Families upon Thames Jan-Feb 2015

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January/February 2015 Issue 100

RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page

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100th Issue!

4 Full of exciting opportunities for child-initiated play 4 Challenging and enjoyable experiences in all areas of learning and development 4 Nurturing care & support to encourage independence 4 Working in partnership with parents For more info or to visit us, please contact Debbie & Vicky: info@happyfriendsnursery.co.uk

Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1284 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class For parents/carers of kids from 0 -12 in North Surrey and the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING TREATING WINTER AILMENTS WITH HOMEOPATHY By Phil Edmonds According to a recent report, over 450 million people use homeopathy around the world. It is used by 28% of the population in Germany, is very popular in Latin and South America and, in India, it is recognised by the Government as a normal part of healthcare with around 100 million users. In the UK, homeopathy is mainly available in the private sector but it is still widely used. The Royal Family has used homeopathy for generations and the Queen has her own homeopathic physician.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is an effective but gentle and sympathetic therapy, which works by triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It is based on the idea that a substance which causes symptoms in large doses can be used in small amounts to treat those same symptoms.

Homeopathic medicines are called remedies and are made mainly from plants. They are highly diluted and non-toxic and can be safely used in children of all ages and during pregnancy.

Homeopathy can be effectively used to treat a

wide range of childhood conditions, including eczema, coughs, colds and recurrent ear, nose and throat infections – things which are particularly common at this time of year!

Simple Remedies for Everyday Ailments ✿ Belladonna Treats childhood fevers where children are suffering from high temperatures, bright red cheeks, glassy eyes, hot heads and cold extremities. ✿ Aconite A useful remedy to have in the first aid kid, Aconite treats colds and fevers which have a sudden onset after exposure to cold and where the person suffering is very thirsty.

Aconite can also be used to treat croup. ✿ Chamomilla This remedy is often used to soothe teething children and is the main, and sometimes only, ingredient in homeopathic teething granules.

It can also be used for colic, as well as for those with a fever if they are suffering from pain and oversensitivity to light or noise.

Always seek professional advice if you become worried about your child’s symptoms or if your

child has a temperature of more than 38.5%C.

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Phil Edmonds is a professional homeopath who has been practicing since 1988. He is now available for consultation in Teddington. Phil is planning a Homeopathy Prescribing Course, so do contact him if you are interested in learning more about home prescribing using homeopathy. For further information, visit www.philipedmonds.co.uk

WEIGHTWATCHERS DELICIOUS ROAST LAMB WITH RED CURRANT GLAZE This recipe is only 12 WeightWatchers ProPoints per serving. To find out more about how this equates to calories, visit www.weightwatchers.co.uk 950g (2lb 2oz) leg/half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed of all visible fat 1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

1 tsp Dijon mustard 900g (2lb) new potatoes, halved if large 480g (1lb 1oz) frozen peas ✿ Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/190oC/Fan 170oC. Pierce the leg all over with the tip of a sharp knife and insert slices of garlic into the holes. Season well and roast for 30 minutes per 450g. ✿ Combine the redcurrant jelly,

mint and mustard. Fifteen minutes before the lamb has finished roasting, baste it carefully with the redcurrant marinade. Return to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, then allow to stand for 15 minutes before carving. ✿ Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender and steam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with the vegetables.

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January-February 2015

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We’re here to help with a range of options to suit you.

However you choose to eat, vegetarian, gluten-free, lower carb - it doesn’t matter. The Weight Watchers approach offers you different ways to eat, enjoy the food you love and achieve a healthy weight loss.

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE CONTACT: LINDA STONE, Editor m: 07530 283330 t: 020 8241 0423 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

Find out more at your local meeting Heston Village Hall

St. John’s Community Centre 80 St. John’s Road, Isleworth TW7 6RU Wednesday 7:00pm Jennie Crook 07980 380 550 Isleworth Library Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU Friday 10:00am Jennie Crook 07980 380 550 Worple Primary School Queens Terrace, Isleworth TW7 7DB Tuesday 6:15pm Karen Patton 07931 351 807

New Heston Road, Heston TW5 0LW Wednesday 6:30pm Rachele Rizzi Mitchell 07947 806 319 Goals Soccer Centre Gilette Corner, Isleworth TW7 5DB Monday 10:00am, 12:30pm, 6:30pm Carmel Worthington 0345 677 7788

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING TEN STEPS TO ACHIEVING VIBRANT ENERGY

By Lindy Laubscher

When your energy levels match the grey sky outside, it’s time to take some action! Your time is precious so the action tips below can each be done in just two minutes.

What are you telling yourself about your low energy levels? How much energy do you think you could have?

1 Briefly describe in writing how energized you’d like to feel. Now, blast your favourite energetic music and dance your heart out whilst singing what you wrote down! I dare you.

2 The environment we surround ourselves with plays a huge role in how energetic we feel. Are the people around you tired and depressed, or buoyant and energetic? How about your home? Is it arranged for optimal energy, or is it either too chaotic or too sterile? Arrange one of your spaces, maybe your lounge room or desk, the way you would like. Quick!

You’ve got just 2 minutes.

3 Find something to smile about! Call a friend who you can count on for a laugh. Or find a funny YouTube clip.

4 Be aware of what goes into your body.

Putting in whole foods and water and exercising regularly can lay the foundations for abundant energy in your life. Drink a glass of water NOW. 5 Write down three things you are grateful for in your life. Stick it on your fridge.

6 Begin to notice how great you are. For optimal results, do this every day. Write down three things you did recently that make you feel good about yourself. Small stuff is fine too.

7 Are you sitting or walking around like someone who has abundant energy? If necessary, fake it until your body believes it! Imagine you are already brimming with vibrant, radiant energy. Notice what your body feels like and how you carry yourself.

Now do THAT! 8 The difference a good night’s sleep can make is phenomenal. You are a mum and probably rarely get a good 7 or 8 hours, but tonight call on the support of your partner or friend to make sure you do.

9 Live YOUR values. Identify the “hell, yes!” and the “hell, no!” in your life. You know what to do…

10 Every cell in your body gets its energy in the presence of oxygen. Sit quietly, close your eyes and breathe. Imagine your breath coming in and igniting every cell in your body with vibrant energy, releasing anxiety with every exhale. You’ll be happy you did.

extra

Lindy Laubscher is a transformational Life Coach for mothers, based in Ham but coaching mothers all over the world via Skype or telephone.

For more information on Lindy’s Coaching Programs, to pick up your FREE Vibrant Energy Checklist or to book your FREE private coaching session, visit www.lindylaubscher.com

By Dr Tobias Odenwald (MD)

About one in a thousand newborn babies are born with a congenital metabolic disorder or an inherited genetic disorder, often to parents without any metabolic disorder themselves. When discovered early, many congenital metabolic disorders can be treated with specialised diets or medication.

For this reason, newborn babies are routinely checked by the NHS in the first week of life for the five most common treatable metabolic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and congenital hypothyroidism.

However, these five disorders represent only a handful of the metabolic conditions that can be tested for today. Although many of these conditions are rare, without early diagnosis and treatment, babies with them are at risk of developing a learning disability or even dying.

With early treatment, they develop normally in most cases.

About forty one treatable disorders can be tested for with an extended newborn metabolic disorder screening test. These disorders are ones for which there are established therapies that allow effective early treatment. Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 is an example: this defect can remain undetected in children for years and culminate in a sudden metabolic crisis that can result in permanent brain damage and physical disability. When detected early, this crisis can be avoided by a special diet and the affected child can develop

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING THE POWER OF AROMATHERAPY

By Shelley Maude

normally. The frequency of this condition is one in thirty thousand.

How are the Tests Performed?

To allow for the earliest possible treatment of affected children, a few drops of blood are taken from the heel of a newborn baby on day two of life, but later testing is possible. Results are available within a few days as treatment can sometimes be required within twenty one days.

Consult your Doctor: ● if you have or are expecting a baby and want to know more ● if you have metabolic conditions in your family ● if you have questions concerning a specific metabolic disease.

extra

Dr Tobias Odenwald is a Consultant Paediatrician at Richmond Practice, where extended newborn metabolic disorder screening is available.

For further information, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk

Aromatherapy is a relatively new word for an age-old therapy originating out of herbalism.

It uses essential oils which have been extracted from aromatic plants for the promotion and maintenance of physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

Individual essential oils possess different biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, sedative, digestive, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant.

As antibiotic resistance increases, extensive research is being undertaken into the part that essential oils can play in helping to fight infection.

Essential oils move through the body with great ease and are extremely powerful. Strangely, they are absorbed through the soles of our feet more quickly than by any other part of our body. If you rub raw garlic on your feet, the smell of garlic can reach your breath in as little as 15 minutes! Essential oils can also be inhaled. An aromatic molecule has the potential to modify behaviour and mood, the central nervous system and even our thought processes. Consider how you feel when you smell a sweet, wild rose, freshly cut grass or garden herbs such as rosemary, thyme or lavender. This is why many schools for children with behavioural issues now employ an in-house aromatherapist.

Essential oils have great power to restore balance, ease anxiety and boost the immune system. Some oils are anti-bacterial or act as a mild anti-depressant, some are uplifting, whilst others are deeply relaxing or have grounding properties.

For more information about the effects of essential oils, you may want to read The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy

by Salvatore Battaglia or visit the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) website at www.ifaroma.org.

Essential oils are not recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

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Shelley Maude is a Holistic Therapist based in East Molesey. Shelley offers bespoke blends of essential oils for reflexology and facial rejuvenation treatments. Left over oils are yours to take home at the end of the treatment. For more information, visit www.shelleymaude.co.uk or to book a treatment, call 07990 561453.

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5

PARENTING

Encouraging Independence in our Children

By Alison Banks

I loved doing everything for my first son.

He suffered some serious asthma attacks when he was little and the terror I felt made me extra-protective. Later, it became clear that he is severely dyslexic. I felt he needed my help.

Whilst I felt that I was doing the right thing at the time, the help I gave my first son has meant it has taken him a long time to grow up. He didn’t learn about failure until he was much older and so he didn’t develop the normal resilience to and tolerance of difficult situations that other children did. If I can pass anything on to you from my own experience, it is that it is not kind in the long term to over-manage our children.

I am not talking about love and support.

This they absolutely do need. What I’m talking about is recognizing the difference between love and support and over-managing. Although it’s hard, granting independence is what we have to do if we wish to avoid raising an adult who still brings his washing home at age 40!

Children should grow, flourish and become independent under our protection.

The “letting go” process needs to be gradual. If it happens too soon and too quickly, young children find independence frightening and they are likely to become withdrawn or overly clingy.

Dorothy Einon, Lecturer in Psychology at University College in London suggests that from the age of 6 to 9 months, little ones can be encouraged to do age-appropriate tasks independently. Babies of this age can feed themselves with tiny sandwiches and bits of banana and hold a spoon when you are

feeding them. They can also hold a cup or bottle.

By the time your child is one, they can practice their fine finger skills by scribbling on a piece of card with a fat crayon.

Two year olds can start to learn to dress themselves slowly. Help them by choosing clothing with elastic waistbands, Velcro or clothing that slips on with zips and buttons already partly closed. By the time your child is three, they will probably be able to manage some clothes themselves, if they are laid out so they can be lifted in the right way.

A three year old can set the table, help with housework, and put away toys – particularly if you make a game of it. Put on a CD and see if your child can pick everything up before the music stops!

Once children reach school age, our communication with them is key in teaching them how to be independent.

Dorothy Einon suggests that we can do this by: ✿ Teaching children to voice their own opinions ✿ Encouraging children to talk. Find a time each day when you can sit down together and discuss your day. Ask them for an opinion and wait for their answer. ✿ Answering children when they ask why and explaining things in simple terms.

Another important way of encouraging our children to be independent is by letting them take risks. These days the world is a more dangerous place than it used to be. Parents

fear losing their kids and do whatever they can to protect them. However, children need to take healthy risks and “fall” a few times to learn that it’s normal and how to deal with it.

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Alison Banks is a mother of three and founder and owner of Parenting Tutor. Alison holds workshops and consultations which help families develop and nurture their interpersonal relationships in the healthiest and most fulfilling ways. You can have a FREE private coaching session with Alison. Just quote FUT 20! For further information, visit www.parentingtutor.co.uk

Eliminate Sleepless Nights with fidgetbum!

By Linda Stone, Editor

As most parents know, many children find it hard to sit still during the day.

Children like this are often equally hard to contain at night.

When Mel Woods’ daughter transitioned from a cot to a small bed, she moved about in her sleep so much that her duvet would 6

only stay on for short periods. It was this that inspired the Claygate parent to invent fidgetbum.

“My daughter would kick off the duvet, wake up feeling cold and call out for us to put the duvet back on”says Mel.“This was happening multiple times every night and we were all sleep-deprived.

Bed guards proved cumbersome and ugly and duvet clips restricted her movement” says Mel.“So I was in bed considering the problem one night and the idea for fidgetbum just came to me.” fidgetbum is a piece of stretchy cotton fabric, which is placed under the mattress and crosses its width. The ends of the fidgetbum go over the top of the duvet and zip together in the middle. The stretchy fabric means little ones can still move freely in bed, but stay snug and safe under the duvet.

Mel shared the fidgetbum prototypes with

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

friends and family – without exception, the feedback was positive.“fidgetbum does exactly what it needs to. No more kicking off the duvet or rolling out of the bed!” smiles Mel “We’ve had no sleepless nights in our house since the first prototype arrived.”

extra

fidgetbum fits beds 100cm wide by 15cm deep and 70cm wide by 10cm deep but its stretchy nature allows for slight variances.

It’s also portable and can be folded up into a bag. For more information, visit www.fidgetbum.co January-February 2015

Any situation in which someone is intimidating, frightening or causing harm to your child is an instance of bullying.

Bullying isn’t just physical - any verbal or emotional assault is bullying too. Bullying should not be viewed as an unfortunate but unavoidable part of school life. No child deserves to be bullied - it’s unacceptable behaviour and can have a devastating effect on the victim.

Most schools have an anti-bullying policy, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the position adopted by your child’s school.

Bullying at school can include: ● verbal harassment - face to face, by phone, text or over the internet ● hitting, hair-pulling and kicking ● teasing and name-calling ● spreading rumours ● damaging possessions ● frightening and intimidation ● exclusion at playtime or from social events and networks How Can You Tell if Your Child is Being Bullied?

Your child may not tell you that he or she is being bullied. However, you may notice some changes in his or her behaviour, including: ● unwillingness to go to school

feeling unwell, often with a headache irritability and/or anxiety ● aggression towards you or others in your family ● bedwetting ● waking in the night ● missing or damaged belongings What Should You Do? If you suspect your child is being bullied, don’t ignore it. ● Find a quiet time to talk to your child. Explain that bullying is unacceptable and that no one should have to put up with it. Promise to do all you can to stop it. ● Make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher as soon as possible.

Useful Tips for the Meeting: ● Decide what you want to say and what you’d like to achieve from the meeting before you go ● Try to stay calm even though you may feel angry and emotional ● Don’t blame the teacher - he or she may be unaware of the bullying ● Give specific examples of how your child is being bullied ● Ask what the school’s anti-bullying policy is ● Discuss what action the teacher will take ● Arrange to meet again within two weeks to discuss progress

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Cyberbullying Social networking sites can be fun but they can also increase the risk of anonymous threats, abuse and bullying. Talk to your child about staying safe online and make sure they steer clear of sites that encourage anonymity.

