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IN THIS ISSUE

Win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK stagecoach.co.uk/ cheamandworcesterpark COULSDON & CATERHAM stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

SUTTON stagecoach.co.uk/sutton SHIRLEY stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

CROYDON stagecoach.co.uk/croydon EPSOM stagecoach.co.uk/epsom Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

September/October 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 1

Families Magazine turns 30!

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IN THIS ISSUE

Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets guide * Play café * School open days * Reader offers

2020 Issue 10 March/April

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Entries close at midnight on 30th October 2020. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

2 September 2020

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CONTENTS

In This Issue

We’re Celebrating!

4

Local News

8

School News

There are some reasons to celebrate as we head into autumn.

10 Education 18 Early Years 21 What’s on 23 Halloween 26 Clubs & Classes 32 Activities

Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Our children will hopefully get to go back to school and nursery after a huge break, which is really good news for parents. This autumn also marks the 30 year anniversary of Families Magazine, first launched in London in 1990. Throughout the next 12 months, we’ll have lots of freebies on offer for our subscribers to mark this milestone. So sign up if you don’t want to miss out! It’s FREE. To get the ball rolling, we’re proud to offer you the chance to win a family holiday to Santa’s Lapland in Finland! See page 2 for details.

In the meantime, we hope you find this issue useful in negotiating the start to the new school and nursery year.

Perform returns with Covid Safe Confidence Building Fun

‘’We’ve always put children at the heart of everything we do, and we’re thrilled to be back in real life with classes filled with laughter, fun and confidenceboosting activities’’, Perform’s Principal, Lucy Quick.

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 3

LOCAL NEWS

Amy Yiannakou’s yummy world of cupcakes!

Enjoy a fun family day at the Farm

No matter the design asked, whether it be for a special occasion, such as a birthday or baby shower, PandiBakes can make any cupcake unique to your request that will bring the wow factor to any event.

Enjoy a safe and fun day out at Bocketts Farm with acres of play to explore and hundreds of animals to meet. Outdoor play includes jumping pillow, gokarts and ride on tractors, whilst indoors, the giant soft play barns are now open.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Play B C opens second site in Carshalton

Play B C Preschool are thrilled to be opening a second site in Carshalton this September which will be located at Old School House in Carshalton.

More than just a place, at Play B C every day is a learning adventure!

READ MORE 4 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS

A level and GCSE Success for Dunottar School Dunottar School pupils celebrated a strong set of GCSE and A level results this summer. These results are a testament to the pupils’ hard work and the school’s unique focus on pastoral care.

Every pupil is encouraged to achieve their best possible outcomes, academically and beyond the classroom. Pupils have not only demonstrated Warrior Learning characteristics during their year, but they are also committed sportspeople, talented musicians and performers and enthusiastic contributors to our extensive co-curricular programme.

READ MORE

Year 7 2021 Taster Morning: Saturday 10th October Register by 30th September to secure your child’s place.

Visit: www.dunottarschool.com/admissions for more information and to complete the online registration form.

Call our Admissions Team on 01737 761945.

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 5

LOCAL NEWS

Rare Highland Tiger cubs at the British Wildlife Centre

Watch their smiles grow with a Saturn V trampolining party

The Scottish Wildcat is Britain’s last remaining wildcat species and one of the UK’s rarest species. Weight for weight this super-predator is the most aggressive cat species in the world, earning it the welldeserved nickname, ‘Highland Tiger’. READ MORE

Trampolining is fun for all children! and there is nothing more delightful than to see a group of smiling and laughing children Families with their friends Special Offer whilst playing games.

READ MORE

BOCKETTS FARM PARK

IS OPEN!

Independent Co-educational Day School For Pupils Aged 3-18

Where Children Thrive

Nursery and Reception Places Available

Enjoy a fun and safe day out with acres of play to explore & hundreds of animals to meet.

The indoor play barns are now open too with reduced capacity and frequent sanitising.

ADVANCE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE

OPEN EVENTS

Thursday 24th September 6pm-8pm Sixth Form only

FG/SPRING2019

Friday 2nd October 9am-10.30am Whole School Saturday 3rd October 9.30am-11.30am Whole School Tuesday 6th October 9am-10.30am Whole School

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

6 September 2020

www.ewellcastle.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS

Stagecoach Performing Arts

ENROLLING NOW

Where children become everything they can be

Stagecoach Performing Arts nurtures the shy and apprehensive, until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy.

