Families West London March - April 2015

ISSUE 99: March/April 2015 www.familieswest.co.uk

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news & views Get reading!

From the Ed: Spring is finally here and our doors can be flung open again (well some of the time!) and the sunshine let in. We have another issue packed with information for parents at different stages. If you have a new baby you will find our article on the importance of baby play an essential read. Lots of parenting strategies in this issue from dealing with children who are afraid of the dark to what we can do as parents to help our children deal with high pressure situations.

If you are thinking about schools (and which west London parent doesn’t constantly agonise about that subject), you will want to read our prep school feature and also about new free schools in the local area. What’s On is jammed this issue and there’s even more online at www.familieswest.co.uk Finally don't forget to trawl through our Easter workshops pages- there is so much to choose from at our end of town. Enjoy!

In this issue News & Views Nursery Feature Parenting Feature Education Easter Workshops/Days Out What’s On in west London Clubs & Classes/Diary Dates Classifieds

Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 Page 10 Page 14 Page 15 Page 22 Page 23

This spring, delve deep into your bookshelf and read something you’ve never read before, in honour of World Book Day. Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token and choose from titles including Michael Morpurgo’s Best Mates and A Pirate’s Guide to Landlubbing by Jonny Duddle. You can also design your very own National Book Token and have your design distributed to bookshops nationwide in time for Christmas. The competition closes on 17th April.

For more information please visit: www.worldbookday.com It’s also International Children’s Book Day on 2nd April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen himself. The Day aims to inspire a love of reading from an early age, so check out the website to find out more about all of the events across the country, including writing competitions and talks from famous authors and illustrators.

Kiddikicks starts new classes for 8-10 year olds to improve ball control and composure.

Plug the football season gap with Kiddikicks Futsal style Match Play in Chiswick and Hyde Park, for children aged 8 to 10 years.

These sessions are for all boys and girls who are used to playing matches and want to develop their ball control and composure on the ball using a Futsal based approach in an outdoor environment. You can expect, football coaching aimed at making a difference to the skill of girls and boys in a match play situation.

The sessions will comprise of 90 minutes of football, 30 minutes skills and 60 minutes futsal-style Match Play outdoors as well as tournaments. Sessions run from April to July and August during the off-season. Timetable and booking open from March 1st 2015.

Bookings can be made online www.kiddikicks.co.uk or call 020 7937 7965. Enquiries e: sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk

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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news & views Art Miles 2015 at Chiswick House and Gardens The Art Fund has launched Art Miles, a new fundraising initiative to get members of the public walking to raise money for their local Photo credit: Clive Boursnell museum. On Sunday 22 March 2015, four museums (Chiswick House and Gardens, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Osterley Park and House, and the William Morris Gallery), will host a three mile walk around their surroundings, hosting a range of cultural activities along the way. Clare O’Brien, Director of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be part of Art Miles. We will be opening up parts of our heritage site not normally seen by the public, including the Ionic Temple, a wonderful folly, the newly rebuilt Melon House and the Walled Kitchen Gardens.’’

The registration fee is £20 for adults and up to four children (aged 16 and under) can walk for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Proceeds go to the continued preservation of the historic gardens excluding a small admin fee to the Art Fund. For more information and to register as a walker go to: www.chgt.org.uk

St Matthew’s Montessori School St Matthew’s Montessori school include a variety of peripatetic sessions, in addition to the Montessori and EYFS education, within their provision. Specialist teachers attend the school and provide French, music, ballet, drama PE and IT sessions, on an age specific basis. There is increasing evidence to suggest that children, who benefit from a wellrounded curriculum and exposure to a wide range of stimuli, have a firm basis for when they start at primary school. Feedback from parents has been extremely positive, with children from the setting going on to pursue some of the sessions at a more advanced level. The nursery warmly welcome parents to see the school in action by booking a visit on: 0208 579 2304 or 07956 228 959. info@stmatthewsmontessori.com

Harvington Prep School celebrates 125th anniversary Founded in 1890, the Ealing primary has been enjoying a year of special events for children, staff and parents. Thanks to strong local ties, the school has survived two world wars and numerous recessions, and one of its key aims for this year is to repay the community by raising money for charity. Each pupil has been given the challenge of raising £125 through a series of sponsored events and the total will be donated to Shooting Star CHASE, a leading children’s hospice charity that provides care for children with life-limiting conditions. Shooting Star operates two hospices in Hampton and Guildford and relies on donations to cover the £9.5 million it costs to provide care.

So far, the Harvington children have participated in a sponsored silence, a flash mob and an ice bucket challenge and have just completed a readathon. With many events to come, they hope to raise as much money as possible for Shooting Star.

Lamda classes develop pupil interview skills at Clifton Lodge The benefits of Lamda classes are considerable; encompassing drama, literature and public speaking to enable pupils to engage an audience and communicate meaning. These skills have recently been used by Clifton Lodge pupils at senior school interviews. Many felt they had enhanced their interview techniques through Lamda giving them confidence and key tools. Pupils commented “The Lamda classes have helped me speak confidently with clear diction; they have made me realise that I can speak in public without feeling nervous or hesitant. At my senior school interview I had to sight read a page of a book aloud. The Lamda sessions helped me incredibly because I have read poems and book extracts aloud in the sessions” and “I used be feel shy about speaking in public. I spoke very quietly and didn’t like to look at an audience. However since I have been in the the Lamda classes, I now speak with good voice projection and give eye contact to my audience; I am so much more confident about speaking in public situations now. In my senior school interview I was asked to read a poem aloud. Not only did I sight read the poem loudly, I looked up and gave the interviewer eye contact.” Headmaster, Floyd Steadman is delighted that the pupils are gaining so much from the Lamda classes that are offered and recognises the significant contribution they make to interview success. www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

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A Flying Start in Language Learning Parents of girls at the NHEHS Junior School were treated to an evening launching the NHEHS World Languages Pathway recently, with the introduction of Mandarin into the curriculum for girls from Year 1 upwards.

To show parents the success Mandarin teaching enjoys in the Senior School there was the opportunity to hear (in Mandarin but with subtitles!) from girls in Year 11 about their views on Ealing as a place to live and their favourite celebrities, while the A Level sixth form group talked about visiting China with the school and their future career plans. There were also traditional Chinese songs, a Chinese fan dance and a chance to meet members of the Mandarin Department.Speaking to parents Head, Lucinda Hunt outlined how the NHEHS World Languages Pathway will work not only in the teaching of Mandarin in the Junior School but in the school’s commitment to the continued teaching of other languages including French, Spanish and German. “Since the introduction of Mandarin in the Senior School at NHEHS in 2007, its popularity has grown hugely and the department achieves exceptional results (e.g. 100% A* at GCSE in 2014).

Girls and their parents recognise the importance of this language in the 21st century economy but, perhaps more importantly, learners find it a fascinating and engaging intellectual challenge as well as a doorway to this ancient yet vibrant culture. Though a growing number of schools teach Mandarin, it is rare for pupils to achieve any real degree of fluency.

