Families upon Thames issue 93 Jan-Feb 2014

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January/February 2014 Issue 93

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING LETTING GO Karen Baxter enjoys a Gong Kundalini Yoga class with Universal Resonance

Determined to tick off at least one of my New Year Resolutions for 2013 before the year ended, I rushed out on the first cold evening of November to ‘Try something new.’ After a busy day at work, I was convinced that it would take a severe electric current to the brain to relax me. So I was pleasantly surprised that when I arrived (late) at the Universal Resonance studio in Twickenham, my blood pressure fell very quickly.

The majority of the 1.5 hour class took place seated, other than the last part which involved lying down. I’ve tried all sorts of yoga styles from Bikram Hatha yoga, (strenuous work in a 40 degree heated studio) to practicing Raj Yoga (anywhere,

anytime) meditation, but none as playful as Kundalini Yoga.

There was something about it that made me smile. The exercises are not particularly strenuous, but the simpleness of sitting cross legged and upright for a long period of time certainly works the core strength.

All the movements are performed with closed eyes, and when I peeped, I was reassured by the fact that no one was watching me rather clumsily rotate my arm in the air. Movements were accompanied by relaxing breathing exercises, most performed to a suitably calming soundtrack.

A unique and exciting feature of the class was the sound of the gong being played, which proved to be a great way of stilling the chatter of my brain, whilst also giving

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Universal Resonance holds Gong Yoga classes in the Twickenham area.

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

WE’RE BACKING THE BARRE! By Olivia Malaure Ranjit Baki is one of the small group of five women currently enrolled in Jo Heath’s DanceBarre class in Whitton.

Ranjit introduces herself by saying “I’m really not an exercise person, I’ve got two young children, I run my own business and I’m never going to get to the gym.” But, by the end of our conversation, I can tell that she is on a personal journey from someone who has “no time for exercise” to someone who just can’t get through the week without her

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DanceBarre class.

“I’m starting to feel energetic and fit. It’s just 1 hour a week but it seems to make a real difference. I never thought I’d build up such strength in such a short period of time” says Ranjit with pride.

Barre workouts are all about improving core strength and posture. Low impact, but high intensity, they are easy on the joints, but have a dramatic effect on the entire body, toning, lifting, shaping and flattening to quickly result in a stronger, more flexible, more sculpted physique.

Set to high-energy, feel-good music, classes incorporate elements of pilates, ballet, yoga and sports conditioning and are never boring!

Class member, Charlotte Lee, describes DanceBarre as “ingenious” and stresses that it’s not necessary to have a dance background to enjoy it.“My mum comes with me. She’s 68 and has a spur in her shoulder” says Charlotte.“Her mobility isn’t great but our instructor is really skilled at adapting the exercises to suit the ability of each individual in the group.”

Ranjit and Charlotte have nothing but wonderful things to say about instructor, Jo Heath, a professional dancer whose career includes performing with the prestigious

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it something on which to focus. The class ended with relaxation under a blanket, listening to the incredible resonance of the gong.

As with any type of yoga you really do have to ‘go with it’ to feel the benefits.

Finding myself able to let go, I was rewarded by feeling my lower back melting into the ground, and felt grateful for an oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic day.

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Sadlers Wells Contemporary Dance Company.

“Jo is a woman working on women’s bodies and she really knows them.

The classes are tailor made for women who have had children” says Ranjit. Clearly Jo Heath is inspiring -“even when it hurts, she makes you laugh!” says Charlotte.

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Jo Heath is an accredited BarreConcept instructor, with more than 20 years’ experience as a dancer. DanceBarre classes are held at her new, purpose-built studio in Whitton and participants are guaranteed a fun, friendly, non-intimidating experience.

All fitness levels are welcome (ladies only), no dance experience is required and the first class is FREE. For further information, email jo@thedancebarre.co.uk or call 07985 562343.

Running Courses from Hampton Court Train Station & other locations Personal Training also available

January-February 2014

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COMPETITION! WIN! COMPETITION! WIN a FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT Worth £90 from Professional Family Photographer Victoria B – who took the beautiful cover image for this issue!

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

Win this competition and book a weekend shoot with Victoria B for a family of up to four people anywhere in the KT/TW area. You can book your shoot any time before 30 June 2014.

The choice of location is yours.

Spring is just around the corner so choose an outdoor shoot amongst the bluebells or a cosy indoor experience at your home.

Elect to include additional people in your shoot, or, hold it outside the KT/TW area, at a small extra cost.* Victoria B is an experienced and friendly family photographer who has photographed hundreds of local families in the last 4 years and prides herself on being able to get even the most photo-shy to relax in front of the camera! She is comfortable photographing babies and children of all ages.

Having taken beautiful

photographs of your family, Victoria will select the best, undertaking a little air brushing of blemishes, if required, to make sure everyone looks their best.

She will then present the finished results to you in your own home.

There is no pressure to buy, but if you like what you see, there are lots of products to choose from, including digital images, frames and canvases. Digital images can be purchased at a price of £180 for three, £280 for six, £380 for twelve or a full set of around 30 images for £495 – just £16 per image! Each digital image can be printed as many times as you like for grandparents, godparents, friends, and, of course, uploaded to Facebook to share with your wider network.

@FamiliesuponT Now more than 4200 followers!

Our next issue is published on 3 March and will include everything you need to enjoy a perfect Easter, as well as all our regular features!

*SW London postcodes are £30-£50 extra, depending exact location.

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To Enter: Go to our website www.familiesuponthames.co.uk, click on Competitions, and answer the following question: How long has Victoria been taking photographs of local families?

Closing Date: Friday, 28 February (Terms and Conditions Apply)

January-February 2014

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING A GUIDE TO MASSAGE

By Carly Weston

The benefits of most types of massage include: reduced stress, improved range of motion, improved posture, lowered blood pressure, improved circulation, relief from tension headaches, strengthened immune system, elevated mood and self-esteem.

There are many different types of massage, so if you are not sure what treatment would suit you, ask yourself what physical or emotional problems you would like to address. Then take a look at the guide below to select the appropriate treatment.

Relaxation Massage The most commonly known form of massage, Relaxation Massage is all about creating relaxation for the client through pampering, soothing touch, large soft towels, fragrant oils and calming music. The light pressure applied stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems and has many of the benefits mentioned above. Relaxation Massage suits those wanting an hour or so of “time out” from busy lives for an enjoyable,

comforting experience, or who are possibly feeling a little low.

However, those with acute muscle pain or persistent headaches, for instance, will require a deeper massage.

Deep Tissue Massage Deep Tissue Massage is a more therapeutic treatment which addresses the anatomy of the body. The therapist looks at ways to help with specific problems that either the client highlights or which become apparent during the session.

After using strokes to warm up the muscles, deep pressure is applied to strategic points of the body using the therapist’s body weight. Fists and elbows create a much firmer stroke and break down ‘knots’ in the muscles.

Athletes like Deep Tissue Massage but it is beneficial for anyone who feels a Relaxation Massage isn’t strong enough for them. Almost the whole body can be treated, but the most common areas are the legs and back.

Although Deep Tissue Massage can be quite painful, a certain level of pain during a session can lead to immense relief from tight muscles. It takes time to build up enough tension to cause headaches, for example, so similarly you will probably need a few sessions to feel long term benefits.

Indian Head Evolving from traditional techniques practised in India for over a thousand years, Indian Head Massage has its origins in the ancient system of Ayurveda medicine.

This treatment works on muscle groups that are affected by stress and can bring relief from aching

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shoulders, headaches, eyestrain, insomnia, earache and other problems. It is also said to work on the Crown Chakra, which relates to consciousness - when this chakra is in balance it is thought to bring us bliss! It leaves the client feeling deeply relaxed, rejuvenated and uplifted but can be quite an emotional experience, as it brings about slower, deeper breathing allowing us to tune into our emotions more easily.

Indian Head Massage works by relaxing the thin layer of muscle covering the skull. This tightens when we are tense and relaxing it improves blood flow, alleviates anxiety, soothes nerve endings, flushes out toxins from tight muscles and relaxes the whole body.

The treatment involves massage to the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, face and scalp, whilst the client is seated.

Thai Foot Massage Thai Foot Massage is a unique, powerful therapy and ancient form of therapeutic healing. Brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago

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from India by Ayurvedic doctors and Buddhist monks, it combines acupressure, energy balancing and stretching.

Whereas most traditional western and eastern massages focus on tissue manipulation and the working of muscles and joints, Thai massage barely touches either. Instead it manipulates pressure points and energy lines.

During Thai Foot Massage, the thumbs, hands and a wooden acupressure tool are applied to the lower legs and feet using rubbing, kneading, stretching and vibration techniques, whilst the client lies on a massage couch.

With all the benefits of massage in general, this treatment specifically improves circulation in the legs and feet.

The acupressure points on the sole of the foot also correspond with our internal organs, so it is said that blockages in those organs are released, resulting in an overall sense of wellbeing.

Enjoy your massage but do remember to fill out a health form with your therapist first, to determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you.

Carly Weston is proprietor of Time For You Body Therapy in St Margarets in Twickenham. She offers Relaxation Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, and Thai Foot Massage at reasonable and affordable prices. For more information, email carly@timeforyoubodytherapy.co.uk

Live your Life with Zest and Transform Your Health this Year!

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Book by 18 January and pay just £87 (normal price £117) For further details, see page 5 January-February 2014

FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING

BEATING “BLUE MONDAY”

By Phil Cox There is a Monday, late in January every year, which the media regularly reports as the most depressing day of the year. Of course, what reporters don’t tell us is that Blue Monday isn’t a medical phenomenon – it’s a travel industry marketing ploy designed to boost sales during the winter! However, depression is a real concern for many people, and, in January, symptoms that have been masked during the festive season may become more apparent.

Signs of Depression ✸ Always consult a GP for a full diagnosis, but these symptoms can be indicators of depression: ✸ Sleep problems (can’t get to sleep/waking very early) ✸ Constant tiredness and lack of motivation ✸ Significant change in appetite or weight ✸ Reduced libido ✸ Feeling tearful, guilty and/or hopeless ✸ Not getting pleasure from life What Causes Depression?

Depression can be triggered by bereavement, divorce, injury, decreasing levels of daylight, or losing a job.

Equally, depression can creep

up gradually, with no obvious “’trigger,’ making it difficult to recall quite how you felt when you were “okay.” Coping mechanisms can make it possible to soldier on until it all becomes too much.

Underlying causes of depression include a difficult early-family environment (losing a parent when young, critical parents, or abuse), negative thinking patterns, or lack of control over your life.

It is not clear whether depression itself is inherited, but studies suggest that you are more likely to suffer, if a parent or sibling does.

What Should I Do? Talk to your GP: He or she will offer valuable support.

Give yourself a break. Do you REALLY have to do everything on your to-do list today? It may feel as if the world will end if you don’t, but will it really?

Acknowledge your feelings.

Recognise and accept how low you are feeling and resolve to be kind to yourself.

Learn some relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, simple meditations and visualisations can dramatically improve the physiological symptoms associated with depression. Some of these only take a minute and are available online.

Feed your soul. Do more of what

makes you feel good, whether listening to music, watching football, having a massage, singing in a choir, or playing with your kids.

Talk. To family and friends, or, for more objective assistance, a qualified counsellor, who can help you work through the underlying causes of your depression.

Look after your body. Eat well and limit your sugar and alcohol intake, as this can have a negative impact on your mood. Exercise!

Not only does it release feel-good endorphins, it helps regular sleep. Get the amount of sleep YOU personally need. Creating a bedtime routine and turning off your television, computer and phone in the hour before bed can help you unwind.

If you are feeling depressed, this may all feel “easier said than

done.”

Often though, the act of taking control of an element of your life, however small, can kick start the process of recovery.

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Phil Cox is a qualified counsellor practicing in Surrey. He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

For more information on how Phil can help, visit www.philcoxcounselling.co.uk

SPECIAL READER OFFER! PROMOTION! Looking for a NEW YOU for the NEW YEAR? Book a NEW zest4life 6-week understand nutrition and weight loss what program in Hampton Hill/ may have Twickenham by 18 January prevented and pay just £87! (normal you doing price £117). so in the Be one of the first 3 people to past. The sign up and receive a FREE copy focus is on health and eating of The Low GL Diet Cookbook real, healthy foods and not a

by Patrick Holford (RRP £15.99) quick-fix diet - no fads, no meal A unique opportunity to replacements, and certainly no transform health, regain energy calorie counting! and lose weight, zest4life offers Working in small, friendly a very different experience to groups, zest4life offers a high other weight loss groups. Using level of personal attention and nutritional education and coaching, support. Groups start week experienced and qualified beginning nutritionists and coaches help 27 January. you to achieve your goals and For more information, email Jacky at jacky@thenutritionmission.co.uk or call on 07769 706599 or Kathleen at Kathleen@kfnutritioncoaching.com or call on 07880 353964

Indulge yourself and put the balance back into your life! with Holistic Therapy by Shelley Maude

Reflexology, Facial Rejuvenation and Ayurvedic Foot Massage in East Molesey Call Shelley on 07990 561453/020 8786 6433 or email info@shelleymaude.co.uk www.shelleymaude.co.uk Untitled-1 1

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FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLBEING TAKE YEARS OFF YOUR FACE NATURALLY!

By Shelley Maude

Yes, you did read that correctly. There is a way of looking younger completely naturally, without resorting to cosmetic treatment of any kind. Without surgery, needles, fillers, cosmetics or any creams.

I didn’t believe it either when I first heard about it but this treatment is “for real”- and there are no downsides to it.

Our face is unique and unlike the rest of our body, the skin is attached directly to our facial muscles, allowing us to pull expressions. Over time, these expressions become habitual and our muscles constrict and dry up, inhibiting the range and freedom of expression.

This in turn creates sagging skin, lines, wrinkles and loss of definition. No amount of surgery or expensive anti-ageing creams can regenerate the muscular structure that makes up the face.

But facial rejuvenation can.

Facial Rejuvenation is a holistic, non-invasive approach to looking younger. It combines ancient theory with a practical, modern approach to looking and feeling your best. It is built on an Ayurvedic philosophy. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, literally translates as ‘the science of life’ and focuses on the health of the individual at all levels – physical, emotional and spiritual.

How does Facial Rejuvenation work?

Facial rejuvenation uses a combination of techniques to balance energy. Eight of the twelve major energy meridians in the body have points on the face. The activation of acupressure points on the face stimulates energy flow and releases deep-seated tension, whilst smoothing techniques and friction movements with varying degrees of pressure, iron out lines and wrinkles. Deeper techniques release restrictions in connective

A WINNING WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT

By Jacky Hems and Kathleen Farren At the beginning of a new year many of us think about resolutions and changes we want to make in our lives.

One of the most common is to lose weight, especially after the excesses of the Christmas period!

There are an ever-increasing number of weight loss options available. The diet industry is booming. Yet two out three people in the UK are still overweight.

Something clearly isn’t working.

So what is the solution?

Research has shown that joining a

weight-loss group is more likely to lead to success than trying to lose weight on your own. This is due to the support available to members from group leaders and peers. But there are also a lot of weight-loss groups. What is the right type of group to choose?

Choosing a Group Consider the following carefully: Who is the group run by and how well-qualified are they to give advice? Are they experienced weight-loss coaches?

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tissue and lift facial muscles. So effective is facial rejuvenation that most people see a subtle difference after just one treatment.

As with many holistic treatments, other benefits of facial rejuvenation include: ✸ Relaxation ✸ Elimination of toxins ✸ Improvement of circulation ✸ Lymphatic drainage Ageing is inevitable. However, facial rejuvenation does much to eating, not just weight loss?

What methods does the group use to advocate weight loss?

Calorie-counting and/or an emphasis on very low fat diets, for example, are now considered outdated.

Weight-loss can involve more complex issues such as thyroid function and food intolerances. The latest research shows that reducing sugar and carbohydrates are important for decreasing fat.

How is weight loss measured?

A breakdown of overall body composition can give a more in-depth and accurate picture of progress than just one measure of overall weight.

Does the program encourage long-term lifestyle changes, including the importance of exercise, and not just a ‘quick-fix’ diet? The reality is that short-term diets don’t work - you have to be ready to invest time and effort to lose weight and then keep it off!

extend the appearance of youth and beauty, and helps us take care of the assets we possess safely and with minimal financial cost.

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Shelley Maude (Dip ITEC MAR LCICI) is a Holistic Therapist, based in East Molesey and offering Facial Rejuvenation, Reflexology and Ayurvedic Foot Massage. For more information, visit www.shelleymaude.co.uk

What Has Prevented YOU Losing Weight?

If you have tried various diets or weight loss programs in the past without lasting success, think about why this might be. Could it be the result of habits you have developed over many years which are hard to break, or a reaction to emotion or stress?

It’s vital to find a program that addresses these underlying reasons and can help you tackle things like emotional triggers or cravings and provide you with strategies to change your habits. You also need educational information about the right foods to eat and about food labelling. Some people also find that setting realistic weekly and long-term goals helps them to achieve the right outcomes, both during a program and beyond.

Only a program which offers a combination of the above elements is likely to result in lasting change.

So maybe it’s time to try something new and get started on one of your resolutions for 2014! Take a look at the promotion on page 6 for some further motivation!

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Jacky Hems and Kathleen Farren are registered Nutritionists who run zest4life weight-loss programs in Twickenham/ Hampton Hill. For further information, visit www.zest4life.com. Jacky is also the owner of The Nutrition Mission (www.thenutritionmission.co.uk), and offers personalised consultations in Teddington, whilst Kathleen (www.kfnutritioncoaching) offers personalised consultations at The Conscious Health Centre in Twickenham.

January-February 2014

. Early Years Care and Education .

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ARE BEING REPLACED - IT’S MOSTLY GOOD NEWS! By Ben Black A new Childcare Vouchers scheme comes into force in October 2015 and, despite what you might have read, the changes are mainly positive. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Wrong with the Current Set Up? A number of things. Childcare Vouchers are employer-sponsored. About half of all employers STILL don’t have a childcare voucher scheme set up and if you’re self-employed, vouchers are no help at all.

In addition, if you’re one of the quarter of a million working parents who uses nannies/ au pairs or some form of informal childcare, you’re unlikely to have access to vouchers.

How Will the New Voucher Scheme Help?

The new scheme is broader and there is more money in the pot. In theory, it will cover 20% of all childcare costs up to £6,000 per year per child, for any family with parents who earn less than £150,000 each. There are far fewer hoops to jump through, nearly all working parents are supported and it’s a simple scheme.

Is it a Bad Thing to Take Employers Out of the Mix? In a word, “no.” Many employers don’t have a vested interest in getting the best quality childcare voucher provider. Some, like care-4, offer a range of extras for parents accessing

their scheme, but are likely to be eschewed by employers in favour of cheaper providers.

