Families London South West issue 240 October 2014

October 2014

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SouthWest

ABI CAMPBELL

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School Special Feature Open Days listings Local Fireworks and half-term activities

“Families® SW” – useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in SW London.

Find us online: NEW WEBSITE FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Contents

October 2014

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News & info

• Local news • Clubs and activities news

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SouthWest

Front cover photo, with thanks to:

ABI CAMPBELL

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Roving reporter

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Noticeboard

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Parents’ rights

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Chores for kids

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Working mums

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EDUCATION FEATURE

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All content ©Families 2014 www.FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk Tel: 020 8696 9680 Editorial: editor@familiesmagazine.co.uk News: news@familiesmagazine.co.uk Adverts/artwork: adverts@familiesmagazine.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on info: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk Next issue: November 2014. Deadline: 1st October •“Families® South West” heads a group of magazines.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. There are around 40 UK local editions with a print run of more than 700,000 copies in all, in which you can advertise too. Oh, and we have a very useful website… familiesonline.co.uk • MOVING? Families® magazines can be be franchised in new areas. Read initial franchise information on the website or call us.

• Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Pewsey, Wiltshire.

• Designed by Shirley Trimmer • We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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School news School Open Days Tutoring—is it worth it?

The new Curriculum

30-32

Half-term activities

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Fireworks near you

34-35

Halloween events

36-42

What’s On

17-27

• Theatre • Museums & Galleries • Days out • Diary dates & events

36-42

Entertainer etc. betterandhappier.co.uk

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources — meaning trees which are felled are continuously replaced. Inks are soya-based, which can be re-cycled.

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October 2014

Tel: David on 07539 961064 ®

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News

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Compiled by Joanna Parry

FamiliesSW

Yummy scrummy A brand new street food market has launched in Vauxhall. The Vauxhall Street Food Garden is a weekday gourmet oasis in the heart of London, packed full of a variety of local food vendors. With a garden oasis area, seating inside and outside, plus bars and entertainment events spaces, the daily market will serve up the freshest and tastiest street food around, showcasing over 8-10 daily stalls.

From wood fired pizza, bespoke crepes, spicy Indian and Indonesian food, to tasty Vegan food, exotic meats and burgers, jerk chicken, French food, salads and much much more. Sounds delicious! www.vauxhallstreetfood.co.uk

Parent and baby workshops The Parent and Baby Coach launches a new range of Parenting workshops this October. The popular parenting subject of Sleep is covered in a two hour workshop aimed at guiding you through Baby Sleep, how to help baby self-settle and methods of Sleep Training. The Psychology of Baby’s First Year is a great addition to the workshop collection and covers development, communication and play for baby from 0-12 months. If you are an expectant father, attending a Daddy-To-Be workshop will allow you to learn the tricks of nappy changing, bathing and feeding as well as how to support your partner all whilst meeting other Dads. www.theparentandbabycoach.com 0330 6600 204

Finding quality childcare Greycoat Lumleys understand that finding quality childcare is top of the list for busy parents. They offer a uniquely personal service and say: “We listen carefully to your needs, so we can find the best match possible for full time or part time Nannies, Maternity Nurses and Nanny/Housekeepers.”

Give them a try! www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk

Divine online Gorgeous Clapham children’s boutique Piccoli and Co have launched an online boutique bringing everything from bespoke furniture to monogrammed pillow cases to locals and Londoners alike. Set in the heart of Clapham Common, the nursery store on Abbeville Road supplies a unique offering of quality nursery furniture and bedding, and specialising in monogrammed linen and sleepwear. Their furniture is bespoke and designed in-house, creating exclusive pieces that can soon become family heirlooms. We love their Animal Parade Print linen, from £20, and monogrammed pillows, from £32. www.piccoliandco.com 63 Abbeville Road SW4 9JW

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One of the friendliest places in the UK is in SW London!

A friendly welcome awaits in Northcote Road!

People living near the Battersea street reside in one of the friendliest places in the country, according to a study by The Daily Telegraph. In a list of the 20 friendliest places in Britain, Northcote Road is identified as a ‘relaxed easy-going place where one could feel confident of a warm welcome’.

Only four places in London made it on to the list, with this area of Battersea standing out for its family-friendly reputation. ‘The clue is in the nickname “Nappy Valley”,’ says the paper. ‘Mums with pushchairs bonding with other mums with pushchairs have given this popular Battersea Street a well-earned reputation for friendliness.’ To find out more about Wandsworth council’s ambitions to make the borough Britain’s best, visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/lovewandsworth

New-look children’s centre opens Work has finally finished on the former Triangle children’s centre on Tooting Common. The revamped centre, now called West Hill in the Park, will offer residents with young children in Balham and Tooting Bec a full range of free children’s and family services including drop-in stay and play, health advice and parenting support.

Parents will also benefit from closer integrated working with the nearby Faylands children’s centre, ensuring that a wider and better range of family services are offered in this part of the borough. As well as providing new play equipment in a modernised building, the works have also improved its defences against localised flooding which have in the past caused problems in this part of the common.

UK’s first dedicated renewable energy store Green Square, the UK’s first dedicated renewable energy store, has awarded its first franchise licence in a plan to extend the chain of carbon neutral stores across the UK. The appointment of Green Square’s first franchise licence comes less than 18 months after the pilot store launched in Raynes Park, offering valuable information as well as a plethora of renewable energy products and solutions. Let’s hope there are many more! To find out more about the Green Square Franchise opportunity go to www.greensquare.co.uk/renewablefranchise or call 0845 263 7474. Green Square, 574 Kingston Road, Raynes Park, Merton, SW20 8DR 0845 263 7474

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

© stockcreations - Fotolia.com

Battersea Park’s much-loved Herb Garden has been given a new lease of life through the green-fingered skills of national charity Thrive. The new-look therapeutic garden has been painstakingly and lovingly restored, and now the gardens offer safe and secure places where people can mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills to help them become more independent.

Thrive’s pioneering work uses gardening and horticulture as therapies to help people with a range of disabilities and, with the support of Wandsworth Council’s parks department, the charity has been working with disabled people at two locations in Battersea Park – the Herb Garden and the Old English Garden. ‘We are very proud of our long and successful association with Thrive,’ said the council’s environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook. ‘We are delighted that we have been able to support and assist their important work helping disabled people for so many years.’

Cash for gyms Five of Wandsworth’s leisure centres are to benefit from a multi-million pound programme of investment, it has been announced. The council will be funding £3.5m worth of improvements and refurbishments at the Balham, Latchmere, Putney, Tooting and Wandle leisure centres as part of a new 7-year management contract. In Balham the leisure centre will benefit from a bigger dance studio, new poolside sauna and steam rooms among other improvements, while at the Latchmere the fitness suite will be extended and changing rooms fully refurbished. Putney, Tooting and Wandle will also receive a face-lift, so now there’s no excuse not to get fit!

© Adrin Shamsudin - Fotolia.com

Therapeutic garden opens

Calling new mums!

New mums can now get one-to-one breastfeeding support from a new service commissioned by Wandsworth council’s Public Health team. The Breastfeeding Network runs a telephone support line especially for new mums with babies under eight weeks old. Refer yourself or ask your GP, midwife, health visitor or local children’s centre to refer you and, once referred, you will be called within 48 hours by an experienced breastfeeding mum working for the BfN as a peer supporter, ready to offer breastfeeding support over the phone and let you know more about your local breastfeeding facilities. For more information wandsworthreferrals@breastfeedingnetwork. org.uk

Clubs and classes Let children have fun in the kitchen!

Music time for tots

Cooking is a fantastic activity for children: they can learn and practice a whole range of skills and it gives them an understanding of where food comes from and how it grows.

But, more importantly, it is an opportunity for them to have fun mixing, Cookease weekly cookery classes stirring, rolling and making a mess! So, if you’ve got a spare hour or two, get cooking with your toddlers.

But, if life’s too busy or you’d prefer the mess to be in someone else’s kitchen then check out Cookease. The company runs weekly cookery classes for 24 year olds, teaching the children important cooking skills together with an early introduction to all food types, all in a relaxed home environment.

Different weekly recipes (such as delicious Parmesan Chicken Goujons, a simple but irresistible Banana Cheesecake and tempting Mushroom and Gruyere Cheese Puffs) encourage the children to explore new flavours and textures whilst having fun rolling, mixing and chopping the ingredients. They also learn where the weekly ingredients come from and how they grow, and even grow their own crop each term!

The classes have been particularly successful at encouraging children with restricted eating habits to experiment with new foods. Jojo, has been delighted with the change in her son, Monty “A fantastic class, especially for a fussy eater! Monty has tried so many new foods since he’s been cooking with Cookease. We can’t wait until next term”.

Why not give their Moroccan Chicken with Fruity Couscous a try with your toddler – it really is delicious! Like the other recipes the kids cook up at Cookease, it is sure to become a family mealtime favourite.

To book your trial class or for more information, go to www.cookease.org.uk info@cookease.org.uk 07825 788446

St Barnabas Ealing has launched Play, Sing and Move, a free, friendly group for families with babies and young children up to the age of four. Enjoy songs, movement and musical games with other parents, exploring ideas, learning songs and hearing stories in a relaxed atmosphere. Sessions run on Tuesdays term-time only, 4-4.30pm. For more information email Helen on c4ctrust@gmail.com or go to www.barnabites.org. St Barnabus Church, Pitshanger Lane W5 1QG.

October 2014

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MUSIC & LANGUAGE For children age 0-8 Kindermusik groups Homework support Violin & French www.thestudiokensington.co.uk

Tel. 07714 094689 KENSINGTON BASED

Inclusion in these pages is always FREE: send to news@familiesmagazine.co.uk

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Clubs and classes Hip-Hop to the groove New for the autumn term at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Battersea comes an exciting new addition. Alongside their regular classes in dance, acting and singing, Hip-Hop and Street Dance classes for boys and girls aged 11+ will take place at Honeywell School on Saturdays at 1.152.30pm, £75 for non-Stagecoach members and £65 for Stagecoach students for the 10 week term. On top of this, Stagecoach students aged 7-18 will get the chance to take the highly respected LAMDA acting exams, with first class private tuition to prepare for them.

Call Micky for details on 020 8946 2986 or go to www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea

West Wimbledon Dance Academy

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T Caroline Barrett is the principal of West Wimbledon Dance Academy. She trained at the Royal Ballet School where she was head student and then taught there.

She says: “This term we have nearly 300 pupils from age 2 ½ to 18+, mostly girls but some boys too. Last term 51 pupils took exams. 22 passed with distinction and all the others with merit. This term about 75 pupils will do exams and I am confident they will all achieve excellent results too.

We perform 3 shows a year. In July at the Waitrose tea party, we performed extracts from Elite Syncopations, Top Hat and Sleeping Beauty.

We have another exciting programme for this term’s show.”

This year they have added 3 new classes: they now teach street dance in addition to ballet, modern and tap. Three pupils performed in the National Youth Ballet at Wimbledon Theatre in September.

West Wimbledon Dance Academy is a friendly school where children have fun and achieve outstanding results.

Please contact Caroline on 07956606648, caroline @westwimbledondanceacademy.co.uk or visit www.westwimbledondanceacademy.co.uk

Booking is now open for the Autumn Term Juniors Programme at Julian Cousins Coaching, so don’t miss out! Check out their extended programme from Minis all the way up to Performance, Mondays-Fridays, 4-6pm. £75 for eight 1-hour sessions at Clapham Common Tennis Centre, Clapham Common West Side, Wandsworth SW4 9AN. They also run holiday camps and lessons.

Call 07802 851453 or emailjulian@tennisteaching.com. www.tennis-teaching.com

Multi-sensory sessions in Barnes Learn, play and explore together with your little one in exciting new weekly art sessions for under5s. These multi-sensory sessions at OSO Arts Centre, Barnes, include craft activities, songs, stories, music, drama and toys for you and your children to enjoy together. Wear clothes suitable for painting. 10am-12pm Thursdays, drop in, £6/£3 siblings, OSO Arts Centre, 49 Station Road, Barnes SW13 0LF. www.ticketsource.co.uk/osoarts

Outer Space!

This autumn, travel through space on an interplanetary adventure with The Space Queen and The Little Green Alien at Perform Dance and Drama. Guaranteed to be the best fun that your child has all week. Outer Space workshops are for ages 4-8; to book a free trial session call 0845 400 1278 or go to www.perform.org.uk. Classes are held in Balham, Battersea, Barnes, Barons Court, Brook Green, Chelsea, Clapham, Earlsfield, Fulham, Kensington, Putney, Streatham Hill and Wimbledon. Book before 10th October and quote FAMI101014 to receive a 10% earlybird discount!

Tiny Tunes pay as you go classes

Swimming lessons for babies

Tiny Tunes are music and dance classes for 3mths to 5years. Join their song, rhyme and fun bubble sessions on a pay as you go basis. No need to book just turn up! Hide under a parachute, shake the maracas, dance with bubbles and sing along.

As well as the all time favourite rhymes and songs, Tiny Tunes will get you dancing to some of the well known pop classics. You can book them for parties too.

