despite the uncertainty, the better.”

Evidence Based Parenting and Education expert, Dr Kathy Weston (www.drkathyweston.com) advises being positive about returning to school. If your child is worried remind them of: The safety measures that the school has implemented; The things that can be controlled versus the things that can’t; The innovation in healthcare science that is helping us move towards eventual normality.

Other tips from Kathy include:

Education specialist and author of ‘100 Things to Learn Before you are 10’ Gail Hugman (www.lessonsalive.com) says it’s important to check in with your child regularly. “Have a chat with them about how they are adapting to the new school routine and friendships. Is everyone glad to be back? Is there anything they like better? Is there anything they miss? Are they worried about anything? Is there anything they need to catch up on?”

In terms of school work, remind your child what was achieved during lockdown. “Actively talk to them about the progress they made (include maturity, self-control, confidence, new skills learned.) Remind them that the teacher also went through lockdown and isn’t expecting them to be perfect, just polite and well behaved!”

Finally, she suggests keeping a free evening each week for a ‘no expectations, no pressure’ night. “Films, games, popcorn - cosy things to relax the system and chill out!”

Provide a positive home learning environment; Remember to be organised during the first few weeks of term; Ensure your child gets enough sleep!

If you are worried, reach out to your child’s school. Remember though that learning how to cope with uncertainty will help build your child’s ability to cope with change in later life.

How to keep your kids stress free Natalie Costa, Confidence Coach for children and founder of Power Thoughts (www.powerthoughts. co.uk) shares her tips.

Books to help with anxiety Recommendations from Dr Sarah Mundy, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from www.parentingthroughstories.com Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19 by Elizabeth accessible book provides clear explanations about Covid-19 and its impact on health and family life.

Please Stay Here - I Want You Near is Dr Sarah Mundy’s first interactive book in the Bartley Bear series. It helps children ages 2 to 4 make sense of their feelings and cope with spending time away from their parents.

The Goodnight Caterpillar by Lori Lite is an encouraging story for ages 4 to 9. The caterpillar teaches the child how to relax, unwind, and see things more clearly so he/she can fall asleep peacefully.

The Huge Bag of Worries by agony aunt Virginia Ironside is a brilliant book for ages 2 to 5. Worry follows Jenny in a big blue bag. Can Jenny get help to get rid of the worry?

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Allow space to talk Listen to your child’s worries and validate their feelings. It may be tempting to try to reassure by telling them not to worry. However, more helpful may be: “It’s ok to feel upset about this. Shall we look at what we can do to help you feel more prepared?”

For those less inclined to talk, encourage drawing/writing what’s on their mind. Creating a ‘worry character’ with a silly name and voice can help children recognise that they are not their worries.

Remind them of their strengths Remind children of previous challenges they have faced. Create a poster about these. What did they learn and how did they grow from these challenges?

Your child could also write themselves a letter reminding them to include the new and fun experiences that await them too.

They can refer to this whenever they feel anxious about changes ahead.

September 2020 • Families South West 35

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September 2020 • Families South West 37

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.

38 Families South West • September 2020

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Activities

Meaningful family moments

By Claire Winter We all lead such busy lives, with endless to-do lists and children with lots of 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 a few “meaningful family moments” this autumn? some fun shots on your phone too!

Walk in nature Walking in nature has a hugely positive impact on physical and mental health. Going for a walk reminds us of how lovely it is to breathe in the fresh air and encourages mindfulness and gratitude for the planet we live on. Simple things like playing hide and seek, having a picnic in the woods or building a den are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Have a special day for each family member Dedicating a day of the year (that isn’t their birthday) to each family member is a unique way of expressing how much you all care. The day is filled with all the activities this family member loves - their favourite meal, game, day out - and the catch is, everyone must take part.

Cook and share a meal Let your kids pick their favourite dish or create a new recipe or menu for a family meal. Cooking together is a sociable, nurturing and creative experience and sets children in good stead for being independent later on. Talking over dinner is a great opportunity to catch up on everybody’s day and tackle any issues in a supportive manner.

Share an activity Depending on everyone’s interests, how about sharing an activity you can all take part in? This could be a family movie night, where you take it in turns to pick a film, or a family sports event, where you play football, mini-golf or go on a Park Run. A board game night always goes down well in our house. You can get creative with some family art, such as tracing hands or creating a family photo collage. Stick the finished results on the fridge!

