Families West London Jan-Feb 2014

ISSUE 91: January/February 2014 www.familieswest.co.uk

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Photo © Linda Scannell Photography www.lindascannell.com

Happy New Year 2014!

Families West • PO Box 32231 • London W5 1JR • Tel: 020 8930 4707 • Fax: 0208 930 7704 • E-mail: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014

Letter from the Ed What will 2014 have in store for families in West London? Fellow Families editor Gabrielle Starkey has put together some ideas for New Years resolutions to make your family life go more smoothly.

The secret behind keeping your New Year’s resolutions is not to aim too high – the more realistic and do-able the resolution, the easier it’ll be to keep it. This year, resolve to make one or more small changes that will bring your family together and give you a stronger, more positive outlook as a group. Here are a few of our favourites: Eat together: There are so many proven benefits of eating a regular family meal together, from better manners to happier kids. Turn off the TV and mobile phones and concentrate on talking, laughing and sharing – even if it’s only once a week, for Sunday lunch.

Make one night of the week Family Games Night: The humble board game has many benefits – it brings the family together, it teaches sharing, counting and turn-taking, and most of all it's fun! Wean the children off their screens for one night and get them around a table, and you should soon see an improvement in everyone's mood.

Stop shouting!: No-one likes to be shouted at, and no-one likes to live in an angry atmosphere, so make the change yourself. Resolve to keep your cool and talk out any problems. Anger only breeds resentment, which can lead to long-term family rifts – talking, in contrast, leads to better understanding and closer families.

Focus on the positive: Resolve to look on the bright side in 2014 – it’s better for you and sets a great example. Seeing the silver lining to every cloud helps people cope and doesn’t need to be unrealistic.

Get out in nature: It’s been proven that playing and learning outdoors has profound benefits for children, but most of them don’t have the freedom that was taken for granted just a generation ago.

Get outdoors as much as you can and improve your family’s health and wellbeing.

News & Views Happy, confident children – a parent’s story Parents from Greenford and Southall who took up the free nursery places for twoyear-olds, share their experiences.

Anthony is from Sri Lanka and lives in Anna is from Poland and lives in Southall with his wife and their twin boys.

Greenford with her husband and young ‘My friend told me about the free nursery daughter Julia. She found out about the places. I am so happy now because my boys free nursery place scheme by seeing an play together a lot better than before. At advert on the bus. nursery they do lots of activities and they ‘After only a short time at the nursery, Julia come home very happy. Before nursery, they learned to speak some English. She learned didn’t talk properly but they are now talking nursery rhymes and songs and started and can count 123 and say ABC. They also teaching us at home so we could sing them learned to eat by themselves. together. Julia is now very confident. When I go to work when they are at we are out shopping she knows the name nursery and my wife has time of things around her. She has learned things to do cooking and other I could not teach her at home.’ things she needs to do ‘While Julia was at nursery, I was able to and time to study’. take an English class and I have reached level three certificate’.

Families claiming ‘My friends have children Julia’s age who benefits or with an are still unable to speak English, so I income from work encourage them to apply for a free nursery of £16,190 or less place and use my English skills to help can apply for the free them make the call.’ nursery places.

Call the Family Information Service with your National Insurance number and find out straight away if you are eligible 020 8825 5588 or email children@ealing.gov.uk

Helping parents back to work – The Work & Family Show The first ever Work & Family Show is set to launch in 2014. Taking place beside the hugely popular Baby Show at London’s ExCeL, the event will give working parents and career break women access to practical advice, inspiration and ideas to help them create a happy and healthy work-life balance. Driving confidence and helping women get back into work, the event will be packed with inspirational experts and employers on the lookout for motivated staff. Parents considering starting up their own business venture can also chat through ideas with industry experts and gain valuable career advice. Organised by Clarion Events and My Family Care, it takes place on 21st and 22nd February 2014.

For more information visit www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk Families West is designed by Natalie Schmidt email: natalie@matobodesign.com and printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG. Tel: 01252 885837.

Copyright Families West Magazine 2014. Families West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Take on a charity challenge: Give any fitness goals a boost by getting the family involved in a team challenge for charity. Not sure what to do or who to support? Try www.charitychallenge.com/ or www.timeoutdoors.com/challenges/ UK-challenges. The idea of raising money for a worthy cause will help you all pull together through the tough bits.

We hope your 2014 sees many good times.

www.FamiliesWest.co.uk January/February 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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News & Views

Baby Science – Improving learning and wellbeing through understanding development The Babylab at Birkbeck is always welcoming new recruits and we are now specially inviting all those babies who have an older brother or sister with ADHD and/or autism.

Harry is 14 months old and, like many babies of his age, he’s busy toddling around, rolling cars down a chute and smiling towards mum and dad in excitement every time the cars reach the floor. But how did he learn to recognize mum and dad, and to correctly say the word “car”? Why did it take him 12 months to attempt to say this word, while Ella took 14 months? Harry and Ella are helping to answer questions like these during their visit to the Babylab.

Harry is taking part in an eye-tracking study. We can see what grabs his attention when watching short movies or cartoons, because his gaze is “tracked” continuously by sensors that capture the light reflected by his eyes. Meanwhile, in a different room, we can see Ella’s brain activity while she is enthusiastically communicating with a researcher.

Centrally located in London, the Babylab is part of Birkbeck College and has, for the past 15 years, been busy figuring out how babies talk and walk and, more importantly, why some babies and children struggle with reaching these milestones. Researchers at the Babylab have shown that even at 6 months of age, infants that later develop symptoms of autism have difficulties interpreting another person’s gaze direction. This may explain why they later struggle with language, as gaze direction often tells infants what it is that we are talking about. For more information on this research see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/ health-16740758 4

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In the New Year, the Babylab is launching a new study! STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children that are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders – autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country that have an older child with autism AND/OR ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months of age. The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their 3rd birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development with the team of researchers. At the end of each visit children will receive a Babylab

participation diploma and a very fashionable t-shirt (like the one Harry is wearing in the photo)! The Babylab reimburses all travel costs.

By studying these babies’ development early in life they will better understand how autism and ADHD develop, and this will help to diagnose these disorders earlier, and provide earlier and more effective interventions. Researchers at the Babylab work hard to design clever and fun studies but, ultimately, it is the babies that are of most help! If you are expecting a baby or have just given birth please do not hesitate to contact the Babylab about the STAARS Study if you have an older child with autism and/or ADHD. www.staars.org or call 020 7079 0761

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES (TABLES)?

More and more parents in the UK are supplementing their children's education with private online maths tuition, which is proven to deliver 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. The private, online tutorials for students aged 7-18 are delivered live over the Internet at your convenience, connecting you with a personal tutor at any time you choose.

Book your free online tuition assessment on 0845 286 7770 www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/families

Enter the prize draw for your chance to win 4 hours free maths tuition for your child: Send an email to competition@mathsdoctor.co.uk with the answer to the following question including your name, phone number and age of your child, for a chance to win.

7 – 10 + 3 x 4 = ? (a) -15 (b) 9

(c) 0

(Prize Draw closes at midnight BST Friday 28th February 2014. Four winners will be selected at random by midnight BST Monday 10th March 2014. Only one entry per person.

See www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/prizedrawterms for full terms and conditions.)

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To advertise in Families West please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707 January/February 2014

Brain Tumour Research

News & Views

Friday 28th March 2014 – Wear A Hat Day Join other families and schools (as well as companies, groups, shops and associations across the country) in supporting #WearAHatDay on Friday March 28th 2014 – it’s going to be bigger, hattier and more fun than ever! #WearAHatDay is the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event, taking place every March during national Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Thousands of families and children in homes and schools across the land take part every year – wearing hats of all shapes, sizes and colours, getting involved in an amazing array of fun and inventive events, making and collecting donations from everyone around, all helping to raise awareness and funds for vital research.

Brain tumours are scary – this disease is the biggest cancer killer of both children and adults under 40 yet the science is woefully underfunded, receiving less than 1% of national cancer research spend. Stand out from the crowd and wear a hat for Brain Tumour Research on March 28th.