Under the new arrangements, parents will probably be able to register directly with voucher providers who are likely to be the same providers that currently dominate the market. The difference will be that the quality providers, such as care-4 and Computershare will be able to differentiate themselves by the level of consumer experience and service that they offer, rather than price alone.

So what are the Downsides?

There have been a few justifiable criticisms levelled at the new proposals. Chief amongst them is that not all the detail has been worked out yet. Some working parents may be worse off than before, whilst some wealthier parents may benefit slightly more.

The scheme will also only help those with children under 5.

Overall though, it looks like the majority of working parents will be better off under the new scheme. So, if you fall into this category, it’s good news. If not, then now is the time to be shouting as loudly as you can!

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Ben Black is Managing Director of My Family Care which provides childcare support to employers at businesses such as P&G, Barclays, KPMG, Deloitte, and IBM. He is also one of the founding members of Tinies Childcare which has 20 nurseries/crèches and 30 childcare agencies under management throughout the UK. For further information, visit www.myfamilycare.co.uk

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January-February 2014

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Here at Playtime Nursery we know that choosing the appropriate child care is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your child’s early years, that’s why our caring and loving staff will ensure Playtime Nursery is the right nursery for both you and your child.

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. Early Years Care and Education .

A NANNY AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON! THE EASY ANSWER OR A GAMBLE WITH YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE? Suzanne Moore offers her advice

The internet provides us with every service we could possibly imagine these days, including access to nanny care for our children. But is this the best and safest way to recruit a nanny and what are the risks and alternatives?

Every parent wants to make the best choice for their child, but equally many parents are under financial pressure and need a cost-effective childcare option. However, whilst it may appear possible to hire a nanny

from an internet site more cheaply than elsewhere, there is a reason for this. You may well be hiring someone who, at best, has no experience or relevant qualifications, or at worst, has a criminal record or is not eligible to work in the UK. Clients who employ a nanny without a valid EU passport, and work permit valid for the UK, can face a hefty fine.

Anyone can register on an internet site as a nanny, regardless of their background. It is easy for

a nanny without qualifications, a Criminal Record Background (CRB) check or the correct approvals required for working in the UK to register on such a site and for parents to view their details. No checks have been made on these candidates, and their qualifications have not been verified.

Crucially, it is not possible for parents to verify the status of a nanny they are hiring from an internet site, as individuals cannot carry out independent Criminal Record Background (CRB) checks on such candidates. These must be instigated by a recognised body, such as a nanny agency or similar organisation.

If you are searching for a nanny, the best option is to approach a nanny agency that is registered with The Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA), of which Premier Nannies is a founding member. The ANA is a not-for-profit organisation which offers a code of conduct to its members ensuring that member agencies offer a consistent and high level of support to nannies and parents alike.

A nanny’s paperwork should be kept on file with the agency

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When searching for a nanny agency, look for one that: ☛ Meets and interviews all nannies ☛ Offers advice on employment contracts, payroll, and compliance with HMRC contributions ☛ Checks a nanny’s paperwork including passport, work permit, qualifications and CRB checks ☛ Obtains references from a nanny’s previous employers. and made available to you on request. If you are interested in keeping costs down and require a part time nanny, then look for an agency that is experienced in nanny share.

Some agencies, such as Premier Nannies offer a full recruitment service, including a visit to clients in their own homes to discuss their nanny search, advice on all aspects of the process and as much support as a family and nanny requires. The very best agencies view placement of a nanny within a family as the start of a long term relationship with parents and nanny alike.

Suzanne Moore is the proprietor of Premier Nannies, which has been established for over 20 years and offers a first class childcare recruitment service, to families in SW London and Surrey, tailored to the individual needs of each client. For further information, visit www.premier-nannies.com

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January-February 2014

. Early Years Care and Education .

HANDLING YOUR NANNY TAX

By Justina Gapper

If you are taking on a nanny, it is really important that you understand the responsibilities you have as an employer, as well as the unique circumstances surrounding nanny pay.

Nannies are one of the few professions in the UK that advertise salaries in net figures, in other words ‘take home pay.’ This means that you need to budget for National Insurance (NI) and tax and factor this in when evaluating the cost of hiring your nanny.

As an employer, you are also responsible for setting up a PAYE scheme on behalf of your nanny, as well as keeping tax records and providing monthly payslips.

Websites such as Direct.gov help you to manage the calculations and paperwork yourself by allowing you to print payslips, for example. Alternatively, there are a number of different nanny payroll agencies which will handle everything for you if you don’t have the time or inclination.

For an annual fee, such agencies calculate the NI and tax due and provide you with payslips for your nanny. This is especially useful in more complex situations. The

nanny I hired for our 9 month old twins became pregnant whilst working with us. It was extremely helpful to have the support and expertise of an agency to manage her maternity

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is keen to stamp out this practice and has been very vocal about its ‘nanny tax crackdown,’ stating that it will be pursuing parents who avoid paying tax.

Most nanny agencies believe it is time to change the ‘cash in hand’ culture and help ensure nannies are protected and have the same legal rights as other employees. Some are making a strong move in this direction by advertising all of their nanny jobs with gross wages in order to allow parents to see the total that they will end up paying. It is hoped this will ultimately become standard.

For advice on employing a nanny, you can visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/ working/emp-in-home or you can google Nanny Payroll Agency to read about the different services available.

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION Justina Gapper reports on a new driving test for nannies

Research shows that children are 12 times more likely to be a distraction to drivers than mobile phones.

It’s hard to avoid turning round and glancing in the rear view mirror, if you are distracted by the sound of children crying, squabbling, shouting or talking to you. Yet 95% of all crashes are attributed to this type of behaviour, rather than

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pay, particularly as we were in a nanny share situation and needed to split the nanny’s personal allowance (the first portion of earnings on which tax is not paid), with the family with which we were sharing her.

Considering all of the extra paperwork and costs, it’s not surprising that some families try to avoid the admin by paying their nannies in cash. However, this is illegal, runs the risk of prosecution and also denies nannies NI contributions which could affect their pensions and benefits. HMRC

technical driving errors, meaning that those driving with children are at far greater risk of accident.

The majority of nannies now drive as part of their role, and face the same pressures as parents.

With this in mind, Tinies Childcare Agency has introduced a Nanny Drive qualification in response to demand from parents. The Nanny Drive iQ test examines a nanny’s ability to drive with distractions, and covers topics such as anxiety, fatigue, safety margins, being the best role model, and the school run.

The test was the brainchild of parents whose nanny had an accident in the family car.

A national database has been

set up called The Drive a Child Register, which will hold information about nannies with the driving qualification.

This can be checked by parents at www.driveachild.org

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9

PARENTING

Co-Operation Without Punishment?

By Alison Banks

The latest research suggests that the best way to bring up happy, healthy, co-operative and self-disciplined children is to avoid punishing, spanking, yelling or giving them time-outs. But is it really possible to have a co-operative child without employing punishment of some sort?

Here are a few tips: Look After Yourself When we are tired, irritable and stressed, it’s hard not to take this out on our children, but it’s really important to be conscious in your interactions with them.

Try to catch yourself before you lose your temper, yell or punish them inappropriately. If you feel that your children are constantly pushing your buttons, then it could be that they are triggering an emotion in you from your own childhood by behaving in a way that makes you feel just like you did when you were a child.

If, as a child, you were forced to squash this feeling, and have since hidden it away and denied it, the probability is that you will now express this feeling in a way that negatively impacts upon your child. This leaves your child feeling like you originally felt when your parents acted that way. If you feel this could be true of you, then you may need to some help to decode your own emotional baggage.

Build Security Children need to feel secure. To help them build their own internal sense of security, we need to have cuddled them, loved them, and

Helping them feel better means acknowledging and accepting their feelings and not negating them. been present and in contact with them enough at every stage of their development to enable them to feel secure enough to handle separation from us. Special time develops your friendship and connection with your child. So do eye contact and cuddles, playing together, wrestling or sharing humour about life’s ups and downs.

As they get older, children who feel secure start to be able to look after their own feelings. Like a bank account, the more time, love and care you put in at the beginning of a child’s life, the more your investment pays you back! Having said that, in my experience, it is a good idea to continue to invest in your kids as grown-ups too!

Children also need a big investment of time, love and care, when they have become anxious or overwrought. They need to be reminded that you are there to “save” them and help them feel better.

Helping them feel better means acknowledging and

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accepting their feelings and not negating them. Otherwise, they will lose trust in you. This teaches them to acknowledge and accept those feelings themselves and learn how to express their emotions appropriately.

Build Emotional Maturity We can help to teach our children how to handle their emotions, by using positive feedback, and seeing things from their point of view.

Communicate positively with your child, as follows: ✸ Listen quietly and attentively ✸ Acknowledge their feelings with a word - ‘oh,’ or ‘Mmmm’ or ‘I see.’ ✸ Give their feeling a name - ‘that sounds frustrating’ ✸ Give your child his wishes in

fantasy - ‘I wish I could make the banana ripe for you right now!’ ✸ Teach your children to accept ALL their feelings but to separate them from actions, so that there is not an automatic link between feeling angry and acting upon it.

For instance, if you see that one of your children is angry with the other, you might say “I saw the angry look you gave your brother.

Can you tell him what you want with words?” ✸ Do not send a child away when they are experiencing an intense emotion. They need you to love them whilst they are going through it. Try not to take personally anything they might say whilst they are feeling this emotion though! To help a child with a big emotion, follow the above kind of interactions by brainstorming or role playing with them to clarify how to change things.

Employing these strategies and techniques takes practice, but, in the long term, they are much more effective and more beneficial for your children than any kind of punishment.

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 way possible.

You can have a FREE private coaching session with Alison. Just quote FUT 20!

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

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Jackie Nield shares her experience of having children in her twenties and her forties.

In my twenties, I planned to have all my children before the age of 30 and, I managed to tick all the boxes by having three girls and my fourth child, a son, who was born in my thirtieth year!

My reason for having children early was so that I would have lots of free time in my forties and fifties and still be young enough to enjoy it. But what they say about “the best laid plans” is often true. My circumstances changed, I separated from my husband and, with a new partner, I had a fifth child, another son, at the age of 43.

Having Freddie was like having my first born all over again, except that I had years of experience under my belt and felt much more relaxed. We were also financially better off, I had lots of help from his adult and teenage siblings – and I didn’t feel under pressure to have any more children! Despite this (or perhaps because of it), as Freddie went off to pre-school, I found myself hankering for just one more baby, a younger sibling to keep him company. I ended up having my last child, a third son, at the age of 48.

In my twenties, motherhood was care free, and spent with other friends of the same age.

We enjoyed the parks and local toddler groups and I made lots of friends, some of whom are still my friends today. In my forties, I have made new friends who

are also older mums and on the same wave length! Meanwhile, my “first generation” mum friends are out doing exactly what I imagined I would be doing now - going on holiday, having late nights and sleeping in!

Mostly, they think I am mad, but I get immense joy out of my boys, my life is full of fun family outings and holidays, and the early mornings are a small price to pay. As the mother of adults and teenagers, I love also being the mummy of two little boys

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who generally don’t answer back and who go to bed at a time that suits their parents – unlike my older children who go out late at night, stumbling in just when I am getting up with the little ones!

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In my twenties, I felt that life would go on forever and old age seemed a very long way off. Twenty five years later, and having lost two loved ones, I am all too aware that life can come to an abrupt end at any time.

This makes me aware of how important it is to remain fit and healthy for the sake of my two little boys. I want to be there for many more years and enjoy their youth, adulthood – and, of course, grandchildren!

In the twenty five years between having my first and last child, the lives of mums in this country have changed dramatically. First time mums these days are much more adventurous and there is now so much more to keep them and their children entertained.

Even the range of food choices is greater, with a wide choice of finger foods and home-made shop-bought dinner products.

Twenty five years ago, finger foods were carrot sticks or bits of cheese, and meals were Cow and Gate products or Heinz baby jars!

But the very best thing of all about having both older and younger children is the relationships between them.

The older ones share photo clips and videos of their younger brothers on Facebook. They are so proud of them and adore them so much. There’s nothing more heart-warming for me than seeing my 18 year old son, cuddling and kissing the baby or sharing appropriate games on the i-pad with his 5 year old brother.

I love the fact that my youngest children will share their lives with so many loving adults.

Jackie Nield’s love of children offered her a natural career path in early years care and education, in nursery, pre-school and school settings and as a private nanny. She now owns and runs Little Scallys Nanny and Babysitting Agency in Surrey. For further information, visit www.littlescallys.com

Would you like to become an even better parent than you already are?

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For more information contact Alison Banks parentingtutor@gmail.com 07710 626263 www.parentingtutor.co.uk

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11

PARENTING

Does Age Make a Difference?

From September 2014, all pupils between ages 7 and 14 years will be taught cooking as part of the National Curriculum.

family food&nutrition

Cooking and Learning

I warmly welcome this.

Hopefully, teaching children to cook at school will not only help tackle the worrying problem of childhood obesity (which now affects 1 in 4 children in the UK), but will also introduce more children to the joys of preparing food.

Cooking is not just about preparing something to eat - it teaches so much more! Here are just a few different things which children learn when cooking.

Ingredients Where do they come from? What is the culture of their country of origin? How does each ingredient work with other flavours? What is the science behind the interacting ingredients? Are they best enjoyed in season or do they preserve well? What is their nutrient value to our lifestyle? The answers to these questions and many more equip our children with all sorts of stimulating, and valuable knowledge.

Mastering New Equipment and Techniques Cooking teaches children to master equipment, learn new techniques and work safely in the kitchen - all good for boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Social Enjoyment of Food Preparing food to be enjoyed by family and friends is very satisfying and encourages children to share and to socialise. Children take pride and care in their efforts and learn that the presentation of their food is almost as important as how it tastes!

Importance of Hygiene Cooking teaches children the importance of good personal hygiene, and hygiene in the cooking and dining environment, as well as how to handle food safely, facts about food poisoning, food storage and avoiding cross-contamination.

Behaving Safely and Responsibly Working in a kitchen can expose us to dangerous situations and cooking can teach children how to behave appropriately if these arise. It can also encourage them to take responsibility for their own behaviour and not to be influenced by the potentially irresponsible behaviour of others.

Developing Life Skills Cooking at an early age can equip children with an understanding of the importance of healthy food choices, and with an enjoyable new

By Susan Carmichael

skill. Many people experience cooking as a relaxing hobby, which is so much better than it feeling like a chore! Those that enjoy cooking mainly do so as a result of confidence gained from experiencing it at a younger age.

Building Relationships and Memories Cooking was part of my childhood and I have fond memories of standing at the kitchen counter working with my grandmother, my mother and my siblings.

Cooking together creates special family times that will be remembered and cherished.

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Susan Carmichael is the proprietor of Sassy Stirrers, which holds Sassy Stirrers Cooking Club for children every month on a Saturday afternoon in the areas of Kingston and Esher. Sassy Stirrers also runs 2 to 3 hour school holiday workshops and cooking parties, as well as lunch time and after school clubs in local schools. For more information, see page 38 or visit www.sassystirrers.com

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January-February 2014

family food&nutrition

Healthy Winter Snacks

Eating for Immunity

By Clare Jeffries

Whilst it is inevitable and normal that you might pick up one or maybe two bugs during the winter months, a healthy and efficient immune system should allow you to bounce back from illness quickly, limiting the time that you and your family are put out of action.

To maintain a healthy and efficient immune system, your diet requires plenty of foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Along with plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise, these will help boost the production of white blood cells which fight infections. .

EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT These foods contain Vitamin C, the king of the immune-fighting nutrients! Most fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, but whilst oranges might be the first to spring to mind, kiwi fruit, melon, berries, broccoli, peppers and sweet potato are all equally good. Eating vegetables raw, lightly steamed or stir fried, reduces the loss of vitamin C which occurs if they are cooked for too long.

EAT PLENTY OF IMMUNE BOOSTING HEALTHY FATS These fats help cells communicate efficiently and maintain healthy mucus membranes - our body’s barrier to bugs!

Including two to four portions of oily fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines in your diet per week, adding a spoonful of flaxseed powder to breakfast cereal or soup and enjoying unsalted nuts as a snack, will all go a long way to ensuring your family has a healthy supply of these essential fats.

MAINTAIN FRIENDLY GUT BACTERIA These internal ‘foot soldiers’ that live in your digestive system, but January-February 2014

also in your ear, nose and throat areas, are part of the first line of defence against bugs trying to take hold. You can keep levels healthy by including yoghurt with live bacteria (such as Rachel’s) in your diet daily, and occasionally taking a good quality probiotic supplement. As antibiotics kill off healthy bacteria along with the bad bugs, avoid taking them unless absolutely essential. This will keep immunity strong.

REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE Having a high sugar food or sweet drink (even fruit juice) has been shown by scientists to reduce immune function by up to 40%!

Obviously avoiding sugar for the whole winter is not realistic, but avoiding it when you or your child are feeling under the weather or surrounded by others who are poorly, will help you avoid a similar fate!

TAKE VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS Adequate Vitamin D is essential for immunity and as we gain most of our supply from the sun, winter in the UK does not supply adequately! Deficiency is very common, especially if high factor sunscreen has been used throughout the summer months.

Taking this vitamin in drop or tablet form will ensure you do not become deficient.

By Olivia Malaure

Relief quickly turned to despair when I discovered that my 2.5 year old daughter no longer likes raisins. What now? Those cute miniature boxes occupied her for at least half a cup of coffee!

If, like mine, your kids have had their fill of raisins, carrot and cucumber pieces, breadsticks and sliced apples, perhaps it’s time to try a few alternatives.

The following ‘tried and tested’ snacks are ideal for keeping heartier appetites satisfied during the winter months. For going out and about, you can even use a food thermos to keep the snacks warm. Alternatively, reusable containers are great, particularly

the sectional ones which keep savoury and sweet treats apart and stop your blinis tasting like meatballs! Cookie cutters are also great for cutting sandwiches into the kids’ favourite shapes.

Better still if you have time, let the kids choose and cut out the shape themselves.

Mini Meatballs Fry them up at dinner time so you don’t have to cook them during the day. Eat warm or cold the next day.

Fruit Kebabs Grapes, bananas, strawberries and pineapple are ideal.

Try using cake pop sticks for a safer, fun alternative to wooden skewers.

Corn on the Cob It’s fun to eat and contains thiamin (vitamin B1) that helps convert carbohydrates into energy.

Cheesy Tuna Pitza Melts Top pitta bread with tuna and grated

cheese and melt under the grill.

Blinis and Cream Cheese They are easy to make or buy and freeze well.

Hard Boiled Eggs Super-nutritious, portable and easy to prepare.

Popcorn A surprising source of fibre and antioxidants, it’s healthier still if you have an air popper.

Fresh fruit smoothie Try blending with ¼ avocado for a super smoothie - the kids will never know!

Nachos Top a small bowl of low salt tortilla chips with cheese and microwave until the cheese melts, top with sweet chopped tomatoes.