Organise fun family interviews Who said interviews couldn’t be fun? Why not sit down with grandparents and ask them about their family history, past jobs or memories? It can be fun to record or video the results to keep for the future, and it’s also a great way of getting to know your elderly relatives a little better. You could also create a family tree, online journal or photo book to record everything you are told.

Creating meaningful moments may take a bit of planning but think of it as investing in the wellbeing and health of your family and ensuring that you all spend some quality time together.

Plan a holiday Planning a trip away or staycation is guaranteed to enthuse all family members! Create a bucket list of things you want to do in the next year. You may not achieve them all but often the most fun is in the planning. We had sleeping under the stars and snorkelling on our list last year. Encourage your children to get involved by letting them shortlist destinations or choose what places you will visit. Perhaps each person could choose one activity or place to visit.

Have a photoshoot What acts as a better memory than a beautiful photo of all your family together? You can have a portrait session at a local studio or perhaps hire a photographer to take some photos in your lounge or garden. You could also invest in a selfie stick and take

Lockdown improved relationships You may disagree, but a study suggests that lockdown strengthened many parent’s relationships with their children.

Research by the University of Essex found that around a quarter of parents reported that their relationship with their children had improved during the government’s stay-at-home policy. Less than 5% said it got worse.

The results are based on research for the Understanding Society Covid-19 survey, a nationally representative study that collected data from 5,500 parents.

Many parents who said they had closer relationships with their children had helped out with home schooling. Nearly 40% of parents who reduced their work hours to look after their children said their relationships had improved. Only 6% said their relationships had become worse. However, fewer lone mothers reported an improvement in their relationships, and slightly more said they had become worse.

More info: www.understandingsociety.ac.uk

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September 2020 • Families South West 39

COLLEGE GUARDIANS

Ever Thought of Hosting an International Student?

YOUR CHILD THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE WORLD

We are currently seeking host families to look after children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas.

Our hosts look after the children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. Dates of stays will depend very much on the school that the child attends.

In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience that hosting an international student can bring to you and your family.

For more informa on please contact Caroline Lloyd, Guardianship Manager

caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk • +44 (0) 1684 581600

www.collegeguardians.co.uk

LITTLE ANGELS NURSERY SCHOOL A Traditional Teaching Nursery - Learning through Play

COVID HAS SET YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION BACK. HELP IS AT HAND.

Personalised tutoring 7+ • 8+ • 11+ • 13+ • GCSE • A Level www.mykidstutor.co.uk • learning@mykidstutor.co.uk • 07887 634779

Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery.

Established in 2000, very homely, friendly and staff are fully qualified in Early Years. Age 3 months to 5 years with three spacious rooms to explore, learn and grow in confidence and intellect. There are two large gardens. Open all year 8am to 6pm. 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

(Please check our website for up to date information on any changes due to the current climate) - Alternative visits available by appointment

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Parenting

Who will take care of the children if….?

By Andrew Campbell Why every parent needs a will have their own children? Would you be comfortable with your child being raised in the same way? Would your sibling be able to cope with more children in the family?

Deciding who will take care of your children if the worst happens is a tough one. If one parent dies, then the other parent automatically takes over parenting responsibilities. However, if both parents are no longer around the situation is not straightforward for your children.

There are practical considerations too, such as the geographical location of the proposed guardian. Consider the upheaval that could be caused if your child has to relocate, move school and make friends at a time when they have lost both of their parents.

Some parents think that by appointing godparents they have taken care of this eventuality. However, a godparent is not a legal guardian and has no legal rights.

If both parents were to die, godparents would not automatically assume legal responsibility for the children.

So you need a legal will which appoints a guardian. If you don’t appoint a legal guardian, you don’t get a say in who would take care of your children. The state will step in and appoint a guardian based on its view of what is best them. This risks exposing children to court battles, family disputes and potentially even foster care.

So how do you choose the right guardian?

In many instances this is not a clear-cut decision.

Parents often choose their own parents – their children’s grandparents. But

you need to have regard for the age of grandparents. Would they be able to care for your children in 10 years’ time when they have grown into teenagers?

Sometimes parents look to one of their siblings – an aunt or uncle to the children.

But what if there are multiple siblings on both sides – how do you choose?