The NHEHS World Languages Pathway will therefore provide a distinctive advantage.”

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March/April 2015

nursery feature

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

March/April 2015

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Are we putting our children under

TOO MUCH pressure?

Anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, homework resistance and learning blocks.

These are just some of the issues children can develop in today’s hot-house educational atmosphere. Kids in the UK are currently some of the most tested on earth. But as my new book Taming the Tiger Parent shows, far from making them a generation of high-achieving, accomplished uberchildren, they are actually the most worried and unhappy.

In the constant striving for league table positions, not just by schools, but also by the Education Ministers above them, one important lesson seems to have been lost: Stressed kids don’t learn.

Many parents also may not realise that some of the behavioural problems they are struggling out with at home are down to the fact that children feel judged very early, and almost continually, as they move up the education system. How a child responds to an overly pressurised environment will vary according to many factors: their temperament,

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their genes, their resilience, their success at school, their personal threshold and also their relationship with in their family. If they are affected, at first it can be hard for parents to tell the difference between what is a normal stage of childhood - and what might require some help.

But when children do suffer the ill-effects, it's vital that we intervene. Studies have found that children who show signs of anxiety in primary school are more likely to develop depressions in adolescence.

Some of the early signs that kids feel overly pressured to achieve include: • Saying they just want to go home and play.

• Using a whispering voice in class.

• Saying they don’t deserve good marks - or pointing out how much better other children are doing and ripping up work.

• Asking to go to the toilet a lot in lessons.

• Avoiding eye contact when talking to a parent.

• Stopping enjoying activities they used to enjoy.

• Fidgeting, hair-twirling, chronic nail-biting and skin-picking.

• Showing a lower tolerance to frustration than

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normal; shouting without making much sense or flying off the handle • Having a sad look and difficulty smiling, which may be remarked on by others in the family or at school.

• Starting to express feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness.

• Experiencing chronic worry, becoming overly panicked by small things and thinking small setbacks are the end of the world.

• Having trouble sleeping.

• Finding excuses not to go to school.

• Talking less and less to parents.

• Suffering unexplained stomach pains and tension headaches.

• Suffering physical symptoms such as mouth ulcers, cold sores, eczema or panic and asthma attacks.

• Showing OCD-like symptoms such as frequent washing of hands, arranging possessions or developing rituals that they insist on doing.

The good news is that it these symptoms can be relieved by addressing your child’s worries directly, taking steps to ease the pressure and re-calibrating

March/April 2015

parenting

your relationship. For example, one of the most distressing symptoms parents witness is kids insisting they are ‘rubbish’ at a subject or they are ‘stupid.’

That’s often because in today’s test-driven culture, youngsters often internalise the critical voices they constantly hear telling them they must do better.

Children assume that because they hear these messages inside their head they must be true. Teaching them to recognise them, and showing them how to switch them off is an important first step.

Another upsetting outcome is that because your child always thinks you always expect them do better, they distance themselves. They may become uncommunicative, defensive and try and avoid you to protect themselves from the pain of feeling your disappointment.

At the other end of the scale, there will also be the children who are so desperate to meet the expectations placed on them they become overly worried about tests and homework. They turn into perfectionists who live their childhoods with the fear that whatever they do is never going to be good enough.

However your child reacts, it’s important to help them realise that being good at everything is an impossible goal and there are lots of different ways in life to excel, outside the increasingly narrow confines of the current concentration on Maths, English and Science. There are also techniques that I describe in my book for taking your relationship back to the time before the resentments and defensiveness started to push you apart.

Of course, it's very hard to take your foot off the gas when you know that every other parent you know seems to doing it and you fear your child will sink without you. But it’s worth it because the simple truth is that tiger parenting can actually make kids perform worse, making kids develop anxieties like maths anxiety and reading resistance.

Beyond that, I found that children who are in a constant race to compare themselves in all areas have brittle confidence, because this is not a warm and welcoming world in which to grow and find out who they are. Instead it turns childhood into a constant battle on all fronts.

There's a good chance you have had enough too.

Perhaps you are tired of constantly nagging and your child about school work. Perhaps you have tired of the competitive undercurrents with other parents at the school gates; the conversations which feel like duels; the icy smiles you have to feign as humble brags about reading levels, maths scores and music grades rain down on you like body blows. Or possibly you hate the constant, overarching fear that other parents are working harder than you are to make their offspring excel and get ahead of yours? Most of all, there’s a good chance you don’t like the way being constantly measured, assessed and judged makes the children you love feel about themselves. Possibly you can’t remember the last time you saw your children truly feeling carefree. Perhaps you can’t see any other option if your child is not going to be left behind.

But there IS a way out - and you can start today with your family. By making the simple decision to put your child’s well-being first, letting them play more and letting them focus on their innate talents, you will be one step closer to restoring the balance. Furthermore you will not just start to enjoy being a parent once again, rather than a ring-master. You will also be reclaiming your child's right to a carefree childhood, a better guarantee of success in life than any number of high-flying exam results.

TAMING THE TIGER PARENT: How to put your child’s well-being first in a competitive world by Tanith Carey is published by Constable/LittleBrown, price 8.99.

For more information please go to: www.tanithcarey.com

March/April 2015

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parenting

By Kathryn Mewes

Dark nights: what to say when your child claims

I’m scared What is the best approach?

Many children reach the stage of wanting to ‘change up’ the bedtime routine by demanding more stories or the light on, the door open, a drink, a snack - believe me I have heard them all!

• State the fact that the bedroom is the same whether in darkness or light.

Nothing changes when the light turns off.

• State “Oh I love the darkness, my body instantly starts to relax.”

It is best to talk through the bedtime routine with your child once they are aged 18 months or older.

What to say to their comments as you leave the bedroom.

They say: “I need the light on.”

Reply promptly: “Nothing to see at bedtime. Remember, your body grows when you sleep.”

Talk while they are in the bath: “Now, after bath time we are going to stay upstairs. We are going into your bedroom to have 2 stories. After story time we are going to have a big hug and then I will say ‘See you at breakfast time,’ The light will be turned off and I will close the door as I leave.”

I am sure you remember as a child, the ‘delay tactics’ used to prevent bedtime arriving. Times have changed but children haven’t.

They all push their boundaries and often the word ‘scared’ causes a strong reaction from a parent.

The more you react, the more the word ‘scared’ is used. The dark is a baby’s favourite place and this doesn’t change as children get older.

Unfortunately we make the mistake.

We are the ones that plant the seed in the child’s head.

We innocently make statements such as: “Don’t worry, I am here.”

“I will leave the landing light on, and then you will be OK.” “It is OK, the dark won’t hurt you.”

“There is nothing to be scared of.”

By doing this we are flagging up the possibility for concern. This alarms the child and before you know it, they are saying: “I am scared, you need to leave the light on!”

“Don’t go, I need you here.”

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at bedtime

To children aged 3 and older I let them know: The only time children grow is when they are asleep.

If there is light in your bedroom your brain tells your body it is daytime and then it is difficult to fall to sleep.

