Promoting Healthy Skin for All Ages Top Family Friendly Festivals for 2025
Editor’s Note:
14
Cultural Capital: Does Your Child Have It?
26-30
February Half Term Camps
35-39
What’s On
Welcome to the first edition of the year, where we kick off 2025 with a fresh start and exciting content for families! I hope your New Year’s resolutions are still on track, and that you’re well on your way to achieving them. Consistency is key! Let me know what you’ve achieved by the end of January by emailing editor@familiessw.co.uk, and you might just get featured on our Instagram @familiesswlondon – plus, you could win a mystery prize!
While we all strive for change, whether big or small, it’s also important to stay grateful for what we have, especially in this ever-changing world, where certain events may leave us feeling uneasy. As a parent, we’re here to provide you with ideas for February half-term (p.26-30) and tips on how to entertain those little energiser bunnies… I mean kids! :)
In this issue, we focus on laying a strong foundation for your child’s development, with a particular focus on learning and growth. Don’t miss our Interview with Adjoa Andoh (p.16), where the talented actress shares her insights on supporting neurodivergent children. Plus, discover tips for achieving healthy skin for both you and your child—a good way to start this New Year (p.31)
Here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy the read!
Give your child the space to unwind, recharge, and find calm in a world full of pressures.
Nanahata Wellness offers mindfulness classes for children, providing a nurturing escape that blends sound healing, soothing storytelling, and creative mindful crafts to help children relax, reconnect, and express themselves.
Each session is carefully tailored to the season and lunar cycle, with magical stories specially written to inspire reflection, calmness, and imagination.
Children will explore playful breathwork, gentle sound healing with gongs and singing bowls, and mindful crafts that encourage selfexpression and intention-setting.
Classes are available as group sessions or private bookings, held in a peaceful studio setting or in the comfort of your home. Sessions can also be personalised to gently support children through worries or changes at home.
“Children face so much pressure –school, activities, life. These classes offer them the chance to simply be still, to breathe, and to connect.”
*20% off your first class – use code: FamiliesSW when booking.
Relaxing Tuscan Holiday Home with Pool for Weekly Rentals
Family-friendly villa in the stunning Tuscan hills with amazing lake and mountain views, close to the village where Michelangelo was born. An oasis of peace immersed in nature, with fireflies and butterflies often seen in the garden, plus the occasional deer.
The villa is located in a less touristy area of Tuscany, with lots of fantastic restaurants nearby and close enough to visit cities such as Florence, Siena, and Arezzo. The closest airport is Perugia, an easy one-hour drive away.
The house has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 dining areas, a large garden, an outdoor pizza oven, jungle gym, and fenced pool. There are plenty of games and activities for children. Babysitter services, a chef, cooking lessons, pizza making, and wine tasting are available on request.
Quote ‘Families’ for a complimentary meal on arrival.
1 www.holiday-villa-in-Tuscany.com
To book send a whatsapp message or phone 07983 821 282
Could the New Year be your chance to try something new?
Volunteer with Girlguiding – we help all girls know they can do anything. We provide a range of activities and opportunities for girls aged 4 to 18. Your help will ensure girls gain confidence, feel empowered, and have great adventures.
Volunteer with a group or use your skills behind the scenes – you don’t need any guiding experience, and everyone is welcome! It’s flexible, and no commitment is too small.
What can you gain from volunteering with us?
● Meet new people ● Be part of a community
● Make a difference in the lives of girls in your local area
● Develop skills to add to your CV
Find out more by searching ‘ways of volunteering’ at girlguiding.org.uk, or drop us an email at info@girlguidinglondonsw.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 303885
Find Your Inner Zen This January with Active Lambeth Therapy
Escape the hustle and bustle with Active Lambeth’s new state-of-the-art treatment room, located on the 6th floor of Brixton Recreation Centre. Choose from a wide range of treatments, including:
● Deep Tissue Massage. ● Swedish Massage. ● Reflexology
● Pregnancy Massage. ● Hot Stone Therapy. ● Sports Massage – and more! Rated 5 Stars on Treatwell and Google Reviews – You Won’t Be Disappointed!
Take the stress out of your day and treat yourself or a loved one to a session with their skilled therapists. Quote offer code: metime25 to enjoy 10% off and experience ultimate relief and rejuvenation. Book now: www.active.lambeth.gov.uk/active-lambeth-therapy-booking
Transform Your Look with OliBrows
Start 2025 with a beauty refresh at Olivia’s new studio, located just a short 3-minute walk from Putney Bridge.
With over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, Olivia is a Professional Brow and Lashes Artist. She offers a wide range of expert treatments, including HD brows, microblading, lip blush, brow lamination, henna brows, LVL lash lifts, and skin treatments.
Known for her exceptional artistry and trusted by celebrities and locals alike, Olivia’s brow transformations are unmatched, perfectly framing your face while enhancing your natural beauty. Her studio is also a sanctuary for indulgence and self-care, offering brow and lash enhancements, waxing, and relaxing massages to help you rejuvenate both your look and spirit.
With her personalised approach, Olivia ensures each client leaves feeling confident and radiant. To sweeten the start of your year, quote Families for a 10% discount on her services. Follow her on Instagram at @OliBrows or book your appointment today at 07930740202 or via www.fresha.com
Start Your 2025 Strong and Set Your Gains!
Now is the perfect time to get a head start on the New Year and work towards becoming the best version of yourself. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you gain:
● Health ● Strength ● Confidence
This January, enjoy NO joining fees on monthly memberships and exclusive member benefits when you sign up for a new Active Lambeth Membership!
Get activated today and don’t forget to quote the code NYNG to start your journey to more. www.active.lambeth.gov.uk/memberships
Paediatric Osteopathy for Children and Pregnant & Post-Natal Women
Facing health challenges? We may be able to help!
The Osteopathic Centre for Children provides osteopathic care for children of all ages, and pregnant and post-natal women, on a donatewhat-you-can basis.
Our qualified osteopaths specialise in providing exceptional care, addressing a wide range of conditions and ongoing health concerns.
“Jude has Downs syndrome, so we’ve been coming here for overall health. We find it amazing. The treatments keep him well. He is prone to hospital stays but I think we avoid those more because we come here.” –Jenna, mum of patient.
Located in Warren Street and Shoreditch, our open-plan, warm and friendly clinics create a relaxed atmosphere that is especially reassuring for children.
Call 020 8875 5290 to book. www.occ-fpo.org.uk
Top tips for 11+ preparation
By Lucy Alexandra Spencer
Preparation for the 11+ grammar or independent school exams can sometimes feel overwhelming but with careful planning, it can become a manageable and even rewarding experience. Try these actionable, supportive steps:
Creating a study routine
To help your child feel prepared, establish a consistent study routine as early as possible. Set up a quiet, well-lit area for homework and use a calendar to visually mark out revision.
infrequent, long ones. Monitor your child’s progress in school reports and address any subject areas where they’re struggling. Since the 11+ typically assesses children above their age level, staying ahead of the curriculum expectations is key.
Consider tutoring support
If your child finds certain areas challenging or needs motivation, it may be worth looking into tutoring support. Group sessions, online programmes or one-to-one tutoring can provide targeted guidance.
Registering for exams
Check application deadlines for each school, as these vary widely. Many independent schools require applications by June of the year your child turns 10, while grammar school applications often only open in May and June of Year 5. Mark these dates in your calendar and if you’re close to missing a deadline, contact the school directly.
Using mock exams to build confidence
Use mock exams to prepare for the real test. Start with home practice by setting a timer and simulating silent exam conditions.
After each session, review your child’s answers to highlight strengths and areas of focus. When your child feels ready, consider booking an external mock test to replicate the full exam experience, including the presence of other students. This can boost confidence and reduce exam-day nerves.
Final preparations and exam day
In the final weeks, review key concepts without overwhelming your child. Use simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help them stay calm and positive. On exam day, ensure they have a nutritious breakfast and double-check that they have all
feel supported and ready to succeed.
Lucy Spencer is founder of Education Boutique (www.educationboutique.co.uk), which provides in-person tutoring for children, schools and local authorities, designed to meet individual needs and ensuring that each child can access the right resources at their own pace.
Staying ahead of the curve for 11+ success
To stay ahead in 11+ prep it greatly helps to understand both school report language and standardised scoring bands. School reports often use terms like ‘Working Towards,’ ‘Expected,’ and ‘Greater Depth.’ For the 11+, aiming for ‘Greater Depth’ or ‘Mastery’ indicates a child is performing above age expectations, which is beneficial for competitive exams.
Schools also use standardised scores to show how a child ranks nationally against their peers. A score of 100 typically represents the national average. For the 11+, children should ideally score well above 100, with 115 and higher often seen as a strong position. Some schools may require scores even closer to 120 or more for a pupil to be considered ‘ahead of the curve.’
Seeking additional support early for your child, especially if they are working below the ‘Greater Depth’ level or achieving a standardised score below 115, can help you feel more in control and alleviate pressure.
Meet THE head
The school shares the same values across all sites and pupils continue to meet for co-ed activities beyond the classroom.
Michael works with the Head of Broomwood Girls, Louisa McCafferty and the Head of PrePrep, Caron Mackay to provide a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. Before joining Broomwood, he was Head of Prospect House in Putney, where he taught for twenty years.
How would students describe you?
I think the children would say that I’m approachable, funny, strict but fair. Effective communication is vital to running a successful school and therefore I take the time to speak to all ‘stakeholders’, particularly the children. I listen to their amazing stories, and they willingly share their points of view. At Broomwood we foster a culture of trust, openness and honesty. Broomwood children, parents and staff know they can trust me.
What was it about the school that made you apply for the position?
The reputation of the school is what drew me to Broomwood; it has always been seen as a great school for great children. The children who come out of Broomwood are happy, polite and ready to begin the next phase of their journey. Children at Broomwood are at the heart of everything we do.
The recent merger of the schools to sit under one name also excited me and I hope that I can take the school into its next phase and continue to build on the amazing work that has already been done. Within the first few weeks of my arrival, we won the ‘Independent School of the Year Award’ for Pupil Wellbeing and whilst this recognition is to be welcomed, we’re not complacent: we’re constantly working to ensure our children get the very best care.
A new school year and a new Headmaster!
Michael Hodge joined Broomwood this year as Principal and Head of Broomwood Boys.
The school has a distinctive approach to education which is designed to allow staff to support each child’s development in the best possible way. Broomwood has a unique and highly effective model, where children start in the co-ed prep together, before moving to single-sex sets in Year 3. This gives them the freedom to develop at their own pace in an environment which is specifically tailored to their needs.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a professional cricketer. That might not seem related to teaching, but I found great joy in working as part of a team and coaching others. Helping support and develop others was something that came quite naturally to me.
What have you been most proud of since joining the school?
I’m really pleased with how quickly I’ve integrated into the school. I feel as if I have been here for a long time, and it is a good fit. I’m proud of the relationship I have already built with the boys. A Year 8 pupil said to me yesterday, ‘Please could you come to my new school and be my head there?’
What is your best memory so far?
I think it was the first weekend when I saw parents, staff and children together for a football tournament at Danes Hill. I really got the sense of community; it was a joy seeing the parents supporting their children and watching
them perform – it was at that moment that I knew that Broomwood was the perfect school for me.
Netflix or theatre, book or kindle?
I love the theatre. I really enjoy the Broomwood productions. Our recent productions of the musicals ‘Matilda’ and ‘Aladdin’ were top notch.
