10 minute read
School Open Days
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Open events require advance booking, so please call the school to check.
Aberdour School
Burgh Heath, KT20 6AJ www.aberdourschool.co.uk Fri 2 Oct, 9.30am – 12 noon
Croydon High School
Essendene Lodge
Banstead Prep
Banstead, SM7 3RA Co–educational Prep school Pupils 2–13 yrs www.bansteadprep.com Virtual Open Morning
Box Hill School
Dorking, RH5 6EA www.boxhillschool.com 3 October, 10am – 12noon
Caterham School
Caterham, CR3 6YA www.caterhamschool.co.uk Sat 19 Sep, 9.30am - 12noon
Chinthurst School
Tadworth, KT20 5AP www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am & 11.30am
Downsend School
Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom Co–educational Pre prep school Pupils 2–6 yrs www.downsend.co.uk Personal Tours Available
Dunottar School
Reigate, RH2 7EL Co-educational day school Pupils 11-18 yrs www.dunottarschool.com Wed 14 Oct, Tue 3 Nov & Thu 19 Nov
Ewell Castle Junior and Senior
Ewell, KT17 2AW Co-educational day school Pupils 3–18 yrs www.ewellcastle.co.uk Fri 2 Oct, 9am–10.30am Sat 3 Oct, 9.30am-11.30am Tue 6 Oct, 9am-10.30am
Homefield Preparatory
Sutton, SM1 2TE www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Thu 24 Sep
Kingswood House School
Epsom, KT19 8LG www.kingswoodhouse.org Sat 19 Sep, Fri 2 Oct & Fri 6 Nov
Laleham Lea
Purley, CR8 3J www.lalehamlea.co.uk Open Week Mon 21–Thu 24 Sep
Manor House School & Nursery
Little Bookham, KT23 4EN www.manorhouseschool.org Sat 3 Oct, 10am
Oakhyrst Grange
Caterham, CR3 6AF www.oakhyrstgrangeschool. co.uk Fri 9 Oct, 10am - 12noon
Old Palace School of John Whitgift
Preparatory - South Croydon, CR2 7YN Senior – Croydon, CR0 1AX www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Sat 3 October
Reigate St Mary’s Reigate, RH2 7RN www.reigatestmarys.org Sat 3 Oct, 9.30am & 11.30am
Royal Russell Junior School
Whitgift School
South Croydon, CR2 6YT www.whitgift.co.uk Tues 6 Oct
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.
Out of School, Not Out of Action
By Andrew Campbell
As children move through primary school, the number meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and weight drops by an astounding 40%.
This poses parents with a challenge. How to find their children physical activities they enjoy, feel successful doing and, crucially right now, are available in a safe, socially distanced way? Bear in mind, that whilst government guidance on social distancing allows for certain sports activities to be pursued, there is likely to be limited availability in many areas.
Here’s our checklist of out of school sports that can currently be pursued:
Badminton is a great way to get into racket sports, badminton helps develop coordination, agility and balance. It can be played indoors over winter. To find a local club, visit www. badmintonengland.co.uk/www.badmintonscotland.org.uk/ www.badminton.wales
Cycling is part of growing up. It gives children independence and keeps them fit too. Local cycling clubs offer expert coaching, some amazing cycling facilities as well as an opportunity to make cycling buddies. To find a local club, visit www. britishcycling.org.uk
Dancing allows kids to express their creativity, imagination and emotions. Dancing can also increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.