Also, help them to set strict privacy and security settings to make sure that only their friends can see their posts.

If your child is being cyberbullied, explain that it is always best not to react. Instead, encourage them to report any abusive messages to the site, and to block and delete the person who is abusing them. You should also encourage your child to collect evidence of the bullying, such as chat logs or text messages as this can be useful when reporting bullying to the school, or even the police, if necessary.

Bullying can make your child feel isolated and afraid, and if not addressed can seriously affect a child’s wellbeing. By recognising the signs, you can support your child through the situation and help keep them safe from the bullies.

January-February 2015

If you’re unhappy with the way your child’s teacher deals with the situation, either at the meeting or after the school has taken action, make an appointment to see the head teacher and go through the process described above again.

Seek outside help from a specialist adviser if the bullying continues after you’ve spoken to the head teacher. Information is available from www.bullying.co.uk; www.kidscape.org.uk; www.besomeonetotell.org.uk; www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk What Should I Do if my Child is a Bully?

If you suspect your child is bullying another child or other children, don’t ignore it.

A child who is bullying others often has problems of his or her own. Try to understand what may be causing this behaviour and think about what is going on in your own home. Bullying can be subtle, so watch your child’s behaviour closely. Is your child going through a difficult time, feeling overlooked or overshadowed, or copying someone else’s behaviour?

Make sure your child understands that bullying is unacceptable. Encourage your child to be friendly, understanding and kind to others. Bolster friendships by inviting other children over to your home - but watch out for any signs of bullying.

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PARENTING

What to Do If Your Child is Being Bullied

family food&nutrition Ask yourself the following: Do you eat when you are hungry? Bored? Fed up? Do you eat more when you are out for dinner than you do when you are at home? And when you go out for dinner do you say “Who’s having a pudding?” as it would be embarrassing to be the only one?

Improving Your Child’s Relationship with Food

By Jane Ogden

And now ask: “Do you only eat when you are hungry?”

Fom the moment we are born (and possibly even before) we develop a relationship with food that has very little to do with hunger and fullness, and a lot more to do with managing our emotions, interacting with others and making a statement to the world about who we are. We inherit this relationship with food from our parents and we pass it on to our children.

When we reward our children for being good with biscuits or sweets they learn that these are special; when we pacify them with chocolate when they are upset they learn that this is a good way to make them feel better; and when we make them sit at the table alone and finish their plate of food they learn that food can make them anxious, that food causes conflict and that not eating is a powerful way of upsetting their parents! The result? When these children become adults, food will be the first nourishment they seek when they need comfort. When they feel powerless in the world, food may offer them a way in which they can regain some control.

home. So only buy foods you want them to eat. That way there are no forbidden foods, no sweet boxes they can’t open and no treat cupboards that are off-limits. Be subtle, don’t make a big thing about it, but just don’t bring food into the house if it’s not good for them. ● Don’t Use Food to Manage your Child’s Behaviour Don’t bribe or reward them with chocolate or sweets. It works in the short term, but, in the longer term, it stores up problems and can make these foods seem even more exciting than they already do. ● Say the Right Things Speak positively about healthy foods but don’t go overboard. Try and create a healthy household, but don’t nag, badger or make food into a battle ground. Use words like ‘nice’, ‘tasty’ and ‘crunchy’ rather than ‘healthy’ which can seem boring and rule bound. ● Most importantly, Be Relaxed around Food (or pretend to be if you aren’t!)

If food becomes an issue, or your child digs

So how can we feed our children a healthy diet without turning food into a problem?

Here are some simple tips that should help: ● Be a Good Role Model Eat healthily in front of them and with them. Comment on how nice the food is but don’t make a fuss. A casual “this is nice” will do. ● Control their Environment You have the car and the money, you do the shopping and cooking, so you control what food is available to your children at

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in their heels, back down or walk away and try something new another day. Try eating at the table if you usually eat in front of the television, or eat in front of the television if the table is your usual place.

Invite family or friends round for tea or send your child to someone else’s house with the instruction to “just give them whatever you are having.” Alternatively, eat out for a change, cook their favourite meal or have a picnic tea so they can choose what they like.

But DON’T try to force a change in your child’s eating behaviour, as this will only result in a battle.

extra

Jane Ogden is a Health Psychologist and mother of two. She has recently written a book called The Good Parenting Food Guide, which is published by Wiley and available from Amazon (RRP £14.99).

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With the UK’s first babysitting app, launched by Like Minders, you can now book childcare on the move, 24/7, whether for regular daytime care, a last minute evening babysitter or emergency cover.

Georgie Jones, director of Like Minders, the babysitting and flexible childcare specialist, explains “With apps having revolutionised the taxi and dating industry, we thought it was time for the childcare industry to catch up.”

Like Minders has 3,000 clients who can already make bookings online and via mobile devices.

Now these clients will also be able to book DBS-checked babysitters in less than 30 seconds, with this new efficient and reliable app.

For more information, visit www.likeminders.co.uk

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Its amazing how much the little ones can do! At The Little Gym®, we take a non-competitive, progressive approach to early learning and motor skill development through gymnastic movements.

Children aged as little as 4 months right up to 12 years, learn at an age appropriate pace, building upon past achievements as they advance week to week and semester to semester. Take the first step, and enroll your child today. And see how their confidence grows step by baby step.

Book your Introductory Visit NOW! Call us on 020 8977 0099

The Little Gym Hampton & Teddington • 94 - 102 High Street Hampton Hill TW12 1NY • 020 8977 0099 hampton_teddington@thelittlegym.eu • www.thelittlegym.co.uk/hamptonteddington

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January-February 2015

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. Early Years Care and Education .

CHOOSING A NANNY WITH A GENTLE PARENTING STYLE

By Alexandra Davidson

improve attention span.

It is important that the nanny you choose has a positive, happy demeanour and can engage with your children in a way which will foster a sense of love, security and curiosity. This helps your child’s body to release the anti-stress

Separation anxiety in a child has been shown to activate the same part of the brain as physical pain which is why how a nanny responds to it is crucial.

ssori Nurs e t e on

vagal nerve is found in the brain stem and regulates major organs including breathing, heart rate, digestive system and immune system, which subsequently help regulate emotional balance and

extra

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Lit

Nu

Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com 10

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

hormone oxytocin. Nannies who do not engage playfully with children and who are distracted, stern or too strict may cause children to feel hostility towards both them and their environment.

This may trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can result in in anxious, stressed and fearful behaviour.

Ultimately, if you prefer the gentle or attachment parenting approach, you will need to ensure that your nanny clearly understands what this is and has the personality, commitment and skills to practice it.

Alexandra Davidson is the Managing Director of Snuggles Childcare, a London nanny agency specialising in bridging the gap between childcare and child development. Snuggles Childcare is a strong advocate of gentle parenting techniques and trains nannies in child development. It places many nannies with families which practice gentle and attachment-focussed parenting. For further information, visit www.snuggleschildcare.co.uk tle Wrens

rser y Schoo

l

positive discipline techniques are the fundamentals of gentle and attachment-focused parenting.

Backed up by science, this more comforting approach to parenting helps to maintain a secure attachment between caregiver and child as well as helping to establish a good vagal tone. The

S ry

Julia ’s M

The right nanny can be a fabulous substitute parent and look after your child just as well as you, IF you are on the same page when it comes to parenting style.

For many parents, the right nanny will be an advocate of gentle parenting techniques: a nanny who will treat their child with as much sensitivity and empathy as they will and who will engage with their children, with kindness and playfulness when they are joyful, and with sensitivity and calm if they are distressed..

Such distress may arise around separating from you. Separation anxiety in a child has been shown to activate the same part of the brain as physical pain which is why how a nanny responds to it is crucial.

For some parents, the right nanny will be one that understands and practices attachment parenting.

Attachment parenting is based on eight principles defined by Dr Martha Sears, which include breastfeeding, co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This style of parenting has been proven to help regulate a baby or young child’s emotional state, enabling that child to grow into a confident, sociable, curious individual.

Respecting, validating, empathizing, soothing and using

Little Wrens Nursery School At All Hallows Twickenham Erncroft Way, TW1 1DA

INTERESTED? CONTACT US BY EMAIL OR PHONE Little Wrens Nursery School is run by two qualified teachers with 24 years combined experience. We offer preschool am/pm sessions for 2-5 year olds.

info@littlewrenstwickenham.co.uk Phone: 0203 005 2509 Mobile: 07773409866 www.littlewrenstwickenham.co.uk January-February 2015

. Early Years Care and Education .

MAKING A MARK IN THE EARLY YEARS All children have the right to be provided with the best possible start to their education and parents should expect their local nurseries to create a positive, welcoming Early Years environment that is both lively and stimulating.

From a young age children observe the adults around them reading and writing and want to copy them. One of the roles of an Early Years setting is to provide various activities which support children to develop the important skill of mark making.

Mark making is the first scribbles and patterns of a crayon or pencil and represents the first step in the journey towards being able to write.

All children enjoy experimenting with making marks but it’s important that the emphasis is not placed on teaching a child how to hold a pencil correctly.

Invariably a young child will not have developed the motor skills necessary to achieve the correct pencil grip. Instead, they need to be encouraged to undertake activities which will encourage the development of their gross and fine motor skills to the level required to begin to write competently. They will then develop the correct pencil grip naturally.

The more opportunity your child has to develop large and small movements in their arms, hands and fingers, the better.

This will make it easier to make marks with a variety of tools.

It is important that Early Years settings constantly provide the following play activities which help develop

the skills to support children with mark making: ✿ Throwing and catching balls of different sizes and using their hands to squeeze things. This encourages children to open and close their hands one at a time. ✿ Fastening buttons and zips and tearing tissue paper and newspaper. This teaches children how to touch each finger with the thumb of the same hand. ✿ Stirring with a large spoon and rolling out play dough. This gets children used to rolling each wrist in turn.

By Penny Harman and Laura Birdseye

✿ Threading large beads, hanging up clothes with pegs, making towers with blocks, Duplo or Lego, doing simple jigsaw puzzles, playing with castanets and using finger puppets all familiarise

children with the tripod grasp that they will need to use this to hold a pencil correctly.

extra

Penny Harman and Laura Birdseye are qualified teachers and proprietors of Little Wrens Nursery School, a brand new pre-school in Twickenham, with a highly experienced and dedicated team. Little Wrens is passionate about instilling in children a love of learning and encouraging them to become lifelong learners. To arrange a visit or for more information, visit www.littlewrenstwickenham.co.uk

NUTKIN NANNIES Professionals with the Personal Touch

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Contact us on 01932 565623 info@nutkinnannies.co.uk www.nutkinnannies.co.uk January-February 2015

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11 11

. Early Years Care and Education .

GIVING YOUR CHILD A HEADSTART AT THE LITTLE GYM

By Linda Stone, Editor

If you want to boost your child’s learning skills in the Early Years, look no further than The Little Gym programme for kids ages 0 to 3. Fun, structured classes, develop literacy, numeracy and ball skills and provide sensory experience, music and imaginative play all within the framework of professional quality gymnastics instruction the ultimate sport for physical development, balance and confidence. What’s more, classes take place in a non-competitive environment, in a dedicated facility.

Movement in babies and young children, especially rotational movement in space, is proven to help develop neural connections in their brains. These are key for cognitive development. Movement also strengthens a child’s muscle memory, priming them to progress to more advanced skills. Under the supervision of trained instructors,

parents are taught to assist their babies with movement, starting with forward rolls, side rolls, and kicks. High instructorto-parent ratios ensure that parents learn to perform the moves safely and at their own pace.

But The Little Gym is much more than a movement class.

It is a 3 Dimensional Learning programme. Get Moving! encourages increased physical strength and muscle control, fine and gross motor skill development, co-ordination and balance; Brain Boost! builds spatial and perceptual awareness, introduces letters, numbers and colours, develops language, self-expression and problem-solving skills, and Life Skills! encourages socialisation and independence, acceptance of new environments, sharing and taking turns, following directions and co-operation.

Parents of children attending Little Gym classes typically notice a positive shift in their child’s confidence, an increase in co-ordination and motor skills ability. They may also notice an improvement in communication, listening skills,

ability to follow instructions, and an increased understanding and appreciation of music, numeracy, literacy and imaginative play.

“As a three year old, my daughter had less than average gross motor skills ability and, at one stage, found stepping off a curb challenging. Now she comfortably walks across a high balance beam, does a twirl and jumps off!”

Children learn best when engaged in play. They learn fast at The Little Gym because it’s FUN! Children are taken on an exciting adventure, with a changing weekly theme, which incorporates engaging sensory experiences, original music, bright colours, shapes and imaginative play all designed to encourage their receptiveness to learning. All the physical movement and skills teaching take place within this framework.

The skills taught are agespecific and progressive. For instance, when learning how to turn a cartwheel, younger children begin byplacing their palms on the floor to begin the cartwheel movement. From there, they learn to kick their legs up with palms on the floor (‘donkey kick’), then to kick their legs up and move to the side (‘monkey kick’), until, at the appropriate age, they can perform the full cartwheel movement.

Children learn at their own pace at The Little Gym. The non-competitive environment allows instructors to focus on the unique abilities and pace of learning of each individual child, rather than singling out any particular child’s abilities above others.

Our busy lives can prevent us from spending focussed, quality time with our little ones. The Little Gym programme offers parents a unique opportunity to really connect with their child, whilst discovering and encouraging the development of their unique abilities.

The Little Gym is based in Hampton Hill. For further information, visit www.thelittlegym.co.uk/hamptonteddington

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EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

13

SCHOOLS NEWS EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

HALLIFORD HOLDS ANNUAL SONG CONTEST

Halliford School in Shepperton has a rich tradition of originating music in the classroom, and producing remarkable public performances. A great favourite of pupils is the annual Song Contest.

This year’s event was a closely contested affair pitting forms and houses against each other, with participants from every year group. Each house was required to sing a ‘set’ song plus one of their choosing. All of the forms

participated, also selecting their own material.

This always generates some wonderful performances and this year was no exception.

Clever choreography and subtle interpretation provided hugely entertaining, exciting renditions ranging from Every Breath You Take to Stand on the World. Professional piano solos and clever cross harmonies also showcased individual brilliance. The eventual winner was Greville House, with a hugely inventive blending of two songs and strong female voices. After the Headmaster presented the shield to the winners, the dispersing crowds started planning their entries for next year!

ATHELSTAN HOUSE CHILDREN DELIVER CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THE ELDERLY! Just before Christmas, the children of Athelstan House School in Hampton visited Linden Hall to sing Christmas carols to its elderly members - an experience that both staff and visitors at the Community Centre in Hampton always eagerly anticipate. This year, to bring further joy to the hearts of the elderly, the children embraced traditional Christmas values and gave each member a delicious packet of biscuits with a beautiful handmade gift tag. Head teacher, Elsa Woolf explains “I wanted the children to give something back to the

community in a way which was meaningful to them, and what could be more appealing to young children than a lovely packet of biscuits!” Loneliness amongst elderly people has been very much in the news this year and it was really touching to see these young 3 to 7 year olds doing their bit to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to others.