Do come and see us for a personal tour! 1 www.broomwood.com k admissions@broomwood.com
Next Open Days
Broomwood Pre-Prep: Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 9-10:30am
Bromwood Prep: Wednesday, 12 March 2025, 9-10:30am
The learning habits of smart kids
By Bradley Busch
Want to raise a high-flying child? Here’s how to encourage the good learning habits that ‘smart kids’ demonstrate that will set your child up for life.
Believe they can improve. Kids can believe they have a fixed amount of intelligence, which can lead to a defeatist attitude towards schoolwork. They might say: ‘I know I can’t do this, so there’s no point trying.’ These children often give up on challenging tasks and reject feedback. Other children believe going to try even harder.’ These kids have a growth mindset, believing they can improve by working hard and learning from their mistakes. This makes them better learners.
Try this:
Try: ‘I’m pleased with how hard you worked on your writing. What do you think would make it even better?’
Don’t compare. Smart children are more likely to focus on their own achievements and not compare their performance to others. This self-referencing leads to greater motivation and confidence.
bowling because I always win’ and ‘I know I’m good at ten-pin bowling because I used to get 90 points and now I get 110.’
Try this: ‘Your handwriting is really improving. Now try focussing on making your letters all the same size.’ Don’t say: ‘Why can’t you write as neatly as your sister?’
Ask for help. In late primary school, children (particularly boys) can become reluctant to ask for help because they think it’s a sign of weakness. But one of the hallmarks of a resilient learner
A sense of purpose
If children understand why they’re doing a task or how it
Try this: A good teacher prefaces a task by explaining why their pupils are doing it. For example, ‘this will help you understand what we’ll cover in science tomorrow.’
Help your child understand the purpose of their homework and why it’s been set: is it a mock paper to help them do better in their SATs, for instance?
Smart kids recognise that procrastination isn’t helpful. Children often procrastinate because they don’t know where
can finish it in one go. But once they start, they often realise it’s not as daunting as they thought.
Try this: Set a timer for ten minutes. Encourage your child to start the task, with the promise that they can stop when the bell sounds. Often, they’ll want to carry on once started, as the brain doesn’t like leaving things unfinished.
Try this: Explain to your child that asking for help is the sign of a mature learner. If they’re having trouble with homework, encourage them to seek an explanation from the teacher.
Learn from feedback. Can your child absorb the teacher’s comments and guidance for improvement? Many students see feedback as criticism and are less likely to take it on board.
Try this: Rather than your child asking themselves or you ‘Is this okay?’ – a question that could lead them to accepting work that doesn’t live up to their ability – suggest that your child asks: ‘How can I improve this?’
Children whose parents have high expectations for them do better at school.
Bradley Busch is a Chartered Psychologist) and author of Release your inner drive: Everything you need to know about , available from www.bookshop.org
Relaxation and self-care
Being sleep-deprived has a noticeable impact on children’s academic achievement. Sleep is closely linked to children’s learning, memory and emotional control and children who regularly get a good night’s sleep tend to raise their results by one grade per subject in exams.
Try this: Enforce a screentime ban an hour before bedtime and ensure tablets, phone and laptops are not in your child’s room overnight. Using screens before bed could result in your child losing an hour of sleep per night.
Contrary to appearances, smart kids are not the ones who put hours into every homework task and stop going to their after-school clubs to revise for exams. Instead, they balance their workload with extra-curricular activities, seeing friends or just relaxing at home. Physical activity and social contact are linked to mental and physical wellbeing, which has a knock-on
Try this: Make time to go to the park for a family walk or run. Leading by example is important if your child is going to achieve a good work/life balance.
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Supporting highly able children at home
By Erin Miller
As a teacher, the most common question I receive from parents is: ‘how can I support my child’s learning at home?’ All parents ask this question, whether their child is struggling or flourishing at school.
You may find that your child’s school has more support and resources available for children who are struggling than for children who are thriving in school. It is quite natural that schools are most concerned with ensuring that children who struggle are given as much support as possible to access the curriculum.
Unfortunately, the byproduct of this is that sometimes less time is spent nurturing the talents of the most able children. The Department for Education does not state how schools should meet the needs of their most able learners, only that all schools have an obligation to provide an education which meets the needs of every learner.
Of course, many schools do an excellent job in supporting their highly able children to build upon their talents but realistically, a highly able child will have a thirst for knowledge that must be fostered at home as well as in school. Therefore, it is useful to know what you can do at home if you have a child who is highly able.
What to do at home is as much about creating the right atmosphere as it is finding concrete enrichment activities for your child.
I believe that this is threefold.
Firstly, be a home which is open to intellectual curiosity
If your child expresses an interest in something, ask more questions and allow yourself to be guided by their interest in your choice of media, outings and family activities.
Secondly, be a household which visibly values education
For example, having books on display in your home communicates that you value reading. This can be achieved easily and cheaply through visits to libraries and charity shops.
Enrichment for primary ages
National Geographic Kids (www.natgeokids.com/uk): humanities, natural sciences, games, videos, articles. Epic Reads (www.epicreads.com): hosts reading challenges for book-hungry children.
Primary Homework Help (www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk): wide range of resources aligned with the primary curriculum. NASA’s Climate Kids (www.climatekids.nasa.gov): games, videos, activities about climate science. Aquila (www.aquila.co.uk): a subscription magazine aimed at highly able children. www.code.org: used by schools, helps children learn how to code.
Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, support your child to become an independent learner
A concern that the parents of highly able children often voice is that their child is bored or under-stimulated at school. Relative to age, children need to understand that they also have a responsibility for their learning. They should have routines and practices to turn to if they finish their work early at school or if they want to pursue an interest in a particular topic. For example, always having a reading book or knowing where to find extension tasks or activities.
You may have noticed that I have used the phrases ‘most able’ and ‘highly able’ interchangeably. This is because, since the Young Gifted and Talented Programme closed in 2010, there
able students. Therefore, the definition and identification of ‘highly able’ varies from school to school.
This definitional information is also likely (and rightly) to be kept in-house as making this label known to children can have awkward connotations, both for the pressure it can place upon individual students and the impact it can have on other students who do not receive such a label.
Therefore, be cautious about how you approach discussing this topic with your child, if you choose to at all. It’s likely they will already have an awareness of where they fall in their peer group and labels can be damaging for highly able students.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Enrichment for teens
FutureLearn:
Perfect for giving secondary children experiences of studying subjects they have previously not encountered.
Nrich.maths.org: from the University of Cambridge, helping gifted mathematicians (age 3+).
BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize): resources of excellent quality across all subjects, linked to the national curriculum. Scratch by MIT (www.scratch.mit.edu): for children interested in developing their coding skills (Scratch Jr available for younger children).
Donhead Preparatory School
Book for our OPEN MORNING Friday 14th February 9: 11 Sports, 7 Academic, 2 Music, 1 Art and 1 English Senior School Scholarships awarded in 2024
off www.serviteprimaryschool.co.uk ice@serviteprimaryschool.co.uk
Cultural capital: what it is and why it matters
By Erin Miller
The term ‘cultural capital’ entered the social consciousness in 1979, when Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept in his book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Broadly speaking, it refers to the knowledge, skills and experiences that are valued by a society.
It is thought that those who gain and harness this type of knowledge are more likely to have a social advantage. Take a child who is regularly taken to libraries, museums and sports games, with further cross-cultural experiences through travel. It completely follows that this child is likely to excel further in their education and enjoy more social mobility than a child who is not offered these experiences.
Cultural capital is sometimes thought of as the background knowledge to understanding a culture. For example, a passage in your child’s English test might mention that food has been ‘sautéed.’ A child who has had the benefit of eating in restaurants using this descriptor may well understand the term, whereas another child who has not had these experiences will not. This gives the first child a reading advantage. Latin words are another obvious example. A child who has had some training in Latin might come to automatically understand Latin phrases in our everyday lives eg the Invictus Games or phrases such as ‘quid pro quo.’
Now don’t worry, I’m really not about to suggest that you start taking your child to Michelin starred restaurants and enrol them in an immersive Latin course this summer! However, it is valuable to think about how you can equip your child with the type of knowledge, skills and experiences that can help them both in school (reading especially) and in their life beyond. In fact, research has proven that background knowledge compensates for a weaker reading ability, so any opportunities to bolster your child’s background knowledge are beneficial.
Some people are concerned that attempts to teach cultural capitalism might lead to expressions of cultural elitism and it is certainly a reasonable concern. However, providing broad based knowledge and experiences are not exclusive to a single culture and your child should certainly not be getting the impression that one culture is superior to another.
In conclusion, it is definitely worth considering how to support your child’s background knowledge, in the form of cultural capital.
Building cultural capital from home
If finding outside experiences rich in cultural capital seems easier said than done, there’s still plenty you can do from home.
The best place to start is with books. The World Book Day website (www.worldbookday.com) has quality recommendations for children’s books, both old and new and spanning the globe. For reluctant readers, try audiobooks. Many galleries and museums have award-winning online virtual tours and activities. For older children, these include the National Gallery at www.bit.ly/ngvirtualt and the British Museum at www.bit.ly/britmuhome With a general election coming up, it could also be a good time to introduce your child to the world of politics. You could encourage your child to research your local candidates and discover some of the differences between the main parties. Finally, how about trying out some new foods over summer? Perhaps try a new recipe at home with foods you wouldn’t normally eat.
‘We’re Failing Neurodivergent Children,’
Says Adjoa Andoh
Adjoa Andoh, best known for her role as Lady Danbury in Bridgerton, and her eldest daughter, Jesse, a learning support teacher and SENCO, both have dyspraxia.
Adjoa discovered her own diagnosis after Jesse was assessed as a toddler in the late 1980s. Since then, she has used occupational therapy techniques designed for Jesse to support her own career and daily life, including on the Bridgerton set.
The pair are backing the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ (RCOT) call for every school to have an occupational therapist. They argue that support for neurodivergent children has deteriorated since Jesse’s childhood.Adjoa reflects on the critical role early intervention played in Jesse’s life: ‘When Jesse was assessed, her results were off the charts. I thought she was developing like I had, so her diagnosis was a revelation. Thanks to 13 years of NHS occupational and physiotherapy, Jesse was able to thrive. I never had that support myself, and I can see how much difference it makes.’
“When Jesse was assessed, her results were off the charts. I thought she was developing like I had, so her diagnosis was a revelation”
However, both Adjoa and Jesse believe the current system is failing. Adjoa says:
‘Things have gone backwards. When Jesse was little, we worked closely with her occupational therapist and her school to ensure she had extra time for exams or adjustments to lessons. Today, many children wait years for diagnoses and receive limited support. One girl I spoke to waited eight years and got just six weeks of help. This isn’t good enough.’
Jesse describes living with dyspraxia as “walking up a steep hill with obstacles,” where others see a flat road. She believes neurodivergent children face unnecessary challenges due to inadequate systems: ‘I had moments of real struggle at
school and others where I succeeded, thanks to support. But now, services are worse in the state system. I became a SENCO because I don’t want students to struggle like I did. Neurodivergence can be a superpower, but only if children get the right help. That support should be built into the system.’
Jesse now works at an international school in Cambodia, where occupational therapists are available full-time: ‘I’ve seen children transform, going from disengaged to thriving because someone sees them and understands what adjustments are needed. This should be the norm in all schools, not a privilege for a few.’
Adjoa and Jesse believe early intervention is critical, not just for children but for their parents, carers, and teachers:‘Occupational therapists can identify challenges early and recommend solutions, from classroom layouts to equipment or adjustments. Without this, too many children fall through the cracks, missing their potential,’ says Adjoa.
