Families London-Surrey Borders Sep/Oct 23 DIGITAL issue

London Surrey Borders

Welcome

So it’s back to school already! Maybe you’ll have some time this month to take a look at our fabulous Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween. So take a look at our fab Halloween cooking and craft ideas and download our free Halloween activity pack! We’ve also got great suggestions for board games for the family as the nights draw in and familyfriendly museums to visit as the weather turns.

Look out for our fabulous giveaways too! Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you always receive this magazine and can take advantage of more content and goodies on offer.

In

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Education

Early years directory

Play Clubs & classes

Autumn

Parenting

Halloween activity pack

Halloween

Activities

Travel Giveaways

Competition winners from our May/June issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement.

Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.

Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?

Take our free test to find out.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.

** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.

Ten top tips for attending school Open Days

By Andrew Campbell

If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.

TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.

Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.

1. Do your research

Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family.

If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If

it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as they can change from year to year.

Best new adventure books for kids

We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

By Davina Tijani

A fun fantasy adventure inspired by African mythology. Ages 5+.

Leif the Unlucky Viking

By Gary Northfield

Highly illustrated, laugh-out-loud Viking adventure. Ages 5+.

The Lucky Bottle

By Chris Wormell

A beautifully illustrated, mysterious maritime adventure. Ages 8+.

Friends and Traitors

By Helen Peters

A thrilling wartime mystery with a classic feel for readers. Ages 8+.

The Housetrap

By Emma Read Scooby Doo

meets Escape Room in this entertaining adventure. Ages 8+.

Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight

By Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

Epic new fantasy series. Ages 8+.

Tiny the Secret Adventurer

By Aisha Bushby

A heartwarming, inclusive adventure story. Ages 5+.

All the Way Down

By Stewart Foster

A life-affirming story packed with friendship, resilience and empathy. Ages 8+.

The Stolen Songbird

By Judith Eagle

A gripping mystery set in 1950s London. Ages 8+.

We believe that children have different learning styles and therefore Warlingham Park School provides a learning experience that encompasses a wide and varied curriculum where opportunities to thrive abound.

‘Learning To Grow’ is a phrase that sums up our education and focuses on the skills that children need to learn for the next steps of their education and beyond.

Phonics resources to assist with reading

Is your child learning to read? Help them learn with these fun phonics activities.

Phonics

Phonics information, games and activities. £12 per year.

YouTube Channel

Over 500 literacy resources recorded by a Year 1 teacher. FREE.

Reading Eggs

Online phonics activities and games for learning. £6.99 per month.

Over 150 eBooks to help your child put learning to practice. FREE.

Sort That Sound! Activity Set

Identify and sort sounds and images, building phonemic awareness.

£25

Children sing a song for each phonics sound. CD & explanatory book. £8.75.

Teach Your Monster to Read

Mini-games help children recognise letters and practice blending sounds. FREE.

Created by reading experts. £5.03.

iPhone/iPad app

Fun, engaging combination of letter and sound pronunciation and writing practice. £6.99.

abc PocketPhonics

Jolly Songs Book and Audio CD

Play

Oxford Owl Phonics Storybooks

Mr T’s Phonics

Julia Donaldson’s Songbirds Phonics Games

I am smart, funny, brave, kind, curious, unique, creative, energetic, honest, fearless, caring, surprising, determined, playful, musical and a loyal friend.

And that’s just today. I’m free to be wonderfully and wholeheartedly me.

Open Day Directory

Open events may require advance booking, call the school to check.

Banstead Prep School

Banstead, SM7 3RA

13 September & 17 October

Croydon High School

Croydon CR2 8YB

7 October

Cumnor House Schools

Nursery, Kindergarten, Boys and Girls School. 16, 18, 21 & 22 September

Downsend Schools

Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom. Little

Downsend will welcome babies from Sep 2023.

22 September

Dunottar School

Reigate, RH2 7EL

12, 21 September,

12 October & 21 November

Elmhurst School for Boys and Little Elms Nursery

South Croydon, CR2 7DW

6 October

Essendene Lodge

Caterham, CR3 5PB

30 September & 29 November

Ewell Castle

Junior and Senior

Ewell, KT17 2AW

21, 23 & 25 September

The Hawthorns School

Bletchingley, RH1 4QJ

New Nursery Opens Sep.