For further information, visit www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk For further information, visit www.hallifordschool.co.uk

MILBOURNE LODGE CREATES ITS OWN POPPY FIELD

To mark the First World War Centenary commemorations in November, pupils from Milbourne Lodge School in Esher created their own Poppy Field.

Inspired by the display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, each pupil created their own hand-crafted poppy which they planted in the school garden. Over 500 individual poppies were planted.

Stephen Ilett, Headmaster, said:“This display is extremely poignant. Many of the children researched their family history and attached the name of a loved one who died in the war to their poppy. Others have used their poppy to commemorate all those soldiers who have no known grave.”

Jay, age 12, said “It is very important that we remember all those who fought so bravely so that we can live the lives we live today.”

For further information, visit www.milbournelodge.co.uk 14

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

MAKING IT BETTER FOR BOYS AT THE MALL SCHOOL

Last term, The Mall School in Twickenham hosted two talks for parents on the topic Making it Better for Boys by the inspirational education consultant and author, Ali McClure. As a former teacher, deputy head and mother of three boys of her own, she understands what makes boys different.

These thought-provoking sessions provided parents

with a solid understanding of why boys behave as they do, along with a multitude of tried-and-tested approaches for encouraging positive behaviour.

She covered the specific challenges boys face compared with girls when starting school, and offered practical suggestions and solutions for achieving positive outcomes for boys.

Parents found her talk both inspiring and uplifting, and came away with some useful techniques to try out.

More sessions are planned for this year and are just one of the ways the School seeks to support its parents.

For further information, visit www.themallschool.org.uk January-February 2015

HALLIFORD SCHOOL - SHEPPERTON Independent for boys 11 - 18 and girls 16 - 18 Set in six acres close to the River Thames

Milbourne Lodge School

Open Morning

OPEN DAYS 2015

Thursday 5th and Tuesday 10th March Thursday 7th May

Tours at 9.30am and 11.30am (by appointment) Small school where pupils are known as individuals Excellent A Level and GCSE results Scholarships and Bursaries available Please contact the Registrar registrar@halliford.net

Telephone 01932 223593 www.hallifordschool.co.uk

Friday February 6th 2015 | 9 – 11.30am30 am Milbourne Lodge is an independent day school in Esher, providing an exceptional education for boys and girls aged 4-13.

9am Arrival & Coffee 9.30am Headmaster’s Address 10am – 11.30am School Tours

• • • • •

43 Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EG

Unrivalled teaching excellence.

Outstanding record of success at Scholarship, Common Entrance and Pre-Testing.

Excellent Music, Art, ICT and Sport departments with a daily games programme.

Pre-Prep department for children aged 4 – 7.

Daily bus from SW London.

For further information, please contact us T: 01372 462737 E: admin@milbournelodge.co.uk W: www.milbournelodge.co.uk

Families Upon Thames 87x130mm 18/11/2014 10:53 Page 1

☛ ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL 020 8979 1045 admin@athelstanhouseschool.co.uk 36 Percy Road Hampton Middlesex TW12 2LA

Where small is special Reception and 7+ places still available for 2015 Limited number of bursaries available for 7+

Open Mornings Wednesday 25 February 2015 Friday 8 May 2015 9.00 am – 11.30 am

Nursery & pre-prep school for 3 to 7 years ●

Nurturing environment where each child is valued for their unique qualities

●

Excellent academic standards and preparation for local preparatory and independent schools

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Strong emphasis on pastoral care - helping children develop into confident, articulate individuals

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Small classes, maximum 16

Please email admissions@themallschool.org.uk or call Justine Ray on 020 8614 1084 to book a place.

Personal tours are also available. www.themallschool.org.uk Independent day school for boys aged 4 – 13 years 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ The Mall School Trust – Charity No 295003 a company (2036538) limited by guarantee

January-February 2015

OPEN MORNING - 9.30 - 11.30am Friday 20 March 2015

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15 15

A GUIDE TO HOMEWORK

By Linda Stone, Editor

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

Homework encourages independent learning skills and backs up what has been learnt in the classroom. It shows both teachers and parents what a child is capable of and can also highlight what they haven’t understood during the school day.

How much Homework?

It depends on the age of your child, but this is a rough guide.

Reception: 30 minutes a week Years 1 & 2: 60 minutes a week Years 3 & 4: 90 minutes a week Years 5 & 6: 30 minutes a day Years 7 & 8: Up to 90 minutes a day Should I Be Helping?

It’s really important that parents take an interest in the work their children bring home, but without taking over. Whilst giving lots of help is tempting because it speeds up the process and keeps prevarication to a minimum, it can also be detrimental to your child’s learning.

Your child’s teacher doesn’t need to know whether you are able to complete a fractions worksheet.

You should be able to do it - you’re a grown up! However if your child can’t, their teacher needs to know so they can offer support in the classroom to make sure the topic is fully understood. Your job is to guide and encourage your child to find the answers themselves.

Top Tips for Solving Homework Problems ✿ Make sure your child is eating well, and getting enough sleep and exercise. This helps focus concentration both in the classroom and after school. ✿ Create a homework routine

for your child. Identify a regular place and time, making sure it’s quiet and free from distractions.

Discuss the expectations you have and the consequences if homework isn’t completed satisfactorily. This will hopefully encourage good homework habits. ✿ Show your child you care about the homework they have been set. Try not to let your own dislike for a particular topic affect the way you work with your child. ✿ Help your child to focus their mind. Before they start, encourage a ‘think through.’ Ask them to tell you what needs doing and ask them questions about the task ahead. How long does it need to be? Can it be done on the computer or by hand? What ideas

Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Open Mornings Whole School - 10.00am - 12.30pm Introductory talk at 10.00am Saturday 7 February Saturday 14 March

Prospective families are very welcome to attend.

For further information please telephone 01372 473624 or email info@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

www.claremont-school.co.uk

16

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

do they have? This process helps them focus and work productively. ✿ Reflect on the task once completed. Was it easier than they thought? What do they like about what they have produced? What do they need to work on? ✿ Think carefully before introducing a reward system.

This can lead to rushed results and the need to offer a ‘treat’ for every piece completed! Better to help your child understand that homework is a fact of life and it needs to be done as well as possible. ✿ Set a time limit for completing homework. This gives less enthusiastic children a tangible end point! Talk to your child’s teacher about how long particular tasks should be taking and bring the homework to an end after that length of time.

Your child’s teacher can then gauge how how quickly, or slowly, your

child is working and both you and your child know that there is an end to homework – even if it isn’t completed.

What PARENTS say about HOMEWORK

“We never seem to have time to get it done and it adds to household stress. The whole family has just spent most of the weekend making a Magical Castle. We did all have fun and bond but then we enjoy craft. I felt for those who aren’t very artistic.

Their children are then disadvantaged by not having the all-singing all-dancing castle...!”

Susan Kirkwood “My son had to do a power point last term and as I watched him type one word every two minutes, I did snatch the keyboard away from him and say “Right you tell me what you want to write and I will type it for you.” I helped We recommend current and experienced him find pictures and qualified teachers/tutors for 1-1 tuition in your images as well. I know home or in the tutors home. We have enhanced he will need to become CRB checked tutors in the south west area of more independent London and can offer: when he reaches All subjects at primary level • Exam prep for 11+ 13+ C.E • Sats secondary school.“ • GCSE A’level and Degree Louise Boyle Dyslexia and Special “I’ve a good few years Educational Needs. of parenting under We welcome applications from local my belt and I enthusiastic teachers/tutors who would like to add their names to our register think most primary homework is a waste of time. I believe we should stick to reading, a bit of spelling and times www.progresstutoring.co.uk tables.”

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PROGRESS TUTORING AND EDUCATIONAL AGENCY

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17

SCHOOLS NEWS EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

AN INDUSTRIOUS AUTUMN AT DENMEAD SCHOOL Denmead School in Hampton has just completed an industrious autumn term.

Its Harvest Festival celebration, held in St Mary’s Church in Hampton, focused on the topic of ‘bread’ and included song, verse and prayer with contributions from all year groups, whilst the School’s annual Remembrance Assembly, always a moving and sombre occasion, proved especially so in this centenary year.

Sport has played its part in keeping the children busy. All boys in the Prep Department competed in inter-school football matches, with two crews taking part in the IAPS Inland Sailing Regatta near Oxford and the Under 11 and Under 10 rugby squads enjoying a mini-tour to

the West Country as warm up for the coming rugby term.

Wider curriculum events have included a keenly-contested Inter-House Poetry Competition and the Open Chess Challenge, as well as two enchanting Christmas productions by the children in the Kindergarten and Pre-Prep.

This term, Denmead welcomes incoming Head Master, Mr Tim Smith, on the retirement of Michael McKaughan after seventeen years of service to the School.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LEARNING AT MANOR HOUSE SCHOOL

The Nursery at Manor House School in Little Bookham, near Leatherhead has recently introduced new, red all-in-one waterproofs for its pupils.

These are pulled on over their clothing to act as a highly visible, protective layer, whilst they learn through play and exploration outdoors. The School is set in 17 acres of parkland so girls have access to the wide outdoor spaces and also benefit from an outdoor

classroom, The Dell, where they spend time exploring with their teachers.

The new red waterproofs enable play and learning to flow seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors with activities including den making, vegetable picking and trails.

The Manor House Nursery is housed in purpose-built rooms and connected to an all-weather enclosed playground.

For further information, visit www.manorhouseschool.org For further information, visit www.denmeadschool.org.uk

TWICKENHAM PREP EXTENDS WRAPAROUND CARE Twickenham Prep School (TPS) in Hampton has recently extended its wraparound care provision, which will now be available from 8am to 6pm. Its Breakfast Club already offers an appetising start to the day but is now open from 8am.

Reception children are supervised and can enjoy a hot or cold breakfast before school begins.

After school the children are looked after at Mums Play Shop (www.mumsplayshop. co.uk), where they can enjoy outdoor or soft play facilities, art and craft, or relax in the cosy ‘snug’ area. The children will be

escorted to the purpose-built site at Hampton Academy and looked after until 6pm with a selection of options for tea.

This provision complements the extensive facilities and opportunities on offer at TPS, where small class sizes, excellent pastoral care and superb academic results create a nurturing and inspiring environment for its children.

For further information, visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk 18

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

NOTRE DAME COMPLETES SEVENTH CARIBBEAN NETBALL TOUR

During the autumn half term, a squad of Netball players from Years 10, 11 and 12 at Notre Dame School in Cobham embarked on its seventh Caribbean Netball Tour and sixth tour to Tobago. Notre Dame won the series 2-1.

Competing against a strong, athletic style of play is extremely valuable in developing the skills of the Notre Dame players.

The video analysis of their performance and comparison of tactics and styles of play also aids their GCSE and AS PE coursework and strengthens their understanding of the physiological and psychological qualities required by players on international tours.

Meeting other players

after the games, as well as exchanging gifts and contact details, is of great cultural value and enables long term friendships to be forged.

Notre Dame also undertakes fundraising prior to such Tours for equipment which will aid the development of netball in schools in Tobago, and gifts for the players, officials and organisers.

For each player it was rated the ‘best school trip ever!’

For further information, visit www.notredame.co.uk January-February 2015

DENMEAD SCHOOL Part of the Hampton School Trust

An independent day school catering for boys aged 3 to 11 years and girls aged 3 to 7 years.

We make the academic difference by being small enough to know all our girls individually

OPEN DAYS 2012

Thursday 15th & Tuesday 20th November OPEN Tours 9.30,11.30 & 2.30 by appointment

MORNINGS

Please telephone the Registrar for more information: 01932 223593 Friday 6th

February 2015 Tuesday 19th May 2015 • Pre Prep: 9.15 - 11.00 • Prep: 10.00 - 12.00 Denmead School, 41-43 Wensleydale Road, Hampton TW12 2LP Phone: 020 8979 1844 • Fax: 020 8941 8773 • Email: secretary@denmeadschool.org.uk

www.denmeadschool.org.uk 49

OPEN MORNINGS

Tuesday 10 February and Wednesday 6 May, 9.30am Please contact us to reserve a place An independent day school for girls aged 2–16 Manor House School, Manor House Lane, Little Bookham Leatherhead, Surrey KT23 4EN

01372 457077 • admissions@manorhouseschool.org www.manorhouseschool.org

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THE BENEFITS OF STAND-ALONE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

By Jill Chatt-Collins There is a huge range of excellent independent schools to choose from locally, catering for children of all different ages. Over the last decade, the trend has been for independent schools to open or acquire their own Pre-Preps and many of these schools now cater for children from the age of 3 to 18. However, whilst the idea of sending your child to the same school for as long as possible may seem appealing, sometimes it can result in a mismatch.

Like the schools they go to, each child is completely unique and their individual personalities, emotional make-up, temperament and learning styles dictate the kind of environment in which they are most likely to flourish. Additionally, the mix of different features making up each individual child changes as they grow and learn, and, like the clothes they wear, what fits them at age 5 may no longer do so at age 8, not to mention at age 18!

It can, of course, be a great source of comfort to parents to know that if they choose a school that their child will attend from Reception to University, they will not have to deal with the stress of selection processes and entrance tests at different stages of their child’s education. However, there are some drawbacks and the biggest of these is that it’s impossible to predict at age 5 what your child will need further down the track.

Parents choosing a Pre-Prep school which has links to a range of preparatory schools have time to find out about their child’s learning style, their temperament and what makes them tick.

Children have time to grow in confidence and skills before decisions about the next stage of their education are taken. Staff at such Pre-Prep Schools are able to match their knowledge of the schools they feed to the children they teach and nurture, and work with parents to identify a next school in which each child will truly flourish.

Additionally, infants benefit

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a bigger environment and skip off for their assessment days full of confidence and keen to show their next school how they can excel.

extra

Jill Chatt-Collins is Deputy Head at Athelstan House School in Hampton.

Athelstan House is a non-selective, independent pre-preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years.

For further information, visit www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk

WHAT PARENTS SAY

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from being in the homefrom-home environment of a small Pre-Prep school with a family feel. Children and parents alike feel secure when they know they are part of a small community where everyone knows everyone.

In this kind of environment, children grow quickly in confidence and their individual characters blossom. They also benefit from having the chance to be leaders at an early age, to mentor younger children and take on responsibilities that are often reserved for older children in a bigger school. By the time they reach age 7, they are ready for the challenges and excitement of Sonia Theodossiou, mother of Eleanor, Year 2, sent her child to a Pre-Preparatory school because she was looking for a home-fromhome environment for the early years.

“Eleanor wasn’t particularly confident or articulate” she says. “We thought she would get totally lost in the crowd in a bigger school and that she needed a more nurturing environment.”

Sonia feels that sending Eleanor to Athelstan House Pre-Preparatory School has paid dividends. “She has taken off academically and socially” she reports. “In fact, it appears she is capable of going on to a school that has a far greater academic pace than we would ever have

19/06/2014 12:32

imagined a few years ago.

If we had made the decision then about where she would go to school from age 8, we would have underestimated her abilities” she says.