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 020 8773 4242 stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark

CROYDON 0845 265 7083 stagecoach.co.uk/croydon

SUTTON 01372 272561 stagecoach.co.uk/sutton

COULSDON & CATERHAM 0345 078 0805 stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon

EPSOM 01737 669504 stagecoach.co.uk/epsom

SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116 stagecoach.co.uk/shirley

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

familiesonline.co.uk

To find your nearest class please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk READ MORE September 2020 7

SCHOOL NEWS

Virtual Open Morning at Banstead Prep School Banstead Prep School is a coeducational prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2 – 11 where there’s more to a good education. The senior school standard facilities enable them to offer an exceptionally broad curriculum. The full programme of co-curricular clubs, breakfast club and after school care is also available to extend the school day for working parents, whether you’ve gone back to the office or are still working from home.

Whilst Banstead Prep can’t offer open mornings this term, you can visit at a time to suit you by experiencing their virtual Open Morning, available 24/7 at www.bansteadprep.com/admissions or call Mrs. Adrienne Forster, Head of Admissions on 01737 363600.

READ MORE

Independent school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2-11, where there’s more to a good education.

Click to take a virtual tour of our school.

SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737 363600

8 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

SCHOOL NEWS

Full steam ahead for Downsend School It’s full steam ahead for Downsend’s youngest children this autumn, with a new name, a new Head and a renewed energy for innovation!

Previously known as Pre-preps, the schools will now be known as ‘Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead’. In the simplest terms – little schools for little people, with very big ideas.

Each Little Downsend is overseen by the inspirational Mrs Vanessa Conlan and her experienced teams, who live and breathe the innovative STEAM curriculum whilst creating a warm and caring feel at each school.

Contact admissions to arrange a socially distanced personal tour of Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom or Leatherhead.

READ MORE

Marvellous minibeasts, building with bread and whittling elder. Just another normal day at Little Downsend.

Downsend’s STEAM focus is nurtured from day one.

Little Downsend is an innovative group of schools in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead.

Each school cares for children from Nursery to Year 1, before joining Downsend in Leatherhead in Year 2. We nurture and care for children at Little Downsend whilst preparing them for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach to learning that not only inspires young minds but fosters bravery, sparks imagination and creates opportunity every day.

To arrange a socially distanced personal tour of Little Downsend Ashtead, Epsom or Leatherhead, visit downsend.co.uk/admissions or call 07903 728915 to find out more. familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 9

EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Open events require advance booking, please call the school to check.

Croydon High School

Dunottar School

Croydon, CR2 8YB Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am 12.30pm.

Reigate, RH2 7EL Wed 14 Oct Tue 3 Nov Thu 19 Nov

Banstead Prep

Downsend School

Banstead, SM7 3RA Virtual Open Tours.

Kingswood House School Epsom, KT19 8LG Sat 19 Sep Fri 2 Oct Fri 6 Nov

10 September 2020

Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom Personal Tours Available.

Laleham Lea

Purley, CR8 3J Open Week Mon 21 – Thu 24 Sep

Homefield Preparatory Sutton, SM1 2TE Thu 24 Sep.

Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Ewell, KT17 2AW Fri 2 Oct Sat 3 Oct Tue 6 Oct

Old Palace School of John Whitgift Prep - South Croydon, CR2 7YN Senior – Croydon, CR0 1AX Sat 3 October

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

What Do We Say to the School about our Separation?

Five “Must-Do’s” When Choosing a School for your Child

Any parent who has been through a separation will understand the massive stress it involves and the anxiety around co-parenting. One of the important issues that can get overlooked in the mix is what to tell your child’s school.

READ MORE

It always makes sense to put your child at the centre of the process when choosing a school.

Parents know better than anyone how different individual children can be and individual schools can be very different too.

By Rebecca Giraud & Bob Greig

By Judith Judd

READ MORE

Coping with Back to School Stress

Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So what can we do to help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 11

EDUCATION

Free Learning Support Resources Need some additional tools to help your child catch up at school?

BBC Bitesize

Preschool, KS1, KS2+.

Oxford Owl

Early Years, KS1, KS2+.

BBC School Radio

Daily Phonics Lessons by Ruth Miskin Training

Mathematics Mastery Home Resources KS1, KS2.

Literacy Counts Home Learning Packs

Reception, KS1, KS2.

Bud’s Number Garden Game

Literacy Shed

NRICH Maths at Home Resources

Preschool, KS1.

Preschool, KS1.

12 September 2020

KS1, KS2.

Early Years, KS1, KS2.

KS1, KS2+.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Supporting a Dyslexic Child

By Ellie Malt “Do you think she might have dyslexia or something like that?” I asked.

I was standing in the playground with one of the teaching assistants, watching my 4 year old climb into her buggy, eager for her after-school snack. Although it was only her second term in Reception, I’d noticed she seemed uninterested in the alphabet, while other children could already write their names. But I was only really thinking out loud. Even to me, it seemed ridiculously early to be jumping to any conclusions. “Probably” she shot back over the general hubbub. I admit, I was shocked. But looking back years later, finally in possession of a formal diagnosis, I appreciate her honesty. I only wish I had acted sooner; it could have saved so much struggle and frustration.

READ MORE

Dyslexia Features

Sources of Help

Your child may:

British Dyslexia Association Advice and assessments. Find your local association.

• • • • •

Talk well but write little; Be a slow/reluctant reader; Struggle with spelling; Have difficulties with writing; Not always remember/ understand what he/she has just read; • Seem inattentive and unable to concentrate/remember instructions; • Have difficulty organising himself/herself; • Struggle to remember the order of things, eg days of the week. familiesonline.co.uk

The Dyslexia Association Screening, assessment, tuition, assistive technology training.

Dyslexia Assist Find local support.

Achieve Now Works with dyslexic pupils and IT. All services online.

IPSEA Free, independent legal information, advice and support.

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre Influential regional centre.

September 2020 13

EDUCATION

Top Homework Tips Where, When and How

Let THEM Do the Work

Create space. If possible, this should be a communal space but one with minimal distractions.

This enables parental supervision/input without it feeling like an intrusion.

Provide guidance, not answers.

Use questioning to help them get as close to the answer as they can but don’t tell them.

Establish a routine. Some children prefer to do homework straight after school; others need to ‘unwind’ or eat first. Whatever is decided, stick to it.

Get organised. Have your child do the hard work first when they are most alert. Help them make a “Done/To Do” list.

Let them make mistakes.

Giving answers means they will not learn the material and their teacher will not know how much they understand it.

Step in only when progress comes to a halt.

Encourage them to set small positive targets promoting independent working and selfsufficiency.

What YOU Can Offer Discuss homework. Even if you know nothing about a subject, you can still help just by talking, listening and helping them to find the right answer.

Use a timer. Challenge your child to estimate how long an assignment might take. Suggest setting a timer for that amount of time, or less.

Encourage. Praise effort not achievement. Focus on hard work or improved concentration, handwriting or presentation.

Make it positive. Tell them how important school is. Your attitude to homework will influence their attitude.

14 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Local Academic Tuition

Explore Learning

Excel Tuition

First Class Learning

Maths & English SATs & 11 Plus tuition.

Croydon Tuition in key academic subjects.

Kumon

Maths and English study programme.

Maths Masters

Epsom,Tadworth & Redhill Professional, affordable maths tuition clubs for Key Stages 1-2.

Mock Test Masters

Parch Hill Tuition

Southern Tutors

Starlight Learning

Croydon Maths and English tuition for ages 5-18-years.

familiesonline.co.uk

11 +, key stage 2 Maths and English tuition.

Various locations Expert English and Maths tuition for all ages and abilities.

Sutton, Croydon and Wallington Specialist providers of 11+ mock tests in the UK.

Kenley, Caterham, Purley and Coulsdon Tuition for children in Years 3- 6.

September 2020 15

EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Duck and Penguin That Dog! Things I Love by Emma Lazell.

Do Not Like Bear Will smart dog outwit the Susie Linn/Alex Willmore.

Sleepovers Julia Woolf.

Night time adventure for babies/toddlers.

dog-nappers?

For babies/toddlers.

Scenes and activities little ones will recognise.

For babies/toddlers.

The Diddle That Dummed

It’s OK to Cry

I’m Sticking with You

Kes Gray/Fred Blunt.

Laughter, music, word play & silliness. Ages 3+.

Molly Potter/Sarah Jennings.

Great intro to emotions.

Ages 3+.

Moth

The Blue Giant

Egneus. Powerful/ visually spectacular evolution story.

Ages 5+.

story about pollution in our oceans.

Ages 5+.

Smriti Halls/Steve Small.

A story about friendship.

Ages 3+.

Super Milly and the

By Isabel Thomas/Daniel By Katie Cottle. Poignant Super School Day

16 September 2020

By Owen Millward.

Upbeat/funny picture book about kindness.

Ages 5+.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

18 Top New Children’s Books for Autumn

Mermaid School: Ready, Steady, Swim!

Noah Wild and the Floating Zoo

Lucy Courtenay/Sheena Dempsey. An underwater school story. Ages 7+.

Alexander Mccall Smith.

An ordinary boy’s heartwarming/extraordinary feat. Ages 7+.

Louis Sachar/Aleksei Bitskoff. Brilliantly illustrated story of mixedup mayhem. Ages 7+.

My Name is River

Turtle Boy

Health Heroes

The Virus

Return to Wonderland

The Unadoptables

Beneath the Cloud of Doom

Emma Rea. M. Evan Wolkenstein.

Emily Sharratt.

Thrilling, ecological A story offering hope/ ‘Health heroes’ talk adventure in the Amazon new perspectives to life’s about their working lives. jungle. Ages 9+. outsiders. Ages 9+.

Ages 9+.

Ben Martynoga/Moose Allain.

Explores the science behind viruses/Covid-19 pandemic. Ages 11+. familiesonline.co.uk

Wonderland-inspired stories from top contemporary authors.

Ages 11+.

Hana Tooke/Ayesha L.Rubio.

Adventure set in oldworld Amsterdam/ surrounds. Ages 11+.

September 2020 17

EARLY YEARS

A-Z of Early Years Activities

By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

Animal Hunt. Search for tiny creepy crawlies, the chirpy in the trees kind and the bigger more exciting kind!

Baking. Use overripe bananas to bake muffins. Or roll out some biscuit dough.

Cardboard Creations. A pirate ship, a car, or a doll’s bed? Save a box, colour it in or cut it up!

Den building. Inside with chairs and sheets. Outside with pieces of wood!

Envelope Endeavours. Send photos/stickers or a letter/card to a friend/family member.

Film Fun. Make popcorn, print off ‘cinema tickets’ and snuggle up.

Garden Growing. Ingredients: patch of soil for digging/planting, old spoons for digging and water for watering!

Hiking. Pack a bag and snacks/ drinks. Get your kids excited about a little ‘hike.’

Imaginary Play. Kids LOVE it!

Visit the doctors or take a pet to the vet!

Jumble Sale Jollies. Involve kids in sorting things for charity or a jumble sale.

Kickabout. Visit the park with a ball – run, jump, slide, shout!

Learning through Play...is the best way! Games like i-spy improve letter/sound recognition.

Mud Mess. It’s such FUN! Make mud pies.

Noise. Bang pans; pick out a tune/rhythm with bells or drums.

18 September 2020

Outdoor Painting. Paint leaves/stones. Add food colouring to bubbles and ‘paint’ windows – it washes off!

Puzzles. Jigsaws develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.

Quiet. Help your little one enjoy quieter things - small world toys, books, colouring or painting.

Reading. Make reading special.

Try different voices to captivate your child’s imagination.

Safari Special. Hide toy animals (or pictures) around your home. Grab paper/pen and go on safari. Write down the animals you see.

Treasure Time. Make a map and hide “treasure.” Grab a toy sword and battle pirates as you search for it!

Under the Stars. Show your toddler the twinkling lights from galaxies far away.

Virtual Fun. Journey down the Amazon; enjoy a virtual roller coaster ride!

Water. As a wise person once said: when a child is grumpy “just add water!”

X-Ray. Draw around your child’s body. Stick the drawing on the floor. Draw in bones, explaining what they are and what they do.

Yoga. Find great kid-friendly options on Youtube.

ZZZZ….Time to sleep. familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Early Years Directory

Bambini Nursery

King Fisher Nursery

Thornton Heath, Croydon Ewell KT19 0EB & Coulsdon Full day and nursery day Baby Unit, Day Nursery sessions for children from 3 months – 5 years. and Pre-school providing a ‘home-from-home’.

Children’s House Nursery School

Little Learners Day Nursery

Sutton SM1 2RG Montessori offering spaces for children between 2 to 5 years.

Croydon & Purley High quality affordable childcare.

Tadworth Tots Nursery

Shapes Day Nursery

KT20 5RU Offering morning and afternoon sessions to children aged 2–5. familiesonline.co.uk

Reigate, Epsom & Banstead Independent nurseries for 100 children 0-5yrs

Brightsparks Day Nurseries

Purley, Old Coulsdon, South Croydon & Selsdon From 3 months - 5 years.

Play BC

Wallington & Carshalton Teacher-led preschool for children between 2 – 5. NEW venue in Carshalton.

The Railway Children Kindergarten

Epsom Downs KT17 4JP Independent nursery for children aged 2–4.

September 2020 19

EARLY YEARS

Clever Ways to Get your Child Eating Healthily

Childcare Post Lockdown

Do you dread mealtimes? Does your child have little interest in broccoli and beans? Whether you’re trying baby-led weaning or desperate to get vegetables into a pre-schooler, here’s our tips on how to give your child the best start at the dinner table.

As childcare opens up postlockdown, there is a sense of unease about whether it’s safe to send our children back to nursery. Of course, we want to protect them. So how are nurseries making their environment safe for our children?

READ MORE

By Gabrielle Nash

READ MORE

More Healthy Eating Tips Dr Pandora Giles (University of East London) outlines her ideas.

• Make meal times fun. Chat, sing, talk about the food.

• Encourage food play. Make faces out of fruit or a forest with broccoli!

• Offer new foods alongside a favourite.

• Swap excessive milk/juice between meals for water if your child is eating little.

• Have clear mealtimes of around 20 minutes.

• Eat with your child. Offer encouragement.

• It’s never too late. Tastes change, so you can introduce variety at any point.

20 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Go Local with Families this Autumn

Free Download

Box Hill

Claremont Spartan School

Champion Tree Trail

Free downloadable walks around Box Hill.

Step out for some fresh air, exercise and a chance to enjoy the

Have a go at the Spartan challenge on your way around Claremont.

Champion trees are those that are either the tallest, widest (or both) for that species.

Whitehall Historic House Open

Honeywood Museum Open

Rhymetime Online Sutton Libraries

Visitors are enjoying days out viewing the new exhibitions and children’s activity packs.

Visitors are enjoying days out viewing the new exhibitions and children’s activity packs.

Tune into their Facebook page, every weekday at 11.15am to let your young ones clap & sing along.

What’s On Sutton Heritage Activity Booklet

Learn about the history of our local area with free downloadable sheets. familiesonline.co.uk

The Dinosaur Project

Dinosaur activity packs to download at home.

3-7yrs.

More What On

Pick up your copy of Families LSB or download it online for our full Sep/Oct What’s On guide.

September 2020 21

WHAT’S ON

22 September 2020

2439-Halloween-2020-87x130mm-AW.indd 1

familiesonline.co.uk

02/09/2020 2420-Christmas-2020-87x130mm-AW.indd 15:06 1

07/09/2020 18:11

HALLOWEEN

PandiBakes Ghost Cupcakes Method: 1. Roll out a small sausage shape of white icing and cut off one end to make it flat.

2. Roll out the white icing to about 2mm thick.

3. Cut out a circle using your circle cutter.

You will need: • Cupcake and buttercream

4. Coat the sausage slightly (not too much) with water this will help the icing to stick to the other icing.

• Piping bag and piping nozzle or just 5. Place the circle of icing over the a knife is fine. sausage shape, pulling out the bottom slightly so it starts to look • Large circle cutter 7cm but any like the sheet of the ghosts. circle will do just change the size of your sausage shape.

6. Next roll to small green balls, pea sized and then two smaller balls in • White fondant icing or rolling icing black.

• Green fondant icing or rolling icing 7. Again use a little water to stick the • Black fondant icing or rolling icing green balls onto the white sheet at the top and then the black in the • Halloween sprinkles middle of the green, to make the ghosts eyes.

