Families London Surrey Borders Sep/Oct 2015

September/ October 2015

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www.explorelearning.co.uk September/ October 2015

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London-Surrey Borders Magazine

In this issue....

4

News and Views

6

Education News

9

Open Day Directory

10

Education Focus Feature

14

Clubs and Classes News

16

Clubs and Classes Directory

Tamar x

19

What’s On at the Theatre

20

October Half Term and Halloween

Editor: Tamar Pearson 01923 775680 editor@families-LSB.co.uk Next issue: November/ December 2015 Booking deadline: 2 October 2015

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What’s On

23

October Half Term Camps

23

Classifieds

Editor’s note With the excitement of the Summer Holidays drawing to a close, and a whole new year of opportunity about to start for our little ones, I want to wish you the best of luck and amazing adventures and discoveries along your way.

Best wishes

Join us online / Families London – Surrey Borders @FamiliesLSB

To include your business in our next issue call us today. Features for the November/ December issue include: • • •

Christmas Gift Guide Christmas Holiday Activities Happy Healthy Families

www.families-LSB.co.uk 21,000 Copies printed & 40,000 readers per issue. Design RC Design & Marketing, Tel: 07789 882467. Printed by The Manson Group, Tel: 01727 848440 Disclaimer: Families London Surrey Borders Magazine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London Surrey Borders Magazine are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents.

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3

News & views

News & views Amazing giant LEGO® brick animals will bring families closer to nature at WWT London Wetland Centre The WWT London Wetland Centre promises to bring families closer to nature this autumn with the fun introduction of giant LEGO bricks sculptures for five weeks from 3 October to 8 November, alongside some of their living counterparts. The awesome models, which include a giant otter and a huge twelve-time life-size dragonfly, will form a trail for kids to inspire them to build a better future for nature.

David Green, General Manager, said “We’re really excited to welcome these brilliant sculptures to London Wetland Centre for the autumn. We know our visitors will love following the trail around the wetlands to find the LEGO brick animals, surrounded by real wildlife.’’

For more information visit www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/london

Paracetamol could have an adverse effect on developing male babies A Professor at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh has said that the use of paracetamol for a week or more could lower a baby boy’s testosterone levels while in the womb. Doctors recommend that women should take the lowest possible dose and take it for as short a time as possible. If they have pain or fever, these can be serious in pregnancy, so it is best they talk to their GP.

Feeling physically and mentally exhausted?

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 the unique Ginseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve temporary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically proven to enhance mental and physical performance. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, and never give up. (Licensed medicine) For temporary periods of fatigue. Always read the label.

Chaos over childcare support - parents left in the dark over new rules Changes in child support have led to confusion among parents. The system previously allowed working parents to pay childminders with vouchers worth up to £243 per month.

From this autumn, the scheme will change.

Families can claim a ‘top-up’ payment of 20p for each £1 they spend on childcare.

Single parents earning below £150,000 or couples earning less than £300,000 can claim. Families with one parent who stays at home are not eligible. With parents having to work out the rules themselves, some may slip through the loop.

The voucher system will remain but the Government has not confirmed if families will have to re-apply.

Epsom & Ewell, Flying the flag Keep Britain Tidy has revealed the UK’s parks and green spaces, that have achieved the Green Flag Award, the mark of a quality park or green space and Epsom & Ewell, Borough Council have achieved green flag status for all five spaces put forward. These were Alexandra Recreation Ground, Ewell Court Park, Nonsuch Park, Rosebery Park and Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve.

A full list of Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award winners is available here. www.keepbritaintidy.org/greenflagawards2015

Legal resource for parents makes sure disabled children don’t miss out on early years education A coalition formed by Contact a Family, Every Disabled Child Matters, and the Family and Childcare Trust, and legal experts Irwin Mitchell have recently launched Helping You Access Free Childcare For Your 2, 3 and 4 Year Old, to help parents with disabled children if the childcare system fails them. It forms part of the charities’ new campaign ‘Levelling the Playing Field’, calling for equal access to childcare for disabled children.

The coalition of charities are also appealing to families with disabled children under 5 years old to take part in a short survey about their access to the free early education offer. The findings will be used to build up a national picture of the barriers faced by these families and can be found at www.surveymonkey. com/r/FS26SP2

Personalised gifts from Labels 4 Kids Labels4Kids have started a great range of personalised gifts for Christmas or birthdays from Disney, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and Mattel for your kids! Put your child’s name and the names of their friends into a story like Disney Frozen or Spongebob. Everything from Ninja Turtles to Disney Princesses, books, clocks and name tags. Allow 3 weeks for delivery as they are custom made to your personal requirements.

Please visit www.labels4kids.com/ personalised-gift-range/disney-marvelnickelodeon.html to see more.

If you have any news to share with our readers please email it to editor@families-lsb.co.uk

4

September/ October 2015

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News & views

Team Epsom & Ewell win first place at P&G Surrey Youth Games 2015 Team Epsom & Ewell have won the coveted overall Borough Trophy for the second time at the annual P&G Surrey Youth Games. The team of 225 young people from across the Borough aged between seven and 15 years did the Borough proud and came away with an incredible collection of medals, securing first position for Team Epsom & Ewell: Team Epsom & Ewell also scored the maximum bonus points for entering the highest number of teams this year, 35 teams in all 17 sports.

For more information and to get involved in next year’s Surrey Youth Games, please contact the Council’s Leisure Development’s team on 01372 732000, email leisuredevelopmentsteam@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/surreyyouthgames

Fatter Families: Obesity is now a problem at a younger age Obesity has long been seen as a problem in the UK but the age at which health professionals are seeing obese children is getting younger, according to a study from University College London. Researchers examined data from 56,000 people born between 1946 and 2001. They found that obesity has become much more common and is starting earlier in life.

Because obesity is often carried on into adult life, these children are at risk of severe health problems in future and could cost the NHS over £5 billion per year. The study showed that while 23% of six to 10 year olds were overweight in 1994, the figure now stands at 30%.

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Education news

Education News Downsend Pupil endeavours to help with the plight of the rhino After learning the White Rhino was a threatened species, Ella Horvat “an 11 year old pupil at Downsend School in Leatherhead” has become personally involved with the plight of the white rhinos in Kenya.

Along with the help of some of her friends, Ella decided to embark on a fund raising exercise which began with a cake sale, and quickly progressed to her setting up a ‘Just Giving’ page to support the Tusk Trust. www.tusk.org To date Ella has raised nearly £4,500, but needs to keep the momentum going in order to reach her impressive target of £10,000.

The money raised will go towards a breeding programme and to help with security against poachers.

To help save the White Rhino, and support the dreams of one extraordinary little girl visit Ella’s Just Giving Page. www.justgiving.com/ ella-horvat

New Head of Pre-Prep appointed to drive preprep education at Manor House School

Manor House School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Daniel Ayling as Head of Pre-Prep from September.

In addition to his roles as English Co-ordinator and Junior French Teacher, Daniel is been Deputy Head of the Junior Department at Manor House for the last three years, He is an innovative, dynamic teacher and leader who is passionate about pre-prep education. With many years’ teaching experience, Daniel promises to bring a wealth of information and experience to Manor House School Pre Prep.

Commenting on his appointment, Daniel said: “I am delighted and privileged to have been given the exciting opportunity to lead what I believe is the most important part of our school. The first time I visited Manor House, I was immediately struck by the warm, friendly atmosphere. It is a very special place where happy girls flourish into confident learners and I am really looking forward to working with the senior leadership team to spread that message far and wide.”

Are you a school, group or charity looking to raise some vital funds?

Kidspace, Croydon is excited to announce their new Kidspace Adventure’s Schools and Charities private hire package. Kidspace is an action packed, indoor adventure playground, making it the perfect venue for any child/family focused fundraising activity.

You will have exclusive use of the two million pound award winning facility for two hours.

Activities include Go Karts, 40ft Climbing Wall and the huge adventure play frame. It even has a fully licensed bar and restaurant.

Kidspace supplies you with all of the relevant marketing materials and artwork to help make sure that your event is as successful as possible, plus full details of how you can raise thousands of pounds in one night! All you really need is an enthusiastic PTA to sell tickets.

The amazing adventure park holds a maximum of 500 people and private hire prices start at £600. Throughout your booking you will be supported by the Kidspace bookings team and they will provide you with a designated team to help run the centre on the evening. For more details visit www.kidspaceadventures.com/ privatehire or call 01708 385096.

For more information on Manor House visit www.manorhouseschool.org

WoW! Seaton House pupil crowned winner of Living Streets badge competition

Brilliant A Level results at Ewell Castle School

Congratulations to Sahar Firoozi, who is a winner of the Living Streets’ Walk Once a Week (WoW) badge design competition.

The WoW (Walk Once a Week) scheme rewards children who walk to school with a collectable pin badge every month. There are 11 badges in total to collect, one for every month of the school year. Each year the badges are designed by children in one of the largest art competitions in the UK.

The past year has been very exciting for Castle Ewell School.

With an expanding Coeducational Sixth Form, Castle Ewell are pleased to see a continued improvement in A Level results this year with 71.4% of examinations sat being A* - C and an overall pass rate of 98.2% .

Sahar, age 8, received a trophy for her collectible badge design, which will become one of the actual badges made from recycled yoghurt pot material for the UK–wide WoW scheme in 2015/16 along with 10 other winning designs.

Sahar was one of 120 000 entries on this year’s theme Our Healthy Planet. She rightly commented “Global warming is bad because the pollution caused by burning fuels is warming up the atmosphere and destroying habitats. By walking, we can reduce pollution.” www.livingstreets.org.uk/wow

6

September/ October 2015

With 20% of results being A* or A grades, Castle Ewell students can be rightly proud of their achievements.

