Families London West Issue 98 Jan/Feb 2015 by Families Magazine

ISSUE 98: January/February 2015 www.familieswest.co.uk

The best guide to what is going on for families living in West London

RECRUITING NOW! Successful business mum is seeking 5 working partners to work part time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a managerial, supervisory, sales, recruitment or self-employed background and wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Avril Cassell: 07561 814 161 or email: avrilc1@hotmail.com

Confidence Building Fun

Call 0845 400 1285 or visit perform.org.uk to find your nearest venue.

Try a Free Drama Class Families West 路 PO Box 32231 路 London W5 1JR 路 Tel: 020 8930 4707 路 Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

news & views Will to Win - Pitshanger Park, Ealing Will to Win has spent 20 years working hard to improve tennis and sports facilities in public parks across London and enable year round play for all ages and abilities. This summer they transformed Pitshanger Park and resurfaced 8 tennis courts, 4 with floodlights, and put in a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)/5 a-side 3G football pitch, also with floodlights, and netball facilities. They strive to make everyone feel welcome with affordable pay and play facilities. In addition they offer a full range of adult and junior tennis and football programmes, and their Back to Netball sessions are very popular. Visit the website for more information on all of their courses and drop-in sessions. Much to the delight of park users they have also built a new café where you can unwind on the covered and heated deck, drink great coffee and use the free WiFi. Call to book courts and lessons on 020 8991 9844. www.willtowin.co.uk

Front cover credit: Checked shirt from £8. T-shirt from £4. Tan trousers from £9. Brown shoes from £14. Faux fur moose hat from £6. www.sainsburys-tu-clothing.co.uk

Scholarship place at Jigsaw Performing Arts School

From the Ed: A Happy New Year! I hope you have recovered from the festivities by the time this copy reaches your hand and the routine has started well. We are talking all about nurseries this issue - how to choose them, what to expect from them and also giving you the lowdown on what is new at your local nurseries in West London. There is loads more info on our website: www.familieswest.co.uk as well as a nursery directory with links to your local nursery schools, playgroups and nurseries offering daycare. Plus of course our pages are stacked with plenty of events going on for families in and around West London. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

In this issue News & Views Nursery News Education Feature Clubs & Classes What’s On in West London Half Term Workshops New Year = New You Classifieds

Page 2 Page 6 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

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. Copyright Families West Magazine 2014. Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com Printed by Ridgeway Press, 12 Campbell Court, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EG.

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Jigsaw Performing Arts School is offering a free scholarship place at their Ealing school for the Spring term 2015 to give away. Classes take place at the weekend for students aged 3-18 years. A term’s scholarship is worth between £150 for 3-6 years and £280 for 7-18 years. For more details go to: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk To be entered into the prize draw, please email your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and age to: admin@jigsaw-arts.co.uk Quoting FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP in the subject box.

Get Into London Theatre with great new year deals on more than 55 top shows Theatres all over the capital will welcome in the New Year by offering fantastic ticket deals as part of Get Into London Theatre, the annual promotion that allows the public to see some of the best-loved shows in London for a fraction of the normal cost. From 1 January to 13 February 2015, more than 55 participating productions ranging from plays to musicals and opera to ballet will offer tickets from as little as £10, so everyone has the chance to experience the best of London theatre this winter. There is a host of sensational shows to choose from, including long-running West End hits Billy Elliot The Musical, Disney's The Lion King and Wicked, alongside newcomers Made In Dagenham, Sunny Afternoon and Memphis The Musical. Fans of dance can enjoy Swan Lake or Don Quixote, plus there are lots of family-friendly shows taking part such as The Railway Children, Slava’s Snowshow, Room On The Broom and The Wind In The Willows. As well as West End theatres, a range of venues across the capital have signed up to the promotion including the New Wimbledon Theatre, Greenwich Theatre and the Barbican.

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January/February 2015

Reduce tiredness and restore vitality We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference. (Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label.

Do we REALLY know how fit our children are? As parents, we all know our children's ability in reading, writing and arithmetic, but often have no idea of our children’s activity and fitness levels. We’re all aware of the benefits of active children and the impact this has on their future of health - so now’s the time to find out. The UK’s leading children's activity provider Fit For Sport has been working with kids across the country to help them to get active. A study of 10,000 children found fitness levels improved on average up to 15% over a year, just by engaging kids in their active schools programme. They’re encouraging families across the nation to take their FREE kids active challenge. Fit For Sport founder Dean Horridge said: “It’s really easy to take simple steps towards a more active lifestyle. Active children are far more likely to become active adults, so encouraging kids now sets them on a journey for an active, healthy life - and they should have fun doing it!” To discover your child’s fitness levels and how to improve them simply visit: www.fitforsport.co.uk to take the Active Challenge, track progress and access lots of tips and advice for an active 2015!

Language Perfect Competition - Clifton Lodge gets first place in the 51-100 pupil category Headmaster, Mr Floyd Steadman, is delighted to announce the results of the Language Perfect Northern Hemisphere competition. As usual, Clifton Lodge pupils have done fantastically well. 62 certificates were achieved during the 10 day competition including 12 Golds, 6 Silvers, 23 Bronzes and 21 Credits. On a more global scale and with 117 schools taking part overall, Clifton Lodge have succeeded in coming first in their category (51-100 pupils) for the first time. Pupils came first in French and 2nd in Latin. Find out more about the school by contacting headmaster Floyd Steadman on: floyd.steadman@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk · www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

January/February 2015

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nursery feature How to choose the best nursery for your child By Hannah Hunter For many parents, nurseries are the ideal choice for childcare. They offer working hours, with a lot of flexibility - you can choose hours to suit you, from a few half days to full working weeks. Nurseries give children the opportunity to socialise with groups of other children and adults. They can also give a reassuring continuity of care, with an assigned key worker. Your child may be at the same setting from babyhood, right until they start at school.