Football as well as being the most popular sport in the world, football is one of the most well-rounded sports developing a host of physical and cognitive skills. To find a local club, visit www.thefa.com/www.scottishjuniorfa.com/www.fawtrust. cymru
Gymnastics is a demanding sport that requires perseverance and discipline. It develops strength, speed, power, coordination, flexibility and balance. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering complex physical feats helps children face and overcome their fears. To find local clubs, visit www.britishgymnastics.org/discover
Swimming - If your child has shown an aptitude for swimming during lessons, they may enjoy the thrill of competitive swimming in a local club. Bear in mind pools are re-opening slowly; some may not re-open this year. To find a local club, visit www.swimming.org/www.scottishswimming.com/www. swimwales.org/find-a-club
Tennis helps children develop valuable life skills like respect, fair-play and concentration. It can be played all year round and into adulthood. To get started locally, visit www.lta.org.uk
Children Banned from Heading Footballs
Children under the age of 12 have been banned from heading footballs during training and practice, although they will still be allowed to use their heads during matches.
The move follows comes after a study showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease than members of the general population of the same age.
The new guidelines apply to children in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Wales, the Football Association of Wales said its guidance for coaches on children heading the ball was currently under review with the findings being made available later this year.
The ban does not apply to matches because of the limited number of headers which occur in youth games but the new guidelines recommend a graduated approach to heading in training for those aged between 12 and 16. www.thefa.com
Stagecoach Performing Arts
Stagecoach Performing Arts teach children and teenagers how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage but also, more importantly, to perform better in life.
Suitable for a range of abilities, Stagecoach offers the chance for kids to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply learn some new skills to share with family and friends. Students are encouraged to take ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals and performance, which brings out a willingness to take on new challenges.
Classes usually run for 12 weeks during the school term. Each class is small to allow our teachers and their assistants to give each child support and attention.
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. For more information, and to find your nearest class visit www.stagecoach.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY
PRESCHOOL AND TODDLER
Aquatots Various locations The most comprehensive swim programme available for children form 10 weeks to 7 or 8 years. www.aquatots.com
Busylizzy Various locations The UK’s leading family club offering pregnancy, postnatal fitness sessions, baby and toddler classes, talks and family events. www.busylizzy.co.uk
Cavat School Tiny Toes and Pre-school Ballet Purley Fun classes that will take little ones form first steps to pirouettes. From 18 months – 4 years. https://cavatschool.co.uk
My Gym Wallington Wallington SM6 8SY My Gym Wallington offers kids birthday parties, Mommy and Me, gymnastics camps and other fantastic fun filled programs for ages 6 weeks – 10 years. www.mygym.com/WALLINGTON
Rugbytots Various locations Rugbytots is a fun and dynamic Pre-School play programme designed to build confidence and enhance core skills for boys and girls 2 – 7 years www.rugbytots.co.uk
Sing & Sign Various locations Baby signing with Sing and Sign is easy and fun! Your baby will recognise important words sooner and can use the signs to “talk” to you before speech. www.singandsign.co.uk
PERFORMING ARTS Ambition Dance Epsom Extensive timetable of dance classes for children 18 months to adult classes from beginner level. www.ambitiondance.co.uk
Ashtead Ballet School Ashtead, and Epsom Ballet, Tap, Modern and Theatre dance school .3 years upwards. www.ashteadballetschool.co.uk
Bright Sparks Performers Theatre & Dance Academy Croydon Bright Sparks train boys and girls from 2-18 and run fun yet structured classes. www.brightsparksdance.co.uk
Dance Studio 84 Sanderstead Royal Academy of Dance ballet school. Suitable for children aged 3 to adult. www.dancestudio84.org Ewell Dance Ewell, Epsom and Stoneleigh Offering classes in ISTD Ballet, ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap, Contemporary Dance, Street Dance, Acro and Musical Theatre. 2 years+. www.ewelldance.com