Register today for your #WearAHatDay event: Call the Hat-phone on 01296 733011.

Hat-mail: wearahatday@braintumourresearch.org Hat-web: www.wearahatday.org

A new Ecology Centre for Holland Park Holland Park Ecology Centre has a new location in the woods by the adventure playground. The striking exterior represents a nest and hopefully many birds will make their home within it.

In time plants will grow and scramble over it giving the feeling of the centre blending into the woodland.

The new centre is a light airy space with a large picture windows and an insulating earth wall. The large classroom space is decorated with stuffed animals and woodland murals. The new reception area has nature displays and is a new

January/February 2014

home for our collection of live animals like Theo the royal python snake and giant hissing cockroaches.

The building represents a wonderful opportunity for the established ecology service to build and extend its teaching of the nature programme to local schools.

They now have an outdoor classroom and offer a range of high quality curriculum linked sessions on a host of topics from habitats to plant studies. The centre will also continue to run its busy holiday activities programme for 5- 12 year olds. (for details see our What’s On pages) The centre can also be hired out for children’s birthday parties. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology

Home School Connect gives children an early boost in attainment Children who achieve a good start in the first few years of reading and maths are very likely to have accelerated progress in their attainment throughout school.

Home School Connect helps parents to achieve a good start for their children, beginning from the Early Years Foundation Stage. Their Reading and Maths Packs are perfect for families with children aged 3-5 years old. “Most parents want to champion their child’s learning, but often struggle to know what to do and what resources to use.

Home School Connect bridges the divide between home and school and brings typically-used classroom resources and teaching know-how into the home. The EYFS curriculum-aligned packs contain a parentfriendly activity guide explaining exactly how to use the materials for learning in a fun and effective way.”

Developed by educational and child psychologist, Dr. Sangeeta Silva, parents can access her expertise and various other learning tools through the website.

Families can play EYFS online maths and reading games, hear ‘the sounds’ using the phonic soundboard, or watch home and school teaching videos. Parents are also able to access an online forum to discuss various learning questions or even request a one-to-one tutorial from Dr. Silva where she models how to teach a child to read using the Reception Reading Pack.

Find out more on www.homeschoolconnect.co.uk e: info@homeschoolconnect.co.uk or call 020 8813 2260

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Nurseries

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips

By Joanna Moorhead There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies. There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice.

Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014

© mickyso – Fotolia.com

How to choose your child’s nursery

Looking round

Misconceptions

To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means settling down to learn more quickly, and achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries. “Children who enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September. “The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’ issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.”

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it?

Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

What’s the right age to start school?

A fierce battle has broken out between the Department of Education and a group of campaigners who say British children are being disadvantaged by going to school aged four. Joanna Moorhead investigates.

What is it that children start much too early at four, that stems their creativity and reduces their chance of good exam results further down the line?

According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is... school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon – and that, according to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly what’s happening to thousands of British four-year-olds each year.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early. The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school.

January/February 2014

Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for • the early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right • protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally • an end to baseline testing • a new emphasis on the importance of play

Link with mental health For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the now-implemented Year One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the end of Year 2.

They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age.

Mental health disorders among children and young people are also on the rise – again, the question the campaigners ask is whether that could be linked with early pressure at school.

The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were a “powerful and badly misguided lobby who are responsible for the devaluation of exams and the culture of low expectations in state schools,” according to a DoE spokesman. “We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.”

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Nurseries

Nursery News We asked some nursery schools about their new developments. There are some really exciting things happening in the world of nursery education in West London. Read about some of the initiatives here.

Bright Sparks Montessori School is brighter than ever with their newly refurbished premises and garden, and is a place where children continue to grow and learn in a calm and happy environment. Bright Sparks has served Brook Green for over 20 years and is now under the new ownership of Mrs Lola House, who as a resident of the area values fully the community feeling within Brook Green. The core teaching ethos is following the Montessori Method: “Help me to help myself ” in order to support the development of self-respect, a sense of worth, and to become competent, confident, independent and co-operative social individuals. Even more impressive is that they have recently been awarded ‘Outstanding’

by OFSTED! Bright Sparks Montessori School is at 142 Sinclair Road, Lower Ground Floor, London W14 0NL. Call them on 020 7371 4697 or e:info@brightsparksmontessorischool.co.uk www.brightsparksmontessorischool.co.uk New World Montessori have been awarded Montessori Accreditation for the second time running by the International Montessori Board for continued delivery of Montessori education and method of teaching. This is a clear indication that children in their setting are exposed to the ‘genuine’ Montessori teaching by experienced and qualified Montessori teachers. To extend children’s language development, they have introduced ‘Literacy hour’ every day during the session.This will include story sessions using puppets and props to develop children’s language skills.

To set them apart from other Montessori nurseries, they have added the service of a catering company that deliver specially prepared hot food to the children who stay for lunch. “We are very excited with this and know that the children will benefit tremendously in their development and well-being.”

For children aged from 2 to 5 years. The nursery follows the Montessori method. We also offer, French, Ballet, Music, IT, Art and Drama.

Full and part time sessions are available. Qualified and experienced teachers maintain a high standard of learning and care. * Excellent academic record * Caring and nurturing environment * Happy, considerate and confident children

Tel no: 0208 579 2304 Mobile no: 07956 228 959 Email: info@stmatthewsmontessori.com Website: www.stmatthewsmontessori.com 8

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Additionally they are introducing a ‘cooking club’ in the afternoons to the existing range of extra curricular activities currently on offer. These are French, Yoga and Gymnastics and Music lessons all taught by specialist teachers and organisations. Learn more about them on www.newworldmontesori.com. Use the ad in Families West to receive a discount on your child’s sessions.

Buttons Day Nursery school offers parents even more flexibility. This well established day nursery has built a reputation for providing excellent childcare and education, for being innovative and leading the field in Childcare and Education. Some of the things that make ‘Buttons’ unique are that it was the first nursery school to offer nursery fees that were fully inclusive of Pampers nappies and SMA formula milk, all children’s meals are prepared on the premises using only fresh organic ingredients, the nursery has held ‘Investor in People’ recognition since 2005, and the use of bio-metric entry systems. Now in addition to offering parents an early 7.30am start it now offers the option of an extended day to 6.30pm. Call them on 020 8840 3355 or e:info@ buttonsdaynursery.co.uk www.buttonsdaynursery.co.uk January/February 2014

Inspire your child at Active Learning Children learn best when they are having fun and are confident in their environment. Active Learning promotes their development by introducing them to an exciting programme of learning through an innovative Studio programme focusing on delivering a pre-school curriculum through Music and Performing Arts, Sport, Art, Science and IT using specialist teachers in the ‘state of the art’ studios. Language, literacy and numeracy come as standard.

Bike to school at St Benedict’s St Benedict’s School, Ealing has become a Biking School, following some very successful work by the School Eco Council in promoting walking, cycling and scooting to school.

The School is working in partnership with Ealing Council and the Bicycle Society to reduce the amount of cars on the roads and encourage cycling. Ealing is the first London borough to pilot this scheme and St Benedict’s is one of only two schools participating. The borough has allocated £50,000 worth of funding to St Benedict’s. BMX and all round cycling enthusiast Rob Reed, the founder of the Bicycle Society, has been working in the School for a whole day each week in the Autumn term.

Travel Coordinators Becky Machin and Kate Linton describe some of the activities that have taken place: “We have organised successful Bike Swap days and have also had a Bike Day where children in the Junior School took part in a race against the clock and each other on a Rollapaluza. This involved two children trying to get the furthest distance on a stationary bike whilst being timed.