For a class near you go to www.tinytuneslive.com 07977 585020

The joys of baby swimming go beyond the first classes and can lead to a lifelong love of swimming and associated aquatic activities. With Water Life Swim school enjoy small classes in warm pools with enthusiastic, fully qualified “in water” instructors. Classes 6 days a week across SW London, 9 week terms cost £120.00 www.waterlifeswimschool.com info@waterlifeswimschool.com 0208 947 2149

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

New products Get stickered up… …with The Sticker Club a weekly subscription club delivering high quality stickers to children around the world. Two local dads have drawn upon their successful entrepreneurial backgrounds to launch the club after spotting the growing desire for parents to encourage imaginative play through non-digital resources. The Sticker Club has recruited some of the best creative designers from all over the globe to be involved, and the stickers are fantastic. The concept is simple - sign up and each week you will receive 9 sticker sheets with a minimum of 40 stickers per week. That's over 2000 stickers per year! Stickers feature exciting themes from robots and aliens to animals and transport, plus loads of other eye catching, imaginative designs. All you have to do is decide where to stick them. £1.99 per week, www.thestickerclub.com

The box your kids will love The fantastic new FlatBox-LunchBox will revolutionise your child’s packed lunch. Not only is this amazing new lunch box fully machine washable, it has two layers of insulation to keep food cold for longer and unzips to become a placemat, keeping your food free from germs and dirty surfaces. Available in 9 different colours, it is suitable for children and adults alike, and perfect for picnics too. We love their pink one with lime green trim. From £19.25, www.theniceststuff.com

Looking for the perfect birthday present?

Check out the new, gorgeously illustrated children's book, Puddle Pug. Percey the Pug loves puddles: big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp puddles. But no puddle is perfect until he finds one filled with a family of piglets. This beautifully illustrated hardback book is irresistibly cute - illustrated

by Keika Yamaguchi, Kim Norman's delightful tale about a persistent pug and his pursuit of friendship in puddle paradise brims with warmth and charm. Perfect for children aged 3 and over, it teaches children about perseverance and making friends. £11.99 from all good bookshops.

Get sewing

Roll with it!

The half term holidays are rolling around the corner so there's every reason to get outside and get active with your kids. This autumn, check out the new Rollers, a new range of wheeled toys for children aged 2 and up.

There are two Rollers in the range, the R1 and R2, both innovatively designed so that parents get two products for the price of one, as they convert from a seated wheeled toy to a scooter and help develop a child’s balance and core motor skills. The R1 is three-wheeled and converts from a sit-on trike to a tri-scooter, while the R2 is two-wheeled and transforms from a balance bike to an in-line scooter. The seat can be easily removed as a child’s confidence grows and they can learn to scoot solo. Sounds fab! Available at Argos from £34.99.

October 2014

Meet the Pug

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Make a change from fast fashion and create timeless clothes for girls and boys with gorgeous new book Sew Adorable.

Choose from special occasion outfits, hardwearing winter coats and cosy pyjamas – there are over 20 different projects in the book helping you sew practical and long-lasting clothes, including hats, romper suits and bibs. There are also great ideas for dressing up clothes, patterns for animal masks and crowns and even stuffed dolls that can make wonderful, homemade additions to a child's toy box. £14.99, www.thegmcgroup.com

Kit your nursery out in style Mums across SW London have been keen to get their hands on the latest luxury children's bedding and nightwear range from new nursery brand MoochicBaby.

Choose from hand block printed swaddles, blankets, muslins, pyjamas and onesies, all available in a variety of prints including ladybirds, tuk tuks, dolphins, dragonflies and turtles. Manufactured by hand in a traditional Indian printing factory, no two prints are ever the same, and their high quality designs are both unique and timeless, offering products that can be cherished and passed down from generation to generation. www.moochicbaby.com

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Please vote for your favourite writer on Facebook.com/ FamiliesSW

Roving reporter competition

Families writing competition Here are the first two entries in our writing competition. It has been difficult to choose between the entries, and now it is up to you to vote! Go to Facebook.com/FamiliesSW

Family Savings - Low cost ideas for families on a budget

Family days out in Kensington

Mother of two, Michelle Rose, shares her low cost tips and ideas for raising a young family on a tight budget.

Kensington is such a vibrant family–friendly borough. I have lived in it and now I am raising my children here. It is incredible how much it has to offer on weekends for fun family days out. With half term fast approaching, it is a great way to get outdoor and enjoy what life has to offer us.

First stop would be my all time favourite Holland Park. Kids can go exploring in the Adventure Playground and scoot away on an adventure. The swings, slides and trains will certainly keep them busy. The Kiyoto Garden is one of the most peaceful parks of West London. The kids always like spotting the different types of fish and listening to the water fall. I would also like to mention that the Ecology Centre in Holland Park offers some great affordable holiday workshops for children.

Affordable Days Out – Deen City Farm Meet the cute chicks, cheeky goats and adorable ponies at Deen City Farm, for a fantastic, educational, free educational day out for the whole family. Children are encouraged to get close to the animals and will love stroking the rabbits and guinea pigs as well as feeding the goats, pigs and alpaca with the animal feed that can be bought from the food dispensers near-by, at only 50p per bag. The gentle pony rides are perfect activity for little ones under the age of 7, and a bargain at £2 per ride and there are professional staff on hand throughout to ensure a safe, enjoyable ride.

Enjoy the award-winning community gardens, stop off at the Barn Owl Café or use the available picnic area, where there is a brilliant new playground.

The friendly, helpful staff engages well with the children, answering any questions and encouraging them to get involved.

39 Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, Merton, SW19 2RR, 020 8543 5300 www.deencityfarm.co.uk Free entry.

Money saving tip Don’t forget to check your local charity shop for great bargains on toys and clothes. You’ll be amazed at the quality brands to be found at low prices, and you’ll be providing much needed charity support.

Offers and deals Sainsbury’s are offering free ebooks on the back of their Multigrain Hoopla cereal packets by brilliant, best-selling children’s authors Jacqueline Wilson and James Patterson. Visit sainsburys.co.uk/ebooks/Jacqueline-wilson and enter code EBSCBPJW913 or sainsburys.co.uk/ebooks/james-patterson and enter code EBSCBPJP519. Only one ebook per registration allowed.

Want to get the family into cycling? Cycle Confident are providing free cycle training to anyone wanting tuition or advice. Visit www.cycleconfident.com for details of sessions in your area.

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By Dina Maktabi, founder and editor of Kensington Mums

Other gems of a place we love during the school holidays is the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum all located in buzzing South Kensington. These always offer children hands on activities suitable for all ages. The museums are easily accessible with prams and have baby changing facilities at every corner. In rainy days, we like to prebook our tickets to the IMAX cinema at the Science Museum, they are always fun and educational and something the whole family can enjoy.

With Halloween around the corner, pumpkin cravings is a must for all kids to cut and crave. Trick or treat around Holland Park is always fun as a lot of the houses there make it extra special with special unique themed decoration.

Some of the houses last year were out of this world with so much attention given to detail to make that extra experience extra special.

If you are stuck for what to do, do make sure to check out www.kensingtonmums.co.uk Join their ‘mumthly’ events and meet ups if you are ever in the need to meet a likeminded mums.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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We will promote your event for FREE If you run a Christmas fair at your local school or a Christmas shopping bazaar, we can add them in our popular online WHATSON CALENDAR. It is hugely popular as mums can search by interest (fairs, theatre, museum etc) and per age as well as per day of course.

Email 50 words with basic details only: when, where, what, costs, a short description, and website or point of contact to whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

October 2014

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Vincent and Roxanna

Nurturing you and y our partner Penny Charles review sa

workshop for couple The other Saturday afte s rnoon, I finally got to exp erience a Tantra workshop. Ever since I heard that Sting indulg ed in such things years ago I have been both intr igued and a little scared about what Tantra entailed.

I suppose my curiosity finally got the better of me and with vaguely reluctant husband in tow we boldly went where this couple had never gone before! Two hours later we surfaced unscat hed and rather wishing that we had me t Roxanna and Vincent years before.

These two delightful exp erts of Tantra put us at our ease immediately.

They have wonderful qua lities of friendliness and sincerity that instills trust. We needn't have been worried at all abo ut having to do something embarrassing as the workshop turned out to be a medley of breathing exercises, postures and an interes ting lesson in mysticism as they explained the hist ory and roots of Tantra to us.

The result was that we felt we had been brough t closer together as a couple in a most endear ingly innocent way. If I had to describe the workshop in one word it would be FUN!! As we walked away from the workshop I noticed a spring in our step, the world seemed rosier and I felt happy. It was as if we had rekindled the adventurous youngster in each other in a rather short space of time, not bad for a couple who will have bee n together for 25 years! www.lucidlovetantra. com and www.herflam e.com

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

We specialise in:

• Adult and Baby lessons • Toddler lessons • Learn To Swim classes • Pre-Club Squad Training for Children • Adult Beginners and Intermediate Training

Cindy’s Swim School is focused on delivering a variety of personalised lessons to local families.

We have a passion for swimming instruction and practice within a structured and safe environment.

Our swimmers learn the joys of swimming and stroke technique with programmes incorporating games and exercise to improve each swimmer’s confidence in the water.

• Ha lf-term • Sw im Clu Crash Cour ses bs for adva m • Ho nced swimm ore liday C e rash C rs ourses

cindy@cindysswimschool.co.uk 07902 782675

October 2014

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Parenting

Parents’ rights By the Prolegal Employment team

The many different rights to leave for parents can be difficult to understand, and won’t get any easier when Shared Parental Leave is introduced next year. This article sets out the different types of leave, who qualifies and what rights there are to pay during leave.

Mums have the right to up to 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave (OML) and a further 26 weeks additional maternity leave (AML), no matter how long she has been with her employer. To qualify, mum must tell her employer the date she wants to start her leave before the end of the 15th week before she is due to give birth. The first 2 weeks after birth are compulsory maternity leave, when she is not allowed to work.

Qualifying employees are entitled to a maximum of 39 weeks statutory maternity pay (SMP). For the first six weeks mum should be paid 90% of her salary; the remaining 33 weeks are paid at either the statutory rate of £136.78, or 90% of her average gross weekly earnings if this is lower. The statutory rate will rise to £138.18 on 6 April 2014.

Check your company maternity policy because some employers offer enhanced maternity pay.

Terms and conditions of employment continue during maternity leave, except in respect of pay.

Mum should continue to get her non-cash contractual benefits such as medical insurance.

Holidays accrue during maternity leave and can be taken before or after leave but not during.

Mum has the right to return to the same job after OML. After AML, employers can offer a suitable and appropriate alternative if it is not practical for mum to return to the same job.

Paternity leave Dads, or mum’s partner, are entitled to 2 weeks’ Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL) paid at £136.78, rising to £138.18 on 6 April 2014. Many employers offer this at full pay. Although most men choose to

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take the leave as the baby is born, it can be taken at any time within 56 days of the birth. To qualify, dad must have had at least 26 weeks’ service 14 weeks before the due date.

If dad qualifies for OPL he is also entitled to APL, if he working for the same employer as he was when he took OPL and mum goes back to work.

APL cannot be taken until baby is 20 weeks old and no later than baby’s first birthday. Dad is entitled to the unexpired portion of mum’s SMP, paid at the same rate.

Parental leave Both parents are entitled to take up to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave before their child is 5. The leave is calculated in respect of each child, so a parent of 2 children could take up to 36 weeks.

Leave must be taken in blocks of a week and can be limited to 4 weeks per year. Employers can postpone the leave for up to 6 months where the business would be unduly disrupted.

To qualify for leave, employees must have been with their employer for at least a year. Leave can move between employers, so for example if you had taken 6 weeks leave and got a new job, you could take up to 12 weeks in that new job once you had been there for a year.

Dependants leave All employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of unpaid leave to deal with dependants who are ill or injured. The leave is also available to cope with unexpected disruption of childcare or to deal with an incident at school.

© Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

Maternity leave

Shared parental leave There has been much publicity around Shared Parental Leave, which will be available to parents of children born after April 2015. Parents will be able to share 50 weeks’ leave after the 2 week compulsory maternity leave. They can take leave in consecutive blocks or at the same time. They can even ask their employer for leave in noncontinuous blocks, though employers will have the right to refuse this. Maternity and Paternity pay will remain at current levels.

To qualify, employees must have 26 weeks’ service 14 weeks before the baby’s due date. Both parents must meet the “economic activity test”, i.e. they must have worked for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the baby is born, and have earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 of those weeks.

Prolegal is a new breed of law firm that looks to challenge the conventional methods by which legal services are delivered. Their approach to legal services revolves around their belief that advice and assistance should be provided in an entrepreneurial, empowering and forthright manner. Prolegal Ltd 020 7743 6719 www.prolegal.co.uk

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Parenting

Chores for kids: don’t just dream children should help more round the house, plan it!

Here are the small tasks children should do at home Have a family plan for everyday household tasks and you will teach your kids a great life lesson.

Picture with thanks to Wa lter Ordoñez Torres

Chores help kids learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house. Not sure your kids will go for it? Turn it into a game when they are young, a way to earn stars and later credits when they are older (and since you ask, no, we don’t think children should get paid to help you around the house!)

Toddler (ages 2-3) • pick up/put away toys • unload the dishwasher, especially cutlery, plastic cups and Tupperware • dust (little ones love a feather duster!)

• collect dirty clothes and put them in the hamper • help move clothes from washer to dryer • put clothes away • make their bed • wipe down cupboards, cabinets and skirting boards with soapy water. This one can get messy but it’s lots of fun!

At this age, it is more about ‘helping mum’ and having fun than chores!

Preschooler (ages 4-5)

Ages 6-8 All the above plus: • help prepare meals, wash vegetables, simple cutting • wipe counter tops and kitchen units • hang up laundry • sweep • vacuum • fold clothes • clean microwave • rake leaves As the chores get more complex and time-consuming, mix them up with simpler ones from the younger age groups so it doesn’t become too onerous

Ages 9-11

All the above plus: • load the dishwasher • take out the recycling • lay the table • clear the table • wash dishes (with supervision) • wipe out bathroom sinks • match socks. This can easily be turned into a fun game!

• fold simple clothes or tea towels • water indoor plants • feed pets Why not try rewarding younger children for doing their chores, at least when you first introduce them? For older children chores can become a normal part of their day.

All the above plus: • make simple meals • clean the loo (they’ll love this one!)

• mop floors

Ages 12-14 All the above plus: • clean the bathroom • make full meals including a meal plan • clean out the fridge and freezer • mow the lawn • supervise younger children’s chores – a great time to get bossy themselves!