Chloe Weir, mother of Isabella, Year 2, also at Athelstan House, has a similar story.

“I don’t believe you can put a child into a school at age 5 and say “that’s done” until they are 18” she says.

“It’s great to have natural points at which to review things and Pre-Preparatory schools allow this. “Now we understand Isabella’s learning style and her abilities, and we’re all confident about the next step.”

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21

SCHOOLS NEWS EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2015 Supporting Learning

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE PUPILS GO MAD IN TANZANIA

Fourteen pupils from Thames Christian College have recently spent two weeks on a life-changing trip to Musoma, Tanzania. The pupils were invited by charity, Go Make A Difference (MAD) (wwwgomakeadifference. co.uk) in Tanzania, to attend the opening of a health clinic built with £6,000 that Thames had raised from a sponsored cross-country event.

After seeing the poverty and

contaminated water sources of the villages, Thames pupils helped local villagers build two rainwater collection tanks and a goat shed to provide a family with income.

They also helped take sick villagers to hospital, visit local schools, a market garden project and an orphanage. Touched by the whole experience, pupils gained a greater understanding of the challenges faced by countries with limited infrastructure and no access to clean water.

Set up by a foundation parent of Thames Christian College, Go MAD works in partnership with the Anglican Church of Tanzania in Musoma.

STANDING ON CEREMONY IN THE EARLY YEARS AT CLAREMONT FAN COURT!

Reception children at Claremont Fan Court Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School in Esher were recently invited to meet the soldiers of the Household Cavalry at Knightsbridge Barracks.

The visit provided a unique learning experience during which they not only watched the changing of the guard but also groomed the horses, swept the stables and dressed up in the armour and uniform worn by the regiment. On returning to School, they proudly exclaimed that they had met soldiers and

been knights for the day!

The School reciprocated by inviting Major Simon Lukas to speak with the children about the need for peace and to remember the bravery of soldiers. On Remembrance Day, all the children, even the nursery children of age 2½ participated in a two minute silence. Parents were delighted that the nursery children had been able to participate.

One parent wrote: “It is a wonderful thing to have done and a very important thing to have taken part in.”

For further information, visit www.claremont-school.co.uk

For further information, visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

NEWLAND HOUSE BUILDS EXCELLENCE INTO NEW PRE-PREP The face of Newland House School will be transformed when it opens the door to a new, dynamic and highly sustainable, exemplar Pre-Prep School in autumn 2016, on the site immediately next door to the Prep (main) School on Waldegrave Park in Twickenham.

Newland House School has successfully delivered an outstanding education to boys and girls of local families for more than 100 years and the main school has occupied the present site since 1945. The relocation of the Pre-Prep will unite the two parts of the school for the first

time in more than forty years and will also allow the school to offer additional places in Reception from September 2016 onwards.

The Pre-Prep will provide a bespoke, ergonomic and sustainable teaching environment with space for pupils to learn, play and grow.

Key design features include: ✿ Meets the key features of the BREEAM standards of excellence in sustainable building design, construction and operation. For example, use of renewable energy solutions and maximisation of natural daylight and ventilation ✿ Timber with high thermal properties sourced from sustainable resources will be

CGI Image of New Pre-Prep Adjacent to the Prep School

used for the construction frame and cladding, creating a carbon neutral footprint

North Elevation: Artists Impression of the Combined Prep and New Pre-Prep Schools

✿ Maximisation of outside play space providing a wide range of diverse outdoor play experiences. ✿ A unique resource space for group work and play in every classroom ✿ Bespoke and flexible resource rooms for art, music and educational support ✿ A state-of-the-art library providing a child-friendly space that supports independent and guided learning

For further information, visit www.newlandhouse.net 22

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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January-February 2015

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23

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

When your Birth Plan Goes Out of the Window...

How a Dedicated Midwife Can Help

@Teddmidwives

24

TeddingtonMidwives

see our page for discounts

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Call Wendy or Louise on 07841065936 email: info@teddingtonmidwives.co.uk www.teddingtonmidwives.co.uk

The best family-friendly events

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We can offer you classes run by experienced midwives, with up to date unbiased information, in small groups and in a local venue. First-time and refresher classes available.

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Rene Bozier is one of the highly qualified, experienced midwives at Neighbourhood Midwives, which offers one-to-one midwifery care throughout pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period, with 24/7 access to support and advice. Its services are available throughout London, in Surrey and in some other parts 1 information, 01/12/2014 visit 17:38 Page 1 of Project3_Layout the UK. For further www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk d ou

Teddington Midwives

the right decision for you and your baby.

A dedicated midwife will listen to your fears and respond to your concerns. If she can’t, she will know someone that can and how to contact useful people in the hospital.

Your midwife becomes your mouthpiece.

Although she doesn’t always work in a clinical role in the hospital, she will be there with you and your partner, by your side, making sure that you are listened to. When you are speaking to a doctor, she will help you understand what is being said and recommended. This is particularly important in a situation where you feel out of control, frightened and disempowered. You may also have many questions but struggle to articulate them or to listen properly to the answers.

Is your baby at risk? Is this an urgent situation? What does that machine do?

How will this drug affect me?

Your dedicated midwife is there to help, to calm, to explain. She will talk things through with you and help you understand what is going on. She will be ‘on your side.’

If you need a caesarean, some hospitals will allow your midwife into theatre so she can support you and explain what is happening.

Remember your midwife is there for you and your partner. She doesn’t have to fill in paperwork or forms, or supervise staff. She is JUST for you - to hold your hand, remind you of the important things and answer your questions.

Postnatally, you may find that the questions keep coming. Why didn’t my birth happen the way I planned it? What did I do wrong? Your midwife will be there to help you, hug you and reassure you in order that you can mentally and emotionally process your birth experience and start to enjoy your new baby.

Pr

You have planned the perfect birth: done the NCT class, hypnotherapy, yoga, positive birth groups, everything is in place.

Then your waters break but you have no contractions, or you reach forty two weeks with no sign of labour. Or, you have been labouring beautifully but get stuck at seven centimetres. Your midwife has tried everything, but baby has decided to put her head in a silly position. Now what?

The important thing to remember is that this is no one’s fault. It is not about anything you did or didn’t do. Birth is the result of a complex interaction of physiology, genes, hormones, emotions and a large dollop of luck or circumstance. What is important is that a woman continues to feel empowered and part of the decision making process when things don’t go to plan.

This is when having a dedicated independent midwife can be so beneficial.

Most women are served by the shared-care system of midwifery offered by the NHS and 60% don’t see the same midwife twice.

However, when you choose an independent midwife, she will be with you throughout your pregnancy, labour and post-natally. This means you can choose her at the beginning on the basis that you ‘click’ together, and you will have got to know her and trust her thoroughly.

She will fully understand your concerns and wishes and your relationship will be one of mutual respect.

When things don’t go to plan during labour, your midwife will be able to give you up-to-date and accurate information about your situation, so that you can make an informed choice about how to move forward.

For instance, if you are overdue and are being pressured to have an induction, your midwife will be able to outline the pros and cons of this in a clear, unbiased way so that you can make

By Rene Bozier

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Events info for here and across the UK January-February 2015

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Baby Play is Not Just for Fun! Whilst playing with your baby can be fun, it is not at all trivial. It is one of the main ways in which babies engage with other people, and a fundamental means of developing their social understanding.

How babies play, and the way in which parents can support their play, changes dramatically during their first two years of life. Babies generally become playful from around six weeks, when they start to smile, vocalise and show deliberate facial movements and expressions.

Parents typically find themselves imitating these baby signals, or reacting to them with stereotyped, exaggerated expressions called ‘marking’. These responses are largely automatic, and they help the baby maintain his positive mood and stay engaged.

These early exchanges are like ‘conversations,’and they are a very basic way for babies to sense the connection between their experience and that of someone else - one of the basic building blocks of social understanding.

By around four or five months, a baby’s vision has improved and he or she can focus on things at a distance, and also start to reach out and grab things. These developments mean that a baby’s interests expand, and the previous, purely social, face-to-face play loses its attraction. This can be disconcerting for parents, as they search for new strategies with which to engage their baby.

This is a stage when body games, like ‘pat-a-cake,’ or ‘round and round the garden’ come into their own. Babies quickly become familiar with the different steps of such games, and most of their pleasure comes from the sense

By Lynne Murray

behaviour and more mature social understanding from around eighteen months, when babies can appreciate that other people have different experiences from their own, as well as different likes and dislikes. These developments are assisted when parents engage in pretend play, which can support the baby in thinking about the experience of, say, doll characters.

Talking about people’s experiences and their feelings, and the reasons for them, either during play or during activities such as sharing picture books, are also important ways for parents to support the growing social understanding of their baby.

So don’t feel that when you are playing with your baby that you are somehow wasting time.

You are teaching your baby to become a sociable being!

extra

of anticipation and climax. These games, and supporting babies play with toys, represent a new form of social relating for the baby - one where play is about a ‘topic’ that baby and parent share together.

Although babies and parents enjoy these body games and toy play, they can also feel something of a ‘one-way-street’ for parents, since the baby typically doesn’t show great interest in the parent themselves. This situation changes from around nine months, as relationships shift from being ‘topic-based’ to being more genuinely two-way and connected. Now, babies notice more of what their parents are doing, and will typically want to

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join in and even, in their own way, ‘help.’ They start to follow simple suggestions, and swap roles with their parent in games like ‘peek-a-boo.’ With this change, parents sometimes feel as if their baby has now become a ‘real’ person, and play can become easier and more satisfying.

This more connected phase culminates in the development of genuinely co-operative

Lynne Murray is Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Reading, and author of The Psychology of Babies: How Relationships Support Development from Birth to Two (Constable & Robinson 2014), in which more information on play, as well as other aspects of babies’ development, is provided.

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January-February 2015

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25

classes, clubs activities

&

dance

Feel like Dancing?

Olivia Malaure profiles 8 local dance schools Developing a Passion for Ballet and Tap!

Classes in Richmond and Kew with Elizabeth James Dance Academy Dance at the Elizabeth James Dance Academy is taught with such skill, imagination and pure sense of fun, that young children don’t notice they are learning technique.

Little ones from 18 months to 2.5 years can don their ballet shoes and enjoy Melody Bear® Little Bear Feet®, a specially designed programme for this age group, or, from age 3.5 years, they can join Tiny Tappers classes, which introduce small shoe shufflers to the excitement of tap dancing.“At this young age children are learning how their bodies move” says Principal, Suze Bailey.“We inspire them with colour, props and music.”

Louise Strickland, has a 5-year-old son attending ballet and tap classes with Miss Suze.“My son loves it”she says “especially the galloping and jumping!”

Children of all ages and abilities are embraced at the Academy and are

thoroughly engaged by their classes.

This is due in no small part to Miss Suze’s innate ability to intuitively adapt her teaching style between age groups and encourage self-expression and a passion for dance.

From 4 years children can take examinations if they choose, but dancing for pleasure is a priority, and dancers regularly enjoy showcasing routines for their parents.

Local mother Stephanie Wong has two girls, ages 8 and 4 years, who both describe Miss Suze’s ballet class as the highlight of their

It’s Child’s Play!

Classes in Twickenham, Teddington,

Richmond, Isleworth and Hampton with Diddi Dance

Preschoolers can be a tough crowd to please, but at Diddi Dance classes, little ones from as young as 16 months can really let loose and move to their heart’s content. These funky dance classes boost confidence and teach children co-ordination, rhythm and great moves while they dance to funky pop songs.

Parents and carers are encouraged to join in and have fun exploring new styles of dance every week, ranging from ballet to hip hop.

An award-winning national franchise, Diddi Dance is a dynamic, carefully planned pre-school

Ballet Tap

26

Modern

week. “We’ve tried out a few ballet classes but there is something about Miss Suze that my girls just love” says Stephanie. “She has a unique blend of technique and creativity and she’s very nurturing.”

For more information, see listing on page 32 and visit www.elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk

class full of imagination and opportunities for children to learn through play. “It’s incredibly rewarding seeing how classes encourage children to do things like identify their left and right side” says Mona.“They also learn to count in different languages including French and Spanish, and start to understand about taking turns.”

Imaginative use of stimulating props such as hula-hoops, pom-poms, ribbons and musical instruments like castanets, tap sticks and maracas encourage children to really get into the spirit of the class, as they move and groove to a soundtrack of catchy Diddi Dance music.

“No matter what kind of day I’m having, I get to my Diddi Dance class and the children make me smile, they melt my heart” says Mona.

For further information, see listing on page 32 and visit www.diddidance.com

Jazz

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January-February 2015 31/05/2013 18:47

Feel Like Dancing?

classes, clubs activities

&

dance

Learning Ballet through Stories!

Classes in Kingston and Surbiton with Brooks Dance Academy Primary school teacher, dance teacher and parent, Laura Brooks of Brooks Dance Academy offers weekly Petite Pointes dance classes for pre-schoolers and early primary age children that take a nurturing approach towards ballet and encourage creativity and self-expression.

Each Petite Pointes class for children from 2.5 years is thoughtfully based on a children’s story. Inspired by the theme of the story, the rhythm of the text and the movement of the characters, classes encourage children to express their creative ideas. “Children love stories and learn through them at nursery and at school” says Laura. “Learning to dance through stories is a natural extension of this and they have

so much inside they want to express.”

Laura uses popular classes such as The Nutcracker, fairy tales such as Goldilocks and contemporary modern day stories such as The Gruffalo to teach ballet steps and movements.

As a professional teacher and dancer, Laura believes that the more creative opportunities we can offer our children the better.

“Children start school early and the curriculum is becoming more and more academic” she says.

Classes at Petite Pointes are small and personal, with a maximum class size of 13 children. They take place in a fully equipped studio with a sprung floor in Kingston, and classes are also available in Surbiton.

Dance for Life Skills!

Classes in New Malden with KBS New Malden “There is nothing that can’t be taught through dance, from body language to mathematical problem solving” says Louise Jefferson, Principal of KBS New Malden.

KBS New Malden offers classes in ballet, tap and modern dance for children from age 3 years, and vocational classes for young adults pursing their passion.

Louise has been teaching ballet for twenty years and has an in-depth understanding of the learning journey that children go on when they start to dance.

One of the many attributes they develop is

For further information, see listing on page 32 and visit www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk

confidence. Louise proudly describes how rewarding it is to watch a formerly shy child, confidently skipping across a hall.

As children become confident movers, the learning continues. Louise gives a simple example of a child learning to jump.“Once they’re jumping, they figure out how high to jump so they land back on their feet in time with the music.”

The standard of teaching at KBS is a priority. “My goal is to create opportunities for those that are committed to progressing further with dance, as well as those that want to dance for fun - and I’m equally passionate about both” reports Louise.

For further information, see listing on page 32 and visit www.kingstonballetschool.com

for more information and to book call Mona: 07429 180865 email: mona.zaharia @ diddidance.com

or look on our webite

January-February 2015

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

27

& Feel Like Dancing?

classes, clubs activities

dance

Ballet, Tap, Modern and Drama - in Just One School Classes in Richmond with Kew Academy of Performing Arts

Kew Academy of Performing Arts has been inspiring young dancers in Richmond for the past eleven years, and its growth from twenty five to one hundred and eighty pupils is a testament to the quality of its classes.