Finding the right nursery can be a difficult and stressful process. The first time you hand over full-time care of your precious offspring to someone else is always going to be emotional, so you want to be absolutely sure that you have made the right choice for all of you. Different types of nursery • It’s important to research what’s available as early as possible to find the best fit. This webpage: www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-place directs you to your local council’s website, which will list all Ofsted-checked registered childcare providers. Different options may include: • Day Nurseries - great for working parents, as they are usually open from 8am-6pm • Nursery Schools - for older toddlers (usually about 2 and a half and up) these nurseries offer a more structured preparation for school. Nursery classes in schools - usually run for the year before reception, they have a similar structure to nursery schools, though often only run half-day sessions. • Montessori and Steiner nurseries– Montessori philosophy informs how their schools are run, they are seen as the originators of child centred learning, and

there is a focus on developing each child’s independence and skills. Focusing on creative play, Steiner schools don’t believe in any formal teaching until the age of 6. Read more here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/Chiltern/Articles2/Nursery-andpreschool/What-are-all-the-differenttypes-of-nursery/(language)/eng-GB] Your first visit Make time to look around potential nurseries, well before you are going to need to use them. Read the Ofsted report (www.ofsted.gov.uk) and make a list of your priorities before you go. See if you can find out any first-hand information from friends (though bear in mind what’s good for one family might not work for another). Things to consider: Staff and ethos See what the turnover of staff is (always a good indicator of happiness) and check their qualifications. The presence of older staff members brings added life experience and suggests that the nursery values its staff enough to pay for this. Check out the routines, such as what food they offer and when it’s served, or when and where the children can nap. Cost Be realistic in how much you can pay. A perfect work-life balance doesn’t mean working more hours to pay for a ‘better’ nursery! Most nurseries have funded places for 3 to 5-year-olds, and your workplace may offer childcare vouchers, a tax-free way to pay. You may also be eligible for childcare tax credits, to find out more go towww.gov.uk/help-withchildcare-costs The ‘feel’ of the place Going by gut instinct alone isn’t advisable,

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but if you don’t get a good feeling, it might not be the place for your child. Happy staff and children can make up for a lack of perfection in other areas. Look out for children’s work on the walls, and staff who actually play with the kids rather than stand around chatting. Your child’s personality Is your child quiet and shy, or loud and outgoing? Do they love playing outdoors, or prefer indoor games? It seems obvious, but try to match the nursery to your child’s interests. Your own needs! There might be a wonderful nursery half an hour drive away from you, but consider how will both of your tiredness levels be after this daily journey - would you be better to find somewhere closer that is a good fit? Equally the most convenient, say a work-place nursery, may not be the best for your child. Useful links www.ndna.org.uk National Day Nurseries Association offer expert advice and information for parents looking for childcare. The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with helpful information for parents. This site will help you find your local Family Information Service: http://findyourfis.familyandchildcaretrust.org/kb5/findyourfis/home.page giving local information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services www.ofsted.gov.uk www.montessori.org.uk www.steinerwaldorf.org

January/February 2015

nursery NEWS St Augustine’s Priory Nursery

Uniquely set in thirteen acres, 3-4 year old children at St Augustine’s Priory Nursery benefit from a large meadow with wooden play equipment, a willow house and a Forest School where weekly sessions take place. ISI has consistently rated the both the pastoral provision and teaching as “outstanding.” Each nursery child is allocated a key person who helps them to settle in and takes responsibility for recording their progress and development, and who communicates with parents. As an all-through school, girls who join the school in Nursery have a foundation which ensures they continue to receive an outstanding education until Sixth Form. It is the top performing Catholic school in Ealing for GCSE results. www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk

Avenue House School Nursery, part of Avenue House Preparatory School in Ealing, along The Avenue is in a lovely house setting. They admit children from the age of three who can come in for half day or full day sessions. The children benefit from having their own outside play area which was renovated after funding from Ealing Borough Council and the children have the choice of outdoor and indoor activities all day. The children participate in whole school activities too, such as Road Safety Week and seasonal concerts and also share facilities with the Reception class. Recently the Nursery pupils joined Reception for their weekly cooking activity to make Road Safety Traffic Light biscuits and had a fabulous time! www.avenuehouse.org

Maria Montessori Nursery School is now under New Ownership. The school was founded in 1976 and since then it has always been one of the most renowned Montessori Schools in the Ealing Area. One of the major changes that they are introducing from start of the Spring Term (January 2015) is to extend their opening hours for the School. It will now be open for 5 full Days (9am-3pm, Monday to Friday). The range of activities offered at the nursery has also now been extended to include Tatty Bumpkins Yoga sessions, music, French, ICT and PE lessons. They welcome all the parents to see the nursery in action so call and book a visit on 07717 050761/020 8814 9527 or email: info@mariamontessori.co.uk www.mariamontessori.co.uk

New World Montessori are proud to have achieved the award from the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board for both of their nurseries for the second time. This places their establishment not only as a true advocate of Montessori education and philosophy but also ensures that they are following the criteria set out in Early Years Foundation Stage. At NWM they offer Montessori education for children 2-5 years by qualified Montessori teachers only. They have extra curricular classes such as yoga and gymnastics, music, French and most recently have set up a cooking club. They also have a trained Special Needs teacher at both settings They have organised parents workshops for those wishing to learn more about the Montessori way of teaching. For more information go to: www.newworldmontessori.com

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Opening soon: Micro-crèches in Hanwell. Les Jardins d'Emile will be a bilingual (French/English) nursery, based on sustainable development. It will be set up in newly refurbished premises in Cherington Road W7, with specialized wood furniture imported from France. Using interactive pedagogy, they will be setting individual education plans for children. They will also offer an extended daily schedule to suit the needs of working parents. Contact Emmanuelle on: 07468 416490 or email: jde.creche@gmail.com for more information. www.ljemile.com Playdays has been providing quality care for children for almost 20 years and has expanded into 5 branches across prime areas in London including Kensington and Chiswick. It prides itself on the children being their first priority. They take children from three months to five years with separate baby, toddler and pre-school rooms and have a variety of dedicated staff including Nursery Nurses, Nursery Assistants and Montessori teachers. Find out more on: www.playdaysnurseries.co.uk or call the Chiswick nursery on 020 8747 9599 or the Barons Court nursery on 020 7386 9083. Visit www.familieswest.co.uk for updated News and Views and lots of things to see and do in west London