All classes have had bike training days. We have begun our Biker’s Breakfast on a Thursday morning and Bike Mentors have also been appointed in the Senior School.” www.stbenedicts.org.uk

January/February 2014

“At Active learning Chiswick, we are lucky to be in the middle of an amazing sports ground in a nursery with huge ceiling to floor windows. We bring ‘the outdoors in’ as well as giving our children endless opportunities to be outside playing or participating in our fabulous sports programme run by our own full time sports coaches.‘ I have never seen anything like it’, exclaims many an excited parent as they enter an Active Learning nursery.” Active Learning Chiswick is at Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground, Hartington Road, W4 3AN. Call them on 020 3167 4994 www.activelearningchildcare.co.uk Ark of Noah Want to give your child the gift of a foreign language? Ark of Noah Bilingual (French/English) Nursery School, located in W13, has now been open for 6 years. Children need no prior knowledge of French. They work closely with the French school, A. Malraux, which now accepts more English children. They also run a Mother and Toddler group on Thursdays with French songs and movement and an afterschool club on Wednesdays for older children (ages 4-10). www.arkofnoah.net or call 020 89977116. Their Spring term starts on the 6th of January.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Work and Money

Aiming to work flexibly?

Think carefully before you ask your employer.

By Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk

This year the right to request flexible working, which has previously only applied to parents and carers, will extend to all employees. Employers can turn down a request on any of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a request. Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you need.

1. Check out what your

company’s policy is on flexible working. All companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more innovative in their policy on flexible working and may already have trialled different forms of flexible working from the usual ones of working different shift patterns or cutting your hours. For instance, they might offer term-time only working or working from home or annualised hours.

2. Be clear about the hours you want to work and how you

want to work them, for instance, could you do some of your work at home in order to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time? Or does working full-time and paying full-time childcare work out to be uneconomical? Can your partner also go part time so you can split the childcare or picking up times?

3. Once you know the hours you want to work and how,

make a business plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from both your and your employer's perspective and prepare a compromise solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you go on maternity leave rather than a week before you return, even if your situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth.

4. Talk to other people in your company and elsewhere who have negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and tips.

© Frank Gärtner - Fotolia.com

5. Put your request in writing to your line manager and sign and date the letter.

6. Your employer then has 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations. Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat [this is actually proof that they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you down].

Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the legislation. Try to pre-empt any concerns they have and suggest ways that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing within 14 days of the meeting.

7. If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures

properly or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out.

8. If this appeal is not successful, you could lodge a claim with an employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if the decision forces you to leave your job.

Mandy Garner is editor of Workingmums.co.uk, Jobsite and community for working mums. Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find advice on flexible working or starting your own business.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014

Georgiana Elite Dance Academy Ballet, Modern & Tap Classes in Hanwell West London Fully qualified IDTA ISTD and RAD teachers with full CRB checks.

100% examination success and show at the Beck Theatre, Hayes.

01323 479736/07790 766263 www.georgianaelite.co.uk

January/February 2014

2 FREE trial classes

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Clubs & Classes CLUBS and CLASSES ALLSORTS DRAMA FOR CHILDREN run their popular drama classes during term time on Friday’s at More House School, 22-24 Pont Street SW1 for ages 4-6 from 4pm – 5pm and ages 7-11, 11-13 and 14-18 from 5pm – 7pm and on Saturday’s at Notting Hill Prep School, Lancaster Road W11 and South Hampstead Girls School, Netherhall Gardens NW3 for ages 4-6 from 10am – 11am and ages 7-11, 11-13 and 14-18 from 11pm – 1pm.

Term begins on the 10th/11th January, if you would like your child to try a class.

Tel 0208 767 5298 or for further info visit www.allsortsdrama.com Allsorts also run wonderful holiday workshops and arrange bespoke drama parties.

CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Join us for fun sessions singing, dancing and craft at our new club.

First session free. 22 months-4 years. Thursdays 9.15am-10am 020 8997 7116 info@arkofnoah.net COMEDY ACADEMY 4 KIDS Term-time comedy workshops for children ages 7-17 at Soho Theatre. www.sohotheatre.com CORNER NINE ARTS PROJECT Term starts 13 Jan for art classes. www.corner9.com GEORGIANA ELITE DANCE ACADEMY Dance classes in Hanwell start back on Wednesday 15 Jan. Call 01323 479736 or 07790 766263 www.georgianaelite.co.uk LITTLE BUILDERS Parent and toddler group at PM Gallery and House, Ealing. A six-week session starting on 6 Jan for ages 18 months – 3 years. Learn about Pitzhanger Manor and its famous architect Sir John Soane through arts, craft, singing and dancing. 10.30 – 11.30am. Call 020 8825 9808 or e: ccoffey@ealing.gov.uk to book

MARTIAL ARTS FOR THE MIND AND THE BODY At Notting Hill Aikikai, we teach traditional Aikido in a safe, noncompetitive and fun environment.

• Improve physical coordination, flexibility and strength • Develop mental and physical awareness • Practice cooperation and teamwork • Improve concentration and discipline Classes for all ages, 8 years and up. Chief instructor Anthea Pascaris holds a 3rd Dan in Aikido, is a certified instructor and has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years.

Contact: Anthea Pascaris www.nottinghillaikikai.co.uk antheapascaris@gmail.com 07738016091

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet and tap dance classes in Chiswick. Spring Term starts on Mon 6 Jan and ends on Fri 4 Apr. Half term is 16-23 Feb. e:info@westlondondanceacademy. com or call 07771 984590 www.westlondondance academy.com WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE Term starts on 6 Jan for dance classes for children ages 2 and a half to 16, in Notting Hill Gate, Kensington, Holland Park, South Kensington, Shepherds Bush and Oxford Street. Call 020 8743 3856 e: westlondondance@aol.com www.thewestlondon schoolofdance.co.uk

Make your listing ‘stand out from the crowd’ with an enhanced listing – approx 100 words boxed or colour-backed, plus a graphic in our feature.

For more information, please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707

HALF TERM HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 17-19 Feb PERFORM DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING Workshops for ages 4-8. The theme this half term is the story of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” with a performance at the end for family and friends. Venue: St Peter’s Hall, 59A Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 3DB www.perform.org.uk 17-21 Feb HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE Environmental activities for children utilising the park and the wooded Wildlife Area. The programme for 5-10 year olds includes outdoor activities like shelter building and orienteering and animal themed craft sessions on animal tracks and birds. www.rbkc.gov.uk 18 and 20 Feb PM GALLERY AND HOUSE Art workshops based on the exhibition currently running. "Just Glass." 10am-12noon for ages 5-7 and 2-4pm for ages 7-11. Experiment with projectors to create light filled environments and learn about different techniques used by glassmakers today.

Call 020 8567 1227 to book. Venue: PM Gallery and House, Mattock Lane, W5 20 Feb FIMO CLAY WORKSHOP Fun and creative session for ages 6+ in Acton. www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

What's On DIARY DATES

allergic reactions, fevers, head injuries 2 Feb CITY OF LONDON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL Find and meningitis. Call 020 7348 7117 inspiration in the fascinating world of or e: office@ redi-training.co.uk 11-13 Jan ICE SCULPTING miniatures – prices from 40p for a FESTIVAL Discover amazing things BACH TO BABY CONCERT loaf of bread to £10,000 for a fitted that can be done with a block of ice! The critically acclaimed classical dollshouse! Includes fun children’s Free family-friendly event. concert series specifically designed workshops for ages 5+. From £3, at www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk for babies and carers to enjoy Tower Hotel, St Katherine’s Way together 24 Jan, 28 Feb at St 22 Jan, 26 Feb, 26 Mar R.E.D.I E1W 1LD Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, FIRST AID TRAINING Fun, www.dollshousefestival.com W4 1TT. 21 Jan, 18 Feb at St John's interactive training for new parents 10-23 Feb IMAGINE CHILDREN’S Church, Lansdowne Crescent, and child carers. The trainers are all FESTIVAL A festival of theatre, London W11 2NN nurses, with years of personal dance, books and art for children experience and will give their top tips www.bachtobaby.com including performances and readings on how to manage in an emergency. 31 Jan-2 Feb CHINESE NEW by leading authors of children’s There is time for practice, questions YEAR The Year of the Horse starts and they give you a lovely glossy on 31 Jan but the festivities in London literature. booklet with all the facts for you to take place on 2 Feb. Look out for the www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ whatson take home and a certificate of parade along Charing Cross Road at training. Three-hour classes take place 10am with the main stage at Trafalgar 13-16 Feb THE TELEGRAPH in W8 at 7pm, covering Basic Life OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & Square featuring visiting artists from Support / CPR. They also teach you TRAVEL SHOW Includes the Bike China. Lion teams will also be how to manage a choking episode, Show, Triathlon Plus Show and circulating around Chinatown.