It’s sensible to discuss with a sibling whether they would want the responsibly of raising your children. Being a parent isn’t for everyone. Also, do they already

Nobody feels good about the idea of their child facing the world without parents so it’s totally normal to feel that whatever decision you make about a guardian, it’s going to feel less than perfect. In the end, what’s important is that you appoint someone who would have your child’s best interests at heart. What’s MOST important is that you don’t ignore the issue.

No one knows what life has in store so it’s important to plan for the unexpected. ,Parents spend most of their lives trying to protect their children so try to think of making a will and appointing a guardian as just a way of protecting them legally.

Visit www.childlawadvice.org.ukfor more information.

New divorce laws good for children

6 top tips for making a perfect will

New divorce laws, expected to commence in autumn 2021, will help reduce family conflict and be beneficial for children, according to the government.

Make the time to write a will:it’s estimated that one in three people die without having made a will, which can cause problems and financial worry for their loved ones.

Divorcing couples will no longer have to “blame” each other for the breakdown of their marriage. Current divorce laws require one spouse to provide evidence of ‘unreasonable behaviour’ even where a couple has made a mutual decision to part ways.

A will is for everyone: if you die without one, the intestacy rules determine who inherits what and your loved ones could miss out.

A new law will enable couples to divorce without making accusations of bad behaviour, by giving notice that a marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Justice Secretary David Gauke said: “Hostility and conflict between parents leave their mark on children and can damage their life chances.”

The relationship charity Relate believes the current faultbased system often results in increased animosity, making it harder for ex-partners to develop positive relationships as co-parents.

More info: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/newdivorce-law-to-end-the-blame-game

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FamiliesSWLondon

Use a professional: choose who draws up your will wisely.

Seek professional legal advice and use a qualified and regulated solicitor covered by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Choose your executors well:executors are responsible for exercising your estate in accordance with your instructions after you have died. Choose them carefully! It can be a demanding task and you should always ask people if they mind taking on this role.

Appoint guardians – see above!

Decide who you want to get what and when:planning who will inherit what and when, where children are concerned, helps prevent the many family feuds that follow a person’s death.

September 2020 • Families South West 41

Supporting our high streets Families South West is proud to have supported thousands of local businesses over our 30 years in businesses. During the lockdown, when we couldn’t print, we enjoyed producing digital issues which promoted the local Businesses that were still Open for Business. These were downloaded thousands of times.

This month we have a partnership with claphammums.com, this local site is run by local mum Rohini, who has lived in the area for 5 years. The site gives information on events, activities, happenings and much more in Battersea and Clapham. Rohini works with local businesses to get offers for her readers: A free membership card for readers and for businesses a new clientele.

Please mention Families and Clapham Mums when contacting these great local businesses.

1. Night Zoo Keeper The Night Zookeeper website provides thousands of fun and engaging lessons, challenges, and games, that help children to learn new words, use them in sentences, and then create amazing pieces of writing that are shared with budding writers from around the world. www.nightzookeeper.com/en-gb/parents/special_offers/facebookoffer52/?referrer=clapham

Sign up for a 7 day free trial and get 52% off a subscription

Mention Families and Clapham Mums to get 10% off.

2. MBARE restaurant MBARE blend the tradition of Italian cuisine and aperitivi culture together in a seamless way to create a new restaurant bar on Clapham High Street. Join them for breakfast, bottomless brunch, lunch and dinner including vegan and vegetarian options or pop in for one of their speciality cocktails or a glass from their wine list.

127 Clapham High Street, SW4 7SS

3. Little Tummy

4. Toni and Guy salon

Little Tummy’s cold-pressed, organic baby food meals are made with your baby’s nutrition in mind. Paediatrician-developed and low in sugar, they are challenging the baby food market to help little ones have the best possible start in life. littletummy.co

Families readers and The Toni & Guy salon in Clapham Clapham Mums Junction has an established team cardholders get 10% off of highly-trained stylists and technicians, who take pride in (Monday to Thursday). simply giving you what you want.

65 St. John’s Road, Clapham Junction, SW11 1QX toniandguy.com/salon/clapham-junction

Use code: ClaphamP30CP to get 30% off your first Little Tummy order

42 Families South West • September 2020

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5. Skinsmiths

6. Laura Shimili Mears Photography

Skinsmiths is a membershipbased skin clinic that specialises in skin health, laser hair removals and cosmetic injectables.