Avenue House School Nursery

January/February 2015

nursery NEWS

Active Learning Children learn best when they are having fun and are confident in their environment. Active Learning promotes the development of the complete child introducing them to an exciting programme of learning through their truly innovative studio programme. Dedicated specialist teachers in the ‘state of the art’ studios nurture children as unique and individual, ensuring they bring out the best in each and every child, helping them to discover and maximize the potential of their own talents. Visit the Chiswick nursery at Hartington Road, Chiswick W4 3AN. 020 3167 4994. www.activelearningchildcare.co.uk Having a second language is such an asset in all aspects of life. Consider it for your child at the Ark of Noah Bilingual (French/English) Nursery School. It has been running successfully for seven years in W13. Children need no prior knowledge of French and staff find that they are soon picking up both languages quite easily. The nursery work closely with the French school, A. Malraux, which now accepts more English children. A Mother and Toddler group takes place on Thursdays with French songs and movement and there is an afterschool club on Wednesdays for older children (ages 4-10). Find out more at: www.arkofnoah.net E: info@arkofnoah.net Or call: 02089977116. Words that parents have used to describe the childcare and education delivered at Buttons Day Nursery School over the past 13 years are; outstanding, quality,

January/February 2015

Buttons Day Nursery School happy, innovative and consistent. Unusually the nursery fees are all inclusive of Pampers nappies, wipes and formula milk (for babies and toddlers) and all children’s meals are prepared on the premises using fresh organic ingredients. The nursery understands that a consistent staff team is important and ensures that the staff’s personal and professional development is catered for and that they are rewarded for their hard work and commitment. It is this thinking that has led to the nursery being recognised as ‘An Investor in People’ organisation over the last 9 years, recognition not normally associated with nurseries. Find out more by calling them on 020 8840 3355. E: info@buttonsdaynursery.co.uk www.buttonsdaynursery.co.uk

LEYF family of nurseries continues to grow across London. London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) began 2014 by adding the Soho Family Centre Nursery to their collection of nurseries. They didn’t stop there, adding five more over the year to reach their current total of 30 individual settings in the city. Running since 1903 and winners of Nursery World’s ‘Nursery Group of 2014’ award, they pride themselves on providing an enjoyable and enriching experience in a safe, welcoming and caring environment. They have ambitious plans to reach 50 nurseries by 2017, and to provide their outstanding childcare to 5000 children. To enquire about a place at one of their nurseries visit www.leyf.org.uk or call 020 7592 3603.

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

2- fr 5 om ye ar s

Give your child a head start

English and French No Language skills necessary EALING W13 0EB Telephone: 020 8997 7116

www.arkofnoah.net

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 2015

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nursery feature What to expect from your child’s nursery education We’ve all heard about the importance of early years education. Apparently a child who has gone to pre-school has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages, according to new research undertaken by academics at the Institute of Education. So you send your child to nursery, in the hope that it will improve their education prospects. But what are they actually going to do there all day? They’re not going to tell you! Teenagers struggle enough to recall what’s happened a few hours before, so you can’t expect detailed information from a 3-year-old.

To give you some idea of what will happen, you can look at the legal requirements for nurseries in the UK. The Early Years Foundation Stage framework is a document that sets out the statutory welfare and developmental goals for children 5 years and under. It gives guidelines for safety and learning and development for all early years providers - all nurseries, child minders, playgroups, preschools and reception classes.

The EYFS explained The EYFS framework document can seem daunting, but it’s there to ensure that all children receive a suitable level of care. It sets out the legal requirements that keep your child safe and promote their welfare. This includes: • Basic checks, such as staff security checks • Setting the number of children each member of staff can look after • Ensuring the facilities and equipment are safe and suitable • Checking the quality of the environment, e.g. recommending access to outdoor space It also covers the seven areas of learning and development. These are: • communication and language • physical development

• personal, social and emotional development • literacy • mathematics • understanding the world • expressive arts and design The activities they will do at nursery, to support their learning and development will be unique to your child’s needs. They will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuous provision’, which in layman’s terms means that there needs to be high quality resources and activities available all of the time, so your child can learn through play in lots of different ways.

Assessment The EYFS also lays out guidelines for assessment of your child’s progress. Soon after your child turns 2, you will get a written summary of how your child is progressing in communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where they need extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage. The next written assessment will come when your child is 5, usually at the end of their reception year, which is the last

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year they are classed as being in early years education. This will include assessment of skills such as writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers. The school will give you a progress report including some of this information.

How will I know how my child is doing? Your child will have a ‘key person’ at nursery, pre-school or reception class, who is responsible for putting together information on how they are developing. This person will be your main point of contact, and it’s important that you work together and communicate well. Any worries about your child should be discussed with their key worker, and they will be able to build on what your child is learning at home. Look at the full document here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 For a detailed parent’s guide to the EYFS go to: http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/ 2014/08/EYFS_Parents_Guide-amended.pdf For more general advice for parents: http://www.ndna.org.uk/parents

January/February 2015

A Montessori school, creative workshops and much more... www.pangbournehouse.com 路 info@pangbournehouse.com 07754 418 372 路 Pangbourne Avenue, W10 6DL

Playdays Nurseries Open 8.00am to 6.00pm, 51 Weeks a year for children aged 3 months to 5 Years Barons Court W14 Chiswick W4 Queens Road SW19 Tel: 020 7386 9083 Tel: 020 8747 9599 Tel: 020 8946 8139

Wimbledon Hill Road SW19 Tel: 020 8944 8959 www.playdaysnurseries.co.uk

OUR MARCH /APRIL 2015 ISSUE Featuring Childcare in General. More on Nurseries, Au Pairs, Pre-School Groups. If you wish to be included please contact editor@familieswest.co.uk or: adverts@familieswest.co.uk 020 8930 7704 www.familieswest.co.uk

January/February 2015

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Does YOUR seven-year-old know

7,100 words? By Janet Sherlock, BA LLb

Does your seven-year-old know 7,100 words? Extensive research shows that a person’s vocabulary level is the best single measure for predicting future occupational success.