The moment the room is dark your body relaxes, falls to sleep and starts to grow!

It is so important to remain consistent.

The moment you start letting your child dictate the bedtime routine, things can start to go terribly wrong.

When they claim they are ‘Scared of the dark’... I suggest you: • Sit in the room during the early evening with your child. They lay on their bed, you sit on the floor and have a chat in the pitch dark.

• Talk about day trips gone by or family holiday memories. This gives them something to think about when bedtime comes around.

• Explain to them on how our body can relax far easier in the dark.

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They say: “Stay with me.”

Reply: “Lay and relax and think of the day we went to the zoo. Name all the animals in your head. I love you very much, see you at breakfast time.”

They say: “I am scared.”

Reply: “You are in your beautiful room, your cosy bed. That is a silly word to use at bedtime.

Lay and relax and think of everyone in your class. Try and say all of their names and then all the teachers names in the school. See you at breakfast time.”

The key is to keep calm and not to over complicate the situation.

When your child claims they are scared promptly reassure them.

“We need to turn our lights off to the world - that is how we rest and grow.”

For further information and advice on guiding your child to sleep at night, please read the book “The 3 Day Nanny” by Kathryn Mewes or go to her website to find out about her bespoke service: www.bespokenanny.com

March/April 2015

Baby play is not just for fun!

Whilst playing with your baby can be fun, it is NOT AT ALL TRIVIAL. It is one of the main ways in which babies engage with other people, and a fundamental means of developing their social understanding.

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

Parents typically find themselves imitating these baby signals, or reacting to them with stereotyped, exaggerated expressions called ‘marking’.

These responses are largely automatic, and they help the baby maintain his/her positive mood and stay engaged. These early exchanges are like ‘conversations,’ and they are a very basic way for babies to sense the connection between their experience and that of someone else one of the basic building blocks of social understanding.

By around four or five months, a baby’s vision has improved and he or she can focus on things at a distance, and also start to reach out and grab things.

These developments mean that a baby’s interests expand, and the previous, purely social, face-to-face play loses its attraction. This can be disconcerting for parents, as they search for new strategies with which to engage their baby.

This is a stage when body games, like ‘pat-a-cake,’ or ‘round and round the

March/April 2015

By Lynne Murray garden’ come into their own.

Babies quickly become familiar with the different steps of such games, and most of their pleasure comes from the sense of anticipation and climax. These games, and supporting babies play with toys, represent a new form of social relating for the baby - one where play is about a ‘topic’ that baby and parent share together.

Although babies and parents enjoy these body games and toy play, they can also feel something of a ‘one-waystreet’ for parents, since the baby typically doesn’t show great interest in the parent themselves. This situation changes from around nine months, as relationships shift from being ‘topicbased’ to being more genuinely twoway and connected. Now, babies notice more of what their parents are doing, and will typically want to join in and even, in their own way, ‘help.’ They start to follow simple suggestions, and swap roles with their parent in games like ‘peek-a-boo.’ With this change, parents sometimes feel as if their baby has now become a ‘real’ person, and play can become easier and more satisfying.

This more connected phase culminates in the development of genuinely co-operative behaviour and more mature social understanding from

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

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

So don’t feel that when you are playing with your baby that you are somehow wasting time. You are teaching your baby to become a sociable being!

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

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education A parent’s guide to Independent Schools We all want to give our children the best start in their educational life.

If you can afford it, the independent sector provides an alternative to the state system, which can often operate like a postcode lottery. An increasing number of parents are looking at the independent sector a report from the association of Teachers and Lecturers shows numbers rising at their fastest rate since 2008.

A variety of Independent schools

additional needs. Teachers have time to challenge more able children - prep schools often have specific gifted programmes.

•Their better working conditions, with more resources and higher salaries, mean that independent schools can attract the best teachers. There is also a higher staff to pupil ratio, on average about 1:10 (it’s around 1:20 at state primaries), giving staff and pupils more time to get to know one another.

An independent school is a school that is free to operate outside of many of the rules and regulations of the state system (there are, of course, statutory education, health and safety standards).

Independent schools are also fee-paying, and governed by an elected board.

•If you’re looking at an independent secondary school, a pre-prep will ensure that your child gets the best out of their common entrance exam (necessary in getting a scholarship or bursary). In grammar schools areas, these schools may also offer preparation for the 11+.

Within the umbrella term of ‘independent’, you will an array of different types of schools. Pre-prep is the name sometimes given to schools which cater for infant aged children (4-7), that usually are feeder schools for a prep (preparatory) school (for 8-13 year-olds, and sometimes younger). The preparatory school takes its name from its original function of preparing pupils for entrance to senior schools. This might be a ‘public’ school the older private schools, whose name derives from the fact that they are open to the public (providing they can pay the fees of course!).

• It’s not just the academic kids who will benefit from what a prep school offers.

Sport is taken very seriously, and they will offer a wide range, from rugby to badminton. They also cater for other interests, offering a variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance, drama and music, which might not be able to access in the state system.

You will also find different kinds of Independent schools that will cater for infant and junior-aged children. These include schools with different learning styles, such as Montessori schools (often for younger children) and Steiner schools.

How to find a school Your first port of call should be the government’s database of all UK schools, which allows you to search by area and type (private or state funded). You might want to look at this early on - according to the Good Schools Guide, getting a place can be cutthroat:

Why choose an independent school?

For a small number of schools (mostly in or near to London) the only way to gain a place is to register your child’s birth then head straight to the school and etch their name on the waiting list; try not to deliver in July/August - places are likely to have been nabbed by autumn births.’

•Independent schools can offer smaller class sizes, meaning more time for oneto-one attention, helpful for children with learning difficulties or other

Expect an interview, even for early years places - this is likely to involve some sort of assessment of basic speech,

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interaction and social skills. By age 7 or 8 you might expect a test of Maths and English ability, with possibly an IQ test.

This could be accompanied by a school visit, to assess how your child will be placed at the school.

As with any school, you should make appointments to visit the school and check their inspection reports (these may be delivered by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, or Ofsted).

By Lynne Murray Useful links Government school search: www.gov.uk/find-school-in-england Independent Schools Inspectorate: www.isi.net Ofsted: www.ofsted.gov.uk Independent Schools Council: www.isc.co.uk Independent Association of prep schools: https://iaps.uk Good Schools Guide: www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk Advice on choosing a prep school: www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ 9264856/How-to-choose-the-perfectprep-school-for-your-child.html

March/April 2015

March/April 2015

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education

New schools: taking the leap of faith Natalie Evans, director of New Schools Network, discusses the growth and increasing popularity of free schools, and how they are addressing the need for new primary school places.

As national offer day for primary schools (16th April) looms, parents across the country are anxiously awaiting the letter which decides the future of their child’s education for the next seven years.

Making that first choice is a daunting decision, even more so if it is a new school. Many parents have told me about the leap of faith needed to decide to send your child to a new school that lacks the traditional track record to help guide you; but more tell me how excited they are about having a new, and hopefully better, option available to their child.