Shop online now at www.skinsmiths.com/shop/laser -hair-removal or pop in to say hello at 34 Abbeville Road.

Local mum Laura Shimili lives in Tooting, she is taking bookings for family outdoor photoshoots from September while respecting government guidelines with regards to Covid19.

She is also delighted to also help local businesses with headshots, portraits and product photography for their business. shimilimears.com

Laura offers 10% off to Clapham Mums members and Families readers

They are offering to treat 2 areas for the price of 1 on ALL Laser Hair Removal Memberships until 17 October 2020

7. Travel Matters

8. Holistic Body Focus

Travel Matters are specialists in tailor-made holidays. Founded on the principle of service, they prefer to engage with clients through personal discussion, practising their unparalleled expertise to design journeys and holidays that become memorable and unique experiences. www.travelmatters.co.uk

9. Chiropractic by Hand Chiropractic By Hand is a multidisciplinary Chiropractic Clinic in Balham specialising in the care of Pregnant Women, New Mums and Babies. www.chiropracticbyhand.com

Families readers and Clapham Mums get £50 off when you spend £1,500 or more.

Families readers and Clapham Mums Members get 25% discount off their Initial Chiropractic Consultation. To redeem offer Quote “CM25” when booking online.

Clapham based Hannah from Holistic Body Focus offers studio, zoom and online on-demand Pilates classes. Hannah trained as a dancer and found Pilates to be an integral part of her training, helping her to improve her technique and maximise her potential. www.hbfocus.co.uk Families readers and Clapham Mums members enjoy 10% off all passes.

10. CJA Educational Consultancy From providing nursery and school advice, property suggestions and projective school choice reports, to booster sessions in key subjects and interview practice, CJA Educational Consultancy is a firm choice for parents trying to find the best fit schools for their children in the UK. www.cjaeducationalconsultancy.com Families readers and Clapham Mums get a free consultation and initial introduction booster session if needed.

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September 2020 • Families South West 43

Early Years

Clever ways to get your child eating healthily

By Gabrielle Nash Do mealtimes fill you with dread? Does your child have little interest in broccoli and beans? Encouraging their children to eat healthily is a dilemma many parents face. Whether you’re trying baby-led weaning or desperate to get vegetables into a pre-schooler, we’ve got some top tips on how to give their children the best start at the dinner table.

DO get your child involved. Can you o er them a choice of 2 or 3 healthy options? Even if they can’t chop the vegetables, can they wash them? Psychologists suggest giving a child an element of control will help them engage with mealtimes.

DON’T allow snacks 1 to 2 hours before mealtimes. If they come to the table hungry, they’re more likely to eat and even try something new. Sticking to similar times for snacks and meals will also help.

DO have a family meal. Often bad behaviour at the dinner table stems from wanting attention. Even if you don’t eat, can you sit with your little one and talk to them about their food?

DON’T insist on clean plates, especially if you bribe them to finish. Children are good at regulating their appetites and always insisting on finishing food or o ering a bribe can lead to problems later in life. Remember: it’s the parent’s job to provide, the child’s job to decide.

DO model good eating behaviour. Your own anxiety towards food can contribute to poor eating in children. Think about how you approach and talk about food.

FREE

Magazines

Calling all baby Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach via public transport and we refund travel expenses.

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

44 Families South West • September 2020

DON’T o er alternatives. Or if you have more than one child, don’t make separate meals. If a child comes to expect yoghurt, toast or cereal when they don’t eat, they will soon learn to refuse even favourite meals.

DO encourage and praise; stress does not encourage a child to eat. Show them how you enjoy YOUR food. Don’t try “they’re good for you” when commenting on e.g. green beans. Use statements like “these are so juicy” “eating lots of food gives me lots of energy for playing with you.”

Lastly, remember, you’re in charge of what food is in the kitchen.

If you buy healthier options, your children will grow up with a healthy and varied approach to food. So eat varied, fresh food and eat it with pleasure.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum

for your school, nursery, café, shop or club - just ask!

Would you like to earn extra money?

Capital Focus Groups are looking for people who enjoy giving their opinions and are willing to share their views on the products and services they use for many of the country’s largest companies and well-known products. It’s free, it’s fun and you will be financially rewarded as a thank you for taking part!