Come and visit the café in the park

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Clare Jeffries (BSc (Hons) NT) is a Nutritional Therapist based in Walton on Thames.

Clare specializes in the nutrition and health of babies, children and pregnant mothers.

Clare runs workshops for small groups on common nutrition and health problems, such as digestive issues, food allergies, reflux, constipation, immunity and health eating for pregnant, breastfeeding and tired mums!

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

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13

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Call MY Midwife!

By Olivia Malaure

We served the women of the East End in their hour of greatest need. In return, they gave us the most precious gift they could... their trust’ - Jennifer Worth, Call the Midwife.

The BBC’s popular drama, Call the Midwife, regularly attracts 9 million viewers. Annie Francis, Director of Neighbourhood Midwives, describes its popularity as a ‘collective yearning for something lost... the essence of midwifery, the immeasurable richness of a relationship that develops through one-to-one care.’

In the past, a mother was supported by the same midwife during pregnancy, delivery and during the post-natal period. Research suggests that this quality of care (known as caseload midwifery) results in a lower rate of birth intervention, and other long-term benefits. “A woman who feels good about being a mother after the birth is going to be emotionally stronger and more likely to cope with the demands of a new born” says Annie Francis.

Despite caseload midwifery costing roughly £333 less per woman than current maternity care, it is unfortunately only available in some London hospitals to women deemed to be “high risk.” Most women are served by the shared-care system of midwifery offered by the NHS and 60% of them do not see the same midwife twice.

Some women, like local mother, Catherine Whyte, prefer to choose an independent midwife rather than use the NHS shared-care system. “I didn’t like the NHS midwife who came to deliver my first baby” says Catherine.

“She was abrupt and we didn’t get on. I didn’t feel supported in labour and I felt myself floundering and feeling tense, nervous and afraid.” When Catherine was pregnant with her second child, she was determined to take control over who cared for her. “My husband and I chose a team of two private, independent

midwives that I really clicked with. They got to know my family and I’m still in contact with them” she reports. “When I went over my due date, my midwives expressed concern, but they let me take the lead. I went for a check-up in hospital and I was scared the staff was going to intervene and insist upon an induction. My midwives came with me and helped me stand my ground. They were my allies.”

Independent midwives are fully registered and regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council but choose to practice outside the NHS in order to provide continuity of care during pregnancy, birth and during the post-natal period. They often care for women who have had traumatic experiences in previous pregnancies. For many women, choosing an independent midwife is an absolute priority, with some saying that if they cannot do this, they would rather give birth alone, despite the fact that, even with a low-risk pregnancy, there is always the chance of an unforeseen problem during delivery.

Currently, independent midwifery saves the NHS considerable sums of money annually and relieves pressure on the NHS midwifery system, which is chronically understaffed. However, new EU rules mean that independent midwives can no longer legally work in the UK. From February, midwives working outside of the NHS will

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require professional indemnity insurance, something which, since 2002, they have been unable to obtain through the UK insurance industry.

Local company, Neighbourhood Midwives has developed a solution which will help to head off the looming crisis. All the midwives it employs are co-owners and have a voice in the development of the organisation. This has enabled it to access full insurance and register with the Care Quality Commission.

Neighbourhood Midwives offers a private service to women across London, with a free, no-obligation consultation with a midwife so that an expectant mother can meet her, and find out how the service works.

A midwife provides care during pregnancy, birth and post-natally for 6 weeks after the birth and can either support a mother birthing in hospital, or at home. Alternatively, there is a separate after-care package, for those who simply want the support of a midwife during the post-natal period.

Neighbourhood Midwives hopes eventually to provide their model of care through the NHS. “You can’t guarantee a perfect birth but you can guarantee having someone you trust to support you”says Annie Francis.

“We’re campaigning through delivery.”

For further information on Neighbourhood Midwives, visit www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk and take a look at their new short film at http://youtu.be/eeg03pObgU0

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January-February 2014

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Reflexology for Fertilty The Role of a Community and Pregnancy Paediatrician

By Juliet Penrose-Thackwell

Reflexology can support women trying to conceive, either naturally or via fertility treatments, as well as during pregnancy.

Reflexology and Conception When trying to conceive we need to be in the best state of physical and mental health. Many women have found reflexology to be a supportive natural therapy that can help re-balance and restore the body’s natural equilibrium, ensuring it is in optimum condition for conception.

Stress can negatively affect your ability to conceive. Reflexology is fantastic for alleviating stress and is known for being deeply calming and relaxing. Reflexologists also believe it to be effective at balancing hormones and helping the body get rid of toxins.

Reflexology can also support you emotionally during the challenges of fertility treatment by calming anxiety and equipping you with the mental strength and positive outlook necessary to ensure the best chance of success.

extra

Reflexology during Pregnancy Many midwives now recommend reflexology to women during pregnancy as it may help ease pregnancy related conditions, prepare the body for labour and prevent the pregnancy going past its due date. It is perfectly safe from the second trimester onwards and may help alleviate: 3 Back Pain 3 Fluid retention 3 Heartburn 3 Morning sickness 3 Digestive disorders 3 Headaches 3 Fatigue Two recent studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour (1), reduced the length of the first stage of labour (1) and improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (2).

Reflexology is also a very gentle and natural way to help you recover after the birth of your baby. It can help restore the body’s balance and assist with regulating your moods and emotions.

(1) VALIANI M ET AL (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research.

15(Dec) p302-310 (2) LI C-Y ET AL (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women.

Midwifery. 27. p181-186

Juliet Penrose-Thackwell is the proprietor of Reflexology upon Thames in Kingston. She offers reflexology for general wellbeing, pregnancy and fertility.

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

By Dr Tobias Odenwald MD

A Community Paediatrician undertakes regular health and development checks, gives vaccinations and provides general advice on diet and healthy lifestyle in order to prevent disease in children.

In many European countries, doctors specialised in caring for children and teenagers serve as primary care doctors for these young people, similar to the way a GP cares for adult patients. In the UK, Community Paediatricians have traditionally seen children with an identified long-term health problem or special need.

The idea that all children are seen by their dedicated children’s doctor for both health checks and when they are unwell is relatively new here.

The role of a Community Paediatrician is to see children of all ages with any condition and refer them to other specialists.

They can also provide planned health checks above and beyond those offered by the NHS. If performed by paediatricians, these are extremely valuable in identifying developmental problems at an early stage, when therapy can be most valuable.

They are also able to offer some vaccinations which are not available on the NHS, but are part of the routine schedule in other countries, such as protection against chickenpox.

Many paediatricians are trained to use ultrasound facilities and

these can be very helpful in, for example, checking for enlarged kidneys in children with kidney infections or when children have severe abdominal pain. Ultrasound is also the ‘gold standard’ for checking for correct hip development in new born babies who are risk.

Most of all, paediatricians believe in giving each child the best possible start in life, by building a continuing, trusting relationship with them and their parents, as their dedicated specialist doctor.

extra

Dr Tobias Odenwald is a private Paediatrician at Richmond Practice, providing a wide range of services, including developmental checks and vaccinations for children.

Richmond Practice offers private family health care from experienced GPs, Paediatricians and Gynaecologist from Monday to Saturday, with late evening and same day appointments. Its new premises in Richmond are at 19 Sheen Road (Opposite Waitrose car park), TW9 1AD. For further information, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk

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15

Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

All Your Baby Needs is YOU!

Becoming a new parent can be daunting. First, the endless list of gadgets, gizmos, pumps, monitors, sterilisers marketed as ‘essential’ - then the exhausting search for a pram! We buy these things to welcome our babies into the world and, distracted as we are, it is easy to forget what really matters.

All your baby needs is YOU. A loving, calm, relaxed mummy who they love to smell, whose heartbeat and voice is their favourite sound, and whose kind hands offer them comfort, support and help along the way.

We all want to have happy, relaxed babies and we can assist them through their first days, weeks and months with the power of touch. One of the most gentle ways to help relieve your baby of common problems such as colic, wind, constipation and reflux is by embarking on a course that celebrates the beauty of touch. Not only can you learn a useful skill, but you become more confident handling your baby.

Baby Massage is a wonderful experience that really enhances the bonding process

By Rowan Perkin

between parent and baby. When you give a massage you release oxytocin (the happy hormone) so just 10 minutes of massage can make both parent and baby feel uplifted.

Women suffering from post-natal depression can really benefit from learning how to give their baby a massage.

Over 4 to 5 weeks, you follow an easy, step-by-step routine which guides you through all the strokes. Week by week the routine develops and by the end of the course, you are able to give your baby a full body massage in under half an hour! Babies enjoy some time with their nappies off and the sunflower oil used to massage them nourishes their skin.

Craniosacral Therapy for Babies

Another amazing, gentle touch-based course is Baby Reflexology, which uses fingertip and thumb pressure on babies’ feet to soothe them during their early years, and can help to boost your little one’s immune system, assist with teething, settle a sore tummy, calm and soothe, and aid restful sleep.

By placing your hands on the soles of your baby’s feet you can learn how to “read” them, whilst pressure on specific points, which align with different parts of their body, helps to support them physically.

The power of touch is the best gift you can give your baby in the early days and lays a solid foundation on which to build a close, connected relationship with your child.

extra

Rowan Perkin runs Baby Massage and Baby Reflexology courses in and around Surrey. Her practice supports women through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For more information, visit www.rowanperkin.co.uk

By Hilde Bysheim

Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, non-manipulative and non-invasive whole body treatment, which encourages and enhances the body’s own self-healing and self-regulating capacities. It can be very useful for babies.

Some babies suffer shock to their systems during their time in the womb or during birth.

Even in natural and problem-free births, there are stresses and strains during the birthing process, which, if not resolved, may cause imbalance in a baby’s system. Whilst babies’ bodies are well designed to meet the requirements of being born, with softness in the bones of their heads to assist in negotiating the birth canal, and the ability to recover from this process, discomfort or displacement may still remain.

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breastfeeding, colic, reflux, glue ear and/or tension and distress that interrupts sleeping, then craniosacral therapy can very gently help to alleviate these problems by releasing any restrictions and distortions and restoring a balanced and healthy system.

A treatment is performed with babies fully clothed, either lying on a parent’s lap or on a treatment bench, but can also take place during breastfeeding, whilst being cradled or during sleep.

Light contact is made usually at the cranium or sacrum, however, treatment can take place at any part of the body.

The aim of the treatment is to settle the system, to allow the baby to calm down and to experience feeling relaxed. This can have a profound effect – many parents comment that they have never seen their baby so calm and peaceful. Once a baby is relaxed, feeding is easier, the digestive system is able to function more efficiently and the baby can settle into sleep.

Since babies relate to their world through ‘feeling’ and primarily through contact with

mum, they often present with similar patterns to their mother. Treating mum and baby together is often recommended as this can significantly enhance a baby’s response to treatment.

extra

Hilde Bysheim is the proprietor of Earthlife Wellbeing & Fitness, a fitness, health and wellbeing centre in Kew. Earthlife offers a range of mother and baby treatments including acupuncture, pregnancy massage, reflexology, craniolsacral therapy and reiki healing and classes such as pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and baby massage. For more information, visit www.earth-life.co.uk

Amber Therapies brings Baby Massage Classes to Ashford and Surrounds!

Classes are fun, relaxing and hugely beneficial for you and your baby. The benefits include encouraging better sleep, helping to relieve the effects of colic, teething, constipation and wind.

Massage positively stimulates each of baby’s major systems: co-ordination, respiration, digestion, learning ability and language development. Group sessions are small and relaxed and one to one classes are also available. Courses are suitable for babies from birth to crawling, but the benefits of massage can last a life time.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

For more information, email ambertherapies@live.co.uk or call 07450 409186.

Find AmberTherapies on Facebook!

January-February 2014

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

17

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

SCHOOLS NEWS ’CATS IN BLANKETS’ THIS CHRISTMAS THANKS TO STAINES PREP PUPILS The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Old Windsor was thrilled to open its doors before Christmas to some special little elves in the shape of children from Year 5 at Staines Prep.

They were there to present the cats at the Home with their very own hand-made knitted blankets to keep the winter chill at bay.

The School’s rosy cheeked Knitting Club team braved the cold on Tuesday 26 November to make the special trip to the Home and personally hand over their carefully crafted gifts, meeting some of the homeless kitties and their carers.

PUPILS AT ATHELSTAN HOUSE BRING GOOD CHEER TO THE ELDERLY IN HAMPTON! Embracing traditional Christmas values in the season of good will, the children at Athelstan House School in Hampton visited Linden Hall Community Centre in December to entertain the staff and visitors with their carol singing.

It was joyful to see the faces of the elderly folk light up as they revelled in the

Head of the Upper School, Mrs Jill Haywood said “It was a great opportunity to reinforce the true notion of Christmas and help those less fortunate, as well as heightening the childrens’ awareness of others within their community, and the real importance of caring for animals.”

magical sound of children singing their hearts out. The children, whose ages ranged from just 3 years old through to age 7, were a credit to themselves and their school, showing impeccable manners and kindness when talking to the Linden Hall users after the performance. It was a wonderful opportunity for a local school to support others in its community.

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

THE MALL SCHOOL IN TWICKENHAM OPENS NEW SPORTS HALL

The Mall School’s purpose built sports hall which opened at the start of this term, is the latest addition to the school’s excellent facilities. Equipped with cricket nets, basketball hoops, a five-a-side football pitch and a height adjustable

net for racquet sports, the hall provides a superb new venue for year round activities, including an extensive after-school and holiday club program.

The School’s excellent range of additional facilities includes a Creative and Performing Arts Centre with a 160-seat theatre; art studio and design technology workspace; two science laboratories and a heated indoor swimming pool.

Choosing the right preparatory school paves the way to securing a place at the right school at the age of 13. Boys that attend The Mall School consistently win a range of academic and non-academic scholarships to leading senior schools.

For more information, visit www.themallschool.org.uk 18

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

NEWLAND HOUSE ENJOYS EXEMPLARY INSPECTION RESULTS

Newland House School in Twickenham is delighted with the findings of its October 2013 inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The inspection found that the success of pupils at the School is promoted by both “good teaching and their excellent attitudes to learning, which contribute well to their rapid progress, as do their exemplary behaviour and excellent relationships.” The School is especially proud of these

conclusions, as well as those drawn regarding its arrangements for pastoral care, which were evaluated as excellent, with pupils feeling “extremely well-nurtured and valued.” The inspection report also praised governance and leadership at the School, as well as its strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, which “complement the curriculum and cover the academic, artistic and physical elements deemed crucial for the development of the complete child.”

For more information, visit www.newlandhouse.net January-February 2014

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

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Staines Preparatory School IAPS | Founded 1935 | Co-ed | Aged 3 - 11

Where small is special

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

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

• Small classes, maximum 16

OPEN MORNING – 9.30-11.30am Friday 28 March 2014 www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk

New state-of-the-art teaching and performance facilities • Nursery provision from rising 3 to 4 years of age • High academic standards and results • 11+ Tuition & Preparation Hall and `• Multi-functional Performance Facilities

Early registration advisable to avoid disappointment. For assistance with fee planning and other fee information please contact the Bursary.

Means-tested bursaries available subject to assessment.

Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex. TW18 2BT Please contact the Registrar at Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex.

TW18 2BT | tel: 01784 450909 | email: registrar @ stainesprep.co.uk website: www.stainesprep.co.uk | Registered charity no: 296691

01784 450909 | www.stainesprep.co.uk

Newland House School

The Mall School The Mall School in Twickenham prepares boys from 4­13 for leading day and boarding senior schools.

Facilities include a 160­ seat theatre, indoor heated pool and fully equipped Design Technology suite with a new purpose built sports hall.

The school offers wraparound care from 8 am until 6 pm and has an extensive range of after school clubs from Fencing and Science to Film­making, Multi­sports and ICT. Our broad curriculum includes rugby, football, cricket, music, drama and swimming.

• I.S.I Registered • Large Science, ADT and Music Suites • Extra Curricular Activities • Active Friends’ Association • School bus service • Out of hours childcare

Welcome Events 31 January 26 February 28 March

Independent Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 4 to 13 years Year 3 entry via 7+ Assessment

Call now to reserve your place or to arrange an individual tour of the NEWLY RENOVATED PRE-PREP or Prep School

‘Throughout the school, the quality of the pupils’

achievements and learning is excellent.‘

‘The personal development of pupils is excellent and is supported by excellent pastoral care.’

The Mall School 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham, TW2 5NQ 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk www.themallschool.org.uk

t: 020 8865 1305 e: admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net Newland House School, Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ

January-February 2014

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

19

☛

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

YOU KNOW A DENMEAD BOY‌ HE’S PREPARED TO GIVE THINGS A GO, HE’S A TEAM PLAYER, HE GETS INVOLVED, HE’S GOOD FUN, HE’S RESPECTFUL BUT CONFIDENT. Linda Stone, Editor finds out why.

Michael McKaughan, Head Teacher at Denmead School in Hampton is reluctant to take credit for the many complimentary things parents and secondary school teachers say of pupils leaving the School. However, his innate modesty, open, inclusive personal style, and obvious willingness to lead by example quickly convince me that much of this credit is well-deserved.

Michael became Head Teacher at Denmead in 1997. Under his excellent stewardship, the School has cemented its reputation as one of the premium boys

preparatory schools in the borough, punching well above its weight for its size, in both academic results and sporting achievements.

Founded by Mr W D James, a member of staff at the nearby Hampton School, Denmead hails from humble origins. The first classroom was the dining room of Mr James’ house at 41 Wensleydale Road, the first teacher was his wife and the first pupil was his son, who was left-handed and frowned upon by his local school.

Now entering its 90th year, the School retains much of the intimate character of the original, and still occupies 41 Wensleydale Road (as well as another nearby in Gloucester Road). It now has over 200 pupils, offers girls a pre-prep education from ages 3 to 7, and has strong ties with Hampton School.

The 1999 merger of Denmead and Hampton School was a move that benefitted both. It offered Denmead the umbrella of a larger organisation, whilst at the same

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time allowing it to continue to evolve its own individual identity, and provided Hampton with its own dedicated prep school.

The relationship was further secured in 2003 by the introduction of the Assured Place Scheme, which offers children from Denmead a place at Hampton at age 11, provided they reach a certain academic level. However, Michael stresses that that not all pupils go on to Hampton. It’s important that a child goes to the school that is right for him, and Michael and his staff spend many hours assessing the personalities, strengths and weaknesses of Denmead’s pupils, discussing these with parents, and evaluating which school will best suit each child.

Whilst clearly occupying the niche of a boys’ school, Denmead welcomes girls in pre-prep, and Michael would be happy for the numbers of boys and girls to be evenly balanced during these years. However, he has no plans for the School to expand into a co-educational prep school. On a practical level, this would involve provision of major new facilities for which it simply doesn’t have space. At a more fundamental level, Michael believes the performance of many boys improves in the single sex environment. In the primary years, boys are “busy being boys,� learning in a physical,

kinaesthetic and visual manner.