For many parents the struggle will be securing a place at a good local school that is already oversubscribed.

Unfortunately, the reality is that a lot of parents will not be able to send their child to their first choice, and in some cases will have to settle for their third or even fourth. Last year an average of 1in 5 primary pupils were not offered their first choice of school, and the growing demand for primary places across the country means that thousands more parents will be left disappointed this April. Too often, parents have to settle for a school that is not quite right for their child. This is slowly changing though.

In 2014 approximately 1,700 pupils the west London area were not offered their first choice of primary schools (nearly 1 in 5). It is hardly surprising then, that new ‘free’ schools have been embraced by parents in West London.

Free schools are opening to address the growing need for places, to give parents a better choice, and the opportunity to ensure their child gets the best possible start in education.

There are now over 360 new free schools open or approved to open across the country and, with nearly a quarter of those that have been inspected so far being judged Outstanding, it’s unsurprising that more

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and more parents see these schools as their preferred option.

In West London the challenge of space in primary schools is unparalleled.

By September 2017, the boroughs of Ealing, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea are expected to need 11,500 new primary places. There are currently nine primary free schools open or approved across west London, which will create 4650 new places within the next few years.

New free schools in West London have embraced the opportunity to use the freedoms available to them. Some are encouraging enterprise and creativity whilst others are using new research to develop innovative teaching approaches.

A number of new schools are focusing on mathematics and performing arts, centred on high expectations and high achievement, others are offering varied learning opportunities through longer school days.

The fact is that, despite their newness, free schools have to put parents at their heart. The groups that set up free schools are led by parents, teachers, community groups, charities and existing schools but, whoever they are, they must have educational expertise and must show that they are both wanted and needed by local parents. Parents are the driving force behind every new school.

In a recent survey, NSN discovered that 87% of parents in London would welcome the chance to have a new school in their area and 79% would consider sending their child to a free school if one opened locally, compared to 73% nationally.

I would say to any parent: consider taking that leap of faith - ask yourself if a new school could be the right choice for you and find out more about them.

Snapshot: Free schools in west London The West London Free School Academy Trust in Hammersmith opened a secondary school in 2011 and in 2013, they opened a new primary school for 4-11 year olds. The new school was set up to help meet the local need for school places. The school offers pupils a classical liberal education, focusing on a core of academic subjects complemented by art, music, drama and competitive sport. In 2014, the trust opened a third primary school, which provides a ‘knowledge based’ curriculum, based on research from the USA, where children build knowledge sequentially and spend more time being taught by subject specialists.

The Fulham Boys School is a new Church of England Secondary School for boys. The school opened in September 2014. Their aim is to become one of the best schools in the country by providing an education that nurtures enterprise and is geared towards boys.

ARK Conway Primary Academy was opened by ARK schools in 2011 in north Hammersmith. Recently judged outstanding

by Ofsted, the school is characterised by high expectations and high achievement for all pupils. The school promotes the values of aspiration, respect, perseverance, honesty and happiness.

ARK Atwood Primary Academy is also run

by ARK schools and opened in 2011 to meet a shortage of school places in a deprived area.

The school is located in north Westminster and adopts the same academic curriculum as the other ARK schools with a focus on mathematics and performing arts. Ofsted recently rated the school as outstanding and offers a great education to local children.

Find out about schools in your area: www.newschoolsnetwork.org

Pimlico Primary is a mainstream primary school in Westminster. The school, which opened in 2012, is sponsored by the outstanding secondary school, Pimlico Academy. It will serve 420 pupils when full.

The school community thrives on respect, openness and high expectations in teaching and learning. Children have an extended school day, which offers many and varied opportunities, with access to excellent facilities.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

March/April 2015

(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

Avenue House School Nursery Open Day Monday 20th April 2015 10.30-1.00p.m.

Headteacher’s Welcome Talk: 11 a.m.

Our warm, welcoming and nurturing surroundings provide an ideal environment for your child to take their first steps away from home, to learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Careful attention is given to every child, ensuring that their individual needs are fully recognised and met. It is here that the essential foundations for future learning are established.

020 8998 9981 school@avenuehouse.org www.avenuehouse.org

March/April 2015

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what’s on limited. Call your local centre to book a free trial www.explorelearning.co.uk

EASTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Will to Win Tennis Camp (W5) 30 Mar-17 Apr EASTER CAMP A week of intensive tennis and fun in the school holidays. Drills, games and match play- learning and fun. Junior camp for ages 7-16, Mini-camp for ages 5-7, and Tots camp for ages 3-4.

Also Multi-sport camps from 30 Mar-2 Apr includes netball or football as well as tennis. www.willtowin.co.uk Club Petit Pierrot French Easter Holiday Club (W2) 30 Mar-2 Apr A wide range of fun activities, all in French, with qualified native teachers who are passionate about teaching French to children aged 3-6. Takes place in Notting Hill, 10am - 1pm. The theme is ‘Pirates et Princesses’ and activities include fun creative activities and projects such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing, theatre, language games and a fantastic treasure hunt on the last day. 020 7385 5565 admincpp@btconnect.com www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk Explore Learning free Maths and English workshops (W12 and W5) 31 Mar and 14 Apr Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities.

The centres will be hosting a day of free workshops for children ages 5-14 in the local community. Spaces are

Yourspace drama workshop (W5) 30 Mar-2 Apr Drama workshop for boys and girls aged 3-16, 9am-5pm (half days for ages 3-5) each day and performance for parents on the last day from 5-5.30pm.

Students of all ability levels, will be working in a team and devising an original piece of theatre, improvising and putting together scenes, dances and the odd song for the show. www.yourspacedrama.com Perform drama, dance and singing workshops (W4, W11, TW9) Pirates and Princesses Holiday Courses for ages 4-7 with costumes, live music, scripts, improvisation and dance. Performance for parents on the final day.

30 Mar - 1 Apr in Chiswick, 10am-12pm 8-10 Apr in Kew, 2:30pm-4:30pm 8-10 Apr in Notting Hill, 10am-12pm and 2.30 - 4.30 www.perform.org.uk/classes-courses/holiday-courses/ piratesprincesses Fimo Craft Activity Sessions (W3) Fun and creative session, fully supervised and non messy!

Recommended for age 6+. Workshops take place in teacher’s home in west London.

31 Mar Easter Eggs and Egg Cups 9 Apr A whole bunch of bunnies 14 Apr Blossoms of Spring 20 Apr The three little pigs and their friends All classes run from 10.15am to 4.15pm. Call Clare McKnight on 020 8992 3767 e: fimofun@tiscali.co.uk to book www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk Corner 9 Art workshop (W10) 7-10 Apr Easter sessions for children age 5+ 10am -12pm www.corner9.com High Fliers Educational workshops (W5) 7-17 Apr Qualified teachers running educational workshops for ages 3 -12 with activities such as math investigations, scientific experiments, creative writing, team building games, sports, drama, art and excursions.

Takes place at Clifton Lodge School in Ealing.