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London International Dive Show.

A great day out for all bike, sport, travel and outside enthusiasts, plus free have a go experiences including the Climbing Village and the Free Drop Experience – jump from a 5m tall platform into a huge airbag! www.telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk 21-22 Feb THE WORK & FAMILY SHOW Practical advice, ideas and answers for all of your questions about creating a work-life balance and developing your career opportunities. From £12. www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk 21-23 Feb THE BABY SHOW The UK’s number one pregnancy and parenting event. 200 exhibitors will be showcasing innovative baby and maternity products and services, as well as all of the leading brands for mums, babies and toddlers.

January/February 2014

Clubs & Classes

January/February 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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What's On DAYS OUT CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Pre-booking and pre-payment essential. Call 020 7349 6453 or e:education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 18 Feb CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Look into the history and science of chocolate and celebrate this special substance-craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. With a tasting session with Rococo Chocolate staff.

Ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm.

19 Feb CREEPY CRAWLING The diverse world of animals with a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, giant African snail and Mr. Jelly Belly the tree frog. Hold them if you dare.

Ages 4+, 10.30am-12pm or 1-2.30pm.

20 Feb LOTIONS & POTIONS – an introduction to herbal medicine. Find out something of the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants. Discover how to make some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags to take away as well as your own mini medicinal garden. Ages 7+, 10.30am-2.30pm.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS SW1A 2AQ www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms Located in the heart of Westminster, visitors to the Churchill War rooms can view this complex of historic rooms left exactly as they were in 1945.

ONGOING IN 2013 – UNDERCOVER – LIFE IN CHURCHILL'S BUNKER First-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experience the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history.

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CUTTY SARK

GOLDEN HINDE

SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com

FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: CHINESE NEW YEAR 1 and 2 Feb FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: ANIMAL MASKS Make a traditional animal mask to represent the year of your birth. Dropin workshop at 11.30am and 2pm. For all ages.

2 Feb MEG THE HORSE AND OTHER STORIES – How did Cutty Sark’s figurehead catch Meg the horse’s tail? 30 mins of short stories at 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm for ages 3+ 15, 20 and 21 Feb LANTERN LIGHTS – Make a colourful lantern to guide you through the New Year or across stormy seas. Drop-in at 11.30am and 2pm.

17, 18 and 19 Feb DANCING DRAGONS – Bring a traditional Chinese decoration to life by making a colourful dancing dragon. Take a closer look at decorations on tea pots, cups and caddies for inspiration. Drop-in workshop at 11.30am and 2pm.

15, 20 and 21 Feb JAMES ROBSON: THE COOK ON CUTTY SARK Discover what life was like on board Cutty Sark through the eyes of the ship’s cook, James Robson. Drop-in for all ages.

16 Feb AHOY CAPTAIN! Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his voyages across the high seas. 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Every Sat PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR Let the costumed educators bring the Golden Hinde and its history to life. Learn about life at sea and Drakes voyage around the world in this familyfriendly tour.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 26 Jan RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH Help count the birds that visit their garden for the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch. Free 18 Feb YOUNG WILDLIFE DETECTIVES WORKSHOP Discover what wildlife lives at Fulham Palace and Bishop’s Park, and how is goes about its daily life, in this full day workshop for 8-12 year olds. What does that centipede eat?

Where does that parakeet sleep? How do those bees find pollen and nectar? Discover, explore, play games and create art to reveal a fascinating world of wildlife. £15 19 Feb FULHAM PALACE FUN DAY A day of family fun including crafts, drama and dressing up! Free, 10am-3pm

4 Jan PIRATE FUN DAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannons before trying to find the hidden treasure somewhere aboard the ship. 11am-1pm.

11 Jan TUDOR FUN DAY Learn the history of the House of Tudor with two eccentric 16th century characters, gruesome stories, crazy games and fun activities. For ages 6+ 18 Jan DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir Frances Drake at 11am and 2pm. For age 6+ 25 Jan TUDOR BATTLE WORKSHOP Children will be transported back to the 16th century to become crew members of the Golden Hinde. As well as experiencing life on board for the sailors, they will learn how they defended the ship and tended to the wounded.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk Until 12 Jan ICE AT THE PALACE Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will return for six weeks of winter fun. Glide around the ice in royal style within the setting of the magnificent Palace.

11 and 25 Jan 1, 8, 15 and 22 Feb FAMILY GHOST TOUR Join the State Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour to hear stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity at Hampton Court Palace.

6.30pm for 60-75 mins.

1-2 Feb TUDOR COOKERY Watch the cooks toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty.

From 14 Feb THE ROYAL CHOCOLATE KITCHEN Hampton Court Palace is opening the doors to the Royal Chocolate Kitchen. For many years the kitchen had been considered lost, however was recently found (miraculously with many of the original fittings preserved) and has been restored to its former glory.

There are lots more things to do in the 'What's On' section of our website. www.familieswest.co.uk To advertise in future issues of Families West magazine please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707

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January/February 2014

What's On HMS BELFAST SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE – a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM – the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives.

18 /19 Jan HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS Discover hidden stories about HMS Belfast and explore the fascinating lives of the men who lived and worked on board. Ordinance Officer John Harrison was busy working when an Arctic wave overwhelmed the ship. Learn about his incredible story of survival. 11am and 2pm.

15-22 Feb CRACKING CODES Have you ever wanted to decipher secret messages? A family activity where you can intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and even make up your own secret code. 11am and 2pm.

8/9 Mar SLANG AT SEA Have a go at ‘Jackspeak,’ and learn the origin of navy slang and popular expressions from life at sea – identify your Port from your Starboard side and find out what it means to be in the rattle. 11am and 2pm.

KENSINGTON PALACE W6 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace 10, 17, 24 and 31 Jan EERIE EVENING TOURS Death, disease, love and loss – explore 300 years of secrets and tread in the footsteps of kings, queens and courtiers in the shadowy world of Kensington Palace after dark. Tours begin at 6.45pm and finish at 8.15pm. Age 16+

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A lovely family day out at the farm. Every weekend in Jan and Feb (daily at half term) CRAZY ENTERTAINERS In addition to all the animals on the farm and the huge indoor playbarn, crazy entertainers are around to amuse the kids with magic, fun and entertainment.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk

PLANETARIUM SHOWS UNDISCOVERED WORLDS Our understanding of the Solar System has been redefined by the discovery of hundreds of planets orbiting stars other than our Sun, also known as exoplanets.

This show explores how recent projects, like the Kepler Telescope, along with rapidly improving technology, have led us to discover more exoplanets. 11.45am, 1.15, 2.45 and 4.15pm.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Meet our neighbours in space in this entertaining interactive show, where you decide which planets to visit.

5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50. Mons and Weds in term-time and everyday in the school holidays.

SOLAR SYSTEM, GALAXY, UNIVERSE Exploring the scale of the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe and how we measure it. 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50. Every Tues and Weds in term-time.

SPACE SAFARI Join Ted the teddy bear for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky. Age 7 and under, £6.50/£4.50. Tues in term time and every day in the weekends and holidays.

SKY TONIGHT LIVE A live show presented by a Royal Observatory Astronomer takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky.

12.30, 2 and 3.30pm, 5yrs+, £6.50/£4.50

TOWER OF LONDON EC3 www.hrp.org.uk 17-21 Feb BEAT THE BLOCK – MEDIEVAL As the nobles of Medieval England take sides, it can be difficult to keep your head! Who do you support and who do you betray? With every wrong step, on the battlefield, on the executioners block or hidden within the dark chambers of the Tower of London, death awaits.