“I’ve seen children transform, going from disengaged to thriving because someone sees them and understands what adjustments are needed”
The RCOT calls for investment in occupational therapy as a priority, ensuring therapists are part of school mental health teams and involved in training educators. The organisation also stresses the need for streamlined processes to provide equipment and adaptations at home and school to reduce delays.
Jesse adds: ‘At my school, having occupational therapists five days a week has transformed the environment. I’ve seen students who were struggling become eager to attend school. Every child deserves this level of support.’
“We’re letting children down by not addressing their needs early, and the system must change”
Adjoa concludes: ‘I’m so grateful for the intervention Jesse received. It helped us understand her needs and what adjustments were necessary to make life easier. Many children today don’t get that support, which can affect them for the rest of their lives. We’re letting children down by not addressing their needs early, and the system must change.’
They also advocate for improved teacher training to help identify neurodivergent children earlier: ‘Teachers need more knowledge to recognise when children might need extra support. Ideally, every school should have an occupational therapist, or at least share one across several schools. These professionals would empower teachers and families to ensure children have the best chance of success,’ Adjoa adds.
The RCOT believes every school should have access to an occupational therapist to provide early, tailored support for neurodivergent children. For more information about their campaign, visit rcot.co.uk/ot-schools. To find out more about what occupational therapy is, visit rcot.co.uk/about-occupationaltherapy/what-is-occupational-therapy.
THE SCHOOL FOR ADVENTUROUS MINDS
PRE-PREP & NURSERY OPEN MORNING
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY
JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING
THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY
The BIG Nursery Directory
Streatham and Clapham Prep School (Nursery) Wavertree Rd, London SW2 3SR www.schs.gdst.net
Cherubins Day Nursery - Chestnut Lodge Chestnut Lodge, 48 Palace Road, London SW2 3NJ www.cherubinsdaynursery.co.uk
Purple Willows Day Nursery Clapham 2 Lyham Road, Clapham, London SW2 5QA www.purplewillows.co.uk
The Park Kindergarten SW2 Telford Park Tennis Club, 35a Killieser Avenue, London SW2 4NX www.thekindergartens.com
Happy Nursery Days Valens House, 132A Upper Tulse Hill, London SW2 2RX www.happynurserydays.org.uk
N Family Club - Brixton, N Brixton, 47 Tulse Hill, London SW2 2TN www.nfamilyclub.com/n-brixton
Holmewood Nursery School Holmewood Nursery School, 66 Upper Tulse Hill, London SW2 2RW www.holmewoodnurseryschool.org.uk
Streatham Montessori Nursery & Day Care 66 Blairderry Road, Streatham Hill, London SW2 4SB www.streathammontessori.co.uk
The Willow Nursery (Clapham) 55 Grafton Square, London SW4 0DE www.thewillownursery.co.uk
The Willow Nursery, located in the heart of Clapham Old Town, is an Ofsted Outstanding private nursery catering to 2.5 – 5-year-olds. With over 30 years of establishment, it operates from Monday to Thursday, 8:15 am to 3:00 pm, and on Fridays until 12:15 pm, exclusively during term time.
Every day, the nursery at Streatham & Clapham Prep School draws out the very best from its girls. It provides enriching opportunities for the girls to develop and explore new, exciting interests and friendships alongside peers of all ages. Year 6 girls make weekly visits to the Early Years setting, encouraging social and emotional development, imaginative play, and key communication and language skills. Pupils thrive on account of the school’s family ethos, allowing them to be known, valued, and nurtured as individuals.
Raphael Nursery Clapham 12 Poynders Road, London SW4 8NY www.raphaelnursery.com
Clapham Montessori St Paul's Community Centre, Rectory Grove, Clapham, London SW4 0DX www.montessoriclapham.co.uk
Parkgate House School Nursery, 80 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 9SD www.parkgate-school.co.uk
Bright Horizons Clapham Day Nursery and Preschool 4-14 Bromells Road, London SW4 0BG www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/clapham-nursery-andpreschool
Abacus Ark Nursery School (Clapham) Ground Floor, St Paul's
St Mary Magdalen Montessori
St Mary’s Summerstown Montessori
SW14 : 020 8878 0756 • SW17 : 020 8947 7359
Providing Education and Care in a Warm, Welcoming Environment including Cookery, Ballet, Dance, Football and Singing as part of our curriculum.
Private fees or Free Government Funding. Good OFSTED with excellent love and care.
Church, St John's Hill, London SW11 1SH www.abacusark.com/claphamjunction-st-johns-hill-london
L’Ecole de Battersea Trott St, London SW11 3DS www.lecoledebattersea.co.uk
L’Ecole de Battersea provides a bilingual and international environment for children aged 3 to 6 to embark on their educational journey. The curriculum integrates the best aspects of the English and French systems, offering pupils a unique learning experience.
Noah’s Ark Dolphin Nursery (Part of Dolphin School Trust) 106 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6QW www.dolphinschool.org.uk/nursery
Please see entry for Noah’s Ark Westside in SW18.
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery
Battersea, 115 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3HS www.monkeypuzzlestreathamcommon.co.uk
The Park Kindergarten SW11 St Saviours Church Hall, 351 Battersea Park Road, Battersea, London SW11 4LH www.thekindergartens.com
Elm Park Nursery 90 Clarence Avenue, London SW4 8JR www.elmparknursery.co.uk
Magic Roundabout Nursery
Stockwell MRN House, Binfield Road, Stockwell, London SW4 6TB www.mrnnursery.co.uk
Montessori by Busy Bees Wandsworth 69 Thorparch Road, Wandsworth, London SW8 4RH www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nurser y/wandsworth-road
Little Garden The Clapham Day Nursery & Pre-School, 3 Peardon Street, Clapham, London SW8 3BW www.lgnurseries.com/nurseries/clap ham-day-nursery-preschool
Thessaly Road Nursery Yvonne Carr Centre (playpeople nurseries), 2 Thessaly Road, London SW8 4HT www.theplaypeople.co.uk
Stepping Stones Community Nursery, Ground Floor, Melbury House, Richborne Terrace, London SW8 1BA www.steppingstonescn.co.uk
Brixton Garden Nursery & PreSchool, 27 Brixton Station Road, Brixton, London SW9 8QQ. Now Open: Book a visit. www.leyf.org.uk
SW1, SW3, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW10
Eaton Square Nursery SchoolPimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ
Westminster St James the Less Church School, 4 Moreton Street, Westminster, London SW1V 2QF www.hatching-dragons.com/engb/westminster-pimlico-nurseryschool
Bright Horizons Chelsea Day Nursery and Preschool Hepworth Court, Grosvenor Waterside, 30 Gatliff Road, London SW1W 8QN www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/chelsea-day-nursery-andpreschool
Miss Daisy’s Nursery School (Chelsea) St Lukes Church Crypt, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH www.missdaisysnursery.com
Miss Daisy’s Nursery School (Knightsbridge) St Simons Church, Milner Street, London SW3 2QF www.missdaisysnursery.com
Chelsea Open Air Nursery School 51 Glebe Pl, London SW3 5JE www.coans.rbkc.sch.uk
SW2, SW4, SW8, SW9, SW11
Earls Court Nursery & Pre-School, 65 Philbeach Gardens, Earls Court, London SW5 9EE. Open Day: 17th January. Please visit their website to book www.leyf.org.uk
Dawmouse Montessori Nursery School, Brunswick Club, 34 Haldane Road, SW6 7EU. A nursery school in Fulham has been established for over 40 years. To tour or for further information please visit www.dawmouse.com
Little People of Fulham 250A Lillie Road, London SW6 7PX www.littlepeople.co.uk/fulhamnursery
L’Ecole des Petits 2 Hazlebury Rd, London SW6 2NB www.lecoledespetits.co.uk
L’Ecole des Petits provides a bilingual and international environment for children aged 3 to 6 to embark on their educational journey. The curriculum integrates the best aspects of the English and French systems, offering pupils a unique learning experience.
345 Nursery Schools are owner-led and combine traditional and Montessori methods to deliver a program that is varied, holistic and child centric. Working with each child individually, they instil the foundations of EYFS, whilst fostering confidence and excitement about learning to ensure children thrive academically and emotionally at school. Independent PreSchools for children aged 2 to 5.
Pippa Pop-ins 430 Fulham Rd., London SW6 1DU www.pippapopins.com
Pippa Pop-ins 233 New Kings Rd, London SW6 4XE SW6 1DU www.pippapopins.com
Millie’s House Nursery and PreSchool 163 New Kings Road Fulham London SW6 4SN www.millieshouse.net
Kido International Nursery and Preschool (Fulham) 185 Estcourt Road, London SW6 7HB www.kidoschools.com
Kido is an international group of fourteen nurseries across London with local nurseries in Battersea, Fulham, Streatham, Wandsworth and Tooting. It brings together some of the world's best early years practices to deliver the finest experience for families. The nurseries offer language classes and an innovative international curriculum to ensure each child receives a comprehensive foundation for their future success.
Wandsworth Bridge Nursery & PreSchool Cairns House, 291 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2NX. Open Day: 25th January. Visit the website to book www.leyf.org.uk
The Little Tug Boat Day Nursery 3 Finlay Street, London SW6 6HE www.littletugboatnursery.co.uk
Parson's Green Nursery 22 Cortayne Road, London SW6 3QA www.parsonsgreennursery.com
Little Forest Folk Fulham Bishops Park Tennis Pavilion, Stevenage Road, London SW6 6DX www.littleforestfolk.com/fulham
Caring Hands Nursery and Kindergarten 99 Moore Park Road, Fulham, London SW6 2DA www.caringhandsservices.co.uk
Peques Anglo-Spanish Nursery Schools (Fulham Broadway) St Johns Church, North End Road, Fulham, London SW6 1PB www.peques.co.uk
Mandarin Ducklings Putney Bridge Nursery All Saints Church Hall, Fulham High Street, London SW6 3LG www.mandarinducklings.co.uk
Montessori Community School 181183 Townmead Road, Imperial Wharf, London SW6 2JX www.montessoricommunityschool.co.uk
Bright Horizons Fulham Wharf Day Nursery and Preschool Grove House, Bagley's Lane, London SW6 2QB www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/fulham-wharf-day-nurseryand-preschool
Queensberry Nursery 24 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DR www.queensberrynursery.co.uk
Pooh Corner Kindergarten Kensington SW7
St Stephen's Church Hall, 48 Emperor's Gate, London SW7 4HJ www.thekindergartens.com
Kinderzimmer South Kensington 114 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London SW7 4SE www.kinderzimmer.co.uk/location/s outh-kensington
Lycée Francais Charles de Gaulle Pre School 35 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2DG www.lyceefrancais.org.uk/apprendre/ primaire
The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road, Kensington, London SW7 2BA www.willcocksnurseryschool.com
Paint Pots Montessori School The Boltons St Mary The Boltons Church, The Boltons, London SW10 9TB www.paint-pots.co.uk/pages/theboltons
Paint Pots Montessori Nursery Schools distinguish themselves through a unique blend of creativity, the Montessori approach, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Catering to children aged 1 to 5 years, the nursery schools are situated in Chelsea, Hyde Park, and Notting Hill. The environments are characterised by nurturing and caring atmospheres that promote both creativity and learning.