Do take into account your own child’s maturity and capabilities when giving them chores. Some children may be able to tackle many more than others – and some will certainly complain more than others!

Good luck!

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Working mums

The lowdown on homeworking

By Mandy Garner, Workingmums editor

Homeworking may be the holy grail for many parents given that it allows you to be at hand should anything happen at school or in childcare and saves endless hours commuting, but it can still be perceived by officebased colleagues as a bit of a skive. This is despite report after report showing the opposite - that homeworkers are often more productive and more motivated than their colleagues and tend to work longer hours.

Homeworking doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Many people work a few days from home and the others in the office, but what is important is that it is right for the worker and for the work being done.

Homeworking is particularly suitable for research, data inputting and projects that need concentration and focus. It may not be suitable for other roles or tasks, although more and more can now be done remotely due to technology. It is also more suitable for those who find it easy to motivate themselves.

Some of the potential drawbacks are lack of technical support if your computer breaks down - it’s important to talk through such scenarios before you start working from home - and isolation, which can be addressed by, for instance, combining homeworking with office working, popping in regularly to show your face in the office, using local work hubs which mean

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you avoid commuting, but also have the collaborative atmosphere of an office, and using technology such as instant messaging and Skype to keep in touch with distant colleagues.

Your employer should ensure your work station at home meets with health and safety standards and it’s important to discuss with your employer at an early stage issues like the phone bill.

It is important to bear in mind that your employer will expect you to have childcare in place. It is very difficult to work when trying to look after children, no matter how placid they are. If you are self-employed and can't afford regular childcare, you may be able to network with friends and family to offer some support when you might need it. www.Workingmums.co.uk is the UK’s number one jobsite for professional mothers.

Other things to bear in mind include: • Don't overwork. Try to keep fairly regular hours. Far from the myth of homeworkers sitting at home watching daytime tv all day long, the danger is more that because they are at home they do not clock off.

• Your manager should set manageable targets for you so that you know you are achieving them and can have regular meetings to see if they are working and what can be done to ensure that you meet them.

• If possible, keep your work space distinct from the rest of the house and try not to let the children near it. Some people find they need to make a physical distinction between work and family life even if they work from home. They might go for a walk round the block or have a shed office so they feel they have "travelled" to work.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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Established for over thirty years, The Willow Nursery has recently relocated to fantastic new premises in Grafton Square, next to Clapham Common, London SW4

Situated in a quiet, leafy residential area, our new premises provide us with superior facilities for all our children including substantial indoor space and a fabulous outdoor play area and garden

The Willow Nursery prides itself on providing a safe and happy environment where learning is a joyful and rewarding experience. We are renowned for our creativity in art, craft, music and drama and believe strongly that praise in work and play builds the crucial foundations for building self-esteem and confidence in children

2½ to 5 year olds, mornings only, term-time only Please contact: 0207 498 0319 admin@thewillownursery.co.uk www.thewillownursery.co.uk

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education feature

Your local school news Hornsby House School awarded Artsmark Gold

Happy anniversary to Steiner School!

Congratulations to Hornsby House School which has been awarded Artsmark Gold status by the Arts Council England. This award is only held by 6% of schools nationally and recognises the variety and quality of the arts opportunities the school offers its pupils throughout the age range.

After a comprehensive application process, the school was visited by a professional arts consultant, who commented, “as soon as you walk in, the

London Steiner School (formerly Waldorf School of South West London) celebrates 30 years since it was first established. Based in Balham, south west London, they offer high teacher:pupil ratios in relatively small classes. Their pupils acquire strong independent learning skills, motivation and enthusiasm for learning that stand them in good stead for later life. They offer an all year intake for both kindergarten and main school due to the flexibility and tailored nature of the education. Excellent pastoral care. Parent and Child Group (0-3) and School Tours every week •Education Workshop Sunday 23 November 2014, 2-5pm, at the Steiner House, 35 Park Road London NW1 6XT.

Year 5 drumming workshop

Support your child’s education with Explore Learning Explore Learning Centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life, they are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

There are centres in Merton and East Sheen. The tailored courses are designed to support your child to become a confident and engaged learner.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

STREAM South London Book Festival Just two days after the new Young Bond novel Shoot to Kill is published, author Steve Cole will be appearing at STREAM (see competition on Stream website to win signed copies) on Saturday 8 November at the Book Festival taking place at Streatham & Clapham High School. World Book Day illustrator Alex T Smith will show how to draw hilarious character Claude and read from his new book Claude on the Slopes. With over 40 fantastic authors and events there is something for every reader from 3 – 18 years. For all details and booking visit www.STREAM2014.co.uk Highly recommended!

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Never before has there been such an emphasis in the educational sector on the importance of children accessing the tools to be well prepared for life through managing themselves, building satisfying and productive relationships and being able to face the complexities of the wider world.

Rosemead Preparatory School is unique in offering a Motivation Club on Friday mornings, open for Years 5 and 6, where the children have an opportunity to expand their inter-personal intelligence. This term, Rosemead has also added a workshop for the pupils' parents to give them an opportunity to access the tools to use in the home and beyond. The response has been amazing, with typical feedback including: "As a result of your hard work my daughter passed her 11+ with a very, very high score as she managed to keep her nerves under control through seeing the bigger picture. Bravo and thank you."

Rosemead Prep has a nursery and school through to year six. For admission information or to arrange a visit, contact the school: 020 8670 5865, www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

The Independent Schools Show London Steiner School 9 Weir Road Balham London SW12 0LT T:020 8772 3504 info@waldorflondon.co.uk www.londonsteiner.co.uk

What price a decent education?

A good catchment area is more important than the style or look of a house when parents are choosing a new home, according to research from Sarah Beeny's online estate agency,Tepilo.

Parents were asked what, theoretically, was the maximum additional amount they'd be prepared to spend on their home to ensure they ended up in their preferred school's catchment area. Parents in the south of England are most likely to consider spending significant sums to get their children into the right school: nearly 13% would spend £20£30,000 and nearly 8% say they'd spend more than £100,000.

The figures suggest the problem is a growing one, with almost two-thirds of parents saying educational provision is more of a postcode lottery than when they were growing up.

Discussing the results, Sarah Beeny said: "It may not be fair but, unless you have the money to go outside the state sector, getting your child into a good school is tied up inextricably with where you live. The good news for those who have taken on a bigger mortgage for this reason is that, because being in a good catchment area is such a huge selling-point, those who have invested in getting their child into the right school will often find that their efforts are rewarded not just in good GCSEs and university places, but in a very attractive sale price for that property when they, too, decide to move further up the ladder."

This year why don’t you go and meet over 190 of the UK's leading nurseries, preparatory and senior schools!? Go to Battersea Park to this 2 day show and gain a balanced understanding of the private schools sector— hopefully discovering the perfect school for your child or a school you may never have considered before. The longest running and most established exhibition of its type, it is a 'must attend' event for parents considering private education.

8th & 9th November, Battersea Park. Register for your complimentary tickets at www.schoolsshow.com

Computer games are OK! Films and computer games 'boost children's vocabulary', according to recent research from the team at Oxford University Press. Watching films such as Despicable Me and The Lego Movie, and playing computer games such as Minecraft can have a positive impact on children’s use of language, as they start to use unfamiliar words following exposure to these films and games. A study carried out by the Oxford University Press found that school children under the age of 13 regularly used littleknown terms such as ‘ocelot’, ‘spawn’ and ‘portal’ in their written work because of the influence of popular culture. The word ‘minion’ from the movie Despicable Me was actually declared children’s word of the year! ‘Concerns have been voiced that the digital age is having a negative impact on children’s imaginations,’ said Kate Nation, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University.

‘These stories show that children’s imaginations are very much alive and that they use a variety of influences in creative ways.’ As always the most important factor, we feel, is choose age suitable games and films and for a controlled period of time: one can have too much of a good thing!

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Cont. pg 18

creativity is immediately apparent” and noted that, “there is great clarity and vision for how the arts are managed creatively, why they are included and why they are an important entitlement for all students.”

•For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact: Mrs Alex Salandin, Hornsby House School, Hearnville Road, SW12 8RS 020 8673 7573 or school@hornsbyhouse.org.uk www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk

More authors at Motivating Rosemead pupils and parents

from pg 17

Education feature Guide for depression Around one in ten young people will experience depression, stress or anxiety by the time they reach 18. But where can their parents turn to for help?

A great guide for parents who might be worried that their child is depressed has been launched on behalf of charity the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. The guide offers answers to all the most frequently asked questions parents have, plus guidance on what to do next. A Parent’s Guide To Depression is filled with clear, practical advice for anyone concerned that their son or daughter has a mental health problem, tackling the challenges parents face such as how to distinguish between natural adolescent mood swings and depression, and ways to talk about your concerns with your child. ‘Parents are usually the first to notice that their child’s behaviour has changed,’ said Jackie Williams of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. ‘Often they feel powerless to help, particularly if their child is shutting themselves off from their family and the wider world. But the good news is there are proven, practical strategies to help your child overcome their depression.’ The online version can be accessed at www.cwmt.org.uk/category/parents-guide the more concise printed booklet can be downloaded at www.cwmt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/parents-guide-todepression.pdf

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Gorgeous reads Guess what we love this autumn? Delve into the exciting new series of books by Madeleine Rogers, which includes The Safari Set, The Polar Pack and The Jungle Crew. Aimed at children aged 4 to 7, the books teach kids about the animals of different environments through playful rhyme and colourful illustrations. Each book also contains a set of 5 animals, plus scenery, for children to pop out and fold and glue together. Vibrant and modern, they are perfect for gifts too. £12.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com. www.buttonbooks.co.uk

The White House Preparatory School The children at The White House Preparatory School returned refreshed and excited to begin the new academic year. This year at the school there is a particular focus on learning about new cultures and languages and this kicked off with a series of Mandarin workshops to inspire the children. The Languages department is also supported by the introduction of a new dedicated Spanish teacher and a reintroduction to Latin for the Year 5 and 6 classes. The Year 6 pupils are working particularly hard on their Spanish as they excitedly prepare for their trip to Seville in Summer 2015.

24 Thornton Road, London, SW12 0LF 8674 9514

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education feature ‘5 a day’ the children’s way!

A healthy tuck shop run by your Yr 4/5 children not only adds to your school’s ‘5 a day’, it gives a real world application to numerous academic and life skills including mental maths, handling money efficiently, it is also about crowd control, working under pressure, about communication and customer service, about being well organised, problem solving and working together as a team.

Pupils Profit offer engaging ‘Tuck Shop Enterprise’ training days, and supply a nutritious range of tasty snacks and drinks to your school, all of which are within the Children’s Food Trust guidelines and affordably priced. Founder Elizabeth Gimblett says ‘rather than asking how adults can encourage children to eat more of their ‘5 a day’, you can watch the children encouraging each other!’ www.pupilsprofit.com info@pupilsprofit.com

A well rounded education In our rapidly changing world, pupils need a thorough and well-rounded education to succeed and enjoy life. At Thames Christian College not only do pupils achieve top grades, but they also leave with the depth of character and steadfast values that set them apart from other young people competing for school places and jobs. This year 40% of grades were A*/A and 91% of pupils achieved the headline measure 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

Without compromising their ethos of valuing the individual, the school is making plans to have two streams of entry by 2019, as well as a sixth form in new state of the art, purpose-built premises.

For further information visit thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Streatham MP, Lambeth Mayor and Councillor attend school prize giving Streatham & Clapham High School was delighted to welcome local MP, Chuka Umunna, Lambeth Councillor, Rezina Chowdhury, and Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Adedamola Aminu, to its Senior School prize giving. Guest speaker, Mr Philip Skelker, previously Head Master of Immanuel College, Bushey, and winner of the Max Fisher Prize for his contribution to Jewish education, talked to pupils about the educational milestones in his life, and Mr Umunna followed with a short speech, urging the pupils to find a goal and work hard to meet it. Pupils aged 16 – 18 received recognition for academic excellence, endeavour, and services to the school community. www.schs.gdst.net

Chuka Umunna with Councillor Rezina Chowdhury

Saint Cecilia's record GCSE results Saint Cecilia's celebrated the school's best ever GCSE results: 70% of pupils gained 5 A*-C grades including English and Maths, up by 4% on last year's performance and well above borough and national averages. In Maths, 86% received A* - C grades. Many students did exceptionally well achieving 10+ A*- A grades with some notching up as many as 11 or 12 top GCSEs. Overall, 27% of all grades awarded were A*- A with more than half (56%) of all results graded A* - B. Headteacher Niall Gallagher commented: “I am delighted with these results. We have seen considerable consistent improvement in our headline GCSE results over the last three years which clearly demonstrates that the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our superb pupils and highly dedicated staff has paid off.”

Saint Cecilia's is in Wandsworth. They specialise in the teaching and learning of Music and Mathematics for pupils aged 11 – 18. saintcecilias.wandsworth.sch.uk

A new concept: The Studio Launching in Kensington, The Studio is a fantastic new destination for your children’s musical AND extra curricular activities.

The Studio offers the international music program Kindermusik from babies to 8 years. Based on Suzuki theories this fantastic program is proven to improve literacy and language, whilst ensuring musical progression. The lovely Kindermusik teacher also takes group violin for 4-8s.

Her wealth of experience brings out the best in children and aids musicianship.

For fun filled French, there is a beautiful French Story & Rhyme time with puppetry and images and, along with all that, they have a Homework club, led by experienced, patient teachers, who offer unparalleled support. info@thestudiokensington.co.uk 07714 094689 www.thestudiokensington.co.uk

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October 2014 School

Open Days

Sinclair House, Fulham, SW6 We obviously can’t list all school Open Days here but do search for our online calendar.