Principal Peter Harris commented,§ “I am thrilled that so many of our students have achieved the grades that they need to move on to the next stage in their education. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the students at Ewell Castle School and the contribution of a dedicated teaching staff.”

For more information on the school please visit www.ewellcastle.co.uk

My Tech Family, helping parents and children enjoy technology together My Tech Family is an exciting new initiative aimed to engage parents in the computing curriculum, and to encourage families to share technology so that parents can find out a bit more about what keeps their children glued to their screens. Schools also can be part of a fun initiative to help children to learn about computing.

Parents, kids and schools can access free games and activities that encourage families to share fun technology, whilst inside the classroom or at home. The initiative is supported by the Vodafone Foundation and cocreated with the Parent Zone. My Tech Family is also backed by the Department for Culture and aims to tackle the growing concerns of UK parents about the rate at which technology is continuous developing, potentially creating a divide between the generations.

For more information on this exciting new initiative visit www.theparentzone.co.uk/ mytechfamily www.families-LSB.co.uk

PrioryPrepSchool - RichardSaunders - QPA4:Layout 1 27/01/2015 14:12 Pa

You probably think your daughter is something special.

We certainly do.

At Croydon High School we really understand girls; after all we have been inspiring generations of them to do amazing things since 1874. So why not come and see how we do it?

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday October 3rd from 9.30 – 12.30pm but our doors are always open.

Just call 020 8260 7508 to book a visit.

We look forward to meeting you and your daughter very soon.

Croydon High School

Outstanding education for girls aged 3-18.

Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB Tel: 0208 260 7508 Email: info2@cry.gdst.net Croydon High School www.croydonhigh.gdst.net ESTD. 1874

Open Mornings Open Mornings Saturday 21st March 10am-12noon Friday October Friday2nd 24th April Saturday3rd 9thOctober May Saturday Friday 19th June Friday 20th November

9am -11am Nursery 9-11am 10am-12noon 10am -12noon 9-11am 9am -11am Year 3

Scholarships and bursaries available for Year 3 entry Sept 2015

For further details please contact To book a place contact sjordan@prioryprep.co.uk Email: sjordan@prioryprep.co.ukororTel: Tel:01737 01737 366942 366 942 Bolters Lane, Banstead, Bolters Lane, Banstead, SM7 2AJ Surrey, SM7 2AJ

www.prioryprep.co.uk www.prioryprep.co.uk

@prioryprep

@prioryprep

Think You Know Us? Think Again!

Girls joining us in the Senior School from September in addition to the Prep School and Sixth Form

An Independent Co-educational Day School for Boys and Girls aged 3 - 18 years

OPEN EVENTS

Tuesday 29th September - Sixth Form - 6pm – 8pm Saturday 10th October - Whole School - 10am – 12 noon Tuesday 13th October - Whole School - 9am – 10.30am Friday 20th November - Whole School - 9am – 10.30am

E: admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk T: 020 8393 1413 Church Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 2AW ewellcastle.co.uk

London Surrey Borders

7

Education news

Elmhurst School for Boys exciting new announcement, Little Elms!

Elmhurst School for Boys are delighted to announce the opening of Little Elms Nursery in September 2015, extending their Early Years provision to cater for boys aged 3-4 years. ‘’The Little Elms room is looking amazing. It is a lovely big, open space with lots of natural light with a cosy space for group learning’’, says Tory Skinner, Nursery Leader.

Fees will be charged per day with a minimum of two days per week, up to a maximum of full-time, and wraparound will also be available allowing children to attend Nursery from 7.45am – 6.30pm. Children will also enjoy regular Forest School sessions as part of Elmhurst’s Forest School programme, providing invaluable opportunities to expand their learning and to explore their natural surroundings.

Little Elms Nursery forms part of an exciting development plan that Elmhurst will be undertaking, to enhance the learning experience for all pupils. For more information please visit www.elmhurstschool.net/ nursery

Exciting times at Sutton High School Sutton High School is delighted to announce that Miss Anne Musgrove is to be the new Head of Junior School from the beginning of September. Miss Musgrove joined Sutton High Junior School as Deputy Head in 2014 and was promoted to Head of Junior School for the Autumn term 2015.

She has a BA Hons QTS in Education Studies from the University of Warwick as well over 20 years’ experience of teaching in both the independent and maintained sectors, including a number of years

teaching in Australia. Prior to coming to Sutton High School, she was Deputy Head (Academic) and Acting Head at Putney High Junior School, another member school of the GDST. For more information visit www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

Fennies Nursery Group in Line for Two National Awards Fennies, a group of day nurseries that run eight childcare settings in Croydon, Horley, Bromley, Purley, Sanderstead, Epsom and Beckenham, has been shortlisted for two national Nursery World childcare awards taking place on Saturday 26th September.

The nursery chain, who has over 20 years’ experience in the childcare sector, is in line for both the Business Development Award and the Nursery Operations Manager of the Year Award.

John Warren, Director of Childcare Services at Fennies, says the nominations are a recognition of the company’s excellent provision and ambitious growth. “This is wonderful news for all our staff, our parents and our children,” he said. “Our nomination for the Business Development award reflects the journey we have been on in the past 12 months, when we have expanded our early years service and opened three brand new nurseries in Bromley, Epsom and Horley.”

John Warren has over 30 years’ experience in childcare. He recently completed a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has been nominated for the Nursery World Nursery Operations Manager of the Year Award. “It’s pleasing to be nominated for an individual award but to be shortlisted for the Business Development Award is a real feather in our cap as it confirms that we are going about things the right way,” said John.

For more information on the nursery group visit www.fennies.com

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Open days

AUTUMN SCHOOL OPEN DAYS Caterham School Harestone Valley Rd, CR3 6YA 01883 343028 Sat 19 Sep 9.30 - 12pm www.caterhamschool.co.uk

Downsend Prep School Leatherhead 1 Leatherhead Rd, KT22 8TJ 01372 372311 Sat 26 Sep 9.30-11.30am

Chinthurst School Tadworth Street, KT20 5AP 013737 812011 Thurs 1 Oct & Sat 3 Oct 9.45 – 12pm www.chinthurstschool.co.uk

Downsend Pre Prep - Ashtead 22 Oakfield Road, KT21 2RE 01372 385439 Sat 19 Sep 9.30-11.30am

City of London Freeman’s Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET 01372 822423 Sat 3 Oct 9.45am & 7 Nov 9am www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk

Downsend Pre Prep Leatherhead 13 Epsom Road, KT22 8ST 01372 385437 Sat 19 Sep 9.30-11.30am

Thurs 8 Oct & Sat 10 Oct 9.30 – 12pm www.kingswoodhouse.org Manor House School & Nursery Little Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 4EN / 01372 457077 Sat 17 Oct www.manorhouseschool.org Oakwood School and Nursery 59 Godstone Road, CR8 2AN 020 8668 2895 Sat 3 Oct 10 – 12 noon www.oakwoodschool.org.uk

Old Palace School of John Downsend Pre Prep - Epsom Whitgift Senior 6 Norman Avenue, KT17 3AB Old Palace Rd, CR0 1AX Collingwood School

01372 385438 020 8688 2027 3 Springfield Road, SM6 0BD Sat 19 Sep 9.30 – 11.30am Mon 5 Sep 10 – 12 noon 020 8647 4607 www.downsend.co.uk Sat 17 Oct 10 – 12pm Old Palace School of John www.collingwoodschool.org.uk Essendene Lodge Whitgift Preparatory

Caterham, CR3 5PB 2, Melville Avenue, CR2 7YN Croydon High School 018 8334 8349 020 8688 2027 Old Farleigh Rd, CR2 8YB Sat 3 Oct & 26 Nov Sat 3 Oct 2 – 4pm 020 8260 7508 www.essendenelodge.co.uk www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Sat 3 Oct 9.30 – 12.30pm

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Priory Preparatory Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW Bolters Lane, Banstead, Cumnor House Boys & Tree 020 8393 1413 SM7 2AJ/ 01737 366920 Tops Nursery 6th Form - Tues 29 Sep 6 – 8pm Sat 3 Oct 10 – 12pm 168 Pampisford Rd, South Sat 10 Oct 10 -12pm www.prioryprep.co.uk Croydon, CR2 6DA Tue 13 Oct 9 -10.30am 020 8660 3445 Fri 20 Nov 9 -10.30am Royal Russell Junior School Sat 26 Sep www.ewellcastle.co.uk Coombe Lane, CR0 5BX

020 8651 5884 Cumnor House Girls & Tree Homefield Preparatory Sat 26 Sep 8.30 – 1pm

Tops Nursery Western Road, Sutton, SM1 2TE www.royalrussell.co.uk 1 Woodcote Lane, Purley, CR8 020 8642 0965 3HB/ 020 8668 0050 Sat 26 Sep Seaton House School Sat 26 Sep www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk 67 Banstead Road South, Sutton, www.cumnorhouse.com SM2 5LH/ 020 8642 2332 Kingswood House School IN V Sat 26 Sep 10 – 12.30pm V IL 56 West Hill, Epsom www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk KT19 8LG/ 01372 723590

St Christopher’s School 6 Down’s Rd, Epsom, KT18 5HE 01372 721807 Fri 9 Oct www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk St David’s School Woodcote Valley Rd, Purley, CR8 3AL/ 020 8660 0723 26 Sep 10 – 12 noon www.stdavidsschool.co.uk Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors 86 Grove Rd Sutton, SM1 2AL 020 8225 3075 Thurs 1 Oct 9am Wed 18 Nov 9am Sutton High, Seniors 55 Cheam Rd, SM1 2AX 020 8642 0594 26 Sep 9am www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Thames Christian College Wye St, London SW11 2HB 020 7228 3933 Sat 3 Oct 10 – 1pm thameschristiancollege.org.uk Trinity School of John Whitgift Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT 020 8656 9541 Sat 3 Oct 9 – 12 noon www.trinity-school.org Whitgift School Haling Park, London, South Croydon, CR2 6YT 020 8688 9222 Sat 19 Sep 9 – 1pm Tues 29 Sep 4 – 8pm www.whitgift.co.uk

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Leatherhead • Ashtead • Epsom An independent prep school for boys and girls aged 2-13

Join us at one of our Open Days

Smaller school.