Chelsea Pre-Prep School & Nursery St Andrew's Church, Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0AU
Kingsland Pre-Prep 428 King's Rd, London SW10 0LJ www.kingslandpp.com
Tadpoles Nursery School Chelsea Park Walk, London SW10 0AY www.tadpolesnursery.com
Park Walk Primary School Park Walk, London SW10 0AY
Woodentop Nurseries (SW12) 24 Thornton Road, London, SW12 0LF www.woodentopsnurseries.com. For more information see the entry for SW4.
N Family Club Balham 126 Atkins Road, London SW12 0AN www.nfamilyclub.com/n-balham Grove Hall Nursery 59 Balham Grove, London SW12 8BD www.grovehallnursery.com
Apples and Honey Nightingale Nightingale House, 105 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NB www.applesandhoneynightingale.com
Trinity St Mary's C of E Primary School 6 Balham Park Road, London SW12 8DR
www.tsm.wandsworth.sch.uk
Admissions to Trinity St Mary's Primary School allocate up to 32 spaces for nursery annually. Options include 15 hours (part-time) or 30 hours (full-time). Part-time slots are usually every morning, 8:50 am to 11:50 am, or every afternoon, 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm. Full-time places cover every day from 8:50 am to 3:15 pm.
Balham Nursery School & Children's Centre 72 Endlesham Road, London SW12 8JL www.balhamnursery.wandsworth.sch.uk
The Willow Nursery
• Fun, nurturing, independent pre-school for 2½ to 5-year-olds
• Traditional & Montessori teaching from a long-established team of staff
• RULER (Well Being) Programme
• Playball
Afternoon Activities: Art & Craft, Little Foxes (Football & Rugby), STEM, Teddy Tennis, Forest School & Ballet (Chelsea Ballet School), Hot lunches provided for afternoon children by Chilli Bees
55 Grafton Square, Clapham Old Town London, SW4 ODE, 020 7498 0319
@thewillownursery
Would you like to earn extra money?
Capital Focus Groups are looking for people who enjoy giving their opinions and are willing to share their views on the products and services they use for many of the country’s largest companies and well-known products. Online and face to face sessions.
It’s free, it’s fun and you will be financially rewarded as a thank you for taking part!
Register now to earn extra money, by calling Liz on 07761 128059 or e.dahlgren@btinternet.com
Families SW Interviews Anthony Ioannou, Owner of Abacus Ark
Q: What inspired you to open a new Abacus Ark location in Earlsfield?
Anthony: Earlsfield is a vibrant, family-focused community that aligns perfectly with our mission to create nurturing environments for young learners. We’re excited to bring our unique approach to early education here, supporting children, families, and the local community.
Q: What sets Abacus Ark apart from other nurseries?
Anthony: At Abacus Ark, we focus on developing Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Understanding, and Trustworthiness (FIRST)—the building blocks of a bright future. Our pedagogy blends the Reggio Emilia approach, which sees children as curious, capable, and resilient, with elements of Montessori, fostering independence and confidence.
Our environments are purposefully designed as the “third teacher,” encouraging exploration, creativity, and self-expression. We follow a dynamic and responsive curriculum that evolves with children’s interests and inquiries, supporting meaningful learning experiences. Teachers act as facilitators and co-learners, guiding children while respecting their individuality and unique perspectives. Education is a shared responsibility at Abacus Ark. Families are active partners in their child’s journey, and their insights and participation create a supportive network. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and
strengthens the connection between home, nursery, and community.
Q: What can families expect from the Earlsfield nursery?
Anthony: Families will find a thoughtfully designed, child-centred environment that encourages curiosity and self-discovery. Our curriculum ensures children develop the emotional, social, and academic skills to take their first steps into the world with confidence. By blending Reggio Emilia’s collaborative ethos
with Montessori’s focus on independence, we nurture a love for learning and essential life skills.
Q: Any message for families considering Abacus Ark Earlsfield?
Anthony: At Abacus Ark, we embrace each child’s potential and provide them with the tools to thrive. If you’re seeking a nursery that respects your child’s individuality while fostering their love of learning, we’d love to welcome you to our Earlsfield family!
Weir Link Nursery & Pre-School 33 Weir Road, London SW12 0NU.
Open Day: Friday 17th January. Please visit the website to book www.leyf.org.uk.
Yukon Tots & Preschool Yukon Hall, Dalton House, Yukon Road, Balham, London SW12 9DN www.yukontotsnursery.co.uk
Bright Horizons Balham Day Nursery and Preschool 36 Radbourne Road, Balham, London SW12 0EF www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/balham-day-nursery-andpreschool
Kids Inc Day Nursery (East Sheen) 459b Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7PR www.kidsincnurseries.co.uk
Kids Inc Day Nursery opens its doors from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery offers childcare and education for babies and young children aged from three months to five years.
Working Mums Daycare & PreSchool - East Sheen Roebuck House, 284-286 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London SW14 7JE www.workingmumsdaycare.co.uk/ea st-sheen
Family-run, Ofsted Outstanding nursery offering children a high quality education in an environment where every individual is valued for who they are and for their contributions. Pupils leave ‘Reception ready’, brimming with confidence and with a love of learning.
Eastwood Day Nursery & Creche 166 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4HR www.eastwood.wandsworth.sch.uk
Noddy's Nursery School (Gwendolen Ave), 2 Gwendolen Avenue, Putney, London SW15 6EH www.noddysnursery.co.uk
Peregrines Nursery 11 Woodborough Road, London SW15 6PY www.falconsschool.co.uk
Puddle-Ducks Nursery 95 Lacy Road, Putney, London SW15 1NR www.puddle-ducks.org.uk
Hurlingham Nursery School The Old Methodist Hall, Gwendolen Avenue, London SW15 6EH www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk
Kido International Nursery and Preschool (Streatham)
113 Blegborough Rd, London SW16 6DL www.kidoschools.com For more details please see Kido Fulham entry.
Norbury Nursery and Preschool 1516 London Road, Norbury, London SW16 4EU www.luckybeanschildcare.com
Lucky Beans Nurseries uphold a forest school ethos, and the Norbury nursery features a "secret garden" just off Norbury Park, offering a secure and open space for children to play. The commitment extends to regular trips to green spaces, complemented by in-house activities such as tennis, dance, football, Spanish, and music.
Tenderlinks Day Nursery - Norbury Nuffield Health Fitness, 1212 London Road, Norbury, London SW16 4DN www.tenderlinksdaynursery.co.uk/lo cations/norbury/
Little Raye's Daycare - Norbury Court 24 Norbury Court Road, London SW16 4HT www.littlerayesdaycare.co.uk
Tenderlinks Day NurseryStreatham, 38 Mitcham Lane, Streatham, London SW16 6NP www.tenderlinksdaynursery.co.uk/lo cations/streatham/
Little Linguists Nursery School Ltd 13 Thrale Road, Streatham, London SW16 1NS
www.littlelinguistsnursery.co.uk
Little Linguists stands out as the sole French bilingual nursery in Streatham. This small, family-oriented setting provides engaging and adaptable
childcare for children aged 0-5 years, catering to the needs of busy local parents. Operating from 07:15 to 6:30, Little Linguists offers a unique environment for early education. Please visit the link above for details on its next Open Day.
Jan Pre-School 11 Prentis Road, The Glebe, Streatham, London SW16 1QR www.janpreschoolandnursery.co.uk
Beechwood Nursery School 55 Leigham Court Road, London SW16 2NJ www.beechwoodschool.com
Growing Beans Streatham Nursery South London Liberal Synagogue, 1 Prentis Road, London SW16 1HP www.luckybeanschildcare.com
St Olave's Nursery Church Walk, Streatham Vale, London SW16 5JH www.stolavesdaynursery.co.uk
St Mary’s Summerstown Montessori Nursery, 46 Wimbledon Road, SW17 0UQ. Providing education and play in a warm, welcoming environment. Rated Good by Ofsted, with a dedicated team of staff. Activities include Montessori, Tennis, Cookery, and Ballet. 2-5 years www.stmaryssummerstownmontesso ri.co.uk
Magdalen Nursery - The Cottage The Cottage, Garratt Lane, London SW17 0LT www.magdalennursery.com/thecottage Crescent II Kindergarten SW17, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 74 Trinity Road, Tooting, London SW17 7SQ www.thekindergartens.com/nurseryschool-locations
Mayfield Nursery, Springfield University Hospital, 61 Glenburnie Road, Tooting, London SW17 7DJ www.mayfieldnursery.com
Bright Horizons Tooting Looking Glass Day Nursery and Preschool 75 Macmillan Way, Tooting Bec, London SW17 6AT www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/looking-glass-nursery-andpreschool
The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd (Trinity Crescent) 14 Trinity Crescent, Upper Tooting, London SW17 7AE www.evelinedaynursery.com/trinitycr escent
The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd (Chillerton Road) Seeley Hall, Chillerton Road, Tooting, London SW17 9BE www.evelinedaynursery.com/seelyhall
The Eveline Day Nursery Schools Ltd (The Boulevard) Unit 22-23 The Boulevard, 205 Balham High Road, Balham, London SW17 7BW www.evelinedaynursery.com/boulevard
continued on p.24
The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools Ltd (Ritherdon Road) 30 Ritherdon Road, Tooting, Wandsworth, London SW17 8QD www.evelinedaynursery.com/ritherdon road
Alexander House Nursery 155 - 157 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5EQ www.alexanderhousenursery.com
The Roche School Nursery 11 Frogmore, SW18 1HW www.therocheschool.com
Family-run nursery offering children a high quality education in an environment where every individual is valued for who they are and for their contributions. Pupils leave ‘Reception ready’, brimming with confidence and with a love of learning.
Kido Nursery and Preschool (Battersea) Malvern House, 2A Palmer Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 4GJ www.kidoschools.com For more details please see Kido Fulham entry.
St Michael's C.E. Primary School Granville Road, SW18 5SQ www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk
Their nursery, Mini St. Mike's, caters for children from 3 years old, offering both full and part-time places. The daily timetable includes free-flow play indoors and outdoors, lunch in the main hall with the Reception children, a whole-class story or rhyme time, and a class prayer.
Sticky Fingers Nursery St John the Divine Church Hall, Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London SW18 4EH www.stickyfingersdaynursery.com
Little Stepping Stones Day Nurseries, Argento Tower, Mapleton Rd, London SW18 4GA www.mylittlesteppingstones.com
Tenderlinks Day Nursery, Army Cadet Centre, 17 Broomhill Rd, SW18 4JG www.tenderlinksdaynursery.co.uk/lo cations/wandsworth
Southfields Day Nursery and Preschool (Bright Horizons), 21 Riverdale drive, SW18 4UR www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/southfields-day-nurseryand-preschool
Bright Horizons Wandsworth Common Day Nursery and Preschool, 4 North Side, Wandsworth Common, London, SW18 2SS www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/wandsworth-commonday-nursery-and-preschool
Wimbledon Park Montessori School, 206 Heythorp Street, SW18 5BU www.wpmontessori.co.uk
WPMS is an exceptional nursery school located in Southfields, known for its warmth and holding an Outstanding Ofsted rating! Recently renovated, the school boasts a delightful outdoor garden, and its small classes with qualified staff ensure excellent levels of pupil contact. WPMS Montessori is a wonderful and nurturing environment for children.