For info e:info@high-fliers.org.uk, call 07949 297070 www.high-fliers.org.uk Holland Park Ecology Centre Environmental activities (W8) 7-17 Apr Outdoor and creative activities for ages 5-10

utilising the park and wooded Wildlife Area. Includes sessions on animal tracking, camouflage and pond dipping. 10am-12noon and 2-4pm for ages 5-10. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology Music house for Children music and art workshops (W12) 13 Apr Musical Theatre Workshop-The musical Matilda 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.

17 Apr Instrumental Extravaganza-Experience and try a range of instruments. For those who have never played an instrument, or want to try a new instrument.

Experience instruments that you have never seen before!

2-4pm.

To confirm your place, email: notes@musichouseforchildren.co.uk www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk Isis Education Centre environmental and art workshops (W2) 7, 14 Apr Nature’s Explorers A full day (10am-3pm) of guided outdoor games and activities for children aged 8-12.

8, 9 Apr Discovery Day - Spring Flowers 11am-3pm, drop-in, all ages.

15, 16 Apr Discovery Day - Spring Babies 11am-3pm, drop-in, all ages. www.supporttheroyalparks.org

Easter Courses 30th March to 2nd April 2015 Ages: 6 - 16 years Inspirational courses to stimulate creativity.

Animation · Creative Writing · Programming Film · Fashion · Robots with Lego · Science Photography · Cookery and Pottery are amongst the exciting courses we have on offer this Easter.

Venue: Ellen Wilkinson School Queens Road W3 0HW

Contact details: Annette or Linda 020 8742 3936 or: www.chiswickcourses.co.uk

Yourspace project Easter DRAMA COURSE Spaces for 30 March-2 April 9am-5pm, 6-16s, £160 NEW! for 3-5s Yourspace tots Easter £110 St Augustine's Ealing W5 2JL www.yourspacedrama.com

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

March/April 2015

what’s on Chiswick Pier Trust River Dipping (W4) 10 Apr Begin with a bird walk along the Thames Path from Chiswick Pier to Chiswick Eyot and then go on to the foreshore to do river dipping using nets. Find out about flooding and how people have used and changed the river both in the past and at present. 12-2pm.

For ages 5+ www.chiswickpier.org.uk

Allsorts drama for children will be running their popular Easter drama workshops on the 8th,9th and10th April at More House School, 22-24 Pont Street, London SW1 Open to ages 4-6 and 7-11 The children will have lots of fun working towards a performance on the last day E: info@allsortsdrama.com T:+44 (0) 20 8767 5298 or: +44 (0) 20 89693249 www.allsortsdrama.com Chelsea Physic Garden environmental workshops (SW3) 10.30am-2.30pm, unless stated.

7-9 Apr, 14-16 Apr Workshops for ages 4-11+ Based on gardening and the environment. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

March/April 2015

DAYS OUT BUCKINGHAM PALACE SW1A 1AA www.royalcollection.org.uk 16, 17 Apr FAMILY ACTIVITIES: HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS Explore the coachman's State Livery (uniform) and make and decorate your own tricorn hat.

18 Apr FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY - PAINTING PARADISE A day of family fun with art workshops and interactive talks.

CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm.

For ages 4 and under.

3-6 Apr EASTER EGG HUNT Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying their eggs in some strange places...

How many can you spot around the ship? Join in the hunt for a chance to win a prize. 10am-6pm.

31 Mar, 1 Apr SAILING SHIPS Make a ship puppet complete with its own big blue sea to sail on.

11.30am and 2pm.

Every weekend CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS 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+ 7-8 Mar FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: MUSICAL STATUES Help bring to life the colourful characters in our figurehead collection, by making a fabulous headdress to wear in a game of musical statues.11.30am and 2pm.learn how to hoist the flags, coil the ropes and tie knots. An astronomer from the Royal Observatory will point out the stars and planets in the sky above the ship, and explain how sailors used these to guide them.

2, 7 Apr PEEK-A-BOO PORTHOLES Peek through a porthole and out to sea - what can you see on the water?

Use see-through colours and shapes to create a mini porthole picture to take home.11.30am and 2pm.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on continued 2-3 Apr CUTTY SARK SLEEPOVER Explore the ship at night-time, and 4, 5 Apr FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: STORM SHAKERS Shake up a storm and recreate the sounds of rain and the sea with your very own hand-made musical instrument.

11.30am and 2pm.

8, 9 Apr WET WEATHER SAILORS Get ready for a storm and create your own mini sailor complete with wet weather gear. 11.30am and 2pm.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Every Mon in Mar and Apr (except 6 Apr) THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. 10.30am-12noon.

22 Mar MUSEUM DROP-IN Try on period Roman costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of Fulham Palace. 2-3.30pm, free. Book ahead.

8 Apr RABBIT WARREN FAMILY DROP-IN Create your own paper rabbit and help to recreate the bishop's rabbit warren. 2-3.30pm for ages 2+ 15 Apr THE THAMES FAMILY DROP-IN Build a boat, design a riverside building, or create some animals and birds to populate a model Thames river scene. 2-3.30pm for age 2+ 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.

7,14, 28 Mar, 4, 11, 25 Apr PIRATE FUN DAY Raise the anchor and fire the cannons before trying to find the hidden treasure somewhere aboard the ship. For ages 4+ 11am-1pm.

14, 28 Mar, 11 Apr 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+ 7 Mar, 4 Apr DRAKE FUN DAYS Find out all about Sir Frances Drake. For age 6+ 21 Mar, 18 Apr 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.

28 Mar, 18, 25 Apr FAMILY OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE Children will be dressed as Tudor sailors, become members of the crew and 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 Every Thurs and 14 Mar TINY EXPLORERS The fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential.

7-8 Mar TUDOR COOKERY Watch the cooks toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty.

3-5 Apr THE PARTY: 500 YEARS OF HAMPTON COURT PALACE Celebrate Hampton Court Palace’s 500 years with a spectacular son et lumiere with fireworks, music and food. 6.30-9pm for all the family. Tickets online.

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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.

INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM The nerve centre and brain of the entire ship with exciting interactivity.

FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES 7-8 Mar 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.

1-12 Apr CROSSING THE LINE ‘Cross the line’ and find out what it was like for sailors crossing the equator for the first time, as they took part in initiation rituals, dressing up, then create your collaged mask disguise.

11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm 25, 26 Apr TATTOO T-SHIRTS: Design your own t-shirt, inspired by traditional navy tattoos and learn about their history. 11am and 2pm.

HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecologyevents 8 Mar ECO GAMES AND ACTIVITIES Learn more about climate change and how you can reduce your carbon emissions with eco games, talks and a climate change themed treasure hunt around the park. Drop-in, 2-5pm, free.

21 Mar SEEDS OF SPRING: ECOLOGY CENTRE OPEN DAY Learn more about the Edible Forest Teaching Garden and the wildlife garden. Come and make your own seed bomb and sow some seeds in a paper pot. Drop-in, 2-5pm, free.

7-17 Apr HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS See workshops page for details.