Neighbouring Families magazines also enter their local schools open days in it. Go to www.familiesouthwest.co.uk/whatson

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Westminster Under School Westminster School Eaton Square School Streatham & Clapham High School Streatham & Clapham Junior School Gems Hampshire School Eridge House School Fulham Prep Fulham Pre-prep Ecole des Petits Sinclair House School Ravenstone Newton Prep Ecole de Battersea

SW1 SW1 SW1 SW16 SW2 SW3 SW6 SW6 SW6 SW6 SW6 SW7 SW8 SW11

7-13 B 13-18 B 3-13 Co-Ed 11-18 G 3-11 G 3-13 Co-Ed 2-11 Co-Ed 4-13 Co-Ed 4-7 Co-Ed 3-6 Co-Ed 2-11 Co-Ed 2-11 Co-Ed 3-13 Co-Ed 3-10 Co-Ed

Dolphin School Thames Christian College The Dominie London Steiner School White House Prep School Hornsby House Harrodian School Ibstock Place School Bertrum House School The Roche School The Chelsea Group of Children Donhead School The Study Prep School Southbank International School (Westminster Campus) Portland Place Ravenstone Pre-prep Arts Educational School Latymer Upper School

SW11 SW11 SW11 SW12 SW12 SW12 SW13 SW15 SW17 SW18 SW18 SW19 SW19 W1

3-10 Co-Ed 11-16 Co-Ed 6-11 Co-Ed 0-14 4-11 Co-Ed 5-11 Co-Ed 4-18 Co-Ed 3-18 Co-Ed 2-7 Co-Ed 2.5-11 Co-Ed 4-11 Co-Ed 7-11 B 4-11 G 11-18

W1 W2 W4 W6

9-18 Co-Ed 1-7 Co-Ed 11-18 Co-Ed 7-18 Co-Ed

Godolphin and Latymer School Fulham Prep Virgo Prep School Dulwich College Rosemead Prep Alleyns Junior School James Allen’s Girl School Sydenham Junior School

W6 W14 SE19 SE21 SE21 SE22 SE22 SE22

11-18 G 7-13 Co-Ed 11-19 G 7-18 B 3-11 Co-Ed 4-11 Co-Ed 11-18 G 4-11 G

Sydenham High School

SE22

11-18 G

7+/8+ entry 4/10 Tours by appointment By appointment 14/10 6/11 9.15-11.30am 6th Form 9/10 6.30-8.30 pm 4/10 10-12 noon 4/11 2/12 9-10.45am Tues/Wed/Fri Open House. No appointment necessary 4/10 9.30-12 noon + Individual tour by appointment By appointment 20/11 9.30-11am By appointment By appointment By appointment 11/10 9.30-12.30pm By appointment

7821 5788 westminsterunder.org.uk 7963 1003 westminster.org.uk 7821 4932 eatonsquareschool.com 8677 8400 schs.gdst.net 8674 6912 schs.gdst.net 7352 7077 ths.westminster.sch.uk/home.php 7371 9009 eridgehouse.co.uk 7386 2444 fulhamprep.co.uk 7371 9911 fulhamprep.co.uk/pre-prep.asp 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk 7736 9182 sinclairhouseschool.co.uk 7225 3131 ravenstoneschool.co.uk/home 7720 4091 newtonprepschool.co.uk 7371 8350 lecoledespetits.co.uk/lecole--battersea Weekly tours Tues and Thurs 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk 4/10 10am-1pm 8/10 11-1pm 6/11 11-1pm 7228 3933 thameschristiancollege.org.uk By appointment 7720 8783 thedominie.co.uk Open Evenings Fri 17 Oct & Tues 4 Nov 2014, 5.30-7.30pm 87723504 waldorflondon.co.uk 8/11 9.30am- 11.30am. By appointment 8674 9514 whitehouse.fluencycms.co.uk 9/10 9-10.30am 8673 7573 hornsbyhouse.org.uk 11+ Open mor: 8/10, 6/11 Booking essential + Weekly tours 8762 6321 harrodian.com Prep: 12/11 9.30am 8876 9991 ibstockplaceschool.co.uk Pre-prep: 20/11 9.45-11am 8767 4051 bertrumhouseschool.co.uk/intro 9/10 9.30-11 14/11 9.30-11am 8877 0823 therocheschool.co.uk By appointment 8946 8330 chelseagroup.co.uk By appointment 8946 7000 donhead.org.uk Tours Tuesday 9.30-10.30am by appointment 8947 6969 thestudyprep.co.uk 10 Nov 9.30-11am by appointment 7243 3803 southbank.org 12/10 12/11 25/11 9am 8/11 10-12 noon By appointment 11-16 Yrs: 2/10 6-8pm 6th Form: 1/10 6-8.30pm Jnr: By appoint. 11+: 8/11 16+ Open Eve 8/10 Tickets required 14/10 4.45-7pm By appointment 4 Oct & 4 Feb 2015 11 October and tours by appointment 4/11 9.30-11am 6/11 18/11 1.30-3pm 11/10 10-1pm 25/9 12/11 10.00-12 noon Yr 7: 9/10 16/10 9-11.45 5/11 11/11 9.30-11 booking required.

3/10 5/11 12/11 9.30-11am. Taster Morning 9/10 9-11.45am

7307 8700 7262 1190 8987 6666 0845 638 5721

portland-place.co.uk ravenstoneschools.com artsed.co.uk latymer-upper.org

8741 1936 7371 9911 8653 2169 8693 3601 8670 5865 8693 3457 8693 1181 8557 7000

godolphinandlatymer.com fulhamprep.co.uk www.vfps.org dulwich.org.uk rosemeadprepschool.org.uk alleyns.org.uk jags.org.uk sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

8557 7000

sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

See our searchable calendar familiessouthwest.co.uk/whats-on for Open days in London and in the UK

Education feature

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Education feature

Ofsted Registered

We accept Childcare Vouchers

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education feature

Can tutoring help your child?

By Hannah Hunter

Paying for extra tuition has become very popular over the last few years. According to a poll last year by the Sutton Trust, nearly one in four 11-16 year olds at state schools in England and Wales said that their parents had paid for them to have extra help with their lessons.

So should you hire a tutor? If you don’t, will they be at a disadvantage when it comes to tests like the 11+ or Common Entrance exam, if everyone else seems to be sending their children for extra lessons?

Why get a tutor at all?

With stress on getting good grades now starting at KS1 and 2 with SATs children are expected to achieve from a very young age. Schools cannot provide the one-to-one support, which can provide valuable help in some instances.

If a child is struggling with a subject area, or missing knowledge that is holding them back (e.g. after time off school), then a tutor is a great idea. If your child has additional needs, like dyslexia or ADHD, a tutor can provide valuable targeted support (if they have a statement, your child may be entitled to one-to-one support in school).

Perhaps your child is having trouble getting the Cgrade in Maths/English GCSE that they need for further education. Maybe they want to study a subject not offered at their school. Interview preparation for University is also a popular reason to hire a tutor, particularly for Oxbridge interviews.

When is it best to get help?

It’s best to start sooner rather than later. For example, if you’re hiring someone to help after the GCSE mocks in February there’s a limited amount they can achieve - if you think tuition will benefit your child, start from September of Year 11 onwards.

How to find a good tutor If you can get someone who is personally recommended, then obviously that is the best option. Make sure you check their references and DBS checks, and interview them before you hire them. It sounds obvious, but they need to get along with your child, as well as looking good on paper. Study centres and tuition agencies like Fleet-Tutors.co.uk have 37 years experience, they will ensure that their staff are safety checked and appropriately qualified, with some agencies only employing graduates in key subject areas.

11plustuition.co.uk provide written mock tests

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Fleet performance

However, if their problem is lack of motivation, then a tutor might not be the best idea – if they don’t want to work, you’re just wasting your money! Tutoring very young children can also be a problem – they can be so tired after a full school day and adding tutoring on top can wipe them out completely. There’s a lot of pressure on high achievers too - if they are doing well at school, why add needless stress?

in English, Maths, Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning carried out under real exam conditions. Mock tests are also great to familiarise your child with the 11+ exam setting helping to reduce stress and anxiety. www.numberworksnwords.co.uk first ask parents to bring their child for a free assessment and following the National Curriculum, they assess their needs and develop a study plan specifically for them.

How much will it cost?

According to the Good Schools Guide, an hour’s tuition can cost parents anything from £30 to well beyond. If this is beyond your budget, you could team up with friends for group tuition. Study centres may be more affordable - children learn in small groups, and they often accept childcare vouchers toward payment. For example, our local Explore Learning centres (in Merton and East Sheen), cost between £98-119 per month for 2 sessions a week, with reduced fees for siblings.

Help for Free Your child’s school may already offer older revision classes – make sure you’re aware of what’s available. There are excellent online resources to support at home learning – for example the BBC bitesize website has games and revision subjects up to GCSE level. Perhaps you know someone who is a teacher, or has language or music skills, who may be able to informally help your child – you could do a childcare swap or similar in lieu of payment. www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/tutors www.suttontrust.com www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ www.tuesdaytutors.com 020 7735 8268 www.tailoredtutoringuk.com 07738 238273 www.numberworksnwords.co.uk www.fleet-tutors.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk www.childrens-private-tutor-uk.com

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Education feature

What do you think of the new national curriculum?

By Carey Ann Dodah

This September, children in England started the new school year with a new curriculum.

Tuesday Tutors • We coach children for state and independent school and entry tests: VR, NVR, English, Maths and interview preparation.

• We are also happy to offer Maths and English support for children in school, and Home Education.

• NEW- a dedicated Maths tutor up to A Level available for home-visits in central London Tuesday Tutors has placed many children in top state and private schools. It is advisable to contact us early, as high demand may mean that your child will be placed on our waiting list.

Experienced tutors welcome Tel: 020 7735 8268

07906 312541

tuesdaytutors@hotmail.co.uk tuesdaytutors.com

It has been under discussion in Government for some time, and is a reaction to the recent PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results. These results show that the UK is lagging behind other countries around the world, and does not even make the top 20 in reading, maths and science. Recent research conducted by national learning centres, Explore Learning, indicates that a large proportion of the parents it surveyed are worried that British children aren’t leading the global field academically.

Consequently, the new curriculum will, overall, appear more challenging to most children and parents, with many concepts in both maths and English being introduced at an earlier age.

Does it look like a good thing?

English While the new curriculum continues to focus on phonics, a stronger emphasis will now be placed on grammar, punctuation and spelling. There will also be more concentration on the classics, such as Shakespeare, with children and pupils expected to have studied two of his plays between the ages of 11 and 14.

Maths In maths, knowing times tables (12 x 12 by the end of Year 4), calculating with fractions, using written methods of calculation and having strong mental maths skills will be more important than ever, and there will be more opportunity to develop problemsolving skills in maths.

Computing Children will be taught to write code and pupils ages 5 to 7 will be expected to ‘understand what algorithms are’ and to ‘create and debug simple programs.’

Qualified and experienced teacher – specialism English (CRB checked) Age 3 to 11+ tuition Tel: 07738 238273 chloeabbott02@gmail.com www.tailoredtutoringuk.com

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Science New content is to be introduced at primary school level, with children studying the solar system, speed and evolution. In secondary schools, physics, biology and chemistry will be studied as separate subjects.

There will also be a focus on climate change.

History The history curriculum will take primary school pupils through British history from the Stone Age to the Normans. They will also have the opportunity to study a later era, such as the Victorians. The lives of “significant individuals” such as Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, suffragette, Emily Davison, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria will be given more attention, with comparisons drawn between different eras.

Secondary schools will teach British history from 1066 to 1901, followed by British, European and world events from 1901, including World War II and the Holocaust.

Any parents keen to understand the details of new curriculum are encouraged to attend information sessions offered by their child’s school. The programmes of study for each year are also available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/nationalcurriculum.

If you are concerned that the new national curriculum might be affecting your child’s academic progress at school, always consult your child’s teacher. The most important thing is to maintain your child’s confidence and positive attitude towards learning as this makes such a powerful difference to a child’s success in education.

•Explore Learning has 94 tuition centres across the UK. It can help support and challenge children in the topic areas introduced by the new National Curriculum, at a pace and to a level with which they are comfortable. Locally there are centres in Merton and East Sheen. For further information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Warm loving environment for 2+ to 5 year olds Montessori-qualified staff International atmosphere Light and airy premises Private sunny patio

Fulham /Hammersmith border Please ring— Morning sessions plus Tuesdays 1-3pm

020 7381 3511 020 7736 8729

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Education feature

Tips on choosing an Independent School Try and visit the school on a normal day as well as an open day, especially if the open day is on a Saturday and the children aren’t in class.

Do you want a single sex or a mixed school? For both sides of the debate see www.familiesonline.co.uk Look at the facilities, but remember that the teachers are the most important part of a school so make sure you see lessons in progress and ask about staff turnover - some movement is healthy, bringing fresh ideas: too much indicates dissatisfaction and can be disrupting. www.dunnesstores.com

Do you want a school that goes all the way through to GCSEs and ALevels/International Baccalaureate, or would you like your child to go to a prep school that doesn’t have a senior school? Which schools/ universities do children go on to?

Do the journey in the morning rush hour to see how long it takes when considering a school a bit further from home.

Does the school offer any bursaries or scholarships?

When you visit, look at the pupils in the final year or two, as these are the product of the school. If you are shown round by a pupil, ask them lots of questions as you will often get an honest answer - such as “what one thing could the school improve?”

Does the school have an active PTA, and what sort of social activities does it organise?

What extra curricular activities are offered - are they at lunchtime or after school?

If you are a working parent ask about wrap around care and how flexible this is, can you book into after school care the week or day before? Do they run a holiday camp in the school holidays and what hours does it run?

What is the communication like with parents, it’s important you know who to talk to if you have a problem or concern. Who is responsible for pastoral care?

What are the class sizes, are children streamed and at what age and in what subjects? At the top end of the school are they taught by subject specialists?