Register now to earn extra money, by calling Liz on 07761 128059 or e.dahlgren@btinternet.com

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Clubs and Classes The last few months have seen a huge disruption in our children’s lives. We have seen the effects on their confidence and concentration in particular.

Now that most classes are back, it is more important than ever to get your child to join in and have fun. Book your classes in confidence, organisers have gone above and beyond the safety measures required. They need your support and our children need interaction with their peers.

London Youth Conservatoire This Saturday music school caters for 4-18yrs from beginner to Grade 8 and beyond.

Award-winning, original, multi- sensory musical classes. Bubbles, costumes, massage, sensory textures and lights, puppets and more. Also deliver fabulous parties.

Classes designed for each stage of your baby’s development. Baby bells: Newbornsitting Beeps: Sitting-Standing Happy house: Toddler & siblings Classes in Clapham, Battersea, Balham, Putney, Kew, Wandsworth, Fulham, Chelsea, Barnes, Sheen, Earlsfield and Victoria Kimmy@hartbeeps.com Classes in Streatham, Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Tooting Niamh@hartbeeps.com www.hartbeeps.com

They offer a comprehensive music programme for all abilities and ambitions in a fun and friendly environment, with orchestras, choirs and ensembles as well musicianship classes and individual lessons in 15 different instruments. For children aged 4 and 5 our curriculum includes a special ‘First Steps’ programme.

07590 691265 www.londonyouthconservatoire.org.uk

NEW CLASSES THIS SEPTEMBER • Try Time Kids Rugby are now operating on Clapham Common. 2-7yrs.

Trytimerugby.com • Award Winning Stage School Let’s Act are opening new classes in Wimbledon and Earlsfield. They have been running LAMDA and Musical theatre classes for 15 years.

Book early to save 20% off your first month. www.letsactdramaclasses.co.uk • Razzamatazz Wimbledon has re-opened. www.wimbledon.razzamataz.co.uk • SwimWay’s newly refurbished Sheen Mount School indoor pool opens this September. A newly built 20-metre Home Guard Club indoor pool opens towards the end of the year. This larger venue will be open to all ages and abilities from babies entering the water for the first time, through to adult learners. Places will go fast, book now info@swimway.co.uk

Eddie Catz now closed A fond farewell to Eddie Catz Wimbledon and Earlsfield, which both had to close this summer. After a long 150 days of closure and insufficient grants to cover ongoing costs, they would have had to make large investments to re-open in accordance with the stringent new guidelines. This was the last straw. This is devastating news for our SW community as Eddie Catz has been part of our lives since 2005. Speechless. Utterly sad.

OFFERS NOT TO MISS • Let’s Act Drama classes offers a massive early bird discount of 20% for September enrolment with code ‘Families’. info@letsactdramaclasses.co.uk 0203 858 6444. Classes in Wimbledon, Clapham, Chelsea and Earlsfield • The Little Gym Wandsworth offers a free trial class and 10% when you quote Families SW. www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu 020 8874 6567 • Chelsea Young Writers, creative writing and 11+ courses: enjoy 10% off with code FSW10. Chelseayoungwriters.co.uk

Razzamataz Wimbledon has reopened

Perform returns with confidence building fun Lucy Quick, Perform’s Principal, told Families: “We're thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidence-boosting activities.

We’ve put enormous effort into adapting our class content to ensure that we follow the latest government health guidelines. To help children get back to enjoying the things they love most, our autumn term is packed with games and activities which build confidence, boost concentration, develop communication and help coordination. We have left no stone unturned when it comes to health and safety but the children will be having so much fun familiesonline.co.uk

that they will barely notice a difference. Whilst there won't be hand-holding games this term, there will be lots of eye contact, funky moves, fantastic diction and learning about how to be a great friend.“ Perform runs drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s as well as Perform At Home, their popular online classes. Book a FREE no-obligation class. Balham, Barnes, Battersea, Chelsea, Clapham, Earlsfield, Fulham, Kensingon, Knighstbridge, Mortlake, Parsons Green, Pimlico, Putney, Southfields, Streatham, Tooting, Wimbledon. www.perform.org.uk/try FamiliesSWLondon

Since taking over the school in April Heather had to move her classes online much to the delight of the families faced with an unprecedented disruption to their usual routines. Backstage a lot of work has been done to ensure that measures have been put in place to make sure that the children return to a safe and creative environment now they are back in class My girls (8+16) enjoy their Saturday classes with Rosie and Ellie. It’s greatly structured with dance singing and performance. The teachers are really positive and always take ideas on board.