17 Apr CHILDREN’S NIGHT SAFARI Search for the park’s nocturnal inhabitants and explore the woods at night. For ages 5-10. 7-9pm, booking essential.

KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Every Weds and 7, 21 Mar TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multisensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs.

4 Apr A GARDEN FIT FOR A QUEEN Plant, sow and pot your own garden ideas for Queen Caroline who needs your help to create a garden to remember.

12, 1.30 and 3pm.

7-12 Apr DIG UP THE DIRT ABOUT GEORGIAN GARDEN DESIGN Free drop in Family Learning activities are held throughout the day. Games, dressing up, craft activities and storytelling. 11am-4pm, for ages 5-11.

KEW GARDENS TW9 3AB www.kew.org March sees Kew host the biggest spring flowering display in the country with 5 million bulbs including daffodils and crocuses filling the Gardens with colour.

28 Mar- 12 Apr SHAUN THE SHEEP FESTIVAL Spring Lamb Springtime active trail and musicians from The Vegetable Orchestra playing comedy veggie instruments. Plus visit chef Raymond Blanc’s veggie patch in the Order of Beds and head over to Shaun’s Madcap

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

ODDS FARM PARK

Meadow to do a spot of wellie wanging, bounce in the Sheep Hopper Maze, take part in Bitzer’s Sheepdog Trials and create your own Shaun the Sheep. 9.30am-6pm.

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.

30 Mar-19 APR EASTER FAMILY FUN Plus, plenty of cute lambs to bottle feed (the lambs are specially trained to drink from bottles), the return of Tractor & Trailer Rides (weather permitting) and fun in the Giant Indoor Playbarn.

OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park 31 Mar, 7 Apr LITTLE SEEDLINGS GARDENING CLUB Drop-in, hands on gardening sessions in the kitchen garden, planting, weeding and watering (or just digging!)

1, 8 Apr 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 11 3/4 Collect a scrapbook, join in the adventure, then pick up your sticker. 12-4pm.

2, 9 Apr CRAFT CART Drop-in creative craft activities for all ages. 12-4pm.

15 Mar MOTHER’S DAY POSY MAKING Make a small posy with fresh flowers, a Mother's Day card or other spring -themed crafts. 12-3pm.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES Spot the first signs of spring and see which birds have returned from their winter ‘holiday’ in warmer climates. Join in with spring nature crafts, pond dipping (in April) and nature walks.

21 Mar FAMILY BIRD WATCHING 11.30am - 1pm.

With the help of a guide, learn how to use binoculars, bird ID tips and clues on how to watch wildlife and then spot birds in the trees, ponds and shrubs.

THE LONDON WETLANDS CENTRE

March/April 2015

March/April 2015

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on MUSEUMS & GALLERIES 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.

EXHIBITION: DISCOVER GOLD A new permanent display featuring gold bars from Roman times to the present day. Find out why gold has been treasured for thousands of years, and learn about the amazing scientific properties that make it so useful in modern technology.

From 23 Mar LILY EXHIBITION: FLORA AND FAUNA Look closely at the rich array of plants and animals that have adorned, protected and served the Bank through the ages. From elaborate floral banknote designs and fierce sculpted lions to the real-life creatures that still keep us safe, discover the Bank menagerie in this temporary exhibition.

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 available to view.

DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, for ages 7+ (unless stated). Most workshops take place at 11am and sometimes again at 2pm. Check the What’s On widget on www.familieswest.co.uk for details.

FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk FAMILY TRAILS AND ACTIVITIES HETTY FEATHER TRAIL Explore the world of Hetty Feather with a range of art based activities. Free.

FAMILY DRESS UP CORNER Dress up as a character inspired by the Foundling Hospital, such King George, a Foundling pupil, a Victorian servant or soldier. Free FAMILY BOOK CORNER Read about the history of the Foundling Hospital and its famous figures in the family book corner. Free.

NINA COSFORD FAMILY TRAIL Follow a creative adventure around each room of the Foundling Museum with illustrator Nina Cosford. Free.

19 Mar, 16 Apr BACH TO BABY An innovative classical concert for babies created by mum and pianist, Miaomiao Yu. Inspired by Handel, it brings classical music to babies and parents. Tickets include free entry to the Museum.

10.30-11.30am.

25 Apr FAMILY WORKSHOP: INSTRUMENT PARADE To accompany the Band Day celebrations, join artist and instrument maker Giles Leaman and make musical instruments for Band Day, inspired by the Foundlings at War: Military Bands display. Free, drop in, 11am-4pm.

GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY

Personal Training & Pilates in your home Pre and post natal qualified Weight Loss & Sculpting specialities Ongoing support and nutritional advice Covering W1, WC1, W2, W8, W9, W10, W11, W14 www.ptbyld.co.uk

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

Call Reem on

07956 845 053 18

WC1E 6DE www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology/whats-on 16 Mar-27 Jun EXHIBITION: STRANGE CREATURESTHE ART OF UNKNOWN ANIMALS When new regions are explored and the animals in them discovered, how does the wider world get to experience them? From the earliest days of exploration, art has been essential in representing creatures that are alien to people at home.

21 Mar FOSSIL FORAGE Free hands-on activity sieving through sediment that dates from a time over 50 million years ago, a time when London was underwater and patrolled by sharks and rays. Drop in between 1pm and 4.30pm.

28 Mar 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 and then create your own animal artwork.

Drop in between 1pm and 4pm, free.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM 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+

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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.

5 Mar-31 Aug NEW EXHIBITIONFASHION ON THE RATION: 1940S STREET STYLE Explore how fashion survived and even flourished under the strict rules of rationing during the Second World War in new and unexpected ways.

Every Sun in Mar and Apr OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Dropin, free, for all ages. 11am – 12.30pm and 2 – 4pm.

1, 8, 15, 22 Mar and 19, 26 Apr CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries.

Drop-in, free, for all ages.

11am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4pm.

28 Mar-12 Apr ART WORKSHOP: DESIGN A 1940s SCARF Find out about fashion of the 1940s and get inspired to design your own bold and colourful scarf to take home. Free, 11.30am and 2pm, for ages 11+ LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children's imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at this historical and interactive 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.

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.

THE FAMILY STATION. Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to do. Fold your own bus

March/April 2015

what’s on and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames. Open weekends and school holidays, suitable for ages 3-12.

LT MUSEUM ACTON DEPOT W3 9BQ www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ museum-depot 25, 26 Apr HIDDEN LONDON TREASURES Peek inside and marvel at treasures from London’s transport past and present. Visitors will be able to take a trip on a moving miniature railway, take part in a guided bus pit tour and watch live demonstrations of how the Emergency Response Team deals with incidents on the transport system. Children can build spaghetti bridges and sand tunnels and find out about the work that engineers do and how signaling works, as well as taking part in experiments and scavenger hunts.

Children’s events from 11am-4.30pm.

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 10.30-11am 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 22 Mar. DRAWING SUNDAYS explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm.

Drop-in.