Offering ballet, tap, modern dance and drama classes, the Academy is unusual in its provision of the complementary disciplines of dance and drama, following accredited syllabuses from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of

Creating Life Long Dancers

Classes in Kingston and Twickenham, with Danceforce School of Dancing “We have dancers who start learning primary ballet at Danceforce and are now taking adult classes” says Carol Winter, Principal.

Danceforce trains over three hundred dancers across four venues and is one of the longest running dance schools in the area. It was founded twenty seven years ago and, mother of four, Carol Winter, became principal of the successful school in 1997.

Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).

Principal, Victoria Maitland, believes that young children are ideally placed to begin ballet training, as “they don’t have limiting believes about what their bodies can achieve.” Young dancers at the Kew Academy can begin ballet at Tiny Tots beginner’s class from age 2.5 years and, as they practice their first steps, they unknowingly create a physical blueprint for strength, technique and fitness – and they also have great fun!

“Ballet trains children to develop their strength and work hard on their technique and it eventually becomes second nature” says Victoria.“They are rewarded when they hold a position they’ve been working towards, and suddenly

Weekly classes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz follow the RAD and ISTD syllabuses and pupils achieve excellent exam results. They can also enjoy school holiday workshops which include street dance and musical theatre. Drama classes are also available for children ages 4 onwards.

One of the secrets of the school’s success is its high calibre teachers.“Danceforce teachers are highly qualified”reports Carol.

“Whilst dance is fun, it is also physically demanding and teachers must have top training and know how to work safely with children’s bodies.”

Little Movers classes include Tippie Toes Ballet for boys and girls of ages 18 months to 3 years

all the pieces of the jigsaw fit together.”

Having trained at the prestigious Royal Ballet School, Victoria maintains an excellent examination record at Kew Academy, with many pupils

achieving places at The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst School for Dance, and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. For further information, see listing on page 33 and visit www.kewacademydance.co.uk

which uses themes and props and improves gross motor skills, social skills, co-ordination and rhythm, and Nursery Ballet for ages 3 to 4 years which introduces story-based learning and basic dance steps such as hopping, skipping, jumping and galloping. Reception Ballet is for ages 4 and 5 years and children learn the basic steps of

classical ballet, in preparation for pre-primary classes and beyond.

“At Danceforce we use training, encouragement and enthusiasm to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential” says Carol.

For further information, see page 32 and visit www.danceforcekingston.com

Just Imagine Ballet (formally Twinkle Toes Ballet)

Enchanting & magical classes with props, puppets & pictures to inspire & delight children from

18 months - 10 years old

Places available Enrolling now! phone: 07879 521 457 email: info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM - KEW - EAST SHEEN 28

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Classes at all levels RAD Ballet ISTD Modern & Tap, Street-dance /Hip-Hop, LAMDA Drama at United Church Hall, Raleigh Rd, Richmond

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS SEE THE WEBSITE

www.kewacademydance.co.uk or

call 01932 423456 or 07967 341117

January-February 2015

Feel Like Dancing?

&

Classes in Richmond, East Sheen, Kew and Twickenham with Just Imagine Ballet

characters and captivating stories.

In Twinkle Ballet classes, children jump aboard the pretend ballet train and

Let Loose and Dance!

Classes in Ewell with Protegem Dance School

“Dance is a creative outlet for children” says Gemma Wenman Ballan, founder of Protegem Dance School and Company in Ewell. “My students say they are so pleased to be at class and away from the mounting pressure of homework and the rigidity of the school day.”

Within the framework of the IDTA Grade syllabus, Protegem Dance School offers truly creative classes, which introduce regular new dances, encourage individual expression and offer the opportunity for children to

journey to enchanting places.

Using key characters, they are encouraged to discuss their opinions and imagine how a character would move, sound,

and play. In Sparkle Ballet, Miss Jessica incorporates key exercises from the RAD and ISTD syllabuses, but with original twists. For instance, you may find children listening to sound effects like birdsong or clocks ticking.“Children are amazed by sound effects, they’re very evocative” says Jessica.

From a handful of students in 2008, Just Imagine Ballet now teaches over four hundred children in the Richmond borough. It recently launched daytime classes for children who are home educated or have a non-standard school day. Miss Jessica also welcomes children with different needs.“Dance should be accessible to every child” she says.

For further information, listing on page 32, find Just Imagine Ballet on Faceboook (Twinkle-Toes-Ballet) or email info@twinkletoesballet.com

choreograph regularly. Classes include ballet, tap, street dance, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre but also include interesting class options such as combined tap and ballet, and a boys-only street/break dancing class.

Encouraging dancers as young as age 2 years, Gemma emphasizes the community that has been created at Protegem since it was founded in 2003. “Students who attend classes here feel a real sense of belonging” she reports.

For further information, see listing on page 33 and visit www.protegem.co.uk

Creative Movement & Dance from 18 Months to 3 Years Tippie Toes Dance Classes Fun-packed, 30 minute dance classes for girls and boys.

Children improve gross motor skills, social skills, co-ordination and rhythm, using themes and props.

Parents/carers are encouraged to stay and join in!

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS Classes in Kingston and Twickenham

Call 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com

January-February 2015

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston RAD Ballet Classes. From 18 months.

Fun, pre-school classes + RAD Ballet syllabus from Pre Primary.

ISTD Modern, Tap and Jazz. From 4 years.

ISTD grades from Pre Primary.

FREE TRIAL CLASS FOR ALL NEW CHILDREN

Adult Ballet & Tap

£5

Introductory Class

LAMDA Drama. From 4 years.

Younger children work with poems, stories and movement. Older students work towards LAMDA drama exams.

enquiries@danceforcekingston.com

020 8241 8496

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

29

Photograph courtesy of Mercedes de Graaff

dance

Jump Aboard the Ballet Train

Classes at Just Imagine Ballet (formerly Twinkle Toes Ballet) shine with joie de vivre, freedom of expression, colour and sound. They are punctuated by the peals of laughter and imaginative chatter that comes from creative thinking. There are no set uniforms for Twinkle Ballet and talking in class is positively encouraged: tutus or tracksuit pants are equally welcome here.

Just Imagine Ballet offers Twinkle Ballet for boys and girls from 15 months to 5 years, and Sparkle Ballet for those ages 5 to 10 years. Two popular “boys only” classes also stand proudly on the timetable.

Trained by the Royal Ballet School, Principal, Miss Jessica has devised her own syllabus for the school, with magical

classes, clubs activities

classes, clubs activities

&

child development

Charli Gallagher is the owner of Tumble Tots Richmond, a gym-based, physical skills activity programme for babies and children. And there is no woman better qualified to discuss the demands of running a business alongside being a parent. We discuss her recent acquisition of the Tumble Tots Richmond franchise, whilst her 5 month old baby sleeps in her arms!

Tumble Tots offers programmes for five different age groups of children between 6 months and 7 years of age. Charli is a trained instructor and runs classes herself in Twickenham, Richmond and now in Ham too.

Gymbabes is designed for babies from 6 months to walking. It helps babies develop the skills needed to sit, crawl, stand and eventually walk with confidence. In class, babies experience getting over and around objects, explore the concept of steps, slopes and bridges, and enjoy the sensations of rolling and sliding. Gymbabes is an ideal class for new parents who are learning how to play with their babies and for those wanting precious, focussed time with their little ones.

Walking toddlers progress to Tumble Tots where each session combines fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment. Week by week, the programme develops not only agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing skills, but also essential listening and language skills which are vital at school and in later life.

Every week Charli loads up her van with colourful apparatus including beams, planks, ladders, barrels and baby sensory equipment.

Physical Fun with Tumble Tots!

By Olivia Malaure

She installs a circuit for every session, which changes fortnightly, as does the focus on a particular skill.

Charli’s inspiration for taking on the juggling act of running Tumble Tots and parenting both older children and a very young baby derives from her personal experience of taking her children to activity classes.“During the weekly

Ceramics Café Kew Original Ceramics - Painted By You Studio Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-6pm Closed Mon, except Bank Holidays and Half Terms www.ceramicscafe.com Tel: 020 8332 6661

1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green Richmond TW9 3DT

activity classes I attend, I don’t take phone calls, I’m not distracted by my laptop and I stop thinking about the mounting pile of laundry” she comments.“It’s simply precious time with my children. I really want to provide this opportunity for other mums.”

For more information, see listing on page 32 and visit www.tumbletots.com/richmond

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visit us at: www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk preschool children to learn or call Andy Low on 07779 130596.

Indoor venues in Surrey.

tennis, get actively involved and build their confidence during the early years of development.

Learn your ABCs...

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Classes in Epsom, Cobham, Weybridge and East Horsley.

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For a free trial session: visit us at: www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk or call Andy Low on 07779 130596.

For a free trial session call 07779 130596 visit www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk

Classes in Epsom, Cobham, Weybridge and East Horsley.

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

January-February 2015

Get Out and Playball!

By Katherine Sands

If you are considering a multi-sports programme for your child, you will soon discover that there is an array of choices locally. So how do you decide which is best?

Ideally, a class should be age-appropriate and preferably part of a programme so your child can progress as he or she gets older.

Being part of a programme also means that sports sessions will be structured and your child will probably receive progress reports and certificates. Small class sizes are also helpful as this guarantees lots of one-to-one attention and “hands-on” time with the ball.

Having researched local options, Playball is a multi-sport programme which ticks all the above boxes and is equally popular with boys and girls. With age-specific programmes for children from ages 2 to 8, classes are held indoors during winter and outdoors the rest of the year. The programme follows a progressive pathway from the basic building blocks of

MUSIC LESSONS in RICHMOND !

jumping, throwing, rolling, hitting, catching, kicking, to learning a variety of sports skills, to having fun with mini games of tennis, hockey, cricket, rugby, football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball. Classes are fun and action-packed with high quality games and activities.

As the youngest children explore basic skills, class size is maximum six, increasing to eight from pre-school age onwards. By the time a child reaches Reception age, they will be learning to throw overarm and underarm, pass and drop kick, and catch big and small balls.

This prepares them for the multi-skill sports lessons which are introduced during Year 1, where three types of sports games are played.

Fun Family Dodgeball Classes

Ukulele & Piano

Singing Tuition

kids-clubs, workshops & vocal coaching with OLGA

Group Guitar, Keybds, Drums Uke, Recorders. Theory & Fun 5-8 yr olds with JAMES ‘Mozo’ RITZ MUSIC & TUITION CENTRE

88 SHEEN RD, RICHMOND TEL: 020 8332-1488 -

WWW.RITZMUSIC.CO.UK

January-February 2015

&

sport

These are invasion games like football, netball and rugby; net and wall games like tennis, and striking and field games like rounders and cricket. By age 7, children enjoy a three week rotation through hockey, cricket, rugby, football, netball, basketball, baseball, volleyball and golf in Multi-Sport Academies.

Like all the best sports programmes, Playball encourages children to be persistent, try their best and listen carefully to instructions. The youngest children are encouraged to participate independently, to listen, copy, play and share in a group, whilst, from age 5, more of an emphasis is placed upon developing team and partner work, skill sequencing and decision making.

Lessons, Holiday-Camps, Courses & Clubs for all ages, including ..... for pre-school & primary ages with TARA

classes, clubs activities

Bring out your inner child with your child: ● Suitable

for all abilities ask about child-friendly balls our fun ● Age 6+ (drop off for 8+) dodgeball ● Saturdays 10.30-11.30 themed ● Reeds School, Cobham parties! ● £7pp (£20 per family) ● Get fit while your kids have fun! ● Soft

“My daughter started Playball at age 2 and absolutely loved it. She quickly picked up all the routines and I was amazed how she listened to the instructions of her coach, when she rarely listened to me! Playball has been wonderful for her independence, concentration and listening skills as well as all the fantastic physical benefits it offers. She is now nearly 5 and runs rings around the boys in the playground with the football!” Elizabeth, Hampton Wick

For more information, see listing on page 35 or visit www.playballuk.com

Classes in:

Ashtead, Cobham, Esher, Hersham, Walton Contact

on or email

For some active fun, call Angus 07960 683199 / info@whizzfit.com www.whizzfit.com

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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classes, clubs activities

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directory

ART & CRAFT

ANNIE’S ARTS Ages: 7-15 Learn to hand sew, use a sewing machine, and design and cut out a simple pattern. Content of class according to child’s ability. After school classes and weekend classes. Children’s parties for ages 8-15 also available.

Half Term Workshops booking NOW! In: Richmond Contact: Ann Chasler 07879 428172 anniesarts@outlook.com CERAMICA Ages: All An ideal place for a get-together, this bright, cosy, unique, ‘paint your own ceramic’ studio brings out the artist in everyone! Services include studio painting sessions, annual membership scheme, gift vouchers, baby hand and foot print sessions, birthday parties, evening painting sessions for adults, off-site functions, ‘take home’ packs and commissions.

In: Claygate Contact: Hannah Young 01372 462447 www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All Children have the opportunity to create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes, it is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2 to 4 days.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays on Bank Holidays/half terms.

In: Kew Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com

THE POTTERY CAFÉ, EAST TWICKENHAM OUT OF THIS WORLD AT FEBRUARY HALF TERM Ages: Suited to all ages - a proper family activity!

Escape the chilly February weather at this space-themed event and enjoy a half term that is ‘out of this world.’ With planets, stars, comets and many more decorative tools to inspire creativity, there is bound to be some astronomical pottery masterpieces painted.

Contact: 020 8744 3000 www.pottery-cafe.com

BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

GYMBOREE Ages: 0-5 Award winning Play and Learn, Art, Music, and Sensory Play for Babies.

Classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play and teach grown-ups fun and interesting ways to engage with them. FREE TRIAL CLASS! In: St Margarets, Surbiton, and Walton (re-located from West Byfleet) Contact: St Margarets 020 8607 9995 Surbiton 020 3609 8007 Walton 01932 221371 www.gymboree-uk.com THE LITTLE GYM Ages: 4mths–12yrs Fun, gymnastics-based, non-competitive development classes, filled with movement, learning and laughter. The age-appropriate curriculum is designed to facilitate on-going skill development and maximum fun. Children progress at their own pace, developing their confidence as they develop new skills.

In: Hampton Hill Contact: Lewis White 020 8977 0099 www.thelittlegym.co.uk TUMBLE TOTS NEW Ages: 6 months-school age Active physical play programme for five different age groups. Gymbabes for 6 months to walking, followed

by Tumble Tots. Programmes develop not only agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing skills, but also essential listening and language skills.

In: Twickenham, Kew, and NEW in Ham! Contact: Charli Gallagher 8948 0307 charli.

Qualified & Experienced Teacher 020 gallagher@tumbletots.com www.tumbletots.com/richmond Examinations to Grade 8 Level

Piano Lessons with Margaret Wood

Theory for all Instruments Walton on Thames Tel: 01932 219767/07857 689396 Email: awood67@fsmail.net

FREE TASTER SESSION

CARPENTRY

NEW CONSTRUCTAKIDS Ages: 4-12 Children can build a variety of fun projects and learn a wide range of valuable carpentry and construction skills such as measuring, sawing, drilling, sanding, shaping, assembly and painting. Classes teach practical skills, as well as assisting with educational concepts such as abstract reasoning, problem solving, and maths. Projects vary

depending on age/experience of child.

Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 January In: Cobham and Weybridge Contact: Erika Dallinger 07968 770123 info@constructakids.co.uk www.constructakids.co.uk

COOKERY

SASSY STIRRERS Ages: 4-12 Cooking parties for birthdays, Saturday Cooking Club, after school and lunch time cooking classes in local schools and holiday workshops. Lots of bowl lucking fun with treats and recipes to take home. Look out for details of February Half Term Workshops!

In: Kingston, South West London and Surrey areas Contact: Susan 07789 792676 info@sassystirrers.com www.sassystirrers.com

DANCE

NEW BALLET BUGS For Ages: 18mths-5yrs A new and exciting, ballet-based, song and dance class, with classes designed for children and parents to enjoy together and to introduce your child to the world of ballet in a fun, caring and positive environment. Fun, interactive dances, performed to popular children’s music, nursery rhymes and classical music and props including dance scarves, maracas, tap sticks, and ribbon wands. Specifically designed to help improve coordination, balance, rhythm, confidence, social skills, discipline, body awareness, posture, fitness, physical self-control, colour recognition, motor skills, concentration and memory.

FIRST CLASS FREE! Term Starts: Week Beginning 12 Jan In: East Molesey Contact: Miss Charlotte 07889 621207 balletbugs@outlook.com BROOKS DANCE ACADEMY Introducing Petite Pointes Ballet Ages: 2.5-7 A captivating introduction to classical ballet based on much-loved children’s stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Familiar repetitive rhymes and creative imagery make classes easy to follow.

Parents and carers are encouraged to join in to help younger children feel comfortable. RAD syllabus work interweaved through the innovative and unique curriculum. Classes on Saturdays from 9.30am-12.30pm for ages 2.5-7yrs, including RAD Pre-Primary (4-5yrs) RAD Primary (5-6yrs) and RAD Grade 1 (6-7yrs). FIRST CLASS FREE! In: Kingston Contact: Laura Brooks 07958 530962 Laura@brooksdanceacademy.co.uk www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk DANCEFORCE Ages: 18mths-Adults RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Modern and Jazz. Lamda Drama. FREE TRIAL CLASS for new children.

Term Starts: 5 January

FOOTIE TOTS

Get your kids ready for sport!

• Catching and throwing • Improve movement skills • Loads of ball games • Fun for children from 18 months Thames Ditton & Surbiton call 020 8972 9223 or email roz@catch-a-balls.co.uk Kington, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton call 020 8398 3034 or email heather @catch-a-balls.co.uk

www.catch-a-balls.co.uk 32

Sftftftftftftftftftftftftftft Afttft & Cftftftftftftftftft Outdftftft Aftftft Bftuncft Cftfttftftft Biftthdftft ftftfttititi The Yellow Building, Hampton Academy Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HB

0208 941 0766

www.mumsplayshop.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk 55mm x 90mm

Families Upon Thames Magazine

In: Kingston Contact: Carol Winter 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com DIDDIDANCE For Ages: 16mths-4.5yrs Funky, fun, 45 minute pre-school dance classes for girls and boys which harness and encourage a pre-schooler’s enthusiasm and energy. Using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons, little ones improve their rhythm, co-ordination, gross motor and social skills whilst dancing to funky pop songs.

In: Teddington, St Margarets, Twickenham, Isleworth, Contact: Mona 07429 180865 mona.zaharia@diddidance.com www.diddidance.com ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY Ages: 18mths-18yrs Vibrant and imaginative RAD Ballet and IDTA Tap classes and a unique syllabus for pre-schoolers. Melody Movement classes are beautifully designed for 18mths+ and encourage musicality and rhythm.

All classes are carefully crafted to inspire, whilst nurturing talent and confidence.

Pupils can take part in rewarding exam sessions or simply take part for pleasure.

Holiday workshops and FREE TASTER CLASSES available.

Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 Jan In: Richmond and Kew Contact: Suze Bailey 07815 289306 suze@elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk www.elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk JUST IMAGINE BALLET (formerly Twinkle Toes Ballet) Ages: 15mths-10yrs Just Imagine Ballet offers magical ballet classes for girls and boys.

Twinkle Ballet classes (0-5 yrs) are taught affectionately through enchanting stories where children enter a world populated by loveable animals and fairy characters.

Sparkle Ballet (5-10yrs) classes develops classical ballet further while embracing individuality, creativity and performance.

Also: Adult Ballet, Private coaching, holiday camps, birthday parties and NEW day-time classes for home-schooled and German School, Boys Only Ballet (4-6yrs & 7-10yrs), SEN & Therapeutic dance and Saturday classes.

Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 Jan In: Richmond, East Sheen, Kew, Twickenham Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com www.justimagineballet.com KBS NEW MALDEN Ages: 3-18 Ballet, Tap and Modern Dance. From Nursery ballet, helping to extend imaginative skills and coordination, to vocational levels, giving the young dancer the opportunity to study ballet more seriously, KBS develops a child’s love of dance. RAD Ballet curriculum with the option for children to take

Welcome to the world of fitness and football for 2.5 to 5 year olds Teaching basic ball skills, scoring lots of goals and having FUN!

FOOTIE WIZARDS For children ages 5 to 8

Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Feltham and Hounslow, ALL CLASSES call 07931 707720 HELD INDOORS andy@footie-tots.co.uk FOOTBALL PARTIES AVAILABLE

Esher, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton, call 07828 629531

January-February 2015

exams. Tap and Modern Dance classes from age 4-5, following ISTD syllabuses.

These exciting lessons develop movement skills as seen on the West End stage and promote creativity and fitness. FREE TASTER SESSION! Term Starts: Week Beginning 12 Jan In: New Malden Contact: Louise Jefferson 07909 139149 kbslouise@btinternet.com www.kingstonballetschool.com KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 2.5-Adult Classes include RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern, Contemporary, LAMDA Drama and a bi-annual school performance. FREE TRIAL CLASS available.

In: Richmond/Kew Contact: Victoria Maitland 01932 423456 or 07967 341117 kewacademy@hotmail.com www.kewacademydance.co.uk PROTEGEM DANCE SCHOOL AND YOUTH COMPANY Ages: 2 to Adult Established since 2003, classes include Ballet, Tap, Street, Boys Street, Cheer, Musical Theatre (dance, drama, singing) and 3 auditioned youth dance companies. Children can enter IDTA dance exams.

In: Around Epsom and Ewell Contact: Gemma Wenman-Ballan 01737 211109 www.protegem.co.uk TIPPIE TOES Ages: 18mths-3yrs Ballet and Creative dance.

FREE TRIAL CLASS for new children.

Term Starts: 5 January In: Kingston and Twickenham Contact: Carol Winter 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com

DRAMA & STORYTELLING

BRIDGE STORYTELLING ADVENTURES FAIRYTALE FUN FEBRUARY HALF TERM WORKSHOP Ages: 2-8 (grouped by age) Date: 16-20 February 2015 (10am to 12pm Your child will go on adventures through exciting modern fairytales including Princess Smartypants and Prince Cinders, as well as beloved classics. Each day, children journey through a new story jam-packed with song, dance, drama and art and craft. Children will use drama games and lots of imagination to create a magical fairytale land with magical characters, as well as all the costumes and props needed for an informal sharing on the final day of the course. Buddy and sibling discounts!

In: Twickenham Contact: Amanda Wright 020 3222 3085 info@bridgeac.com www.bridgeac.com DRAMATIZE Ages: 6-14 Dramatize Theatre School teaches children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage, but more importantly to perform better in life. They not only teach the tools to sing, dance and act, but to gain confidence, nurture spontaneity and imagination, build essential life skills and most importantly have fun as well!

In: Ashford Contact: Joanne Smith 01784 250186 info@DramatizeTC.com www.dramatize.co.uk PERFORM FEBRUARY HALF TERM HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Ages: 4-7 Join Superhero school! After completing some specially designed Superhero training, the children will go on a thrilling adventure culminating in a mini superhero musical show on the last day for friends and family. With costumes, live music, scripts, improvisation and dance, they’ll have an amazing time making new friends and developing their social skills along the way. Book by 31st January and RECEIVE 10% off when you quote FAMI310115.

In: Richmond and Esher Contact: Lucy Quick 0845 400 1284 www.perform.org.uk PYJAMA DRAMA! Ages: 10mths-7yrs Sing, dance, pretend and play - where will our imaginations take us today? One week your child might be a jungle o.uk kids.c ructa explorer; the next they’ll be const www. zooming to the moon! A unique fusion of action song, game-play and pretending info@constructakids.co.u designed to complement key k areas of development and curricular learning for Early Years and KS1. Watch your 07968 770123 little one’s imagination soar and confidence ignite. Sibling and twin discounts available.

CARPENTRY WORKSHOPS, CLASSES AND WOODWORK PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN

Term Starts: Week Beginning Sat10 Jan In: East Molesey, Cobham, Ashtead, Walton and Hersham Contact: Phylly Jones 01932 807150 phylly@pyjamadrama.com www.pyjamadrama.com STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Ages: 4-18 Caters for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or budding talents. Classes focus on singing, dancing and drama, rather than rehearsing for an end of term presentation, so that every child has a chance to shine, learn and develop.

In: Chertsey 07725 176102, Cobham 01932 348844, Hinchley Wood 01372 238238, Hounslow 020 8873 7140, Kew 020 8487 1456, New Malden 020 8540 7791, Richmond 020 8332 6741, Staines 01483 235216, Twickenham 020 3700 9127, Weybridge 01932 422664 www.stagecoach.co.uk STORY EXPLORERS Ages: 2-4 approx Drop-in Tuesday morning class.

45 minutes of stories with props, songs and rhymes.

At: Ritz Music & Tuition Centre, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1UF Contact: Esther Rendell 07748 592842 esther@storyexplorers.co.uk

classes, clubs activities

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directory

www.jojingles.com/epsom2leatherhead MARGARET WOOD PIANO LESSONS Ages: 5-Adult Margaret is a qualified music teacher (Cert ED. ALCM) and teaches ABRSM Practical and Theory Exam Grades 1 to 8 and Rockschool Graded Exams.

In: Walton upon Thames Contact: Margaret Wood 01932 219767 or 07857 689396 MINI MOZOS MUSIC CLUB Ages: 3mths-3yrs Uplifting and unforgettable Wednesday morning term time drop-in classes.

Escape to a tropical island with Jim, and meet the tuneful fruit people. Sing your favourite songs with a calypso or reggae twist, then learn some great new music with actions and instruments. Jam along to the guitar, ukulele, trumpet, recorder, drumming and percussion in a fun, relaxed atmosphere and rattle, shake and bash plenty of instruments. Enjoy (not endure!) a variety of music. Content introduces concepts of pitch, rhythm, dynamics and genre and has been developed with childcare professionals and trialled with the NCT. MUSIC In: Teddington COLOURSTRINGS Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 Jan. Ages: 6mths-3yrs FREE TASTER 7 JAN! A long-established and respected Music Contact: Jim Tucker-Salfield Education method for very young 07899 811703 mozoisland@gmail.com children. Develops each child’s innate mozoislandmusicschool.blogspot.co.uk musicality.

MONDAY MUSIC AT At: Ritz Music and Tuition Centre, NEW MOLIES WITH LUCY 88 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1UF Ages: Under 5’s and their carers Contact: Lyn Feldschreiber Drop-in class. Monday mornings 020 8948 2066 harryhare123@aol.com East Molesey (term time) and Friday FRIDAY ROCK BAND CLUB mornings in Ham (all year). Songs, Ages: 11-17 approx games and fun. An eclectic mix of A great new club for teenagers with familiar and more unusual songs, but some music experience who’d like the structured similarly each week giving chance to play in a ‘band’ situation the child the security of a familiar under the guidance and supervision of routine. However, there is variety with professional instructors. different games including ball games, At: Ritz Music and Tuition Centre, musical instruments, puppets and more.

88 Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1UF Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 Jan Contact: Richard Coulson In: East Molesey and NEW in Ham! 07545 543357 richardcoulson@me.com Contact: Lucy Tyrer JO JINGLES COBHAM, EPSOM AND 07900 246262 LEATHERHEAD lucy.tyrer@gmail.com Ages: 3mths-5yrs MONKEY MUSIC Jo Jingles provides fun, 45 minute Ages: 3 mths-4.5yrs music, singing and movement classes Award-winning preschool music classes which teach children to play percussion for babies and children. Through a four instruments expressively, sing songs and stage curriculum in age appropriate find the rhythm to move and dance. classes, children will develop a lifetime Age-specific classes are tailor-made love for music. Book a FREE CLASS to to engage event the youngest experience all the fun yourselves! children. Classes encourage hand-eye In: Kingston and Surbiton 020 8224 co-ordination, and help children learn 3971, Banstead, Claygate and Esher social skills and make friends, as well as 01932 223309, Weybridge, Cobham, encouraging their physical, mental and Hersham, Walton and Molesey 020 8224 emotional development. Children play 0096, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and two age-specific percussion instruments each week. No joining fees! FREE TRIALl! Teddington 020 8847 4031 www.monkeymusic.co.uk In: Cobham, Epsom, Fetcham (near MOZO ISLAND MUSIC EXPLORERS Leatherhead) AFTER SCHOOL BEGINNERS CLUB Contact: Viv Hunt Ages: 5-8 approx 07751 438943 Discover musical instruments and vivhjojingles@aol.com

www.littleallsports.co.uk

MULTI-SPORTS FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN Ages 18 MTHS-5 YEARS

Getfyourfchildfactivefandffitfwithfstructured gamesfinfaffunf&ffriendlyfenvironment Call Ruth 07806 094641 or Lisa 07949 917972 for more information

Partiesfno availablew Structuredfactivitiesfandfgames fffffDevelopfhand/eyefcoordination fffffBuildfbalance,fstrength,fagility fffffGainfconfidencefandfself-esteem

January-February 2015

IndoorfVenue Walton-on-Thames

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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classes, clubs activities

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directory

basic theory on a tropical adventure!

Enjoy guitar, ukulele, recorder, singing, drumming, as well as art.

Solve puzzles, follow a treasure map, win prizes. The club allows children the unique opportunity of trying out a range of instruments without the restrictions of individual lessons at school. Helps kids develop social skills and musical awareness in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. FREE TASTER MON 12 JAN! Term Starts: Week beginning 12 Jan At: Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: James Tucker 07899 811703 mozoisland@gmail.com www.mozoisland.com mozoislandmusicschool.blogspot.co.uk MUSIC THEORY WIZARDS Ages: All ABRSM, Trinity/Guildhall, GCSE, AS/A Level, Diploma. 1 hour classes At: Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: Paul or James 07899 811703 richmond@ritzmusic.co.uk www.ritzmusic.co.uk RITZ KIDS AFTER SCHOOL SINGING CLUB Ages: 7-12 approx A fun singing group for kids run by professional music and vocal coaches.

Covers vocal warm ups, performance, microphone technique, confidence building and loads of fun! FREE TRIAL 14 JAN! Term Starts: 21 Jan

At: Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: Olga Matylda 07428 775848 RITZ KIDS BAND Ages: 7-12 approx Ritz Music’s very own school of rock!

