Families London Surrey Borders Nov/Dec DIGITAL issue

We

everything you’ll need for a

family Christmas in

including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content

goodies

BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

ENERGY SAVING

Reasons to teach black British history

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

The parents’ guide to primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

Black

Has

READ

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug

Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Birdhurst Day Nursery

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Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which

you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

Calling Santa's little

Embark on a magical journey through classical music with Albert’s Orchestra Sun 11 Dec, 1pm and 4:30pm

Clubs & classes directory

Babyballet East Surrey

Teaching the next generation how to dance and have fun! From 18 months+.

Dunnotar Saturday Music School

Music tuition for young musicians aged 5-18.

Ewell Dance

Classes in ISTD Ballet, ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap, Contemporary Dance, Street Dance, Acro and Musical Theatre.

KSM School

Beginner to advanced levels from 3 yrs to adult. Lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, band and Kingswood Choir.

LCA Stage Academy

Performance classes and workshops in singing, acting and dancing. Ages 3-18.

Rugbytots

Rugby play programme offering dynamic weekly sessions which enable boys and girls.

SPD Tuition

Tailored teaching on a one-to-one basis, allowing each individual student to achieve their full potential.

The Golf Venue

Free Beginner’s Golf Lessons at The Golf venue.

Tumbletots

A fun and progressive play programme designed to develop children’s balance, climbing and co-ordination.

DRAGON QUEST ADVENTURE GOLF

• 18 challenges holes,

the

with

• New Winter Pass for a family of four gives you unlimited golf from now until 28 February for only £80. Pop along and sign up today.

• Open daily from 9am to 7pm.

THE DRIVING RANGE

• Toptracer – The top ball tracking technology in the world.

Track your shots on your Toptracer smartphone App.

24 bays (including bays for left handers).

Clubs available for hire.

Power Tees automatic teeing system.

Open daily from 8.30am until late.

GOLF STORE

•

•

•

•

book

15-minute

Ping,

call 020 8656 1690.

the

•

for

at the golf store.

daily from 9am, 7 days a week.

Hey Duggee comes to Southbank

Christmas with the National Trust in Surrey

Squirrels get ready! Everyone’s big lovable dog, Hey Duggee is coming to the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall from 14 December to 8 January.

The smash hit CBeebies series, Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show will be brought to life through innovative puppetry and storytelling in this new live show, featuring a dazzling light show and exciting projection. It’s going to be huge and feature many of your favourite characters on stage for the first time!

Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly so join them at the Clubhouse for nonstop family fun in this brand new production. A-Woof!

This brand-new play is packed with non-stop fun, laughs, singing and dancing making it the perfect family treat.

Book HERE

Enjoy Christmas at your local National Trust property!

Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands Park and spot hidden musical animals in the parkland. At Polesden Lacey, peek inside the hidden snowy inner courtyard and find a golden partridge in a pear tree as you admire the 12 Days of Christmas theme in the sumptuous house.

Enjoy outdoor trails at Claremont Landscape Garden and Polesden Lacey too, whilst at Winkworth Arboretum, book ahead to relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book The Snowman™ and search for twelve decorated snowman sculptures along the wintry woodland family trail.

Visit the cosy tearoom and bookshop at Dapdune Wharf and River Wey Navigations, enjoy free craft activities and spot winter wildlife.

More info HERE

©Snowman

Enjoy London’s most unique light trail!

From 18 November to 8 January, experience the magic of wildlife as WWT London Wetland Centre comes alive at night for this year’s ILLUMINATURE light trail.

Explore the wetlands after hours on this enchanting, fun-filled light trail. Follow twinkling lights through mystical marshland, the peculiar pond and owl woods, bask in the glow of illuminated sculptures and stunning light installations and discover amazing facts about wetland wildlife.

Spot brilliant birds and beautiful plant life through night vision goggles and check in with a happily snoozing otter family. Race your friends across glowing lily pads, explore the phases of the moon and be mesmerised by a forest of neon birds. With a host of interactive experiences on offer, including sparkling photo opportunities and yummy hot chocolate, it’s the perfect family evening!

More info and booking HERE

Shop Local Gift Guide

Families LSB has your Christmas shopping covered with our Live Local, Love Local Festive Gift Guide.

Godstone Farm Gift Shop

Farmyard themed gift store with toys, puzzles and local honey make perfect stocking fillers.

Painty Pots

Paint Your Own Pottery. A festive voucher, or studio visit makes the perfect gift.

New Golf Store

The new Golf Store at World of Golf Croydon has golfing equipment for the golf enthusiasts.

British Wildlife Centre

Wildlife-themed gift shop, packed with soft toys, stocking fillers, wildlife prints and more.

Bake88’s classic Christmas Specials Quality, no hidden nasties. Homemade cakes and breads. Epsom delivery.

Creative Pottery Painting Gifts

Give the gift of creativity this Christmas by buying a paint-your-own pottery voucher.

Cottage Toys and Interiors

Cottage Toys is the online destination to be revisited each birthday and Christmas!

Indigo Jamm Toys

Beautiful, fun, sustainable wooden toys that made to last and stand the test of time.

Moppet

Moppet is a teeny-tiny new business sourcing vintage and folk-art treasures for little people’s rooms.

9 Ways to embrace the holiday spirit

December is magical time of year. There are many local amazing ways to find joy and let magic into your lives this festive season.

Santa Dash for St Raphael’s

Sign up for the charity’s annual Santa Dash through Nonsuch Park. 11 December.

ILLUMINATURE Light Trail

Explore London’s Wetlands Centre after hours for an enchanting, fun-filled light trail.

Father Christmas on the Farm

A Father Christmas visit at Godstone Farm includes a special Christmas toy.

Moonfall @ The Horton Epsom

Take a magical, circus adventure all the way to the moon showing 19-24 December.

Magical Christmas Lights Experience

See Hever Castle’s gardens lit up with glorious colour and spectacular illuminations.

Pottery Painting Creative Fun

Painting pottery is great for all ages and abilities and make superb gifts and keepsakes.

Dragon Quest Adventure Golf

18 challenging holes with dragon caves, water obstacles and a different obstacle on every fairway.

Christmas at the Belfry

19 November see the Christmas Lights Switch on. Plus Santa’s magical Winter Woodland Grotto!

Walking with the Snowman™

Relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book with Winkworth Arboretum.

Top Advent Calendar Picks

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers. Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Make your own decorations.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Christmas leftovers

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of

Nature

prints. £20 per month.

Barekind

and

family and the planet. These

day without costing the earth.

Bake at

save

Kabode Alphabet children’s

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton

makes

fun. £44.95

Sustainable

Home-delivered.

ready-made

DIY

tint

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with

ingredients.

£19.99

Tartan

Made from at least

recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres.

Halo

Insulated,

handbag

the move.

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy,

made from

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s

Christmas pudding gift jar

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99