15 Mar, 19 Apr UNFOLDING STORIES create your own concertina storybook, filled with imaginative illustrations.

22 Mar CUT THE LIGHT OUT Learn 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) 1 Mar, 12 Apr SURREAL SUNSETS Discover beautiful sunsets in paintings and find your own mythical creatures to add to your landscapes, through painting and rubbing techniques.

8 Mar, 26 Apr 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 Mar, 5 Apr WALK AND TALK: CELEBRATING SPRING/ EASTER ADVENTURES 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 29, 30, 31 Mar SPRING SURPRISE! Be inspired by the symbols of spring you can find in the gallery. 11am, 11.45am,

March/April 2015

2pm and 2.45pm.

30 Mar MESSY MONDAYS For under 5’s at 10.30am and 1.30pm. storytelling and art activities.

31 Mar TALKING TUESDAYS For under 5’s, various sessions from 10.30am2.30pm. Bring a painting to life through singing, talking and playing.

22 Mar A HISTORY OF LIFE IN 100 FOSSILS Discover how these rocky remnants of living creatures record the evolution of life. For ages 7+ 28 Mar, 8 Apr HANDS ON NATUREOCEAN LIFE Handle real marine specimens and observe their special features. Make a 3D starfish and take part in challenges. All ages.

29, 30 Mar, 3, 6 Apr PUPPETS: TALES FROM THE DEEP Explores the biodiversity of sealife. For under 7s.

31 Mar, 4, 7 Apr DINO SCENE INVESTIGATION Uncover a replica dinosaur skull and learn more about the world of fossils. Age 7+

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk 15 Mar FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: DOUBLE PORTRAITS Join children’s book author-illustrator Katie May Green for an imaginative portrait workshop with a difference. Free. 1-2.30pm and 34.30pm. For ages 3+ 6-10 Apr EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES- SETTING THE SCENE A week of ticketed workshops and drop-in sessions exploring how artists have used props and sets to set the scene in a portrait. 11am-4pm, free ticket required, available one hour before the events starts on a first come, first served basis.

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: POP-UP PORTRAIT PUPPETS Make a mixedmedia shadow puppet of your favourite portrait and then create a performance of its magical journey. Free. 1-2.30pm and 34.30pm. For ages 3+ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk 14 Mar, 25 Apr 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.

4 Mar STEGOSAUR MYSTERIES Meet a Museum paleontologist who studies stegosaur skeletons. 12.30 and 2.30pm.

For ages 7+ 7, 2 Mar, 5 Apr HANDS ON NATUREDINOSAURS Handle real fossil specimens and learn how to identify them. For ages 7+ 8 Mar, 25 Apr MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am and 2pm.

8, 9 Mar EDIBLE INSECTS Look at real insect specimens and find out about the taste and nutrition of insects from toasted ants to crunchy crickets. For ages 7+ 14 Mar, 1 Apr 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 age 7+ 18 Mar JURASSIC MAMMALS Unlock the secrets of early mammal sand see what they can teach us about our place in the history of life. For ages 7+

Elves & Ovens is a children’s party catering company providing delicious, home-made food and treats for unforgettable parties to children and adults of all ages.

Food Boxes | Proper Tea Party Food Grown Up Food Balloons | Little Furniture Entertainers | Staff Party Bags And More

Call: +44 2089617477 www.elvesandovens.com

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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what’s on continued WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 1 Mar, 5 Apr THE LITTLE DRAW Free, drop in workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Hattie Moore using drawing as a tool to learn more about the objects and paintings in the Wallace Collection.1.30-4.30pm.

21 Mar ‘FROTH AND FOLLY’: SCENT IN THE 18TH CENTURY FRENCH COURT Explore the materials used to create potpourri, fragrance waters, and perfume oils in France during the eighteenth century and create your own historic fragrance in this hands-on workshop. 11am, for all ages.

10 Apr THE GREAT GALLERY SING-ALONG Drop-In Art Workshop for ages 5+ Discover the stories hidden in the paintings at the Wallace Collection and then work with music leader Luke Crookes and artist Marc Woodhead to create your own song to be performed in the Great Gallery. 11am and 2pm. Free, no need to book.

FAMILY THEATRE BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 30 Mar THE SOOTY SHOW Izzy Wizzy, let’s get busy. Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show. Joining the nations favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV Partner Richard Cadell - who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief. 11am and 2.30pm.

2 Apr ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MEN Join Robin Hood, played by CITV’s Hi-5 Chris Edgerley, as he puts right the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham who rules over the good people of Sherwood, collecting taxes to pay for his own evil plans.

17 Apr TREE FU TOM Live show starring the world’s smallest superhero, direct from the smash hit CBeebies series. 1pm, 3.30pm.

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.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 7 Mar MONKEY Join in the adventures of the amazing superhero, Monkey, as his story is brought to life with a special script written by the award-winning children’s author Michael Rosen. For ages 4-11 at 11am and 1pm.

14 Mar THE REAL FAIRY STORY An adventure begins when Miss Amelia sets out to take a picture of a real fairy. A show full of wonder, mayhem and close encounters of the fairy kind. For ages 3-7 at 11am and 1pm.

21 Mar MY FRIEND MOLE Who knew that moles made the best of friends? The story of a very special friendship and the power of imagination that will delight and surprise audiences of all ages. For ages 3-6 at 11am and 1pm.

28 Mar RED RIDING HOOD A rich mix of puppetry and songs are used in a lively re-telling of the traditional folk tale from this acclaimed puppet theatre company.

For ages 4-7 at 11am and 1pm.

11Apr -1 Aug BUGSY MALONE Fat Sam’s Grand Slam comes to Hammersmith to reopen the Lyric after a multi-million pound redevelopment. Join Bugsy, Blousey and Tallulah for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Get booking today because, as Fizzy knows... tomorrow never comes. For age 6+

NATIONAL THEATRE SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Until 8 Apr 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.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com Until 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+ SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Fridays in Mar and Apr 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.

5 Apr THE BIG BIG SING DAY: SONGLINES FAMILY WORKSHOPS Travel

Red Riding Hood Puppet Barge Theatre up, down and around Southbank Centre with a song in your step. Drop in and learn a song at one of five Big Big Sing sessions, or stay for the whole day.

1 - 6pm, free.

8-10 Apr SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE Children aged 3-7 can explore poet William Blake's imagination and enter a realm of mystery, fun and adventure with live music, songs and giggles, and animal noises by Paul Bradley.

12 Apr OAE TOTS The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's event for children under six and their families.

15-19 Apr THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN The international hit show with bubble art, magic, science and lots of fun for ages 3+

The Caucasian Chalk Circle Unicorn Theatre

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Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

March/April 2015

The world's leading Bubbleologist explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combines comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

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 Until 15 Mar BRITAIN'S BEST RECRUITING SERGEANT Little Tilley’s dreams are realised as she grows up to become Vesta Tilley, a shining star of the music hall. 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? For age 8+ Until 21 Mar THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE A young servant girl must make a choice: save her own skin or sacrifice everything to rescue an abandoned child in a time of terror. When order has been restored, 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+

CONCERTS/MUSIC WORKSHOPS BACH TO BABY www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth All concerts at 10.30am.