6 October & 24 November

WE ARE ISI INSPECTION 2023

EXCELLENT

Brand-new nursery at Little Downsend Ashtead from September 2023, for babies and children aged 6 months - 2 years

Monthly payments and ‘pay as you go’ holiday club

Outstanding academic results, exceeding National averages by 18% for Writing, and 17% in Maths

Qualified and Specialist teachers providing creative, innovative teaching for even our littlest people

Shortlisted for Independent Pre-Prep of the Year 2022, and Finalist in the ISA Awards 2022 for Innovation in Independent Education

All four schools in the Downsend family recently rated ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

Our Little Downsend Schools, for children aged 6 months to 7 years, are located in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead

Talk to our team to find out which school is right for your child or book a tour of our award winning nursery and pre-prep. Call 01372 372311, email admissions@downsend.co.uk or visit www.downsend.co.uk to find out more.

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Celebrating different learning styles

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student told me that, despite being offered speech-to-text assistive technology, he found writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his thoughts and process his ideas. So how could AI help assist with this?

READ MORE

“We’re

Everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style can help you support their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

READ MORE

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. This may be a new experience or you may have attended these events already. So how do you get the most out of them?

READ MORE

Brand New Nursery

Missed something off your checklist in the back to school rush?

You can still get all your school essentials at the Belfry Shopping Centre, from great value uniforms and school shoes, to jackets, backpacks and stationery, now the kids are back in the classroom.

everything you need at your favourite high street stores all under one roof.

Birdhurst Day Nursery

Birdhurst Day Nursery is run by Christian Family Concern, a registered Charity Founded in 1893.

At Birdhurst Day Nursery we care for children aged between 3 months – 5 years and follow the government’s Early Years Foundation stage curriculum, enabling every child to progress.

Our Christian values underpin our outlook, ethos and the care given to everyone that comes through our doors.

We offer:

• Open 51 weeks of the year (except bank holidays) 8am–6pm

• Child initiated learning encouraged

• Daily updates via Family App

• Large fully equipped garden with forest school area

• Sensory room

• Weekly extracurricular activities

• Fully qualified staff with regular training

• Freshly cooked meals prepared by our onsite Chef

Contact us on 020 8688 0251 www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk

Birdhurst Nursery Croydon

Full time day nursery for children aged 0-5 years.

The Butterfly Patch Nurseries

Sutton Morden Park and Croydon

Godstone Farm Day Nursery

Godstone Day Nursery and PreSchool for children from 6 weeks to 5 years.

Little Oaks Under Fives

Hurst Green

Flexible sessional day care in a nurturing, fun environment. Ages 2-5.

St Johns Nursery Group

Redhill

Charity and committeerun day nursery for children aged 2-5.

Play BC Preschool

Wallington & Caterham

Teacher-led preschools for children between 2-5 years.

Shapes Day Nursery

Reigate, Banstead and Epsom

Flexible childcare for ages 3 months-5 years.

London Surrey Borders

Forest school, preschools and nursery for aged 3 months and 5 years. Advertise

Tots Village

Nursery

Caterham

Small, friendly, independent nursery for children aged 3 months to 5 Year.

Fun role play ideas for kids

Fantasy role play

Super hero: let your child choose and act out imaginative adventures.

Circus: make tickets and provide hula hoops, face paint, animals etc.

Astronaut: create cardboard spaceships and helmets.

TV character: Paw Patrol, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig. Storybook character: a favourite or a classic eg Cinderella.

Work role play

School teacher: teach the ABCs to stuffed toys or younger siblings.

Police: let kids enjoy the idea of being responsible.

Factory: use old containers, tools, masking tape and set a task.

Taxi: two chairs, plate for steering wheel and a destination. Hospital: provide white coat and medical tools.

Daily life role play

Grocery store: promote early maths skills, use pretend money and home produce.

Restaurant: set up pretend restaurant with menus, play food and tables.

Post Office: use envelopes, stamps and boxes; children can send and receive.

Dentist: settle patient nerves, provide chair, coat and pretend tools.

Small-world role play

Cardboard city: create a pretend urban area using cardboard boxes.

Bug small world: use plastic bugs in a sensory tray.