A jamming session and chance to play your instrument in a band with kids your own age. If you are a budding musician or singer bring along your instrument(s) and join the band! Drop in but booking required if instrument is needed.

Term Starts: 16 Jan At: Ritz Music & Tuition Centre, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: Tara Maysey 07740 443694 taramaysey@gmail.com www.taramaysey.com SING, STRUM AND DRUM PRE-SCHOOL UKULELE For Ages: 3-5 yrs A pre-school ukulele class. Ukuleles can be borrowed or bring along your own.

Includes well-known nursery rhymes and songs to encourage rhythm, tone, listening and musicality. Max 10 per class.

Term Starts: 15 Jan At: Ritz Music & Tuition Centre, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: Tara Maysey 07740 443694 tara@tarasmusicmagic.com www.tarasmusicmagic.com TARA’S MUSIC MAGIC Ages: 0-4 approx Songs, rhythm, instruments and play.

Drop in or book 10 sessions to be used at any time Term Starts: 15 Jan At: Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF

Halfbacks rugby is a non-contact specific play session for girls and boys aged 2 - 7 in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Contact: Tara Maysey 07740 443694 tara@tarasmusicmagic.com TINY TUNES MUSIC AND DANCE PAY AS YOU GO CLASSES Ages: 3mths-5yrs Hide under the parachute, wave the pom poms, rattle the shakers, dance with bubbles and sing along! As well as the all-time favourite rhymes and songs, Tiny Tunes gets the little ones dancing to some of the well-known pop classics! Parties also available including party games, face painting and balloon modelling.

In: Wimbledon, Richmond, Twickenham, Isleworth, Whitton, Teddington, Hampton Hill, Barnes, Thames Ditton, Surbiton, Isleworth, Whitton, Epsom, Cobham, Weybridge, Ascot, Staines, Guildford, Dorking and Reigate 07977 585020 info@tinytuneslive.com www.tinytuneslive.com UKULELE GROUPS Ages: 5-8yrs and 9-12yrs A fun music class looking at rhythm, basic theory and chords with this great little instrument! Work towards an end of term performance and play favourite pop songs. Ukuleles can be borrowed/ rented or you can bring your own. Total beginners and intermediate welcome.

FREE TRIAL 15 JAN! Term Starts: 22 January At: Ritz Music & Tuition Centre, 88 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW9 1UF Contact: Tara Maysey 07740 443694 taramaysey@gmail.com www.taramaysey.com

SOFT PLAY AND PLAY CAFES

MUM’S PLAY SHOP Ages: 0-6 (siblings up to age 8) Soft play with junior and toddler play frame, ball pool, traditional toys, ride-ons, books and outdoor garden space. Also Art and Craft room and cosy Chill Out Zone ‘The Snug’ with television. Cafe serving hot and cold home-made, healthy food. Crafty Tales with Deva Mon & Wed 9.30am, no extra charge. Caterpillar Music class Thurs £8 pay-as-you-go or £72 for 12 week term with FREE one hour play after each class. School holiday activities including Cooking Club, Gardening Club and football.

Open: Term Time: Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 3.45pm, Friday 9.30am to

6pm School Holidays: Mon to Fri 9.30am to 6pm.

In: Hampton Contact: Fiona Williams 020 8941 0766 www.mumsplayshop.co.uk

SPORT

CATCH-A-BALLS Age: 18 months to school age Fun ball game-based activities that develop skills such as rolling, throwing, catching and using bats. Indoor venues so kids stay warm and dry and get full enjoyment. New games and props each term to ensure the children are kept interested and experience a wide range of skills to prepare children for a wide range of sports. Club BOING:18 mths-2yrs; Club BOUNCE: 2.5-3.5yrs; Club CATCH: 3.5 to school age.

Parents/carers join the fun in Club BOING and Club BOUNCE whilst in Club CATCH, parents can observe.

FREE TASTER SESSION! Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 January In: Claygate, Kingston, Richmond, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Twickenham and Hampton Contact: Heather for Kingston, Richmond, Twickenham, Claygate, Hampton & Teddington 020 8398 3034 contact@catch-a-balls.co.uk Roz for Thames Ditton and Surbiton 020 8972 9223 roz@catch-a-balls.co.uk www.catch-a-balls.co.uk COERVER FOOTBALL COACHING FIRST SKILLS PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCE ACADEMY Ages: First Skills 5-7 and Performance Academy 8-16 Football fundamentals in First Skills program. Then The Performance Academy, the UK’s Premier Player Development programme for young footballers (boys & girls), offering an unrivalled level of support, both on and off the training field. 90 minute FREE TRIAL SESSION available!

In: Kingston and Hounslow Contact: Amit Sohal 020 3544 2284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots 2.5-5 Footie Wizards 5-11 An introduction to the world of fitness and football with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way! Footie Tots and

For your FREE TRIAL book online at halfbacks.co.uk/free-trial MARBLE HILL PARK, TWICKENHAM | SATURDAY MORNINGS 10AM - 12PM

halfbacks.co.uk | info@halfbacks.co.uk | 01932 808698

Inspiring development sessions ur k yo Boo aster!

T e e Fr

Pre-Sch Drop-in Shake and move while Jim plays LIVE: £6 per/ Guitar. Ukulele. Trumpet. Recorder. Drums & more! sess for Babies and Pre-Schoolers-

mozoislandmusicschool.blogspot

Wednesdays 9.30am: 1.5yrs - 3yrs

10.30am: 3mths - 1.5yrs

07899 811703 Jim Tucker 34

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

SalvationArmy Hall 27 Church Rd TW11 8PF Teddington January-February 2015

classes, clubs activities

&

Footie Wizards encourage the children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age. All classes are held indoors.

In: Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington, Richmond, Feltham, Hounslow Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720 In: Thames Ditton, Esher, Molesey, Walton, Kingston and Surbiton Contact: 07828 629531 www.footie-tots.co.uk GBMAA MARTIAL ARTS Ages: 4 to 14 The Great Britain Martial Arts Academies are at the forefront of Martial Arts in the UK. Li’l Dragon programmes (4-6yrs), Kids Zone (7-8yrs) and Children’s Programme (9-14yrs). Children work on their own personal development through non-violent resolutions to conflict, building self-confidence and self-discipline, respecting others, setting goals and working as a team.

In: Cobham Contact: Kalon Page 0845 177 5001 www.gbacademies.co.uk HALFBACKS RUGBY NEW Ages: 2 to 7 A fun and exciting new concept designed to teach children the values of rugby union, enabling them to develop their confidence, physical and social skills, and ultimately be kids! Coaches are at the top of their game providing innovative and outstanding rugby games every week. FREE TRIAL! Term Starts: Week Beginning 10 Jan In: Twickenham (Marble Hill Park) Contact: Dave Smith 01932 808698 info@halfbacks.co.uk www.halfbacks.co.uk KIDDIKICKS FOOTBALL CLASSES Ages: 18mths-9yrs Kiddikicks coaches real skills in a super-fun environment. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle through participation in sport whilst developing a love for the beautiful game! Parties also offered.

FREE TRIAL! Term Starts: 17 Jan (East Molesey, Kingston, Weybridge), 11 Jan (Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton), 5 Jan (Richmond, Sheen, Brentford) In: East Molesey, North Kingston, Weybridge, Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton, Richmond, Sheen, Brentford Contact: East Molesey, Weybridge and Kingston Jen 020 3560 9256 jen@kiddikicks.co.uk; Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham and Hampton Tamara 0800 035 4464 twix@ kiddikicks.co.uk; Richmond, Sheen, Brentford Sarah 020 7937 7965 sarah@ kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk www.nwsurrey.kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk/twickenham

LITTLE ALL SPORTS Ages: 18mths-5yrs A multi-sports programme for pre-schoolers with sessions run on a half-termly basis. The sports covered are athletics, football, gymnastics, netball, cricket and general ball skills. Sports are taught on a rotating fortnightly basis.

In: Walton Contact: Ruth Heather 07806 094641 info@littleallsports.co.uk www.littleallsports.co.uk LONDON KARATE LTD Ages: 4+ Teachers help develop good manners, self discipline and respect for parents and teachers within the lesson.

SPECIAL FAMILIES OFFER: 3 FREE TRIAL CLASSES AVAILABLE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS LISTING! Term Starts: 5 Jan In: Richmond, Putney, Kingston, Weybridge, Brentford, Roehampton Contact: 07538 497798 contact@londonkarate.co.uk www.londonkarate.co.uk PLAYBALL Ages: 2-8 Prepare your child for life, with this comprehensive sport and movement based programme.

Term Starts: Week Beginning 5 Jan In: Hampton, Richmond, Barnes, St Margarets, Roehampton, Kingston Contact: Hampton: playball.kay@gmail. com; Richmond/St Margarets: richmond. playball@gmail.com; Kingston: kingston.playball@gmail.com; Barnes/Roehampton: barnes.playball@gmail.com www.playballuk.com RUGBYTOTS Age: 2-7 A fun, enthusiastic, weekly play program based around Rugby.

Rugbytots aims to use Rugby specific skills to aid the development of young children. Not only does the program develop physical and social attributes in children, but also encourages basic rugby skills including running with the ball, kicking, catching and scoring a try. Classes are split by age group and all lead coaches are trained to a very high standard to get the best out of the children in a safe, organised and friendly environment.

In: Twickenham, Barnes, Putney, Surbiton, Richmond and COMING SOON in Hampton!

Contact: Lorna Belchambers 0845 481 6444 www.rugbytots.co.uk TOP SPIN MONKEYS Age: 2-6 This great new tennis programme provides parents/carers and children with the opportunity to interact through learning sport skills. Its coaching develops a child’s ABCs - Agility, Balance

and Co-ordination, as well as improving their speed. Fun yet structured sessions for 2-6 year old boys and girls at selected indoor locations in Surrey.

New locations soon in Surrey!

In: Cobham, Epsom, Weybridge, East Horsley Contact: Andy 07779 130596 andy@topspinmonkeys.co.uk www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk TRY TIME KIDS’ RUGBY Age: 2-7 Fun, rugby centred activities that will develop skills and confidence and increase enjoyment of sport. FREE TRIAL! Term Starts: 10/11 Jan In: Richmond Contact: Danielle Dyer 01252 794150 sales@trytimekidsrugby.com www.trytimekidsrugby.com WHIZZFIT FUN FAMILY NEW DODGEBALL CLASS Ages: 6+ Want all your family to keep active, but don’t have enough time to fit everything in? These fun, dodgeball themed classes are a great way to bond with the family and keep everyone energised and fit all at the same time. Played with soft balls, our dodgeball games are safe and suitable for all ages and abilities. You’ll have so much fun you won’t even realise you are exercising!

In: Cobham Contact: Angus Effemey 07960 638199 info@whizzfit.com www.whizzfit.com

SWIMMING

PK SWIM SCHOOL Ages: 2-18 Swimming lessons for all abilities and

Group Group Music Music Sessions Sessions

directory

ages. Classes are fun and engaging for non-swimmers, as well as taxing for stroke improvers.

Term Starts: 5 Jan In: Cobham Contact: Paul Furness/Koing Chea 07915 510720/07939 232731 info@pkswimschool.co.uk www.pkswimschool.co.uk WATER BABIES Age: 0-4.5 Classes progress seamlessly through the program, with children having great fun while all the time building confidence and independence in the water. Most toddlers can swim short distances by around the age of 2, and have mastered vital skills including how to turn around and hold on and, where possible, how to clamber out of the pool.

In: Addlestone, Shepperton, Kingston, Chessington, Cobham, Richmond and Morden Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227428 www.waterbabies.co.uk

TRAVEL

LETTERS FROM RILEY Ages: 6-10 A monthly letter and activity pack delivered to you from Riley as he travels the world. The programme has been developed to allow little ones to travel the world without leaving the comfort of their own home. They just need to power up their imagination. www.lettersfromriley.com

WEEKLY

For beginners 5-8s Guitar, Ukulele, Keyboard, Recorder, Singing, Drumming

LOCAL

CLASSES

with Water Babies, the UK’s leading baby swim school

mozoislandmusicschool.blogspot

Discover instruments, theory, develop social skills and ur k yo er! o musical awareness o B st

12th Jan 3.45 pm Mondays

Ta Free

James Tucker 07899 811703 mozoisland@gmail.com January-February 2015

Ritz Music Sheen Road TW9 Richmon d

3 Fully qualified, world class instructors 3 Award-winning programme teaches babies from birth 3 Teaching you to teach your baby to swim 3 Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills To join in the fun call

01932 227 428

classes held. . .

Addlestone, Shepperton, Kingston, Chessington, Morden, Richmond & Cobham

waterbabies.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

35

HALF TERM AND WEEKEND OUTINGS A travel ling advent

ure

for young explorers Give your child the travel bug from an early age.

Would you like to try something different?

Why not paint your own ceramics?

At Ceramica, we guarantee great fun for all!

Our services include: Children’s birthday parties Baby foot and hand print sessions Evening sessions for adults Annual membership scheme Take home packs & gift vouchers

tivity thly ac d cra door r u o y to ew res cover n 4 Doisuntries & cultu c e m ti every boys r girls & 4 Fune fo 10 to ag 5

4 Monft box delivere

7 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0PD Phone: 01372 462447 Making ceramic painting easy and fun in a creative, enjoyable environment!

www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk

Twitter: @CeramicaEsher Facebook: www.facebook.com/CeramicaClaygate

Explore more online at www.lettersfromriley.com

Butterflies in the Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley Delight your children with a magnificent display of colour and movement as hundreds of exotic butterflies are released into the glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey this winter.

From 17 January to 8 March, butterflies such as the striking Blue Morpho, the giant Owl, the King Swallowtail and the colourful Malay Lacewing will settle amongst the tree ferns, tall palms, lush-leaved creepers and dazzling flower displays of this tropical paradise.

The butterflies will be feeding from fruits and sweet liquids at special feeding stations, and as

36

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

you and your children delight in their colour and size, you may just be lucky enough to have one settle on you! At half term, children can also enjoy creating a flapping butterfly or sowing butterfly-friendly seeds. Activities will run daily from 14 to 22 February from 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm.

Open Mon-Fri 10.30am to 3.30pm and weekends 9.30am to 3.30pm, entry is FREE with normal garden entry. You can beat the queues by pre-booking a slot for weekends and half term. For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/wisley

January-February 2015

LOCAL THEATRE POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Booking: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com PETER PAN UNTIL 14 FEB Magic soars to the sky this winter, as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk Wendy and her brothers off to Neverland.

Ages: 6+ CURIOUS 15 FEB Cake-making gets messy in this perfect introduction to theatre, guaranteeing giggles galore for the young and young at heart.

Ages: 0-3 YEN SHEN 18 FEB TO 8 MAR The world’s first Cinderella story from China comes to life with puppetry, live music and all the excitement of the Chinese Spring Festival. Ages: 6+ RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Rd, Walton KT12 2NZ Box Office: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk ARTHUR’S DREAMBOAT 14 FEB A playful children’s show with breath-taking puppets, so magical that everyone will want to sail away with Arthur in his dream boat! Ages: 2-6

THE ROSE THEATRE 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL 020 8174 0090 www.rosetheatrekingston.org SLEEPING BEAUTY 24 JAN Traditional family pantomime For Ages: All ROOM ON THE BROOM 17 TO 21 FEB Tall Stories’magical musical stage adaptation by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages: 3+ WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk A REAL FAIRY STORY SUN 18 JAN Do you believe in fairies? Mrs. Buttersnap does! With an assortment of gadgets, old and new, she slips into a fantasy world for fairies, where all is not well.