Bigger opportunities.

Personal attention.

Great results.

Affordable.

Pre-Preps: Epsom & Leatherhead only 19 September 9.30am to 11.30am 12 November 9.30am to 11.30am

Prep School: 26 September & 13 November | From 9:15am (Headmaster’s Talk at 9:30am)

T:01372 372311

www.downsend.co.uk

Scholarships available

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 10.00-13.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, London SW11 2HB. Five minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction.

London Surrey Borders

9

Education news

EDUCATION FOCUS Caterham School Harestone Valley Rd. Caterham, CR3 6YA 01883 343028 Co-educational day and boarding school.

Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.caterhamschool.co.uk

Chinthurst School Tadworth Street, Tadworth, KT20 5AP 013737 812011 Co-educational day school.

Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.chinthurstschool.co.uk City of London Freeman’s Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET 013 7282 2423 Co-educational day and boarding school.

Pupils aged 7 – 18 years. www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk

Croydon High School Old Farleigh Rd, CR2 8YB 020 8260 7508 admissions@cry.gdst.net Independent girls’ day school for pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.croydonhigh.gdst.net If you are looking for the best, aim for Croydon High School. Croydon High School in Selsdon, Surrey is an exceptional independent day school for girls aged 3-18.

The Junior School, on the same spacious 22 acre site as the seniors, shares excellent sports facilities, including indoor swimming where lessons start from reception age.

Girls join the Nursery from 3 years, entering a warm, caring environment focused on building confidence. Classrooms are light, bright and purpose-built and in the innovative 4D room, a combination of sound, light, music and touch inspires junior school pupils to produce wonderful written and creative work.

Thanks to a legacy from a former Music teacher, all Year 3 girls learn a stringed instrument with free tuition for a year.

Pastoral care is an absolute priority; supporting girls as they develop socially and ensuring success and effort are celebrated equally.

10

September/ October 2015

Collingwood School 3 Springfield Road, Wallington SM6 0BD 020 8647 4607 Co-educational day school.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years www.collingwoodschool.org.uk Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery (Pampisford Rd) 168 Pampisford Rd, South Croydon CR2 6DA 020 8660 3445 Independent day school for boys.

Pupils aged 2 – 13 years

www.cumnorhouse.com Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery 1 Woodcote Ln, Purley, CR8 3HB 020 8668 0050 Independent day school for girls.

Pupils aged 2 – 13 years www.cumnorhouse.com Elmhurst School for Boys, and Little Elms Nursery 44-48 S Park Hill Rd, South Croydon, CR2 7DW 020 8688 0661 Independent day school for boys.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years www.elmhurstschool.net

Downsend Prep School Leatherhead, KT22 8TJ 01372 372311 Co – educational Prep school , pupils aged 2 – 13 years Ashtead, KT21 2RE 01372 385439 Leatherhead, KT22 8ST 01372 385437 Epsom, KT17 3AB 01372 385438 Co – educational Pre prep school, pupils aged 2 – 6 years www.downsend.co.uk Downsend School introduces children to the important world of learning in the nurturing environment of their three pre-preparatory schools. Aged six, they automatically move on to the preparatory school, where they progress through the Lower and Upper Schools until they leave at 13. Each section is led by highly-skilled practitioners sensitive to the differing needs of the children as they move through the school. Results speak for themselves and high achievement has become the norm at the school, with 41 Scholarships this year, 17 of which were academic. This was confirmed by the school’s inspection report which said, ‘Downsend is successful in meeting its aim of providing pupils a welcoming and stimulating environment and finding areas where each child can succeed in education with Downsend and, by the time they leave, will have developed into confident teenagers prepared socially and academically; ready to take full advantage of the opportunities that await them”. www.families-LSB.co.uk

Education focus

Essendene Lodge Essendene Rd, Caterham, CR3 5PB 018 8334 8349 Co – education day school Pupils aged 2 – 11 years www.essendenelodge.co.uk

Kingswood House School, Epsom 56 West Hill, Epsom, KT19 8LG 01372 723590 Mrs Helen Parker admissions@kingswoodhouse.org Independant day school for boys.

Pupils aged 3 – 13 years www.kingswoodhouse.org

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW 020 8393 1413 Co educational day school.

Pupils 3 – 18 years www.ewellcastle.co.uk Located in beautiful grounds in the picturesque village of Ewell, just half an hour from London, Ewell Castle School provides a small and caring co-educational environment for children aged 3-18. The vision of the School is to nurture and inspire pupils to achieve within a happy and family friendly atmosphere. A benefit of being a small school is that each pupil is known and valued within a caring, stimulating and disciplined environment. A broad curriculum is offered, underpinned by EC Skills for the twenty first century, which focuses on nurturing and developing skills for a modern world and achieving each child’s potential. All aspects of personal development are fostered, and pastoral care and support which is consistently acknowledged to be outstanding (ISI Report 2012) contributes greatly to personal development and achievement of potential. Extra-curricular activities broaden horizons and pupils are articulate and show self-confidence.

There are many enrichment opportunities and the majority of their Sixth Form gain places at their first choice university.

Greenacre School

16 Sutton Ln, Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 352114 Independent day school for girls.

Pupils aged 3 – 18 years www.greenacre.surrey.sch.uk Homefield Preparatory Western Road, Sutton, SM1 2TE 020 8642 0965 Independent day school for boys.

Pupils aged 3 – 13 years www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Laleham Lea 29 Peaks Hill, Purley, CR8 3J 020 8660 3351. Co-educational, Catholic day school. Pupils aged 3 – 11 years. www.lalehamlea.co.uk

Kingswood House is one of the most successful boys prep schools in Surrey. A thriving community in the heart of Epsom, small class sizes, friendly atmosphere and first-class teaching ensure pupils flourish academically and outside the classroom. Boys’ participate in every aspect of school life in a secure and spacious environment. Developing KHS for the future, they have a new impressive Junior School and an inspirational PrePrep Department. Their Toddler Group, Kingswood Kids, provides the perfect introduction, meeting every Tuesday during term-time at 10:30am. Kingswood House School works extremely closely with a range of prestigious senior schools so pupils can be sure they are moving on to the right school for them. Their Year 8 Leavers achieve outstanding results with a range of Scholarships awarded every year.

The ISI Inspection Report in October 2014 rated Kingswood House School Excellent in every area. NEW from September 2015 is the SW London mini bus route.

Manor House School & Nursery Manor House Lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 4EN 013 7245 7077 Independent day school for girls Pupils aged 2 – 16 years. www.manorhouseschool.org Oakhyrst Grange 160 Stanstead Rd, Caterham CR3 6AF 018 8334 3344 Co-educational Prep school.

Pupils aged 4 - 11 years. www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk Oakwood School and Nursery 59 Godstone Road, Purley, CR8 2AN 020 8668 2895 Co-educational, Catholic day school.

Pupils aged 3 – 11 years. www.oakwoodschool.org.uk

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Preparatory 2, Melville Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 7YN Seniors - Old Palace Rd, CR0 1AX 020 8688 2027 Independent day school for girls Pupils aged 4 – 18 years. www.oldpalaceofjohnwhitgift.org Reedham Park School 71a Old Lodge Lane, Purley, CR8 4DN 0208 660 6357 Co-educational day school.

Pupils aged 4 – 11 years. www.reedhamparkschool.org.uk

Priory Preparatory Bolters Lane, Banstead, SM7 2AJ 01737 366920 Independent day school for boys Pupils aged 2 – 13 years www.prioryprep.co.uk Priory Preparatory School is a leading independent day school for boys aged 2-11 in Surrey. The school combines the warmth and community of a small school with the resources, ambition and achievements of a leading preparatory school.

Priory Prep’s high academic standards are achieved through small classes, outstanding subject specialist teaching, and a firm belief that happy boys learn.

Small class sizes ensure that each boy’s education can be tailored to their individual needs.

It is recognised that boys develop and learn in different ways and at a different pace from girls. Headmaster, Graham Malcolm, explains, “A boy-based curriculum needs to provide space for them to investigate and explore, to enable them to discover and experience their learning in a practical manner. We encourage boys to throw themselves into learning, whether that be playing an instrument, in competition on the sports field or discovering the pleasure of being immersed in a powerful narrative story.”

Royal Alexandra & Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD 01737 649000 Co-educational boarding school.

Pupils aged 7 – 18 years. www.raa-school.co.uk

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Education focus

Royal Russell Junior School

Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR0 5BX 020 8651 5884.

Co-educational day and boarding school.

Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.royalrussell.co.uk

St Christopher’s School 6 Down’s Rd, Epsom, KT18 5HE 01372 721807 Co-educational nursery and Pre prep.

Pupils aged 2 – 71/2 years www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Set in an attractive building with beautiful, secluded grounds, St Christopher’s is a happy and creative Nursery and PrePreparatory school for children aged 2½ to 7. St Christopher’s provides irresistible learning opportunities, which are delivered by inspirational and supportive staff.