Dinosaur land: use a tray with sand, pebbles, plastic trees and dinosaur toys

Animals at lake: make miniature beach with sand and animal figurines.

Claremont Landscape Garden

Dapdune Wharf

October half-term fun

21-29 Oct, 10am-4pm

Find autumn adventures and spooky Halloween fun at a National Trust property near you!

Hatchlands Park

Hindhead Commons Polesden

Lacey Winkworth Arboretum

Join the Wandering Witch and her merry band of magical folk as they prepare for their All Hallows’ Eve party! 14-29 Oct, 10am-3pm.

Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm. Follow Hubert the hedgehog’s trail and discover more about his hibernating friends. With free crafts.

Visit the haunted house and spooky parkland trail and see how many pumpkins you can spot hiding in the garden.

Steeped in myths and legends, follow the spooky trail around the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Little People, BIG DREAMS® 9 Sep–29 Oct Exhibition and trail encouraging all children to be bold, be brave and dream big.

Follow the trail to help Willow the Witch find the special ingredients to create her magical potion.

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey

Clubs & classes directory

Ashtead Ballet

Ashtead

Ballet, tap, modern dance. 3 years of age, through to teens and adults.

Kids Critters

Near Dorking

Behavioural and SEN support, animal assisted therapy, exotic animal encounters and camps.

Kingswood Surrey Music School

Tadworth and surrounds 1-1 or group music lessons for beginners to advanced levels for all ages.

LCA Stage Academy

Oxted

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

SPD Tuition

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

Epsom, Sutton Caterham

Discover the world of martial arts. Programmes for ages 4-5’s and 6-12.

Perform Various venues Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4-7s and 7-12s.

The Rock Project Croydon

Croydon

Drums, guitar, bass guitar and vocal classes for ages 7-11 & 12-18.

TumbleTots Epsom

The UK’s No.1 leading physical play programme for children from 6 mths to 5 yrs.

BALLET TAP & M ODERN

Inspire - Develop - Nurture

A happy nurturing school where everyone is encouraged to reach their own potential. Classes from 3 years to adult.

‘After having tried other dance schools I can honestly say Maxine and her fellow teachers are amazing!

Ashtead Ballet School definitely stands out as one of the best.’

Mrs de Atouguia

Ashtead Ballet School

www.ashteadballetschool.co.uk

ASHTEAD

T 07947 920343 E maxine@ashteadballetschool.co.uk

Get autumn-term ready with a free Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination, and concentration.

From September, Perform ages 4-7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Hama Beads in Small Storage Box Giveaway

6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs

2 sets available

*T&C’s apply

Meanwhile, ages 7-12 are going to the ball in a rags-to-riches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Book HERE for a free class in Caterham, Oxted, Purley, Reigate, Shirley and Worcester Park. NEW venues in Purley and Worcester Park.

True’s Mushroom House Playset Giveaway

Worth £40 each

5 available

Come and play with True and Bartleby

Multi-level house complete with furniture for endless play possibilities

Compatible with all True and the Rainbow Kingdom figures, so True’s friends can join the fun Ages 3+

APPLY HERE

Spooky Halloween crafts

Get crafting with this range of craft activities that will get the family in the Halloween mood.

Free printable bunting

Flying ghost stick puppet

Chalkboard paint pumpkin

Handprint spider

Rock skulls

Witches’ cauldrons

Halloween bowling

Haunted house

Puffy ghosts

Spooky Halloween food ideas

Make these delicious and super-scary Halloween recipes with the kids.

Meringue ghost ice-cream sundaes

Monster cookies

Chocolate mousse mud pots

Spooky sausage rolls

Pumpkin fondue with crispy bats & crunchy veg

Apple pie mummies

Haunted pizza

Banana ghosts

Monster burgers

Fun board games that encourage development

It’s the perfect time of year to invest in a new board game and these are not just brilliant fun, they also encourage aspects of children’s development.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in young ones in a fun and silly way.

Ages 3-6. £21.15.

Life on Earth Matching and Memory Game

Great for encouraging focussed attention, Ages 3+. £6.

Spot it Junior!

Children have to learn to suppress their first impulse.

Ages 4+. £14.39.

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills and self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £18.50.

Shopping List

Fast paced game which tests memory and matching skills. Ages 3+. £8.30.