Abacus Ark Nursery Schools, Wandsworth Riverside Severn House, 17 Enterprise Way SW18 1FZ Abacus Ark, 2-8 Thornsett Road, SW18 4EF (Nursery Opening January 2024). Abacus Ark Nursery School in Earlsfield nurtures children aged 6 months to 5 years with a tailored approach that combines the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies alongside the EYFS framework. Their focus on STEM, creativity, and Focus, Independence, Resilience, Social Understanding, and Trustworthiness (FIRST) ensures children are well-prepared for school and beyond. Nursery fees include two nutritious hot meals daily, snacks, formula, nappies, creams (at the nursery’s discretion), and a variety of enriching extracurricular activities, offering a comprehensive, worry-free experience for families. www.abacusark.com
The Wandsworth Day Nursery (part of Gandir UK) 2 Knightley Walk SW18 1GG www.grandiruk.com
Melrose House Nursery School Southfields, 39 Melrose Road SW18 1LX www.melrose-house.com
Bright Horizons - West Hill Day Nursery And Preschool 38 WEST HILL SW18 1RX www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/west-hill-day-nursery-andpreschool
Bright Horizons Southfields Day Nursery and Preschool 21 Riverdale Drive, London SW18 4UR www.brighthorizons.co.uk/ournurseries/southfields-day-nurseryand-preschool
Riverside Nursery 18 Ensign House SW18 1TA www.riverside-nursery.co.uk
Renowned for providing excellent care and education, this longstanding day nursery school boasts
Outstanding Ofsted Rating Achieved by The Willow Nursery in Clapham
The Willow Nursery is delighted to announce its recent attainment of an "Outstanding" rating in the latest Ofsted report.
Key Excerpts from the Report: Exciting Learning Experiences: The staff at The Willow Nursery are lauded for offering children an abundance of exciting and purposeful learning experiences that captivate their interest.
School Readiness: Children are acknowledged for being thoroughly equipped with the skills necessary for a seamless transition to school.
Close Bonds: The report emphasises the formation of extremely close bonds between children and staff, contributing to a nurturing environment.
Exceptional Behaviour: Children's behaviour is highlighted as exceptional, creating a positive and respectful atmosphere.
Thoughtful and Kind: Described as thoughtful and kind, the children at The Willow Nursery contribute to a harmonious community.
The Willow Nursery in Clapham continues to set the standard for outstanding early childhood education, fostering a positive and nurturing environment.
For more information, contact 020 7498 0319 or vist: www.thewillownursery.co.uk
SW18, SW19, SW20
fantastic facilities, including a superb play garden, creating an enriching environment for children's growth. Parents are actively encouraged to participate in numerous events, fostering a strong sense of community and involvement. Significantly, leavers from this nursery regularly secure entry into the top schools in the area, a testament to the quality of education and preparation provided.
Kido Wandsworth Nursery & Preschool (Wandsworth)
Unit 3B.04, Ram Quarter, Wandsworth High St, SW18 1TH www.kidoschools.com For more details please see Kido Fulham entry.
The Mouse House Nursery (Wandsworth)
13-15 Barmouth Road, London SW18 2DT www.thekindergartens.com
N Wandsworth (formerly Wee Ones Nursery) 4 St Ann’s Crescent SW18 2LR www.nfamilyclub.com/nwandsworth
Eveline Day Nursery
East Hill United Reformed Church Hall, Geraldine Road, Wandsworth, SW18 2NR www.evelinedaynursery.com/geraldineroad
Noah’s Ark Westside West Side Church, Wandsworth Common, Melody Road, London, SW18 2ED www.noahsarknurseryschools.org.uk
Their warm and friendly nurseries are dedicated to providing children with a learning environment where they will flourish. Devoted, caring staff ensure children thrive by creating an environment that sparks their curiosity and inspires them to become confident learners. The underlying Christian ethos supports all that they do, valuing every child and enabling them all to prosper.
Swaffield Nursery (within Swaffield Primary School), St Ann's Hill, London SW18 2SA www.waffield.wandsworth.sch.uk
Magdalen Nursery (The Lodge)
The Lodge, Magdalen Rd, SW18 3NP www.magdalennursery.com
345 Nursery Schools (Wandsworth) Fitzhugh Community Clubroom Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Rd, London SW18 3SA www.345nurseryschool.com For more details see Fulham entry.
Greenwood Nursery School, Wandle Recreation Centre, SW18 4DN www.greenwoodwandle.school
The Playroom London, 317 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DX www.theplayroomlondon.co.uk
Alexander House Nursery, 1 Quicks Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1EZ www.alexanderhousenursery.com
Banana Moon Day Nursery, 33 Russell Road, London, Wimbledon, SW19 1QN www.bananamoonwimbledon.co.uk
MMI (Modern Montessori International), The Pavillion, Cottenham Park, Melbury Gardens, SW20 0DH, www.modernmontessoriintl.com
OUTSIDE OF SW
Dulwich Prep London 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA www.dulwichpreplondon.org/prepschool/early-years Dulwich Prep London's Early Years site accommodates their Nursery and Reception classes, situated within an award-winning building amidst five acres of woodland and playing fields. Pupils benefit from regular 'forest school' sessions and a play-based curriculum expertly supported by highly skilled teachers and dedicated support staff. Early Years tours are available on select Thursdays at 9.15am King Edwards School Nursery (Bath) Weston Lane Bath BA1 4AQ www.kesbath.com
Nestled within the grounds of King Edward's Pre-Prep, the nursery boasts its own dedicated space, meticulously designed to foster exploration, creativity, and independence. With three bright indoor areas allowing free-flow movement, children have access to a flexible outdoor space featuring investigation zones such as a sandpit, stage, dressing-up corner, raised beds for plants, a climbing area, and a mud kitchen.
Soho Nursery and Preschool 23 Brewer Street, W1F 0RN. Open Day: 29th February. www.leyf.org.uk
February Half Term Activities
Camps and workshops
Get browsing and booking - whether your child is sporty, musical or creative, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this half term.
Do tell the organisers you found them in Families
SPORTS CAMPS
Activ Camps
Balham, Barnes, Clapham, Earlsfield, Tooting and Wimbledon www.activcamps.com
February half term
Adapted versions of sports including rugby, cricket, netball and rounders. Plus, team challenges, giant inflatables and wind-down activities. Ages 4-14.
Active Lambeth
Venues across the borough www.active.lambeth.gov.uk
Lambeth Council provides a huge selection of sporting facilities, all offering space, activities and value for money. Find swim, gym, fitness classes, children’s activities and more at your local Active Lambeth leisure centre.
All Star Tennis
King George’s Park SW18 and Tooting and Wandsworth Commons www.allstartennis.co.uk/holidaycamps/
Weekends and school holidays
Fun skills and drills, games and tactics, with prizes up for grabs and optional fancy dress Fridays! Ages 3 to teens.
Cycle Confident
St Matthew’s Community Centre SW2 www.cycleconfident.com/lambeth
Various dates
Sign up your child for free cycle training sessions. The sessions cover beginners and intermediates through to on-road training with qualified instructors. Available to Lambeth residents; free bike hire and family lessons also available.
Junior Golf Academy London
Wimbledon and Kingston www.juniorgolflondon.co.uk
All school holidays
Great fun, educational camps with lots to learn along the way and prizes to be won! Weekly golf academy sessions also available during term time. Ages 6-16.
Little Foxes Club
Multiple locations including SW6, SW7, SW11, SW19 www.thelittlefoxesclub.com
Tennis, rugby and multi-sports for children aged 18 months to 11 years.
Strive Football Club
Chelsea SW10 www.strivefc.co.uk
School holidays
High-level drills, small-sided games and team building with experienced coaches. Ages 5-12.
South West Swimming School
Various SW London pools www.swswimschool.co.uk
Half Term Splash Course 17-23 Feb
Safe, inclusive and effective swimming lessons run to the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme. SWSS runs termly classes and holiday splash courses in February, Easter & May half term holidays.
Netstars Netball
Multiple locations including Putney and Battersea. www.netstarsnetball.com
Netball classes for children aged 5 to 11 years.
TP Camps
Barnes and Mortlake
www.tpcamps.co.uk
17-21 February A play school where children spend their days exploring and having fun! This is encouraged by the team of staff who run a wide range of activities including painting, Lego, reading, dressing up and a host of other creative things to do. Ages 3-7 plus Collis Adventure Camp for ages 8-14.
Camp Beaumont
Wimbledon and Putney www.campbeaumont.co.uk
17-21 February
Multi activity weeks with treats such as hand and ball sports, waterplay, yoga, spy school, magic, coding, crafts, movie making, music and more. Ages 3-14.
SuperCamps
Putney, Kensington, Streatham and Wimbledon www.supercamps.co.uk
17-21 February
From sports to drama, music and team games to arts and crafts, SuperCamps keep children busy, entertained and
safe through the school holidays. Ages 4+, bookable by day or week.
Barracudas Day Camps
Streatham & Clapham High School SW16 www.barracudas.co.uk
17-21 February
Multi-activity daycamps where children get active trying sports, games and crafts, making new friends while developing key life skills and building confidence. Ages 4 -14.
Music, Dance, Gymnastics & Drama
Dakota’s Dance Academy
Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Fulham www.dakodasdanceacademy.com
17-19 February
Immersive themed performing arts camps include dance, singing, acting, arts & prop design. All welcome, from enthusiastic Swifties to experienced young performers. Ages 4-15.
Pop School and Stage Academy
Fulham, Wandsworth and Streatham www.pssa.co.uk
17-21 February
Sign up for acting, singing, dancing and themed arts + crafts fun. Each week is themed around a new musical or favourite film, working together to a performance at the end. Ages 4-14.
Rock and Roll Recruits
Putney & Barnes www.rockandrollrecruits.co.uk
School holidays
Multi-instrument, three-day camps
The Kensington Ballet School
KENSINGTON * CHELSEA * KNIGHTSBRIDGE * PUTNEY * FULHAM * HOLLAND PARK * NOTTING HILL * PIMLICO
Pre-school toddler and RAD ballet | Ages 15 months - 12 years Summer and half term holiday camps.
where children join together to play in a band, rehearsing for an end of week concert. No formal qualifications necessary. Ages 6-18.
Anna’s Gymnastic Academy
Chelsea SW10 www.annasgymnastics.com
Every school holiday
Day long holiday camps for gymnasts of all abilities, including stretching exercises, dance, teamwork and games to improve understanding of the sport. Term time classes also available.
CREATIVE & DEVELOPING SKILLS
Art-K
Various locations including Clapham, Fulham, Wimbledon, Fulham, Wandsworth & Putney www.art-k.co.uk
School holidays Full and half day workshops for creative kids including painting, drawing and 3D modelling in an inclusive environment. Ages 6-16.
Chess Rising Stars London Academy
Marlborough Primary School SW3 www.chessacademy.uk 17-19 February
Junior chess clubs run in small groups, staffed by expert coaches. Also, weekly classes on Saturday afternoons for ages 5 to 14. Beginners, intermediate and advanced players are all welcome.
Club Petit Pierrot
Chelsea and Fulham
www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
17-21 February
Immersive creative and educational activities including worksheets, arts and crafts, active fun, singing and dancingall in French! Beginners to advanced. Ages 3-6 half days, ages 4-6 full days.
Code Ninjas
Venues include Putney and Wimbledon www.codeninjas.co.uk
School holidays
With coding and game building, STEM and robotics, transform your child's love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Ages 5-14.
Planet Art
Wimbledon Village, SW19 7BT www.planet-artclub.com
18-20 February
Three full days of arts and crafts, fun and games. 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Ages: 4-9 years.