Firebird Academy of Ballet Coulsdon Ballet training to ages 3 and up, inspiring creativity and artistry in the next generation of ballet dancers. https://firebirdballet.com
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Purley, Caterham, Reigate, Oxted Confidence building fun for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. To book a FREE class go to perform.org.uk/try
Presto Performing Arts Sutton and Wallington Award winning Performing Arts for all children aged 4-16 years. www.prestoperformingarts.co.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts Various locations Boost Confidence and Creativity Through Dance, Singing, And Acting. Open to Ages 4-18. www.stagecoach.co.uk
ACTIVE SPORTS 2play Football Croydon Football coaching for children 5–8. www.2playfootball.co.uk
Axten 1-2-1 Private Football Coaching Across London and Surrey 1-2-1 football coaching with UEFA B License football coach for beginners to professionals. www.axtenfc.com
Future Gymnastics Carshalton Future gymnastics combine the importance of fitness and nutrition with into fun gymnastics sessions for children from 3 years and up. www.futuregymnastics.co.uk
Flexi Flics Gymnastics Coulsdon, Reigate, Warlingham and Kenley Flexi Flics teach gymnastics on a recreational level for children 4 years and onwards. Sessions are fun, challenging, and engaging. www.flexiflics.co.uk Great Waves Swimming Academy Various locations Lessons for swimmers of all ages and abilities. 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 lessons are available. www.greatwaves.co.uk
MultiSports Sutton and Cheam Nonsuch High School for Girls MultiSports Schools offer children aged between 4 & 16 years, 18 different sports a year. www.multisportssutton.co.uk
Skills UK Croydon and Sutton Highly awesome and exciting weekly football sessions, plus birthday parties for ages 2-11 years! www.skillzuk.co.uk
Star Tastic Gymnastics Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Reigate Star-Tastic Gymnastics provides gymnastics, trampolining, and parkour classes for a range of ages and abilities. www.startasticgymnastics.com
ART, LANGUAGE AND MUSIC A to G Music School Sutton A to G Music Schools offer 1 to 1 lessons in a variety of instruments and vocal coaching. www.atogmusicschool.com
Art K Various locations Art K cater for art learning both in the studio and at home, to suit every pupil who loves art! www.art-k.co.uk
Kids Craft Club with Craft My Day Worcester Park Crafts activities that range from papercraft, decoupage, painting, printing, powertex, sewing and much more! www.craftmyday.com
Krafty Kids Club Various locations Krafty Kids Club is an Arts & Crafts club for children of all ages. https://kbrind.wixsite.com
Petite Ecole Reigate Reigate La Petite École de Reigate offers French classes every Saturday, for children from 4 – 16. www.petite-ecole-reigate.co.uk
Realistic Music Academy Epsom Contemporary music academy who provide specialist tuition in guitar, drums, bass, vocals, keyboards, ukulele and music production www.realisticmusicacademy.com Rock Project Croydon Caterham and Purley The Rock Project teaches 7-11 and 12-18 year olds Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Vocals. www.therockproject.com/ croydon
Surrey Sound of Music School Fun, enjoyable lessons in piano, singing, flute, violin, saxophone, clarinet, drums & guitar! Mobile tutors teaching all ages & abilities. 1st lesson free! www.thesurreysoundofmusic.co.uk
ACADEMIC TUITION Excel Tuition Croydon Excel in Key Subjects aim to help children reach their full potential in all the key academic subjects that they study. https://excelinkeysubjects.com
Explore Learning Explore Learning offers maths & English SATs & 11 Plus tuition. Currently offering online tutoring via Explore At Home. Try it out for free today. www.explorelearning.co.uk
First Class Learning Various locations First Class Learning provides expert English and maths tuition for children of all ages and abilities. www.firstclasslearning.co.uk
Kumon Kumon’s unique maths and English study programmes support children by building (and developing) a solid foundation in their literacy and/or numeracy skills. www.kumon.co.uk
Mock Test Masters Sutton, Croydon and Wallington Specialist providers of 11+ mock tests in the UK. The mock tests provide children with an excellent opportunity to simulate real exam conditions. https://mocktestmasters.co.uk
Parch Hill Tuition Croydon Maximising academic potential through Maths and English for 5-18-year olds, specialising in preparing children for their 11+ and GCSE examination. www.parchhill.com
Starlight Learning Kenley, Caterham, Purley and Coulsdon Starlight Learning is a small tuition group designed for children who are in Years 3- 6. www.starlightlearning.co.uk