Communication is very good. Thank you!”

Also face to face classes at St Cecilia’s School in Sutherland Grove, SW18 5JR. To book your place for a free taster email Heather: wimbledon@razzamataz.co.uk September 2020 • Families South West 45

Clubs & Classes

Mindful and Lovely offers one to one mindfulness sessions at Revive Yoga Studio, Balham. A 60minute session includes a consultation, tailored mindfulness exercises, mindset coaching, breathe-work, sound healing and guided mindfulness meditation. £15 per session or 5 for £60.

Book via instagram @mindfulandlovely

West Wimbledon Dance Academy

Mindfulness to help parents and children beat anxiety during Corona crisis FREE Most of us find the current change and uncertainty hard to sit with. So, now more than ever parents and children alike need coping strategies, to make sure they can manage negative thoughts.

Fear, frustration, sadness, to name but a few, can dominate our attention if we lack the skills to stay in the present moment, where for most of us, everything is actually OK.

for NHS families

Anna Wille is offering 6-10 week live online Mindfulness courses as well as weekly drop-in sessions, from as little as £7/week and FREE for NHS families.

Contact Stefania 020 8748 6418.

Club Italiano for children Children learn Italian through action songs, role-plays and structured games, once a week in Fulham, after school.

Basic reading, writing and speaking.

Relaxed and friendly.

Thursdays 4 to 5pm.

Only £398 for the whole year, £135 one term.

Club Italiano for parents Once a week classes in Barnes, Hammersmith, Richmond.

From beginners to advanced.

Focus is on conversation and grammar.

Ci sentiamo

breathe@annawille.com for dates and times visit www.annawille.com.

The enjoyment and importance of keeping active and dancing is so vital for our youngsters. It is also the essence of this school.

They ran a full timetable of classes online last term but now are so excited to be back in the studios. Please contact Caroline for your child’s free trial class in September.

Caroline@wwdance.co.uk 07956 606648 www.wwdance.co.uk

The Little Gym Wandsworth & Fulham Doors re-opened early in August and the fun quotient has been running through the roof!

“Parents have been amazingly supportive and are really grateful that we opened our doors to give their little one some fun, physical activity during the summer holidays” says Tobias, manager at the gym. “Safety remains our number one priority! We are fortunate that our facility is used exclusively by us and our schedule has always provided a high instructor-child ratio, lots of space for individual instruction and the highest standards of hygiene and risk management”.“It has not been difficult for us to adopt the extra precautionary measures required, so that The Little Gym remains great fun whilst adhering to our number one rule…..To be Safe”.The Little Gym Wandsworth has been London’s premier enrichment and physical development centre for children for over 17 years. Gymnastic based classes starting with the parent/child classes (10–36 months), all the way to 12yrs. www.wandsworthfulham@thelittlegym.eu 020 8874 6567

Art for children and adults

Paint Pots Creative Classes Fun and creative classes for parents and children aged 12 months – 6 years.

Classes are available both in person and online.

Based on the Montessori approach our classes offer art, craft, music, messy play and storytelling activities for babies and toddlers.

Paint Pots The Boltons, St Mary The Boltons Church Hall, The Boltons, London, SW10 9TB Monday-Thursday, 9.45-11.45am £500 per term *prices prorated for late start Book online at www.paintpotshouse.com

46 Families South West • September 2020

Ma petite école française du samedi Flam Follow the French curriculum de la maternelle au Collège online. Led by an experienced, certified native french speaking primary teacher (école française). FLAM. De 3 à 14 ans.

Niveaux maternelles, primaires et collèges.

Cursus scolaire des écoles françaises.

Bibliothèque, activités et évènements culturels francophones. Awarded Gold Supplementary school. Soutien scolaire. French exams GCSEOne to one tutoring. E learning platform. Small groups. October Day camp. caroline@etpatatipatata.com. 07966 893674 www.etpatatipatata.com

Art-K classes are designed for all abilities and personalised to every student’s age and interests, sparking individuality and new ideas.