Seaton House School 67 Banstead Road South, Sutton SM2 5LH 020 8642 2332 Independent Prep school for girls.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk St David’s School Woodcote Valley Rd, Purley, London CR8 3AL 020 8660 0723. Co-educational day school.

Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. www.stdavidsschool.co.uk Sutton High, Nursery and Juniors 86 Grove Rd Sutton, SM1 2AL 020 8225 3075

The school is well known for preparing children for academic success, independence and a love of learning by developing children into independent thinkers who are aware of the world around them.

Sutton High Seniors 55 Cheam Rd, Sutton SM1 2AX 020 8642 0594 Independent day school for girls Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

St Christopher’s children enjoy rich opportunities in music, sport, drama and art and achieve great success in these areas.

Their aim is to ensure they find an area or subject in which each child can excel and gain confidence and self esteem. The happy atmosphere of the school promotes excellent relationships with pupils, parents and staff making for a warm, supportive and lively community with lots of opportunities to be involved.

Trinity School of John Whitgift Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT 020 8656 9541. Independent day school for boys. Co – Educational 6th form. Pupils aged 10 – 18 years. www.trinity-school.org Warlingham Park School Chelsham Common,Warlingham, CR6 9PB 01883 626844 Co-educational Prep school. Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. www.warlinghamparkschool.com

Thames Christian College Wye St, London SW11 2HB 020 7228 3933 Co Educational, Christian secondary school. Pupils aged 11 – 16 years. thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Situated in Clapham Junction with a strong Christian ethos, Thames Christian College provides an environment where pupils can achieve the academic grades and the maturity, character and integrity that prepare them for life in today’s world.

Small, well-behaved classes ensure that your child is known and valued while inspirational teaching develops independent learning and thinking. Pupils may choose from a wide range of GCSE options including separate sciences and up to three languages. A vibrant creative arts programme offers exceptional opportunities; pupils learn to use leading edge technology and the diverse range of sport and extra-curricular opportunities challenge the most able.

A small number of scholarship awards are available annually for pupils talented in Art, Music, Performing Arts, Sport or Academic all-rounders. 2014 GCSE results: 41% of grades A*/A and 91% of pupils achieved 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

Teaching children to love reading will give them pleasure for their whole life Being able to read is a vital life skill; but a ‘love’ of reading enriches us much further, because a passion for the consumption of words for reading’s sake alone enables curiosity. This greases the tracks in all areas of education, starting with confidence in spelling and increased vocabulary, continuing with the ability to research and discover independently.

Reading for fun is possibly the most intensely satisfying of all lifelong human activities.

How do you instill that passion?

1.

2.

3.

4.

With a baby or toddler, choose books YOU like. Your enthusiasm is infectious.

Avoid asking a very small child to choose a book - they are more interested in the playtable.

Have patience with your little darling and they will crack it eventually.

Foundation Stage & KS1 books are different to picture books. To develop a love of reading, buy books after school

12 September/ October 2015

9.

Reward them with books that connect to their lives, like Disney, football, sticker books and colouring and joke books.

10. Read by example. If they see you doing it, they will do it too.

5.

6.

7.

8.

simply for enjoyment.

Never say to a child, “You’ve got too many books.” nobody has too many books.

Save favourites from your childhood for reading aloud at bedtime.

Graphic novels are brilliant for introducing the classics.

Children often choose titles that appear to be too young for them because they know they can manage them. Age ranges are just a guide.

And finally…Take the lead and share books you like with them: your children will like them too! As they grow, don’t pressure kids to read alone - they will love that one-to-one attention.

Praise their literary taste, no matter how strange.

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. A parent of three, she owns her own bookshop, The Bookseller Crow on Hill with her partner, and is a qualified swimming teacher. In what little spare time she has, she runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is a food critic for The Transmitter.

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Learn to dance, act & sing AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Tennis • Gymnastics • Dance • Football A variety of weekend and after school activities for all ages and abilities

Little Stars (4 – 6 years) Stars 1, 2 & 3 (7 – 16 years) New classes in South Croydon

Free trial sessions

are available at all classes.

Call us on 020 8460 5711 now or visit www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk to book.

Find us online

spotlightsuk

@spotlightsuk

Beckenham | Bromley | Croydon | Orpington Sanderstead | South Croydon | West Wickham

SUA2336 Families London Surrey Little Stars Ad 87x85_FINAL.indd 1

20/02/2015 15:26

Call now to book your child’s place

020 8641 6611 or email info@thesportsvillage.org.uk

www.thesportsvillage.org.uk

WINNER

• Music

St Christopher’s School

tion with Kon cia fd ce

• Play & Learn

Award Winning Classes from

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• Art & Parties!

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Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 3HH @sportsvillageuk | The-Sports-Village

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Award winning classes for 0-5 yrs Build social and intellectual skills with language development, art, group play and more.

Book your FREE trial class today!

Nursery and Pre-Prep School for boys and girls aged 2 ½ - 7

07990 761 259 cheam@gymboree-uk.com gymboree-uk.com

First Class Learning Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English

MATHS and ENGLISH

You are warmly invited to visit our school during

OPEN MORNING Friday 19th October 2015

Tours from 9.15am onwards followed by a talk by the Headteacher Please telephone to book a tour during our Open Morning or to make arrangements for an alternative appointment.

Mitcham

6 Downs Road, Epsom, SurreyMorden KT18 5HE 01372 721807 Purley South Norwood office@st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk

Thornton Heath www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Wallington

 Developed in the UK for the National Curriculum  Suitable for children aged 4-16  Helps with school assessments and Exams  KS1 to 3, SATs and 11+ preparation  Individualised study programmes  Improves confidence and self-esteem  Builds lifelong study habits

Free Free Assessment Assessment Now Now Available.

Available. Call: Call: Mitcham Mitcham Morden Morden Purley Purley South Norwood South Norwood ThorntonHeath Heath Thornton Wallington Wallington

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First Class Learning is helping 1000s of children to realise their full potential throughout the UK.

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk London Surrey Borders

13

Clubs & classes news

Why I Love Stagecoach

Local clubs & classes news Ezee Sport business opportunity for the fun loving, sports enthusiast who loves making children smile Are you looking to bring a positive change to your life? Would you like to make a huge impact in the lives of children? Would you like to help families and communities be happier and healthier?

Co-founders and directors of Ezee Sport, Peter and Fiona Crossman have brought together 20 years’ combined experience, having launched Play Ball years back and taking that experience and fine tuning it into the into a superb Multi Sports programme for children 2 – 8.

Ezee Sport is offering some amazing people the opportunity of a lifetime to join a business that puts smiles on kids’ faces, teaches skills that last a lifetime and values the importance of having fun, giving back and getting involved in the community as well as providing the tool for your ultimate business success.

If you believe you are right for this then please get in touch for a full franchise information pack. www.ezeesport.com

Jo Jingles preschool music and movement classes will integrate music, lyrics and actions taken In the Night Garden Jo Jingles, a superb music, singing and movement experience class for babies and preschool children, has been chosen as the preferred partner to create an ‘In The Night Garden’ musical activity session that is fun and engaging for pre-school children.

The theme will be introduced during classes from the Autumn term as a special welcome to ‘Jo’s new friends from ‘In The Night Garden’.

Exclusive themed posters, stickers, certificates and a take-away activity book will be provided to all parents and children at Jo Jingles classes to help learn the lyrics and will feature activities for the children to participate in.

For more information please visit www.jojingles.com/inthenightgarden

CREATING SPORTING KIDS

by Rachel Crouch, Epsom Stagecoach Theatre School.

I wanted to write a piece to explain why I run a Stagecoach school.

With three children of my own my biggest concerned when first choosing a club was their safety, and in many clubs I’ve taken them to this has been lacking or just non-existent.

When the opportunity arose I knew if I ran a Stagecoach I would have the support of Head Office and their outstanding child protection policy, ensuring the safety of the children in my care.

Over and above this I feel there is a huge passion within the Stagecoach business, one to make sure every single child is a happy child, fulfilling their true potential.

So why else should we choose Stagecoach? Well aside from the amazing staff, great teachers, outstanding shows, west end auditions, west end showcases, LAMDA I believe that by attending Stagecoach Sutton, my children have developed into the amazing young adults that they are.

We put so much pressure on our kids these days, mainly academic, but what about those skills for life? What about being able to look an adult in the eye and talk confidently? What about being able to stand up in a meeting and sell a presentation for work? We are creating amazing children academically but often these key skills are missing.

For this reason my children will attend Stagecoach for as long as they should wish, simply because I want them to be confident, articulate, caring and passionate individuals whether they end up in a Theatre on the West End stage or a theatre in a hospital. They both need the same skills. Skills for life.

New drop in Theatre arts class at Gymboree, Cheam Gymboree Cheam is excited about their new 7 week Theatre Arts class starting in September. The class is for children aged 3-5 years and is a drop off class, meaning children are left to enjoy themselves for one hour of fun.

The class runs on Fridays at 3.45pm and the course starts on Friday 11th September. Children will do lots of confidence building exercises, work on balance and coordination, develop team spirit and most of all have a lot of fun! For more information please contact Karen on 07990 761259.

The Lotus Practice Now offering baby massage and yoga!

ü Cranio-sacral therapy ü Baby Massage Courses Multi Sport FUN for 2 - 7 year olds Foundational sport skills programme to help your kids reach their greatest potential.

Come along to our term-time classes, holiday clubs or book a party with us.

To view all the classes in and around your area and to book a free trial contact us

14 September/ October 2015

ü Baby Yoga Courses Baby massage is relaxing and enjoyable for both mum and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby with quality time that’s fun.