How do they treat/identify special needs children on both ends of the spectrum? Enquire about the extra help available for children who are above or below average in a particular subject.

Look for a sample menu and ask pupils what they think of the school food.

Listen to the Head’s address if there is one and talk to him or her too. A good school will have an inspiring, enthusiastic and committed Headteacher, supported by a loyal and united management team.

Remember to visit schools early, as some can get booked up.

Good luck!

October 2014

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Education feature Growing support for free schools A New Schools Network survey of parents has tested views on how they regard their local school, what they value in a good school and how their own school measures up.

The survey asked parents to rate the importance they attached to various elements of a good school, and then to compare how they felt their own school performed on those same measures: • 95% of parents say that the quality of lessons is important or very important, but only 74% rate their school as good or very good.

• 93% of parents say that helping their child succeed in exams is important, but only 65% rate their schools as good or very good.

• 92% of parents say that the school's role in helping their child secure a place at university and/ or a good job is important, but 58% rate their school as good or very good.

Despite these levels of dissatisfaction, it is interesting to note that parents with direct experience of their local schools have a more positive view of the quality of schools overall than the general public - 47% of whom believe local schools are average or worse.

Finally, parents who are aware of a free school in their area - and therefore have more knowledge about free schools - are considerably more likely to think a free school would be welcome in their area and consider sending their child to such a school.

•New Schools Network is a charity that aims to improve the quality of education - particularly for the most deprived - by increasing the number of independent, innovative schools within the state sector, www.newschoolsnetwork.org

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© RED-ON - Fotolia.com

Carried out by opinion research company Populus, the survey shows that there is significant dissatisfaction among parents. One in four parents would have chosen a different school if they'd a chance, representing 1.4 million families across the country. With 36% rating schools in their area as average at best, this amounts to 1.68 million families.

Should sex education be compulsory for all children?

The Liberal Democrats ignited a lively debate with their recent proposal for reforming sex education. Under the current system, sex education is only mandatory in state secondary schools – the new statement proposes the inclusion of free schools and academies, with ‘age appropriate’ teaching for pupils from Key Stage Two onwards.

In a statement, David Laws, the education minister, said: "We believe that by educating children about sex and relationships in an appropriate way, we can help them to make informed choices in their personal lives.”

Although the move would be highly controversial, it is not without support. One parent commented: “There are so many more sexualized images in today’s media, from music videos to internet exposure, than any of us had as children. I think teaching them about relationships and not just the biology of sex is long overdue, and will help kids to see through the media hype”.

•For more information www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28934047 www.libdems.org.uk/education_children

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

October 2014

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Half-term holiday listings Compiled by Joanna Parry We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment. day including pottery, canvas, t-shirt painting and Decopatch. 10.30am12.30pm, 6-12yrs, £20 per session, snack included

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Pottery Café

Dulwich Picture Gallery

• 735 Fulham Road, SW6 5UL, 020 7736 2157 • 332 Richmond Road, TW1 2DU, 020 8744 3000 • 153 Northcote Road, SW11 6QB, 020 7223 3388 www.pottery-cafe.com info@pottery-cafe.com 27-31 October. Magical Woodland Week Let little imaginations run wild at Magical Woodland Week at the Pottery Café. Free Marshmallows for all little painters, 9-6pm

Gallery Road, Southwark SE21 7AD 020 8693 5254 www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 2 November. The Big Draw Make a large Totum that will be covered with drawings, sketches and scribbles, with artist Erica Parrett.

2–4pm, £3, no booking necessary

Smarty Paints Pottery Studio 85 Nightingale Lane, Balham, SW12 8NX 020 8772 8702, info@smartypaints.co.uk www.smartypaints.co.uk October dates TBC. Half Term Holiday Workshops Creative art workshops with fun theme designs. Learn new skills and techniques with a different craft each

Sew Pretty Sewing camp on the 23rd, 38th & 30th October.

Courses are now almost fully booked, hurry. 7-18yrs. www.sewpretty.me.uk/classes/ind ex.html

Eddie Catz Putney First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com 27 October. Halloween Playball Playdate Bring your little ones for a morning filled with a range of Playball's favourite sports, games and skills.

10am-1pm, 3.5-7 years, £25, email playball.murray@gmail.com or call 07534 134669 28 October. ‘Frozen’ with A Little Bit Productions 10am-1pm, £22, age 6-11 29 October. Spooky Cookery Day with Cookie Crumbles Create Halloween puffs, marshmallow ghosts and more.

Age 4-8, 10am-1pm, £25, email info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk or call 020 8876 9912 30 October. Eddie Catz Annual Family Halloween Party Enjoy a Halloween adventure with magic and entertainment, balloon modelling, a Halloween disco and fancy dress catwalk competition.

Age 2-8, 5.30-7.30pm, £15 children, £4 adults 31 October. Dance Workshop!

A morning of Halloween dancing fun. Come in Halloween costume. Parents will be treated to a fantastic performance at the end of the morning. Age 510, 10am-1pm, £22

Eddie Catz Wimbledon 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 0845 201 1268 eddiecatz.com 27 October. 'Frozen' Ballet Workshop with Twinkle Toes Ballet £22, age 4-7 28 October. Halloween Fun Morning A morning of Halloween arts, crafts, games and a spooky disco. 10am-1pm, £18, age 5-9 29 October. 'Frozen' with A Little Bit Productions £22, age 5-11 30 and 31 October. Eddie Catz Annual Family Halloween Party 6-8pm, £15 children, £4 adults, age 2-10 30 October. Spooky Cookery Day with Cookie Crumbles £25, age 4-8, email info@cookiecrumbles.co.uk or call 020 8876 9912 31 October. Halloween Arty Family Fun with The Creation Station Halloween Arts & Crafts fun, with plenty of sequins, sparkles and glitter to go around. 10.40-11.30am, £8, age 2-8, email melanie@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9096

October 2014

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Club Petit Pierrot

LANGUAGES Club Petit Pierrot 020 7385 5565, admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 27-31 October.

Half Term Holiday Fun Fun French private tuition at your home for individual children or mini-groups (all ages) during all holiday periods.

These can be lessons which follow the Club's programme with fun activities, games and exercises, or creative classes (cooking etc) or help with course work, or even revision for exams

Et Patati et Patata Fulham Start Centre and St Andrew’s Church Fulham 07966 893674

patatipatataclub@gmail.com www.etpatatipatata.com 27-31 October. October Half Term Day Camp - Fun in French 100% French club, 100% fun! Learn French this half term and set your child on the fast track to becoming bilingual. French classes, workshops and fun activities in the morning and sport in the afternoon. 9am-3pm, ages 5-10

Mighty Words 07858 514689 www.mightywords.co.uk 27th – 31st October. Autumn half term camp Five days full of games, sports and art & crafts where children will learn Spanish effortlessly. 5-10yrs.

MUSIC AND DRAMA Artpeggios Music and Art School Academy 198-200 Earl’s Court Road SW5 9QF 020 7244 4570, info@artpeggios.com www.artpeggios.com 20-24 and 27-31 October.

Half Term Holiday Camps Rock band, singing groups, introduction to DJ, art, Manga, percussion course, magic, shooting movies, acting, mastering Garage Band and more. Age 6-16, 9.30am12.30pm, 2-5pm, £290

Et Patati et Patata

Perform drama

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Half-term holiday listings Funky Moves Kids Club at the Exhibit

Polka Theatre

The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, Balham, SW12 9SG 020 8772 6556, exhibit@exhibitbars.com funkymovesdance.com 21 24, 28 and 31 October.

Half Term Holiday Kids Club Each Kids Club will have a different theme, pairing a film with a dance class provided by Funky Moves. The kids will eat a packed lunch provided

by The Exhibit in their luxury private cinema while watching a film. They will then learn a cool dance to a song from the film and do a mini performance for the parents. Films include Rio 2, Khumba, Frozen and Monsters Inc. 12.30-4pm, £20, ages 5-12

Funky Monkey Keyboard

Perform Battersea, Notting Hill, Kensington, Kew and Putney 0845 400 1278, enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 21-23 and 27-29 October, depending on venue. Ice Queen Holiday Course Based on the popular Ice Queen story, the children will go on an amazing adventure guaranteed to fire their imaginations. With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, children will enjoy a funpacked three days putting together a fantastic show that will delight family and friends. Ages 4-8, £98, 25% sibling discount

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Streatham, Battersea, Herne Hill and Dulwich 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 27-31 October.

Halloween Music Workshops Fun packed spook-tastic workshops for ages 4-8. An introduction to playing the electronic keyboard, Halloween-based music activities, groovy tunes and a whole lot more

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888. www.polkatheatre.com 28 October. Flat Stanley’s Flat Puppet Adventure Create your own 2D puppets inspired by Flat Stanley, learn puppeteering techniques and bring them to life in your own devised performance for family and friends. Ages 6-9, 10.30am-3.30pm, £30 29 October. Stage Fright Workshop Get gory this Halloween!

Join their professional make-up artist to make blood, wounds and scars in a workshop for the very brave and very horrible. Age 8-14, 10.30am12.30pm, £30 30 October. Teddy, Toys and Tales A family workshop inspired by Polka's winter show Grandad, Me... and Teddy Too. Bring along your own treasured teddy or toy for an imaginative, interactive storytelling adventure starring you, Grandad and teddy too. Ages 2-3 - 9.45am10.45am, ages 4-5 – 11am-12pm, £12 for child and parent/carer

Caterpillar Music Battersea, Fulham, Southfields and Tooting 020 8540 1762, 07968 764301, info@caterpillarmusic.com www.caterpillarmusic.com Throughout October.

Music Classes Fun, stimulating classes using puppets, nursery rhymes, action songs and instruments

Song Academy Check out their website www.songacademy.co.uk for info on after-school sessions, holiday workshops, birthday parties and the Young Songwriter 2015 competition.

Song Academy is a singing and songwriting club for 7-18 year olds.

It is creating a vibrant young songwriters community across West London. Members write, perform and record their own songs with professional songwriters. One of the highlights is the end of term gig at The Troubadour where they perform with a professional band in the limelight.

Do you know a budding young songwriter wanting to realize their ambitions?

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Amanda's Action Club

Amanda's Action Club www.amandasactionclub.co.uk 01895 623999 Amanda's Action Club offers unique and stimulating active music sessions for babies and toddlers. Using their own modern nursery rhymes and versatile props, they provide endless interactive activities. They dance, sing, learn through the music and most importantly of all, they have fun!

Classes run throughout the year including school holidays in Wandsworth and Parsons Green.

Museum activities See also under our Whats’on pages

The London Transport Museum Covent Garden WC2E 7BB 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Buses in disguise, 27-31 October.

Join the museum on a time travelling adventure to Victorian London - can you make it back to 2014 without anyone finding out you're from the future? Maybe you'll need some sort of disguise... There will be fun and interactive storytelling sessions for families with children aged 3-7, at 11am and 2pm.

Get messy with some hands-on craft activities - build your own bus inspired by over 150 years of public transport, then take it on a ride round the Museum before taking it home. Suitable for families with children aged 4-12, at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

SEN morning, 31 October.

London Transport Museum opens early for a limited number of visitors with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public and take part in one of the museum's interactive workshops and demonstrations. Book first on 020 7565 7298.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Half-term holiday listings summer holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place

SPORT Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468, juniorgolf@clgc.co.uk 27-31 October.

Half Term Golf Camps What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks? For children of all levels. Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions and prizes. £30 per half day 9am-12pm, £40 per full day 9am–3pm

Role Models Wandle Recreation Centre, Mapleton Road, Wandsworth SW18 4DN 07825 598344, info@rolemodels.me www.rolemodels.me 27-29 October. Special Needs Autumn Activity Camp A camp providing specialist activities for children with mild to moderate special needs, including social communication difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. It will involve a series of choices between dynamic and calming activities, including quick cricket, sleeping lions, board games, rounders, jigsaw making, plus painting pottery and creating flower hair bands. A minimum of 1:5 staff to children ratio, all of which have extensive special needs childcare experience, and including teachers from special needs school Blossom House in Wimbledon. 9.30am3.30pm, £70 per day

Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220, londondevelopment@chelseafc.com or soccerschools@chelseafc.com. www.chelseafc.com/foundation 27-31 October. London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 3-13.

Times vary according to course, from £28

Fulham FC Foundation

SwimWay East Sheen, Knightsbridge, Putney, Streatham and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk 27-31 October.

Half Term Swimming Courses One-week intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semiprivate basis. 3-9yrs. Dates and times dependent on venue

Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamfc.com 27-31 October.

Half Term Holiday Courses Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment. 35yrs - 9-11am, 6-14 yrs - 9am-3pm, from £12 per day

Kiddikicks

Urban Ascent Rock Climbing

Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk October dates TBC. Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the

October 2014

Unit 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham SW6 4HH 020 7751 0913, info@urbanascent.co.uk www.urbanascent.co.uk 27-31 October.

Half Term Climbing Club

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SwimWay Ensure your kids get the most out of this half term and bring them rock climbing in Parsons Green. Kids sessions start from age 5 and run daily at 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm. Each session lasts 1 hour and costs £12

Youngstars MultiSports and Activity Camp Balham, Putney, Parsons Green, Southfields and Wimbledon 07920 426499, info@youngstars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 27-31 October.

Youngstars Holiday Camps Fun, games and excitement whilst being introduced to all aspects of sports, in an all inclusive and non-

competitive environment. 3-7 years, 9am-12pm £25, 9am-3pm £40

Activ Camps Archery, indoor rock climbing, swimming, crazy crash mats, inflatables. The list goes on and on...