17-21 Feb LIFE IN THE MEDIEVAL PALACE Step into a world of gallant knights and beautiful damsels, of brutal lords and sturdy peasants. As King Edward I extends his fortifications and royal lodgings, there are skills to learn and friends to be made.

From 2 Jan TOWER TWILIGHT TOURS Dare to take an evening tour as Yeoman Warders lead exclusive tours of the Tower, taking in some of the gruesome sights and spooky stories which make it world famous. Over 12’s only. Tours at 7pm. Every Wednesday until March

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk To 26 Jan CRANEBERRY FEST Make craneberry crafts, follow the craneberry trail and enjoy treats in the restaurants.

17-23 Feb MIGRATION VS HIBERNATION To migrate or hibernate, that is the question.

Animals have different ways of surving the winter.

Join in the sand martin challenge to find out what obstacles these tiny birds face on their return journey from Africa. Will you arrive safely at your destination like the sand martins at London Wetland Centre? The hedgehogs are only at the Centre on 15 and 16 Feb. £25.50 including Zoo entry, a mince pie on arrival, and a special event planner. £8 for under 3’s, suitable for children up to age 10.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES BRITISH LIBRARY NW1 2DB www.bl.uk Until 11 Mar GEORGIANS REVEALED – LIFE, STYLE AND THE MAKING OF MODERN BRITAIN Tasteful and polite, or riotous and pleasure-obsessed? Discover the Georgians as they really were, through the objects that tell the stories of their lives

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until March 14 BEYOND EL DORADOPOWER AND GOLD IN ANCIENT COLUMBIA Organised with Museo del Oro, Bogotá, this exhibition explores the rich and diverse cultures of Colombia before the 16th-century arrival of the Spanish.

Weekends in Jan and Feb DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place mostly at 11.30am-check on the website for any changes.

17-21 Feb GANESHA AND OTHER ELEPHANTS Discover elephants across the Museum. Hear stories about elephants from different cultures, make a part of a large artwork, create something to take home or follow the Trunk Road, the specially designed elephant trail.

Until 23 Feb ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Spectacular winning images from this year’s competition in four main categories: Earth and Space, Our Solar System, Deep Space and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Free 7, 8 Feb OBSERVING SESSIONS – AN EVENING WITH THE STARS A show in the planetarium with a chance to look through the gigantic 28-inch telescope at what the night sky has to offer plus spend some time on the Prime Meridian with a hot drink, an amazing view and astronomers on hand to answer all your space-related questions. £16 adults, £12 children aged 7+

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January/February 2014

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What's On DESIGN MUSEUM SE1 2YD www.designmuseum.org Until 4 May LONDON IN THE MAKING Capturing over twenty objects mid-manufacture, putting the aesthetic of the unfinished centre stage.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM E2 8EA www.geffrye-museum.org.uk 18-21 Feb AMAZING ANIMALS Free creative and fun craft activities inspired by animals at the Geffrye Museum. Be inspired by animal patterns on objects, pets in paintings or creatures that lived in the building. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on 18 Jan EXPLORE ZOOLOGY Hands-on specimen based activities. Find out what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has? 1-4.30pm.

17-22 Feb KILLER CARNIVORES Investigate the amazing ways that meat-eaters find, catch and eat their prey. Take part in fun specimen based activities and get up close to our amazing skins, skulls and skeletons. Free, Drop in, 1-4.30pm.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk From buses to tubes, original posters to workers and travellers' stories, London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and its transport system.

ALL ABOARD! Let your under 6 'drive' a scaled-down bus, train, tube or taxi , complete with passengers. They can also take control of the transport system, moving buses and trains around the museum's miniature London.

FAMILY STATION. Pick up a free coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the Museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages.

LOOK FOR LONGER Enjoy playing a cryptic Underground game in the galleries where you try to find the 75 London Underground and DLR stations hidden within interactive graphics. You can also play at home at www.lookforlonger.com

MUSEUM OF LONDON EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Every Wed MINI MOLES BABIES GROUP 11am-2pm, for babies aged 6-18 months and parents. Sensory, hands-on play activities.

Every Wed LITTLE MOLES TODDLERS GROUP 3.30-4.30pm, for toddlers from 18 months-5yrs. Hands-on creative sessions.

Every Sunday MUSEUM EXPLORED Join one of the Museum's hosts and explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities.

11am and 2pm, free.

WORKSHOPS: 19 Jan ANIMATED ANIMALS Bring some of the animals in the galleries to life.

Make them move or make them talk. 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. For ages 5-11.

15 and 16 Feb MAKE A TIME CAPSULE What do you want to tell yourself in 15 years’ time? Create a personalised time capsule to help you remember. 12.30pm and 2pm for ages 5-11.

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15-17 Feb A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE What London monument is Victorian but 3,500 years old, and has come from Egypt but has a twin in New York? Find out in this inspiring storytelling session which crosses time and place.

1, 2 and 3pm for ages 5-11.

17 and 18 Feb THROUGH THEIR EYES See history through the eyes of the people who were there. Design a historical mask to take you back in time. 12.30 and 2.30pm for ages 5-11.

18 Feb TODDLERS’ TALES BACK IN TIME Interactive family show for under 5’s at 11am.

18 Feb TALES BACK IN TIME Interactive show with a chimney sweep and his puppet friends travelling back through London’s colourful history with music, movement and magic. 2pm for ages 5-11.

19 Feb BECOME A TIME TRAVELLER Drama session for toddlers at 11am, 12 and 2pm.

20 Feb MUSEUM AS TIME CAPSULE Meet the curators and marvel at some of the objects preserved for the future by the museum and how they are a giant time capsule of the past. 11am for ages 7-11.

20 and 21 Feb A TIME TRAVELLER’S HANDBOOK Help future time travellers by creating a short illustrated guide about London's different periods in this historical art drop-in.

12.30 and 2.30pm for ages 5-11.

21, 22 and 23 Feb TIME TRAVEL SURPRISES What happens when a girl discovers an old box in the attic? Join the storyteller for an outstanding journey and hear how history can surprise you. 1, 2 and 3pm for ages 5-11.

22 and 23 Feb MUSEUM TIME TRAVELLING Make an interactive clock to take you round the galleries, then add your favourite objects and periods instead of hours. 12.30 and 2.30pm for ages 5-11.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk VICTORIAN SOLDIERS ACTION ZONE Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire.

Until 31 Mar UNSEEN ENEMY This special exhibition tells the story of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in recent conflicts, focusing on the British Army’s experience in Afghanistan.

15-23 Feb CAPTAIN CLEAN You have been thrilled by the Avengers, gazed in awe at the X-Men, now meet Captain Clean, the Museum’s own mighty champion as he battles the forces of decay and defends their precious Collection.

Ages 5-11

NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.3011am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. Musical Magic Carpets with Paul Rubinstein on 19 Jan and 16 Feb DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

5 Jan and 23 Feb A BIGGER PICTURE Create your own ‘bigger picture’ in this drawing workshop, where you will learn about bendy buildings and perspective with artist Marc Woodhead.

26 Jan PASS IT ALONG Pass along your sketch and watch it transform in this playful stop-and-go workshop with artist Viyki Turnbull.

9 Feb TWIST AND GROW Explore the cycle of life of plants and animals and make your own take-home kaleidoscope with artist Sarah Tombs.

STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours).

12 Jan and 2 Mar OUT OF THE FRAME Create a paper sculpture by experimenting with pleats and swags, scrunching and wrinkling to bring a painting to life and out of the frame, with paper and book artist Tracey Bush.

2 Feb LOOK, MOVE, DRAW What happens next in the story within a painting? You decide! In this workshop you’ll look, move and draw with artist Viyki Turnbull and movement practitioner Natasha Freedman. Wear clothes that you can easily move in.

WORKSHOPS: 17 and 18 Feb TALK AND PLAY Meet Anya, a costumed character brought to life, for singing, talking and playing inspired by a Rubens painting. For ages 2-5.

17 and 18 Feb STAY AND PLAY Drop-in session for children under 5 and their adults.