) 07956442223 : thelotus@hotmail.co.uk 8 www.thelotuspractice.com www.families-LSB.co.uk

Are we pushing our kids too far by signing them up to lots of clubs and classes - or offering valuable advantages?

Clas se club s s activ & ities

Mastermind - If one subject is a struggle, one-to-one tuition can pay dividends and if your child wants to study a particular subject later on, it can be invaluable.

Mini Thespian - Kids thrive in acting and singing classes and may go on to theatre school. It builds confidence.

Alternatives - For every kind of child, there’s an activity to suit, so check the clubs and classes section of the Families website to see what’s near you. From archery to zoology, you’ll find something they love.

Kids thrive from plenty of stimulation, to stop getting bored and to develop their growing minds. Many parents are aware of the value of after-school clubs to ensure their children gain different experiences, but with a vast range on offer, it can be tempting to sign them up for a different activity every evening.

This is of course something we might not all be able to afford, however there’s no doubt a couple of well-chosen activities can be great for your child’s growth and development.

What age is best to start classes?

Early years: They get very tired so keep outside activities to a minimum. A good run in the park lets off steam. An art, singing or baby ballet-type class with the emphasis on play is great.

Infant school: Add a low-key activity; singing, music, dancing, sports and swimming are great.

Junior school: As tests loom, add an educational class if your child is struggling with a subject.

Senior school: It’s easier to add activities as energy and independence increases. As more exams come up, be flexible about allowing them to miss or drop activities.

What type of classes to choose?

Mini Mozart - Even for musical geniuses, from seven years, a 30 minute class is plenty, with ten minutes of daily practice.

Fitness Fanatic - Sports and dance are great for fitness and flexibility and the chance to play with teams from other areas – though for younger kids, avoid classes that are too aggressive or pressurised. Be prepared for many hours spent track, field or pool-side if your child loves sports.

What do clubs and classes offer your child?

• • • • • •

Mixing with children from other areas will widen their social circle A chance to take part in activities not offered at school A potential career Teamwork skills Increase confidence Persistence and patience

But – play is important too. Educational Psychologist Peter Gray wrote that we should allow children more time playing and that more time in the classroom can be detrimental, because kids “Judgement, wisdom and creative ability come from life experiences,” Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

London Surrey Borders

15

ses Clas & s club ties vi acti

Local clubs & classes directory autumn 2015

Baby, toddler & pre school Baby Ballet 07581 274 313 Baby Ballet is a fun awardwinning preschool dance concept for boys and girls. For more information contact Georgina.

Gymboree Cheam Karen 07990 761 259 cheam@gymboree-uk.com Award winning Pre-School Development Programme

Encourage learning and development with our unique apparatus-based classes, designed to support your child’s growth at his or her own individual pace. Our fun and energetic activities are structured and curriculum-based, yet flexible enough to allow children to explore and express themselves fully. From imaginary play to games and storytelling, our classes use play-based activities to stretch the body and mind.

Jo Jingles Viv Hunt -Cobham, Epsom & Fetcham nr Leatherhead 07751 438943 Sue Senior - Banstead and Sutton 020 8644 4897 www.jojingles.com Jo Jingles provides fun singing and movement classes that teach children to play percussion instruments expressively, sing songs and find the rhythm to move and dance. Age-specific classes are tailor-made to engage even the youngest children.

Classes encourage hand-eye co-ordination and help children learn social skills and make friends, as well as encouraging

16 September/ October 2015

their physical, mental and emotional development. Children play two age-specific percussion instruments each week. No membership fees. FREE Trial.

The Lotus Practice - Baby Massage and Yoga Pinal 07956442223 www.thelotuspractice.com Massage offers a unique way to communicate with and soothe you little love, whilst raising the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin in both yourself and your baby. Baby massage helps you both feel calm and relaxed and improves muscle tone and stimulates growth hormones. Baby yoga is relaxing and enjoyable for both mums and babies, supporting bonding between you and your baby, quality time that’s fun. For babies it promotes growth, improves joint mobility, encourages sensory and motor awareness, a better sleep pattern and relieves colic, wind and constipation.

MAD Academy Alison Storey - Croydon, Purley and Selsdon 020 8407 1726 Pauline Llewellyn - Sutton 07984 720 481 www.madacademy.com MAD Academy classes are bursting with energy and fun!

Classes are funky and physical, and packed full of singing, dancing, music, games, props and, of course, laughter. Classes are always high energy, hands on and free spirited and educational.

The power of music and dance is combined to help children develop in eight key areas of learning which are aligned to the government’s Early Years Learning Framework. So come along and bring a little MADness to your week.

Monkey Music Banstead and Epsom - Dinah Nightingale, 01932 223309 South Croydon and Caterham Karen Chandler, 0203 251 1061 Leatherhead, Dorking and South Epsom - Janine Carew, 01483 841 303 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Monkey Music understands that music is fundamental to a preschool aged child’s development.

The progressive and educational four stage curricula are designed to nurture a lifetime of music.

By the time your little monkeys ‘graduate’, they have a sound base from which to build a musical future.... have a look!

Tumble Tots Tumble Tots Epsom - Farah Meghani, 07930 550 023 epsom@tumbletots.com Tumble Tots Croydon - Antonio Girling, 07743 103 208 tumble.tots@live.co.uk www.tumbletots.com Designed to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing, through the use of brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment.

The programme is structured

to build on children’s positive personality traits including confidence and self-esteem.

Each weekly session combines fun, excitement and challenge in a safe and caring environment. All sessions use unique equipment and are run by staff specially trained to get the best out of your child and structured according to the different ages and stages of a child’s development.

Turtle Tots & Turtle Tums Aqua-Natal Yoga Charlotte, 07920854714 www.turtletots.com The Turtle Tots baby and toddler programme teaches parents to swim with their babies above and below the water. Your little turtles will develop water confidence as well as learning key lifesaving skills in a fun and sociable environment with lots of nursery rhymes and singing. If you are over 12 weeks pregnant and would like to try a class which involves gentle exercise, breathing techniques and relaxation, whilst bonding with your baby then their classes are for you. They are particularly lovely as you will feel weightless in the water.

Sports Atlantis Swim School Ltd 0208 335 3536 www.atlantisswimschool.co.uk Atlantis Swim School have been teaching in the surrounding area since 1998 and the majority of people come to them from recommendations. They have a programme that you can work towards and monitor childrens progress. They concentrate on stroke technique and water skills

www.families-LSB.co.uk

Clubs & classes Epsom Fencing Club www.epsomfencingclub.org Epsom Fencing Club trains juniors from age 10.

and have a great team to teach this. Swimming is a life skill and a great way to keep fit and every child should have this opportunity.

Come along and see what they can offer.

Epsom Riding School epsomridingschool.co.uk Epsom Riding School offer classical riding tuition, from 4+ in a large indoor riding school.

Cassar Academy of Choi Kwang Do www.cassaracademy.com Choi Kwang Do is considered to be the most effective martial arts system in the world. It uses natural, easy-to-learn, sequential movements that will enhance your child’s health.

Croydon High Sports Club, Coaching for kids 0208 657 9313 www.croydonsportsclub.co.uk Croydon High Sports Club offers swimming lessons in our 25 metre indoor pool plus badminton and tennis. They also have a Gymnastics club on site Saturdays and Sundays plus a wide range of group exercise classes and swimming lessons.

Ezee Sport Peter 07717721231 www.ezeesport.com Ezee Sports offer children aged 2-8 a fun Multi Sports programme that helps children develop their confidence, listing skills and coordination. The program is divided into two age groups, Ezee Start which develops a love for sport by introducing basic ball and movement skills to children aged 2-5 years; and Ezee Play which cultivates confidence through a more demanding set of sport skills. Their Ezee Play programme has been developed for children aged 4-8 years old and is an ideal programme for schools.

Goals Sutton - Soccer Centre www.goalsfootball.co.uk Boys and girls can learn the basics and begin their career to football stardom with Goals Academy.

Croydon Leisure New Addington Leisure Centre CR0 0JB, 01689 842553 Purley Leisure Centre CR 8 2AA, 020 8668 7251 South Norwood Leisure Centre SE25 4PT, 020 8662 9464 Horton Park Golf Club Thornton Heath Leisure Centre www.hortonparkgolf.com CR7 8LF, 020 8689 5300 Horton Park Golf Club have our Waddon Leisure Centre own unique programme exclusive CR0 4RG, 0208 760 0657 to HPGS called KGP (Kids Golf www.fusion-lifestyle.com Programme) which covers the five Croydon Leisure have 5 local core areas of the game. leisure centres in the London Borough of Croydon with a variety Kung Fu Schools of energetic activities for all the www.kungfuschools.co.uk 55x70_alison_pauline_Layout 2 19/08/2015 16:02 family.

Kung Fu School offer a complete

For classes of pure MADness, join MAD Academy

self defence system to both adults and children MultiSports Sutton & Cheam 01293 774051 www.multisportssutton.co.uk MultiSports is about introducing children aged 4 - 16 to a wide range of sport orientated activities, harvesting potential no matter how great or small, and developing life skills such as confidence, personal achievement and teamwork. Classes take place on Saturdays at Nonsuch High School Little Kickers www.littlekickers.co.uk Little Kickers give your children a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football skills in a friendly, pressure-free environment.

Pink Ladies Cheer Leaders phillomenadanceschool.co.uk The Pink Ladies “Cheer 4 Fun” squads are open to children of all ages and abilities.