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

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

OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 5th MARCH 11.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

The importance of vocabulary to a child’s ability to succeed in school and beyond is why English and verbal reasoning make up one half of the 11+ exams in many selective schools. Indeed, parents often find these prove to be the most difficult tests for their bright children, and it is usually for one reason only: vocabulary. Research into learning vocabulary has given us some startling data: · Gaps in vocabulary appear as early as age three, and widen thereafter. · The extent of a child’s vocabulary at age five is so critical to the development of their perceiving, thinking, and understanding that it is used as a measure of these cognitive skills. · The top quarter of pupils know about 7,100 words by age seven, and add about three new ones each day. The bottom quarter have fewer than half as many words at that age - about 3,000; they acquire only about one word a day, so the gap continues to widen. · Early gaps in vocabulary and in language and communication skills are seldom made up in school. Clearly, vocabulary acquisition must start early. Parents need not invest time or money in specialist training, equipment, or software. Indeed, some of the same research also reveals what parents can do to build vocabulary at home from an early age: · Provide a rich language environment. The more parents talk to their children from birth to age three, the greater their children’s vocabulary, rate of vocabulary growth, and chances of success in school. · The early language environment should include teaching nursery rhymes. Children who learn eight nursery rhymes in their first three years typically rise to the top rank of readers by age eight. · Provide opportunities for play. Physical play teaches the vocabulary of the body, of space and of motion. Incorporate rhyme and song into physical play and vice versa. Organised games teach the vocabulary of rules and fair play. Imaginative play with toys, or home storytelling or theatrics, increases the vocabulary of general knowledge, of other times and places, and of thought and emotion. Spend time outdoors. Time spent with children outdoors - in varied locations and weather - can build vocabulary in nature, the physical world, commerce and society, even emotional states. Museums, parks, fields, gardens, a walk to the chemist or newsagents - can give you both time for

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2015

education relaxed conversation, and exposure to various new and familiar things to talk about. · Give your children and yourself the gift of daily reading. Read to your children for as little as ten minutes a day at a regular time - more depending on the children’s attention and interest. Much of the vocabulary gap correlating to socio-economic status can be explained by parental behaviour: fewer than half of children from low income families are read to daily at age three; four out of five of the richest families read to their children daily. Three-year-olds who are read to every day tend to become five-year-olds who flourish in school. · When reading to young children, engage them with questions and conversation. The vocabulary of most seven-year-olds is mainly oral. Most of this vocabulary is acquired at home and in the world, from being read to and from conversing with adults.

· Expose children to adult conversation whenever possible. Talk to them about events of the day and the realities of parents’ lives. Parents can increase children’s vocabularies by using less common words in helpful, instructive or explanatory ways in ordinary conversation. Such use defies the effects of poverty and is independent of the parents’ level of formal education. · Ensure your children learn how to read. By school age, new vocabulary acquisition comes primarily from books. Children who read more have larger vocabularies. This correlation holds across a range of IQ scores and other measures of intellectual ability. Allow your children plenty of time for quiet reading. The amount of reading and size of vocabulary correlate to greater general knowledge. The more children read, the more they know and the better they learn. Children who read more also read more efficiently. The amount of reading done by the most reluctant reader

in a year can be done by a keen reader in just two days. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet Sherlock, BA LLb, is a mother of two and she heads the programme development team of language acquisition specialists, mathematicians and professors at Leaders are Readers. Telephone: 01992 651 300 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

(Pre-GCSE · GCSE · A-level · Undergraduate)

Mr Nicholas Tsangarides

BSc MSc MPhil DIC PGCE Chartered Mathematician (CMath) CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked

T: 01895 271841 · M: 07540737310 E: nicholastsangarides@hotmail.com

Durston House 12 Castlebar Road · London W5 2DR

A leading West London Prep School for Boys

A great spirit of community. . . a real pride in achievement Visit our website www.durstonhouse.org Send for an Information Pack Or come to see us contact Mrs Caroline Ferns (Registrar) telephone 020 8991 6532 email info@durstonhouse.org Boys Prep School 4-13 years · Registered Charity No. 294670

January/February 2015

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clubs & classes DANCE KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months -2 years Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill & Fulham 07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY an IDTA accredited school offers classes in Ballet and Tap Dance to children. Qualified teachers in Chiswick & Ealing teach classes. 07771 984590 info@westlondondanceacademy.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance teacher training www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk

New! Yourspace Saturdays Yourspace Saturdays 10-week Sept 13 dramacourse and/or starts jazz dance Drama and/or jazz dance for for 6-16s. 6-11s and 12-18s, 10-week Spring course 10-11am and/or 11am-12. Into The Wild! £105/term Starts Sat drama Jan 10 or at dance, 10am. £195 two hours drama and dance. £105/term drama or dance, St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing W5 2JL £195 two hours drama and dance. 07580 474638 St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing W5 2JL www.yourspacedrama.com www.yourspacedrama.com

Aniko’s Dance Academy www.AnikosDanceAcademy.co.uk Call: 07789 605 166

Ballet Classes from age 3 every Wednesday ISTD exams and annual showcases

DRAMA ALLSORTS DRAMA Drama classes, holiday workshops and parties 020 8767 5298 www.allsortsdrama.com

Chiswick branch

and Children Families welcome – Goal Oriented • Dynamic • Innovative • Effective • Native Female Teacher (& mother of 3!)

Call Reem on

07956 845 053 To advertise your business or classes here, please contact:

familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

LANGUAGES ARABIC FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN Female teacher 07956 845053 CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Learn French, Parent & Toddler group 22months - 4years 020 8997 7116 info@arkofnoah.net

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY 0208 3320 942 children@linkchinese.co.uk www.linkchinese.co.uk

SONGS AND RHYMES BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Guitar-accompanied nursery rhymes, action songs, instruments, games and dancing for 6 months-3 year olds in Barnes, Chelsea, Notting Hill and Hammersmith. 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

PERFORM DRAMA SCHOOL Perform children’s drama school for ages 4-7 arrives in Mayfair on Wednesdays from 14th January. The school uses a mixture of drama, dance and singing in small groups taught by experienced actors and teachers. Principal Lucy Quick says “We are incredibly excited about opening in Mayfair. Parents have been asking us to open locally for ages and we have a fantastic venue and have found some brilliant teachers to lead the workshops.” Classes will run on Wednesdays at Danceworks Studios, 16 Balderton Street, Mayfair from 4-5pm and 5-6pm. All children are invited to a Free Drama Class at their nearest Perform venue.