Sequence for Kids

Practises turn-taking, planning, prioritising and boosts short term memory.

Ages 4-7. £29.35.

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Promotes planning, decision making and fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £16.49.

Hey, that’s my Fish

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. Ages 8+. £17.23.

Kingdomino

Improves spatial awareness, decision making and executive functioning.

Ages 8+. £22.35.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

What is a Food Scientist?

Fussy eating is common in children, often peaking around age 3.

The consequences include poor dietary variety, especially with fruit and vegetables, leading to concerns about nutrient intake and possible negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to new foods, using a sensory based approach, can help children expand their diet.

Consequences of fussy eating Look

By becoming Food Scientists, children can explore new foods using a step by step, practical approach at a speed with which they are comfortable.

They are encouraged to explore foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in a fun way using all their senses by looking, touching, smelling, licking and listening to their sounds.

Touch

Evidence suggests that the more you expose children to new fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are in time to accept them. Initially suggest your child LOOK at the food they are exploring and describe its colour and shape. Using a magnifying glass enables them to look closely and compare the inside and outside.

Your child can then TOUCH and feel the food with their fingers to see if it smooth, bumpy, wet, dry, soft or hard.

Encourage them to explore further by looking inside, using cutters, peelers or juicers. They can use tongs or a napkin if they dislike getting their hands wet.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

Smell

Encourage your child to progress to eating, from tolerating the food in their space to bringing it closer to their nose and mouth, to find out if it is a big SMELL that fills the room or smaller one, that stays close to the food.

Sound

Finally, children are encouraged to explore a small piece of food in their mouth, by taking a bite and to listen to the SOUND. Is it a squelchy or a louder crunchy sound?

Give children permission to spit the food out (into a tissue) if they dislike it.

Taste

Many children are reluctant to TASTE new foods. Suggest they take a small ‘snake taste’ by putting their tongue quickly on the food. How do the inside and outside compare? Salty, sugary, sour or bitter? They can take a bigger, longer lick, if they want.

About the book

The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food is for children and parents.

Its large childfriendly print and photographs show children how to become food scientists, exploring the sensory elements of different foods.

In small steps, the book supports children to become comfortable with new foods and eventually be able to eat them.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands’ really does have something for everyone. For younger kids, there are quiet beaches and secluded coves. For older ones, plenty of theme parks, aquariums and water sports.

Krk Island, Croatia

Switzerland

Connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

A magical, ‘great outdoors’ destination for family holidays. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, hiking up a mountain or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer adventures.

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. Lots of fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the island’s natural beauty and delicious food.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel. Family-friendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and Warner Bros World.

Sweden

Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, gorgeous year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. Expect family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. My best advice: don’t just fly and flop. Travelling with children is easy here, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options making exploring easy. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s truly something for everyone.

Top family-friendly museums

Head for one of these museums this October half term and you will definitely keep the kids engaged! And, many of them are FREE.

Sheffield Loads of interactive and hands-on activities.

Dedicated, designed and curated by children, a brand-new museum full of wonder. FREE

Dunfermline, Scotland Award winning. Handson activities. FREE.

Hancock, Newcastle Natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. FREE

Leeds

Fascinating history of Leeds, signposted selfie points, all-round excellent facilities. FREE

Derby

Hands-on activities, regular family workshops. FREE.

London

Climb aboard vintage buses/trains/taxis/tubes.

FREE for under 17s.

Liverpool

Hands on, interactive displays telling Liverpool’s story. FREE.

Birmingham

Steam engines, talking robots, spitfire gallery and planetarium.

Leeds City Museum

Museum of Making

Great North Museum

London Transport Museum

Museum of Liverpool

National Emergency Services Museum

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Young V&A London

Thinktank Science Museum

Hama Beads in Small Storage Box Giveaway

6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs

2 sets available

*T&C’s apply

True’s Mushroom House Playset Giveaway

Worth

£40 each

GIVEAWAYS

Battle Heads

Mothership Playsets

Pilot the ship and enter the battlefield with this two-in-one vehicle collectable

Come and play with True and Bartleby

Multi-level house complete with furniture

5 Available

HERE

T&C’s apply

Ages 3+

Hama Beads in Small Storage Box

6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs

2 sets available

*T&C’s apply

5 available

*T&C’s apply