There are 30 studios across the country, Zoom art classes and pre-recorded tutorials to suit every situation and preference. They told Families: “Our experience comes from delivering art classes for over 20 years, teaching 2,000 students per week. We believe that creativity and expression keeps us alive and mentally stimulated. Through art we can bring mental balance, develop artistic and transferrable skills all whilst having fun! “ www.art-k.co.uk

Little Voices • Mini Voices classes for 4-7 years, are small in size (up to 8) allowing tutors the chance to give everyone lots of personal attention. Lots of fun singing and drama exercises, confidence building and imaginative games.

• Little Voices classes for 7-11 years with super small class sizes of 6. Inspirational and interactive technique filled drama and singing lessons.

0208 088 0113 www.littlevoices.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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September 2020 • Families South West 47

Please tell companies you saw them in Families. It helps us a lot.

Clubs & Classes Directory ART & CRAFT Clapham Pottery After school and Saturday morning classes, children learn how to make and decorate pieces using a range of pottery techniques. Ages 6 and up. £80 for a 10 week term. www.claphampottery.co.uk Play With Clay Streatham Saturday morning pottery classes, children can use their imagination to create projects using different techniques. Age 6 and up. www.play-with-clay.com Kids Craft club Take part in some craft-making every day at 11am via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Check out the schedule one week before so you have all the materials you need and share photos of your craft when you’re done #KidsCraftClub. www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas/kids/kids-craft-club Sew Pretty Wimbledon A small, very friendly and independently owned sewing workshop set in a relaxed garden studio. www.sewpretty.me.uk

The Book Club Bunch Scholarly, actor-led online book clubs for children ages 6-13 plus. Professional actors read exciting texts and lead discussions around craft, theme and the children's personal response. www.bookclubbunch.com 07456 489469

EXERCISE Cosmic Kids app yoga Let your little ones enjoy the benefits of yoga, mindfulness and relaxation, all while in the comfort of your home. YouTube is free, Cosmic Kids App £50 per year or £7 www.cosmickids.com Clapham Little League Football for 7-12yrs on Clapham Common www.claphamlittleleague.co.uk Clapham Martial Arts Clapham, Battersea, Balham Semokwan-Ryu Hapkido Academy was established in 2002 with the idea of bringing a working self-defence system to the community. Hapkido is very diverse, with strong elements of Taekwondo, Aikido, Judo and Kung-Fu. www.semokwan-hapkido.co.uk 07932 667336

DANCE Dakoda's Dance Academy Children’s Dance & Performing Arts education with limited class sizes and individual attention given to every child. Wide range of dance styles including–RAD Ballet, Street Dance / Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Acro/Gymnastics & Singing. www.dakodasdanceacademy.com 07979 312493

Naomi Touch Typing Fulham Learn the importance of having the correct typing posture and at the end of the week all children will know how to touch type. Weekly Touch Typing courses for children in holidays and half terms. 7-18yrs. naomi@nmtouchtyping.co.uk www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk Phonics with Robot Reg Colliers wood, Tooting, Wimbledon Park Fun, high energy classes which open a world of Literacy to children and teach early phonics skills. 6 mths-6 yrs. robotreg.co.uk

48 Families South West • September 2020

Join in and Giggle Tooting and Earslfield An active class full of songs for small children with busy bodies and lively minds joininandjiggle.com Rondo Music London Individual instrumental music tuition: piano, french horn, trumpet, flute, recorder, saxophone, clarinet and theory of music online. 5 to 18yrs. www.rondomusiclondon.mymusicstaff.com

LANGUAGES L’école de Wimbledon Saturday French school for natives and non-natives, from 3yrs with a focus on communicating. Fun playgroup. ecolewimbledon.wordpress.com

PERFORMING ARTS

Baby sensory Barnes and Wandsworth Specifically designed for babies from birth to 3 months, there are 3 Hello Baby Programmes to choose from. www.babysensory.com

Love Learning Clever Clubs Several locations Clever Clubs include First Phonics Club for 3–5yrs, Creative English and Reasoning Club for 7–11yrs. Private tuition, holiday courses and more. www.Lovelearningcompany.com

Mini jam Various locations Fun and modern early-years education through music.