Ready Steady Go Kids Kathy, 0800 690 6591 info@rsgk.co.uk www.rsgk.co.uk RSGK offer specially structured Multi-sports classes for kids between 2 and 7 years. Children enjoy playing and learning 5 sports each term. Ready Steady Go Kids has 10 sports available in our multi-sports programme.

Athletics, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Golf, Hockey, Rugby, AFL (Australian Rules), T-Ball and Cricket. Enrolments taken throughout the term. Free trail available to new members.

Sutton Cycling Club www.suttoncycling.co.uk The Sutton Cycling Club provides opportunities for young people to develop their cycling skills in safety with others of the same age, under the supervision of experienced riders and coaches.

The Sports Village 020 8641 6611 www.thesportsvillage.org.uk The Sports Village, Sutton is a leading local sports venue offering a variety of clubs and classes for children of all ages and abilities.

The Sports Village provides exceptional facilities and training at affordable prices with their own dedicated academies all under one roof; Sutton Tennis Academy, Sutton Dance Academy, Sutton Gymnastics Academy and Sutton Football Academy. Whatever sport your child enjoys and ability, the clubs and classes are a great way to introduce and have fun through sport from an early age.

Topspin Monkeys Andy, 07779 130 596 Serving up an ace tennis programme for children 2 – 6 years of age.

Twenty 20 Cricket Company twenty20cricketcompany.com Twenty20 Cricket Company is one of the UK & Europe’s leading private cricket coaching providers.

Don't forget to say you them in

London-Surrey Borders Magazine

Birthday Parties too!

Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation Walkers to 2 years music, movement and motor development 2 to 4 years dance, musicality and beat competency

Classes in Croydon & surrounding areas

Call Alison on 020 8407 1726 alison.storey@madacademy.com Classes in Sutton & surrounding areas

Call Pauline on 01372 372 942 pauline.llewellyn@madacademy.com Movement • rhythms • songs • instruments • games

madacademy.com Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun!

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots way!

Specialist Baby and Toddler Swimming Classes and Aqua-Natal Yoga Classes.

T: 07920854714 W: www.turtletots.com

London Surrey Borders

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Clubs & classes

Cooking, Arts & Crafts Glazed All Over www.glazedallover.co.uk Glazed All Over is a hub of craft and creation. As well as the much loved paint your own pottery they also run glass courses, glass workshops and holiday craft activities.

Learn to Cook Good Food Laura, 07960 265 825 Cookery Courses-group cookery lessons for adults & children.

Watercolour Art Classes Nava Ahmed, 07881886541 nava@theartandcakestudio.com www.theartandcakestudio.com Watercolour painting is a means of stimulating and strengthening children’s emerging capacities for thinking, feeling and expressing.

Nava Ahmed’s Watercolour Art Classes aim for children to explore colour and balance it with their inner emotion. Students learn different watercolour painting techniques through a range of exciting exercises and use them to create beautiful compositions.

As well as weekly and holiday she also offers private art tuition for dedicated art students preparing for their Art Scholarship/Portfolio/ Exam or Award.

Performing Arts

Dramabuds Becca, 020 8669 2355 www.dramabuds.co.uk Dramabuds specialise in early years drama exclusively for children aged 2 – 10 years. The carefully crafted story adventures are planned to excite, engage and enthral your child.

Classes create a positive fun environment for children to naturally grow and blossom in confidence whilst our igniting young imaginations and helping children to bloom as a creative thinker, to problem solve and write creatively at school.

Dynamic Dance Emily, 07879 206 417 Dance classes with a difference for boys and girls 4-16 years of age.

Helen O’Grady Children’s Drama Academy www.helenogrady.co.uk Classes structured to help young people, 5-17 years, develop enthusiasm, confidence, self – esteem, conversational ability and social skills.

Perform www.perform.org.uk Drama, dance and singing classes for children 4 – 12 years of age.

Whilst children have the best fun of the week, they are also learning confidence, communication, concentration and coordination skills at the same time, giving them a head start in life. Free trial available Protégém Gemma 01737 211 109 info@protegem.co.uk Protégém aims to support, nurture and encourage young dancer’s talent and to provide us with performance opportunities.

Equally it strengthens youth activity and youth dance within London and the South East.

Protégém Dance Company members gain their place through audition only, so if you have a talented young dancer call us today.

Pull the Other Theatre Education Rachel, 07525 116764 www.ptotheatre.org.uk PtO offers LAMDA examinations with excellent exam practice, delivered by professionally trained Drama UK accredited actors and directors whose mission is to hone individual talent encouraging team work with selfconfidence, creative expression

and imagination. Performance exams offer the opportunity to develop the life skills needed to become a success in every career path. Higher grades hold UCAS points with top results being the equivalent of an A at AS-level.

Purley Pointes/ Surrey Ballet Masters emmanorthmore@yahoo.com www.surreyballetmasters.co.uk Purley Pointes provide an exciting opportunity for talented dancers aged 7 to 18 to enhance the training they currently receive.

For more information please contact Emma Northmore on Spotlights Theatre School Faye Willingale, 020 8460 5711 www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk Fun performing arts classes from age 4 to 18. Expert tuition in drama, dance and singing offering children the opportunity to perform regularly in front of an audience to build their confidence. Spotlights casting agency (included with membership) offers opportunities to audition for film, TV, theatre and commercials. New classes now available at Venue 28 in Beckenham on Saturday afternoons (4 to 16 years) and Monday evenings (16 to 18).

Tried Stagecoach Teste d LOVE D Theatre Arts by School Epsom, Rachel, 01372 730363 Sutton, Jennifer, 01372 740284. Croydon, Rachel, 0845 265 7083. Shirley, Kim, 020 8949 1116. Coulsdon, Zoe Anne, 0845 078 0805. Mitcham, Claire, 020 8942 3502. Cheam & Worcester Park, Georgina - 020 8773 4242 Stagecoach Theatre Arts is a highly regarded network of performing arts schools with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide. Their goal is to inspire and enrich young people through the performing arts and introduce them to new opportunities in a happy, safe and secure environment. ®

Traymark Junior Dance School Tracy, 020 8643 5919 Traymark Junior dance offer Ballroom, Latin American and freestyle dancing for boys and girls aged 4 to 16 years on a Saturday morning in Mitcham.

Music ‘Feelthebeat’ Drum kit tuition Bernard, 07763518740 www.facebook.com/drumz4time Drum kit tuition aimed at beginners (6+), especially those preparing for the early stages of music grades. Feelthebeat aim is to help potential drummers gain confidence to develop the basic skills, practice habits and experience a sense of music inspired fun. The focus is on helping new drummers to learn good technique when playing drums, including good stick techniques as they transform into confident performers.

Tuition

11+ tuition by 11+ Brain Training 0845 056 8889 As leading providers of 11+ services, we offer group tuition for pupils preparing for the 11+ every Saturday morning. Classes commence on Saturday 26th September 2015. They focus on teaching valuable techniques for success in specific Maths and English topics each week.

Students are given homework on these weekly topics. Formal mock tests take place later.

To advertise your business with London-Surrey Borders Magazines and reach over 40,000 parents call Tamar on 01923 775680 or email: editor@families-lsb.co.uk

Imaginative Drama Classes

Growing Buds 2 - 4 years Full Blooms 4 - 7 years Budding Actors 7 - 10 years Classes in Carshalton, Cheam, dramabuds Croydon & Worcester Park adventure 020 8669 2355 parties too

www.dramabuds.co.uk

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September/ October 2015

www.families-LSB.co.uk

What’s on at the theatre Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families London-Surrey Borders!

The Colour House Theatre

Watermill Way SW19 2RD 020 8542 5511 www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk 5 Sep – 8 Nov The Wizard of Oz 2pm and 4pm, £10/ £12. Join the Colour House Theatre over the rainbow in Oz as you travel with Dorothy along the Yellow Brick Road all the way to the Emerald City.

Epsom Playhouse

Ashley Avenue, Epsom, KT18 5AL 01372 742 555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk 5 Sep How The Koala Learnt To Hug 2.30pm / Prices from: £8.50. 3+ How The Koala Learnt To Hug is a charming tale about the magic of family and the importance of a nice warm hug. Join Steven and a host of wild characters, including Natasha The Witch, the Reggae Beavers and Karen the Koala for some great stories, sing-a-long songs, superb games and first class hugging.

20 Sep Family Fun Day 11.30am / from £2. This will be the one of the biggest Family Fun Days to date with around 130 pitches/stalls, many running low cost children’s games, plus many free attractions, shows and presentations for the whole family.

20 Sep Sid’s Show 2.30pm / from £10. This exciting and colourful underwater adventure bubbles over with sea creatures, songs, stalagmites and wave after wave of educational interaction.

3 October Sing-a-long-a Frozen 1:30pm & 5pm / from £15. A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along during the film.

6 October Grandma Remember Me? Free but need to be booked 2pm & 7pm. Grandma Remember Me is the story of about a special relationship between a

granddaughter and her grandma.

It explores the importance of memories within our lives; how to keep and treasure them and supports a positive outlook of living well with dementia.

11 Oct Jurassic Adventures 2.30pm / From £11.25. Jurassic Adventures is a brand new production, set on a magical island, where anything might happen, with a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course Dinosaurs.

14 - 17 October Hello Dolly Thurs, Fri 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm / from £16. Hello Dolly tells the story of Dolly Levi, a glamorous, wise cracking woman with a big heart, who is a professional matchmaker, focussed on bringing love to the great and good of Manhattan.

Charles Cryer Studio

39 High Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3BB 020 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk 24 October House & Little Dog Barking present Duck, Death and the Tulip 1.30 & 4pm / £13.50 / £11.50 children / £45 family ticket.