This is a fun and exciting show full of comedy, magic and shadow puppetry. Ages: 4-7 PINOCCHIO SUN 25 JAN Brought to life before your eyes with puppetry, shadows, illusions and music. Ages: 4+ Art ‘n’ Craft Family Workshop at 2pm and 4pm (booking required).

LIANG & THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH SUN 1 FEB

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this charming show combining puppetry, origami and live painting. Ages: 4-7 Art ‘n’ Craft Family Workshop at 2pm & 4pm (booking required).

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL 4 Embercourt Rd, JOURNEY OF A TURTLE SUN 8 FEB Thames Ditton A beautiful story based on KT7 0LQ a trilogy of ‘Just-So’ style 0844 884 8832 traditional turtle tales from www.verafletcherhall.co.uk around the world. Ages: 5+ RAPUNZEL 13 AND 14 JAN CLAYTIME SAT 14 AND SUN 15 FEB A hair-raising , foot-tapping, Pop some old clothes on the high-flying show with music, little ones and get them stuck puppets and gravity-defying into this interactive play where actors. Ages: 5-11 the earth’s natural material HANDA’S SURPRISE meets with children’s hands and 7 FEB Please findfabulous below a proof your advertisement for the imaginations forming Muchof loved book of Handa’s shapes and amazing animals. encounters with ostrich, zebra, September/October 2014 issue (No. 74) of Families TVE. Ages: 3-6 giraffe and a parrot are brought to life through puppetry, dance and CINDER-ELLA THU 19 AND FRI CHECK 20 FEB song. Ages: 2.5-5 Please ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT A hilarious version of the classic 10% discount especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses. fairy tale featuring magic tricks, during Jan/Feb inventive silliness, puppetry, tunes from Rossini’s opera and Any changes need to be made at this stage. even an aria. Ages: 3+ Any COULD furtherDOamendments will be charged for.

IF ONLY ROSA MAGIC SUN 22 FEB Please contact An international treat fromus by return either to amend or approve your Norway. advertisement.

She has no friends to Ltd. play with and her parents are Bespoke Agency- Flexible Live-In Domestic Help always away. So, to pass the - Childcare: Au Pairs, Mother’s Help time, Rosa creates her own - House-keepers Call 0333 800 8085 dream world with dragons, frogs, - Elderly: Companions/ Carers Throughout UK and parents who understand and www.heavenlyaupairs.com info@heavenlyaupairs.com have time for her. Ages: 4-8 THE MAGIC PORRIDGE POT AND Don’t forget to say OTHER TASTY TALES “..thank you for all your help in finding H - she is & has revolutionised SUN 1 MAR whereperfectyou sawmy life!”the ad!

A trio of traditional and tasty tales to tantalize and tease.

Ages: 3+ Art ‘n’ Craft Family Workshop at 2pm and 4pm (booking required).

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

Heavenly Au Pairs

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS UNTIL 11 JAN Jerry Hall will be bringing a touch of glamour to this year’s pantomime as she takes on the role of the Wicked Queen.

Joining Hall is Cbeebies presenter Chris Jarvis. Join this festive adventure into an enchanted fairytale forest and meet your favourite characters along the way.

THE SOOTY SHOW 25 JAN Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family.

OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE 28 FEB TO 1 MAR Embark on an exciting new mission with the underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in this brand new live stage show.

January-February 2015

Buy and Sell Maternity, Baby & Kids 0-6

Surbiton

Saturday 7 Feb Grand Avenue School KT6 4LS 14 Mar 18 Apr 2-4pm St Mark’s Church Hall KT6 4LS

Teddington

Saturday 17Jan 14 Feb 14 Mar 2-4pm Teddington Baptist Church TW11 8PF www.mum2mummarket.co.uk Top sellers make over £300! Stalls sell out weeks in advance.

Book yours now!

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

37

LOCAL THEATRE

In its brand new Winter Season, Watermans continues to deliver the very best in family theatre, leading the way with fun shows that will also broaden a child’s horizons and take them on a surprising journey. This is particularly true of this season which has a distinctly international flavour, as well as including traditional, much-loved tales – with unique twists!

Fairy tale lovers should make a date with the season opener, A Real Fairy Story (Sun 18 January) and prepare for a giggle as Mrs Buttersnap searches for a fairy’s photo using both magic and shadow puppets. The fairy tale theme continues with two mouth-watering opportunities to relish and compare polar-opposite versions of Cinderella – both featuring elements of opera! The hilarious comedy Cinder-Ella is on the menu during the half term week (19 and 20 February) and features magic tricks, puppetry and an aria from Rossini. Come back on 22 March and see the second interpretation of Cinderella in Yeh Shen, a mesmeric Chinese version featuring the Beijing Opera! Or make sure your kids know that telling tales just doesn’t pay off, with a delightful rendering of Pinocchio (Sun 25 Jan), with puppetry, music and illusions.

Families can celebrate Chinese New Year with Liang and the Magic Paintbrush (Sun 1 Feb), a charming show with puppetry, origami and live painting and have fun making a Chinese lantern (Places limited, booking required, £3 per child.) Also to be savoured is the rare opportunity

Waterman’s Winter Season Opens with a New Look Café and Restaurant!

By Linda Stone, Editor

to see Norwegian Katja Lindeberg perform in If Only Rosa Could Do Magic (Sun 22 Feb), and discover why Rosa is so sad.

For something very different, the interactive show Claytime, which kicks off half term on 14 and 15 February, gets kids’ minds – and hands – creating with clay. Old clothes are required!

Bocketts Farm Park 14th - 22nd Feb 2015

FEBRUARY

HALF TERM FUN

As well as tickets starting at only £6.50 and Art ‘n’ Craft workshops after many shows, Watermans also offers on-site parking and, with a Watermans’ Friends Membership deal you can park all year for just £10 – beat that anywhere else in London!

Make sure you try out the new-look café and restaurant

too. It’s large and family friendly, has lovely river views and is great for a relaxing drink before or after the show. The bright new look has been put together

by Rebecca Hayes Interiors to reflect the industrial and utilitarian feel of the building.

For further information, see listings on page 37 and visit www.watermans.org.uk

70

US GORWGBEOORN NE BS DUE LAM

ENJOY FREE RANGE FAMILY FUN THIS FEBRUARY HALF TERM!

HEATED PLAYBARN & SEATING AREA!

› Daily birds of prey flying demonstrations! (Mon-Fri only) › Visit the Pony Parlour › Early Spring lambing starts › Plenty of indoor play & activities

PLUS

Animal handling, goat milking, tractor rides, pig racing and pony rides daily!

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

#

SPECIAL

OFFER 38

D AR AW WI NN ING !

£2 OFF full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid weekends from 3rd Jan - 8th Feb 2015.

Only with this voucher. Off Peak Winter Weekday rates of £6.50 per person apply Mon – Fri until 13th Feb 2015.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

January-February 2015

what’s on EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES EVERY WEEKEND 10 JAN TO 8 FEB FAMILY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Times: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal admission Join in weekend activities including storytelling in the yurt and bird watching walks.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk EVERY WEEKEND 10 JAN TO 8 FEB AND 14-22 FEB ZOO DAYS AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES RESORT Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE Time: 10am-8pm Cost: Normal admission Visit Chessington Zoo and go on an adventure to meet mischievous meerkats, come nose to nose with sharks and rays in the spectacular SEA LIFE centre or roar with the lions in the Trail of the Kings. There’s just so much for the whole family to explore at Chessington.

0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com SAT 17 JAN AND 21 FEB YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGY CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 to 16.

Time: 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm Cost: £4.50 Explore the world of archaeology through site visits, artefact handling and investigation, and art and craft activities.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 17 JAN TO SUN 8 MAR BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: Mon-Fri 10.30am-3.30pm Weekends 9.30am to 3.30pm Cost: Normal admission Discover the world of butterflies, their super skills and special senses.

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley SUN 18 JAN HIDDEN HABITATS WALK AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 2pm Cost: Adult £6, Child £3 Explore the secret wonder of dead wood in Osterley’s winter landscape.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk SUN 25 JAN AND SAT 22 FEB LUCKY DIP DISCO AT RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ For Ages: Under 7s Time: 3-5pm Cost: Child £6, Adult £4 Retro Disco for children and families to dance together.

Booking required.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 31 JAN AND 7 FEB DAD DAY IN RICHMOND Richmond Old Town Hall, Whittaker Ave, Richmond TW9 1TP Ages: up to 10 Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £6 for 1st child, £3 additional A programme of creative activities for Dads or male carers and their children including animation, print-making, construction and painting.

020 8831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk SUN 1 FEB DIG IT! AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-3pm Cost: Normal admission Dig up the past in this interactive archaeology exhibition.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/morden-hall-park

January-February 2015

SUN 1 FEB & 1 MAR STORY CAFE AT RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ For Ages: 3+ Time: 3pm Cost: £4 (£2 under 2s) Bring a cushion along for this creative storytelling, themed activity and teatime event.

01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 7 FEB 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE Free drop-in family craft session.

Join in to make paper windmills.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org SAT 14 FEB CHILDREN’S BOOK SWAP AT ORANGE TREE THEATRE 1 Clarence Street, Richmond TW9 2SA Time: 10am-1pm Cost: FREE Children and families are encouraged to take their old books and swap them for a new read for their home library.

020 8940 3633 www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk

HALF TERM

SAT 14 TO SUN 22 FEB HALF TERM TRAIL AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG For Ages: All Ages Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Cost: Adult £8, Child £4 Garden nature trail for children.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Ages: 8+ Times: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal admission Come along to discover how birds, bugs and mammals attract a mate, their dating habits and what sort of partner they make.

0208 409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk HALF TERM FUN AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Leatherhead KT22 9BS Ages: 0-10 Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal admission Enjoy a great day out on the farm with start of Spring lambing, birds of prey and a full programme of fun farm activities including pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing. Outdoors, enjoy the jumping pillows, pedal go karts and play trails. Inside, explore the giant heated playbarn.

01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk HALF TERM AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 10am-4.30pm Cost: Normal admission Discover the world of butterflies, their super skills and special senses.

Plant their favourite flowers, create a lovely dragonfly or butterfly from pipe cleaners or how about a caterpillar hat?

0845 260 9000 www.rhs.org.uk MON 16 TO FRI 20 FEB HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Normal admission Join Ham House for its popular holiday storytelling, art activities and kids trail.

020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/ham-house HALF TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT BROOKLAND’S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 6.30 pm Cost: Normal admission Popular car rides, Bertie the

Brooklands Bear making guest appearances, trails and family workshops.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com HALF TERM FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT THE POTTERY CAFÉ, EAST TWICKENHAM 332 Richmond Road East, Twickenham TW1 2DU Escape the chilly February weather at this space-themed event and enjoy a half term that is ‘out of this world.’

With planets, stars, comets and many more decorative tools to inspire creativity, there is bound to be some astronomical pottery masterpieces painted.

Contact: 020 8744 3000

www.pottery-cafe.com

TUE 17 FEB LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING CLUB AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 12-4pm Cost: Normal admission Get hands-on in this edible drop-in kids gardening session.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk TUE 17 FEB 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE 11¾ AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 12-4pm Cost: Normal admission Fun activities as you explore the outdoors.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk TUE 17 FEB AND THU 19 FEB HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITY AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 5-12 Time: 11am or 2pm Cost: £4.50 per child Fun and practical activities are on offer relating to the museum collections. Booking required.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

THU 19 FEB CRAFT CART AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB Time: 12-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal admission Drop in and get crafty.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk SAT 28 FEB AND SUN 1 MAR FAMILIES FIRST WEEKEND AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Rd, Isleworth, TW7 4RB Time: 12-3pm Cost: Normal admission Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with activities for all the family 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

NEARLY NEW SALES

MUM2MUM www.mum2mummarket.co.uk TEDDINGTON SAT 17 JAN, 2-4PM Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, TW11 8PF SURBITON SAT 7 FEB, 2-4PM Grand Avenue School, Surbiton KT5 9HU TEDDINGTON SAT 14 FEB, 2-4PM Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, TW11 8PF NCT www.nct.org.uk KEW SAT 7 FEB, 10.30AM-12.30PM Barn Church, Atwood Ave, TW9 4HF EGHAM SAT 7 MAR, 10.30AM-12PM Egham Leisure Centre, TW20 8NL BYFLEET SAT 7 MAR, 2.30-4PM Byfleet Village Hall, 54 High Rd, KT14 7QL

The Best in Family Theatre on your Doorstep

Quality theatre for preschoolers and above, at Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford.

There’s easy on-site parking, a large cafe and tickets start at just £6.50. Visit our website and get their imaginations whirring!

www.watermans.org.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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HOL CAM IDAY BIRT PS & H PAR DAY TIES !

! ndation to your child’s sporting life u o f e t ltima The u

● Ball Skills & Movement Classes ●

From 2 to Pre-School.

Small Class Sizes ● Age Appropriate Skills & Fun Games

● Multi Sports Skills & Mini Games for Reception & Year 1 ● Maximum Ball Time ● Teamwork ● Sport Skill Development for all Ball Sports

● Sport Academies for Age 6+ (All major sports included) Hampton – playball.kay@gmail.com Kingston – kingston.playball@gmail.com Richmond/St Mrgts – richmond.playball@gmail.com Barnes – richmond.playball@gmail.com www.playballuk.com

Established

1979

The springboard to confidence for your child Help your child develop the vital skills and confidence needed for life with Tumble Tots, Britain's leading National Active Physical Play Programme ◆ Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age ◆ A structured programme designed to build selfconfidence and develop essential listening and language skills ◆ Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment

Put your child's energy to good use and book a trial today!

Call 0208 948 0307 or visit www.tumbletots.com/richmond

A safe and creative environment in which your child can thrive in their experience of sport and develop a love for playing the greatest game on earth!

Check us out on

Facebook + Twitter BANSTEAD AND CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309 KINGSTON AND SURBITON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971 OXSHOTT, LEATHERHEAD AND DORKING E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 841 303 RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON E: kew.teddington@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 847 4031 WEYBRIDGE, COBHAM AND MOLESEY E: weybridge.cobham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 0096

for regular Competitions and Discount Codes

CRB checked and FA qualified coaches

@kiddikicks

Training sessions, courses and parties across London

KiddikicksHQ

try us for free get in touch with your local kiddikicks for details

Kiddikicks HQ

NW Surrey

Twickenham

Includes Richmond, Sheen, Brentford and Chiswick

Includes Kingston, Weybridge and East Molesey

Includes Hampton, Twickenham, Feltham, Teddington, Isleworth

020 7937 7965

020 3560 9256

0800 035 4464

www.kiddikicks.co.uk

nwsurrey.kiddikicks.co.uk

twickenham.kiddikicks.co.uk

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