0-5 years music classes and child friendly concerts/gigs www.minijam.uk

Dramarama Your young thespian can enjoy all the stage offers from the comfort of home with Dramarama’s online Saturday classes! Children can also enjoy Dramarama’s online birthday parties and summer camp. www.dramarama.co.uk

DEVELOPING SKILLS

Little Speaking Tree Earlsfield Friendly, fun classes for 18mths up to 5 years to learn essential communication skills that encourage confidence and enhance happiness for life's exciting adventures. £25 3 class trial. www.littlespeakingtree.co.uk

Melody Music school Individual classes at the student's home or at one of their two branches in London. They teach throughout all London's zones. From 5yrs. www.melodymusicschool.co.uk

Spanish and You Small groups, one to ones and zoom Spanish classes with qualified and established native teacher. Create your own group with your friends, Claudia can come to you.

07428 973711

Danceworks Ballet Academy Baby and Reception ballet classes for ages 18 months to 5 years. Full schedules available for ages 5 to preprofessional level dancers. danceworks.com/london/danceworks-ballet-academy

Geeky Kids Wimbledon Learn how to code through cloud video/audio platforms online. Suitable for children age 7 to 16, the small virtual classes have a 6:1 student to teacher ratio. www.geekykids.co.uk

MUSIC

Fun soccer School Midweek and weekend development classes for all abilities. Wandle Recreation centre. Holiday camps, parties. funsoccerschool.co.uk Spencer Cricket Club Earlsfield A thriving club for all ages. Also Hockey, tennis, lacrosse and squash. cricket.spencerclub.org Superplayers NEW Earlsfield Exciting and high energy Physical Education and Sport programme. Sunday mornings at Swaffield Primary School and are suitable for children of all abilities between the ages of 2 to 11. www.superplayers.co.uk Story time Pilates for kids Each week children go on a story and find themselves immersed in with Charlie in the chocolate factory to the Gruffalo hiding from a mouse. 30 mins of fun. www.elizadoalot.com 07779 271655 Tot Bop online Suitable for children age 1 to 9, these classes will get everyone in the family moovin’ and groovin’! Designed for the developmental stages of your child, classes can be accessed any time during the week, with new classes uploaded weekly. £5 www.totbop.co.uk

The Ellendel School of Speech and Drama Putney and Wimbledon Award winning classes for primary and secondary school pupils preparing LAMDA exams and qualification.

Confidence building, public Speaking, improvisation, poetry. www.ellendel.co.uk Exchange Theatre Fun and interactive drama classes in French for children aged 3 to 16, led by native actors. Fluent french essential.

Exchangetheatre.com 07903 311723 Take One Stage and Screen Academy NEW Fulham Specialises in online tutoring for stage and screen. A relaxed non competitive atmosphere where students can learn to act and have fun from home. The first class is ‘pay what you like’ to trial the session. takeonefulham@gmail.com or call Daisy at 07825 669113 The Elstob Academy of Performing Arts NEW Wandsworth Performing Arts School for pupils aged 4-18 years old.

Evenings and Weekends. Growing confident, articulate and resilient individuals. Teaching towards LAMDA exams and qualifications. contact@theelstobacademy.co.uk

Disclaimer As we went to press organisers were hoping classes could resume normally—but as you can imagine, things can change at any moment’s notice! Do check for details on websites.

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Now booking for Autumn term

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September 2020 • Families South West 49

0208 088 0117

Little Voices Putney: St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street, SW15 1SA Little Voices Fulham: St Etheldreda Church, Fulham Palace Road, SW6 6JF

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Clubs & Classes

Brand new club dedicated to families

Make sure you’re on the waiting list to find out more!

W

ork has officially started on a brandnew club dedicated to families in Putney. Opening in January 2021, the GetSetGo! club will offer a beautiful space that is designed to be safe, enriching and multifunctional, promising a truly fresh take on activities for the whole family.

GetSetGo! is the vision of two mums, Claire, and Alina, who have a shared goal to create the highest quality, most comprehensive leisure service for families.

GetSetGo! will offer a full programme of activities, from baby groups to teen fit, ‘mummy and me’ classes, dance, martial arts, swimming lessons and so much more for children; not forgetting the adult group sessions that will be offered before and after work.

After the action, mum and dad can hit the café lounge for a light bite, healthy smoothie or a much deserved glass of wine, while children can explore and play in their interactive play areas.

GetSetGo! have also created a dedicated co-

working space that will allow parents to pursue their career without comprising parenthood— or facing the overwhelming guilt of trying to do it all!

Put simply, GetSetGo! will provide the ultimate space for the whole family to enjoy! putney@get-set-go.com www.get-set-go.com

0208 679 4243

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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!

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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.