Call 0845 400 4000 to book your free trial. www.perform.org.uk

Arabic for Women

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 - 16 years 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

020 8933 9997 020 8840 4452 twisters@btinternet.com www.twisters.org.uk

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds. Chiswick 020 8398 4709 Kensington and Brook Green 020 8398 8106 Hammersmith 020 8398 8106 Acton 020 8819 1399 Ealing 01494 700794 info@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk YOURSPACE DRAMA COURSES Saturday Classes St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing, W5 07580 474638 info@yourspacedrama.com www.yourspacedrama.com

FOOTBALL KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

GYM AND DANCE TWISTERS. Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama Toddlers to Teenagers

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Using unique props and funky music, they dance, they sing,they learn through the music, but most importantly of all, they have FUN! Available for classes and parties. 07946 707695 info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Culture Curry Introducing the breadth of the Indian culture to our children through interactive and fun classes. 07774 788002 culturecurry@ymail.com www.culturecurry.co.uk

TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres 5-14 years. Free Trial session Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk FLEET TUTORS Private home tutoring 020 8580 3911 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk MATHS DOCTOR MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION Home tuition. Art, craft and design. All ages 020 8932 1010 VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 – 11years 07050 246810 VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages 020 8932 1010

January/February 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

what’s on MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

available to view. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, for ages 7+

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK's central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank. 16-20 Feb STRIKING GOLD STORIES Listen to some fascinating true stories about gold narrated by a costumed storyteller, from the California gold rush to the sewer man who found his way into the Bank’s vaults nearly 200 years ago. Follow the gold trail around the Museum to claim your small prize. 10:30 and 11:30am, 12:30, 2, 3, and 4pm

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on 17 Jan, 7 Feb EXPLORE ZOOLOGY Ever wondered what the skin of a python feels like or how sharp a shark’s tooth is or how many spots a leopard has? Bring your budding zoologists and be inspired to ask these questions and many. Drop- in, 1- 4.30pm, free. 31 Jan, 28 Feb THE IMAGINARY MENAGERIE See the amazing, unusual and beautiful animals on display like the quagga, a not very stripy zebra, or the duck billed platypus. Create your own animal artwork in the Imaginary Menagerie with a Museum artist. Drop in between 1pm and 4pm, free. IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until 19 Apr ANCIENT LIVES, NEW DISCOVERIES The exhibition features the mummified remains of eight people who lived in the ancient Nile Valley. Some of the mummies are in their coffins/wrappings while the natural mummies have less covering with more of the body

SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+ A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William

and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. HORRIBLE HISTORIES®: SPIES Uncover the deadly world of spies at this major new interactive exhibition for families which brings the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes to life. Based on Terry Deary’s book from the bestselling Horrible Histories series. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops. Every Sunday in January and February: OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collections- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Every Sun in Jan, 1, 8 Feb CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. 24, 25 Jan HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY Introduction to the Holocaust sessions aimed at families with younger children. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Free discussion and replica object handling for ages 11+ 14-22 Feb PRINT IT: TRUTH AND MEMORY Free family printing activity. Have a go at drawing your favourite artworks on display in the exhibition “Truth and Memory”: and then transfer your design into a print. 11.30am and 2pm.

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2015

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children's imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 16s, £15 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months' unlimited admission. Until 8 Mar GOODBYE PICCADILLY Discover the untold story of London’s Home Front during the First World War; how drivers took their buses to the Front to support the war effort, how women advanced into the transport workforce for the first time and how Londoners came under deadly attack from the air as total war came to the Capital. NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday: FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING for children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am 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 18 Jan and 21 Feb. DRAWING SUNDAY explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in. 11 Jan, 8 Feb UNFOLDING STORIES create your own concertina storybook, filled with imaginative illustrations. 25 Jan, 22 Feb CUTTING THE LIGHT OUT Learn

January/February 2015

about tone, form and volume in chiaroscuro painting and create 3-tone pictures. STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (2 hours). 18 Jan PUTTING THE PRESENT IN THE PAST WITH PAINT Create contemporary self-portraits painted onto traditional renaissance backgrounds using acrylic paints on wooden panels11am-1pm. 1 Feb SURREAL SUNSETS Discover beautiful sunsets in paintings and find your own mythical creatures to add to your landscapes, through painting and rubbing techniques. 1 Feb WALK AND TALK: FRIENDS AND FAMILY A themed journey through the collection where gallery staff will walk, talk and bring paintings alive! 12.30–1.30pm. For all ages. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 15-17 Feb FANTASTICAL FLYERS Make magnetic moving pictures. 11am and 2pm, for all ages. 16-18 Feb ARTIST’S APPRENTICE: SECRET SPACES IN MINIATURE PLACES Create your own boxed landscape and learn how to mix watercolour paints inspired by the Balke exhibition. For ages 7-12. £16 for one adult and one child. 16 Feb MESSY MONDAYS For under 5’s at 10.30am and 1.30pm. storytelling and art activities. 17 Feb TALKING TUESDAYS For under 5’s, various sessions from 10.30am-2.30pm. Bring a painting to life through singing, talking and playing. 21 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL DAY Art and music activities all day long for all ages. NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 18 Jan SOUND AND VISION Drop-in family session. Explore sound by using sound recorders, instruments and found material to create a portrait in sound. 1-2.30pm for ages 3+ and 3-4.30pm for age 7+

15 Feb OUT OF THE SHADOWS Drop-in family session. Create a pop-up photographic studio to dress up, make up stories and explore family portraits. 1-2.30pm for age 3+ and 3-4.30pm for age 7+ 16 – 20 Feb HALF TERM ACTIVITIES-FRIENDSHIP Activities inspired by Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends. During the week there will be a range of ticketed and drop-in activities for ages 5+, from 11am-4pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 10 Jan, 21 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. For ages 7-11. 10 Jan, 14, 16, 18 Feb ANIMAL VISION A show which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations allow them to escape predators and locate prey. 10.30am. For ages 7+ 11 Jan, 8 Feb MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am and 2pm. 25 Jan PUPPETS - WOLF TALES A lively storytelling show with puppets about animal and human nature.11.30am and 1pm. For children under age 7. 31 Jan, 14, 15 Feb CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles Darwin, he will share his collection of beetles and tell you his famous theory of evolution. 11.30am and 2pm. 7 Feb STEGOSAUR MYSTERIES Meet a Museum paleontologist who studies stegosaur skeletons. 12.30 and 2.30pm. For ages 7+ 15, 18 Feb TYRANNOSAURUS REX VERSUS THE DUCK-BILLED DINOSAUR Can a paleontologist convince you that the little known Lambeosaurus more interesting than the fearsome T Rrex? 12.30 and 2.30pm. For ages 7+