Hence boys’ schools can gear teaching, discipline and the sports curriculum purely to their needs.

So what are the special things about Denmead? As a School, it is constantly seeking to expand the horizons of its pupils by opening the door to new ideas and experiences. It encourages children to be adventurous, to experiment and to give things a go. But perhaps its most special characteristics are its inclusive communication style and emphasis on respect, things that comes directly from the top.

Michael believes that children should be encouraged to express what they think and to push boundaries. He stresses to all staff that a child’s respect is there to be earned, and that they should not expect to receive it just because they are teachers. His personal style is respectful but friendly and interactive, and he’s not afraid to laugh and joke with his pupils.

All of this fosters well-rounded, relaxed children who are confident without being arrogant or pretentious.

So what of the future? Michael stresses that Schools and Head Teachers, such as himself, can never afford to be complacent.

His next big goal is to re-develop the current Denmead facilities, to provide accommodation which better suits the standing of the school in the community. This project is on-going.

extra

Denmead School is an independent prep school for boys ages 7 to 11 and pre-prep school for boys and girls ages 3 to 7. For further information, visit www.denmeadschool.org.uk January-February 2014

The St Michael Steiner School

Steiner Waldorf Education for children and young people from age 3 to 16, increasing to age 18 by 2015

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020 8893 1299 info@stmichaelsteiner.hounslow.sch.uk www.stmichaelsteiner.hounslow.sch.uk

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21

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

WHEN TAKING A HOLIDAY MAKES YOU A CRIMINAL

By Olivia Malaure

If you want to take your child out of school during term time, for whatever reason, you must ask for permission from the Head Teacher of your child’s school.

Prior to September 2013, Head Teachers were permitted, by law, to authorise absences of children for up to 10 days from school for a variety of reasons, including for family holidays.

However, in September 2013, the existing legislation was amended.

Now Head Teachers may only legally authorise absences due to “special circumstances.”

The Department of Education has made it clear that it does not consider a family holiday to be a “special circumstance.”

Whatever the personal opinion of Head Teachers, the amendment to the legislation puts them in an invidious position. A school’s Ofsted rating depends on achieving acceptable overall attendance

figures. So a situation may arise in which a Head Teacher has to decide whether to grant leave for “special circumstances” knowing that if the leave is granted, the school’s overall attendance figures will dip and its Ofsted rating will be negatively affected.

If, as a parent, the Head Teacher of your child’s school does not authorise your child’s absence, you can choose to take an unauthorised absence.

However, you risk a fine of £60 per child, rising to £120 if not paid within 28 days. If the fine goes unpaid, you will be prosecuted, which could end in a conviction, a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence of up to 3 months. The Court also

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issues offenders with a Parenting Order which forces attendance at parenting classes.

Whilst the Government’s intention in amending the law may be to crack down on truancy, figures indicate that in London, the number of children regularly missing school has fallen over the past two years. In London’s state schools, the latest average figure for persistent absenteeism is 4.5 per cent, with primary schools responsible for just a small percentage of this. So is it fair to make scapegoats of responsible parents, whose children are not regularly absent from school, but who may occasionally need time off for them during the term?

Underpinning the issue is one of affordability. Unless something can be done to restrict the price hikes that travel firms impose during school holidays, many families will continue to find it difficult to afford to go away at these times. For those with close family overseas, sometimes many miles away, for whom overseas travel is a necessity, travelling out of school holidays can make a difference of thousands of pounds.

It could be argued that if a family cannot afford to go away during the school holidays, then it simply shouldn’t go at all.

Yet time spent away from the pressures of work and normal routine are vital for families and increasingly necessary as the working day continues to lengthen and many parents are at the constant beck and call of email in their personal time.

The amended legislation is causing anger amongst parents.

Head Teachers may choose to consider the following before authorising leave for “special circumstances:” ● The child’s previous attendance history ● The age of the child and stage of education ● The time of year (eg SATS in May) ● The nature of the trip (eg it offers an exceptional experience) ● Whether the parents are restricted in terms of leave from their employer

In October 2013, parent Craig Langman submitted a petition to Downing Street in direct response to the change. The petition is signed by 131,172 parents and it says that the change will “adversely affect families who cannot afford the higher prices charged to holidaymakers during the school holidays” and argues that “parents should not be criminalised for wanting to enjoy an affordable annual family holiday.”

Locally, a mother of four primary school children was denied authorisation PROGRESS TUTORING AND to take her children out of school 5 days before the EDUCATIONAL AGENCY end of term to visit her We recommend current and experienced family abroad. She went qualified teachers/tutors for 1-1 tuition in your anyway and both she and home or in the tutors home. We have enhanced her husband were issued CRB checked tutors in the south west area of with fines. “My kids London and can offer: have a 97% attendance All subjects at primary level • Exam prep for 11+ 13+ C.E • Sats record” she said. “I just • GCSE A’level and Degree don’t understand the Dyslexia and Special Head Teacher’s decision.

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January-February 2014

OPEN DAY LISTINGS SPRING TERM 2014 ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL Friday, 28 March 9.30am to 11.30am

CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL Whole School Saturday, 8 February Saturday, 15 March All at 10.00am to 12.30pm Introductory talk at 10.00am

DENMEAD SCHOOL

Friday, 7 March Pre-Prep Department Prep Department

HALLIFORD SCHOOL

9.15am to 11.00am 10.00am to 12.00pm

Open Morning Saturday, 5 October 10.00am to 12.00pm Headmaster’s Presentation at 12.00pm Open Days Thursday, 6 March Tuesday, 11 March Thursday, 1 May Tours at 9.30am and 11.30am by appointment

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL

Prep School Welcome Tours Friday, 31 January Wednesday, 26 February Friday, 28 March Pre-Prep Welcome Tours Welcome Mornings most Mondays and Wednesdays during term time. For all Welcome Events, please call to confirm your place or to arrange an individual visit to see the school.

☛

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Tuesday, 4 March Thursday, 12 June

STAINES PREPARATORY SCHOOL Saturday, 1 February Wednesday, 5 February

SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL

10.00am to 12.00pm 9.30am to 11.30am

Boys Prep Refreshments from 9.15 Presentations from 9.30 Tuesday, 25 March Friday, 9 May Junior Girls Refreshments from 9.15 Presentations from 9.30 Wednesday, 26 February Friday, 2 May Tuesday, 10 June Senior Girls Refreshments from 9.30 Presentations from 9.45 Monday, 17 March Wednesday, 30 April Tuesday, 17 June

Great aspirations www.notredame.co.uk

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Thursday, 6 March Wednesday, 30 April

THE ST MICHAEL STEINER SCHOOL

11.00am to 1.00pm 11.00am to 1.00pm

Saturday, 25 January Saturday, 1 March Both at 11.00am to 2.00pm

Open Days - 4th March and 12th June 2014 Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990

TWICKENHAM PREP SCHOOL Pre-Prep Thursday, 27 February Whole School Saturday,10 May

January-February 2014

9.30am to 10.45pm 10.00am to 12.00pm

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

23

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

SCHOOLS NEWS DENMEAD SCHOOL IS ACTIVE ON ALL FRONTS! During last term, the main focus at Denmead School in Hampton has been on academics, but this has not prevented significant achievements in other areas of school life. At the beginning of the school year, the 11A football team won the Shrewsbury House Tournament, whilst on the same day, the 10A team won the Hampton School Event. The 11A squad went on to reach the regional semi finals of the ISFA Cup two weeks later.

Both squads enjoyed a successful start to the rugby season during a two-day trip to Bristol, playing against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School and Bristol Grammar School.

Reception to Year 6 took part in an uplifting Harvest Festival service in St Mary’s Church, Hampton before half term, and then after the break, many of them joined together for an extremely poignant Remembrance Assembly attended by the Mayor of Richmond and the President of Twickenham Royal British Legion.

“THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TIME AT HALLIFORD!”

This is how one student from Halliford School in Shepperton described the experience of a visit to Edget Feleg School, in Gondar, Ethiopia, during a recent cross-cultural exchange with some Ethiopian peers.

The following day Halliford students and staff took a finite step towards improving facilities at Edget Feleg School by providing materials and painting the façade. A very valuable and thought-provoking exchange was finally cemented with an international football match

of real quality, watched by a thousand spectators. The home team ran out the visitors but, despite this result, the event was the culmination of a continued and tangible bond between the Schools.

An 11 day tour of the country, which included most of the culturally important sites, added to the understanding of Halliford students of life in an extremely different environment to their own. Link Ethiopia Charity must be thanked for helping make this possible.

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

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

SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ENJOY SUCCESS AT INDEPENDENCE SCHOOLS’ NATIONAL SCIENCE QUIZ

Last term, a team of four boys, Alex, Advaith, Tom and Samaksh, from Surbiton High School Boys’ Preparatory competed in the Independent Schools’ National Science Quiz. The boys had been preparing for the quiz by practising questions with specialist Science teacher, Mrs Hewitt, and each had their own area of expertise.

After an apprehensive start, the boys’ wide knowledge of a

range of scientific topics helped them to answer all the questions correctly, scoring maximum points and lying in first place.

A combination of team work and focus meant that the boys were able to hold on to their lead and end the competition as champions! The boys achieved one of the highest ever scores recorded and will go on to the semi-final stage of this national competition this term.

For more information, visit www.surbitonhigh.com 24

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

CHARITABLE GIVING AT TWICKENHAM PREP! The Twickenham Prep School community views charitable giving as a key aspect of School life, taking seriously the School’s golden rule “treat others as you would like to be treated.”

At Harvest Festival, very generous donations were made to SPEAR, a homeless charity in Richmond. On Charity Day, pupils raised £970 for locally-based charity Street Child Africa by organising coin trails, cake sales and game stalls.

Over the last 5 years, the School has raised £14,000 for Street Child Africa as well as £8,000 for local charity Shooting Star CHASE. It also sponsors a 7 year old boy in Uganda through Compassion, to whom Year 4 pupils write regularly.

Older pupils are now also supporting the learning of children in Sri Lanka, by providing skyped lessons to their peers in a school situated in one of the poorest parts of Columbo.

For further information, visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk January-February 2014

DENMEAD SCHOOL (Part of the Hampton School Trust) Independent Preparatory School Boys 3 - 11, Girls 3 - 7

* Happy family environment

* Wide range of co-curricular activities

* Before/After School care

* Broad curriculum

* Excellent 7+ and 11+ results

* Small class sizes

* Ongoing Assessment for Assured Places to Hampton School

* School Coach Service

Please call for further information or to arrange a visit.

Tel.: 020 8979 1844 Email: admissions@denmeadschool.org.uk web: denmeadschool.org.uk

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Independent Day School for Girls aged 4–11 and Boys aged 4–13 Currently National Mind Lab Champions and U13 Independent Schools Chess Champions A caring and happy school, providing an inspiring and creative education amongst first-class facilities.

Encouraging high academic standards and excellent personal development within a broad curriculum.

Prospective parents are welcome to join the school for assembly followed by a personal tour with the Headmaster.

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25

EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

SCHOOL PREFERENCES: ENCOURAGE YOUR HAVE YOU DECIDED YET? CHILD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT LEARNER By Justina Gapper School preference forms are due in very soon. Here are a Consider what skills and few important practical factors attributes your child will that could influence your final need to be successful in decision. all aspects of life. Are you Is Walking to School a Priority? thinking about confidence, Walking to and from school can independence, concentration save time and stress, as parking and self-motivation? All of near schools is often difficult. On these are attributes of an the other hand, you may want to independent learner and can drive your child to school and then be nurtured in children from a drive on to work. young age.

Do You Want to be Involved Directed teaching on a specific with School Life? topic may help children pass an support to help develop their You may want to help out in class, exam or get a high mark for a children’s learning and life skills. at events, on the PTA or even join homework project, but it doesn’t This comes as part of a natural the Chair of Governors. If this prepare them to answer questions desire to provide children with the is important to you, it’s worth on different topics, or help them best possible chance for a brighter checking the opportunities at the to overcome challenges beyond future and fulfilment in life. schools you are considering. school work. As the saying Many parents find that study What’s the Policy on goes “Give a man a fish and centres such as Kumon can play Absenteeism? he eats for a day; teach him an important role in their child’s If you have family living abroad how to fish and he eats for education. Kumon Centres and will want to take your child life.” Independent learning skills offer an individualised maths out of school during term time help a child to confidently solve and English study program for to visit them, it’s useful to know problems in situations they have children of all ages and abilities whether your preferred schools are never experienced before. but they do not teach children open to this.

As children start to take in a conventional sense. Instead Does Size Matter? ownership of their learning Kumon Centres develop a child’s Will your child be best suited to and experience success, they independent learning skills. Once a small school with a one or two develop invaluable confidence children are equipped with the form entry, or happier as part of and self-motivation. Rewarding ability to learn for themselves, a bigger crowd? There are pros and praising your child when they they can never become dependent and cons to both. Larger schools display examples of independent on – or limited by – the skills and often provide a greater range of learning helps support this. Their knowledge of others. facilities, whilst smaller schools can enjoyment of a wide range of sometimes offer a more intimate subjects at school increases, their environment. potential is unlocked and they are Kumon Centres can be found Infant or Primary? better prepared for personal and locally in Ashford, Chessington, Infant schools give younger professional success later in life.

Esher and Cobham, Hounslow children the chance to be “top Parents naturally want Central, Kingston North, dogs” at a much younger age and, children to succeed in life and Kingston South, Sheen, experience school without “big” are becoming more involved in St Margarets, Teddington, kids around. their education and long-term Thames Ditton, Twickenham Half Day or Full Day Starts? development. School, of course, and Weybridge.

Some primary schools offer half plays a pivotal role, but many For more information, days for Reception classes, either 100368_FamiliesonThames_JanFeb_87x85mm :Layout 1 26/06/2013 08:5 parents now seek additional visit www.kumon.co.uk for a short period or for the first

By Fabienne Wattam

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An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES (TABLES)?

Open Mornings Whole School - 10:00am - 12:30pm Introductory talk at 10.00am Saturday 8 February Saturday 15 March For further information, tel: 01372 473624 or email: info@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

www.claremont-school.co.uk

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term. Some offer the choice of half or full days. Half day starts offer a more gentle transition and counteract the “tiredness” factor, but, if you are working, it may mean finding top-up childcare.

Achievement and Expectations High achieving schools are likely to have high expectations and you can expect your child to be challenged.

How will your child cope? Will this be too pressurising or will they rise to the challenge?

Environment and Facilities What’s important to you? Are you looking for a school that places a particular emphasis on music, sport or languages? Some schools have state of the art ICT suites, or lots of outdoor space. Others even have their own swimming pools.

Pre and After School Care Provision Most schools offer Breakfast Club and afterschool care, either on their own sites or through another provider. If you will need to use these facilities, then check out the length of the waiting list. Will your child get a place?

More and more parents in the UK are supplementing their children’s education with private online maths tuition, which is proven to get better results than traditional teaching methods alone.

Award-winning Maths Doctor is the UK’s largest live online maths tuition company, with over 500 professional Macmillan-trained tutors available at the click of a mouse to help your child reach

their full potential.

It delivers private, online tutorials for students aged 7-18 live over the internet at the convenience of parents, connecting your child with a personal tutor in the comfort of your own home, or wherever else suits you, at any time you choose.

Maths Doctor also offers a FREE online tuition assessment.

If you are interested in WINNING 4 hours free maths tuition online, then check out the details of the Maths Doctor competition at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk For further information or to book your child’s tuition assessment, visit www.mathsdoctor.co.uk January-February 2014

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH FREE SCHOOLS? Justina Gapper talks to Michaela Khatib, Head Teacher at Cobham Free School

You may have read about free schools or even been asked to express interest in one opening in your area. But just how can a free school benefit your child?

Free schools were introduced in 2010 so that businesses, charities and local communities could create schools, resulting in more choice for parents, and - the government claimed – driving up standards of education. There are now 174 free schools in England, with a further 116 schools due to open during 2014 and beyond.

Like academies, free schools receive funds from central government and not the local authority and have more freedom over how this money is spent.

Like academies, they have more freedom with their curriculum, can set their own criteria for staff selection and pay, and be flexible with term dates and lengths. They

also have standard assessments, such as SATS and GCSEs and are inspected by Ofsted, as are academies.

However, free schools are new schools set up in response to demand in the local community, whilst academies have tended to be existing state schools that have been converted to help them perform better. This is now changing, with pressure from the Government on Ofsted “Outstanding”schools to convert to academies too.

Michaela Khatib, Head Teacher of Cobham Free School, which opened in 2012, says that the goal of the School is to realise “best practice from independent and state school education.” This includes elements more typically associated with independent schools: small class sizes and specialist teachers. Each class

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at Cobham Free School has a maximum of 24 pupils and the school boasts specialist teachers in ICT, music, art, French and PE, all of who are passionate about their subjects. The result of this is that, whilst the school does not have to teach the National Curriculum, it is, in fact, offering over and beyond it, with pupils already exceeding set expectations.

A specialist music teacher, Michaela is passionate about her subject and has formed an alliance with her former employer Cobham-based Yehudi Menuhin School for Musical Excellence, at which CFS pupils are given the chance to perform. A similar partnership has been struck with Chelsea Football Club, which has its training ground locally.

Coaches come in to train the pupils and a few have already been talent-spotted and offered academy sessions at the Club.

The freedom to choose how to spend its funding has been a major factor in enabling Michaela to meet the School’s goals. Running and paying for such things as its own admissions process (rather than paying the local authority to do it) has enabled Michaela to prioritise funding for teaching resources over infrastructure.

For instance, the School has chosen to provide all its pupils with chrome tablets, which are integrated into the curriculum.

Michaela is understandably proud of the School’s ICT model which has also saved costs by eschewing ICT servers to be Cloud-based, enabling all teachers to share teaching plans and other documents.

Already boasting a waiting list for places, the response from local parents to Cobham Free School has been overwhelmingly positive and it is growing at an impressive

rate. Year 3 and 4 joined in September 2013, and Year 7 forms are due to start this year. In 2015, all primary years will go to two form entry and senior years and sixth form to three form entry.

A new site is being built to house the juniors and seniors, whilst the current building – a converted police station, complete with cell doors as showpieces – will house

Reception to Year 2 only.

Mrs Khatib radiates passion and enthusiasm for her school and finds the ongoing developments exciting. She admits that the work involved in setting up a free school is enormous and demanding, and was only achievable by taking one day at a time, but the results speak for themselves: “I have lived and breathed this project and it’s been a massive challenge. But nothing is more satisfying than impacting on the lives of all these children.”

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For more information about Cobham Free School, visit www.cobhamfreeschool.org.uk

Thames – passion for learning, inspiration for life our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 6th MARCH 11.00-1.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

January-February 2014

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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EDUCATION FOCUS SPRING 2014 Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE OR A NEW AGE LUXURY? Linda Stone, Editor talks to Amanda Bell Co-Founder of The St Michael Steiner School in Hanworth about the Waldorf Steiner education philosophy.