Douce London Fulham SW6 7PP www.doucefrancelondon.com
17-28 February
French language holiday daycamps where play and physical activities build language skills, memory, attention, creativity and physical strength. Ages 3-11.
continued on page 28
MULTI ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS
Little House of Science
Kensington W8
www.littlehouseofscience.com
17-21 February
Fun science-based camps with a different theme each week covering weeks, biology, astronomy, engineering, geology, medicine and more. Book by day or full week. Ages 4-12.
Mother Nature Science
Various SW London venues www.mnature.co.uk
17-21 February
Every day is a science expedition into the unknown, with in and outdoor science activities, exciting demonstrations, hands-on experiments, team games and fun quizzes. Ages 5-12.
NM Touch Typing
Clapham Common and Fulham
www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk
17-21 February
Designed for beginners or intermediate typists, four and five day courses bring children’s skills up to speed without compromising on accuracy. Ages 7-18.
Miniversity
Various venues including Chelsea www.miniversity.com
School holidays
Camps that give children an insight into different ICT careers each day. Activities cover keyboard and typing skills, web design, public speaking and how to use different computer software. Ages 5-12.
Richer Education
Various venues including Chelsea www.richereducation.co.uk
17-21 February
A varied programme of expert-run holiday camp weeks covering science, coding & robotics, engineering, public speaking and more. Ages 4 to teens.
Studio Art Café
Fulham SW15
www.studioartcafe.co.uk
School holidays
Full days/ weeks of arts and craft activities with inspiring themes, run in small groups. Ages 5-10.
Yellowbird Education
Fulham & Putney www.yellowbirdeducation.com
17-21 February
Experts in encouraging children to think, Yellowbird Education offer fun and inspiring classes that enthuse children to enjoy learning. Holiday workshops cover handwriting, arts and crafts, reasoning, exam and interview preparation.
Funky Monkey
Various locations including Barnes, Clapham, Streatham & Tooting Bec www.funkymonkey.info
Action-packed, playful classes introducing music and keyboard skills in small age and skill appropriate groups. Ages 4+.
Little Dippers
Putney www.littledippers.co.ukAwardwinning baby swim school with a 7 stage programme teaching babies key water safety techniques in a fun and nurturing environment.
Kensington Ballet
Various locations including Chelsea, Pimlico, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Fulham & South Kensington. www.kensingtonballet.com Ballet classes for children aged from 15 months.
Paint Pots Creative Class
The Boltons, Chelsea SW10 www.paint-pots.co.uk The classes cater to children aged 6 months to 3 years, offering activities such as art, craft, music, and messy play based on the Montessori approach.
Keyboard Classes
TERM-TIME CLUBS & CLASSES
Acacia School of Dance Battersea/Clapham
www.danceacacia.com
Ballet, tap and modern classes for all ages from 3 to adult. Under the guidance of a highly-experienced Principal, the school’s mission is that all dancers develop as people, physically, mentally and emotionally, with love, understanding and consistency. 3+
West Wimbledon Dance Academy
Wimbledon and West Wimbledon www.wwdance.co.uk
West Wimbledon Dance Academy offers ballet classes for 2.5-year-olds upwards taught by former Royal Ballet School teacher, Caroline Barrett and her outstanding team. Pupils perform thrilling shows and achieve excellent exam results. Adult classes are available too. The school has modern studios in Wimbledon and West Wimbledon. For a free trial class, contact Caroline@wwdance.co.uk, 0795 660 6648.
babyballet
Venues include Wimbledon SW19 www.babyballet.co.uk/find-a-class
babyballet® is a fun, award-winning preschool dance programme for girls and boys aged 6 months to 6 years. Across schools in the UK, babies, toddlers and young children enjoy the physical and social benefits of ballet, song, and dance in a safe, caring and positive environment.
With a strong focus on learning through play, the unique babyballet® syllabus offers four key stages of ballet classes where each child can build confidence and social skills.
They learn manners, discipline, and respect while developing basic ballet technique, coordination, musicality, balance, posture, and rhythm. The babyballet® team eagerly awaits the arrival of more little stars in their magical world this September.
EVENTS & DAYS OUT
Chelsea Physic Garden
Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk 17+20 February
Family Chocolate Making Workshop
Learn about the cacao plant and make your own goodies to take home. 18 February
Family Soap Making Workshop
Learn about awesome plants and make your own soap to take home.
Fulham Palace
Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 19 February
A Tour for the Curious
An interactive family tour of the palace, with challenges, costumes and more! 22 February
Little Green Fingers
Get ready for some hands-on fun in gardening workshops designed just for kids.
Florence Nightingale Museum
Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7EW www.florence-nightingale.co.uk 15-23 February
Passionate Pioneers
Meet Victorian thinkers, campaigners and inventors who changed the world on a fascinating trail filled with handson activities.
London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk 15-20 February
Behind the Poster
This half term, create your own London Transport poster-inspired artwork, enjoy arts and crafts, interactive workshops and family-oriented tours and trails.
Imagine Festival
Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
18-23 February
Every February half-term, the Imagine Festival turns the Southbank Centre into one big playground for children and their grown-ups. From theatre to comedy, music to dance, poetry to
stories, and lots of flat-out family fun, it’s all about inspiring creativity, sparking imaginations, and celebrating the individuality of every child. Ages 011, a huge number of events are FREE.
Lightroom
Lewis Cubitt Square N1C 4DY www.lightroom.uk
14-22 February
The Moonwalkers
Tom Hanks narrates a 50-minute immersive experience, taking audiences from launch pad to the lunar surface and back again. The show is both educational and inspirational as an accessible, cosmic experience for all ages.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
London Road SE23 3PQ
www.horniman.ac.uk
15 February - 2 November
The Robot Zoo
Meet larger-than-life animals recreated from a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to discover how their real-life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide. Try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design your own ‘mutant’ robot creature.
The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk 18-20 February
Decoding Pictures
Have fun choosing paintings and discover how to decode them with friendly Gallery Educators. Ages 5-13 plus their grownups. FREE drop-in. 19+20 February
The Sound of Paintings
Have you ever tried listening to a painting? Join an educator and create your own listening chart to interpret paintings in the collection. All age families, FREE drop-in.
Eltham Palace Court Yard SE9 5QE www.english-heritage.org.uk 15-23 February
Half Term History Makers
Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hi-jinks and hands-on shenanigans this half term.
Dive into Confidence: Personalised
Swimming Lessons for Every Level.
South West Swimming School prides itself on fostering a love for swimming in a nurturing environment. With private, small-group classes, students receive personalised attention to help them progress at their own pace. Parents can stay informed of their child’s progress through a dedicated online portal.
The school’s exceptional teachers with a wealth of experience, create an atmosphere where swimmers build confidence and skills. Offering a variety of flexible class sizes—including 1-1, 21, 3-1, and 4-1 options—South West Swimming School caters to different budgets and learning preferences.
Their comprehensive range of sessions includes beginner swimming lessons, advanced clublevel training, baby-and-parent classes, adult lessons, and open swim sessions for adults. Dive into a world of aquatic excellence and explore their wide array of opportunities designed to suit every swimmer’s needs!
My Advice on Promoting Healthy Skin Through Diet for Adults and Children
By: Emma Coleman
The link between diet and skin has historically been controversial because it’s always tricky to assess food consumption accurately over long periods, besides the fact that skin conditions often arise as a result of multiple factors. That being said, over the last couple of years, new clinical trials have emerged providing significant evidence that our skin could in fact be what we eat.
One example is new findings linking increased acne lesions with foods which fall high on the glycemic index (GI), and have a high Glycemic Load (GL). As you can imagine, milk chocolate is a main offender, because it has both high GI and GL. Even ‘healthier’ chocolate versions made with 85% cocoa solids can significantly increase breakouts and worsen spots after eating just 50g. Eating high GI and GL foods is associated with a rise in insulin production by the body, which in turn increases sebum or oil production onto skin’s surface, and inflammation in the body. This can all lead to blocked pores and new pimples appearing. On the other hand, eating oily fish several times per week and sipping peppermint tea can help to reduce acne spots and prevent new ones forming.
Another 2024 study showed that children aged 1 to 11 years with a dietary intake of zinc were less likely to experience eczema, whilst another showed that women who consume high levels of sugar during pregnancy are more likely to have offspring who suffer from eczema. Zinc has known healing properties for skin and in medicine is often prescribed as a dressing to promote healthy wound healing.
“A good rule of thumb is that eating loads of refined sugars and saturated fats can put our skin under immense stress”
umbrella term for weakened immunity. The skin has its own immune system and is heavily influenced by our emotional state too. I don’t suggest that you eat chickpeas and seaweed at every meal, but including a wide range of brightly coloured foods such as tomatoes, aubergine, broccoli, squash and kale, swapping white pasta and rice for wholewheat and brown options, reducing white bread from the supermarket and getting it from the bakery instead, will help to support your skin and keep things on an even keel.
I have included below some of my antioxidant-rich recipes, designed to be easy, budgetfriendly and realistically suitable for tots, teens and beyond:
Cauliflower and Turmeric soup: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter, ghee or oil of choice in a saucepan. Roughly chop 1 whole cauliflower head and add to the pan, sauté until softened. Add 1.5 pints (850ml) vegetable stock and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) turmeric and stir well. Bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes then blend until creamy and smooth
As we know, how we age is another factor which has a wide range of influences, including genetics. In terms of diet, one study on 4025 women aged between 40 and 74 years showed that consuming high levels of vitamin C and linoleic acid led to fewer wrinkles, less dryness, and reduced skin thinning, whilst another trial provided evidence that higher intake of green and yellow vegetables was significantly associated with decreased skin wrinkling. These results highlight that foods high in antioxidants promote skin homeostasis and healthy function, such as elastin and collagen production.
So, we have all this information, but what should we do with it?
First and foremost, when adults and children visit my clinics I always insist that they should never cut out a food group completely, (unless they have a known allergy to something of course), especially important for children who are growing and developing. I also make a point of keeping things simple rather than creating over-complicated diet plans.
A good rule of thumb is that eating loads of refined sugars and saturated fats can put our skin under immense stress and are more likely to cause an inflammatory response - an
Roasted chicken salad - Chop up tomatoes, new potatoes, courgettes & peppers into cubes and place onto a baking tray. Lay a chicken breast or a couple of chicken thighs on top, drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper and roast for 30-40 minutes at 180 degrees.
Kale crisps: Spread freshly chopped kale on a baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with groundnut oil and cinnamon. Drizzle with grapeseed oil. Roast for 10- 15 minutes until crunchy and lightly brown.
Emma Coleman is a Holistic Dermatology Nurse Practitioner with clinics in Kent and Harley Street, London. She is also a dedicated mother to three sons. www.emmacolemanskin.com
Hosting and Teaching International Students: A Rewarding Experience
Hosting students on a language homestay is an enriching experience for both students and hosts. Students have the opportunity to learn a language in an authentic environment, engaging in real-life conversations, gaining cultural insights, and practising naturally during family meals, social interactions, and daily activities.
For hosts, it is a chance to share their language and culture in a meaningful way, promote cross-cultural understanding, and build lasting international friendships. Influent specialises in providing full-immersion homestay language programmes for children, teenagers, adults, and professionals. These homestays typically range from one to three weeks and include private tuition, full board accommodation, and optional activities.
Hosting offers a flexible way to earn an income from the comfort of home. Hosts, acting as
can choose when to work and whom to host, making it possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It also provides a unique opportunity to forge meaningful connections with people from around the globe!
Would you like to host and teach English to a foreign student in your home ?
We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, 3 meals per day and the required lessons and activities
You choose when to host and who to host !