Drop in and explore an autumn landscape in this hands-on area.11am-3pm.

5 Jan and 16 Feb WALK AND TALK A themed journey through the collection where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! 12.30–1.30pm. For all ages.

16, 17 and 18 Feb FLY AWAY For all ages at 11am and 2pm, drop-in. Explore birds and flight with Karly Allen and Jo Lewis. Make your own origami crane to take home or leave in a special gallery installation.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 18 Jan and 15 Feb STORYTELLING FOR FAMILIES 10.30am and 1.30pm for ages 3+ Storytelling followed by a fun art activity.

18 Jan and 15 Feb FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 11.30am and 2.30pm for ages 5+ Explore portraits in the Collection, followed by an art activity.

17-21 Feb IMAGINARY PORTRAITS Explore your imagination and dreams with a week of holiday activities inspired by the Derek Boshier: Imaginary Portraits display and the Collection. 11.30am-4pm. Ticketed and drop-in events will be running throughout the week.

January/February 2014

What's On NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk 15 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR A day of workshops, performances and a traditional lion dance. Discover more about how trade by sea brought people and cultural celebrations from Asia to Britain. 11am-4pm. Free.

Every Sat EXPLORE SATURDAYS Meet a character from the past and take part in a performance bringing maritime history to life.

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, 6yrs+, free. Every Sun DISCOVER SUNDAYS Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. 11.30-1.30pm and 2-4pm, free. Every Tues PLAY TUESDAYS Make music, dance and drama. Under 5s, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm, free.

From 13 Feb BRITAIN: ONE MILLION YEARS OF THE HUMAN STORY What was Britain like when the first humans arrived on its shores? Travel back in time nearly one million years to uncover what life was really like for our ancient relatives. £9/£4.50 ACTIVITES FOR FAMILIES: 9, 16, 30 Jan 6, 13, 20 and 27 Feb SPECIMEN PREPARATION AREA IN ACTION See scientists and volunteers in action where they are busy working on the collections of algae and helping to bring the tiny world of phytoplankton organisms – which are invisible to the naked eye – to life. 11am and 2pm.

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM EVENTS – FROM CHINA TO BRITAIN 17 – 21 Feb Discover how our long history of trade with China brought ideas, cultures and people across the seas. Enjoy a rich cargo of exciting activities exploring the Traders gallery and the Museum’s spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. Activities include Chinese words and sayings, making a Chinese sailing ship, exploring old maps of China, finding out about how tea came to Britain and interactive performances.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 23 Mar 14 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Nature photography from amateurs to photographers celebrating the beauty and magnificence of the world we live in.

January/February 2014

NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM – DINO SNORES

10 Jan, 8 Feb DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7-11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more.

11 Jan ANIMAL VISION A show which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations in snakes, iguanas and chameleons allow them to escape predators and locate prey and discover how bees detect ultraviolet light to help the process of pollination. 10.30am.

12 and 26 Jan CUTTING EDGE WORKSHOP Investigate teeth and diet using the amazing animal skulls. Handle real specimens, take part in fun group activities and see how Museum paleontologists use skulls to find out about dinosaur diets. 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm.

25 Jan HANDS-ON NATURE: DINOSAURS Handle real fossils and inspect a variety of prehistoric specimens. Work out which ones were once dinosaurs and find out how scientists classify animals through studying fossils. Compare their features with those of modern animals and explore what they ate by looking at fossilised teeth. 2pm, free, drop-in activity for ages 5-12.

25 Jan HANDS-ON NATURE: OCEAN LIFE Discover the wonder and variety of marine creatures – Handle real specimens, make your own 3D starfish and take part in rock star challenges, featuring amazing starfish costumes from costumier Anna Cocciadiferro. 11am, Free drop-in family activity for all ages.

26 Jan PUPPETS – JACKIE AND THE BEANSTALK Take a trip to the top of the beanstalk with the modern day heroine Jackie. Will she do better than Jack when it comes to outwitting the Giant?

Learn some amazing facts about the natural world and find out just how beans and other plants grow.

11.30am and 2pm.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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What's On PM GALLERY AND HOUSE

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

W5 5EQ www.ealing.gov.uk/pmgalleryandhouse

SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk

HALF TERM WORKSHOPS - To book drop by the gallery or call 020 8567 1227 (Tue–Fri 1-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm).

18 Feb LIGHT FANTASTIC Did you know Sir John Soane liked to bathe his art collections in amber light to mimic the warm Roman sun? Join artist Helen Maurer and experiment with projectors to create amazing light filled environments. 10am for ages 5-7 and 2pm for ages 7-11.

20 Feb GLASS HOUSES Inspired by Soane’s pioneering stained glass windows and the current exhibition Just Glass, join artist Sandie M Sutton and learn about the different techniques used by glassmakers today. 10am for ages 5-7 and 2pm for ages 7-11.

Spring Term LITTLE BUILDERS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Six weeks of parent and toddler sessions starting 6 Jan at 10.30am for ages 18 months – 3 years. Learn about Pitzhanger Manor and its famous architect Sir John Soane through arts, craft, singing and dancing. For booking call 020 8825 9808 or ccoffey@ealing.gov.uk

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Until Mar 2014 WAR GAMES New interactive exhibition exploring the role of warfare in children's play from 1800 to the present day. It investigates how toys recreate and represent war, and why children play war games. There are four thematic sections-Playing at War, On the Battlefield, Reality to Fantasy and Secret Weapons. Children can dress up, play at espionage and engage in many other activities.

Until 1 Jun 14 NEW DISPLAY: CONFISCATION CABINETS A collection of items confiscated from children from 150 different London primary and secondary schools over three decades.

Until 1 Jun 14 ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? The effects of environment and design on teaching and learning, from the formality of the Victorian classroom to the outdoors self-directed learning of a wood school.

8 Feb NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK Story Spinner is in the Museum reading out his favourite children's stories. Come along and bring your favourite books to share too! Free, drop in, ages 3-8, 11am-2pm 17-21 Feb PLAY IN A DAY To mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, storyteller Bill Dawson leads workshops exploring 'the war to end all wars'. Write, rehearse and perform a play based on the life of a soldier. Bring a packed lunch and dress for mess. Families are invited to watch the performance at 3.30pm. 10.30-3.30pm, £25 per day 17-21 Feb IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE Set X-ray blasters to stun. Enjoy stories, games and art inspired by science fiction. Test your knowledge at our Space Cadet Training Station.

Disguise yourself as a space alien. Free, drop in, all ages, 11am-4pm FAMILY BACKPACKS FOR UNDER 5s Backpacks suitable for various age groups contain a train map, storybooks, play mats and question sheets to explore the collections. Free to borrow.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

19 Jan CHINESE FESTIVAL: PAPER, PAINTING AND PERFORMANCE A day of music and dance performances, storytelling, painting demonstrations and drop-in craft workshops inspired by traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. 12-5pm. Free, drop in. Some events need to be booked in advance. To book visit www.vam.ac.uk or call 020 7907 7073 15-23 Feb DIGITAL KIDS Design a video game to play. For all ages up to 18. 10.30am-5pm. Free, drop-in 15-23 Feb POP UP PERFORMANCES 11am, 1 and 3pm. Children can join an interactive performance which brings computer gaming to life. Designed with V&A Games Designer in Residence, Sophia George. Free, for all ages.

15-23 Feb THE IMAGINATION STATION Children are invited to collect materials from the imagination station desk to help create or draw villains and heroes for their own game, inspired by objects within the Museum. Free, drop in for ages 3+.10.30am-5pm.

17-21 Feb MAKE-IT: FANTASY LANDSCAPE Artist Gayle Chong Kwan will lead a workshop to create a sensory landscape for an imaginary computer game. Recommended for ages 5-12. £7.50 per child, children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking essential. To book visit www.vam.ac.uk or call 020 7907 7073 (booking fee applies). 10.30am and 2pm.

FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-inDesign or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home. Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org Daily Self-guided Activities – A family multimedia tour, with interactive games, armour handling in the Conservation Gallery and gallery trails.