I take a wrong turn on my way to The St Michael Steiner School, and find myself wandering up a muddy tree-lined lane, past a pony in a field. I’m suddenly aware of birdsong above the hum of traffic. Through wroughtiron gates at the top of the lane, I can see and hear children running around in a large, sprawling, open green area and I immediately wish my own daughter could experience play time in such a wonderful outdoor space. I’m delighted to discover this little pocket of countryside in the middle of Greater London.

In just the same way, a year ago, the founders of The St Michael Steiner School, grabbed the opportunity to move the school from a confined inner city space in Wandsworth, to this semi-rural setting in Hanworth.

“Children need physical space to play” says Co-Founder, Amanda Bell. “Here they can climb trees,

use tools, dig in the garden and really run around.”

The first Steiner School was founded in Germany in 1919, by Austrian Rudolf Steiner, and a Waldorf Steiner education is now accepted worldwide as a viable alternative model. Despite this, it is not widely understood and, in the UK, can sometimes be the victim of myths and assumptions that can probably be attributed to the hippy image of the Steiner schools that were established in the sixties.

The Waldorf Steiner philosophy is based upon a study of children’s physical, social, emotional and 28

intellectual development at every age.“Children only one year apart in age show huge differences in the way they grasp information, the sort of questions they ask and the social issues they are interested in” reports Amanda.“We gear our teaching to their stage of development so that it resonates with them emotionally. In this way, children remember what they are learning, because it connects with their personal experience at the time they are learning it.”

As an example, Amanda explains that children of around 12 are very concerned with issues of fairness and where they stand in world.“So, in history, we teach them about Rome and justice.

Children this age like the fact that justice in Rome was very black and white and you got punished if you did the wrong thing. They enjoy setting up class councils and making up and enforcing rules for the class.” Simultaneously, children learn business maths, studying bookkeeping, currency exchange and calculating interest.

Steiner schools do not have to teach the National Curriculum and are free to define their own, based on the needs of their children. This is becoming increasingly attractive to parents at a time when the National Curriculum is undergoing so many changes, not necessarily for the better.

At St Michael Steiner, the curriculum has developed gradually over the years and continues to evolve.”Our curriculum is not prescriptive.

Not every class does the same thing” Amanda explains.“If our teachers have ideas for something they want to teach, as long as they know why they want to do it and can explain and defend it properly, they can teach it.”

This means teachers can constantly develop, change and renew what they teach, passing on to the children the passion and commitment they feel as a consequence.

“We teach the same subjects as the National Curriculum, just at different times in a different way” says Amanda.” We are acutely aware of the kinds of things children need to know, but we are not dogmatic in our approach. Children are with one class teacher from ages 7 to 14, so, by the time they get to Class 9, we have a fantastic sense of their strengths and weaknesses

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as individuals and what sort of direction they may take, and we try to give them what they need to get there.”

Many Steiner schools routinely teach GCSEs and A-levels, but this generally means there has been little time for the broader Steiner High School curriculum, which integrates practical, artistic, scientific and academic subjects.

This year The St Michael Steiner School is one of only two UK schools to introduce the new Steiner School Certificate, which is now internationally recognised for university entrance under the Lisbon Recognition Agreement.

“It means we can teach the Steiner High School Program, instead of GCSEs and A-levels, but certain aspects will be tested” says Amanda.“For instance, in Ancient History, I gave the students two assessments, one about how to do research and referencing, and one about how to lay out an essay, which are things I’d teach anyway.

So how will universities react to this new qualification?

Amanda’s view is that some will be interested, others not.“People who have good experiences with different kinds of qualification are likely to be open to it” she says.“Particularly if a child has a good portfolio and can speak well, which our children can.”

The Steiner School Certificate includes time and space for the practical learning associated with making things with the hands which is central to the Steiner approach. For instance, by doing joinery and making their own desks, they learn to design, measure and cut accurately. “They

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go on to use the objects they make, so they learn that if they don’t make them properly they fall apart” Amanda smiles.“By learning how everyday objects are made, children learn respect for the object and the person who made it. There’s a morality, a social aspect to it.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, The St Michael Steiner School does not use television or computers in the classroom for children under 12. Of course, children are exposed to technology at home and it is, of course, a myth that Steiner schools try to ban these things.“It’s not our business” says Amanda.“All we will say is, if you are committed to letting your kids watch as much television as they like, you are really wasting you money sending them here, because it’s just going to counteract what we’re doing during the day. Children need movement and play to develop fine and gross motor skills and they need social interaction to understand the world. Those who are looking at a screen all the time start to believe it is the world, just as children that are plugged into social networking sites are fooled into believing they are interacting socially.”

I leave the School inspired and impressed by the richness of its teaching environment. There is certainly nothing whimsical or “new age” about what is on offer there and, in a world where education seems in constant turmoil, the enduring nature of Waldorf Steiner’s child-centred approach seems to offer a consistent and attractive alternative.

The St Michael Steiner School is a co-educational independent school based in Hanworth, for children ages 3 to 18. For more information, visit www.stmichaelsteiner.hounslow.sch.uk January-February 2014

SCHOOLS NEWS NOTRE DAME SIXTH FORMERS TAKE QUALIFICATION TO INCREASE UCAS POINTS! In recent weeks some of the Sixth Form at Notre Dame School in Cobham have been discussing innovative research projects with Miss Janine Harber, Head of Sixth Form and Miss D’Aprano, Head of the Prep School, who is working on a research Doctorate in Education. The girls have put together three fascinating projects for their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ, examined by AQA) which is a stand-alone qualification that adds to their UCAS points. To take this qualification, the girls need to write about their discoveries and understanding in an area of expertise which is not part of an A level course, demonstrating

their comprehension of theory and ethics, and articulating new ideas. The education assignments chosen are about children’s perceptions about things such as stranger danger, visual stimuli and homework. The projects have offered a fantastic opportunity for older pupils to engage with the educational life of the School, and for older and younger pupils to work together to achieve new knowledge about children’s views.

THE ST MICHAEL STEINER SCHOOL HOLDS FAMILY WORKSHOPS Last term, kindergarten teachers at The St Michael Steiner School, situated in a leafy corner of Hanworth Park, held a series of family workshops for the local community. Held on Saturdays, the first workshop was a Festival of Light at which parents made lanterns for a twilight walk. Through the School’s Facebook page, parents who attended the workshop reported: “WOW! What a wonderful, magical day.

We all feel brilliantly restored, happy, and a “nice kind of” sleepy this evening.””Blissful day” and “I feel like I’ve been on holiday.” Before Christmas, the School also hosted its annual Advent Fair and further celebrated the approach of the festive season at an Advent Workshop, at which families made an advent garden.

The next workshop will be Candle Dipping on Saturday 8 February from 2pm to 5pm.

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For further information, visit www.stmichaelsteiner.hounslow.sch.uk For further information, visit www.notredame.co.uk

THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE TACKLES THE CHALLENGE OF MANDARIN With the pace of globalisation, mobility and communication increasing, the need to learn languages is becoming more important. In particular, as China grows in economic significance, so does the relevance of Mandarin, the most widely-spoken language in the world.

In response, Thames Christian College has started a Mandarin Club for pupils interested in getting ahead in business.

Nicola, a Year 7 pupil (pictured above) is taking a lead in the club by helping teach the correct pronunciation, whilst also learning how to write Chinese characters.

Natalia Ramos, teacher of Mandarin at the College says:

“In an increasingly competitive world pupils need to stand out from crowd and having additional languages can make a real difference to their future employability. The Club is proving very popular, with a quarter of pupils wanting to take part!”

At Thames Christian College, students are actively encouraged to learn languages with Spanish, French and Latin all on the curriculum.

For more information, visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk January-February 2014

CLAREMONT FAN COURT GOES POND DIPPING AND SCAVENGING! In line with its aim of providing children with a creative curriculum beyond the classroom, last term children from Pre-Prep at Claremont Fan Court School in Esher visited Britley House, enjoying a wide range of outward-bound experiences. After a health and safety talk, the children were shown how to create a controlled fire, learning that wood for a fire should always be dry and how charcoal is made.

Working collaboratively, they then used fire steels to set fire to small pieces of cotton wool.

Later the children participated in a scavenger hunt, searching the vast grounds for mushrooms and acorns. The highlight of the day was pond dipping with the children discovering various water creatures. Crayfish traps that had been planted in the lake during the morning were also opened, teaching the children about the importance of capturing American crayfish. A crayfish barbeque ended the day!

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

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dance

The REAL Billy Elliott!

Justina Gapper interviews Karl Morgan of Movement Warriors about teaching boys to dance

Well-known as half of the team that put pre-school dance provider Diddi Dance on the map locally, Karl Morgan is now directing his energies into Movement Warriors, classes which encourage boys to move, and develop an interest in dance.

Set up in response to demand from parents and filling a gap in the market, Movement Warriors offers boys-only classes for ages 5 to 8 years and 8 years plus. “Something was missing when I was teaching boys and girls together” says Karl.” I’d have three boys and ten girls in a class. The boys were good, but it didn’t work with the dynamic of the class and they’d get pushed out.” Boys-only classes allow Karl

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to teach differently.

“You can teach boys physically, be big and bold, harness their energy and work with it.“ With the younger ones, the challenge is to channel that energy. “It’s a fine balance between fun craziness and controlled craziness. I want them to learn, but not be so rigid that they don’t enjoy themselves” says Karl.

Expressing themselves through moves set around themes they love such as Star Wars, Superheroes, Extreme Sports and Tribes of the World, and using things like light sabres created out of foam swimming tubes, boys can safely “play” at being Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader. “We never use dance terminology, and they don’t feel that they are being taught – they are just being Jedi Knights. We then take away the tubes, keep the movements and incorporate them into the dance” reports Karl.

Keenly aware that he’s a role model for those he teaches, Karl wants to awaken in them the love of dance he discovered as a child. Unable to sit down, he was christened ‘Dancing Deborah’ by his family at an early age yet Karl discovered his passion for dancing by accident. Growing up in a rough part of Liverpool in the seventies, he and his

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older brother, Leon, would roam derelict Victorian terraced houses, walking along their back walls, belly flopping over the alleyways and jumping onto the roofs of the outside toilets, in what is now known as “free running.”

When Karl was 4, Leon broke his thigh bone after falling through a toilet roof. The “bohemian” head teacher of his school recommended ballet as the quickest way for him to recover his strength, and suggested Karl go along too.

Whilst a posh ballet class with girls in pink tutus would have intimidated many young boys from “the wrong side of the tracks,” Karl found himself “hooked” and started regular classes in ballet, modern and tap.

These lessons and the arrival of the television show Kids From Fame cemented his love of dance, but it wasn’t easy being different to his peers and Karl was teased relentlessly. ”The fact that I kept going shows how much I loved it” he comments.

Karl struggled with learning at school but could easily remember large chunks of dance routines.

Dance unlocked his potential.

“I discovered that when my body moved, so did my brain. I couldn’t learn when I was still” explains Karl. Going onto become a professional dancer, Karl enjoyed a successful stage career in musical theatre, including as a member of the original cast of Billy Elliot the Musical in 2005.

It was only when his partner Janine had their second child that Karl fell into teaching Diddi

Dance classes. Something clicked immediately. ”I was struck by how much I loved these little people and by how much joy they experienced in the classes” Karl remembers. In 6 years, Karl and Janine grew Diddi Dance from 6 to 17 weekly classes before handing it over to a new teacher last year in order to focus on Movement Warriors.

Last year, Movement Warriors launched an exciting new partnership with BalletBoyz,

a successful dance film, video and theatre production and choreography company and over half its classes are now held at the new BalletBoyz studio in Kingston. It’s an inspiring creative space where Karl and the BalletBoyz founders can collaborate and share ideas, offering the promise of more exciting projects to come!

For more information, see listing on page 39 or visit www.movementwarriors.com

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Let’s Dance!

dance

Justina Gapper profiles 8 uniquely different local dance schools.

The Happy Dance School!

Classes in New Malden with KBS New Malden “I pride myself on having a very happy school,” says Louise Jefferson of KBS New Malden which offers ballet, tap and modern dance classes for children ages 3 to 18.

Classes for younger children are relaxed and focus on encouraging them to work with their natural movement and coordination, before progressing to jumps and, ultimately dance techniques.

Louise says “Research has shown that you shouldn’t teach specialised dance movements too early, so we encourage children to learn to skip before they move

Doing Ballet Differently!

Classes in Richmond, Kew, Sheen and

Twickenham with Just Imagine Ballet (formerly Twinkle Toes Ballet) January is a busy time for Just Imagine Ballet, as children begin rehearsals for their summer performances, with everyone taking part in some way and older children even helping to design their own costumes.

Formerly Twinkle Toes Ballet, which offered ballet classes for pre-schoolers, the dance school now teaches ballet to children up to age 10, and also offers boys-only classes.

on to pointing toes.”

Stories are central to nursery and pre-school classes, with children acting out anything from Cinderella to a trip to the seaside to different styles of music, from jazz to classical ballet. Classes for school age children follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, with pupils able to take graded and vocational exams if they wish.

“I set a high standard, but it’s also important that children enjoy themselves” says Louise. “I also try to give opportunities to everyone.”

Louise believes the benefits of dancing at a young age are plentiful, teaching children skills as diverse as developing imagination, learning how to stand still and how to make friends.

“Many children join us at 5 or 6 and are still around at 15 and 16, as they’ve built

up a friendship group and it’s a great social outlet” she says.

For more information on KBS New Malden, see listing on page 38 or visit www.kingstonballetschool.com

Just Imagine Ballet holds Twinkle Toes Ballet classes for children ages 0 to 5 and Sparkle Ballet for children ages 5 to 10.

Unlike other ballet schools that follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or Imperial Society of Teachers in Dancing (ISDT) syllabuses, Jessica has created her own.

At Twinkle Toes Ballet classes, children learn through imagination and storytelling, using puppets and props, whilst at Sparkle Ballet, children continue to develop their classical ballet technique and learn choreographed dances to perform.

Jessica feels her approach to ballet works against “the brand of discipline” that is sometimes associated with ballet.

“We have no uniform and are happy if the younger girls wear tutus from the supermarket and bring a wand. We are all about magic and fairy dust” she says.

However, she is also determined to get more boys dancing ballet and has created boys-only classes, led by male dancers. “Boys can get so lost amongst the pink tutus so they are loving our boys-only classes.”

For further information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.facebook.com/twinkle-toes-ballet

Classes for 2yrs-Adult in RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and Tap and LAMDA Drama

CONTACT US TO BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS at kewacademy@hotmail.com OR CALL 01932 423456 OR 07967 341117 Weekday and Weekend Classes held at United Church Hall, Raleigh Rd, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2DX

Check out our website for more information www.kewacademydance.co.uk

Protègèm Dance School & Company

Established 2003

COME & JOIN OUR FRIENDLY CLASSES Ballet, Tap, Street Dance, Boys Street/Break, Cheer, Musical Theatre

• Classes held in Epsom & Ewell • Full school shows in professional theatres

• Ages 2+ to Adult • IDTA Dance exams

New for 2014!

Wednesday classes @ Ruxley Church Principal: Victoria Maitland Dip RBS TC ARAD AISTD Royal Ballet School Graduate, Fully Qualified Teacher

01737 211 109 info@protegem.co.uk www.protegem.co.uk

January-February 2014

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dance

Dance Yourself Diddi!

Classes in Hampton, Isleworth, Richmond, St Margarets, Teddington and Twickenham with Diddi Dance From Bollywood to routines from Strictly Come Dancing, Diddi Dance gives pre-schoolers the chance to try out different styles of dance in its structured, but fun and friendly classes. Children from as young as 16 months can learn different dance styles each term, set around the same basic weekly routine.

Local Diddi Dance classes are now taught

by singer, dancer and mum-of-two Fiona O’Brist, who took over after the 6 year tenure of Karl Morgan and Janine Davies. She says: “They are big boots to fill, but it’s going really well.”

Fiona feels that young children thrive on a regular class structure, which always includes warm-up dances which help the children learn their body parts, a dance together in a circle, a dance they have been learning, galloping across the room in pairs, using props like ribbons, hoops and pom poms, and receiving stickers at the end.

“What’s really special about Diddi Dance is its family environment” says Fiona “I bring my two daughters along and children bring in their baby siblings and grandparents – it’s very interactive and everyone gets involved.”

Fiona loves the “hugs and kisses” that she

Storytelling Brings Ballet to LIfe!

Something for Everyone!

Classes in Richmond with Kew Academy of Performing Arts Alongside the demand for modern, tap and ballet classes for young children, Kew Academy of Performing Arts is now attracting more teenagers – many of whom have never danced before.

Delighted by this trend, Principal, Victoria Maitland, believes one of the key attractions is the school’s friendly reputation, with many teenagers enrolling for the social aspects.

Offering ballet, tap and modern classes for children from age 2.5, following the syllabuses set by the Imperial Society of Teachers in Dancing (ISTD), pupils at Kew Academy can focus on just one discipline or take classes in all three. “We offer something for everyone” says Victoria. Children are taught different

receives as a result of the special bond that she develops with the children. “I have a great relationship with the kids and it is lovely that they feel comfortable, safe and affectionate towards me” she says.

For more information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.diddidance.com

Classes in Kingston with Brooks Dance Academy disciplines by different teachers and Victoria prides herself on a “structured and professional approach” to teaching.

Dancers are able to work through exams to the highest grade, if they choose, although this is not compulsory - one of the school’s highlights is an annual performance in which everyone takes part.“We aim for the correct balance“ comments Victoria.“We offer children the opportunity to go further if they want but, equally, they can just come once a week for fun.”

To parents undecided about which dance style their child should learn first, Victoria recommends ballet. “Everything comes from ballet. The training is essential for strength and equips children for other dances” she says.

For more information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.kewacademy.co.uk

For a gentle introduction to classical ballet for toddlers and pre-schoolers, Brooks Dance Academy’s Petites Pointes classes bring ballet to life for children, through imagination and storytelling.

Proprietor Laura Brooks, a trained dancer, teaches young children dance through stories, believing it is the easiest way for them to learn. She uses popular classics such as The Nutcracker, fairy tales such as Goldilocks and contemporary modern day stories like The Gruffalo, to teach ballet steps and movements. “For example, when Goldilocks “sits down” on a chair, I show children how to do a demi plié” says Laura.

“Rather than using technical

names, I teach the children to “make their feet smile,” or “dip their toes into water.”

Once children reach Reception age, they can take classes which follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and introduce more formal exercises, but storytelling is still key.

Teaching Reception at a primary school gives Laura a unique advantage as a ballet teacher.

“I know how to nurture and engage children, and I understand their different learning styles” she comments, adding that her teaching supports the Key Stage 1 curriculum.