23 Mar in Covent Garden (St. Paul’s Covent Garden, Bedford St, London WC2) 17 Mar, 14 Apr in Notting Hill (St. John’s Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11) 27 Mar, 17 Apr in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) BARBICAN EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk 19 Apr GIANTS ARE SMALL AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC Family concert with live puppets, film and the full NYPO. 26 Apr LSO DISCOVERY FAMILY CONCERT: DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Featuring the full London Symphony Orchestra. Children can get involved by bringing along their instrument or singing along with the 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 14 Mar CRASH BANG WALLOP! FAMILY CONCERT-WACKY WEATHER Introduce your little ones to Vivaldi’s glorious Four Seasons. For ages 3 to 8, an action-packed, interactive musical morning. Before the concert, from 11am, 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

20 Mar-12 Apr THE CHAIR Welcome to Tiger Bay, the most deadly and dangerous docks on these shores. A place full of strangers with tales of ghosts, of fortunes found and lost, myths, rumours and rum and what better place to hear these tales than Cardiff’s cheapest barbers. He can give you a shave or just a trim; he could even fix your grin. For age 7+ 28 Mar-26 Apr THE VELVETEEN RABBIT A heart-warming story about a very shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. For ages 4+ 4 Apr Easter Eggstravaganza: Sock bunnies craft session after the show with a visit from The Velveteen Rabbit with Easter eggs. 25 Apr: Afternoon cream tea with rabbit and bunny craft session.

March/April 2015

W12 7LJ www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk 24 Mar 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.

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com Every Weds from 15 Mar to 18 Jul STORYTELLING FOR 0-4 YEAR OLDS sessions for babies and toddlers, aiming to engage and encourage interaction between parents/carers and their little ones using musical instruments, singing, movement stories. 10am.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

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clubs & classes · diary dates GYM & DANCE

DANCE DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years old.Our ethos is that through dance and performance students will gain in confidence and realise that dancing is one of the finest ways to keep fit. Dance Gallery gives students the opportunity to perform at local events and bi-annual shows at the Questors Theatre Ealing.

0208 566 9672 e: jill@dancegallery.co.uk www.dancegallery.co.uk KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months-2 years Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham.

07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY 07771 984590 e: info@westlondondanceacademy.com www.westlondondanceacademy.com Become a Dance Teacher, a new concept in dance teacher training www.becomeadanceteacher.co.uk WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 – 16 years 07957 650042 www.kensingtonballet.com

DRAMA ALLSORTS DRAMA Drama classes, holiday workshops and parties 020 8767 5298 www.allsortsdrama.com PERFORM Drama, dance and singing sessions held in various venues around London.

To find a free trial class near you call: 0845 400 1285 www.perform.ork.uk STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Dance, drama and singing for 4-18 year olds Chiswick: 020 8398 4709 Kensington & Brook Green: 020 8398 8106 Hammersmith: 020 8398 8106 Acton: 020 8819 1399 Ealing: 01494 700794 e: info@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk YOURSPACE DRAMA Saturday mornings of drama, song and dance (6-16s) plus creative performing arts holiday courses 3-16s) at Easter and in August. Ealing W5. Find out more at www.yourspacedrama.com e: info@yourspacedrama.com 07580 474638

FOOTBALL KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8) Available for boys and girls from 18 months to age 7.

020 7937 7965 e: info@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.co.uk

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TWISTERS Gymnastics, Ballet,Dance Drama Toddlers to Teenagers 020 8933 9997 020 8840 4452 e: twisters@btinternet.com www.twisters.org.uk

DIARY DATES 4 Mar KENSINGTON MUMS COFFEE MORNING WITH ANNABEL KARMEL Takes place at New Angel restaurant, W2. Annabel will be sharing her top tips for healthy eating for little ones. 10am-1pm, £20. www.kensingtonmums.co.uk

ARABIC FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN Female teacher 07956 845053

14 Mar CLIFTON LODGE SCHOOL OPEN DAY 10am-12noon. Contact the Registrar for further details.

8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, London W5 5BG 020 85579 3662 e: admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

CLUB PETIT NAVIRE EALING Learn French, Parent & Toddler group. 22 mths - 4 yrs 020 8997 7116 e: info@arkofnoah.net

15 Mar MOTHER’S DAY Time to put your feet up mums. Dads - plan something nice for the kids.

See www.familieswest.co.uk For great suggestions in West London.

LANGUAGES

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY 0208 3320 942 e: 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 e: info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk 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 e: 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 e: culturecurry@ymail.com www.culturecurry.co.uk

TUTORS AND LEARNING SUPPORT EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. 5-14 yrs. 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 MRS JONES 11 PLUS TUITION Mock exam practice 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 – 11years 07050 246810 VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition.

Art, Craft and design. All ages 020 8932 1010

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

15 Mar CHISWICK PIER TRUST MOTHERING SUNDAY CRUISE A river cruise from Chiswick Pier to Westminster and back with the option to treat your family to afternoon tea on board. 3-5pm, adults £16, children under 12 years £10. www.chiswickpier.org.uk 19 Mar DURSTON HOUSE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING 9.15-11.45am. See the Pre-Prep (age 4-7), Junior School (age 7-9), Middle and Upper Schools (age 913). Contact the Registrar for further details.

020 8991 6532 e: info@durstonhouse.org www.durstonhouse.org 21 Mar THE LITTLE OWLS NURSERY SCHOOL FAIR 10.30am-1pm at the Methodist Church, 108 Lakeside Road, Brook Green, W14 0DY. Activities include Easter bonnet parade, stalls, Tombola and children's entertainment including Jem's Fairies. All welcome.

27 Mar WEAR A HAT DAY FOR BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH The Premier Brain Tumour Awareness event in the UK, helping to support long-term, lifesaving research. Register to receive your free fundraising pack, then visit the Hatter’s Workshop for all your hatty extras; from posters to quizzes, hat-templates to merchandise order forms. www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday 3-6 Apr EASTER WEEKEND Time for an Easter egg hunt. Look through our What’s On listings and find out where they are taking place in and around west London.

11 Apr THE BOAT RACE Watch it locally at Chiswick Pier, bar open from 2pm. Big screens available to watch the start and finish, and live as the boats pass from Chiswick Eyot past the Pier and through to the final bend before Barnes Railway Bridge. BBQ, drinks, cakes and ice creams for all the family. www.chiswickpier.org.uk 18 Apr NCT NEARLY NEW SALE - KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 10am-12noon at Westbourne Grove Church, London W8. E:nns.kensington@nct.org.uk 20 Apr AVENUE HOUSE SCHOOL NURSERY OPEN DAY 10.30am-1pm. Headteacher's Welcome Talk will be at 11 a.m. Call 020 8998 9981 to reserve a place. www.avenuehouse.org 26 Apr LONDON MARATHON Take a trip with the family to cheer on the runners. All the info you need at: www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/ event-info/spectator-info/

March/April 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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March/April 2015

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