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what’s on DAYS OUT CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk London’s oldest botanic garden FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Pre-booking and pre-payment essential. Call 020 7349 6453 or email: education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 17 Feb CHOCOLATE TUESDAY Look into the history, geography and science of chocolate. Craft activities, a Garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. With a tasting session with staff from Rococo Chocolates.10.30am-2.30pm. 18 Feb LOTIONS & POTIONS Find out something of the history of medicine and the amazing power of plants and make some of your own ointments, syrups and scented bags to take away as well as your own mini medicinal garden. 10.30am-2.30pm. 19 Feb GARDEN EXPLORERS AND ARTY ENTHUSIASTS Explore the hidden secrets of the Garden including the jungle room and the creatures living in the pond. Capture what you see using different media such as clay, ink, paint and more. Perfect for an artistic naturalist. 10.30am-2.30pm.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark 7-8 Feb FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: DANCING SAILORS Stamp your feet and clap your hands, Cutty Sark’s sailors are having a dance! Make a colourful sailor puppet to dance around the ship and take home to play with. 11.30am and 2pm. 19-20 Feb FAN-TASTIC ANIMALS Which Chinese year were you born in? Fold and design a fabulous animal fan to peek through and play with. Can you spot your animal on the ship? 11.30am and 2pm. 21 Feb DANCING DRAGONS Did you know Cutty Sark was built to carry tea from China? Bring a traditional Chinese

decoration to life by making a colourful dancing dragon to play with. Take a closer look at decorations on tea pots, cups and caddies for inspiration. 11.30am and 2pm. Every weekend: CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. Suitable for ages 3+ FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Every Mon in Jan and Feb THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 10.30am-12noon. 8 Feb MUSEUM DROP-IN Try on period Roman costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of Fulham Palace. 2-3.30pm, free. Please book ahead. 17 Feb BEDAZZLED PALACE BANQUET A jam-packed workshop filled with themed games, activities, mini challenges and lots of fun. Learn about growing and making food, then enjoy your very own banquet just like the Bishops of London would have hosted at Fulham Palace.10am-12pm (3-5 year olds) and 12.30pm-2.30pm (6-8 year olds). £14 per child, £12 for a sibling. Booking essential. GOLDEN HINDE SE1 9DG www.goldenhinde.com 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 family-friendly tour. 10, 31 Jan, 14, 28 Feb PIRATE FUN DAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannons before trying to find the hidden treasure somewhere aboard the ship. 11am-1pm. 17, 31 Jan, 7, 28 Feb 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+ 10, 17 Jan, 7 Feb DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir Frances Drake. For age 6+ 24 Jan, 21 Feb 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. 31 Jan, 28 Feb FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Children will be dressed as Tudor sailors and become members of the crew. After learning the ship’s rules, they will be trained in navigation, barber surgery and gunning, before bedding down to sleep amongst the weapons on the Gun Deck. A Tudor style dinner and continental breakfast is provided. For age 6+

HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk Thurs and Sats in Feb TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multisensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. 14, 21 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. 7-8.30pm. 16-21 Feb MOVIE MAKERS Work with Aardman Animations (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run) to tell 500 years of Hampton Court stories in 5 minutes. Create drawings, sound effects and music in this workshop which can be used in the final film. For children aged 4 -7 years old, 10.30am-3.30pm. 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. FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES 10, 11 Jan CRACKING CODES Intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and make up your own secret code. Learn about the skills intelligence officers had to have as well as some of the dangers that surrounded HMS Belfast during WW2. 11am and 2pm. 14-22 Feb TATTOO T-SHIRTS Design your own t-shirt, inspired by traditional Navy tattoos and learn more about the history of Navy tattoos as well as the important role that HMS Belfast played in Operation Overlord - the largest naval, air and land operation in history. 11am and 2pm.

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KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Weds and Sats in Feb TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multisensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs. 14 Feb CAN YOU BUILD A PALACE? Young builders, architects and interior designers are welcome to the home of Queen Mary to help her create a palace that is ‘fit for a Queen’. 12, 1.30 and 3pm.

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is also a huge outdoor play area with an Adventure Maze, Go-Karts, Log Play Areas, Crazy Golf and plenty of farm animals to meet. Every weekend in Jan and Feb CRAZY ENTERTAINERS Shows full of madness and mayhem. THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 10 Jan - 28 Feb FAMILY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Storytelling in the yurt throughout the day; on cold days they light the wood burning stove to make it extra cosy. Hear tales of wetland creatures and their amazing adventures. Then go on a bird watching walk and learn to use binoculars and telescopes to see birds up close. 13-22 Feb EGGS & BUGS & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Discover how birds, bugs and mammals attract a mate, their dating habits and what sort of partner they make. A fun and fascinating look at how animals meet, mate and mind the kids for ages 8+ Also decorate a bird box to give a good home to a young (feathered) couple or build a bird feeder from scrap.

January/February 2015

what’s on FAMILY THEATRE BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 18 Jan THE SNOW QUEEN When Gerda’s friend Kay is taken by the Snow Queen, she decides she must set out to find him. A long and dangerous journey ensues until she eventually reaches the Snow Queen’s palace, only to find Kay irretrievably under the Snow Queen’s spell. An adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale for all the family. 24 and 25 Jan OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE A new action-packed, musical interactive stage show with the quirky and courageous underwater adventure heroes. 11, 12 Feb CIRQUE BERSERK Combining contemporary ‘cirque’ skills with thrilling stunt action. Presenting the world’s most dangerous circus act, the legendary Globe of Death, plus a troupe of over 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and death-defying stunt men. 18 Feb THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS -THE CHUCKLES OF OZ A family show with audience participations, comedy, spectacular sets and special effects in a new version of the familiar Wizard of Oz story. CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until Dec 15: MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.

GLOBE THEATRE SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com SHAKESPEARE UNTOLD The stories you know from characters you don't. The party planner, the pie maker, the banker and the convict... Behind all great stories are the people you probably didn’t notice. Shakespeare may not have mentioned them, but they are the ones who really know what happened. Discover the magic of Shakespeare’s timeless tales in these exciting new family adaptations. For ages 6+, shows at 11am and 2pm. 17 Jan A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 14 Feb ROMEO & JULIET-THE PARTY PLANNER'S TALE 16 - 20 Feb MUSE OF FIRE Deep beneath the streets of London lies Muse,the last spirit of Fire. Hidden for 400 years by the cooling waters of the Thames it watches and it waits... Discover an Elizabethan hermit hiding under the stage, learn from a master of magic in a secret forest, take tea with the strange puppets that live in the abandoned library and uncover the clues to stop Muse burning down the Globe once more. For age 6+ LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 10 Jan THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA A funny and fantastical re-telling of the classic tale about a Prince, a Princess and a pesky pea. For ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm. 24 Jan THE MAGIC PORRIDGE POT AND OTHER TASTY TALES Three traditional tales with puppets, pop-up sets and original music. For ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm.