2 Feb THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities.

1.30-4.30pm 20 Feb POP-UP FURNITURE! Design your own pop-up furniture from the Wallace Collection! Leave the workshop with your own 3D paper project. Free, drop-in, ages 6+, 10.30am–12.15pm and 2–3.45pm

THEATRE ARTS THEATRE WC2H 7JB www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk Until 5 Jan DICKENS ABRIDGED A high-speed comic journey through Dickens' greatest hits in just ninety minutes.

Until 5 Jan SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Join The Cat in the Hat as he takes you on a journey into the fantastical, bombastical and songtastical world of Dr Seuss.

BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 24 Jan THE JUNGLE BOOK Packed with fun, laughter, plenty of audience participation, larger than life animal characters, panto-style interaction and loveable puppets. This brand-new adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling classic is a visual treat for the whole family! Suitable for all ages.

3 Mar MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Set in the mystical centre of Moscow’s cultural and artistic quarter Park Gorkogo (Gorky Park) is the perfect back drop for a multitude of flying, back flipping, juggling and roller skating performers!

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until Dec 14 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

DUCHESS THEATRE WC2B 5LA www.duchesstheatre.co.uk Until 1 Feb THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Will Tuckett's production brings all the magic of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale to the stage.

GLOBE THEATRE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com SACKLER STORYDAYS Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories

by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family. (Advised for 6+) 15 Feb THE TEMPEST 22 Feb THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 1 Feb THE MUSICIANS OF BREMEN Toy Story meets the Brothers Grimm in this enchanting new production for children.

Audiences can meet the puppets from the show afterwards. For ages 3-9.

18 Feb TULIPMANIA! Discover the legend of the most expensive flower in the garden: a flower so beautiful that sailors crossed oceans to find and merchants swapped their fortunes for just a single bulb. Free, no need to book, ages 3+, 11am and 2pm 21 Feb EXPLORING PATTERN Inspired by textures and patterns found in The Wallace Collection, come and learn embossing techniques on soft metal foil, to create your very own artwork. For ages 7+ at 10.30am and 2pm.

January/February 2014

What's On 8 Feb THE FEATHER CATCHER A fun, playful story of friendship, working together and mischievous feathers told using live music and beautiful projection. For ages 3-6.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com

WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane

18 Jan-16 March THE BIRDMAN AND MONKEY BIZ The Birdman is a poetic story about an old man who rescues a small bird that has fallen out of the nest. Staged with beautiful lighting and specially composed music. Monkey Biz shows a set of exciting and hilarious tricks and turns performed by monkey marionettes to music, with all the skill of the circus. For age 3+

Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a brand new musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com

15 Feb A ROO IN MY SUITCASE A show celebrating newness, difference and friendship through poetry, songs and plenty of joining in.

For ages 3-7.

RICHMOND THEATRE

16-31 Jan THE PARDONER’S TALE Based on The Pardoner’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer. The Pardoner wants to tell the tale of three men who once set out on a journey to kill Death and get rich quick – and how their quest to revenge the death of a mutual friend turned into a treacherous journey into the dark world of greed, murder and mayhem. Age 7+

TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 21-23 Feb DINOSAUR ZOO From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. Front row “Danger Seats” available!

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

20-22 Feb THE LITTLE RED HEN An ingenious adaptation of the nursery school favourite. The show features a host of animal puppets, singalong songs and mad-cap comic routines and promises to be a great treat for the whole family. For ages 3-7.

1 Mar SALLY AND THE SUNFLOWER A delightful story of a very small girl, a very tall sunflower and a magical adventure. For ages 3-7.

LYRIC THEATRE W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre Until 12 Jan THE GRUFFALO Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood in the search for hazelnuts as she meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake, and outwits them all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo.

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Until 2 Feb THE LIGHT PRINCESS A new musical with music and lyrics by Tori Amos.

A dark fairytale about grief, rebellion and the power of love.

Until 20 Feb EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off on a journey that will change his life.

January/February 2014

4 Jan-16 Feb CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – QUIDAM A dazzling show that contains all the elements Cirque du Soleil is famous for: astonishing acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, unique lighting and an elaborate set design.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk Until 16 Jan THE NUTCRACKER A young girl's enchanted present leads her on a wonderful adventure in this classic ballet, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's glittering score. For ages 5+ 26 Jan and 23 Feb FAMILY SUNDAYS Explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Each Family Sunday will be packed full of different creative and practical activities for all the family, as well as space to relax and enjoy live music in an informal setting. Drop in to the activities any time between 12pm and 4pm. Last entry to the event is at 3pm. A number of tickets are available to buy on the day. For age 6+

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 17 and 31 Jan, 10, 17 and 28 Feb RUG RHYMES FOR UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories with the Poetry Library puppets, Federico and Firebird, on their poem rug. 10.30am-11am, Free, booking essential.

10-23 Feb IMAGINE CHILDRENS FESTIVAL Storytelling, poetry, music for babies, theatre and lots of children’s workshops. See website for full details.

SADLER’S WELLS EC1R www.sadlerswells.com Until 26 Jan MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE Now firmly established as a modern day classic, this iconic production is perhaps bestknown for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble.

28 Jan-9 Feb GRANDPA'S RAILWAY Evocative and touching, join Grandpa and his working model railway as he takes you on an exciting journey exploring the past, illuminating the present and laying tracks for the future. For age 5+ 8 Feb-9 Mar HANNAH Hannah gets frustrated with the little things; her mum, on the other hand, is out at work, trying to save the world. But then Hannah's life is turned upside down and there are some very big decisions to be made. How far should she go to save the world? Based on Marlowe's Dr Faustus, Hannah questions right and wrong, the lure of power, appearance and reality. For age 11+ 15 Feb-9 Mar NOT NOW, BERNARD Based on the picture-book by David McKee. Bernard’s got a problem. He’s found a monster in the back garden and his mum and dad are just too busy to notice. So Bernard tries to befriend the monster... and that doesn’t go quite to plan. For under 5s.

18-23 Feb WANTED: RABBIT Rabbits do not play by the rules. They dig holes without applying for permits, eat carrots that they haven't paid for, leave droppings in the street, and, in spite of their big ears, never actually listen. They must be stopped before they take over the city.

But it might be too late – even the police chief has started to grow rabbit ears! For age 4+ Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Education

Education News GCSE shake up © nadezhda1906 – Fotolia.com

Will we see a revival of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in Michael Gove’s new GCSEs? In the latest in a number of moves to make GCSEs more demanding, the Education Secretary has announced the introduction of a new curriculum.

Under these more challenging examinations, students will be expected to memorise maths formulae and concentrate more on spelling, punctuation and grammar, plus studying more pre20th century authors.

Nursery inspections get tough Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, day-care facilities and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in substandard settings. In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an outstanding or good rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face closure.

Nurseries will now be in line with schools, in that there will no longer be a ‘satisfactory’ category. Instead, nurseries considered to be under-performing must improve dramatically within two years, while those rated as inadequate will be re-inspected in a matter of weeks, with the prospect of being de-registered and ultimately closed.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and I don’t believe that any other parent would either,’ said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief executive of Ofsted. ‘So we’re going to be less tolerant. When we go back to re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may take steps to cancel the registration.’

This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system, amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and substandard care. But is this move as positive as it sounds? Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, said, ‘While we believe that every child deserves the very best education, we are concerned about the impact this ‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries and hard-working staff members. The change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation, resulting in more harm than good.’

The new curriculum, beginning in September 2015 with the first exams being taken in English and Maths in summer 2017, has the aim of improving pupils’ achievement, compared with their contemporaries in other countries. While the maths syllabus will include ratios, vectors and conditional probability amongst other topics, the new curriculum for English literature demands students study at least one Shakespeare play, one 19th century novel, a selection of poetry, and British fiction or drama from 1914 onwards. In English language, the emphasis will primarily be on ‘unseen’ texts.