Payment from £500 to £800 per week
Get in touch to find out more:
www.influentme.com host@influentme.com
Thinking of becoming a host teacher with Influent? Visit the website: www.influentme.com/become-a-hostfamily.
freelancers,
Top family-friendly festivals for 2025
Compiled by Andrew Campbell
Discover the ultimate family-friendly festivals across the UK in 2025, where music, arts and outdoor adventures come alive for all ages. Discover unique experiences which will ensure memorable moments and endless fun for families in vibrant, engaging and often idyllic settings.
Teddy Rocks Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset 2-4 May
Winner of Best Family Festival in 2022, Teddy Rocks is an immersive, intimate three-day music event, with one hundred percent of profits supporting children’s cancer research. This multi-awardwinning, independent festival hosts over one hundred acts from international to activities for all ages, including fairground rides, comedy tent and axe-throwing. www.teddyrocks.co.uk
Bearded Theory, Catton Park, Derbyshire 21-25 May
Set in the heart of the Midlands, this festival features sensational live performances for adults across multiple stages. The award-winning children’s classes, a Toddler Tent with soft play, a pop-up library, poetry tent and creative workshops like puppet making. Kids can also enjoy a chill-out area, face painting, circus activities and a talent show. NEW: ‘Kids Rave On’ with club lighting and DJ performances. Evening highlights include LED light shows and the unique DOGSHOW performance. www.beardedtheory.co.uk
Elderflower Fields, Ashdown Forest, Sussex 23-24 May
a weekend filled with music, sports, nature exploration and arts. Tailored for families with young children, this intimate kids can freely explore. Highlights include Dragonfly Hill for lively performances and Leapfrog Lawns for crafts and games. www.south.elderflowerfields.co.uk
The Big Retreat, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales 23-25 May
The festival celebrates wellbeing and adventure with yoga, fitness and activities, including storytelling, discos, water slides, circus toys and bushcraft workshops for survival skills and nature exploration. Families can enjoy a creative and inspirational atmosphere filled with arts, crafts, singing, dancing and wellbeing classes – an inclusive experience in which they can have fun, enjoy and learn together.
www.thebigretreatfestival.com
24-27 July
Award-winning Latitude is among the biggest of the family-friendly festivals with a huge array of activities for both children and parents. It’s a proper pop festival in the beautiful grounds of Henham Park with a stunning Kids’ Area. Expect fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts and exciting science experiments, a more relaxed but packed programme in the Enchanted Garden and an Inbetweeners Teen Area. www.latitudefestival.com
Camp Severn Kids Festival, West Mid Showground, Shropshire 25-27 July
adventure for children ages 3 to 13. This family-friendly event is packed with interactive workshops, outdoor games and themed events such as Space Camp, with Star Wars characters, singing princesses and inflatables. The festival also features engaging science
workshops, blending fun and education. With camping options available, families can immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, enjoying a hassle-free experience where all activities are included in the ticket price.
www.kids-events.co.uk
Festival of Sport, Packington Estate, Warwickshire 1-4 August
The Festival of Sport at Packington Estate with diverse sports activities for children ages 5 to 17. Featuring expert coaching and interactions with sporting legends, kids can explore rugby, hockey, cricket and more. Set in a picturesque location, this festival provides a unique opportunity for children to learn, play and be inspired by sports heroes. www.festivalofsportuk.com
Camp Kindling, Sevenoaks, Kent 15-18 August
A magical, intimate, safe and secure family retreat in an ancient forest, featuring over one hundred activities. Children can enjoy thrilling adventures like water slides, zip lines and rock climbing, while adults delight in live music, theatre and comedy performances. Pre-bookable activities ensure no lost time and there are no hidden costs.
www.campkindling.co.uk
Images
Top left: Latitude
Bottom left: Elderflower Fields
Middle: Camp Kindling
Top right: Teddy Rocks
Bottom right: Festival of Sport
What are we having for
Dinner
In collaboration with
Smoky grains with courgette & butter
beans
Alright, lovely readers, here’s a dish that’s all about giving your body a bit of TLC after the festive indulgence –Smoky Grains with Courgette and Butter Beans. This one’s packed with gut-friendly goodness: hearty grains, creamy butter beans, andtender courgette, all brought to life with a smoky, satisfying twist. And here’s the thing –looking after your gut isn’t just about digestion; it’s about boosting your whole-body health. A happy gut can mean better energy, improved mood, and even a stronger immune system – perfect for resetting after all those Christmas treats. Simple, delicious, and nourishing – that’s how we roll!
Serves 2 Prepare 15 mins Cooks 20 mins
2 medium Essential Courgettes, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large clove garlic, finely grated
400g can Essential Butter Beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry
2 pinches hot smoked paprika
250g pack Merchant Gourmet Spanish-
Style Grains & Rice
½ unwaxed lemon, juice of ⁄ , the rest cut into wedges
20 mint leaves, shredded
1.
Heat a griddle or large frying pan over a high heat. Slice the courgettes lengthways into thin strips. Put 1 tbsp oil in a mixing bowl and add the courgette strips, coating them in the oil. Fry the strips in batches for 2 minutes on each side until soft and golden, then season lightly (set aside the mixing bowl with the leftover oil).
2.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil and the garlic to the mixing bowl, then add the butter beans and coat them in the oil and garlic. Sprinkle with the paprika then fry the beans in the pan for 5-6 minutes until golden (set aside the mixing bowl with the leftover oil and garlic).
Heat the grains according to pack instructions. Squeeze the lemon juice into the mixing bowl, then toss in the warm grains. Stir through the mint leaves and 3.
crispy butter beans; divide between plates. Arrange the courgette strips on top and serve with the lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Cooking teaches math, science, and responsibility while boosting confidence. Kids try new foods and prefer fresh ingredients, building lifelong good eating habits.
Strengthens family connections and creates lasting memories through shared traditions.
If you only do one thing this month...
Shen Yun
Eventim Apollo, W6 9QH 7-12 January
Discover 5,000 years of Chinese culture in this stunning dance production. Featuring classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, intricate costumes, and dynamic backdrops, it brings to life ancient legends and traditions. Families love the show, with highlights like the Monkey King and lively little monks captivating audiences. Please ensure young children can remain seated and engaged, suitable for 5+.
Polka Theatre
The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com
Until 26 January
The Nutcracker
Join Clara in a production full of surprising rodent singalongs and featuring a sleigh-load of familiar festive bangers that’ll have you dancing in your seat. Ages 5-12.
THEATRE & MUSIC
Until 2 February
The Snowy Day
Join Peter as he crunches through the snowy streets of his New York neighbourhood, in this intimate and interactive icy adventure. Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ picture book, the production has dance, original music and the magic of fresh snowfall. Ages 1-4.
15 February - 30 March
The Pea and the Princess
This is the story of a ninja princess on a mega-mission, featuring super-catchy songs and a brand-new twist in the tale. Ages 3-7.
21 February
Family Martial Arts Workshop Ever wondered how to control a move like a famous ninja master? Bring your energy to jump, shake and bend with your family. Ages 4+.
New Wimbledon Theatre
poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage.
28 February - 2 March
Snow White & Red Rose
Let’s All Dance Ballet Company breathe fresh life into this quirky story. With dance and larger-than life characters, this is perfect for young and family audiences. Ages 2-12.
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane WC2 www.ballet-org.uk/nutcracker
Until 12 January Nutcracker
The Broadway SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre
16 February
The Dinosaur That Pooped
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a
Join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. With over 100 dancers and musicians, this production combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes, with English National Ballet Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.
Nutcracker, London Coliseum
What’s On Jan/Feb 2025
London Palladium
Argyll Street W1F 7TF www.lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/
Until 12 January
Robin Hood
Unicorn Theatre
Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
26 January - 22 February
Pig Heart Boy
harmonies in a delightful concert tailored for young audiences.
Little Angel Theatre
Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com
Until 26 January
The Singing Mermaid
Join the merry madness as Palladium Pantomime stages a brand-spankingnew production of Robin Hood, filled with famous names and rip-roaring comedy.
Picturehouse Cinemas
Clapham, Fulham Road and West Norwood www.picturehouses.com
Sit back and enjoy a big-screen film in a cinema that welcomes families. Sessions include Watch with Baby, Toddler Time, Autism-friendly and a weekly Kids Club.
Gielgud Theatre
A brilliant new adaptation of the boy who desperately needs a heart transplant and just wants to get his life back. Ages 9-11.
7 February - 9 March Home Song
A multi-sensory show featuring young Adwoa and her mum on a journey to find the true meaning of home, from the bustling streets of Kumasi to the vibrant heart of London. Ages 6-18 months.
Puppet Theatre Barge
Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
Until 26 January
Captain Sandy & The Sea Monster
A fun, heart-warming, puppet-filled musical adventure based on Julia Donaldson’s book. Ages 3-8.
Southbank Centre
Southbank SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
12 January
OAE Tots: Puzzle Tots
Lend a hand in solving a tricky puzzle with music and dance.
19-23 February
There’s a Bear on My Chair
Settle in as Ross Collins’s beloved story of Bear and Mouse comes to the stage for the first time. Ages 2-7.
With a sensational score, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more, Lionel Bart’s masterpiece vividly brings to life Dickens’ ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.
Join Captain Sandy in a brand new, high seas adventure filled with stormy seas, sea monsters, grumpy fishermen and seaweed cake! Ages 4-10.
Kings Place
York Way N1 9AG www.kingsplace.co.uk
18 January Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Take your raincoat, sunglasses, umbrella and woolly hat for a family concert adventure.
16 February Megson Family Folk Show
Acclaimed folk duo Megson combine their award-winning vocals and rich
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Southbank SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
23 February
Laugh Out Loud Book Awards ‘Lollies’ celebrate the best and funniest children’s books, as voted for by children. Join winning authors and illustrators for an event jam-packed with jokes, laugh-out-loud live drawing and fabulously funny stories. Ages 6+.
A fun, musical family show with highvoltage percussion, comic performances and more hi-vis jackets than bin day.
Rose Theatre
High Street Kingston KT1 1HL www.rosetheatre.org
13-23 February The Koala Who Could
An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing changewhether we like it or not. Adapted for the stage from the book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field. Ages 3+.
National Theatre
Upper Ground SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Until 22 February Ballet Shoes
Chelsea Physic Garden
Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
17+20 February
Family Chocolate Making Workshop
Learn about the cacao plant and make your own goodies to take home.
18 February
Family Soap Making Workshop
Learn about awesome plants and make your own soap to take home.
Fulham Palace
Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org
19 February A Tour for the Curious
An interactive family tour of the palace, with challenges, costumes and more!
22 February Little Green Fingers
Get ready for some hands-on fun in gardening workshops designed just for kids.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk
Ongoing Visions of Nature
Don a mixed reality headset and venture a century into the future, interacting with virtual plants and creatures. Ages 8+.
Once a month Dino Snores for Kids
Spend a night amongst the museum’s incredible collections, with an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.
Science Museum
Exhibition Road SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Daily Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery
Fuel your little one’s imagination by immersing yourselves in a world of wonder in the most spectacular interactive gallery in the world.
Daily Who am I?
What makes you smarter than a chimp? What makes you smile? What makes you, you? Explore the science of who
Noel Streatfield’s best-selling book is spectacularly reinvented for the stage in a new adaptation by Kendall Feaver. Ages 7+.
Shakespeare’s Globe
New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com
15-19 February
Family Storytelling
Join Globe actors, teachers and directors for storytelling and workshops based on different plays each day: Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors and The Tempest. Ages 5-12.