Laura aims to encourage “a lifelong interest in the arts.” The Petites Pointes annual visit to the English National Ballet’s “Introduction to Ballet” performances forms part of this and offers an unforgettable experience for the children.

For more information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk

Creating an environment in which your child’s love of dance can thrive

KBS NEW MALDEN Est. 1995 Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern Dance classes for 2½ to 18 years in New Malden

NEW FOR NEXT TERM:

Tap and Modern for 7 to 9 years Saturday Ballet for 3/4 and 5/6 years • Free Trial Lessons • Sibling Discounts

Option to take exams in all dance styles, 100% success rate All teachers are highly qualified and RAD registered For full details:

www.kingstonballetschool.com Principal Louise Jefferson B.Phil(hons),LRAD,ARAD, AISTD

on 07909 139149

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

January-February 2014

Let’s Dance Dance Styles for all Ages and Tastes!

A Place in the Community!

Classes in Epsom, Ewell, Worcester Park and Chessington with Protegem Dance School

Classes in Isleworth, Chertsey and Weybridge with Kate’s School of Dance If you’re looking for a dance school which truly blends traditional and contemporary, Kate’s School of Dance offers ballet, tap and street dance classes to more than 150 children.

Starting with just 6 students, Kate now has 130 students at two venues in Isleworth and also runs classes in Weybridge and Chertsey with plans to expand further into Surrey this year.

For children ages 2 to 4, Kate’s Movement with Melody Bear class teaches movement to music as children become characters and act out a story. For the same age group, Tip Tap Toe and Groovy Moves, introduces tap and modern dance with children also learning techniques through stories,

such as putting their heels on the floor by pretending to stamp in puddles!

Ballet is taught from pre-school and follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus from age 5 and, for something more contemporary, Kate’s Street Dance classes are hugely popular.

Available for kids from age 4, children are encouraged to create their own style, and can audition for the school’s Step It Out Street Dance Crew, a dance troupe which takes part in dance competitions and performances.

The school’s annual performance involves all the children in the school and cements the family atmosphere that Kate encourages. “My school has a real place in the community and is a great way for children to make friends.”

For more information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.katesschoolofdance.co.uk

Say Ole!

January-February 2014

dance

Gemma “but they DO continue with tap once they’ve started it.”

For pre-teens and teenage girls, street dance is the most popular class because of the social aspect, and running boys-only classes means the school attracts teenage boys too. “Boys benefit from learning on their own away from girls. I have to teach boys differently and always incorporate some break dancing to let them go mad!” says Gemma.

Whatever the dance style, all children benefit from learning at a young age, says Gemma “It can help with social skills, gross motor skills, following instructions and encouraging them to work in a group environment.”

For more information, see listing on page 39 or visit www.protegem.co.uk

Help our advertisers by telling them where you read about them or saw their ad!

To book advertising in Families Upon Thames, call Linda Stone 020 8241 0423 07530 283330.

Classes in Twickenham with West London Spanish Dance School Flamenco Dance (El baile flamenco) is a Spanish dance form distinguished by emotional intensity, proud carriage, expressive use of the arms and rhythmic stamping of the feet, as well as a particular “flamenco” way of moving.

“The word “flamenco” is Spanish for “flamingo” probably because the dance resembles the elegant movements of a bird” says Lucy Sheather from the West London Spanish Dance School.

Lucy explains that Flamenco dance is an incredibly expressive art form and children, who are naturally expressive beings, relish this.“Whilst it is influenced by other dance styles, like classical ballet” says Lucy, “Flamenco dance is very distinct.” There are few Flamenco classes for children in London but The West London Spanish Dance School gives children and adults from all backgrounds, the opportunity to learn and perform it.

Classes take place in a Spanish bi-lingual environment with a teacher, Betty

Gemma Ballan set up Protegem Dance School in 2003, creating a Youth Dance Company which trained children to perform and compete. Ten years on, Protegem’s Youth Dance Company continues to rehearse throughout the term and perform its street dance routines at local fetes and events in London and beyond.

Meanwhile, Protegem has added a full range of traditional and modern dance classes to its repertoire.

These include a musical theatre class which gives pupils the opportunity to devise an annual performance, street dance, and combined tap and ballet class for younger children. “Kids generally don’t take up tap later on, if they start with ballet” says

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clubs, classes activities

Cid, who is a professional dancer with over 20 years’ experience of performing and teaching Flamenco. Children have the opportunity to learn castanets, footwork, and rhythms through stamping and clapping, fan work, arm work, the Sevilannas (a Spanish folk dance from Andalucia) and character dances.

Classes start at age 3 and from age 6, children can enter the Spanish Dance Society Medal Awards, an exam syllabus is certified by the Spanish Dance Society.

For more information, see listing on page 39 or visit www. bettycidflamenco.co.uk

BDA Advert_v5.indd 1

31/05/2013 18:47

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Top Spin Monkeys Serves Up Much More!

By Justina Gapper

2014 is set to be a busy year for Top Spin Monkeys as it looks to introduce more pre-school tennis classes in Surrey, recruit new coaches and even open its own tennis school.

Owner and coach Andy Low wants to start new classes around Leatherhead and Claygate in time for the start of the tennis season at Easter. He’s also now looking to take on coaches as there will be too many classes for him to teach alone.

Hampton Welcomes Mums Play Shop

By Olivia Malaure

Motivated by the desire to continue to coach his current students when they reach school age and his desire to teach older children too, Andy is planning to set up a tennis school in Epsom this September.

Andy believes tennis is a great “all round” sport for a young child, encompassing a wide range of skills including throwing, catching, running, movement and team building.

It’s also a sport a child can play for life. “Whether you are 2 or 92, you can play it as a family” comments Andy.

For more information, see listing on page 40 or visit www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk

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!

Quietly positioned on the site of Hampton Academy, Mum’s Play Shop could be the crème-de-la-crème of soft play! It’s currently a well-kept secret, so visit soon, before everybody finds out!

Offering soft play facilities, traditional toys, including books, rockers and ride-ons, and a dedicated art room, Mums Play Shop has something for everyone.

The soft play is clean and tidy, with separate junior and toddler play frames, and I was pleased NOT to find anything disgusting lurking in the bottom of the ball pond!

It’s a clever set up. The venue used to be a nursery and so children can easily move from indoor to outdoor, interacting with each other or escaping into their own imaginary world.

Anywhere that has a dedicated ‘gooey play’ area is a hit with my 2.5yr old and the art room is wonderfully well-resourced.

Parents and children are encouraged to dig in to the art supplies, unleash their inner artist and get crafty.

Having run around all morning, and played in the ‘jelly goo, my daughter relaxed in The Snug, a cosy chill-out zone, with bean bags and a television and ate a freshly-prepared, healthy home-cooked lunch. The café offers food such as jacket potatoes and Panini for adults,

sandwich lunch bags and hot meals like Pasta and home made Tomato Sauce (with hidden veg) for children and even organic home-made baby puree. It’s open until 6pm on weekdays too, meaning you can call in after school and feed the kids.

Mums Play Shop will add Cooking Club, Gardening Club and football training to its repertoire for February half term.

Open 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday term time and school holidays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Party hire from 2pm to 6pm Saturdays and all day Sundays. Suitable for children up to 6 years (siblings up to age 8).

For further information, see listing on page 40 or visit www.mumsplayshop.co.uk

phone: 07879 521 457 email: info@twinkletoesballet.com

age range

18 months - 7 years

RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM - KEW - EAST SHEEN

Super fun football and skills 12th January - 5th April 2014

Satu rday Nort h s KT2 Kingst o 5PE

ys a d Sunst Mole9seLyF

, Ea Hall e n i V

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KT8

Times and age groups 10am 10.30am 11.15am Noon

Nippers Runners Racers Over 5’s

(18m to 2.5 years) (2.6 to 3.5 years) (3.6 to 5 years) (5 to 7 years)

Tel: 020 3560 9256 Email: jen@kiddikicks.co.uk 34

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

www.kiddikicks.co.uk January-February 2014

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clubs, classes TinyTalk Introduces activities Sensory Activities!

Kiddikicks Arrives in Your Area!

By Linda Stone, Editor

Get set for new Kiddikicks classes in your area this month as the 8 year old, London-wide football training school introduces local franchises in East Molesey and Kingston!

Run by Sarah Peel and James Nesbitt, Kiddikicks teaches children real football skills. These include using both feet and all of the foot to control the ball, moving with the ball in all directions at different speeds, whilst simultaneously shielding it, correct shooting at different heights, and accurate passing.

But is it really possible to teach under 8s these things?

James explains that, by engaging children’s imaginations through fun, role-play games, even little ones can achieve

a up an Serving

ce ten

By Linda Stone, Editor

technical skills. “For the under 8s learning must be fun” says James. “Over the past 8 years, the children in our classes have taught us what games they enjoy and what monsters and animals they like to be. But don’t be fooled by the word and picture games we play, behind each game or drill lies an achievable technical skill.”

Kiddikicks classes constantly evolve and new skills are developed as the term goes on, at the correct pace for each particular group.“This is good for the kids” says James.“And it keeps us coaches fresh too!”

Soft skills are also essential when teaching this young age group and James credits his to Early Years Sports Practitioner, Val Sabin. “If she hadn’t taught me to leave my street cred at the door, I don’t think Kiddikicks would be as successful as it is today” he laughs.

For further information, see listing on page 40 or visit www.kiddikicks.co.uk

amme for 2-5 year olds. nis progr

gramme for 2-5 year olds. nnis pro ace te up an Learn Serving

We provide a fun and safe environment for We provide preschool children to learn a get fun actively and safeinvolved tennis, environment for and build their confidence preschool children to during the early years learn tennis, get actively of development.

involved and build their confidence during the early years of development.

Learn your ABCs...

Learn your ABCs...

Agility...

Agility...

tennis, have funLearn and meet new friends. tennis, have

fun and meet new friends.

Indoor venues in Indoor Surrey.

Balance...

Balance...

Piano Lessons with Margaret Wood

FOOTIE TOTS

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!

For children ages 5 to 8

Coordination Coordination...

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

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

Now at venues in Epsom, Cobham & Walton-on-Thames.

Free Trial!

Baby signing franchise Tiny Talk introduces new sensory activities to its classes this month, making them more interactive.

Kerry Callard-Williams, who runs TinyTalk Kingston, Surbiton and Thames Ditton says “We’re enhancing classes so that as well as singing and signing, little ones also develop their speech and communication skills.“ Following a successful pilot, sessions now include fun exercises like sticking out tongues and babbling which strengthen vocal cords. Babies are also encouraged to follow moving objects with their eyes.

“Our activities will focus on the parts of the body you need to use to communicate and have a conversation. For example, helping little ones track bubbles Qualified & Experienced Teacher encourages them to Examinations to Grade 8 Level follow hands or mouth Theory for all Instruments when someone is Walton on Thames speaking to them”says Kerry.

Tel: 01932 219767/07857 689396 Sensory props such Email: awood67@fsmail.net as voile scarves, tactile

FOOTIE WIZARDS

venues in Surrey.

rubber shapes, flashing balls, stretchy Lycra, bubbles, mirrors and original music will also be used, and parents can get more involved.

“We’ll use a voile to play hide and seek with mummy to show that even though baby cannot see her, she is still there and can be heard,”says Kerry, “We want baby to experience new things in a fun way.”

For more information, see listing on page 38 or visit www.tinytalk.co.uk

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

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 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

Stories and More Academy Theatre Skills for ages 4 to 16 delivered by a fresh, creative team of professionals Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm New Malden Dance, Drama and Singing each week with Magic Weeks, Film Weeks and Shows!

Be Part of the Biggest Story in Town!

Classes for ages 4-8 and 9-14 www.storiesandmore.co.uk info@storiesandmore.co.uk 0845 075 6044 January-February 2014

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Getting Your Child in the “Swim” of Things! swimming

By Justina Gapper

Swimming lessons are a mandatory part of the national curriculum. Yet research indicates that less than half of all primary school children can swim the length of a swimming pool. Why is this? What can we do to encourage our children to swim?

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) believes that swimming has dropped down the list of priorities in many schools, because school budgets are so tight. Swimming lessons can be expensive to fund, particularly for schools which have to pay travel costs in addition to paying the swimming provider, and many schools are forced to rely on subsidies from parents. Lack of time in the school day and the varied quality of swimming teaching are also factors.

Karen Duane, whose local swim school, Springboard Swimmers,

in Twickenham provides private and school lessons, cites the impracticalities of teaching large groups of children as a key issue.

Many swimming teachers are presented with classes of 30 children – all with different abilities and needs – and are expected to teach them all, without getting into the water with them.

“That’s not teaching,”says Karen,“it’s just crowd control.”

Springboard Swimmers runs the swimming programme for Stanley Primary School in Teddington, where children are split into groups by ability, with a maximum of 7 children per group.

This allows constant monitoring of each child’s progress .

Unfortunately, this isn’t possible for all schools. Karen believes that, whilst some children will be able to cope in large groups, those with talent or those who are scared can be overlooked or struggle in school lessons.

If school provision is far from adequate for some children, what can parents do?

SkillsActive is urging parents to book “top-up” lessons with local pools and private providers.

WEEKLY

LOCAL

CLASSES

Its new independent register, the Register of Aquatic Professionals (RAPS), provides up-to-date evidence of a teacher’s qualifications and it hopes that the standard framework that this will introduce will ensure the very best quality teaching across the board and help parents choose a swim school.

Karen agrees that parents do need help but she isn’t convinced that a register is the best way.

“95% of Springboard’s clients hear about us via word of mouth” she says. “If you want to check out the quality of a provider, enrol your kids on a holiday course.

This way you find out what the provider is like without making a long term commitment.” She also suggests going to watch a lesson before you enrol your child “If the provider won’t let you, be suspicious!” she warns.

The competition for places at good swim schools is fierce, with private lessons heavily oversubscribed. Stuart Wilson of RAPS believes that lack of facilities is a key reason, with much work to be done to create more places by encouraging private pools to open in “down” time. “We teach 1,200 kids a week and have 350 on the waiting list - and we are one of 22 providers in a 5 mile radius” illustrates Karen. “This demand results in some parents paying for poor value.”

So, with lessons hard to come by or too expensive, what else can we do to help our children learn to swim? The first step is to

take them to the pool regularly to develop water confidence. One local dad reported that he was so frustrated by his daughter’s slow progress in swimming classes that he started giving his own “lessons” and believes she’s improved much more quickly.

Karen believes it’s important to develop a child’s water confidence as early as possible. (see her tips below.) ”Swimming is the only recreational activity that could save a life so if you are going to prioritise an activity for your kids, then make it this one“ she advises.

For more information on Springboard Swimmers, see listing on page 40 or visit www.springboardswimmers.com Developing Water Confidence ☛ Get children into the water as soon as possible ☛ Put their names on waiting lists for lessons ☛ Enrol them on holiday courses ☛ Develop their water confidence in the bath – get them to progress from putting their chins in the water, then blowing bubbles with their mouths, followed by submerging their noses and whole faces ☛ Be water confident yourself – if you aren’t confident, your children won’t be. Take lessons if you can ☛ Develop a love for water as a family – make it fun!

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

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

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01932 227 428

classes held. . .

Addlestone, Shepperton, Twickenham, Kingston, Chessington & Morden

waterbabies.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

January-February 2014

It’s Warm Enough for Baby!

Swimming still provides one of the best forms of exercise for both you and your baby, and is just as perfect for cold winter days as it is for hot summer ones.

As long as the water temperature is cosily warm (32 degrees for babies under 12lbs or 12 weeks; 30 degrees for everyone else), there’s no minimum age to start your baby swimming. They don’t even need to have been immunised before they go.

You may want to invest in a baby wetsuit to ensure your baby remains toasty.“Do make sure you put your baby in it at the start of the session; it’s very easy to take it off if your baby gets too hot. However, if they start getting too cold, putting anything on them at that stage will do little to make them warmer” advises Melissa Holt, who runs Water Babies classes across North Surrey.

Melissa suggests that once you are in the pool, it’s a good idea to keep your baby gently moving all the time: bouncing across the

By Linda Stone, Editor pipe when they swim underwater, ensuring that no water goes down.

With this natural phenomena, it is possible to teach babies to recognise verbal cues, such as “Charlotte, one, two, three, go!” and to take a big breath, go underwater and swim a few feet.

At around 18 months, babies start to become conscious of going underwater but, as long as they are still having regular lessons, they won’t develop a fear of water and will go on to learn to swim above the water from around 2.5 years old.

“We have little ones of 3 and a half and 4 who can swim 10 to 15 metres” says Hank Starrs of Baby Swimming, which holds classes in Chertsey and Walton.

For more information, see listing on page 40 or visit www.babyswimming.co.uk Make sure you click on See the Movie to see small babies swimming underwater!

See all our latest competitions, promotions, local articles and What’s On at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Call us on 020 8255 7455

or email admin@springboardswimmers.com

www.springboardswimmers.com January-February 2014

Give Your Baby a Voice with Tiny Talk!

The UK’s Favourite, Award-Winning Baby Signing Classes Are Going Interactive!

NEW Hands-On Sensory Activities to delight your Baby and Develop Communication Skills Suitable for 0-2 Year Olds Classes in Kingston, Surbiton and Thames Ditton Call Kerry 07759 852717 or kerryc@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk

Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Whitton, Isleworth, Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Epsom, Cobham, Barnes & Weybridge.

Scarves Balls

Bubbles Parachute 3mths – 5 yrs (£5 Sibling £2.50) E: info@tinytuneslive.com T: 07977 585020 www.TinyTunesLive.com

Bean Bags Pom Poms Shakers

Also Parties !

A Driving Experience An ideal birthday treat

Age Group 4-8 Yrs

that’s both fun & safe Available At A venue NEAR YOU

Tel: 01932 770770 Follow us on

www.kiddikarts.co.uk

springboard swimmers

Crash courses for half-term and easter holidays available

swimming

By Linda Stone, Editor

water, swinging them round, and singing, if you wish. “You’ll find they respond really positively, unless they are very small, in which case they may be distracted by the huge amount of other stimuli” she says.

“We see no drop in our classes during the winter months,” comments Melissa. “In fact, many of our parents tell us that they love getting into a steaming hot pool with their baby, whilst the rain drips down the windows outside.”

Water Babies holds classes in Addlestone, Shepperton, Twickenham, Kingston, Chessington and Morden.

For more information, see our listing on page 40 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk

Your Baby Can Swim!

Did you know that if you take your baby swimming from the age of around 3 months, they could be swimming 10 to 15 metres by the time they are 4 years old?

Until they are around 2.5 years old, babies do not have the strength to swim above the water.