31 Jan FIRESIDE TALES WITH GRANDAD Puppets, storytelling and shadow puppetry combine to create an enchanting show. For ages 4-7, 11am and 1pm. 6, 7 Feb HANSEL AND GRETEL Music, film and puppets in a show for ages 5-11. 10.30am and 1.30pm on 6 Feb, and 11am and 1pm on 7 Feb.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 17 Jan-15 Mar RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF WHO TRIED TO EAT HER Every weekend and daily from 16-20 Feb at 3pm. With marionettes and shadow puppets, original music, lighting and effects, an enchanting show for ages 3+

14 Feb SHOE KANGAROO AND THE BIG BAD BOOT A journey to the island of lost shoes where creatures strange and mysterious live including the wondrous, magical Shoe Kangaroo. For ages 4-7, 11am and 1pm. 17-21 Feb DOTTY THE DRAGON A fairytale adventure about a charming dragon for ages 3-7. 11am and 1pm. 28 Feb WHATEVER THE WEATHER A charming tale of a weather house and its inhabitants as the winds of change blow in their direction and bring with them all kinds of topsy-turvy conditions. For ages 3-7, 11am and 1pm. LYRIC THEATRE W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre Until 11 Jan ROOM ON THE BROOM Adapted by the award winning Tall Stories theatre company from the spellbinding picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Room on the Broom is the quintessential festive treat for the whole family to enjoy. This Olivier Award nominated production tells the story of a friendly witch, her cat and three loveable animals who take to the skies on a broom and face a fearsome dragon in this magical, musical adventure. With enchanting puppetry, original sing-along songs and scary fun, Room on the Broom is ideal for families with children aged three and up.

Southbank Centre

January/February 2015

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Until 19 Feb TREASURE ISLAND It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in - and her dangerous voyage begins. Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny brought to life in a thrilling new adaptation.

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RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond Until 11 Jan SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most fabulous panto star of them all? Jerry Hall will be bringing a touch of glamour to this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as she takes on the role of the Wicked Queen. 25 Jan THE SOOTY SHOW A new show with all the old favourites-Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV partner Richard Cadell. 28 Feb-1Mar OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action! An exciting new mission with the underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in the new live stage show.

what’s on SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 16, 30 Jan, 13, 27 Feb RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. 8 Feb THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN Hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra perform a new version of this familiar legend written especially for families. 9-22 Feb IMAGINE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL Theatre, books, music, free fun and workshops for all ages. Appearances and readings from top authors like Judith Kerr and Anthony Horowitz, live performances of Charlie and Lola and Pirate school, world-class orchestras with child friendly performances and Alice in Wonderland on its 150th anniversary, with events including Alice’s Imaginarium, interactive installations, Flamingo Croquet and a dressing-up day. Plenty for under 5’s too with Baby Yoga, Dragon Babies, Move & Shake and two theatre shows. See website for details. 10 Feb CIRCLES IN THE SAND A world of buckets, castle building, spinning and tumbling in this delightful show for under 3s which explores sand in new and exciting ways with no words, and accompanied by an evocative soundtrack. 21 Feb OAE TOTS The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's event for children under six and their families. THE BIG SLEEPOVER Explore the building by torchlight, then hear and tell stories before spending the night on the stage and in the auditorium of Royal Festival Hall. For ages 8-11.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 6 Jan-8 Feb CIRQUE DU SOLEIL KOOZA Combining the two circus traditions of acrobatics and clowning in spectacular style and set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills and chills.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatreroyal-drury-lane 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 9-25 Jan THE POLAR BEARS GO WILD Join two friendly (and slightly naughty) polar bears on the adventure of a lifetime. Where are they going? What will they get up to next? And have they got enough sandwiches? Music, laughter and a bit of cheekiness! For age 2+ 16 Jan-21 Mar THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE Blood runs through the streets and the Governor's severed head is nailed to the gates of the city. A young servant girl must make a choice: save her own skin or sacrifice everything to rescue an abandoned child... A time of terror, followed by a time of peace. Order has been restored and the Governor's Wife returns to reclaim the son she left behind. Now the choice is the judge's: who is the real mother of the forgotten child? For age 11+ 13 Feb-15 Mar BRITAIN'S BEST RECRUITING SERGEANT Little Tilley's dreams are realised as she follows in her father's footsteps and grows up to become Vesta Tilley, a shining star of the music hall whose much-loved act as a male impersonator makes her world-famous. War breaks out and she supports the cause by helping to recruit soldiers to fight for king and country, but has she used her stardom for good? And is winning the most important thing? For age 8+

The Polar Bears Go Wild Unicorn Theatre 14-22 Feb 50 DANGEROUS THINGS (YOU SHOULD LET YOUR CHILDREN DO) Have you ever cooked a meal in the dishwasher? Made a rope swing? Or licked a 9 volt battery? No? Well this is the show for you! Face your fears, weigh up and protect yourself against risk, question life, the universe and everything in between. For ages 3-10. VAUDEVILLE THEATRE WC2R 0NH www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatre Until 11 Jan POTTED SHERLOCK The entire works of one of the greatest detectives in literary history, Sherlock Holmes. All sixty stories retold in eighty elementary minutes. Set in the rich and vibrant world of Arthur Conan Doyle where plot twists, elaborate disguises and secret passages are compulsory and fun for all aged 6+ Until 17 Jan THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and the irrepressible Toad on their adventures. From lazy days on the riverbank, to speeding cars, a jail break and criminal deeds cooked up in the Wild Wood, told through narration, dance and song, colourful costumes and masterful puppetry,

CONCERTS BARBICAN EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk 8 Feb LSO DISCOVERY FAMILY CONCERT: VIVA ESPAÑA! Featuring the full London Symphony Orchestra. Children can get involved by bringing along their instrument or singing along with the

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audience participation piece. In the mornings before the Family Concerts there are art and music workshops and the opportunity to meet LSO players and practice the audience participation piece. For ages 7-12. CADOGAN HALL SW1X 9DQ www.cadoganhall.com 21 Feb SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT For ages 3 to 11, an action-packed, interactive musical morning. Before the concert, from 10.45am, meet the friendly musicians of the orchestra, try out their instruments and get creative with a range of free craft activities. MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 10 Feb BUSH BABY ORCHESTRA A classical concert for babies. Outstanding musicians perform a repertoire of traditional and contemporary music. Tickets include 1 adult, 1 baby/2 siblings. Maximum age 30mths. Adults must be accompanied by a baby. 10.30am, £10 per adult, babies free. 15 Feb SUNDAY COFFEE CONCERT Classical musicians performing traditional and contemporary pieces. 11am. Adults £6, Child £4, Family £16

Please check before you head out to make sure the event has not changed after Families West magazine has gone to press.