Activ Camps are very proud of what they do and say: "we are simply the best kids camps in London and anyone who has been will tell you the same." They offer free extended days, competitive pricing. Exhausted but happy kids mean mums and dads love Activ Camps just as much as the kids. Book them in to an Activ Camp now. Visit www.activcamps.com

Stringnote Music Academy Stringnote Music Academy has created an exclusive method to develop the natural musical abilities that all children have. "With decades of research and teaching experience, our method is hugely successful and many 2 years old toddlers already play the piano with it!" Their music lessons are now available online at www.TalentPlayground.com where you can try them for free and, with the promotion code ASF0914, enjoy a 50% in all the price packages. Contact 07946 808976 and stringnote@btinternet.com

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Half-term holiday listings Try this for half term!

Activ Camps

Central London Golf Centre Burntwood Lane, London, SW17 0AT 020 8871 2468 www.clgc.co.uk 27th -31st October. £30 per day 9am-12noon _£40* per day 9am - 3pm *excluding packed lunch.

What better way to spend the holidays than improving your golf at one of their fun camps with an array of skills challenges, competitions and tasks, open for children of all levels. Whether your child is a beginner to the game of golf or a progressive golfer, camps are designed to improve their enjoyment and ability under professional supervision. Includes golf coaching, daily fun competitions, skill challenges and prizes.

Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village SW19 4SU

020 8946 7400, ridgwaystables@freeuk.co.uk www.ridgwaystables.co.uk www.merton.gov.uk/activeplus 27-31 October. Half Term Holiday Courses Merton council and Ridgway stables are running 4 day riding courses for children 8 to 14 yrs, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm, £120

ALL-DAY CAMPS Super Camps St Dunstan’s College, Stanstead Road SE6 4TY 01235 467300 www.supercamps.co.uk 27-31 October.

Multi-Activity Camps Fun, action-packed and stimulating day camps for children aged 4-14. £42 per days, £170 for the week

Let's race 59-61 Brighton Rd, Horley,, Surrey RH6 7HJ 01293 826800 Reviewed by Claire Haughey Get your boys to try out a F1 racing simulator and driving experience! The venue in Horley is only 45 minutes from south west London and a great place to go for some half term fun. There are 5 computer programmed simulators for the under 11 years, so the children can experience pretending to drive a racing car and can compete against each other—the boys loved this. In another room there are about 20 racing car simulators that the boys can actually sit in and experience proper racing (the cars actually move and vibrate so they get the proper sensation of racing!). The boys liked this but were a bit too small and Rory got a bit of motion sickness - great for over 13s I would say!

Lovely coffee shop too where I waited, very friendly staff. They offer great kids parties at £15 per child for the computer programmed experience including games and food.

Overall a fun few hours spent in Horley !

Nurturing and developing young people's potential through dance, drama and singing.

For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

Stagecoach Schools enrolling now Battersea 020 8946 Fulham 0845 202 New Malden 020 8540 Putney 0845 265 Tooting 020 8942 Wimbledon 020 8946 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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2986 5727 7791 7050 3502 3400

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Half-term holiday listings Check our fully searchable online calendar for Fireworks in London and throughout the UK

FIREWORKS NEAR YOU Barnes Bonfire Night

Lord Mayor’s Show River Thames, between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge www.lordmayorsshow.org 8 November - The Lord Mayors Show celebrates an 800-year tradition with parades, festivities, fireworks and more in this historic London event.

The fireworks display starts at 5pm, from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges.

Watch from the banks or grab a prime position on one of the bridges.

Admission is free or book a Grandstand seat through the website

Barnes Sports Club, The Club House, Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13 9QL 0208 748 6220 barnessportsclub.org 1 November – SW London’s favourite fireworks display with an enormous bonfire, live music, food and family entertainment. Gates open 5.30pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.45pm (timings subject to change).

Admission fees TBC

Battersea Park Fireworks

Morden Park Fireworks

Battersea Park SW11 0208 871 7534 wandsworth.gov.uk/fireworks 8 November – Marvel at an impressive display of fireworks at Battersea Park, choreographed to music. Expect traditional Guy Fawkes fun all evening, with food stalls, glow concessions and a bar. Gates open 6pm, bonfire 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm, advance tickets only £6.50-£10, children under 10 need a free ticket

London Road, Morden SM4 5HE merton.gov.uk/newsevents/events/fireworks 1 November - Amazing Bonfire Night action at Morden Park, with two firework displays and traditional bonfires. Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm. £8 adults, £6 children, under 4s free. Tickets on the gate

Crystal Palace Fireworks

Wimbledon Park Fireworks

October 2014

© elen_studio - Fotolia.com

Crystal Palace Park SE19 2AA crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk 5 November – Not one but two fireworks displays, plus a family funfair and stalls selling traditional food and drink. Gates open 6pm, Children’s Show 7pm, featuring less noisy and more colourful fireworks, Adult Show 8.30pm, a grand display set to music and with all the bangs! Funfair runs until 10pm. Tickets in advance £6 adults, £4 children, under 3s free; tickets on the gate £7/£5. Limited car parking £5

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Wimbledon Park, Park Road SW18 5NR 020 8545 3667 merton.gov.uk/newsevents/events/fireworks 5 November – Two bonfires, two firework displays and a fantastic fairground. Gates open at 5.15pm, first bonfire lit at 6.30pm, children’s fireworks 6.45pm, second bonfire lit at 8.15pm, fireworks 8.30pm. Hot food, stalls and drinks. Tickets on gate, £8 adults, £6 children, under 4s free

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London Eye

Leeds Castle

Halloween Events Halloween events in town Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea SW11 4NJ 25 October – 2 November. Halloween October Fun – Including Pumpkin Trail, The Big Draw, Slithery Snake Day, Hedgehog Day and Halloween Fun Day with Scary Story Time and Spooky Face-painting 0207 924 5826, batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Eltham Palace Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE 26-28 October.

Ghosts and Ghouls Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as your little horrors scare themselves silly. Thrilling tricks and tasty treats await at eerie Eltham Palace.

Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten their fearless staff - a perfect day out for the family this Shocktober half term!

11am-5pm, admission fees apply 0870 333 1181, elthampalace.org.uk

Fulham Palace Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EA 31 October.

Halloween Crafts and Parade – Enjoy Halloween themed crafts and face painting in Bishop's Park. No fee, small charge for face painting, no booking necessary, 2pm-4.30pm 020 7736 3233, www.fulhampalace.org

Funky Moves Kids Club at the Exhibit The Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, Balham SW12 9SG 31 October. Halloween Kids Club Watch spooooooky film Monsters Inc and then enjoy a disco. The kids will eat a packed lunch provided by The Exhibit in their luxury private cinema.

Come dressed up and get in the mood for Halloween. 12.30-4pm, £20, ages 5-12 funkymovesdance.com

London Eye Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7JB 27 October – 1 November. London Eye Witch Academy Enrol your little horrors into the Witch Academy, class of 2014. The Witch Academy will be recruiting new graduates to help guard famous London landmarks from ghastly ghosts and ghouls, as wicked hosts guide them on an interactive tour, featuring a series of spells and rituals from 135 metres above the city londoneye.com

Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD 30 October – 2 November. Halloween Spooktacular Pumpkin carving, spooky trail and Halloween crafts, 11am-3pm, £4 per child 020 8545 6850, nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park

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Halloween events out of town Audley End House and Gardens Off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF 27-31 October. Frightening Fairytales and Spooky Stories – Fearless souls required for a thrilling family adventure. Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as you come face to face with the dark side of childrens' tales. Their chilling storytellers delve into the fables of the Brothers Grimm and reveal the terrifying truth behind the bedtime fairytales you’ve grown to love. 11am-4pm, admission fees apply 31 October – 1 November.

A Victorian Seance – Enter the spooky spirit world at Audley End this Halloween. An old historic house, tales of ghostly sightings and strange noises - did that table just move on its own? Immerse yourself in the Victorian fascination for the supernatural as their ghost hunters attempt to contact the spirit world during a tour of the house after hours. Will the spirits show themselves? They're dying to meet you! Over 16s only, 6-10pm, £25 01799 522842/0870 333 1181 english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/audley-end-house- and-gardens

Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LD 27-31 October.

Half Term Halloween – The celebrated Halloween grotto will once again be open for screams and laughs. From witches and wizards to goblins and elves, who knows what you’ll see visiting throughout the holiday. There will be a spooky trail, halloween crafts and some very unusual visitors to some of the enclosures!

01420 22992, www.birdworld.co.uk

Bodiam Castle Bodiam, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA 25 October – 2 November. Halloween Trail – There’s a monstrous line up this Halloween at Bodiam Castle. Join in with dragon quests, storytelling and crafts in the setting of a moated medieval castle. Normal admission charges apply, trail £2 per person. 11am-3pm.

1-2 November. Crone’s Corner The Crones are back again this Halloween, hidden away in a tower in the castle; they’ll be busy selecting and mixing, stirring and brewing a delightful range of concoctions. Enter if you dare to listen to their stories but be wary of their unconventional cooking. Normal admission charges apply, 11am3pm.

01580 830196, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

Halloween Events Hatchlands Park

Kent & East Sussex Railway

East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT 28-30 October.

Halloween Activities Who is the howling hound of Hatchlands? Find out more on the Halloween trail. 11am-3.30pm, included in admission, ages 3+.

01483 222482, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchl ands-park

Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE 28 October – 31 November.

Halloween Half-Term Fun Week – There will be plenty of spine tingling tricks and treats for the whole family this half term. Enjoy spooktacular entertainment all day at Tenterden station and join in the ‘make and take’ activities, including pumpkin carving workshops. All activities included in the ticket price 31 October and 1 November.

Fright Night Trains As the clock strikes 6.30pm take a spooky journey from Tenterden to Northiam Station. Enjoy scary face painting, ‘make and take’ activities and pumpkin carving at Tenterden Station from 4.30pm. Once on board, be prepared to be frightened silly with ghostly goings on at stations with a firework display and a few surprises along the way. Come in fancy dress, the scarier the better!

01580 765155, www.kesr.org.uk

Hever Castle & Gardens Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG 25 October to 2 November.

Halloween Half Term Fun – A spine-tingling programme of entertainment with prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Creepy craft workshops, awesome activities and a spooky trail to follow in the grounds. Bring a torch and nerves of steel!

01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk

The Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)

Leeds Castle Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 25 - 31 October. Haunted Halloween at Half Term – Join in the Haunted Halloween Hunt and Spooky Quest this October. A fancy dress competition for the best blood curdling outfit takes place daily at 2pm near the Maze, while Spooky Stories with Raggedy Jack will entertain younger children in the Playground area throughout the day.

Normal entrance prices apply with a small fee for the quest 01622 765400. www.leeds-castle.com

Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT 27-31 October.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Grab your cloaks and pick out your pumpkin as your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween.

Creepy crafts and shocking stories await at deadly Down House. 10am5pm, admission fees apply www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/events/hallo ween-pumpkin-carving

The Hop Farm

National Motor Museum

Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY 15 November. Spooky Sprint – Do you dare to run in the Spooky Sprint – a race in the dark with only a head torch to light your way?

You’re in for a totally different running experience which will test your nerve as well as your fitness.

Challenge yourself to their 5K and 10K run and you’ll get a free head torch, chip timing and an exclusive breathable glow in the dark T-shirt.

Plus, all runners receive a Spooky Sprint medal at the finish line. Bring along your little monsters to take part in their 500m family fun run too!

01622 872 068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk / www.parkinsons.org.uk/spooky

October 2014

Morden Hall Park

Odds Farm Park

Painshill Park

HP10 0LX October weekends and 27-31 October. Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Fun With madness and mayhem from their Crazy Entertainers, a ghoulish Halloween Trail and Pumpkin Carving, October at Odds Farm Park is spookily good fun. And don’t miss the Boo Barn!

01628 520188 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Painshill, Cobham, Surrey 27-31 October.

Wild Halloween Camp Have a wild time this Halloween with den building, woodland craft, campfires, treasure hunts and extreme adventures. For children aged 8 to 13 years. £35 per day or £150 for 5 days, 9am–4pm 01932 868113. www.painshill.co.uk

Osterley Park and House Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB 25-26 October. Halloween Pumpkin Festival – This Halloween take part in silly games and carve your very own scary pumpkin. Family friendly Halloween fun, 12-4pm 020 8232 5050, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterle y- park

Winkworth Arboretum Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD 25 October to 2 November.

Happy Halloween – Have fun with the spooky trail available from the kiosk. Don’t miss the pumpkin carving on Friday 31 Oct 11am–1pm. Admission fees + 50p for trail, free entry for children in Halloween costume.

01483 208477, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkw orth-arboretum

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN 25 October – 2 November.

Ghosts and Ghouls Half Term Hauntings – Beaulieu is supposed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in the 13th century Abbey and at Palace House. So, if you're looking for something spooky to do this October half-term, look no further than Beaulieu. There will be lots of strange goings-on for you to get involved with, including a Halloween quiz trail, spooky stories and scary face painting. It will be quite a spectre-cle!

01590 612345. www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

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What’s On Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or we got it wrong...

Drama See more events in our online What’s On calendar

The Ambassadors Theatre WC2H 9ND www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk Selfie/Private Peaceful/Macbeth The National Youth Theatre in their annual Rep Season: Selfie - a radical re-telling of the Dorian Gray story for the selfie generation; Private Peaceful, the rarelyperformed ensemble version of the stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel; Macbeth – Shakespeare’s play, set in pre-WW1 AustriaHungary. Times and dates vary Throughout October

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN bac.org.uk To 18 October Grandpa Joe's Giant Storytelling Bed 2014 marks a phenomenal 50 years since Roald Dahl's best-loved tale Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published. For a unique way to join in the celebrations, book your place in Grandpa Joe's Giant Storytelling Bed and listen to stories inspired

by Charlie and Grandpa Joe's amazing adventures in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. For children aged 5-10, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, £7 30 October to 1 November

Broadway Theatre Catford SE6 4RU broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/87352012 0/events?show_id=873520120 Milkshake Live 2014 Starring some of your Milkshake favourites, this brand new musical spectacular is sure to have children up on their feet and singing at the top of their voices. The show features new songs, classic favourites and funky dance routines, plus plenty of laughter, bags of audience interaction and bucket loads of fun.

1pm and 3.30pm 19 October Chris & Pui CBeebies’ favourite double act is coming to town! See Chris & Pui from ‘Show Me Show Me’ in their new stage show with the toys & characters from their hit TV programme 29 October

The Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London re-opened this summer following a major, £40m transformation, thanks to the support of numerous funders, sponsors, trusts and individuals.

Do you remember the museum from school trips, with its huge atrium filled with military vehicles and hanging aircraft? They’re all still here: and look up the soaring walls to spot more large-scale exhibits bursting through to introduce different galleries on three levels.

The collection tells the story of conflict in Britain and the former empire chronologically from 1914 to the present day, through the voices of the people who were involved, both at war and at home. There are personal letters, postcards, Anderson Shelter photographs, audio clips and more, making war a movingly personal experience. ®

Compelling for history buffs, enlightening for school children and an important national collection, the museum is a must-see. There is plenty for younger visitors, from the fascinating ‘Family in Wartime’ exhibition which focuses on a real south London family, to Horrid Henry spy activities and weekend hands-on sessions for families - see our What’s On listings for details.

LOVES!

Family-friendly facilities include step-free access, four lifts, baby changing facilities, buggy lockers and a family-friendly cafe and tea room.

We say: “The collection is so vast it’s well worth planning ahead to visit highlights rather than expect children to take in the whole museum in one go. At the end of the visit, stop off at the shop and buy your children a realistic looking, bouncy rubber egg!”

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

Admission free, charges apply to some temporary exhibitions.

The Cambridge Theatre

Chicken Shed

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

Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk Alice on the Underground Alice is a spirited teenager who yearns to find love and excitement beyond her humdrum life on a London estate.

Running away from home, Alice is befriended by a busking and break-dancing White Rabbit, who takes her on a wild, magical and humorous

Est 1976 Ofsted registered and MEAB Accredited An independent nursery school for children 2 to 5 years

• EYFS and Montessori Method of teaching • MEAB inspected and accredited Montessori nurseries (only in SW12) • French, Ballet and Music classes • Morning, afternoon and full day sessions (term time only) • Summer Clubs Nightingale 1 Montessori: St Luke's Church Hall, 194 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8RQ Nightingale 2 Montessori: St Stephen's Church Hall, 35 Weir Rd, SW12 0NU Contact: info@nightingalemontessori.co.uk Nightingale 1 Montessori 07958 567210 Nightingale 2 Montessori 07930 401769 www.nightingalemontessori.co.uk Register early to avoid disappointment.

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s On

Watermill Way SW19 2RD colourhousetheatre.co.uk Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs This classic story gets the full Colour House treatment when Snow White who is lost and alone in the woods befriends 7 dwarves whilst the deranged evil Queen is in hot pursuit. Suitable for children aged 3+, 2pm and 4pm, £8-£10 Every Saturday and Sunday to 9 November

The Lilian Bayliss Studio Roseberry Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com Curious Seed — Chalk About Join Christine and Hendrik on their journey as they find answers to some big questions about identity and the meaning of life. A family dance theatre show to delight children and adults alike. Age 8+, Sat at 3pm Sun at 11am and 2pm, £12/£7 1-2 November

Little Angel Theatre N1 2DN Littleangeltheatre.com Fantastic Mr Fox Mr Fox has three very nasty enemies, Boggis, Bunce and Bean. However, Mr. Fox is much cleverer than they are and has a cunning plan of his own. Roald Dahl’s classic tale of wit and determination is brought to life with ingenious puppets and enchanting music.

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am & 1pm, Fridays at 1pm & 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am & 2pm, £14/£12 To 9 November

Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, Kings Street W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Mucky Pup A funny and engaging story about a tidy boy, a scruffy dog and a very special friendship.

For ages 5-11, £8 3-4 October Pied Piper A mix of puppetry, foot-tapping music

The New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre Barnum This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. £10-£45 14-18 October

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com We're Going on a Bear Hunt Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure comes to life in this entrancing puppetry production from Little Angel Theatre, with music and lyrics by celebrated singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Age 3–7, £13.50/£10 24 September - 12 October Grandad, Me... and Teddy Too Mia loves her Grandad very much. He lives far away, on the other side of the world, but now he’s coming to stay and Mia’s excitement is growing. With playful humour and original music, this charminglyobserved show is a magical family treat for all generations. Ages 2–5, £11.50/£9 8 October – 8 February Flat Stanley In the Lambchop household the world is sunny side up. That is until a notice board flattens Stanley to 4 feet tall, a foot wide and half an inch thick. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jeff Brown’s classic children’s novel, this colourful character is brought to life on stage by the Olivier award-winning children’s writer Mike Kenny. Ages 5-10, £13.50/£10 16 October to 1 November

Polka Theatre, (c) Little Angel Theatre

The Colour House Theatre

and storytelling, this one person show will have audiences young and old falling under the Pied Piper's spell. Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm, £8 11 October Tony & Mike - The Country Owl and the City Squirrel A heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship with puppetry, original music and a flying squirrel machine. Ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm, £8 18 October Inside Out A brother and sister use their imaginations to change their room into a wonderland of mess and discover the joy of turning things upside down and inside out. Ages 26. 11am and 1pm, £8 25 October Three Wise Monkeys Join three cheeky monkeys in this laugh-packed adventure. Live music, puppetry and plenty of mischief in a brand new show for ages 3-7. 11am and 1pm, £8 28 October to 1 November We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse These two famous cousins visit each other and both experience new sights and sounds. Town Mouse meets the Billy Goats Gruff and other country character whilst Country Mouse meets a town cat and a grandfather clock, and faces up to the noisy city traffic. Music, songs and rod puppets for 3-8 year olds. 3pm.

27 October to 2 November

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Primary Proms The London Primary Proms provide children aged 4-11 with the opportunity to experience live music in a major concert hall, inspiring and motivating the next generation of music-makers. 10.45am, 2pm 13 October

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R sadlerswells.com Lord of the Flies – New Adventures & Re:Bourne Performed in London for the first time, Lord of the Flies is a thrilling new dance production, inspired by William Golding’s classic dystopian novel. The action is transferred from deserted island to deserted theatre, as a group of schoolboys find themselves abandoned. With no

Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8QX

‘The unique needs of the children are promoted exceptionally well and staff are committed to meeting children’s learning and welfare needs' (Ofsted Outstanding – December 2011) Please come and see us in action and capture the excitement of learning at Oaktree Nursery School Incorporating art, music, yoga, sport, cooking and drama and all aspects of the Early Curriculum.

Contact: Jill Pearce Phone: 020 8166 5932 jill@oaktreenurseryschoolltd.com www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk

October 2014

Visit 345 Nursery where “The Nursery offers an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive environment” (Ofsted November 2011).

Children become independent inquisitive and motivated in this rich and vibrant learning environment.

Great outdoor space!

Options include Afternoon School, Lunch Club and Early Bird Club. www.345nurseryschool.co.uk Please contact us on 020-8870-8441 or dixonannab@aol.com Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road, London SW18 3SA

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subterranean journey on the Underground. But does Alice find what she’s looking for? Age 12+, £10/£8 8-25 October Autumn Shed 2014 Participants at this brilliant week-long event will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and storymaking. Ages 5-12, 10am-4pm, £130 27-31 October

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

adults around, the children make their own rules.

7.30pm, £12-£45 8-11 October Birmingham Royal Ballet – Beauty and the Beast A cruel Prince, cursed to spend his life living in a castle, finds salvation in the heart of a beautiful girl. The girl, a hideous beast, a golden ballroom full of animals, two haughty sisters and a grumpy grandmother dance through the unfolding pages of Philip Prowse's stunning storybook set. 7.30pm, £12-£45 14-16 October Birmingham Royal Ballet – Shadows of War Kenneth MacMillan’s La Fin du Jour, capturing the glamorous lifestyle of the 1930s wealthy, using Maurice Ravel’s score to create an elegy to a lifestyle lost to World War II. 7.30pm, £12-£45 17-18 October

there... Based on the hugely successful book by Oliver Jeffers, this is a space adventure, and a show without words. 11am and 2pm, £7/£14 29 October to 2 November

Southwark Playhouse 77-85 Newington Causeway SE1 6BD southwarkplayhouse.co.uk Grand Guignol 1903. Paris, Monmartre and the Theatre du Grand Guignol opens its doors to an unsuspecting public. But when a psychiatrist, obsessed with the gruesome dramas, ingratiates his way into the company and starts to unpick the author’s mind, the boundaries between theatre and truth begin to blur…

3pm and 7.30pm, from £16 From 23 October

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine Street WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royaldrury-lane Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed

by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes. From £16.50 Throughout October

The Unicorn Theatre © Charlie Hopkinson

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What’s On

Chelsea Physic Garden family activity

The Southbank Centre Belvedere Road SE1 8PX southbankcentre.co.uk That Catherine Bennett Show Part of the WHY? What is Happening for the Young? Festival, Bryony Kimming's heart-warming tale takes on family activism and children’s rights, featuring singing, dancing and tales of storming the Houses of Parliament. 12pm and 3pm, £5/£10 25-28 October The Way Back Home When a boy discovers a single-propeller aeroplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: he flies into outer space. But as it turns out, he is not alone up

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147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com Seesaw Being little can be hard work. There are holes to dig, sand castles to make, treasures to find, adventures to be had. It's much easier when you have a friend to help. But what if making friends is hard work too? Age 2+, £10-£16 1 October to 2 November The Secret Life of Suitcases Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. Until one day a suitcase appears at his door with Larry's name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... From £10 1-12 October How Nigeria Became: A Story... It's 1914 and Nigeria is about to be formed. Herbert and his well-known troupe of female actors are preparing to stage a story for the British Governor and his wife. £10-£16 9 October to 9 November Dance Umbrella Triple Bill The Unicorn and Dance Umbrella join forces for an exciting mixed bill of award-winning, international dance for under 12s - and only under 12s! This show is not open to adults. 28-29 October

Nosferatu A young lawyer travels to the Carpathian mountains to close a sale for a mysterious count. Despite surprises and bad omens he encounters on the way, he continues his journey to the castle where he is welcomed by Count Orlock - someone who looks a bit like a bat but also a bit like a garlic clove.

30 October to 2 November Girls Like That The problem with 'girls like that' is that they ruin it for everyone... They give all girls a bad name. £10-£16 6-22 November

Young Vic 66 The Cut SE1 8LZ www.youngvic.org/whats-on/dusk Dusk It’s Dusk, the time when everything changes. Celebrate the wide, wild world around you. Nestled together in the heart of a forest, a group of creatures with furry tails are watching and waiting for someone to arrive. Ages 4-7, £10 From 13 November

Museums & Galleries See more events in our online What’s On calendar

The Bank Of England Museum Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk The Big Draw – As Safe as the Bank of England Learn about banknote security features and then design your own secure banknote. There are prizes to be won! 10am–4.30pm 27-31 October FREE

The Lord Mayor's Show Join in the celebrations for the Lord Mayor’s Show and step into the role of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. Professional face painters will transform young visitors into the well-known characters from “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame, a former secretary of the Bank of England.

11am–5pm 8 November FREE

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

What’s On

Please send info for consideration to: whatson@familiesmagazine.co.uk

Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org Sutton Hoo and Europe AD 300–1100 A display of the British Museum’s unparalleled early medieval collections which include the famous Sutton Hoo treasure Throughout October

The Conservatoire 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ www.conservatoire.org.uk Sunday Family Art Club Each month there is a different themed activity led by a professional artist tutor. Pre book or just drop by. 10.30am-12noon, £15 per family Every Sun from 5 October

The Florence Nightingale Museum 2 Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Miss Nightingale Said An illustrated talk given by one of the museum’s curatorial team examining the incredible life and achievements of Florence Nightingale. 3.30pm, £5.80/£4.80 Every Wednesday in October

Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Family Workshop: Leeches and Lesions Make your own eighteenth-century medicine kit inspired

by Dr Mead. Prepare the leeches to cure everything from the pox to the plague! Ages 5-13, 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm.

29 October FREE

Grant Museum of Zoology UCL, University Street WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on Festival of Geology Take part in brilliant activities allowing you to handle fantastic fossils, marvellous minerals and remarkable rocks. Drop- in, 10am-4pm 1 November FREE

The Horniman Museum 100 London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Horniman Halloween Fair Enjoy a spooky trail, find goodies in an arts and crafts market and take part in family craft activities. Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume and join the Halloween parades taking place throughout the

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weekend. Some activities may have a charge 25-26 October Extremes Go on an expedition to see how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold, dryness and constant darkness or with little oxygen. £3.30/£6.60 To 2 November Nature Trail Discovery Follow the Horniman's mile-long Nature Trail, the oldest in London.

Encounter wildlife and pond, meadow and log pile habitats. Ages 3+, 2-3.30pm 27-28 October FREE Nature Explorers: Bulb Planting in the Gardens Take a look at some unusual seeds from around the world and help the museum staff to plant some bulbs in the Garden ready for spring.

11am, 1.15pm and 3pm, £2 27-28 October Miss Horniman’s Halloween Tour Join Miss Horniman as she tells spooky stories and mysterious myths in the darkest corners of the Horniman Museum. 11.30am, 1.15pm, 3pm 31 October

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Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk Horrible Histories® - Spies Uncover the deadly world of spies at this major new interactive exhibition for families. Horrible Histories®: Spies brings the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes to life, based on Terry Deary’s book from the bestselling Horrible Histories series. £6.20/£3.30 Throughout October

The London Transport Museum Covent Garden WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Goodbye Piccadilly – from Home Front to Western Front New exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War, revealing the untold story of London’s Home Front

Fulham Palace Hallloween

The London 2012 Cauldron A new home for the London 2012 Cauldron tells the story of this iconic symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The exhibition celebrates Thomas Heatherwick’s cutting edge design and the unforgettable moment it was revealed to the world during the Olympic opening ceremony Throughout October FREE

Museum Explored Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities.

11am and 2pm Every Sunday in October FREE

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN nationalgallery.org.uk Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm, age 5-11 Every Sunday in October FREE

The Museum Of London

National Maritime Museum

London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Sherlock Holmes – The Man Who Never An exciting new exhibition delving into the mind of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes 17 October – 12 April 2015

Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Nelson, Navy, Nation A major new permanent gallery looks at how the Royal Navy shaped individual lives and the course of British history over the tumultuous 18th century FREE Spooktacular Family Fun Day Come in your scariest fancy dress for a day of spooky fun in the

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•KIDS CAMPS •PERSONAL TRAINING •WOMEN’S FOOTBALL •MIXED CIRCUITS •TODDLER FIT FUN • KIDS PARTIES •PRIVATE GROUPS •POST NATAL FIT MUMS •AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Visit www.openairfit.com for more information, to see our weekly calendar and to book onto the Kids Camps.

To discuss any training requirements or set up a private group for your friends or children just call or email.

07930 272 572 OPENAIRFITUK@GMAIL.COM

October 2014

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The British Museum

5% OFF all new client bookings! www.themobilebeautylounge.co.uk Professional, Fully Qualified & Insured Mobile Beauty therapist and Makeup artists.

We pride ourselves in bringing you the pamper you deserve, to the comfort of your own home or venue, at the best time for you.

Book your pamper now!! Call: 07427 169001 contact@themobilebeautylounge.co.uk

Carmela Guida’s School of Ballet The Dance Lab 63 Upper Richmond Rd, East Putney, SW15 2RD Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish 9 Cresent Gardens, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8AJ

To arrange a free trial class visit:

www.carmelaguidaballet.co.uk

enchanted Queen’s House. There will be ghostly activities and scary entertainment for all ages, and prizes to be won for best costume. 11am-4pm, £12 31 October

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Dino Snores for Grown-ups Ever wondered what happens when the doors close at one of the world’s most famous natural history venues? Now you can find out at Dino Snores for Grown Ups, one of the UK’s most extraordinary sleepovers. £175 25 October Lates with MasterCard Visit the Museum after hours and experience London’s most unique Friday night out. 6-10.30pm 31 October FREE Night Safari Get up close and personal with the scientists’ favourite creatures as you travel through the Central Hall and adjoining galleries. You’ll see some of the Museum’s most famous exhibits and learn about their fascinating backgrounds from our researchers and curators. 7-10pm, £28 30 October Mammoths: Ice Age Giants The mammoths are coming! Enter the amazing world of some of the largest creatures to ever walk the earth in Mammoths: Ice Age Giants at the Natural History Museum this summer. See huge fossils and life-size models of mammoths, and square up to the powerful trunks and tusks of these great beasts. £10/£6 Throughout October Wildlife Photographer of the Year Combining the extraordinary work of talented professionals and gifted amateur photographers from around the globe to showcase the beauty, magnificence and diversity of life on our planet. From £5 From 24 October

Days Out See more events in our online What’s On calendar

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo SW11 4NJ batterseaparkzoo.co.uk The Big Draw October is Big Draw month in 15 countries, and over 200,000 people take part every year. This event is for kids and grown-ups who love to draw, and those who think they can't!

Drop in sessions 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm.

Admission fees apply 25 October

Battersea Park childrens zoo

Brixton Windmill

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD sciencemuseum.org.uk Science Night A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, a sleepover at the Science Museum among the amazing exhibits, followed by a tasty breakfast and a breathtaking film in their IMAX Cinema. £45 7 November

Windmill Gardens, End of Blenheim Gardens SW2 5EU www.brixtonwindmill.org Windmill Tours Explore the windmill with one of their tour guides. Visit the 'two mills in one' and hear the intriguing story of the Ashby family. You will see the original wind-powered machinery and find out how it was once used to make stone ground flour. Booking required Every weekend in October

V&A Museum of Childhood

The Chelsea Physic Garden

Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk War in Words Join celebrated poets Roger Stevens and Brian Moses for an afternoon of poetry exploring the First World War, from their latest book What Are We Fighting For? 12-4pm, age 7+ 31 October FREE It's My Party... It's My Party... takes a look at children's birthday parties from the perspective of both children and parents Throughout October The Great Diary Project Using documents from The Great Diary Project archive, this exhibition offers unique insights into the lives of children and teenagers at particular moments in history To 12 October FREE Toy Stories A display of photographs which explores the role of toys in the lives of children around the world, reflecting the impact of the children’s backgrounds and families on their choice of toys

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To 14 December FREE Family Fun Fridays Join them for a day of creative fun. Drop in, all ages 11am-4pm Every Friday in October FREE

66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Chocolate Tuesday Look into the history, geography and science of chocolate and celebrate this very special substance. The day will include craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away.

Age 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm, admission fees apply 28 October The Big Draw – Autumn Come along to create art and craft inspired by the Garden. Try out printing, painting, sketching, collage and model making using natural and recycled materials – in and around the Garden. Age 6+, 10.30am2.30pm, admission fees apply 30 October Lotions & Potions – An Introduction to Herbal Medicine Find out about the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants. Age 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm, admission fees apply 29 October

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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What’s On

Families ‘top five’ this month This month we have chosen our favourite half-term family activities for the whole family. Book now and don’t miss out!

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Marvellous Mammals Family Workshop: Plague, Pestilence and Poisons Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Conjure your own magic spells against the ghosts of the Foundling Hospital in this special spooooky workshop, accompanying the exhibition The Generous Georgian: Dr Richard Mead. Using ink, paper, quills and words from the past, make magic to render monsters, ghosts and poisons utterly harmless! Drop in workshop for ages 5-13, 10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm, 31 October. Free for children and up to two accompanying adults

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Chelsea Ph ysic Garde n Family ac tivity

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Charlie H opkinson

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Grant Museum of Zoology, UCL, University Street WC1E 6DE, www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on Come face-to-face with marvellous mammals and handle some fantastic specimens like elephant tusks, tiger skulls and leopard skin. From rhinos to wombats join them in celebrating the beautiful and furry world of mammals this half term. Drop-in workshops, free, 1-4.30pm, 27 October to 1 November

Creepy Crawling Spooky Ships Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Create a ghost ship or sea monster and see it come to life in your very own spooky puppet show. Make a special Halloween souvenir for you to take home and play with. Workshops take place at 11.30am and 2pm on 31 October. Admission fees apply

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The Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS, chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Discover the diverse world of animals with Vic Taylor from Mynewt Enterprises who will show off his marvellous menagerie. Meet a hissing cockroach, a giant millipede, a corn snake, a giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Find out how they are suited to their environments and hold them (if you like). Workshops are for ages 4+, 10.30am–12pm or 1pm2.30pm on 31 October. Children £6.60 for half-day or £8.60 for full-day, adults £9.90 for half-day or £11.90 for full-day

Wizz-Bangs and Pipsqueaks V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Enjoy a half term of World War One themed activities at the wonderful V&A Museum of Childhood. Hear the heroic tale of the pigeon that saved the lost battalion in the Story Spinner version of Fly Cher Ami Fly by Robert Burley.

Delve into their Discovery Station, try on First World War inspired costumes and design your own medal to take home at a creative arts and crafts session.

Activities are free, all ages welcome, 10.30am-4pm, 27-31 October

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What’s On Cutty Sark King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 27-28 October Diwali Ship Lights Make a ship diwa inspired by Cutty Sark’s long journeys to India, to light up in a colourful display. 11.30am and 2pm 29-30 October

There's no room to list more here, but use our unique local searchable What’s On calendar on FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

turn off the 'automatic ' mode but still get fantastic photos. 10am–4pm, £55pp + admission fee 25 October Introduction to Birdwatching This practical introductory course will help you identify different birds and to understand more about them. The course will focus on birds currently on site, their plumage, calls and behaviour. 9.30am-11.00am, £20 11 October

Fulham Palace

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SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org Apple Day Celebration Join in the family fun celebrating their apple trees and different varieties of apples with craft activities, story telling, baking competition, live music, food and drink stalls.

11am-3pm 19 October FREE Archaeology Half-Term Workshop The site of Fulham Palace has been inhabited for over 5000 years! During this workshop for 8-12 year olds, learn about the work of archaeologists and the history of Vikings at Fulham Palace. £15, booking essential, 10.30am-3.30pm 28 October Fun Day A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up. Free, no booking necessary, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm 29 October FREE

Diary dates and events

Morden Hall Park

NCT Wimb & Wandsworth

Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Family Ranger Club Conservation clearance with the ranger and a group campfire. 11am-3pm, £4 28 October

www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com Monday Munchkins. Every Monday in October, 10am-12pm at Elim Church, South Wimbledon Breastfeeding Drop-in. Every Thursday in October, 10am–12pm, Gooseberry Bush Café (upstairs studio) Bumps and Babes. Every Friday in October, 10.30am–12pm, Wimbledon Park Pavilion Post-natal meet up. Every Friday in October, 1.30–3.30pm at Mood Food Café, 131 Penwith Rd, Earlsfield, SW18 4PZ

Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Glorious George ll Take your place among the glitterati of court, where they play host to some of the greatest minds in the kingdom. Become a courtier for the day, indulge in gossip and gambling, listen to beautiful Georgian music, and even help Queen Caroline get dressed in the morning!

The Royal Observatory Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk Longitude Punk’d Celebrating the creations of wacky inventors, star-gazing scientists and elegant explorers of the 18th Century. The Royal Observatory Greenwich have commissioned nine UK ‘Steampunk’ artists to create new works inspired by the technical inventions that were presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828. £16/£12 To 4 January 2015

The Tower Of London Tower Hill EC3N 4AB hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon Fortress Tower Welcome to the greatest fortress in the land! Knights and squires prepare to do battle for the Kingdom of France. Admission fees apply Throughout October

The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk Introduction to Wildlife Photography Confused or frustrated by the buttons and settings on your camera and want to take control of your photographic creativity? Photographer Iain Green will guide you through your camera’s various automatic settings - and then show you how to

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See more events in our online What’s On calendar

French Coffee Morning Contact Teresa at info@leclubtricolore or 020 7924 4649 / 07889 967003 Every Wednesday morning in October Get together ‘between the Commons’ for coffee and to speak French for an hour. Lively discussions on a topic (articles are distributed in advance) and a great opportunity to practise your French

29 October. Fulham Palace Fun Day A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up.

Free, no booking nec, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm 31 October. Hallowe’en Crafts and Parade Enjoy Hallowe'en themed crafts and face painting in Bishop's Park. No fee, small charge for face painting, no booking necessary, 2pm-4.30pm

NCT Putney & Fulham www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com 8 and 22 October. Fulham FC coffee morning 10am–12pm at Cafe at the Cottage, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road SW6 6HH. Join Debs if you’re new to the area, starting to get out with your baby or just need an excuse for a welldeserved cup of coffee 8 and 22 October. Putney new mums' group 10.30am–12.30pm at Tried and True Cafe, Upper Richmond Road SW15 6SP. Contact sophie.bartholomew@gmail.com

Great Ormond Street www.bakeitbetter.org 13-19 October Join a nationwide bake sale to help make a difference to the thousands of patients treated at the hospital. For inspiration the charity has created a fundraising pack choc-full of ideas including

Royal Opera House WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Every Sunday in October. Family Sundays A regular event for families to come and explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities.

12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children

recipes from celebrities, patients and hospital staff, decorations for your bake sale, tips to boost donations and lots more to help you make the most of your event

Wimbledon BookFest

Doodle Bar

Wimbledon Common wimbledonbookfest.org 3-10 October Featuring talks by Paul Merton, Clare Balding, Ian McEwan, Alexander McCall Smith and Josh Widdecombe, plus a children’s programme featuring Cbeebie’s Cerrie Burnell and the ever popular Wombles singalong. With art workshops, storytelling and sing-a-longs

Go Sky Rides www.goskyride.com 19 October. Richmond Park Club Ride Starting from Richmond Park, Roehampton Gate entrance, Roehampton Café SW15 5JS. 10am, age 11+, 2.5 hours cycling

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA fulhampalace.org 6, 13, 20 and 27 October. The Palace Explorers For children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. Booking essential, 10.30am-12pm

Bake it better week For Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

33 Parkgate Road, Battersea SW11 4NP www.thedoodlebar.com 18 October. Big Draw Event A family event creating a large scale installation.

NCT Nearly New Sale – Westbourne Grove Church, Notting Hill W11 www.nct.org.uk/branches/events/nearly-new-sales 22 October 10am-12pm, £2 admission

MindScape Workshop for parents A special version of MindScape for Families readers. This two day workshop will be tailored for parents to unleash the full power of their mind and focus on heart centred parenting. Learn how to easily access a relaxed state of mind and work with the full power of your mind, achieve your goals, enhance your creativity. £100 discount for Families readers. www.mindscapeworkshops.co.uk Saturday 8th-Sunday 9th Nov. Central London

Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk

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PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

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Children’s art class Every Sunday 11 am – 12 noon.

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Adults Workshop Wed 7.30 -9.30 Cost £45 per month including life class Working in an artist’s studio with a qualified Art teacher For further details www.tonykane.org.uk Tony@studio-113.co.uk

Public Speaking Speech & Drama, Confidence Building Wimbledon/Vauxhall.

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Face Painting & Balloon Modelling

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Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

MUSIC THEO THE MAGICIAN “Voted one of the UK’s Favourite The Magic Circle, Equity & CRB Fun Magic for Children & Adults

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October 2014

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Tel: 020 8696 9680 FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk