Families NW London Mar/Apr 22 Digital issue by Families Magazine

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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Easter Family life Travel

March/April 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 1

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CONTENTS

In this issue

Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR:

Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK

Where is Families North West London?

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

4 11 12 15 16 19 20 23 27 30 32 35

Education Mindfulness colouring Early years Health Clubs & classes directory Holiday camps What’s on Easter Family life Mother’s Day gifts Travel Spring outdoors

Competition winners from our November/December issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

ug A 8 2 – l u J 12

KIDS GOICE* HALF PR * Mon-Thurs, excl Band AA. Subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at any time.

Familiesonline.co.uk

openairtheatre.com March/April 3

Part of Family Weekend 2022

balletLORENT The Lost Happy Endings

15 – 16 April

15 & 16 April Xenia Aidonopoulou & Georgia Tegou – Underwater, Lillian Baylis Studio 4 March/April Familiesonline.co.uk created for babies 0-24 months and their grown up’s

A78137_Reddiford_General Advert_v01.pdf

07/01/2022

EDUCATION

11:23

REDDIFORD SCHOOL Long Established Reputation for Academic Excellence Limited places available in our Early Years & Certain Year Groups

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 years 9 months to 11

5th IN THE TOP 100 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Frequently Asked Questions

(Sunday Times)

CMY

STANBOROUGH SECONDARY SCHOOL

• • • • •

Academically selective 100% excellence in all areas - Independent Schools Inspectorate Children prepared for Independent / Grammar Schools’ entrance exams Academic excellence in a warm and caring environment Outstanding staff / pupil ratio across all year groups

To visit the school, please contact:

The Admissions Secretary, Reddiford School, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx, HA5 5HH. Tel: 020 8866 0660 • Email: admissions@reddiford.org.uk

Established. 1913

www.reddiford.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641

Stanborough Park Secondary School is a co-educational independent Christian School, for pupils aged 11-16, located in Watford, Hertfordshire

What is the average class size at Stanborough? We have small classes (ratio of 1:8 on average), allowing us to give tailored and precise help where this is required. This allows us fast-track learning as well as a more nurturing and supported approach for all.

Do students perform well academically? Alongside our able students, we also have pupils who arrive at Stanborough below national expectation and leave having made excellent progress – allowing for excellent GCSE results. Last year, 95% of our students achieved grade 4 or higher in 5 or more of their GCSE’s including Maths and English.

Does Stanborough School have an educational philosophy? We develop the whole child, make children feel safe and put the child at the forefront of everything we do. Our philosophy, epitomised in our motto (God is the Master of our School), has shaped many generations of families educated at Stanborough since 1919. Our values of excellence, respect, courage, resilience, helpfulness and integrity enable our children to grow in confidence, and to better appreciate each other.

My child has special needs. Do you offer extra support to the students?

Holland House School

We believe that an individualised and inclusive support infrastructure including regular contact with parents is essential for helping students reach their full potential. We teach a personalised curriculum catered to meet the needs of students of all backgrounds, including disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs.

How diverse is your school? We provide choice, diversity, and excellence to our students. In many cases, the prestige and world-wide fame of a private institution attracts international interest, meaning classrooms become multi-national spaces in which students interact with children from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Does Stanborough schools run entrance exams? As an inclusive school our entrance exams do not determine whether a child is accepted or not. These tests are used to identify gaps in learning. If the family has the right principles, they will be welcome into our family.

What is Stanborough School’s admission process?

An independent, non-denominational school in NW London, for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years.

Registration for Reception (Sept 2023 entry) is open Private School Tours available Please contact the Registrar on 020 8958 6979 or email admissions@hollandhouse.org.uk HHS encourages independence, individuality and creativity, whilst providing a robust, quality education. Our pupils are encouraged to aspire and achieve across the curriculum in a caring community which fast becomes, and remains, a family.

www.hollandhouse.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

You will first meet the Head teacher (meetings take place every Tuesday) who will take you on a tour of the school. You will then be invited to attend an optional taster day to get a deeper insight into what makes us so unique. Your child will sit an assessment to determine their academic ability, followed by an interview with the Head teacher.

Where can I find more information about Stanborough School? At www.spsch.org you can find out more information about our ethos, the admission process, the curriculum offered, tuition fees charged and the latest news and events. A prospectus is also available for download on the website. Feel free to book a meeting with our head teacher, to gain a better understanding of our vision and what makes us unique: www.spsch.org/meet-the-headteacher-2021

Stanborough School Stanborough Park, Watford Hertfordshire, WD25 9JT United Kingdom

+44 (0) 1923 673268 info@spsch.org www.spsch.org

March/April 5

Is your child starting school in September? Plan a successful start with the School Starters Planner 2022/23 What’s in the planner? Daily planning calendar What’s coming up – month by month School contact details and login pages

The full 12 month planner covers the entire 2022/23 academic year.

Vital information you will need for school from the experts at Every Day’s a School Day

Buy it HERE

Get a 4 month taster planner for FREE

DOWNLOAD HERE

6 March/April

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EDUCATION

So you didn’t get the school place you wanted. What next? Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

run by the team behind

THE HALL SCHOOL, NORTHWOOD

OPEN MORNING Friday 20th May 2022, 9.30–11.00am

Pre-Preparatory School & Nursery

for boys & girls aged 3 months to 7 years Term time only OR all year round provision Small ability grouped classes Enthusiastic, dedicated staff Caring, family atmosphere Vouchers & Free Entitlement Preparation for entrance tests 10% Scholarships / bursaries Excellent academic results 7+ exam tutoring

Email us to arrange a visit info@roxethmead.com

25 Middle Road, Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0HW

www.roxethmead.com Familiesonline.co.uk

Email: registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Tel: 020 8869 7600 South Hill Avenue, Harrow, HA1 3NU @orleyfarm

March/April 7

EDUCATION

Educational accessories

Great ideas to help your child learn at any age.

Apple Twist

Stimulates spatial insight, problem solving and logic. Ages 5+.

National Geographic Fossil Dig Kit Excavate real fossils using the included paleontological tools Ages 8+.

Play Plus Kids Headphones

Wireless, foldable, comfy fit and volume controls. Ages 3-8.

Peppa Pig Wooden Clock Puzzle

Count, sort, place shapes in the correct order. Ages 3+.

Cargo Ship

Quality resource for literacy, numeracy and general play. Ages 3+.

GILOBABY Smart Robot Toy

Fun, interactive, introduces robotics and advanced technology. Ages 3-9.

30 March 2022 9.30am - 12.30pm

8 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Does spelling matter? By Jemma Zoe Smith As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. But should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down? In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers. READ MORE At Free Readers, we believe that each child is unique.

ENROL IN OUR

SUMMER

LEARNING CAMP

Edgware HA8 July 25 to August 12 Northwood HA6 August 1 to 19

Early Bird Rates U N T I L 3 1 ST

MAY 2022

Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11

AT FREE READERS

WE HELP YOUR CHILD WITH

3 Learning to read

3 11+ Exam Preparation

3 Maths

3 7+ Exam Preparation

3 VR & NVR

3 Post-pandemic catch up

3 Learning to write 3 English

(GL, CEM, Independent Schools)

3 Targeted Intervention

CHIL D VOUC CARE HERS

G TEACHIN SMART LED BY SKIL S ER TEACH

BOOK NOW! LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

CHIL VOU DCARE HMR CHERS & CT CHIL AX-FREE D ACC CARE EPTE D

D LOCATE A6 ood H Northw HA8 re a & Edgw

OUR ETHOS is to recognise the potential in every child and provide the highest quality of teaching to help them succeed. Our culture supports, encourages and inspires our children to strive for excellence.

020 7117 6147

office@freereaders.co.uk

www.freereaders.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 9

EDUCATION

Games to improve visual perception

Can your child make sense of what they see? Visual perception is essential for your child’s reading, writing and movement. Here are some games that help with this important skill.

Peppa Pig Guess Who?

Paddington Spot the Difference

Wooden Pick Up Sticks

Pixy Cubes

Match It Head to Tail

Dive into Shapes!

Helping children discriminate carefully between features. Ages 6mths-3yrs.

Encourages visual attention and sequencing and spatial relationships. Ages 6+.

Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set Copying mazes develops visual perception skills, Ages 4+

10 March/April

A fun family game involving spotting the differences between pictures. Ages 5+.

Aids visual discrimination, visual attention and visual memory. Ages 3+.

iTrax Critical Thinking Game

Copying and building designs boosts visual perception skills. Ages 6-10.

Encourages a focus on details, ignoring extraneous visual information. Ages 3+.

Develops visual perception skills involved in handwriting and reading. Ages 6-10.

Lets Go Code Activity Set

Hop, turn, step and move through a gross motor maze. Ages 5+. Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Mindfulness colouring for kids

Download these mindfulness colouring sheets for kids who need some quiet, focused time to be calm or help with anxious or worried feelings.

Lion

Simple mandala

DOWNLOAD HERE

Hot air balloons

DOWNLOAD HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 11

EARLY YEARS

Transitioning a toddler from cot to bed By Charlotte Woods and Jo Taylor Amidst the 2am online searches on ‘how to help your toddler get some sleep,’ you may have wondered when the right time is for your little one to graduate from a cot to a bed. In truth, there isn’t a one-size-fitsall answer. Once you have decided it’s time, take steps to prepare for this exciting stage of development. It’s about building up and instilling confidence in your child. Think about sleep habits Make sure they can self-soothe and keep sleep prompts consistent eg white noise, a comforter or familiar song. Create a safe environment Check your child’s bedroom for anything unsafe. Ensure windows can’t be opened and consider using a stairgate. Establish a bedtime routine Maintain what works, such as a short bath, stories and cuddles – these all help to make the experience more familiar.

Communicate changes positively Talk to your child in age-appropriate language and use books such as: Princess Polly’s My Big Girl Bed and Pirate Pete’s My Big Boy Bed. Prepare the sleep space Get your toddler involved. Choose bed covers together and personalise their bedframes with stickers. Think about photos of loved ones and a night light. Pre-empt bedtime requests Making their favourite meal before bed or introducing water in a beaker on the bedside table help with settling. If they need a nappy/pyjama change, have

everything to hand for minimum fuss. READ MORE

Holiday clubs, Breakfast & After school club for children ages 3-11 years

12 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies 020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Lodge at

Pre-school operated by Old Macdonalds Day Nursery, open 8am – 6pm for 2 – 5 year olds Anouska’s Lodge is an exciting new addition to the Anouska’s family. Situated within the grounds of The Grove, the lodge has access to a range of outdoor spaces including the adventure park, musical trail and forest school area, all of which enable us to create an outstanding and enriching learning environment. With only 16 places available at any one time, we do have limited availability so recommend booking early! Please note - fully funded free spaces are available for 3 - 5 year olds, subject to availability. To arrange a viewing or to enquire about availability, please call Anouska’s Lodge on 01923 296047 or email anouskas-lodge@ oldmacdonaldsdaynursery.co.uk.

01923 296047 • anouskas-lodge@oldmacdonaldsdaynursery.co.uk • The Grove, Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 13

EARLY YEARS

Top apps every parent needs Overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store? Ari Last, founder of the Bubble app shares his recommendations. Get these on speed dial to make parenting and family life a little easier.

Mush

Find friends with kids the same age nearby.

OLIO

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner

The Wonder Weeks

Kidday

Family Locator

A week-by-week guide to Solving the endless ‘what your baby’s development – pregnancy to after can I make for dinner?’ birth. question.

Give away unwanted kids’ items to other local parents.

Store your photographs in one place. Share albums with friends/ family.

Track the location of older children/teens when out and about.

CBeebies

Bubble

Sound Sleeper

Educational games and classic cartoons for when you just need a break! 14 March/April

Find, book and pay local sitters/nannies recommended by friends/other local parents.

Help your baby fall asleep with this collection of calming sounds. Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

One snack too many? Even if your child is a healthy weight, it’s not great if they eat little nutritious food and get most of their energy from unhealthy or sugary snacks. Public Health England advises parents that sticking to two packaged snacks a day and keeping them each at under 100 calories (kcals) or 418 kilojoules (kJs) is really important for children. The food label usually states how many calories are contained in 100 grams or 100 millilitres of the food or drink you are buying, so do compare the calorie content of

different products. The free NHS Food Scanner app helps you scan product barcodes to find healthier alternatives. You’ll be surprised at how high the energy intake is for some common snacks.

Calories in popular packaged kids’ snacks Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Bar Packet of Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 32.5g KitKat 2 Finger Bar Soreen malt lunchbox loaf Cheestring McVities Ginger Nut Biscuit Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly Froot Shoot Orange Juice Drink Fruit Shoot hydro water

823kJ 706kJ 436kJ 380kJ 253kJ 196kJ 134kJ 40kJ 8kJ

or 196kcal or 169kcal or 104kcal or 90kcal or 61kcal or 47kcal or 32kcal or 10 kcal or 1.8kcal

Useful online resources Better Health – tips, tools and apps to help you improve your family’s health. The Eatwell Guide – how much should you eat from each food group? Plus healthy snacks ideas. BMI healthy weight calculator - calculates healthy weight. Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 15

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory DiscoG Coding Classes and Camps Weekly Coding Programme Ninja Warrior Watford teaches children the basics (WD25) of coding. Tailored courses The Ninja Warrior UK written to support the Adventure Park is a supervised activity and fitness National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. venue inspired by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK! Free Readers (various) We offer enrichment or extra AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/ help in reading, Maths and EDUCATION SUPPORT English, homework and test preparation from ages 3 to 11. Academic Tuition from Little Holidaytime After school Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) club is part of Activetime Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year olds. . Children’s Activities limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of Ace Tutors the school day, then take the Maths online tuition in small children back to the club for groups on Zoom. All abilities a snack and the daily activity. years 7 to 13. Free noMonday- Friday 3pm-6pm obligation trial lesson. Call, The Cadet Centre, Elmgrove Vijay Bhuchar 07737 853527. Road, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Code Ninjas Integratedbrain - Improve Kids learn to code in a fun, Co-ordination for learning! safe, and inspiring learning (UB5) Activities to help those environment, with a gamewith poor co-ordination, based curriculum that they dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine love. motor difficulties. Call Usha Patel 07766 837 616

ACTIVITY CENTRES

Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. Call 07985 588 085. Little Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year-olds at our Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School. Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Free trial lessons. Little Coders - Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years old. Develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. The Learning Wheel (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. From Reception to Year 11.

ERS BEGINN OFFER SPECIAL

S 4 W EEK FREE Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm

Preston Park Primary School, College Road, Wembley, HA9 8RJ

Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG

Every Saturday at 2.00pm

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

patel.karate@icloud.com

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES

16 March/April

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Raviv Practice London (UB5) Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home-based work. Usha Patel, registered therapist, call 07766 837 616.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (formerly The Van Niekerk Academy) (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Call 07555861561.

Blank Canvas Art Club Online Fine Art classes for ages 6+ teaching skills and techniques. Weekday afterschool kids classes and adult classes. Email blankcanvasartclub@gmail. com

FIRST AID

Stitch Club (HA5) Dressmaking, Stitch Clubs, Parties and Workshops for children, young people and adults in Central Pinner. Email sam@stitch.club

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

DANCE Street Dance Academy (various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London and Hertfordshire. Plus adult Street Dance Classes and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. 0800 0236 236.

MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Call Margaret 07814 191 395. Etiquette and Emotions ‘Modern Youth Etiquette’ workshops to elevate your 6-12 year olds confidence and social persona. Also ‘Emotional Intelligence’ courses to develop children’s self-awareness and social skills. Call 07736 297029.

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development.

Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 6258.

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Phonics with Robot Reg (various) provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, agerelated classes. Call 020 8444 9435. Gymboree Play & Music Watford Sensory classes for babies, art and music classes, as well as Play and Learn classes for little ones who are on the move. Monkey Music Award-winning Monkey Music, introduces babies and young children aged 3 months to 4 years to music with a unique four-stage curriculum specifically tailored to each age group. Classes run in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Ickenham, Harrow, Stanmore and Watford. 020 8427 6595.

01923 250 440 watford@gymbo.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 17

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Perform Confidence building fun for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of drama, games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Book a FREE class. Use code LNW310322 for a £40 discount when you book before 31 March 2022. Venues: at Bushey, Eastcote, Harrow, Ickenham, Kensal Rise, Northwood, Pinner Stanmore and Watford, plus new classes starting in Cricklewood on 5 May.

SIGN LANGUAGE Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months.

SPORTS AND EXERCISE TISKA Karate Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Minimum age 4 yrs. 4 week free trial. Call 07739 572487.

SWIMMIMG Aqua Vie After school weekly (Tues, Wed and Sun) classes in Bushey during term times. Call 01923 245 773. 18 March/April

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS P.S Theatre (WD18/HP5) An independent, local drama school with three stages to choose from. Ages 4-18. PQA (Pauline Quirk Academy) (various) PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for students 4–18 years. Book a free taster session. Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 in Hatch End and Northwood. Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics. Stagecoach (Various) Training in drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence and making new friends. (Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill and Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore and Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599.

YOGA & MASSAGE Kids Yoga with Yana (Watford) Yana is a qualified Kids Yoga teacher with a passion for empowering children to be the best version of themselves through fun yoga and mindfulness practice. MD Massage Therapies Massage has many health benefits - it helps to reduce

World of Children’s Yoga Empowering Children and Families to Live in Joy and Thrive. In Harrow, Watford, Northwood and surrounding areas. Classes & Workshops: Yoga in Education Nurseries, Primary and Secondary Schools Weekend - Children’s, Family, Mum and Daughter Yoga *Launched January 2022* WOCY Weekend Power Mornings: 30 minute BiteSize classes to share short yoga sequences you and your Family can practise every day for; Better sleep, Strengthening, Flexibility, Confidence and more. Contact Anjli on 07784 370034. pain, anxiety and fatigue, helps with repetitive injuries, increases range of motion, relieves stress and much more! Gift vouchers available. Intro offer of 20% off first treatment. Call 07950 846748. CLASSES FOR GROWNUPS Woodcarving A small group who would welcome new members. Drop in for a chat! Meet Monday mornings 9.30am-12.30pm at Evreham Centre, Swallow Street. Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Half term holiday camps With half-term just around the corner, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at locations across London. With over 50 activities each week, not only can your child sharpen their social skills, but they can pursue new interests, develop new talents and unleash their creative side. Activities range from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored by age group, including a nursery-style Playtime Programme for 3-4 year olds, a unique Magic Programme for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling Active Programme for 8 to 11 year olds and an exclusive club style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds. Camp Beaumont’s award-winning multi-activity Easter camps take place from 28 March to 22 April. Childcare vouchers are accepted. COVID flexible booking promise. MORE INFO

Inspiring Easter adventures your child won’t want to miss BOOK NOW

USE CODE

FAMILY

SAVE 10%

www.campbeaumont.co.uk or call 01603 851000 Families Magazine Advert (180x130mm).indd Familiesonline.co.uk

15/02/2022 15:41 March/April

WHAT’S ON NEAR YOU MARCH/APRIL 22

30+

family activities and events

Download your free guide here 20 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

LOCAL CHILDREN’S THEATRE GUIDE

DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDE HERE

35+ THEATRE & WORKSHOP LISTINGS At Free Readers, we believe that each child is unique.

ENROL IN OUR

SUMMER

LEARNING CAMP

Edgware HA8 July 25 to August 12 Northwood HA6 August 1 to 19

Early Bird Rates U N T I L 3 1 ST

MAY 2022

Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11

AT FREE READERS

WE HELP YOUR CHILD WITH

3 Learning to read

3 11+ Exam Preparation

3 Maths

3 7+ Exam Preparation

3 VR & NVR

3 Post-pandemic catch up

3 Learning to write 3 English

(GL, CEM, Independent Schools)

3 Targeted Intervention

CHIL D VOUC CARE HERS

G TEACHIN SMART LED BY SKIL ERS TEACH

BOOK NOW! LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

CHIL VOU DCARE HMR CHERS & CT CHIL AX-FREE D ACC CARE EPTE D

D LOCATE A6 ood H Northw 8 re a HA & Edgw

020 7117 6147

office@freereaders.co.uk

www.freereaders.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Theatre, Workshops and More! From Just £3

www.harrowarts.com March/April 21

Calling all Families Magazine Readers! Would you like to get involved with magazine publishing? Are you a people person and like making new contacts? Are you a self-starter and good at prioritising and managing your time? Contact us to find out how you can get involved with your local Families Magazine! To find out more contact Heather at editor@familiesNWLondon.co.uk or call 01923 237 004

22 March/April

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EASTER

Top Easter craft ideas Easter brings with it some fantastic opportunities to get out the paints and craft materials and create lovely eggs, chicks, cards and bunnies!

Easter trees

Potato Easter egg stamps

Egg carton chicks

Easter bunny headband

Easter scene jar

Stitched Easter bunny card

Pompom bunny bonnet

Easter egg pinata

No sew sock bunny

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 23

EASTER

Easter cooking Fill the kitchen with delicious smells and make some yummy Easter treats with the kids.

Chocolate cornflake cakes

Hot cross bun trifle

Easter bunny KitKat house

Easy hot cross bun ice-cream

Easter marshmallow bubble slice

Greek Easter cookies

Chick biscuits

Choc chip hot cross buns

Lemony Easter chicks

24 March/April

Familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER

Best Easter eggs for 2022 Find it hard to choose? Here are some of the best options this Easter.

Cadbury Twirl Orange Flavoured Extra thick egg filled with Chocolate Egg You Crack Me Up Easter Egg

Lindt Milk Chocolate Egg

Comes with Lindor Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs.

fun chocolate treats.

Large chocolate orange shell and two full-sized chocolate bars.

Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Egg

Montezuma’s Milk Chocolate Chick with Buttons Cute clucky chick and giant buttons.

White half-eggs sandwiched with caramel-milk chocolate.

KitKat Salted Caramel Giant Egg

Thorntons White Chocolate Bunny Egg

Marigold the Duck

Chocolate egg studded with chunks of hazelnut and Ferrero chocolates.

Caramel flavour egg, with bars of KitKat Chunky Salted Caramel Fudge.

Familiesonline.co.uk

With white chocolate and decorated with milk chocolate.

Caramayo Chocolate Easter Sandwich

Milk chocolate with naturally coloured yellow and white speckles.

March/April 25

Receive a FREE DoodleJamz toy for your child*

Age 3+

Endless creations at their fingertips! Draw, squish, sculpt, shape, erase and repeat with this mess-free drawing pad!

APPLY HERE *while stocks last 26 March/April

T&Cs apply

Magazine

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FAMILY LIFE

Having incredible conversations with your child By Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen You: How was your day? Your Child: Fine. Want something a bit more? Timing. Try not to pounce on your child with questions straight after school or nursery. Kids often need time to decompress. Wait and read the room. Start conversations when they are rested and well fed. Setting. Many kids find face-to-face talking a bit intense. Weave your conversations into another activity eg when they are drawing.

and so on - the top of the mountain is the best, the bottom is the worst.

Expectations. Learning to communicate meaningfully together is a skill that takes time to build. Not all conversations will go smoothly Get real. Pre-teen children find but, in time, if your bids are gentle abstract concepts difficult and often and genuine, your relationship will don’t have the vocabulary to reflect thrive. their experiences. If you want to find out how your child is, draw a READ MORE mountain. Ask your child to use the mountain to show how they are feeling today, how they feel usually Truly communicating with your child is a great privilege for a parent. More than that, building a strong relationship with them improves their quality of life by protecting their mental and physical health. How to Have Incredible Conversations With Your Child by clinical psychologists Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen can help you further with this. Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 27

FAMILY LIFE

Top green family products If you’re looking to replace existing family products with something new, then why not consider these green options?

Reusable bamboo straws

Eco-friendly backpack

Beeswax food & sandwich wraps

100% USDA certified organic with all-natural plant-based cleaning brush.

Large enough for A4 books and folders. 100% recycled polyester.

Award-winning reusable wraps. 100% organic cotton and British beeswax.

Biodegradable & recycled swim towels

Reusable snack bag

Disposable econappies

Reusable nappy

Reusable cutlery

Quick dry towels. 100% recyclable materials and biodegradable cotton.

Award-winning, adjustable, all in one, washable and reusable. 28 March/April

Perfect alternative to single-use sandwich bags and cling film.

100% organic bamboo. Suitable for everyday use or picnics.

Sustainable organic bamboo fibre, plant based liners. 100% compostable.

Beeswax crayons

Natural beeswax crayons made with minimum of 25% beeswax. Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Reducing the cost of family living Get a grip of finances

Make savings

Never want to miss another issue?

Get support

Take back control of family spending with free apps like Money Dashboard or Emma. Monitor and set limits on your kids spending with apps like gohenry or the free Revolut Junior. Don’t spend more than you earn. MoneySavingExpert’s free The Budget Planner will help. Don’t get caught short. Try Piggybanking. Divide money into separate pots for essential bills. Struggling with missed bills and payments? Try prioritising and consolidating. More info at debt help tips. Get organised with family meal planning. Save money, time and waste.

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Slash £1,000+ off your yearly grocery bill by taking the Downshift Challenge. Save on big brand disposable nappies by using comparison site BumDeal. Get free second-hand stuff from giveaway websites Freecycle and Freegle. Buy second-hand and get great quality for less. Try eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Market Place. Save £££ each year (and reduce your carbon footprint) by following simple energy saving tips. Try the Energy Efficiency Calculator for personalised advice on use and solutions.

If you’re pregnant and for a year after your baby is born, you can get free NHS dental care and prescriptions. A monthly Child benefit of £21.15 per child under 16 and £14 for each additional child may be claimable, depending on your income. If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, Healthy Start vouchers can be spent on essential food items. If you regularly spend money on prescriptions, an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate can save money. Check your entitlement to Tax-Free Childcare or Free Childcare/Early Education. March/April 29

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day gifts for under £20 Dads! This one’s for you and the kids! Mother’s Day is Sunday 27 March this year.

Patchwork Game

Pink-Champagne Truffles

Plant Mum Vase

The Naked Bee Hand & Cuticle Salve

Beenax Spiky Massage Ball Set

Calm Club Yoga Cards

Turmeric-infused Honey

Cotton Kimono Robe Wrap

A soothing two-player Made with dolomite, she game about constructing has her own removable Beautiful gift box and a patchwork quilt. £15.29 luxurious white chocolate mini-pot! £16.99 truffles. £16

Spiky massagers for A healing salve for mums arms, legs, shoulders anywhere there’s tension. who garden. £9.49 £8.99

Health conscious, handwhipped, British raw honey infused with natural turmeric. £9.95 30 March/April

A soft, elegant robe mum can feel truly spoilt in. £16.50

A card for every week of the year, teaching the basics. £10.95

Sea Salt Scented Tin Candle Hand-poured, sea salt–scented candle to transport mum to the seaside. £13.05

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Two Smoby KS Slides to give away! Worth £77.99 each Perfect for summer fun! APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply March/April 31

TRAVEL

Unique UK animal encounters Create lasting memories with a UK animal encounter. Compiled by Yonder, a new travel brand offering nature-rich stays and experiences.

Spot badgers in Dorset

Go whale watching See wild boar in the in Scotland Forest of Dean

Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum

Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Watch beavers in Cornwall

Walk alpacas in East Sussex

Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro

Herd sheep in the Lake District Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere 32 March/April

Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes

Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford

Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest

Spot African animals in Kent Stay: Shore, Hythe

Familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.

Lundy Island, Devon

Tenby, Wales

The journey to this showstopping island is an adventure! The kids will love taking the ferry over from Ilfracombe. The name Lundy means puffin, the island’s most famous resident. Enjoy a back to nature holiday with just a handful of other inhabitants, staying in one of the historical properties. There’s even a lighthouse you can stay in!

Tenby is the perfect location for a family holiday but so often overlooked in favour of more traditional spots. Stunning sandy beaches are the major draw card but the town has a vibrant atmosphere, colourful cottages and an array of family-friendly eateries. There are also plenty of family attractions nearby.

Dungeness, Kent

Aberdeen, Scotland

Dungeness is a quiet settlement on Britain’s largest shingle beach. The well-known power station makes a great rainy-day activity and opportunity for kids to find out how electricity is generated. Surrounding it lies a beautiful nature reserve. Stay in a seaside property and take the narrow-gauge steam train out to Dymchurch and Hythe.

Perched on the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen has a beautiful sandy beach to one side and the striking mountains, the Cairngorms to the other. Take the trail of seventeen castles you can even stay the night in one! For activities, check out the busy harbour for boat-loving kids and don’t miss the Science Centre.

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 33

TRAVEL

Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Bamburgh, Northumberland

In Northern Ireland’s lake district in the south-west of Northern Ireland, you’ll find beautiful accommodation options from a lodge on a private island to luxury camping. Kids will love the walk through the Marble Arch caves or enjoy taking a trip on the waterbus. A must-see is the medieval Enniskillen Castle.

Situated on a vast stretch of golden sand on the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh is a family holiday dream. The stunning Bamburgh castle sits imposingly above the beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Try surfing or windsurfing, or head to a local cafe for some freshly caught fish.

The Wye Valley

Cheshire

The Wye Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the River Wye running through it. The area offers a great family holiday with opportunities to try wild swimming, fishing or canoeing. Whether you fancy a log cabin with a hot tub or glamping with the kids, you’ll find plenty of choice.

With some great family-friendly attractions, enjoy Cheshire’s beautiful countryside or opt for a city break in Chester. For space lovers, there’s a new visitor centre at the observatory Jodrell Bank, kids will love Chester Zoo and everyone will enjoy the Ice Cream Farm, a theme park dedicated to ice cream!

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SPRING OUTDOORS

Spring make n’dos Enjoy nature and garden-themed activities with the kids - perfect to while away some hours at the weekend or during the school holidays!

Weave a nature loom

Make a spring sensory bin

Make a garden gnome

Spot early signs of spring

Grow potatoes in a tub

Make a butterfly feeder

Make easy pine cone hedgehog

Grow microgreens

Make simple garden wind chimes

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 35

SPRING OUTDOORS

Outdoor adventures Enjoy the great outdoors this spring and get the kids to try some of these great activities.

Try the string walk

Plant a tree

Join a fossil hunt

Take a family walk

Try orienteering

Make a stone cairn

Go pond dipping

Play Poohsticks

Go canoeing

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