However, they do have a special reflex in their throat called “the diving reflex” which means that their throats close over their wind

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Private swimming lessons in Teddington, Twickenham and Hampton using indoor heated pools for children of all abilities from babies to advanced squads!

l Only three children per learner group and four in advanced groups. l Children progress rapidly with such individual attention. l Children have fun, are safe and learn an essential life skill l Classes run every day from Monday to Saturday; mornings, afternoons, after school and early evening during term time.

We also run adulT swimming lessons, so if you’re finding it difficult keeping up with your kids or if you’d like to improve before your holidays, get in touch. Classes are small and cater for every ability from complete beginner to advanced swimmers looking for stamina or stroke improvement e.g. triathlon training.

A beautifully unique play cafe especially for toddlers and babies Hot and cold food available No time limit on play!

Easy free parking!

Toddlers: £3.95 6m+: £2.95 Under 6m: £1.00 Siblings 6m+:£1.00 Free Music class on mon/wed 10.30am Fri 3pm Open mon-fri 10am-4.30 pm Sat 10am-1pm Sandown park golf centre More Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8AN T: 01372 469260 info@ragamuffinsplay.co.uk www.ragamuffinsplay.co.uk

New website now launched selling beautiful children’s gifts and accessories! www.LittleRagamuffins.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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directory ART & CRAFT

ANNIE’S ARTS Ages: 6–12 Learn basic sewing skills in a fun environment! Make your own clothes and accessories for your bedroom.

After school classes Mondays and Fridays. Children’s parties also available. Half term workshops all day Monday and Friday 17 and 21 February.

Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Richmond Contact: Ann Chasler 07879 428172 anniesarts@outlook.com THE ART CLASS Ages: 5-12 Fun art classes and workshops held in a purpose-built studio! Children can experiment in a safe and creative environment and be introduced to a world of new materials, ideas and techniques. February Half Term Workshops!

In: Sunbury on Thames Contact: Lynette Pitzolu 07971 475373 lynette@the-art-class.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

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: Lorna Sutton 020 8977 0099 www.thelittlegym.co.uk TINYTALK Ages: Babies birth – 2yrs; Toddlers 18months – 4yrs Baby Signing and Toddler Talking classes using British Sign Language with new sensory props and play to help little ones develop their speech and language skills.

In: Kingston, Surbiton and Thames Ditton New: Class for babies at the Hawker Centre, Kingston – home of The Pod! Class for Toddlers starting in Thames Ditton Term Begins: 6 Jan Contact: Kerry Callard-Williams 07759 852 717 www.tinytalk.co.uk/kerryc

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 HAPPY POTTER Ages: All After school art and craft club for children ages 6+ every Thursday. A new project each week including pottery painting, clay pot making, Decopatch, t-shirt design, soap making and sewing.

Messy Play for under 4s, including a selection of poster paints, card, pipe cleaners and other crafty materials for the little ones to make lots of arty mess. Fortnightly Grown Up evening for adults to relax, enjoy some pottery painting, cakes and puddings and even a glass of wine! February Half Term Workshops Mon to Fri, 1-2.30pm, £17 (including snacks) for ages 4+. Make a tea cup/bowl/small plate, design a t-shirt or try out Decopatch.

New: 20% off pottery painting in January!

In: Teddington Contact: Una Fagan 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

COOKERY

GYMBOREE Ages: 0-5 Award winning Play and Learn, Art, Music, Sensory Play for Babies. Classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play and teach parents/carers fun and interesting ways to engage with them.

New: In West Byfleet: Theatre Arts drop-off class for 3 to 5yrs starting Thursday 27 Feb. No Membership required. Saturday classes for 7-16 months and 16-24 months. Friday class for 3yrs. Surbiton: Pre-school classes for 3-5yrs.

In: St Margaret’s, Surbiton, West Byfleet Contact: St Margaret’s 020 8607 9995 Surbiton 020 8398 9360 West Byfleet 01932 353313 www.gymboree-uk.com SINGING HANDS Ages: Babies and Toddlers Introduction to baby signing through songs, rhymes, stories and games. Babies have a natural tendency to use gesture (eg. clapping and waving bye-bye).

Baby signing builds on these normal patterns of n re ild communication. Toddler ch for es ss cla ng wi se Fun Classes also available. mond ch Ri in 12 to 6 Term Begins: 13 Jan ages In: St Margarets, Twickenham, Contact Ann on 07879 428172 Teddington Contact: Suzanne or Tracy anniesarts@outlook.com 020 8288 1706 www.singinghands.co.uk

Annie’s Arts

gymboree-uk.com

Winner of ‘Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity’ 2013

SASSY STIRRERS Ages: 4 -12 Monthly Saturday Cooking Club for kids, after school and lunch time cooking classes in local schools, and 2-3 hour holiday workshops with food cooked to be taken home.

In: Kingston, Claygate, Surbiton, Thames Ditton areas Contact: Susan Carmichael 07789 792676 www.sassystirrers.com

DANCE

BROOKS DANCE ACADEMY Ages: 2.5 - 6 Petites Pointes ballet classes, with music and props, based on traditional tales 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.

Classes on Saturdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm for ages 2.5-4yrs. Also RAD Pre-Primary (4-5yrs) and RAD Primary (6-7yrs) on Saturday mornings and after school on Tuesdays Term Begins: 11 January In: Kingston Contact: Laura Brooks 07958 530962 www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk DIDDI DANCE Ages: 16mths - 4yrs Classes are ideally suited for both boys and girls between 2-4 years old but are often enjoyed by children as young as 16 months, so always call to book a FREE Trial. Classes are designed to enhance co-ordination and rhythm and nurture young children’s natural love of

movement. Structured yet relaxed and 45 minutes in length.

New: Richmond venue!

Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington, Hampton, Isleworth Contact: Fiona Obrist 07772 303734 www.diddidance.com JUST IMAGINE BALLET... (FORMERLY TWINKLE TOES BALLET) Ages: 18mths-10yrs Just Imagine Ballet offers enchanting classes full of sparkle and delight in which the magic and possibilities of classical ballet are discovered, in a world of mesmerising characters, stories and scenarios. Classes develop musicality, balance, coordination and self-confidence. Boys-only ballet, adult ballet, parties, holiday camps and a summer show for all pupils. Call about February Half Term Camps!

New: Two core ballet programmes: Twinkle Ballet (0-5yrs) and Sparkle Ballet (5-10yrs) Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Richmond, Kew, Twickenham, East Sheen Contact: The Fairy Godmother!

07879 521456 info@twinkletoesballet.com KATE’S SCHOOL OF DANCE Ages: 18mths - 9yrs Recently launched classes include Tip Tap Toe and Groovy Moves classes, a combination of tap and modern dance for children ages 2 to 4 yrs. Other classes include Movement with Melody Bear, First ballet, RAD Ballet for children ages 5+ and street dance for children ages 4+.

New: Little Bear Feet syllabus, in which children from 18mths can join Melody and Milligan Bear on a journey to Nursery Rhyme Land. Creative Dance Class - a combination of various dance styles which allow creativity to flow.

Booking now open for summer Dance and Creativity Workshop!

Term Begins: 13 Jan In: Isleworth, Chertsey, Weybridge Contact: Kate Broughton 07957 639460 www.katesschoolofdance.co.uk KBS NEW MALDEN Ages: 3+ Creates an atmosphere in which your child’s love of dance can thrive, where pupils can have fun and enjoy dance in a happy school that has excellent standards. The School offers ballet, tap and modern classes to children of all ages.

New: Pre-primary tap for ages 4-5 yrs Mondays 4-4.30pm Term Begins: 7 Jan In: New Malden Contact: Louise Jefferson 07909 139149 www.kingstonballetschool.com KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 2.5 to Adult Classes include RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap and Modern, LAMDA Drama and a bi-annual school performance on 28, 29 and 30 March at Hampton Hill Playhouse.

Term Begins: 7 Jan In: Richmond

Book your free trial class!

Sensory Baby Play (from newborn)

Play & Learn (mobile - 5 years)

Music (6 months - 5 years)

Art (18 months - 5 years)

Gymboree St Margarets 020 8607 9995 stmargarets@gymboree-uk.com

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Gymboree Surbiton 020 3609 8007

surbiton@gymboree-uk.com

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Gymboree West Byfleet

01932 353 313

westbyfleet@gymboree-uk.com

January-February 2014

Contact: Victoria Maitland 01932 423456 or 07967 341117 www.kewacademydance.co.uk MOVEMENT WARRIORS Ages: Boys 5-8yrs and 8yrs+ Dance and movement classes for boys taught by Karl Morgan. Refreshingly non-traditional style of dance education, covering all dance styles, with particular emphasis on street, hip hop, breaking and contemporary dance.

In: Kingston, Long Ditton, Teddington and Twickenham Contact: Karl Morgan 07726 313057 www.movementwarriors.com PROTEGEM DANCE SCHOOL NEW 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. Next full school show this year!

Term Begins: 6 Jan New: Wednesday Street Dance Classes.

In: Around Epsom and Ewell, including Bourne Hall Contact: Gemma Wenman-Ballan 01737 211 109 www.protegem.co.uk WEST LONDON SPANISH DANCE SCHOOL Ages: 3 to Adult An established, friendly, Spanish bi-lingual Flamenco dance school, which is passionate about Spanish dance and believes it is something everyone should experience. Classes taught by Betty Cid, a professional dancer with more than 15yrs experience of both performing and teaching. Offers the Spanish Dance Society Medal Syllabus and adult choreography classes with a live guitarist, from beginners to advanced.

Live performances twice annually.

Term Begins: 16 Jan In: Twickenham and Hammersmith Contact: Betty Cid 07833 195361 www.bettycidflamenco.co.uk

DRAMA & STORYTELLING

BRIDGE ARTS STORYTELLING ADVENTURES WORKSHOPS Ages: 2-8 These fun, interactive, drama-based workshops are jam-packed with games, dance and songs to help your child develop communication skills and confidence. February Half Term Workshop is Superheroes, which runs from 17 to 21 of February.

Buddy and Sibling Discounts!

In: Twickenham and Richmond Contact: Amanda Wright 020 3222 3085 www.bridgeac.com MINI MOLESEY THEATRE CLUB Ages: 5-12 Young children can explore their theatricality through singing, movement, storytelling and

improvisation in a safe, stress-free environment in which each child’s individual strengths and talent can be identified and nurtured. Lively, dynamic classes, culminating in an end of term performance, providing a solid foundation for children who may wish to pursue a life in performing arts.

New: Age range now extended from 10 to 12yrs.

Term Begins: 6 Jan In: East Molesey Contact: Lorraine Chappell 07964 260301 www.minimoleseytc.com PERFORM Ages: 3mths-12yrs A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by experienced teachers.

This term, 4–8yr olds brave the Wild West. Round up all local Cowgirls and Cowboys for a Hoedown! February Half Term Workshops!

Term Begins: 4 Jan In: Esher, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, Sunbury, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge Contact: Lucy Quick 0845 400 1284 www.perform.org.uk PYJAMA DRAMA Ages: 10mths-7yrs Ignite your child’s imagination through a unique, National Curriculum-supporting programme, combining drama, movement, music and play. A different theme is explored each week through song, games, and lots of pretending!

February Half Term Workshops “Too Big For My Boots!” 9.30am to 12.30pm for 5-7 yrs. An interactive, fun workshop packed with games and drama activities.

New: Rainbows Advanced (4-5yrs) on Mondays in East Molesey and Saturdays in Walton. Raindrops (18months-2.5yrs) on Fridays in Thames Ditton.

Term Begins: 7 Jan In: Ashtead, Cobham, Hersham, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Walton-on-Thames Contact: Phylly Jones 01932 807150 pyjamadrama.com ROOTS THEATRE ARTS Ages: 3-11 A new Sunday morning Musical Theatre School which opened in October 2013, providing dance, drama and singing lessons for ages 3-5yrs and 6-11yrs.

All teachers professionally trained West End and international performers, choreographers, directors and musical directors, nurturing talent from the Roots and encouraging personal growth in every student. 25% discount for siblings! Bring a friend FREE to any session!

Term Begins: 12 Jan In: Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford Contact: Laura 020 8617 8085 or 07834 731132 www.rootstheatrearts.co.uk STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Ages: 4-18 Caters for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or

&

NEW STORY STORKS New Ages: 12 weeks to 5yrs Interactive storytelling workshops which use traditional fairy tales, dance, acting and music to bring literacy to life for little ones.

Classes for children 12 weeks to 12 months, 1 to 2 yrs and 2 to 4 yrs.

directory New: 10.30 class on Thursdays for SINGERS (babies) in Kingston and 10.15 class on Friday for DANCERS (1-2yrs) in Surbiton Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Surbiton and Kingston Contact: Sarah or Helen 07758 449196 www.storystorks.co.uk

Contact: Lillie Collier, Principle budding talents. Classes focus on 0845 075 6044 singing, dancing and drama, rather www.storiesandmore.co.uk than rehearsing for an end of term presentation, so that every child has a THEATREBUGS Ages: 3.5-6 chance to shine, learn and develop.

Children will have bucket loads of fun In: Chertsey 0845 265 7081, at these exciting holiday workshops Hinchley Wood 01932 254333, which include plenty of fun, games, Hounslow 020 8873 7140, Kew 020 8487 drama, song and dance, improving 1456, New Malden 020 8540 7791, focus, vocabulary and confidence and Richmond 020 8332 6741, Staines 0845 developing imagination. Easter Holiday 055 6356, Twickenham 020 8224 6905, Workshop is George and the Friendly Weybridge 01932 422664.

Dragon. Join George, Princess Rainbow, www.stagecoach.co.uk Buzz the Bee and Rover the Dog for 3 STAGE STUDIO fun-filled days of drama, music, dance, Ages: 3-16 art and craft.

Creative, fun, performing arts training In: Richmond, Kingston, Kew, Barnes for young people in age-appropriate and North Surrey groups, combining singing, street dance and drama. Train with industry professionals, audition for top agents, enjoy performing or a fun hobby to build confidence.

New: Studio 3, a class designed for talented teens Term Begins: 13 January. www.stagestudio.co.uk New members can enjoy a FREE Trial on this day!

In: Thames Ditton Contact: Shelley Williams 07907 477135 www.stagestudio.co.uk Creative and Professional STORIES AND MORE THEATRE ACADEMY Performing Arts Classes Ages: 4-14 Team of professional teachers in Thames Ditton and working actors offers a unique, fresh approach to Singing - Street Dance - Drama drama through interactive storytelling, helping children Little Stars Ages 3 to 6 tell stories through drama, singing and dance and create a fun, theatrical Theatre School Ages 6 to 16 world. The action and direction of the story comes from the children. Visiting Free Trial Monday 13 January guest teachers; writing and devising scenes and plays to be made into short films and www.stagestudio.co.uk performed as shows.

FREE Trial Class! info@stagestudio.co.uk New: Classes Thursdays 07907 477135 4.30-6.30pm Term Begins: 9 January In: New Malden

GOT TO DANCE? LOVE TO SING? NEED TO ACT?

Holiday Drama Workshops for 5-7 year-olds Ashtead, Oxshott, Walton-on-Thames To book call Phylly on 01932 807150 or email phylly@pyjamadrama.com

pyjamadrama.com January-February 2014

clubs, classes activities

A Brand New Theatre Club for Children 5 to 10

Sing,Dance,Act,Have Fun and Boost Confidence!

Classes taught by professional West End Performers.

Call Lorraine on 07964 260301 www.minimoleseytc.com

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

39

&

clubs, classes activities

SOFT PLAY AND PLAY CAFES

directory 0800 975 5290 www.theatrebugs.co.uk THEATRETRAIN IN RICHMOND Ages: 6-18 Provides classes in dance, drama and singing. Provides classes in dance, drama and singing. Its aim is to train young people, develop their skills and build up their confidence. Theatretrain has been invited by Disneyland Paris to take part in its parade. It produces local and West End shows every year. Free Taster Sessions Available.

Term Begins: 14 Jan In: Richmond Contact: Marion Dean 020 8202 2006 www.theatretrain.co.uk

MUSIC

MARGARET WOOD PIANO LESSONS Ages: 5-Adults Margaret is a qualified music teacher (Cert ED. ALCM) and teaches ABRSM Practical and Theory Exam Grades 1 to 8 and Rockschool Graded Exams Term Begins: 13 Jan In: Walton on Thames Contact: Margaret Wood 01932 219767 or 07857 689396 MONKEY MUSIC Ages: 3 mths–4.5yrs Award-winning pre-school music classes for babies and children. Through a four stage curriculum, in age appropriate classes, children will develop a lifetime love of music. Book a FREE class to experience all the fun yourselves!

Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Kingston and Surbiton 020 8224 3971, Banstead, Claygate and Esher 01932 223309, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham, Walton and Molesey 020 82224 0096, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington 0208 847 4031/0208 224 0096 www.monkeymusic.co.uk TINY TUNES PRESCHOOL PAY AS YOU GO MUSIC AND DANCE Ages: 3mths–5yrs Hide under the parachute, wave the pom poms, shake the maracas, dance with bubbles and sing along! As well as the al- time favourite rhymes and songs, Tiny Tunes gets the little ones dancing to some of the well- known pop classics!

New: Classes in Guildford and Reigate Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Richmond, Twickenham, Isleworth, Whitton, Teddington, Barnes, Thames Ditton, Surbiton, Isleworth, Whitton, Epsom, Cobham, Weybridge, Ascot and NEW in Guildford and Reigate!

Contact: Lisa Morris 07977 585020 www.tinytuneslive.com

LITTLE HAMSTERS PLAY CAFE Ages: 0-5 Relaxed environment, coffee, cakes, lunches. Soft play shapes, ball pool, ride-on toys and various exciting and stimulating table-top activities and puzzles, in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor playground. Indoor and outdoor seating. Free parking, Free Wi-Fi. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 2pm. Term time only.

New: Regular fortnightly craft and music classes. Phone or visit website for details.

In: Ham Contact: Helen and Beth 07432 354274 www.littlehamsters.co.uk MUMS PLAY SHOP - NEW Ages: 0-6 (siblings up to age 8) Soft play with junior and toddler play frame, ball pool, traditional toys, ride-ons, books, garden, art and craft room and cosy Chill Out Zone ‘The Snug’ with television. Cafe serving hot and cold home made, healthy food.

Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm.

Term time and school holidays.

New: Weekly music class with Caterpillar music £8 pay-as-you-go or £72 for 12 week term with FREE one hour play after each class.

Also, Cooking Club, Gardening Club and Football Training at February Half Term.

In: Hampton Contact: Fiona Williams 0208 941 0766 www.mumsplayshop.co.uk RAGAMUFFINS Ages: 0-4 Play cafe for babies and toddlers offering a beautiful, safe and relaxing environment for parents and children.

Assorted toys, soft play area for babies and separate toddler play area.

No time limit on play. Hot and cold food. Free parking. Closed Race Days.

New: New website www.littleragamuffins.co.uk – a new website selling a range of gifts and solutions for parents.