‘The new Mathematics GCSE will be more demanding and we anticipate that schools will want to increase the time spent teaching mathematics,’ the Education Secretary said. ‘On average, secondary schools in England spend only 116 hours per year teaching mathematics, which international studies show is far less time than that spent on this vital subject by our competitors. The new GCSEs in English and mathematics set higher expectations. They demand more from all students and provide further challenge for those aiming to achieve top grades.’

The exams will also end the use of A* to G letter grades in favour of a numbered scale from nine to one, with nine being the highest grade. Plus, course modules and assessments will be dropped, with grades determined by only one exam for most subjects. The new curriculum for the rest of the GCSE subjects will be announced this spring.

www.familieswest.co.uk To advertise in Families West magazine or online please email adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone 020 8930 4707

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014

Get them writing Christmas might have passed but give the gift of reading this New Year to your sons! Broadcaster Simon Mayo, author of the Itch series, is supporting a new drive to get boys reading and writing, as National Literacy Trust research shows boys’ are half as likely to enjoy writing and reading than girls. The trust calls for a renewed focus both at school and at home on ways to get boys into writing. ‘It’s so important for boys to find a topic that interests them before they pick up a pen and start writing,’ says Simon Mayo, whose protagonist is a 14-year-old boy obsessed with science. ‘I wasn’t particularly interested in writing at school but I was hampered by being fantastically slow. When I started writing the first Itch book it was as a short story for my son, but then I was completely captivated by the plot and characters, and the story took over. If you can grab a child’s imagination in the same way, getting them to write about a hobby or something they really enjoy doing then the whole story writing world is open to them.’ www.literacytrust.org.uk This February brings seven days of reading, sharing and listening with the 14th Annual National Storytelling Week. From 1st -8th February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups across the country will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Over the past decade National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, with all areas of the community taking part in creating and enjoying storytelling – in fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an audience of 17,000 this year! Storytelling enriches lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well as community centres and theatres, and during Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of storytelling events near you, so why not join in?

Does your mind go blank as soon as you sit down with your child’s teacher?

Parents evening can be a hassle; fitting it in, dealing with childcare, and then remembering that thing you (or your other half) wanted to mention can be hard. Here are some ideas to help parents evening run smoothly and make this important part of home school communication more productive.

• Ask your child if there is anything they are concerned about or want to say to the teacher. Communication is two way, and it will encourage/ help the teacher to know how the children are feeling.

• Make some notes and don’t be afraid to take them. What is the key thing you want to find out? e.g. How can I help at home? What is my child’s attitude to learning? What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?( If your child is on the SEN register) Can I see the IEP (Individual Educational Plan)?

How can I communicate with you more/better?

• Talk about the child rather than the school. If you feel the school is doing something wrong or you don’t like a certain policy e.g. homework or behaviour, you need to take it up with the leadership (headteacher).

• Don’t store up big issues: make an appointment with the teacher if there is a big issue to discuss, or it can’t be covered there and then. Teachers need to get through a long list of appointments, so overrunning your time stresses out the teacher and makes them late for other parents.

• Remember, parents evenings are only part of home school communication so don’t be surprised if 10 minutes is not enough. Is most cases teachers are happy to talk more at a convenient time.

by Kip McGrath Tuition centre www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

January/February 2014

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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Parenting School is about to get tougher, but there are many ways you can help boost your child’s brain power.

7 steps to a smarter child

5 Kiddy Brain Killers 1 Junk food

Education Secretary Michael Gove’s plans for a more rigorous school curriculum introduces fractions for fiveyear-olds, a complete sweep of British history and a comprehensive survey of Shakespeare. But don’t despair – there is plenty you can do to help your children meet these tougher standards.

© MNStudio – Fotolia.com

1. Give them a good breakfast

A high-protein diet can feed those little grey cells, increasing the size of the brain’s caudate nucleus, associated with higher intelligence. Add nuts to cereal to boost protein content of their cereals. If your child refuses to eat much, make a high-protein smoothie with yoghurt or tofu.

2. Make sure they eat their greens (and yellows, reds and oranges)

Children who eat a diet high in fruit and veg have higher IQs than those who subsist on processed and sugary foods. Start early if you want maximum benefits, although it’s never too late to turn a bad diet around.

2 Fizzy drinks

Fluoride is a neurotoxin accumulating in brain tissue and affecting brain development.

Yet on average we ingest up to 1,000 times more fluoride than any other heavy metal through fluoridated water, food and dental products. Choose toothpastes free of fluoride and if you’re worried about your child’s teeth, get an electric toothbrush and teach them how to floss properly.

Keep soft drinks out of the kitchen. A can of drink contains 10 teaspoons full of sugar!

3 Wheat

3. Ditch dental fluorides

A diet heavy on fish fingers and fastfood burgers prevents the brain from generating new nerve cells.

Aside from lowering your child’s IQ, fast food increases the risk of severe asthma by a whopping 39 per cent in teens and 27 per cent in younger children. Researchers have found a clear association between eating fast food and immune-related diseases like asthma and eczema.

Wheat (as well as soy, barley and rye) has high levels of glutamic and aspartic acids, which can affect the brain’s neurons, causing overactivation of nerve-cell receptors.

The antioxidant agents in wheat called ‘phytates’ interfere with vital minerals that are essential for the growing brain.

4. Feed them the good fats

4 Chinese takeaways and kiddy sweeteners

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in fish oils can dramatically accelerate learning, as well as protecting the brains of your children from the worst effects of junk food.

Don’t shy away from fish. Although concerns have been raised about mercury levels and other pollutants, the goodness in fish outweighs any dangers.

- Don’t overlook saturated fats: although received wisdom has it that saturated fats are bad for children and contribute to ADHD, they actually assist in the conversion of EFAs into the long-chain forms the body needs. Always choose butter over margarine and full-fat milk over skimmed.

5. Chuck them outside

Children stay indoors so much these days that many of them are low in vitamin D, which can lead to high blood pressure, rickets and unhealthy bones. Vitamin D is also crucial for the development of the nervous system, including the brain. Make sure children are outside for at least 15 minutes a day, and unless they burn easily, don’t put sunscreen on them until they’ve been out in the sun for at least 10 minutes.

5 Mobile phones

Some 200 studies confirm the damage to the growing brain caused by mobile phones. In addition to facing a greater risk of brain tumours children who grow up using mobile phones can suffer from learning difficulties, attention deficits and sleep problems.

Try to limit the use of phones and never let your child keep one next to them when they are sleeping.

Inform yourselves: read our Special section on the topic www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

6. Keep metal out of their mouths (and everywhere else)

Don’t allow your children to have ‘silver’ fillings – ever. Research has found a direct link between levels of mercury in the mother’s hair at the time of birth and the likelihood of the child developing ADHD. Like fluoride, the aluminium sulphate present in our water supply has also been found to cause brain damage.

Besides aluminium, children with developmental and behavioural problems may have high blood concentrations of lead. Never cook with aluminium utensils and opt for an under-sink filtration system that removes all heavy metals like lead from the water supply. If your house is old, check what your pipes are made of.

7. Encourage them to meditate

Meditation appears to permanently enhance brain receptivity. Besides increasing mental ability, meditation also seems to integrate emotional and cognitive processes, so aiding intuitive learning.

The flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the artificial sweetener aspartame are both lethal to children’s brains and can disrupt certain brain pathways, causing memory loss. They can also cause hyperactivity, low intelligence, poor school performance and irritability.

Watch out for sweetened items like kiddy vitamins, gum or juice drinks.

And whenever you order a Chinese, ask them to hold the MSG.

It’s well worth reading the full-length version of this article. It can be found on www.familiesonline.co.uk. This story was first published in the magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You, available in selected retailers like WHSmith or by subscription. It is a real eye opener! See www.wddty.com 22

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014

Classifieds Parties

Tuition

Dance Supply Teachers DANCE TEACHERS SUPPLY AGENCY for NURSERIES, PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS www.dtsa.co.uk T: 020 8992 6891 M: 07771 905226

Don't forget to mention that you saw it advertised in Families West magazine when you call

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2014