Award winning puppetry about an unlikely friendship. Duck Death and the Tulip is an award winning performance for every small child and their grownup friends.

£11.50, Family ticket £48. join your ultimate arts and craft hero Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour.

18 October Peter and the Wolf Concert Hall. 4pm / £8. £7 for a group of 4. Explore great musical masterpieces of the past in an exciting journey of sound and imagination presented by Darrell Davison and the Croydon Symphony Orchestra. A brilliant programme of animal magic featuring cats, dogs, bears, birds and an angry wolf.

25 – 26 October Dinosaur Zoo Concert Hall . Sunday 2.30pm.

Monday 11am & 2pm. £14 & £16.50. Buy 10 for 11. Dinosaur Zoo is fast becoming a world-wide phenomenon, offering guaranteed fun for all the family.

27 October Thomas the Tank Engine Movie Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure Concert Hall. 11am / £2. Surprises await Thomas and his friends as they dig up their most daring

adventure yet. Join Thomas and Friends in this explosive movie adventure.

31 October - 1 November Peppa Pig’s Surprise!

Concert Hall 1pm & 4pm. Sunday 2.30pm & 4.30pm. Adults from £15.50 / Children from £13.50 / Family Ticket £62.50. Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back at Fairfield Halls in a brand new live stage show.

Polka Theatre

Wimbledon, SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 24 Sep – 4 Oct What to do when you find a dinosaur Age 4-8, £13.50/£10. In 1824 eccentric scientist William Buckland discovered a bone from a creature no one had ever heard of. Join him on a pre-historic dinosaur journey with humour, music and plenty of audience participation.

The Good Ship Lollypop

Fairfields Halls

Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk 10 October The Theatre Factory Workshop Free for show ticket holders. 11am The Theatre Factory Workshop allows young people the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ and fully produce, direct, design and light a play extract in just one hour.

17 October Mister Maker and The Shapes Live!

Ashcroft Theatre. 10am, 1pm & 4pm / Adults £15, Children

Funky and Fun Soft Play Venue with Amazing Birthday Party Packages

Open 7 days a week O7703 566411 rosie@thegoodshiplollypop.co.uk www.thegoodshiplollypop.co.uk KNK Staduim, Imperial Fields, Bishopford Rd, Morden, Surrey, SM4 6BD

London Surrey Borders

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Halloween and Autumn Half Term 24 October - 1 November Halloween events and activities with the National Trust Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 option 4 Thurs 29 – Sat 31 Oct 11am-3pm Dress up in your spookiest costume and join them for a day of Hallowe’en fun. Bring along a pumpkin and carve it, or have a go hunting for creepy crawlies.

Don’t forget to make some creepy crafts to take home and follow their spooky trail through the park if you dare. £4 per child. 4 years+.

Chartwell spotting some spooky items along the route and collect a prize at the end. 5–14 years of age. £1 per trail

garden for children dressed in Hallowe‘en costume. 50p per trail. 3+ with adult help.

© The National Trust

Ham House and Garden Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS 0844 249 1895 Hallowe’en fun – kids go free 26 Oct – Sun 1 Nov, 10am-5pm Ghostly garden trail with spooky prize and themed arts and crafts activities. Dress up in a Hallowe’en outfit and enjoy the spooky fun.

Winkworth Arboretum Godalming GU8 4AD 01483 208936 Fri 30 Oct, 11am – 1pm Spooky Trail & Pumpkin Carving Please bring your own pumpkin Free entry for all children in Hallowe’en costumes. Trail available from the kiosk

Claremont Landscape Garden Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JG 01372 467806 10.30am – 12.30pm Mon 26, Wed 28 & Fri 30 Oct Normal garden admission applies plus £1.50 per craft. Hallowe’en Themed craft workshops in the Thatched Cottage. Free entry to the garden for children dressed in Halloween costume. 3+ with adult help.

Chartwell & Ide Hill, Sevenoaks Kent, TN14 6BA 01732868381, 10am – 4pm Take a terrifying trip around

Sun 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 10am – 4pm (Sunday 3pm) A spooky trail available daily from the kiosk. Free entry to the

Garden Centre

Thur 29 Oct, 10.30am – 12.30pm Pumpkin Carving Get creative and decorate your pumpkin. Please bring your own pumpkin. Free entry to the garden for children dressed in Hallowe‘en costume. £1.50 per pumpkin. 4+ with adult help.

Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct 4.30pm – 5.30pm Family Ghost Tours Discover the ghostly goings on at Ham House and Garden; find out about their resident ghost dog and other sightings. £9.50 Booking is essential.

Sat 24 - Sat 31 Oct Ghost tours 24, 25, 30 & 31 Oct, 6pm-7.30pm 24, 25, 29 & 31 Oct 7.30pm-9pm Atmospheric after-hours ghost tour at this spooky time of year All tickets £22. Booking essential Ightham Mote Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT 01732810378 Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 11am-3pm Come and follow a pumpkin themed trail around the gardens.

On Saturday 31 between 12am3pm they have a Hallowe’en craft in the house, see what spooky character you can make. 4-10 years.

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September/ October 2015

Trick or treat crafts £3 per child Make your own trick or treat basket and Halloween masks. 4 + Fri 30 Oct, 5.30-9pm Explore Whitehall lit by candlelight. There will be spooky stories in the attic (6pm and 8pm), Halloween crafts in the Tudor bedroom and a kids trail around the house with ghoulish treats for those who complete it. Free. 4 + Sat 31 Oct, 12-3pm Seriously spooky skulls Series of crafts inspired by the Mexican “Dia de los Muertos” festival. There will be the chance to make felt sugar skulls, sugar skull paperweights and even sugar skull masks! 4 + friendsofwhitehallcheam.co.uk © The National Trust

Chessington Garden Centre Surrey KT9 2NG 01372 725638 17th Oct -1st Nov Spooky Zoo offers visitors a unique and fascinating chance to handle, and have their photo taken with a variety of exotic reptiles held within their specially prepared and themed ‘Spooky Zoo’ enclosure. Each experience lasts approximately 45 minutes during which time visitors will not only learn from the experts on hand about the reptiles on display, including lizards, snakes and crocodiles, but braver guests can get up close and personal and handle the reptiles themselves, for that perfectly spooky photo opportunity.

Hatchlands Park Surrey, GU4 7RT 01483 222482 Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 11am-4pm Normal admission applies plus £2 per child. Enjoy ghoulish arts and crafts and follow the spooky fun trails through the parkland. www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Roll up, roll up, introducing Chessington Garden Centre, Cirque Normandie’s horrifyingly good Halloween Circus. Hosted in a striking Halloween themed, cobweb covered, pumpkin filled Big Top which has been taken over by a group of scary ghosts, this unique show will follow the enchanting story of the ‘Sweet & Sour’ Fairy while providing all the thrills and skills of the circus.

Whitehall Historic House 1 Malden Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM3 8QD 0208 770 5670 Thur 29 Oct, 1-4pm

Plus, join in for a seriously scary ‘Spooky Tea’ - a terrifyingly good, fun filled teatime treat. Served in a special and fantastically themed award winning Sedum restaurant, www.families-LSB.co.uk

Halloween half term

Bocketts Farm Park 24th Oct - 1st Nov 2015

WIZARDS & WITCHES WEEK ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT! Hundreds of pumpkins!

Wizards and Witches Quiz Trail!

Reptile Roadshow!

Creepy crafts! kids can be treated to a true Halloween feast, full of ghoulish delights and a host of trick or treat surprises. They’ll also be Halloween related fun and games, provided by the DEBRA charity, taking place throughout the events. For more information and booking details, visit the website: chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Children will be spellbound at the Witches and Wizards Academy.

A children’s trail will take place throughout the grounds with a chocolate prize at the end. A fancy dress competition takes place daily, while spellbinding stories will entertain younger children.

Entry included with ticket (a small additional charge applies for trail).

4yrs + www.leeds-castle.com

Birdworld Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD 01420 22992 / 22140 Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct, 11am – 4pm Visit Birdworld for a haunting good time and ‘magic’ up a little something for the spooky season.

Walk through the creepy corridors of our unique Halloween Grotto to see a spectacle of spooks and a coven of wicked witches. Plenty of fun with a little bit of fright! www.birdworld.co.uk

RHS Garden Wisley Surrey GU23 6QB 0203 1765840 Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov Families can discover the spooky woodlands at RHS Garden Wisley this Halloween with a fun-filled week of activities and workshops.

Learn all about hedgehogs through storytelling, plant some seeds, carve a pumpkin, make a spooky woodland hat and build a den. Activities vary daily, check the website for details. Some activities require advance booking, pumpkin carving costs £4 per pumpkin.

Pumpkin carving children 6+ and over and accompanied by an adult. www.rhs.org.uk /wisely

© Brocketts Farm

Bocketts Farm Park Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS 01372 363764 Sat 24th Oct – Sun 1 Nov 10am – 5.30pm Enjoy a full packed programme of fun and freaky activities including a Quiz Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! There will be hundreds of pumpkins on sale too! Daily activities include pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing, plus you can meet and feed all of the friendly farm animals. With a large heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal go karts and a jumping pillow, there’s plenty to keep the whole family amused, whatever the weather! 3 + www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Leeds Castle Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL Sat 24 –Sat 31 Oct 10am – 5pm Witches and Wizards Academy

PLUS: A HEATED INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN,

Don’t Miss… Animal Handling, Goat Milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides, Go-Karting and Pig racing EVERYDAY!

WHATEVER THE WEATHER!

D AR AW WI NN ING !

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.