Barbican
Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk
9 March London Symphony Orchestra: Family Concert
A fun opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra, with free workshops before the concert. Ages 7-12.
What’s On Jan/Feb 2025
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
Last Friday of each month
Family Fridays
Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.
Royal Opera House
Bow Street WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk
Various dates Family Sundays
Discover opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House with fun-packed creative activities for all the family.
Lyceum Theatre
Wellington Street WC2E 7RQ www.thelionking.co.uk
Ongoing Disney’s The Lion King
EXHIBITIONS & EXPERIENCES
you are through intriguing objects, provocative artworks and hands-on exhibits.
Ongoing A thrilling venue filled with mind-bending mental and visual illusions. Within 25 immersive rooms, visitors can roam weightlessly like an astronaut, step inside a giant kaleidoscope, disappear into walls, enter the puzzling Castle Room and take the challenge of the Paradox Tunnel.
Battersea Power Station
Nine Elms SW11 8DD www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Ongoing Peppa Pig Store
Enjoy an ‘oinktastic’ trip to the Peppa Pig store, filled with clothing, toys, games, books and accessories, pretend muddy puddles plus FREE daily meet and greet appearances with Peppa herself.
Lift 109 Step inside the iconic Battersea Power Station and make a thrilling ascent 109 metres to the top of the north-west chimney where you can take in stunning 360-degree views of London’s skyline.
Daily Three floors packed full of pure entertainment, adrenaline, and a ton of fun. Immersive experiences include an E-Karting track, AR bowling, virtual reality gaming and arcade games.
history of some of London’s most beguiling forgotten gardens, including a zoo in Southwark, Britain’s first ecological park and a botanical garden beneath the platforms of Waterloo station.
Young V&A
Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA
www.vam.ac.uk/young
Until 19 January Quantum Jungle
A larger-than-life interactive light installation that sparks curiosity and encourages hands-on play.
15 February - 2 November
Making Egypt
The UK’s first child-centred museum exhibition around creativity in ancient Egypt, showcases ancient artefacts, contemporary art and design, and captivating scenography. Hands-on activities bring the display to life.
Wellcome Collection
Euston Road NW1 2BE www.wellcomecollection.org
Until 12 January
Jason and the Adventure of 254
A playful exploration of the body, drawing on the artist’s experience of becoming disabled as a child.
Ongoing Being Human
Featuring 50 artworks and objects, Being Human explores Genetics, Minds & Bodies, Infection, and Environmental Breakdown. Discover a refugee astronaut carrying their belongings to an unknown destination, listen to an epidemic jukebox, and watch a fastfood outlet slowly flood.
Imagine Festival
Southbank SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
18-23 February
Every February half-term, the Imagine Festival turns the Southbank Centre into one big playground for children and their grown-ups. From theatre to comedy, music to dance, poetry to
As the sun rises on the plains of the Serengeti, watch in awe as giraffes, gazelles and birds bring the story of Simba to life in a theatrical spectacle unlike any other. Ages 6+.
Adelphi Theatre
Strand WC2R 0NS www.backtothefuturemusical.com
Ongoing Back To The Future: The Musical A thrilling theatrical experience, featuring smash-hit songs from the movie. Ages 6+.
Cambridge Theatre
Earlham Street WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/cambridge
Ongoing Matilda the Musical
The story of an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny, in the multi-awardwinning musical from the Shakespeare Company. Ages 6+.
stories, and lots of flat-out family fun, it’s all about inspiring creativity, sparking imaginations, and celebrating the individuality of every child. Ages 011, a huge number of events are FREE.
HMS Belfast
The Queen’s Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/hms-belfast
Weekends until 9 February
Gingerbread Sailors
A gingerbread sailor trail and FREE decorating craft sessions for families. 21 February We Were There
A family day where visitors can meet IWM’s veterans and hear an array of personal stories, recollections and powerful memories of life at sea on board HMS Belfast. Ages 7+.
Weekends Meet the Crew Delve into life onboard the ship through eye-witness accounts of sailors and hands-on objects. Ages 7+.
Lightroom
Lewis Cubitt Square N1C 4DY www.lightroom.uk
14-22 February The Moonwalkers
Tom Hanks narrates a 50-minute immersive experience, taking audiences from launch pad to the lunar surface and back again. The show is both educational and inspirational as an accessible, cosmic experience for all ages.
The
Design Museum
Kensington High Street W8 6AG https://designmuseum.org/
Until 23 February
Barbie: The Exhibition
Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day. Until 21 April The World of Tim Burton Delve into the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this major exhibition exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.
What’s On Jan/Feb 2025
EXHIBITIONS
The Baby Show London
ExCel London E16 1XL www.thebabyshow.co.uk
7-9 March
Complete with hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive show offers, an abundance of celebrity appearances, expert advice and the opportunity to try before you buy, The Baby Show is a must-go for all new and expectant parents.
Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands
Various dates
Great Fire of London family walk
We’ve all heard of the Great Fire of 1666. But was the baker of Pudding Lane to blame? And what did Samuel Pepys bury in his garden? Find out on a 60-minute interactive walk for children of primary school age and their families. Shop like a Victorian Take a stroll through history in an atmospheric recreated Victorian street. Check out the wares at the toy shop or see where gentlemen might have had their beards shaved in a real Victorian barbershop.
Museum of the Home Kingsland Road E2 8EA www.museumofthehome.org.uk
Family Time: Making Memories School holidays offer an assortment of family activities, from performance and hands-on workshops, to fun in the gardens.
Glaziers Hall
Montague Close SE1 9DD https://feverup.com/m/254249
11 January - 23 February
Neon Brush Kids
A creative and family-friendly environment filled with music, stencils, brushes and fluorescent paints. Make your own glow in the dark canvases to take home.
Have fun choosing paintings and discover how to decode them with
Horniman Museum and Gardens
London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk
15 February - 2 November
The Robot Zoo
Meet larger-than-life animals recreated from a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to discover how their reallife counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide. Try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design your own ‘mutant’ robot creature.
Ongoing Under the Sea Soft Play Slide, balance, climb and bounce in the aquarium-themed play area among netted play frames, bubbling ball ponds, fish shaped rockers and soft toys. Ages 6 and under.
15-23 February Passionate Pioneers Meet Victorian thinkers, campaigners and inventors who changed the world on a fascinating trail filled with handson activities.
Help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a very special Marmalade Day Festival! Step into a full-sized train carriage for a journey filled with the sights and sounds of London, fairground games, dancing - and marmalade of course!
Bubble Planet
Wembley HA9 0TF
www.bubbleworldexperience.com
Ongoing Release your inner (and actual) child into 11 uniquely themed rooms to experience a fun-filled, whimsical world of bubbles, optical illusions, colours, lights and lasers.
Museum of Brands
Lancaster Road W11 1QT www.museumofbrands.com
Daily A fascinating collection of the things that generations of families have thrown away, from the Victorian times through to the digital age. From food and goods packaging to toys and magazine covers, the museum houses and reveals brands in their historical context.
Twist Museum
248 Oxford Street W1C 1DH www.twistmuseum.com
Ongoing Discover how your brain
ART & GALLERIES
friendly Gallery Educators. Ages 5-13 plus their grownups. FREE drop-in.
19+20 February
The Sound of Paintings
Have you ever tried listening to a painting? Join an educator and create your own listening chart to interpret paintings in the collection. All age families, FREE drop-in.
Wallace Collection
Hertford House W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org
Monthly
Hands on Armour: Mail Order
Try on real and replica armour with monthly Hands on Armour activities for families.
interprets reality in an interconnected mind-altering world of illusions. Developed in collaboration with artists and scientists, the interactive multisensory zones are spaces to learn, explore and enjoy. Under 4s go free.
Tower of London
Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
Royal Beasts
From lions and tigers to zebras, alligators, bears and elephants, discover why and where exotic animals formed the Royal Menagerie from the 1200s to 1835.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP www.towerbridge.org.uk
Follow in the footsteps of the unsung heroes of Tower Bridge, uncovering their stories and soaking in the atmosphere. High level walkways offer mid-Thames views through a glass floor.
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk
15-20 February Behind the Poster
This half term, create your own London Transport poster-inspired artwork, enjoy arts and crafts, interactive workshops and family-oriented tours and trails. Ongoing The Museum is a great place for families to have fun together and discover the history of London’s famous transport network. There are interactives throughout many of the galleries, term-time singing and story sessions plus school holiday specials.
The World of Tim Burton, Design Museum
The Robot Zoo, Horniman Museum Bubble Planet, Wembley
A fun-filled session featuring songs, stories and activities to entertain and inform the museum’s youngest visitors. Under 5s.
National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk
Monthly dates Tiny Troopers
Frameless Immersive Art
Marble Arch Place W1H 7AP
www.frameless.com
Ongoing Step inside art itself on a journey through four distinct, immersive galleries. Each one features larger-than-life, iconic masterpieces from some of the world’s greatest artists including Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dali, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.
Family Fridays Free, expressive artinspired activities for families.
Tate Britain Millbank SW1P 4RG
www.tate.org.uk
Weekends and school holidays
Play Studio
A free space for families to play, make and create together.
Tate Modern Bankside SE1 9TG
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Visit the Welcome Room to choose an activity for your family to enjoy together in the galleries, including a free sketchbook.
Every month, Tiny Troopers explore a different theme in fun, sensory sessions with songs and play. Ages 2-5.
Polka Theatre
The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com
Until 2 February The Snowy Day
Join Peter as he crunches through the snowy streets of his New York neighbourhood, in this intimate and interactive icy adventure. Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ picture book, the production has dance, original music and the magic of fresh snowfall. Ages 1-4.
The Exchange
London Road, Twickenham TW1 1BE www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk
Monthly dates Baby Cinema Showing films for the grown-ups in relaxed morning screenings where babies are welcome. Babies up to 15 months.
Unicorn Theatre
Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
7 February - 9 March Home Song
A multi-sensory show featuring young Adwoa and her mum on a journey to find the true meaning of home, from the bustling streets of Kumasi to the vibrant heart of London. Ages 6-18 months.
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk
Little Explorers
Free monthly sessions with stories, songs and making activities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Under 5s.
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
31 January, 28 February
Family Freestyle
Dance together and have fun with your little one in a monthly workshop run by professional dance artists. Ages 2-4.
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
Various venues
www.byobcomedy.com
Various dates
A funny, friendly afternoon of top
comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months.
Bach to Baby
Various venues and dates www.bachtobaby.com
Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!
Bring Your Baby
Various venues
www.bringyourbaby.org
Even the tiniest babies can enjoy London’s history. Bring Your Baby organises guided historical walks around London neighbourhoods, with a stop for lunch and baby change.
Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands
Monthly dates
Tots at the Docks
Free and fun themed monthly play sessions for accompanied under 4s.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk
Every other Tuesday
Adventure Babies
Sensory storytelling classes brought to you by award-winning Adventure Babies, filled with sensory props, magical stories, singing and messy play. Ages 0-4.
Various dates
Bring Your Own Baby
A series of baby-friendly nature talks, created for inquisitive grown-ups looking for something to do with under-ones in tow.
Frameless Tots
Frameless Immersive Art
Marble Arch Place W1H 7AP www.frameless.com
Ongoing
Introduce your little one to larger-thanlife art! Dedicated family sessions on termtime weekday mornings offer reduced priced entry for parents and preschoolers.
Take your little one on a journey through the Gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity. Ages under 5.