In: Sandown Park, Esher Contact: Nicola Hamilton 01372 469260 www.ragamuffinsplay.co.uk

SPORT

FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots 2.5-5, Footie Wizards 5-8 An introduction to the world of fitness and football with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way! Footie Tots and 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: 4-14 The Great Britain Martial Arts Academies are at the forefront of Martial Arts in the UK. Li’l Dragon programs (4-6yrs), Kids Zone (7-8yrs) and Children’s Program (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: Saffron Power 0845 177 5001 www.gbacademies.co.uk KIDDIKICKS FOOTBALL CLASSES Ages: 18mths–7yrs Kiddikicks aims to encourage participation in sport and develop a love of football! Using super-imaginative drills and games, the learning is hidden in oodles of fun!

New: Classes in Kingston and East Molesey Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Richmond, Sheen, Brentford, Teddington and NEW in Kingston and East Molesey Contact: Sarah Peel 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk MULTISPORTS RICHMOND Ages: 4-16 Introduces children to a wide range of sporting activities, toning bodies, sharpening minds and teaching respect for team mates, perseverance and fair play. 3 hour sessions (6-16 yrs), covering Traditional Team Sports, Individual Sports and Team Building Challenges.

18 different sports in one year. Weekly Team Building Challenges. 90 minute session for under 6 years, including range of sports, fun and games.

In: Richmond Contact: Grant Felix 0844 335 0450 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk READY STEADY GO KIDS Ages: 2-6 Structured multi-sport program offering 45 minute classes covering the fundamentals of football, tennis, basketball, hockey (Uni-hoc), golf, rugby, cricket, t-ball and athletics, whilst developing age-appropriate motor skills and learning about the concept of sportsmanship, by taking turns, playing by the rules and cooperating with peers.

New: 4 to 6 year old class on Saturday at Tiffin Boys School in Kingston. New locations opening in Cheam/Sutton Term Begins: 24 Feb In: Richmond, Kingston Contact: Kathy Bees 0800 690 6591 www.rsgk.co.uk RUGBYTOTS Ages: 2-7 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.

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

1992 - 2012

New: Classes in Kingston and Hampton Term Begins: 10 Jan In: Twickenham, Barnes, Putney, Surbiton and NEW in Kingston and Hampton Contact: Lorna Belchambers 0845 481 6444, www.rugbytots.co.uk TOP SPIN MONKEYS Ages: 2-6 This great new tennis programme provides parents/carers and children with the opportunity to interact through learning sport skills. Its coaching develops your child’s ABCs - Agility, Balance and Co-ordination, as well as improving their speed. Fun yet structured sessions for 2-5 year old boys and girls at selected indoor locations in Surrey.

Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Cobham, Epsom, Weybridge, West Ewell Contact: Andy 07779 130596 www.topspinmonkeys.co.uk

SWIMMING

BABY SWIMMING Ages: 10 weeks -3yrs During the first term your baby will learn to swim short distances underwater. Your child can start classes between the ages of 3 months and 14 months. If your child continues through the program, he/she will eventually learn to swim on top of the water at an early age.

Term Begins: Feb In: Chertsey, Walton on Thames Contact: Hank Starrs 020 3176 5666 www.babyswimming.co.uk SPRINGBOARD SWIMMERS Age: 3+ Top quality, friendly and professional weekly swimming lessons and holiday courses suitable for non-swimmers and beginners. These courses teach children to swim well and not just pass badges.

Small groups of 3 children and excellent teachers. You will be amazed at how much progress your child will make.

Mother and Baby and Toddler groups through to teenager squads and every available ability in between. February Half Term Holiday Courses from 17 to 21 February. Booking Now! Term Begins: 6 Jan In: Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton Contact: Karen Duane 020 8255 7455 www.springboardswimmers.com WATER BABIES Ages: Birth to 4.5yrs Water Babies 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.

Term Begins: 10 Feb In: Addlestone, Shepperton, Twickenham, Kingston, Chessington and Morden Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227428 www.waterbabies.co.uk

WWW.ROOTSTHEATREARTS.CO.UK

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS TRAINING

6-18 YEARS

FREE TASTER SESSION

SATURDAYS IN RICHMOND T: 020 8202 2006 M: 07828 914 127 E: richmond@theatretrain.co.uk www.theatretrain.co.uk Theatretrain the company that loves to perform!

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

SING DANCE ACT BRAND NEW STAGE SCHOOLS NOW OPEN IN WEST LONDON Sundays 10am – 1pm | Ages 3 - 11 WWW. ROOTSTHEATREARTS.CO.UK

January-February 2014

what’s on EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

UNTIL SUN 12 JAN RICHMOND ICE RINK York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 3AA Time: 10am to 7pm Enjoy this time honoured festive tradition against the backdrop of the stately York House. Shetland pony rides, Santa’s grotto, face painting, winter drinks, festive snacks, skating performances and more. Prior booking recommended. Tickets from the website. No booking fee! www.richmondrink.com ICE AT THE PALACE Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 10am-10pm (hourly sessions) Cost: Adult £13/£11.50, Child £9.50/£9 Outdoor ice skating within the setting of Henry VIII’s magnificent Palace.

Booking advised. www.hamptoncourticerink.com SAT 11 JAN WINTER BIRDWATCHING WALK AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT Time: 9.30-11am. Cost: £20 plus admission.

See the colourful winter birds decked out in their finest plumage. Enjoy a guided walk around the wildlife reserve with tips on field-craft and bird ID. Booking essential.

020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk SAT 11 AND 25 JAN, 1, 8, 15 AND 22 FEB FAMILY GHOST TOURS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU For Ages: 6+ Time: 6.30pm.

Cost: Adult £20, Child (6-14) £10 Join the State Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour to hear stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity at the Palace. www.hrp.org.uk FRI 17 JAN AND FRI 21 FEB MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM The Cedars, 33 Windsor St, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 9.30-11am. Cost: £4.50 per child, additional sibling £2.

Singing, stories, art and craft and a fabulous museum experience for under 5s. Booking required.

More Info: 01932 565764 chertseymuseum.org FRI 17 JAN TO 18 MAR ART AND PLAY AT THE KINGSTON MUSEUM Wheatfield Way, Kingston KT1 2PZ Time: Tue, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-7pm Cost: Free Explore an exhibition in which you can touch and play with the art!

Artists have created work designed to engage pre-school children and adults.

020 8547 5006 www.kingston.gov.uk/museum SAT 18 JAN, 8 FEB, 1 AND 18 OF MAR KIDS’ ART CLUB AT LANDMARK ARTS CENTRE Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN For Ages: 5-11 Time: 10am-12pm.

Cost: £12 Drawing, painting, relief making, printing and collage. Fun workshops are fully designed and supervised by professional art educators. Limited places. Booking essential.

020 8614 0390 www.landmarkartscentre.org SAT 18 JAN AND SAT 8 FEB FAMILY FUN AT ELMBRIDGE MUSEUM Church St, Weybridge KT13 8DE Time: 2-4.30pm. Cost: £1.50 per child.

Learn about the Jacobeans and create

January-February 2014

a print inspired by the museum’s Jacobean wall painting.

01932 843573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk SAT 18 JAN TO SUN 9 MAR EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES AT RHS WISLEY Woking, GU23 6QB Time: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm Cost: Normal admission Hundreds of exotic butterflies will be released into the Glasshouse to create a tropical paradise. Children can help create a giant butterfly willow sculpture on Sat 18 and Sun 19 Jan. www.rhs.org.uk/wisley FRI 24 JAN AND FRI 21 FEB CLASSICAL BABIES IN TEDDINGTON Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd TW11 9NN For Ages: up to 3 Time: 11-11.45am. Cost: £10 per adult, babies free.

45 minutes of classical music by professional musicians in a comfortable and friendly environment. Babies can lie on soft blankets. Healthy snacks provided.

07732058705 info@classicalbabies.com www.classicalbabies.com SAT 25 TO SUN 26 JAN BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH WEEKEND AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

Join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont SUN 26 JAN AND SUN 23 FEB LUCKY DIP DISCO IN WALTON Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton, KT12 2PF Time: 3-5pm. Cost: £6 child, £4 adult, non-walkers free.

Retro Disco for children under 7 and their families. Pre-booking advised.

More Info: 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk SAT 1 FEB 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM The Cedars, 33 Windsor St, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm. Cost: Free.

Free family drop-in craft session.

01932 565764 chertseymuseum.org SAT 1 & SUN 2 FEB TUDOR COOKERY AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Time: 10am-4.30pm. Cost: Free with admission.

Historic cooks toil in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing exotic dishes for his majesty, and plainer food for the court. www.hrp.org.uk FROM FRI 14 FEB THE ROYAL CHOCOLATE KITCHEN AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Explore the recently rediscovered Royal Chocolate Kitchen and store room, discover the story and techniques behind cooking for the king, and try the elaborate chocolate making process. Different events throughout the year. www.hrp.org.uk

Meet Birds of Prey up close at the farm from Mon to Fri and watch them fly. Pony Parlour will also be open for pony grooming sessions, plus pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling, pig racing, giant heated play barn, trampolines, ride-on tractors and coffee shop. www.bockettsfarm.co.uk MIGRATION VS HIBERNATION AT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT Time: 9.30-11am. Cost: Normal Admission.

Follow the migration versus hibernation trail. Discover how some animals survive by sleeping through the cold months while others migrate to warmer climates.

020 8409 4400 www.wwt.org.uk CHILDREN’S HALF TERM TRAIL AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10am-3pm. Cost: 50p for trail plus normal admission.

Get some fresh air as you walk around the Garden on our children’s trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont HALF TERM TRAIL AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD Time: 11am-3.30pm.

Cost: Admission plus £1 Match the Polesden Pairs in this fun trail.

01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey MON 17 FEB TO FRI 21 FEB HALF TERM STORYTELLING AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham TW10 7RS Time: 12-3pm. Cost: Free with admission.

Popular story time sessions.

020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT BROOKLANDS MUSEUM Brooklands Rd, Weybridge KT13 0QN Talks and workshops for adults and children by those who conserve and restore the Brooklands collections.

01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Bocketts Farm Park 15th - 23rd Feb 2014

FEBRUARY

HALF TERM FUN ENJOY FREE RANGE FAMILY FUN THIS FEBRUARY HALF TERM!

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US GORWGBEOORN NE BS DUE LAM

NEWLY HEATED PLAYBARN & SEATING AREA!

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

PLUS

HALF TERM

SAT 15 TO SUN 23 FEB HALF TERM FUN AT BOCKETTS FARM Young Street, Leatherhead KT22 9BS For Ages: 0-8 Time: 10am-5.30pm.

Cost: Normal admission.

The start of Spring lambing. Up to 90 lambs are due from 12 February - you may even see one being born!

TUE 18 FEB CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking, RH5 6BD For Ages: 10+ Time: 10am-3pm.

Cost: £60 Learn how to get the best from your camera.

07850 086355 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey DANCING DRAGONS WORKSHOP AT POLKA THEATRE 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB For Ages: 6-8. Time: 10am-2pm. Cost: £25 Create a Chinese dragon puppet and welcome in the New Year with a dragon dance!

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com TUE 18 & THU 20 FEB HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM The Cedars, 33 Windsor St, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 5-12. Time: 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm.

Cost: £4.50 per child.

Craft activities.

01932 565764 chertseymuseum.org TUE 18 TO THU 20 FEB FAMILY WORKSHOP AT RICHMOND MUSEUM Old Town Hall, Whittaker Ave, Richmond TW9 1TP For Ages: 4+ Time: 10am-12pm. Cost: £3.50 donation Family workshop with an Explorers theme based on the exhibition. Booking essential.

020 8332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com WED 19 FEB ACTOR’S BOOTCAMP WORKSHOP AT POLKA THEATRE 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB For Ages: 7-11.

Time: 10.30am-1pm. Cost: £30 Work with a professional actor who’ll put you through your paces with games and exercises.

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

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

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

#

SPECIAL

OFFER

D AR AW WI NN ING !

£2 OFF full price farm entry per person

(max 5 people) valid any day from 2nd January - 14th February 2014. Only with this voucher.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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what’s on THU 20 FEB GORILLA MAGIC WORKSHOP AT POLKA THEATRE 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB For Ages: 3-4yrs 10-11.15am, 4-5yrs 11.30am-12.15pm Cost: £15 Bring in your own treasured toy and

1:1 (GCSE/AS/A) and friendly adult classes in Kingston Call Magali 07500 899693

work with our storyteller to bring it to life in a special story.

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com FRI 21 FEB WRITER’S LAB WORKSHOP AT POLKA THEATRE 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB For Ages: 8-13. Time: 10.30am-1pm. Cost: £30 Experiment with different characters, scenes, plots and endings and create your very own story.

020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com

10% OFF IN JAN AND FEB

Theatre

(Swedish elf or gnome) as he watches over a small farmstead on a midwinter’s night.

240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Booking info: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com UNTIL 15 FEB GORILLA For Ages: 1-5 (special 30 min toddler version also showing) Meet the world’s friendliest gorilla this winter and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic award-winning picture book by former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne, brought to life with puppetry, music and a giant sprinkling of Polka magic.

UNTIL 15 FEB ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND For Ages: 6-11.

Lewis Carroll’s charming characters spring to life in an enchanting show full of music, madness and mystery.

WED 19 TO SAT 22 FEB UGLY DUCKLING For Ages: 3-6 A lively version of Hans Christian Anderson’s popular story, Major Mustard combines puppetry, music and storytelling to give a new flavour to a well-known tale.

THE ROSE THEATRE

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“The Best Party Magic” Over 25 years of top entertainment

The most amazing magic, plus balloon models, games, party bags… and Harry the white rabbit!

Tim Barnes

(020) 8568 5706 tim@timbarnes.biz www.timbarnes.biz Member of The Magic Circle

Matwork and reformer group and 1:1 sessions Morning, lunchtime and evening Specialist pregnancy and postnatal classes Twickenham www.performpilates.co.uk 07425 143203 42

NEARLY NEW SALES

KT10 9RA (next to Civic Centre) www.mum2mummarket.co.uk NCT NEARLY NEW SALE IN WEYBRIDGE SAT 1 MAR, 10-11.30am at Christ the Prince of Peace Parish Hall, Portmore Way, Weybridge KT13 8JD www.nct.org.uk/weybridge-oatlands NCT NEARLY NEW SALE IN CLAYGATE SUN 2 MAR, 12-2pm at Claygate Day Centre, Elm Rd, Claygate KT10 0EH www.nct.org.uk/esher

have gone missing! Can you help get them back? Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs.

SUN 16 FEB THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE For Ages: 4+ Take one castle, one broom and one book of sorcery. Add a boy with the tingle of magic in his fingertips and a spell that spirals out of control……And you have the classic tale of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice!

MON 23 FEB THE FROG AND THE PRINCESS For Ages: 4-8 A humorous puppetry performance explores the meeting of cultures and what happens when a Princess deems a Frog unworthy of being her friend, just because of what he is. The Frog and the Princess is a poignant re-telling of the Brothers Grimm tale.

Arts ‘n’ Crafts Family Workshops 1.30-2.15pm & 4.30-5.15pm.

Make a Paper Plate Frog Puppet with your child! Places limited.

Booking required. Tickets £2 children/Adults go FREE.

NCT NEARLY NEW SALE IN RICHMOND SAT 8 FEB, 10.30am-12pm at The Barn Church, Kew TW9 4HF. www.nct.org.uk/richmond MUM2MUM MARKET IN SURBITON SAT 8 FEB, 2-4pm at Grand Avenue School, Grand Ave, Surbiton KT5 9HU janine@mum2mummarket.co.uk www.mum2mummarket.co.uk MUM2MUM MARKET IN ESHER SUN 9 FEB, 2-4pm at King George’s Hall, High St, Esher

24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL Box Office: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org SUN 19 JAN MAGIC AT THE ROSE A popular annual fund-raising event, illusions, mind-reading and plenty of laughs make this ideal entertainment for the whole family.

WATERMANS

40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS Box Office: 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk SUN 19 JAN For Ages: 3-8 THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER A remarkable tin soldier falls in love with a beautiful paper dancer and then tumbles out of a window beginning a perilous journey into the unknown. A playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s poetic story puppetry, which will engage and touch young hearts and minds.

Arts ‘n’ Crafts Family Workshops 2-2.45pm and 4-4.45pm Make a Twirling Tin Soldier Toy with your child! Places limited. Booking required. Tickets £2 for children/ THE RIVERHOUSE ARTS Adults go FREE. CENTRE SUN 26 JAN Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF THE MERMAID OF ZENNOR Box Office: 01932 253354 For Ages: 8+ www.riverhousebarn.co.uk A child with see-through skin and SAT 1 FEB hair that never dries is discovered THE STORY GAME in a rock pool on the Cornish A New, hysterically funny, wildly coast. Where does she belong? creative stories created from A puppetry adventure filled with a handful of words, a roll of mermaids and sea monsters, the dice and Andrew’s own wandering curses and soul cages. rollercoaster imagination. If SUN 2 FEB you’ve ever wondered where TOWN MOUSE COUNTRY MOUSE writers get their ideas from, For Ages: 4-8 now’s your chance to find out.

A retelling of two Aesop’s Fables, SAT 15 MAR “Town Mouse and Country TOMTEN Mouse” and “Belling the Cat” in Using shadows and amazing one funny, musical and dramatic puppetry skills, a variety of puppet play. puppetry styles are used to tell Arts ‘n’ Crafts Family the story of an immortal ‘tomte’ Workshops 2-2.45pm & 4-4.45pm.

Make your own Town Mouse and Country Mouse Original Ceramics - Painted By You Finger Puppets with your child! Places limited.

Studio Hours: Booking required. Tickets Tues-Sat 10am-6pm £2 children/Adults go Sunday 11am-6pm FREE. Closed Mon, except Bank SUN 9 FEB Holidays and Half Terms OLD MACDONALD HAD A www.ceramicscafe.com FARM Tel: 020 8332 6661 For Ages: 4-104!

Old MacDonald’s animals 1a Mortlake Terrace, Kew Green

Ceramics Café Kew

VERA FLETCHER HALL 4, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0LQ Box Office: 0844 884 8832 vfh.tickets@gmail.com www.verafletcherhall.co.uk

TUES 14 AND WED 15 JAN ALICE IN WONDERLAND For Ages: 5+ Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of Alice’s adventures down the rabbit hole to Wonderland is brought to life in a magical production fusing circus, puppetry and music.

CECIL HEPWORTH PLAYHOUSE

Hepworth Way, Walton KT12 1AU Box Office: 07754 580 862 www.thedesboroughplayers.co.uk SAT 11 AND SUN 12 JAN TREASURE ISLAND This pantomime follows the adventures of young Jim Hawkins (Charlotte Cairns) and lovable pirate rogue Long John Silver (Bob Barton) and his treasure map, and set to be another fantastic pantomime from the Desborough Players.

Richmond TW9 3DT

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

January-February 2014

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