#

SPECIAL

OFFER

£1 OFF full price farm entry per person* Valid from 1st Sept – 23rd Oct 2015.

Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people).

FM

Honeywood Museum Carshalton, Surrey SM5 3NX 020 8770 4297 Sun 25 Oct, 2pm-5pm Spooky Afternoon. Frighteningly good fun! Crafts include make a stained glass window, skull masks, handprint ghosts spooky mobile and more. Halloween trail with spooky jokes. 3-12 years www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk The Mid Hants Railway The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG 01962 733810 30 - 31 Oct Wizard Weekend Watch the Watercress Line transform in to a place of magic and mischief on Halloween! Walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket; the famous film location from Kings Cross station that is now here at the Watercress Line!

Fancy dress. Find out about bats, owls plus Wizard magic shows. www.watercressline.co.uk

London Surrey Borders

21

What’s on

Every Sun in September Family Sundays Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk 12–4pm, £5 adults, £3 children.

A regular event for families to explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet. Packed full of creative and practical activities for all the family including informal performances from Royal Ballet dancers, plus interactive singing and dance activities.

4 - 5 September Beer by the River Morden Hall Park Morden, SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850. Enjoy a beer alongside the River Wandle at our third family beer festival. Offering live music, local street food and vintage rides, it is the perfect day out! Check the weather and dress to relax and party. Paddock area next to Garden Centre.

Dogs on leads welcome. Children welcome. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/morden-hall-park

Every Thurs in September Family Bat Walks The London Wetlands Centre Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk See these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics. Learn more about them with a talk by one of the Wetlands Centre’s bat experts before heading out to the reserve.

Ages 8+, starts at sunset, £10, price includes admission into the centre for the bat walk only.

5 & 19 Sepember Museum Club Bourne Hall Museum Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734. 1pm - 2.30 pm £4 per child per meeting. We run a successful children’s club which meets on the second Saturday of each month. Each session is on a different theme and we regularly have visiting re-enactors, many of whom have been on TV, to bring these meetings to life. We are the club for children 8 to 12+ who have an interest in history. www. epsomandewellhistoryexplorer. org.uk/BourneHallMuseumClub

12 September Bat Walk Whitehall Museum Cheam, SM3 8QD 020 8643 1236 7.45pm-9.45pm Bats start to ‘swarm’ at the end of the year, which may fulfil a social function or be part of the mating process. They’ll walk and talk about bats and see if, using bat detectors, we can find any swarming bats. Booking is essential 19 - 20 Sepember London Open House Weekend Whitehall Museum 10am - 5pm. Free As well as offering visitors a unique insight into the Grade II listed building there will be children’s crafts sessions taking place in the Tudor Bedroom.

26 September & 31 October Sutton Local Produce and Craft Market Sutton Town Square High Street, Surrey, SM1 1DU 10am-4pm. Bringing the best in local food to the heart of Sutton and also showcasing local craft and community projects.

29 September & 27 October Classical Babies Epsom Methodist Church Ashley Rd, Epsom , KT18 5AQ Coco Azoitei, 07966 446152, antonia@classicalbabies.com The music is carefully chosen to appeal to both babies and adults and performed by professional musicians, ranging from harpists and sopranos, to trumpeters and string quartets. With soft flooring and toys for the babies and coffee and cake for the adults, concerts don’t come more relaxed and baby-friendly than this! 11am

30th - 31st OCTOBER IT’S TIME TO BOARD THE WIZARD EXPRESS!

w w w. w a t e r c r e s s l i n e . c o. u k 22 September/ October 2015

3 & 17 October Museum Club Bourne Hall Museum Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF 020 8394 1734 1pm - 2.30pm / £4 per child We run a successful children’s club which meets on the second Saturday of each month. Each session is on a different theme and we regularly have visiting re-enactors, many of whom have been on TV, to bring these meetings to life. We are the club for children 8 to 12+ who have an interest in history. www. epsomandewellhistoryexplorer. org.uk/BourneHallMuseumClub

© PR Shots for Monsoon

What’s on

Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families LondonSurrey Borders!

11 October Mud Larking by the Thames Millennium Bridge Bankside, SE1 9TG Contact Natasha by email: natasha.ascott@muddypuddles. com.

Dig around for ancient treasures on this muddy outing to the banks of the river Thames. An archaeologist will tell stories of the area’s previous inhabitants and help identify any mysterious goods that get pulled out from the depths. Once they’re all trawled out children will be given hot chocolate and mud pies to warm up with. The event is free but places must be reserved by contacting Natasha. 11am. Free.

Mum2mum Market 5 September United Church of St Mark Great Tattenhams, Epsom Downs, KT18 5RD 2 - 4 pm 26 September Ruxley Church Epsom, KT19 0JG 2 - 4 pm

mum2mummarket.co.uk Sell your preloved maternity, baby and children’s items (0-6 years) and keep 100% of the profits or BUY and pick up fantastic bargains at a fraction of high street prices!

To include your events in our what’s on pages, please email: editor@families-lsb.co.uk www.families-LSB.co.uk

Classifieds

October Half Term Clubs & Classes

Tuition

Parties

Southern Tutors Saturday and Holiday 11plus courses. GCSE. A level.

01372 721119 07986 564 651 info@southerntutors.co.uk www.southerntutors.co.uk

www.magictheo.com

Award Winning Magician For Children & Adults Free Magic Wand & Certificate for Birthday Child

(Magic Circle & Equity) 07711 724129

Wills & Family Services 26 - 30 October Croydon High Sports Club Activity Camps www.croydonsportsclub.co.uk

8.30am-5.30pm Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon Surrey, CR2 8YB 020 8657 9313 Daily Activity Camp for ages 5 to 14 years including swimming, arts and crafts, sports, party games and much more. £29 per day or £125 for the full week.

Drum Tuition for all ages!

Beginners and children welcome DBS cleared tutor. Tel: 07763518740

Drum Tuition for all ages!

Beginners and children welcome DBS cleared tutor. Tel: 07763518740

Protect Your Family Now & Make A Will Are you married, separated, or divorced?

Then you need a Will.

Tel: 0208 681 7531/ 07434 604 575 Email: adele@surreywills.uk www.surreywills.uk

Homeworking opportunities Fun Home Business

26 – 28 October Southern Tutors Intensive 11 plus Course www.southerntutors.co.uk

Interested in making money with your smartphone?

9.30am-3.30pm Rosebery School Epsom, Surrey.

07986564651 Intensive exam course for 11 plus entry, aimed at 8-11 year olds

26 – 30 October Sports Village Half Term Holiday Camp www.thesportsvillage.org.uk

Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, SM1 3HH 020 8641 6611 This half term they are offering two main holiday camps for 5 - 12 years; morning tennis camp and afternoon multi-sports camp.

Top Tutors

Call 020 3287 5115 (24 hours) or visit www.showandtellcards.com

Tutors with a difference offering 1:1 private tuition and group sessions with debating and mentoring.

Call now on 07580 423418 or e-mail toptutors5@gmail.com

Promote your business to over 42,000 readers per issue for as little as £60 per year.

Call us on 01923 775680

T O P Ages 7 to 11+ (incl. GCSE) Tu t o r s

Maths & English

Sutton & Wallington to Croydon & Streatham

Morning tennis camp 9am – 12.30pm (£21). Afternoon multisport camp 1.30pm – 5pm (£21). Full days 9am – 5pm includes the morning tennis camp, a supervised lunch 12.30pm-1pm and an afternoon of multi-sports (£33). £149 for the full week Home of Sutton Tennis Academy means they have the facilities to introduce children to tennis, developing basic skills through a fun games-based approach. Their multi-sports program is an action-packed camp for kids to play hockey, circuits, basketball, cricket, football and tennis.

The No. 1 Mock Test Provider

www.mocktestmasters.com

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Thousands of satisfied customers Detailed feedback reports included Results and feedback within days Access to all questions and answers Quality questions by 11+ specialists Mock test answer papers returned FREE 11Plus Checklist in all subjects FREE 11Plus online practice software

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My husband and I were very impressed with how organised the mock tests our daughter sat in May was. The feedback report was excellent. Thank you.

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For more information call us today on 0208 669 2197 London Surrey Borders

23

come and join the fun at our award winning indoor adventure park The largest indoor play centre in London Discover our Toddler Village, new climbing zone, Go-Kart track & Thunderball City.

BANSTEAD, CLAYGATE, EWELL AND ESHER AREAS E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

• A fantastic range of parties, including Laser Tag and Teddy Bear Workshop.

• Our Pod Pizzeria provides homemade stone-baked pizzas.

EPSOM, OXSHOTT, BOCKETTS FARM PARK AND LEATHERHEAD AREAS E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 841 303 SOUTH CROYDON, CATERHAM AND PURLEY AREAS E: southcroydon.caterham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0203 251 1061

Find us at: The Colonnades, 619 Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 4RQ T: 0208 686 0040 E: croydonenquiries@kidspaceadventures.com www.kidspaceadventures.com Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time.

KID_CRO10231_QuarterPg_02.indd 1

06/02/2015 14:31

®

Meet giant LEGO brick animals 3 October to 8 November

The MultiSports Group

See our nine larger than life animals. And make your own LEGO® brick creature.

Change your game

MultiSports Sutton&Cheam Weekend sports for boys and girls aged 4 - 16 of all abilities Now accepting Childcare Vouchers

Tel: 01293 774051 www.themultisportsgroup.co.uk

Sign up NOW for our Autumn Spring Term Term

Cricket, Athletics, Tag Rugby, Netball, Archery, Football and many more!

September/ October 2015

wwt.org.uk/LEGOBrickAnimals Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 www.families-LSB.co.uk