• A little water

Welcome to the yummy world of PandiBakes

Selling Bespoke Cupcakes, Cupcake Bouquets, Cake and Cupcake Toppers & Cupcake Classes for all ages.

8. Pipe the buttercream onto the cupcake or if you don’t have a piping bag and nozzle, use a knife to spread the buttercream onto the cupcake.

9. If you piped the buttercream, sprinkle some sprinkles over the top and place your ghost in the middle.

For more information contact Amy Yiannakou amy@pandibakes.co.uk 07516 961799 www.pandibakes.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

10. Alternatively, dip your spread buttercream cupcake into the sprinkles in a bowl and put a little buttercream at the bottom of the ghost and place in the middle of the sprinkled top.

September 2020 23

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Recipes Creative Halloween party snacks for all the family to enjoy making and eating.

Sticky Toffee Apples

Spider Pizzas

Frozen Banana Ghosts

Scary Halloween Jelly

Sausage Mummy Dippers

Halloween Cupcakes

Spooky Pumpkin Soup

Eerie Eyeball Pops

Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

24 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

HALLOWEEN

9 Best Halloween Games Perfect for a small gathering or indoor family fun!

Halloween Pinata

Sticky Spider Web Game

Pumpkin Golf

Halloween Bingo

Halloween Tin Can Bowling

Apple Bobbing

Pin the Tail on the Black Cat

Toilet Paper Mummy Game

Doughnut Eating Race

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 25

CLUBS & CLASSES

Preschool and Toddler Classes Live & Local

Aquatots

Gymboree Play & Music

Teddies Music Club

Various locations Swim programme for children from 10 weeks to 7 or 8.

Face to face classes for 0-5s on patented apparatus.

Face to face and online music toddler groups for 0-5s.

My Gym Wallington

Monkey Music

Sing & Sign

Wallington SM6 8SY Fantastic fun filled programs for ages 6 weeks – 10 years.

Various locations Award winning music classes for babies and young children.

Various locations Baby singing and signing class.

Rugbytots

Little Gym

Cavat School

A fun and dynamic PreSchool programme for 2-7-year old boys and girls.

26 September 2020

Face to face and online gymnastics activities for 4mths-12yrs.

Purley Fun performing arts school from 18 months - 4 years. familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Performing Arts Classes Live & Local

Ashtead Ballet School

Ambition Dance

Ashtead and Epsom Ballet, Tap, Modern dance. Ages 3 years +.

Epsom Dance classes for children aged 18 months to adult.

Dance Studio 84

Ewell Dance

Bright Sparks Performers

Croydon Boys and girls classes from 2-18 years.

Firebird Academy of Ballet

Sanderstead Royal Academy of Dance ballet school.

Ages 3 to adult.

Ewell, Epsom and Stoneleigh All types of dance for ages 2 to adult.

Coulsdon Ballet training to ages 3 years +.

Perform

Presto Performing Arts

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Purley, Caterham, Reigate, Oxted Performing Arts classes. 3 – 10 years. familiesonline.co.uk

Sutton and Wallington Performing Arts for all children aged 4-16.

Various locations Dance, Singing, and Acting. Ages 4-18.

September 2020 27

CLUBS & CLASSES

Active Sports Clubs Live & Local

2play Football

Croydon Football coaching for children 5–8 years.

Flexi Flics Gymnastics

Coulsdon, Reigate, Warlingham & Kenley Gymnastics for age 4+.

MultiSports Sutton and Cheam Multisports classes with 18 different sports a year. 4-16 years.

28 September 2020

Axten 1-2-1 Private Football Coaching

Epsom Fencing Club

Future Gymnastics

Great Waves Swimming Academy

London and Surrey 1-1 football coaching.

Carshalton Fun gymnastics sessions for children from 3 +.

Skills UK

Croydon and Sutton Weekly football sessions for ages 2-11 years.

Epsom Coaching in all 3 weapons. All abilities and all ages.

Lessons for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Star Tastic Gymnastics

Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Reigate.

Classes for all ages. familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Art, Language and Music Classes Live & Local

A to G Music School

Sutton 1-1 lessons. Instruments and vocal coaching.

Craft My Day Worcester Park KT4 8HY Arts and crafts activities.

Realistic Music Academy

Epsom Contemporary music academy. familiesonline.co.uk

Art K

David Thomas Organist

Various locations Art K cater for art learning both in the studio and at home.

South Croydon Tuition in organ, piano and music theory.

Rock Project Croydon

Petite Ecole Reigate

Caterham and Purley Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Vocals.

Reigate French classes every Saturday. Ages 4 16.

Krafty Kids Club

Surrey Sound of Music School

Various locations Arts & Crafts club for children of all ages.

Lessons in piano, singing, flute, violin, drums, guitar & more.

September 2020 29

HEALTH

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Children with OCD: Recognising the Signs

Transitions are always stressful, and even more so if you have been out of the swing of things for a while. Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories has created a guide to give you some ideas about the best ways to support your child through separation anxiety.

Children worry. Feeling anxious, having doubts, or being worried is normal at any age. However, those who are experiencing OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), may feel unable to stop focussing on those feelings – no matter how much they want to.

This can compel them to behave in particular ways.

READ MORE

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Keep it Moving!

By Gabrielle Nash @thelondonishmum

One of the pleasant, unexpected consequences of lockdown, was witnessing so many families taking to their screens for some physical activity courtesy of the likes of Joe Wicks and Cosmic Kids Yoga. Wouldn’t it be amazing to stay motivated to be physically active?

READ MORE 30 September 2020

Top Tips for Getting Active

Don’t be over-ambitious.

Be active often, rather than attempting a 10 mile hike!

Make it fun. Dance! Put on some tunes that get your kids moving.

Set screen time limits.

Make time. Think of creative ways to be extra active. Can you cycle to a friend’s house? Can you get off the bus one stop earlier? It all counts.

Look for new options. New places to visit for physical activity or new types of activity to try.

Set a good example. Live an active life. Explain to your children that it makes you feel good and STRONG! familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Who Will Take Care of the Children IF….?

Busting the Myths about Adoption: Are you Eligible?

It’s tough deciding who will take care of your children if the worst happens and they no longer have a parent around. Unfortunately, in this eventuality, the situation is not straightforward for your children. Find out why.

Sadly, the number of children in care being adopted each year has fallen, while the number being looked after by local authorities is steadily rising. So there’s a continuing need to find more adoptive parents to look after vulnerable children.

READ MORE

By Andrew Campbell

READ MORE

Meaningful Moments

By Claire Winter

We all lead busy lives, with endless to-do lists and children with many hobbies.

Naturally family time can fall by the wayside sometimes.

Yet spending time together is essential if we want a happy and inclusive family environment.

So why not plan some family moments this autumn?

READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 31

ACTIVITIES

Autumn Outdoors Enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities with the family.

Bark Rubbing

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Conkers

Mushroom Hunting

Tree Decorating

Making and Flying a Kite

Building a Hedgehog Home

Litter Picking

Making a Leaf Maze

32 September 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

Great Autumn Crafts Join our friends at MyBaba and get crafty with the kids!

Autumn Leaf Pictures

3D Autumn Tree Craft

Autumn Leaf Sun Catchers

Autumn Play Dough

Painted Leaves

Leaf Rubbing Busy Bag

Animal Seed Collage

Leaf Chromatography

Autumn Sensory Tray

familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 33

ACTIVITIES

9 Best Board Games For rainy weekends and as the nights draw in!

Djeco Little Circuit

Shopping List

Peppa Pig Muddly Puddle Game

Great first game with simple rules and quick games. Ages 2.5-5yrs.

Fast paced game testing memory and matching skills.

Ages 3+.

Help George jump over muddles puddles to climb the hill. Ages 4+.

Cheeky Monkeys

Bananagrams

Jenga

Hang the monkey on the tree. Fun game of chance. Ages 4-8yrs.

Fast paced version of Scrabble. Ages 7+.

Take wooden blocks off the tower without it toppling! Ages 6+.

Monopoly Deal

Hey, That’s My Fish!

Einstein Eats Eggs

15 minute Monopoly – perfect intro to this classic game. Ages 8+.

34 September 2020

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. For ages 8+.

High speed Charadestype guessing game.

Ages 10+.

familiesonline.co.uk