January/February 2015

half term workshops Corner 9 Art workshop (W9) 16-20 Feb Mornings - Art sessions exploring animals in 2D and 3D for children age 5+, Afternoons - Circus skill sessions for children age 6+ www.corner9.com Holland Park Ecology Centre Environmental activities (W8) 16-20 Feb The Ecology Service runs a scheme of environmental activities for children in the half term holiday utilising the park and our wooded Wildlife Area. The fun packed programme for 5-10 year olds is likely to include sessions on birds, orienteering, spring, creepy crawlies, animal tracks and plants. 10am-12noon and 2-4pm for ages 5-10. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology

Pitzhanger Manor art workshops (W5) 16, 20 Feb Taking place at the Walpole Park Rickyard Centre by the playground. Led by practising artists who encourage children to create artworks in response to the heritage and the visual arts. www.pitzhanger.org.uk Isis education Centre environmental and art workshops (W2) 17 Feb Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Explorers - Winter Art. A full day (10am3pm) of guided outdoor games and activities for children aged 8 - 12. 18, 19 Feb Discovery Day - Brilliant Birds. Make bird feeders, follow the bird discovery trail and do bird themed arts and crafts. 11am-3pm, drop-in, all ages. www.supporttheroyalparks.org

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Kids cookery school cooking workshops (W3) 16-20 Feb Morning and afternoon sessions for children aged 3-14+ in specially adapted child-sized cooking spaces. www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk Music house for Children music and art workshops (W12) 16 Feb Messy Hands - Create delightful sunflower seed pictures, beautiful butterflies and paper caterpillars 11:15am, 2-4yrs. 17 Feb Musical Theatre - The musical Wicked will be brought to life with singing, moving, dancing, instruments, composition, art and design with a final showcase presented to friends and family at 3pm. 10-3pm, 5-11yrs. www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk

January/February 2015

Kids Cookery School

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

new year = new you

Making positive changes in 2015 Many of us wake up on January the 1st feeling exhausted from Christmas, a little worse for wear from the night before and desperate for the kids to go back to school. But we also find ourselves scribbling lists of New Year’s resolutions - to get fit, lose weight, get stuck in to that pile of paperwork on the kitchen table and, often, to give our working lives a shake up too. The New Year is not just about detox-ing our bodies - it can also be a time to detox our lives. · Set some limits If you are the kind of person who is still working in the late hours, ipad in hand propped up in bed, then this is for you. You know you’re not doing yourself any favours. Your body needs at least an hour without any white light stimulation in order to sleep really well. Now is the time to get back to a bedtime routine that does not involve any electronics. It sets a good example for your kids too. · Go back to work January is a fantastic time for those of us with children in nursery or full time education for the first time to go back to work, start a new venture, set up our own business or to re-train in something that will get us leaping out of bed every morning! From a new job or a whole new career, the world is your oyster as a working mum. If your hours are limited by the school run, setting up your own business or taking up a franchise can offer you the opportunity to do something you love while working flexible hours, and the options are limitless. You can choose anything from running a yoga franchise to teaching little ones dance or drama, from teaching Spanish to starting your own Families magazine! Take a course, start a marketing business, design websites, set up a blog, open a café - it’s up to you. There are plenty of websites out there to help you get started and find a new job, re-train, choose the right business, give you ideas, advise you on tax and even help you design your logo, so there’s no excuse not to get stuck in this New Year. Take a look at these sites: www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business www.workingmums.co.uk www.mumandcareer.co.uk www.mumandworking.co.uk www.mumpreneuruk.com

· Get (a bit) fitter and (a bit) leaner Most of us need to. And there are lots of people around locally to help us. Our directory is full of classes that mums can take part in (with or without their children) If you are thinking about diet changes, Weight Watchers have plenty of delicious family recipes that cut out the trimmings that make a huge difference. Here’s one for you to try:

Mini chicken and broccoli pies

(Serves 4) · 7 ProPoints per serving · ProPoints value of 31 per recipe · 344 calories per serving · 10 minutes to prepare, 50 minutes to cook · Chicken thigh contains only 55 more calories per 100g (raw weight) than breast meat but it has much more flavour - it’s absolutely delicious in stews, bakes and pies. Low fat cooking spray 400g (14oz) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into large chunks 250g (9oz) shallots, halved if large 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 300ml (1/2 pint) light chicken stock 125g(41/2oz) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized chunks 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 4 tbsp water 150g (51/2oz) half fat crème fraîche 100g (31/2oz) filo pastry

1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/ 200°C/180°C fan oven. Heat a large, nonstick frying pan, mist with low fat cooking spray and cook the chicken over a medium heat for 10 minutes or so, turning occasionally, until it’s well browned. Remove from the pan and set to one side. 2 Add the shallots to the same pan and cook for 5 minutes or until golden, adding a splash of water if it looks as if it might stick. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes. 3 Add the stock and broccoli and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cornflour paste and simmer for about a minute until thickened. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste. 4 Spoon the pie filling into 4 x 200ml oven proof dishes. Cut each of the filo sheets into quarters. Scrunch the pieces and use to top the pies. Mist with low fat spray, season and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2015

Classifieds · PARTIES

To advertise here please email us at: adverts@familieswest.co.uk

Classifieds · TUITION French story & rhyme time with native French teachers

Special venues in the Ravenscourt Park and Brook Green areas

Book now: 07962 976 705

New! To advertise in Families West magazine or online, please email us at: adverts@familieswest.co.uk or phone us on: 020 930 4707

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January/February 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR