Families Upon Thames Issue 121 Jan Feb 2018 by Families Magazine

H ME KE TA

EE FR E OM

Upon Thames RECRUITING NOW

Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle,

please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518

‘All Children make

exceptional progress

Full Day Care for Children 0-5 years To book a place or arrange a visit Call 0800 270 7799

and are extremely well prepared for school’

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Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Road Twickenham • 26 The Green Twickenham 1 Holly Road Twickenham • 20 Tangley Park Hampton

www.brightbeginningsdaynurseries.com

Issue 121 January/February 2018

Grosvenor House May 2016 Twickenham Green July 2016

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BODY & SOUL WELLNESS FOR WOMEN Massage delivered in your own home by your local independent qualified professional therapist.

• Sacral Release Therapy • Deep Tissue Healing Massage • Hot Stones Massage • Craniosacral Therapy Enjoy 1 hour, 90 minutes or 2 hour sessions Book online: www.bodyandsoulwellnessforwomen.com

or Call: 07809 384 210 We bring everything, simply supply the space

2 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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contents

4 5 6 10 11 13 14 17 21 22 23 24 29

Boost your Mood with Food Fatigue in Children New Year, New You! Early Years Bright Beginnings Education Focus School News Making Maths Fun Helping with Exam Pressure Book Review Winter Clubs and Classes Clubs and Classes Directory What’s On

To advertise in this magazine contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor JULIETTE BARBER, Managing Editor DESIGN & PRINT, Ridgeway Press

m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 121 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Make sure you pick up our March/April issue for Everything Easter! Out early March

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We oﬀer a full garden maintenance package. Think of us as your outdoor cleaning company with the latest tools to clean patios, driveways, decking, furniture, drain clearance, cutter clearance, mowing, pruning, etc. Families Upon Thames is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Upon Thames are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Upon Thames. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Upon Thames • 3

Boost your Mood with Food!

required to make serotonin contain large amounts of this amino acid. Good food sources include poultry, oats, banana, salmon, sesame seeds, dairy products and red meat. The best way to boost serotonin production is to include a little carbohydrate at the same time. So a banana with yoghurt would be a great mood boosting snack.

Many people may feel sad or down during the winter months, when the days are shorter and temperatures drop. For some people, including children, this low mood can be ongoing.

Exercise Getting outdoors and exercising is an eﬀective natural way to boost mood. Exercise has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels - two important neurotransmitters known to improve our sense of wellbeing.

By Christine Bailey

he good news is that research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel, so changing our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood. Fortunately, there are many foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you and your family feel great. Here are my recommendations for top nutrients, foods and tips to boost your mood. Top up on Vitamin D Vitamin D is the reason we love the sunlight as this is the primary source for this essential nutrient. During the winter months it can be difficult to get sufficient amounts, so it's worth checking your levels (home spot skin prick tests are available online) and supplementing as needed. Aside from sunlight, you can get some vitamin D from oily fish, butter, eggs and mushrooms. Choose Healthy Fats Oily fish (e.g salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel) is one of the best foods for both your mood and brain health. It’s a great source of omega 3 fats which help optimize brain function and production of neurotransmitters, including feel good serotonin. Aim for 2 to 3 portions of oily fish each week. Vegetarian sources of omega 3 fats include flaxseed, chia, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Get Your Bs B vitamins are particularly important for brain health and mood. B12 makes you sleep better and feel more balanced. Good sources of B12 include shellfish, fish, beef, liver and eggs. Vegans should eat plenty of nutritional yeast and B12-fortified products such as dairy free milks. Folate is another mood booster as it helps make our neurotransmitters affecting how we feel. Great sources include spinach, kale, black beans, black-eyed peas and lentils. Yogurt and Kefir Probiotic rich foods like yoghurt and kefir are “a must” for a healthy brain. Packed with beneficial bacteria, researchers have found probiotics can help fight depression and anxiety. It is thought that bacteria may decrease inflammation in the body and increase levels of tryptophan, the amino acid needed to make serotonin.

Pump Up the Iron Iron is especially important for your child's brain development. In fact, studies have shown that low iron affects cognitive function, energy levels and mood. Aim to include some lean red meat, dark chicken meat, duck, seafood, lentils and leafy greens. Balance Blood Sugar with Fibre Highs and lows in blood sugar through the day are a common reason for changes in mood. Small children are particularly sensitive and typically require regular meals and snacks throughout the day. To keep blood sugar balanced always include: protein, healthy fats and slow releasing carbohydrates rich in fibre at each meal. Berries, vegetables, oats, beans, nuts and seeds are useful sources of fibre. De-Stress with Magnesium When we feel stressed our bodies require sufficient magnesium which is often low in our diets. Magnesium helps you relax, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety. Find it in leafy greens, oats, salmon, beans, sunflower seeds and blackstrap molasses.

Dark Chocolate Another reason to eat a little chocolate - just make sure it's the dark variety! There are over 300 naturally-occurring chemicals in chocolate, and some of them can affect the human brain via the release of particular neurotransmitters which affect how we think and feel. For example, phenylethylamine is sometimes called “the love drug”, because it arouses feelings similar to those that occur when one is in love. Tryptophan is also found in chocolate and causes the release of the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin. A recent study found that eating 40g (just an ounce and a half) of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in highly stressed, anxious individuals. The researchers discovered that compounds in dark chocolate affected our beneficial gut bacteria which changed the metabolism of stress hormones reducing overall anxiety levels.

Include Tryptophan Rich Foods Tryptophan is an amino acids found in many foods which the body uses to make serotonin. Foods high in protein, iron, riboﬂavin, and vitamin B-6 which are also essential nutrients

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

Extra Christine Bailey is a Nutritionist, Chef and author of a new book entitled 'The Brain Boost Diet Plan.’ www.amazon.co.uk/BrainBoost-Diet-Plan-optimise/dp/1848993390

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Fatigue in children

• Infection (bacterial or viral). When the infection clears, the fatigue goes away. • Medication such as antihistamines, cough medicines, painkillers, antidepressants can cause drowsiness. • Obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can result in obstructve sleep apnoea and thus cause interrupted sleep, further resulting in fatigue. • Chronic fatigue syndrome is usually caused by Glandular fever and tiredness is the most common symptom.

Fatigue is excessive tiredness. It is normal for a child to experience tiredness from time to time, especially when they have growth spurts and a simple nap or rest should help. However, if despite rest a child has an overwhelming need to sleep, it could indicate a problem. Interestingly, children don’t usually complain of tiredness during the day, for fear of missing out on fun, even when they do feel a little tired. Instead, such concerns are typically noticed by the child’s parents or teachers. Therefore, when a child does report tiredness or show obvious signs of fatigue, such situations should be explored further. Possible causes: • Allergies may cause prolonged or signiﬁcant tiredness. Gluten intolerance or coeliac disease may cause chronic fatigue in children. • Depression can be very emotionally and physically overwhelming to a child and depression in children often presents as tiredness.

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• Poor nutritional intake means children may feel tired when they get hungry between meals, especially if their meals aren’t of sufficient nutritional value. A child needs a well-balanced diet rich in wholegrains and protein, whilst avoiding excess sugar and processed food. Healthy snacks are recommended between meals • Vitamin deficiency such as Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin supplements are recommended for children in the UK, aged six months to five years. • Poor sleep. Children generally need at least 10 hours of sleep to function well during the day. A good night’s sleep can prevent daytime tiredness for many kids. • Excessive exercise. Although a lot of children are very keen on sport, if this becomes excessive it may be that they are burning too many of the calories they consume. • Anaemia is when there aren’t enough healthy red cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. Tiredness can be a symptom of anaemia.

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

• Other diseases such as asthma, hypothyroidism, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, heart disease and cancer. When to act: When fatigue begins to disrupt your child’s normal routine, activities, education and quality of life, it is important to understand why they are so tired. In rare cases tiredness, combined with other symptoms (eg weight loss, nosebleeds, visual changes, swellings, headaches and pain) could occur due to childhood cancers. Most of the time however tiredness in children is caused by diet and lifestyle, but further evaluation should be undertaken. What to do if your child experiences fatigue: See a doctor for a full assessment of your child’s symptoms, examination and investigations to pinpoint the cause for the tiredness. A quick diagnosis can then be made and eﬀective treatment can begin.

Extra Dr Sumi Soori is a Private GP at Roseneath medical practice who has a strong interest in paediatrics and women's health. The practice is open to new patients and oﬀers appointments seven days a week. For more information, visit www.roseneath.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 5

New Year, New You! It can be hard to ﬁnd the time to look after yourself and your hair, with all the other responsibilities of being a parent, as well as the other challenges that life can throw at you. With this in mind, start the year by adopting some simple and quick methods that will help you get the best out of your hair within the limited time your busy schedule allows.

Healthy Hair and How to Easily Achieve It By Anabel Kingsley

Incorporate Hair Nutrients into your Diet Diet is incredibly important for hair health. This is because hair is non-essential tissue, meaning your strands are the ﬁrst thing your body neglects when you are not eating well. Sitting down for proper meals isn’t always possible, so when you are packing snacks or prepping a meal for your little one, throw in some hair boosting foods. If your child is old enough to eat them as well, so much the better! The most essential nutrients for hair are protein (what your hair is made of), complex carbohydrates

richmond practice PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ SERVICE

The family doctor.

(which provide energy to rapidly growing hair cells) and iron. Great healthy hair foods are turkey, egg, salmon, chicken or ham sandwiches and salads, ﬁsh ﬁngers, almonds, Spaghetti Bolognese and hamburgers. Moisturize while Multi-Tasking To help strengthen and add shine to your hair, use a weekly pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, like Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. Apply a treatment to damp hair at least 20 minutes before you shampoo, or work into your hair

before bed and leave on overnight. A friend of mine uses Elasticizer before taking her kids to extra-curricular activities, and then washes her hair when she gets home, while another pops it on when she walks the dog. Whatever works best for you – pre-shampoo treatments are great products to multi-task with! Care for your Scalp Scalp health is vital to hair health. We recommend shampooing every day to every other day – after all, you take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face and so they get just as dirty. If you don’t have time to do this, apply an antimicrobial scalp toner or dry shampoo with scalp beneﬁts on the days you do not shampoo. I recommend Philip Kingsley’s One More Day dry shampoo, which contains scalp soothing ingredients.

EXTRA

GP · Paediatrician · Gynaecologist

020 8940 5009

Anabel Kingsley is Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, the leading authority in hair and scalp health. For more information, visit www.philipkingsley.co.uk

Clinical excellence hassle-free

6 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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This month The Hot Yoga Club opens at The Thames Club in Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines.

WIN A 12 MONTH

Thames Club turns up the heat with a new Hot Studio

ot Yoga guru, Amanda Free is leading the design of the hot studio and instructor training programme. Since becoming the first instructor of Hot Yoga in the UK, Amanda has evolved the classes to create a unique method which ensures every individual works at their own pace for optimum results. Speaking about the benefits of exercising in the 40⁰C heat, Amanda says: ‘The breathing techniques we use, combined with stretching in the heat, increases oxygenated blood flow and provides a strong cardio workout. Also, the

heat opens pores and is a great skin cleanser.’ In addition to the new hot studio, The Thames Club has completely re-designed the lounge area where Breakfast by Bella will be providing a new appetizing menu of delicious and nutritious food throughout the day, from breakfast to tea time. Membership to the new Hot Yoga Club can be purchased separately, in blocks of classes or as a fully inclusive membership. To ﬁnd out more visit www.thamesclub.co.uk or call 01784 463100

Put Home Massage at the heart of your Wellbeing ‘The body communicates moment by moment and in the rush of daily life we ignore, forget or remain unaware of the tension we hold and the patterns of pain this creates.’ Says massage therapist and founder Liz Adams. ‘Our nervous systems can be in a state of defence and hyper alertness, so taking the time to listen in to the subtle expressions of the body itself is restorative and deeply relaxing.’

eeling stressed? In need of some deep relaxation but don’t want the hassle of going out? Then a home massage with Body & Soul Wellness For Women may be just what you’re looking for!

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Clients can choose from Sacral Release Therapy, Deep Tissue Healing Massage, Hot Stones Massage and Craniosacral Therapy, at their home or workplace. Treatments start at £70 and last between one and two hours. To book or for further information, visit www.bodyandsoulwellnessfor women.com

MEMBErSHIP TO THE HOT YOGA CLUB, PluS THrEE ruNNErS-uP wIN A THrEEMONTH MEMBErSHIP! To Enter: Simply answer the following question:

What is the temperature of the hot studio (in ⁰C)? Go to our Facebook page (Facebook.com/familiesuponthames) and please like our page, share and leave your answer. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on 28 February 2018.

Terms and Conditions Apply

Can You Look Better And Feel Better In Just Nine Days? YES! Forever’s F.I.T. programme will provide you with the foundation and inspiration needed to achieve your transformation goal. The C9, a calorie-controlled diet plan and exercise programme, kick-starts Forever F.I.T. and helps you to take control of your body and lifestyle. C9 is designed to help you meet your weight loss, exercise and lifestyle goals by encouraging you to follow a caloriecontrolled diet and exercise regime. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT OVER THE NEXT NINE DAYS? C9 is easy to follow with instructions set out for each of the nine days. www.ﬂp4health.co.uk

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 7

New Year, New You

Fitness Ideas to Inspire Busy Parents Photo: micro-scooters.co.uk

By Claire Winter If you are sitting around in an adult unicorn onesie, eating crumpets, and musing about the extra pounds you can’t seem to shed, now is the time to take some action. The New Year is a good time to start a health regime or exercise routine. It may be as simple as just giving up cake and walking to work, or it could be taking up boxing or giving weightlifting a go. If you have a Spare Ten Minutes Why not scoot to school with the kids? Having an adult scooter is a great way of keeping up with the kids, plus you’ll get home quicker. Jumping on your scooter not only saves time, scooting can also increase feelings of mental alertness and create better reaction times. Adult scooting is also a great way to build up fitness; it’s low impact and works major muscle groups. You can also burn around 300 kcals per hour. You could even use it on your commute to work! Further info at www.microscooters.co.uk If you have 20 Minutes Try a HIIT workout. The bestselling Body Coach Joe Wicks espouses the benefits of short 15 to 20-minute high intensity workouts and low carb eating. High Intensity Interval Training for the uninitiated is a timed set of exercises, which work the whole body. The idea is that you push the body hard doing the exercise for a short amount of time, followed by a short period of rest or transition. You don’t need to sign up to an expensive course to join in; there are plenty of free apps and online tutorials available too. Further info at www.bodycoach.com If you have 30 Minutes Why not channel your inner Rocky and try a high energy boxing routine, the Boxx Method, in the comfort of your home? It’s an online platform, so you can do a workout that fits in with family life. The signature workout is BoxxHIIT, which is a full body fat burning, muscle toning workout which combines intense shadow boxing with high intensity interval training. All you need is a 1kg pair of dumbbells. Further info at www.theboxxmethod.com

If you have 40 Minutes Try strength training. Hashtags like #fitisthenewthin are flooding social media platforms like Instagram. Many fitness fans are swapping high intensity workouts and cardio for weightlifting and are enjoying the benefits of strong, lean muscles. Your local gym or a personal trainer should be able to give you a routine, or you could check out your local CrossFit class. If you have 60 Minutes If you love to dance but your clubbing days are well and truly over, why not give Clubbercise a go? You can work out in the dark with disco lights, glowsticks and your favourite club classics. To find your nearest teacher go to www.clubbercise.com. You could also try a swimming HIIT workout. Swimming is a great full body workout and gyms like Virgin Active are offering low-impact, high-intensity waterbased classes. These incorporate long distance and sprint swims as well as resistance activities, a great change from just swimming lengths.

last but not least If traditional classes and workouts leave you cold, you could try something simple or fun instead. Go walking. It’s good for the soul and so is being in nature. If you want to switch it up, try Nordic walking with poles; you burn more calories, and it is very sociable (Further info at www.nordicwalking.co.uk). You could also look on www.meetup.com for local groups that meet for walks. Relive your childhood and give hulahooping a go, it’s great for thinning your waist and can be done in the comfort of your own home. You can also attend classes across the UK. More info at www.hulafit.com Do a trampolining class. Trampoline parks have sprung up all across the country. When you book the kids a session, don’t sit on the sidelines watching, make sure you join in too (you can always have coffee and cake afterwards!) Many trampoline parks also offer adult exercise classes too. Jumping is brilliant fun, good for your circulation and burns more calories than most standard fitness classes. Join a game of British Bulldog and many other fun team games at www. rabble.com. The site aims to make fitness fun and not faddy. You can search by location and join a team near you. Get skipping! Boxers skip for a reason. It’s a great full body workout and a great form of exercise for endurance training and conditioning. It’s low impact, and you burn more calories than running. It’s also a budget option; you can pick up a decent rope for less than £20!

8 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Parenting Mums want More Flexible working Opportunities • Research some case studies, ideally in your sector, that shows how the work pattern you are suggesting can be mutually beneﬁcial to you and your employer. • If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period. • Have a compromise solution as a back-up. For more information and ﬂexible work opportunities, visit www.workingmums.co.uk

According to a survey by workingmums.co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles. The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility. So what can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly? Here are some tips: • Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you have to perform can be done at a different location (ie from home) or at times outside of the standard working day. Take account of any additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly. • Give examples of the ways in which your work can be successfully carried out under any new working pattern you are proposing, and show that it will not harm the business. Point out any business advantages.

Does your child lack conﬁdence in their ability or feel diﬀerent?

They can feel comfortable in their own skin and shine like the star they are! Always Be Yourselfie is a 16-week online coaching programme that empowers your child to listen to their heart, strengthens emotional resilience and creates a growth mindset from the inside out. As a parent, you can be sure when you send them out into the big wide world they are happy, conﬁdent and safe. Go to www.smileyforlife.com/selﬁe for more information

Bluebell Speech and language Therapy Bluebell Speech and Language Therapy provide high quality and evidenced based speech and language therapy services for children at primary school age (6-11 years) and young people at secondary school or college (1118 years) who may have disordered or delayed language development, Autism or Learning Diﬃculties. Following assessment, therapy is tailored to the child’s individual need. Speech and Language interventions include providing support with: understanding of language, using spoken language, learning new words or vocabulary recall, grammar, narrative skills, familiesonline.co.uk

social communication, attention and listening, and auditory memory. Bluebell Speech and Language Therapy is run by a Speech and Language Therapist who carries out Speech & Language assessments, reports and treatment. Visits can be carried out to a child’s school or home. Bluebell can also provide training for teachers & support staff on Speech, Language and Communication Needs, and can work closely with teaching staff to ensure work is appropriately differentiated for pupils. To make an appointment please visit: http://www.bluebell-slt.com/ Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

Families Upon Thames • 9

Early Years Shocking Statistics about Infant Colic revealed In New Survey A survey, conducted on behalf of Infacol, surveyed over 4,000 parents about the eﬀectiveness of simethicone in treating infant colic. Simethicone drops, such as Infacol can be added to breast or bottle milk to aid digestion and release any bubbles of trapped air in the baby’s digestive system. The survey found that the vast majority of parents (63%) diagnosed infant colic themselves by associating the typical symptoms like squirming and excessive crying (more than 3 hours a day). Almost all of the respondents (93.2%) considered the use of

simethicone oral suspension either totally resolved or had an impact on the signs of infant colic. And a further 81.2% reported an improvement in the baby’s sleeping patterns during the course of the treatment and an improvement in their own sleeping patterns and stress levels. Infant colic aﬀects 1 in 5 babies in the UK, yet 1 in 3 new mums admit that they don’t know what it is. The NHL urges concerned parents to speak to a GP or pharmacist before trying Simethicone drops. Support groups, such as Cry-sis, can also oﬀer help and advice on 0845 122 8669 from 9am-10pm, seven days a week.

little ones learn Mandarin at Beaumont House Day Nursery Beaumont House Day Nursery in Twickenham High Street understands how important it is for children to be exposed to as many new ideas and concepts as possible in their ﬁrst few years of life. In these early years, they are constantly creating new neural pathways and learning takes place all the time. It therefore makes sense that children are ideally placed to learn a new language at this stage. This is why the nursery has recently introduced Mandarin sessions for its Tots and Pre-Schoolers, when Shaya, from Dragons in Europe (www.dragonsineurope.com) comes in for the morning and runs a session of language and Chinese culture. The children just see it as a fun morning, with lots of activities around the language and all things Chinese. So far, the children have learnt some simple written characters, spoken some basic vocabulary and talked about the country of China. The regular sessions are an important part of the curriculum, exposing the children to the concept of other counties and other languages. Beaumont House has had positive feedback about these sessions from both the parents and children who really enjoy this new skill. If you would like to come and see one of the Mandarin sessions for yourself and let your child join in a session, contact the nursery manager, Emma Miler (manager@bhdaynursery.co.uk). For more information, visit www.bhdaynursery.co.uk 10 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Early Years

Bright Beginnings Nurseries Choosing the right nursery for your precious little one is one of most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, and it can be a daunting process with so many considerations to take into account. A good place to start is looking at recent Ofsted reports. Bright Beginnings Day Nurseries received ‘Outstanding’ ratings in every area at their inspection Outcomes for Children, Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare, Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, and Leadership and Management. ﬀering care and education for children aged between 3 months to 5 years, they are very proud of the warm, caring, and friendly atmosphere at their nurseries, where children can learn with conﬁdence and fun in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment.

If sticking to a routine is important to you, the staﬀ will always follow parents’ preferences and the baby’s established routine, wherever possible. They also keep a daily record sheet, which is completed and sent home for parents to inform of any changes to the baby’s routine in the morning.

If you need ﬂexibility, then they are open from 8am to 6pm 51 weeks a year, with wraparound care available from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

Along with the specialised baby unit, the nursery also oﬀers a Toddler room and a Pre School room, with free nursery education places available for Three and Four Year olds and some qualifying 2 year olds.

The nursery proudly offers the largest specialised baby unit in Twickenham at their Grosvenor House location. 44 under 2 year olds attend the unit per day, with a maximum 3:1 staff ratio. The Baby and Tweenie rooms at the nursery are bright, cheerful and stimulating and offer a caring and loving environment, with the emphasis very much on providing home from home care with lots of play, love and cuddles. They also provide free Pampers and wipes and separate sleep rooms for nap time.

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Reassuringly, security is top priority at Bright Beginnings Day Nurseries. Entry to the nursery is strictly monitored, and they use security cameras in and around the building and CCTV in all the rooms. A ﬁnger recognition entry system and camera entry system is also in place and no one is allowed free access to the nursery. Ofsted reported the security as being ‘extremely safe and secure...keeping children very safe as they play’. Following their inspection of the nursery, Ofsted praised the management and staﬀ as being ‘excellent role models and positively

Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

promoting good manners, sharing and being kind at all times.’. They found that children were flourishing in the ‘highly inspiring environment’ and are ‘nurtured and encouraged to discover and investigate’. The nursery provides high-quality teaching which supports child-initiated learning and promotes children's thinking and problem solving, and ‘all children make exceptional progress in their learning and development’. They also concluded that the children's progress was tracked extremely successfully by staff and managers, with any gaps in learning identified and addressed quickly. Partnerships with parents were found to be ‘exceptional’ daily activities and events were shared and parents are encouraged to be part of nursery life. If you would like further information or to arrange a visit to look around the nursery, you can call them on 0800 270 7799, or email at enquiries@brightbeginningsdaynurseries.com. You’ll find their website at www.brightbeginningsdaynurseries.com They are currently offering Half Price Registration (Save £125.00) at all nurseries up until 31st March 2018.

Families Upon Thames • 11

Are you conﬁdent? Do you know how important you are or how you make a diﬀerence to the world?

hese are some of the questions children are asked when they go for coaching. Sadly, children who do not recognise their own worth see themselves as not good enough and end up struggling in life – friendships, school work, and even managing their emotions becomes hard work. “High self esteem is our passport to happiness in adult life.” ~ Smiley Coach Lisa Parkes If we know that we are good at our very core, life takes on a very diﬀerent vibe and we are more resilient to set backs and disappointments. We feel happy from the inside out and we don’t rely on external factors such as fashion, physical appearance, gadgets and other material things to make us feel good. Just as you would create healthy habits for your child’s physical body, how about creating some healthy habits for their emotional wellbeing?

will choose to use positive language and not put yourself down. Gently correct your child if they are judgemental about themselves. 3) Notice the Good – Make it a point of discussion at the dinner table or a game you play before you tuck them in at night by listing 2 things they are proud of. It can be as simple as sharing, smiling at somebody or a random act of kindness. People who focus on the good things in their life feel good, and consequently attract more of the same to them. 4) Connect – Actress Goldie Hawn’s book ’10 Mindful Minutes’ highlights the amazing benefits of going within to find yourself. Children who are able to relax and tune into themselves find it easier to manage their stress levels and their big emotions like anger, anxiety and sadness.

1) Help your child celebrate their uniqueness – help them discover their personal qualities such as kindness, thoughtfulness or intelligence. Whatever it is that you ﬁnd beautiful about your child, tell them and tell them often.

5) Foster Independence – It’s a parents job to give their child roots and wings. You want them to ﬂy away and be OK without you there. So make sure you give your child choices that are age appropriate. Encourage them to make decisions for themselves. Also let them have a go and allow them to try new things without taking over or doing it for them. Show them you have faith in them. Trust is the key.

2) watch yourself – notice the way you talk about yourself. Children are the world’s greatest mimics. If you want your child to know their own worth, then work on developing yours too. Make a promise that you

6) Positive Thinking – This isn’t just about pretending everything is OK. This is about getting your child to watch their thoughts. You want their internal voice and the way they speak to themselves to be the way they would

speak to a friend. Not a harsh one that beats them up when they have lost their path or one that worries about what may go wrong. A good tool for rewriting negative thoughts is affirmations. An affirmation is like a mantra: a positive word or a phrase we repeat over and over again until it becomes our truth. 7) Discover A Passion – Help your child find something they love and are good at. Joyful confidence shows them how they can be a creator of their own lives and not a slave to what other people expect of them. (It will help manage screen time too!) 8) Stop Comparing – The only person we need to compare ourselves to is the person we were yesterday. When we feel as if we have to keep up with the Jones’s, we lose sight of who we are and what we want. We are all different and competition breeds insecurity as there will always be somebody smarter, richer, fatter, thinner or poorer than you! If you have any questions about your child get in touch.

Extra lisa Parkes Life Coaching Child Coach & Mentor Dip, LC smileyforlife.com

12 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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EDuCATION FOCuS SPrING 2018 Educating the whole child

School News Hampton Prep pupil celebrates taking a tumble

New Nursery for Newland House School

Hampton Prep sees its core function as providing an excellent allround education and values eﬀort as much as achievement, so the school was delighted when one of its pupils managed to combine the two and was crowned national tumbling champion in his age group!

Hot on the heels of the opening of the new Pre-Prep building, Newland House School opened its new nursery last term. The first intake of nursery pupils settled incredibly quickly and within the safe and nurturing environment have grown in confidence, are developing an understanding of community and have made new friends. The morning sessions have a gentle literacy and numeracy focus where the nursery creates play-orientated activities to help the children develop their understanding of letter sounds and counting skills. In the afternoons, they really enjoy learning about the world around them through topic-based play sessions. Every play experience allows them to grow and develop their knowledge and understanding across a range of different skills. The children loved learning about hibernating and migrating and tucked their teddies in for a long winter’s sleep and read them bedtime stories in the Bear Cave! They have also been busy exploring and investigating the extensive outdoor play area where they have time, space and plenty of energy for free play. For further information, visit www.newlandhouse.net

After winning the South East regional finals, 10-year-old Tom Clark, who is currently in Year 6 at Hampton Prep, competed in the final of the National Development Programme (NDP) tumbling championships in Telford. After executing three tumbles of varying degrees of difficulty, Tom was awarded the Gold medal in the Level 3 category. He says it was brilliant to achieve the top award, adding: ‘It was scary, however I have learnt to block out everyone in the arena and visualise my tumble on the track which really helps!’ Tom, who trains for 10 hours a week, has now been promoted to the Elite Tumbling Squad at Spelthorne Gymnastics Club in Sunbury. He is currently perfecting a double tuck back and his full twists and performed at the club’s Christmas performances. For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk

Early STEM engagement for Twickenham Prep pupils

Notre Dame celebrates over 400 years of value 2018 heralds the start of the celebrations at Notre Dame School in Cobham as it celebrates 410 years in the world and 80 years in Cobham! From small beginnings, it has grown into the community and school it is today − a thriving, busy and happy environment for girls (from 2 to 18) and boys (from 2 to 7). There have been many changes over the last eight decades, but Notre Dame’s passion for education, community, Catholic values and experience remains the same. In 1937, its ethos then, as it is today, was that every single child is important, special and valued. Notre Dame looks forward to 2018 and an exciting year ahead. The Senior School was delighted to have been shortlisted four times in three categories in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Independent School Awards 2018. It is one of only eight schools shortlisted for the Senior School of The Year Award, the winner of which will be put forward for the ultimate award of Independent School of The Year! In the Prep School pupils celebrated its nomination for Strategic Education Initiative of the Year. For further information, visit www.notredame.co.uk

At Twickenham Prep School (TPS) the staff tap into their pupils’ natural and innate curiosity about the living world, bringing it into everyday learning through exploring, investigating, discovering, identifying and building. Children at TPS use STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) to explore the outdoor nature trail and play area where they can create boats from enormous wooden blocks and construct impossibly tall marble runs. They can move between these and other indoor activities based around construction and design. They investigate and play, using their senses, asking questions about the real world and working together, sharing ideas and solving problems together. STEM is a way of thinking about how we can help children integrate their knowledge, making connections across different settings. At TPS the staff respond to their interests with flexible planning and wonderful facilities and resources. For further information, visit www.twickenhamprep.org.uk

14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Families Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ 15

School News King’s Oak Primary Expands Early Years Provision Exciting things are happening at New Malden’s King’s Oak Primary School, which has recently welcomed new headteacher, Lucy Campbell. Further expansion of the thriving Early Years provision means more children will benefit from the ‘free-flow’ environment that allows them to learn both inside the interlinked classrooms and in specially designed and equipped outside spaces. A rich range of play-based activities and real-life experiences are offered. Children acquire excellent communication skills, enjoy exploring and investigating their environment and develop into motivated, confident, skilled learners, ready to take on whatever awaits them in ‘Big School’. A prospective parent recently commented: ‘We were really impressed at the level of provision for the early years children, and with the staff who were welcoming and extremely informative.’

Ewell Castle School Ewell Castle is a happy school that offers outstanding pastoral care to children in its nursery, pre-preparatory, preparatory, senior school and sixth form. Parents may be surprised to discover that Ewell Castle offers the convenience of a successful co-educational day school that will meet the needs of their children from aged three right through to eighteen, all within the picturesque Ewell village. The vision of the school is to inspire and nurture its pupils to achieve within a happy, family friendly atmosphere. The needs of the pupils come first, staff have high expectations and strive for excellence in everything, so as to achieve every pupil’s potential or beyond. Care, consideration, honesty, integrity, fairness and tolerance are valued. Self-esteem is enhanced and all aspects of personal development are fostered throughout the school. With an ethos in which each child’s achievements are acknowledged, valued and celebrated, the school is not an academic “hot house”, however its pupils thrive academically as a result of the small class sizes, a varied and stimulating curriculum, an extensive extra-curricular programme and strong support systems which nurture their confidence and self-esteem. The School offers open mornings throughout the year, for dates and further details see the school website www.ewellcastle.co.uk

For further information, visit www.kingsoak.kingston.sch.uk

latest ISI report Conﬁrms Educational Excellence at Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep

running for a reason Pupils from Thames Christian School in Battersea recently took part in a sponsored cross-country challenge in aid of the charities Go Make A Difference in Tanzania and the A21 campaign. Everyone had the opportunity to run 10 laps of 1 kilometre each. In total pupils ran an amazing 844 km with Harry and Jemima jointly beating the school record by completing 13k each! The school hopes to have raised enough money to provide £5,000 to the Mobile Health Clinic run by an outreach team in the Diocese of Mara and £2,000 for the Crisis Care Shelters offered by the A21 campaign to support the victims of human trafficking. When a lot of people do a little, it adds up and makes a difference! If you would like to learn more you can visit the school’s website to watch a video of the trip. For further information, visit www.thameschristianschool.org.uk

Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School, previously known as Shrewsbury Lodge, aims to develop the whole child within an environment of academic excellence, reflected by the wide-ranging curriculum and small class sizes. Located in Esher, the School creates a secure, purposeful, healthy and happy atmosphere where each child is encouraged to thrive. Their ISI Inspection Report in June 2017, stated; “The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.” confirming the outstanding educational provision available. A key part of their ethos is that the curriculum is specifically designed to enable all children to flourish and achieve their full potential. Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep offers a rich and varied range of educational opportunities for children including Forest School, which is based in their large sports field a short walk away. The Schools next open morning is on 30th January 2018 at 9.30am.

16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Making Maths Fun

I always say that maths is like broccoli. You either like it or you hate it but you have to have some because it’s good for you. Now I’ll tell you a secret. I do not like broccoli, but I do ﬁnd it helps to have a bit of brown sauce on it! Similarly, maths becomes more exciting when it’s spiced up a little.

t’s important that your children are comfortable enough with simple sums that they don’t have to rely on a calculator − that’s like using arm bands for swimming! If they can develop an instinct for numbers, simple sums become much easier. The secret is to spend some time playing around with numbers and getting to know them. Here are a few little facts, games and tricks to share with your children to help them see that numbers have quirky behaviours and make fun patterns. Trick 1 If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can turn them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this with 5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8. Trick 2 Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5, 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 =24, then 24 + 1 = 25). The answer is always the same as the middle number squared … i.e. times by itself. (Here we get 5 x 5 = 25 YAY!) This works with any three consecutive numbers, so let’s try 7, 8, 9. 7 x 9 = 63, then 63 + 1= 64 and that’s the same as 8 x 8! Trick 3 The numbers in the 3 times table have a special trick, because if you add the digits together, the answer will always divide by 3. For instance 8 x 3 =24, and 2 + 4 = 6 which divides by 3. You can use this to test if any number divides by 3. Let’s test 71865. 7+1+8+6+5 = 27 which divides by 3, so 71865 also divides by 3. Trick 4 Prime numbers are numbers which will only divide by themselves and 1. For example, 7 is a familiesonline.co.uk

By Kjartan Poskitt

prime number because nothing else divides into it; 8 is not a prime number because 4 x 2 = 8. Place seven playing cards in a pile face down with the bottom card as a joker. Choose a magic number less than 7. (Let’s say you choose 4). One by one slide a card off the top and put it back on the bottom. When you get to the 4th card, turn it face up and then put it to the bottom of the pack. Keep doing this, turning every 4th card face up. The last card to be turned over will be the joker! Try this trick again picking a different magic number – eg 5. It will always work! What’s more you can have any prime number of cards, so try the trick with 5, 11, 13 or even 17 cards! The magic number can be any number smaller than the number of cards. The Table Attack Game Try to play this game with your children regularly in short bursts of about 10 minutes. You need two or more people and a pack of playing cards. Remove the jacks, queens and kings from the pack and put them back in the box. Now take the aces, twos, fives and tens from the pack, and just one joker. The aces count as one and the joker counts as zero. Put the other cards aside for a moment. We’ll call these the power cards. Shuffle the 17 normal cards then put the pack face down. Two players each take a card from the top without looking and then together they turn their cards face-up. Players must multiply the numbers on the cards together, and the first person to shout the right answer wins a point. Make sure you are multiplying and not adding! (So if you see 5 and 1, the answer is five not six.)

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Now make it more exciting! Without looking, pick a couple of the power cards and slip them in with the others, then play again. Once you’ve got used to the extra cards, keep adding a few more power cards until you have all the cards in play. This is a fabulous, quick fire way to get your children to firm up on their times tables. The Dice Challenge Throw three dice, but don’t let anyone else see how they land. Tell everybody what the three numbers add to, and also what they multiply to make. Who can work out the numbers on the dice? So, for example, if the three dice add to 9 and multiply to make 12, what are the three numbers? Answer: 1, 2, 6. There – I hope some of these things help. And just to make you feel better, while you’re practising your numbers, I’m going to go off and eat some broccoli!

Extra Kjartan Poskitt is author of the series of books Murderous Maths, published by Scholastic. He is also the Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards, the only team maths competition for primary schools in the country, run by Explore Learning in collaboration with the NRICH project at the University of Cambridge.

Families Upon Thames • 17

18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Halliford School has a new Headmaster Mr James Davies joined Halliford School as the new Headmaster in September 2017. A music graduate from the Universities of Sheﬃeld and Manchester, Mr Davies has spent his career in teaching and has taught music at and held leadership roles in many independent schools across the north of England. He has considerable experience of single sex, co-educational day and boarding schools.

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“At Halliford School we strongly believe that every young person should be seen as an individual with their own personality, talents and skills and that it is this individuality that we seek to encourage and develop at all stages of their education. Our aim is to enable each of our students to become the very best version of themselves that they can possibly be. We seek to be both academically ambitious as well as

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academically sensitive, challenging and supporting our students to make the most of their abilities but also to learn how to take responsibility for their progress. We are extremely fortunate as a small school to have many outstanding facilities on our beautiful site nestled alongside the River Thames. I look forward to welcoming you to our school to see for yourself if it is the right school for your child.”

Families Upon Thames • 19

OPEN DAY LISTINGS - SPRING TERM 2018 To advertise here contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk

EWELL CASTLE SCHOOL Saturday, 27 January Please call 020 8394 3576 or email admissions@ewellcastle.co.uk to book your place.

HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL Friday, 23 February For further information, call 020 8979 1844 or email admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk to book your place.

10.00am to 12.00pm

9.30am to 11.00am

KING’S OAK PRIMARY SCHOOL Please call 020 8942 5154 or email admin@kop.rbksch.org to book an appointment.

When: 17th Feb 2018 (Half term) 11th Apr 2018 (Easter Hols) Where: The Hollyfield School, Surbiton Hill, Kingston KT6 4TU Time: 9.30am – 11.30am

When: 11th Apr 2018 (Easter) 7th July 2018 (Weekend) Where: Claycots School, Monksfield Way, Slough SL2 1QX. Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Welcome Events Friday, 26 January Friday, 9 March Please call 020 8865 1305 or email admissions@newlandhouse.net to book your place or to arrange an individual tour of the Pre-Prep or Prep School. NOTRE DAME SCHOOL Tuesday, 6 March For further information, call 01932 869993 or email admissions@notredame.co.uk

9.30am to 11.00am 9.30am to 11.00am

9.00am to 11.00am

SHREWSBURY HOUSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL Tuesday, 30 January From 9.30am For further information, call 01372 462781 or email shppoﬃce@shstrust.net THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Tuesday, 27 February Thursday, 8 March For further information, call 020 7228 3933.

11.00am to 1.00pm 11.00am to 1.00pm

TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Pre-Prep Thursday, 8 February 9.30am to 10.45am Please call 020 8979 6216 or email oﬃce@twickenhamprep.co.uk to reserve a place.

20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Parenting

How Parents can Help Children with Exam Pressure

By Claire Winter

Children are facing an increasing amount of pressure when it comes to exams, whether its SATs, the 11+ or school entrance exams. Here’s how parents can help their children cope with the stress.

Although SATs will eventually be phased out for younger children over the next ﬁve years, year 2 and year 6 pupils will still have to sit their SATs this May. Many children also have entrance exams for prep schools, private secondary schools and the 11+ to prepare for too.

Children may ﬁnd learning easier if they know their learning style. There are lots of online quizzes, which children can do to ﬁnd out whether they are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. This may help them work out what revision style works best for them.

Expectations are Important Recent research shows that parents who place a high value on education and have high academic expectations can have a positive impact on children. However, with high expectations there must come a high level of support. Children who don’t get this are more likely to struggle. They also need to learn how to build up resilience. We need to teach them how to cope with the highs and lows of life, and how to handle exams.

Agree on a Plan Talk to your child about the schoolwork they need to do and devise a realistic programme of revision and work that they can realistically achieve. Remember they will need additional support from you, so make sure you can stick to what you have agreed.

Setbacks are not Failures Children are often well aware of what their parents think about failure. If they are taught that mistakes are opportunities to learn, rather than being made to feel bad or a ‘failure,’ they are more likely to develop a growth mindset. Using the word ‘yet’ is incredibly powerful and encourages the growth mindset. “I am not good at spelling yet.” When your child faces a setback remind them that the more they learn and try, the more their brains will grow. There are some great TED talks about the growth mindset, by Carol Dweck on YouTube. Find the revision Techniques that work for your Child Does your child remember best by what they see or hear, or do they learn by doing? familiesonline.co.uk

Avoid Distractions Children can’t multi-task; revising with an iPad, mobile phone, television or XBox means they are not fully concentrating. The average person checks their phone over 80 times a day. If you set them up to study without outside distraction from the get-go, they will hopefully continue to revise this way when they go to secondary school. Take a Break Make sure your children still have hobbies, see their friends and have a life away from studying, exams and schoolwork. Educational specialist and children’s author Leysa Henderson, who taught Year 6 pupils for 15 years says, “We need to help children feel good about themselves when doing exams and not feel under pressure. I would recommend lots of creative and fun mental stimulation that isn't necessarily exam/content focussed. Email: editor@Familiesuponthames.co.uk • Tel: 07792 006546

“In fact, it is important to give them space from content. Helping children to make links in life also encourages independent thinkers. Laughter is also a fantastic stress reliever, so go out and play silly games with them. I always gave this advice to my pupils, and I always got extremely good results.” Sleep Matters Children ages 10 and 11 should be getting 9.5 hours of sleep a night, and this doesn’t really change when they become teenagers. Make sure they get adequate sleep by taking digital distractions out of their rooms. Give them an alarm clock, so they don’t use their phone as an alarm. Set Them up for the Future Remember you are setting up your children with good habits for the future. Sarah Brazenor, a tutor from Connective Learning (www.connective-learning.co.uk) says, “It’s really important as parents to help your child get through these ﬁrst serious tests in the best possible way. Once they go the secondary school there will be more exams, and some schools are not very good at using motivational language, so learning coping strategies now can set them up for the future. “Find family mantras that work for you and your children. We have, “There’s no such thing as failure, just feedback.” We have to get things wrong to learn from them. It took the lighting pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed the light bulb. Without him continuing to learn by his “failures,” we’d all be sitting in the dark.”

Here’s some Advice from local Parents: Anne says, “Make it fun. No pressure, early nights in the week and treats at weekends. There’s more to life than exams.” Mark says, “We don’t focus on academic achievement, we tell our children to put maximum effort into their studies and to do their best. We value emotional intelligence, above exam results.” Clare says, “Support them to relax and switch off when the pressure feels intense. My son regulates by listening to a relaxation CD at bedtime to help switch off his busy brain.” Bhavna says, “I rewarded my children for actually studying. I never focused on the results when it came to the SATs. However, I was like a woman possessed with my eldest for the 11+. Again, we rewarded her effort before we even got the results. A successful result did make her realise that you get what you put in. I feel that this is a valuable life skill to learn so early in life.”

Families Upon Thames • 21

Book Review Most of the books featured this time round are a little on the large size and all are most definitely sublimely illustrated, even the titles for older readers. And why not? It seems to me to be short sighted (excuse the slight pun) to ration the visual representation of storytelling - or indeed science and history - just because a child has learned to read. Imagery on paper has a subjective permanence that we all enjoy and often it is the pictures over text that we recall from our own childhood.

New Year Book Reviews By Justine Crow

The Gritterman By Orlando weeks Penguin rrP £17.99 A softly penned graphic novel from a musician that speaks of stoicism and patience through many winters and questions the definition of loneliness through the eyes of a dignified man who knows his place in the universe. Thanks to him the traffic travels, pedestrians pass and life goes on.

Ages 0-2

Deep in the Forest Seek & Find Adventure By Josef Anton & lucie Bruniellere Abrams rrP £10.99 Created by a French duo with backgrounds in televisual animation and decorative art respectively, there are over 50 animals to ﬁnd in this beautiful bright and feisty big book full of ﬂaps to lift and names to shout out in triumph. Obviously it's in English but double points if you know what an anteater is in French. Parrots Don’t live in the City By lucy reynolds & Jenna Herman Scribbles and Doodles rrP £7.99 There’s a nice townie vibe to this breezy distraction that features a special surprise right at the end. But for now, your toddlers will relish peeking through the trees and spotting the green feathered interlopers that are pretty much ubiquitous to our civic parks. Crikey, you can add your own squawks if you like. If not, you can guarantee the real thing will.

Ages 3-5

canals in existential torment. Eschewing her father’s gift of a glass palace, her smile is ﬁnally revealed when a young man discovers the secret of making mirrors. Suddenly, splendidly, the pages explode with splintering glass and the city is rocked with laughter.

Amazing Dinosaurs By Matt Sewell Anova rrP £12.99 This author-illustrator has a knack for bringing natural history to life especially through his books about birds. Here he aims his deft brush at the pre-historic periods that produced the incredibly diverse gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet a gasquillion years ago, yet still absolutely intrigue today’s digital kids.

Ages 6-8

The Glassmaker’s Daughter By Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jane ray Frances lincoln rrP £12.99 This clever picture book depicts the actual history of glassmaking in Venice through the tale of Daniela, an inconsolable craftsman’s daughter who spends her days staring into the dark depths of the

Ages 9-12

50 Cities of the uSA By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol linero wide Eyed Books rrP £20.00 I found their previous title 50 States of the USA absolutely compelling and this is no less addictive for its

fascinating detail presented in artful bite-sizes. Along with the more obvious candidates of New York and San Francisco, we learn that as well as the famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville hosts the oldest Shakespeare festival in America; that Memphis as well as being home to Graceland, is where Justin Timberlake was born. And that huckleberries are a real thing and they grow in Boise. So there!

The world of Moominvalley By Tove Jansson Macmillan rrP £35.00 A super-sized price but what value for money this exquisite gift edition is, thanks to the many drawings and facts about the magical bohemia created by Finland’s most famous writer. Once you develop a love for the Moomintrolls, Snufkin, the Snorkmaiden and Little My, it can’t be shaken oﬀ.

Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor & loki By Kevin Crossley Holland & Jeﬀrey love walker rrP £18.99 It’s never too soon to point out to the kids that long before Tom Hiddleston stepped into a leather frock and green tights to play Marvel’s movie version of Loki, stories about him and his brother Thor as well as Odin, god of all gods, were captivating listeners as far back as Roman times, and not just from the Viking period. Imagine being a youngster a thousand years ago hearing whirling adventures of sorcery and battles from across the land, passed on by mouth to future generations. How lucky we are now to be able to take images for granted. What a page-turner!

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualiﬁed swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

For more amazing books for your kids, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk 22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Clubs & Classes

Winter Clubs and Classes With the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. But active after school activities oﬀer children great developmental beneﬁts including: Improved Academic Performance

Indoor Rock Climbing

Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers.

This activity is also growing in popularity across the country with a centre likely to be very close to you. Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. To find a centre visit www.thebmc.co.uk.

Enhanced Socialisation Skills Making friends with children from outside their school allows children to broaden their social experience, whilst extra-curricular activities at school give children the chance to enjoy a different type of social experience with their school friends and other children in their class. Better Health and Fitness According to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12 should exercise for at least 60 minutes of each day, and this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside. Stress Relief Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams and peer pressures. As parents, we are responsible for setting up opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months. So here are our ideas for keeping your restless young one on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside: Trampoline Clubs and Parks These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards.

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Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather. Indoor Sports You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter. How Many is Too Much? Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming class can involve two or more weekly training sessions, as well as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is probably not a good thing. Children these days have much more structured lives than ever

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before and already often have less unstructured play time that previous generations. Research indicates that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, concentrate and be more self-directed.

Fresh Air If you do opt for indoor class and club options for your child during winter, try to get them some regular fresh air at weekends when time and weather permit. Consider heading to the countryside or a beach (even at the darkest time of year), where you can breathe diﬀerent air and be closer to nature. You don’t have to organise a full itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Simple games like running races on a beach or climbing a tree can be exhilarating for children after a week cooped up at school, and being outside is both refreshing and invigorating for everyone and will improve everyone’s mood! The National Trust oﬀers loads of activities at their sites across the UK including treasure hunts, nature trails, and even horse rides. The woodland Trust has great expanses of woodland which are ripe for families to explore and provide a great natural habitat for nature walks. Some are very ancient and provide a great historical backdrop of legend and myth. It’s also worth checking out The wild Network brings together thousands of people and groups across the UK to share the simple goal of getting children back in touch with nature. www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.thewildnetwork.com

Families Upon Thames • 23

Clubs & Classes

Clubs & Classes Directory ART & CRAFT CErAMICS CAFÉ KEw Ages: All Children have the opportunity to create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic underglazes, it is then ﬁred in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2 to 4 days. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays on Bank Holidays/half terms. In: Kew Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com BABY & CHILD DEVELOPMENT GYMBOrEE PlAY & MuSIC Ages 0-5 Award winning Play and Learn, Art, Music and Sensory Play for babies. Classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play, and teach grown-ups fun and interesting ways to engage with them! FREE TRAIL CLASS! Check with centres for details. In: St Margarets, Surbiton, Walton Surbiton and Walton: Baby Massage classes for newborns to age 1 year with a fully trained IAIM instructor. Gymboree Play & Music Surbiton are thrilled to have refurbished and now use brand new equipment in their classes. With diﬀerent play opportunities and ways for learning, book your free trial to experience it today. In: St Margarets, Surbiton, Walton Contact: St Margarets: 020 8607 9995, stmargarets@gymboreeclasses.co.uk Surbiton: 020 3609 8007, surbiton@gymboreeclasses.co.uk Walton: 01932 221371, waltononthames@gymboreeclasses.co.uk www.gymboreeclasses.co.uk DANCE ElIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY Ages: 18mths−14 Fun and vibrant lessons that nurture talent and encourage self-expression along the way. Ballet students follow the RAD syllabus and train to exam standard. Pre-school classes follow imaginative stories and themes. Street Dance classes are bursting with energy and attitude and are loved by boys and girls. All are welcome! FREE TASTER CLASSES available before enrolling. NEW: more ballet and street dance classes at all locations and fabulous dance parties for all occasions. In: Richmond Hill, Kew, St Margarets Contact: Suze Bailey 07815 289306 suze@elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk www.elizabethjamesdanceacademy.co.uk

JuST IMAGINE BAllET Ages: All Just Imagine Ballet is an inclusive ballet and dance school for all ages and abilities. Just Imagine values creativity and expression and focuses on the healing and nurturing aspects of the creative arts. Children can progress through four separate ballet programmes created to be in line with their physical, emotional and social development and aligned with the National Curriculum key stages. Glimmer (0−18 months), Twinkle (18 months−5 years), Sparkle (6−10 years), Dazzle (11+ years). Plus: Tap, Contemporary, Street, Jazz, Character Dance, Classical RAD Ballet, Boys Only Ballet, Family Dance/Homeschool Classes, Holliday Camps, Birthday Parties, Adult, Silver Swans Dance (60+ years) and SHINE (SEN Dance classes, workshops and one2one sessions with a Dance Therapist). In: Richmond, East Twickenham, St Margarets, Teddington, East Sheen, Kew Contact: The Fairy Godmother or Miss Jessica, Principal 07813 741189 info@justimagineballet.com www.facebook.com/JustImagineBall etlondon DRAMA PYJAMA DrAMA Ages: 2–7 Classes for 2 to 5-year-olds see an exciting fusion of action songs, gameplay and child-led improvisation which transport your child on a unique journey using their imaginations. In the classes for 5 to 7-year-olds, while imagination still takes centre stage, there is more focus on practical drama skills such as role play. Each week has a themed story, games and a drama/acting skill to learn. Classes support a child’s development in concentration, communication, cooperation and conﬁdence and complement the KS1 Curriculum. In: Cobham, East Molesey, Hersham, Ashtead, Claygate, Walton Contact: Vicky Campbell-Hall 01932 807150 vicky@pyjamadrama.com www.pyjamadrama.com STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Ages: 4−18 Fun, educational and conﬁdenceboosting classes in singing, dancing and drama, which cater for the varying needs of young performers, whether reserved or budding talents. Classes focus on the Performing Arts and having fun in a structured safe environment, whilst learning life skills to prepare them for the stage of life. Two-week trial available. In: Chertsey, Cobham, Hinchley Wood, Kew, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington & Twickenham, Weybridge

Contact: Chertsey: 0772 517 6102 Cobham: 020 3723 9702 Hinchley Wood: 01372 238238 Kew: 020 8487 1456 New Malden: 020 8540 7791 Richmond: 020 8332 6741 Staines: 07802 800633 Teddington & Twickenham: 020 8977 0843 Weybridge: 0808 208 5134 www.stagecoach.co.uk MUSIC lITTlE VOICES rICHMOND & TEDDINGTON Ages: 4-13 years Little Voices teaches Singing and Drama to the highest standard whilst building confidence and promoting children’s personal and social development. The lessons give your child specific individual tuition within small group sizes. This is crucial for helping your child to work within ‘a cast’ and acquire the necessary group skills and individual tuition for achieving success in every area of their life. The elementary Vocal and Dramatic techniques are taught in an exciting yet disciplined way and build your child’s confidence and self-belief whilst promoting good posture, articulation, projection, clarity and diction. In: Richmond & Teddington, Every Tuesday and Thursday Contact: Ashlea Pearson 0208 088 0113 SWL@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/lo ndon-richmond www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/te ddington MONKEY MuSIC Ages: 3mths−4 Award-winning pre-school music classes for babies and children. Through a four-stage curriculum in age appropriate classes, children will develop a lifetime love for music. Book a FREE CLASS to experience all the fun yourselves! In: Kingston, Surbiton, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham, Walton, Molesey, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington Contact: Kingston and Surbiton: 020 8224 3971 Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham, Walton and Molesey: 020 8224 0096 Kew, Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington: 020 8847 4031 www.monkeymusic.co.uk PLAY CAFES AND SOFT PLAY SuNSHINE PlAY CAFE Ages: 0−5 Activities include craft tables, cosy book corner, bouncy castle, train track, ride-on toys, dolls, soft toys, a

24 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

baby area with play mats and soft toys. Fresh coffee, hot chocolate, teas, soft drinks, homemade cakes, sandwiches, hot and cold food, children’s lunchboxes and complimentary magazines available. Crafty Tales sessions every Wednesday morning. 90-minute party packages available. Free parking. Open Mon to Fri 10am−3pm term time, half term and some school holidays. In: Hampton Contact: Sarah Long 07949 135211 info@sunshineplaycafe.co.uk www.sunshineplaycafe.co.uk SPORT COErVEr FOOTBAll PErFOrMANCE ACADEMY AND FIrST SKIllS Ages: 5−7 (First Skills) & 7−16 (Performance Academy) Player development programme for boys and girls, teaching gameeffective technical football skills – based on World’s No.1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method. Learn to play like the best players in the world and improve your child’s personal skills, such as confidence, creativity and teamwork. FREE Trial Session for new players. In: Hounslow (Performance Academy only), Kingston (Performance Academy & First Skills) Contact: Matt Suggitt 02035442284 westlondon@coerver.co.uk www.coerver.co.uk/westlondon FOOTIE TOTS Ages: Footie Tots (2.5−5), Footie Wizards (5−13) An introduction to the world of fitness and football with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way! Classes encourage the children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age. All classes indoors. In: Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Molesey Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720/020 8979 1497 andy@footie-tots.co.uk www.footie-tots.co.uk KIDDIKICKS FOOTBAll ClASSES Ages: 18mths - 10 Kiddikicks coaches real skills in a super-fun environment, encouraging a healthy lifestyle through participation in sport whilst developing a love for the beautiful game! Parties also offered. Quote FUT for a FREE TRIAL, available to all new players! In: East Molesey, North Kingston, Byfleet, Pyrford, Weybridge, Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth, Feltham, Hampton, Richmond, Sheen, Barnes and Brentford Contact: East Molesey, North Kingston, Hinchley Wood, Byfleet, Pyrford, Weybridge: Jen, 07590467571/01932 489335 Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth,

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Clubs & Classes Feltham, Hampton: 020 7937 7965 Richmond, Sheen, Barnes, Brentford: Sarah, 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk ruGBYTOTS Ages: 2−7 Fun, enthusiastic, weekly play programme which uses rugby speciﬁc skills to aid the development of young children. The programme develops physical and social attributes and teaches basic rugby skills, including running with the ball, kicking, catching and scoring a try. Age-appropriate classes and highly trained coaches who get the best out of the children in a safe, organised, friendly environment. In: Twickenham, Barnes, Putney, Surbiton, Richmond, Hampton, Sunbury Contact: 0345 313 3242 enquiries@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk SPOrTS ACADEMY uK Ages: 4−16 A wide range of sporting activities to encourage and develop students to enable them to grow both as athletes and individuals. Sports during the Autumn term include basketball, dodgeball, gymnastics, martial arts and tambourelli. In: Richmond, Surbiton Contact: 0800 024 8842 07764 211489 grant@sportsacademyuk.com www.sportsacademyuk.com TrY TIME KIDS ruGBY Girls and boys of any sporting ability can learn to throw, catch and kick a rugby ball. Our highly creative games ensure that every child is included and participating whether they have a natural sporting ﬂair or not. Rugby also teaches all the wonderful, wholesome principles like teamwork, respect, discipline and a bit of healthy competition!

In Richmond, Wandsworth and Dulwich Contact: Call Danielle at head office on: 01252 794150 www.trytimekidsrugby.com SWIMMING TEAM SwIM SCHOOl Ages: 2.5yrs+ Swimming lessons for all abilities and ages. Fun and engaging classes for non-swimmers, as well as taxing for stroke improvers. Children enjoy the whole pool, not just sectioned areas. NEW FROM SEPTEMBER: Water Polo for kids – Stage 4 swimmers and above. Contact the school to register interest. Small groups, great results. In: Cobham Contact: Paul Furness 07915510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com wATEr BABIES Ages: 0−4 An incredible sensation of freedom and empowerment. Babies have a real affinity with water and because they’ve spent 9 months floating in the womb, being in warm water feels much more familiar to them than being on dry land. However, this early confidence usually diminishes with time and can even turn to fear. That’s one of the main reasons why Water Babies believes in starting them young. But a baby never swims against their wishes, and lots of bonding, fun and socialising is always incorporated so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy baby. In: Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Shepperton, Richmond, Surbiton, West Horsley, Woking, Godalming, Cobham, Farnham, Addlestone, Cranleigh Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227 428 underthewaves@waterbabies.co.uk www.waterbabies.co.uk

Little Voices Takes Centre Stage in Teddington As if proof were needed of the explosion in popularity of performing arts’ skills among the UK’s children (the on-going success of Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor and The Voice being the ultimate examples), the well-known Little Voices performing arts school is expanding across Richmond Upon Thames and is opening a new centre in Teddington. To celebrate the launch, Little Voices will be holding an evening of FREE trial lessons open to children aged between 4 and 13 on Thursday 18 January at Teddington Salvation Army Hall, TW11 8PF. Classes will be grouped according to age, ability and friendship groups with Mini Voices (4 to 7 years) taking place between 4pm and 4.45pm and Little Voices (8 to 13 years) taking place between 4.45pm and 5.45pm. At Little Voices, children are taught within a unique framework of ‘Drama and Singing work-shop lessons of Distinction’, working towards highly respected and accredited examinations through The London Academy Of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and yearly performances. For more information or to book a place for a FREE trial lesson on 18 January, contact Ashlea Pearson at SWL@littlevoices.org.uk or visit www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/teddington

SPORTS ACADEMY UK PROVIDES WEEKEND MULTI SPORTS COACHING FOR CHILDREN AGED 4 – 16 YEARS OLD. REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY.

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Families Upon Thames • 25

Just Imagine Ballet

Twinkle Ballet 15 months 5 years old -

Sparkle Ballet 6 - 11 years old

Dazzle Ballet 11 - 18 years old

Our pupils perform at The Royal Ballet School

07879 521 456 info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND - ST MARGARETS - TWICKENHAM KEW - EAST SHEEN - TEDDINGTON

NEW - RAD Classical Program - optional exams

26 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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Little Voices boys and girls 7-13, working towards accredited Musical Theatre Examinations

.SMALL CLASS SIZES .HIGHLY QUALIFIED TUTORS .100% EXAMINATION PASS RATE

Mini Voices boys and girls 4-7, building confidence and self belief in a fun and exciting way www.littlevoices.org.uk SWL@littlevoices.org.uk call: 0208 088 0117

Venue 1: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW (Every Tuesday) Venue 2: The Salvation Army Hall, 27 Church Road, TW11 8PF (Every Thursday)

age range 18 months - 10 years

A safe and creative environment in which your child can thrive in their experience of sport and develop a love for playing the greatest game on earth!

Check us out on

Facebook + Twitter for regular Competitions and Discount Codes @kiddikicks KiddikicksHQ

try us for free

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CRB checked and FA qualified coaches Training sessions, courses and parties across London get in touch with your local kiddikicks for details Quote F.U.T for a FREE TRIAL

Kiddikicks HQ

NW Surrey

Includes Richmond, Twickenham, Sheen, Brentford and Chiswick

Includes Kingston, Weybridge, Pyrford, Byfleet and East Molesey

020 7937 7965

01932 489335

www.kiddikicks.co.uk

nwsurrey.kiddikicks.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames • 27

Warm up the kids outside this winter! There’s a bite in the air and winter is definitely upon us but I'm afraid that doesn’t mean you can sit on the sofa and call it Christmas! Your kids still need to get out! Scarily, a fifth of children don’t play outdoors at all on an average day. We’ve all plonked our kids in front of an ipad so we can get something done but that needs to be balanced with blowing off a bit of steam outside. The list of benefits of doing sport is almost endless: better sleep, stronger bones, greater happiness, reduced anxiety and so on! These benefits aren’t just about physical health, they help improve mental wellbeing as well. Being outside has also been linked to a kids mental health because it helps them build greater selfconfidence, have a sense of freedom and use their imagination. In fact, it goes even further. Researchers have found that being close to nature helps to boost children’s attention span and fosters creative play, which relieves symptoms of attention deficit disorders. Most kids sports clubs are looking out for the talented kids, which sadly means that kids

who aren’t naturally sporty are being pushed to one side or even asked to leave, which means they stop enjoying sport altogether. We’ve heard this happening to kids as young as ﬁve. If they’re giving up sport this young,

then they are missing out on a huge part of their physical and mental development. Every kid should be able to enjoy sport. Rugby is fantastic for developing a range of sports skills and social conﬁdence as well as instilling vital principles like teamwork and discipline!! So playing rugby outside just about covers every base! We totally understand it's hard to motivate yourself when it's so cold and dark but it’s absolutely vital that kids continue to do sport outside throughout the winter. So the key here is to wrap up warm, get outside, do sport and have lots and lots of fun!

28 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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What’s On

EVERY WED MORNING PARENT AND BABY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11.30am Cost: £6.50 Screenings of the latest films for parents or carers with babies under one. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk EVERY WED DURING TERM TIME PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Ages: 0-2yrs & 2-4yrs Cost: £5 A popular, drop-in musical workshop with plenty of fun and games - a brilliant way to introduce music to your children and to make new friends. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk SELECTED THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS TINY EXPLORERS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Ages: 0-3yrs Time: sessions 10.30am3.30pm Cost: £6 per session Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in these multisensory workshops. Through music, movement and messy play, you and your little one will be transported into a magical world of stories. Booking required. 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk EVERY SAT MORNING FAMILY CINEMA AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS Times: 11am Cost: £5 per person Your favourite family films old and new, on the big screen. See website for details. 020 8232 1010 www.watermans.org.uk UNTIL 9 FEB WINTER WALKIES AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Cost: £1 plus Normal Admission Ham House welcomes dogs into the garden for the first time in over 300 years on this fun family trail 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house UNTIL 23 FEB WINTER WALKIES AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 10am-4pm. Bring your furry friends and explore the beautiful gardens. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park 6 JAN 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE Fun arts and crafts at this drop-in family craft session. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org

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KIDS RUN FREE AT MARBLE HILL PARK Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE. Free running events for children. 08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk 13 JAN TO 4 MAR BUTTERFLIES IN THE GLASSHOUSE AT RHS WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB Time: 10am-3.45pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Step into the Glasshouse this winter as it transforms into a tropical paradise with more than 50 vibrant species of free-ﬂying exotic butterﬂies. 020 31765830 www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 19 JAN MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: Under 5s. Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5. Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 20 JAN NIGHTRUN AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Experience Osterley in a new light with the annual Nightrun. To book, visit the website. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 -16 Time: 11am or 12.30pm Cost: £5. Find out about the Bronze Age. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 20 TO 21 JAN BIG WETLAND BIRDWATCH AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-3pm. Find out more about the birds living in the wetland with the volunteer guides and make a craft to take home. 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hallpark 28 JAN STORY CAFE AT RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Ages: 3+ Time: 3.30pm Cost: £4 Bring a cushion and a cuddly toy to this creative storytelling event. Enjoy crafty projects, themed activities and a teatime. 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk 2 FEB MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: Under 5s. Time: 9.30-11am

Cost: £5. Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 3 FEB 15 MINUTES OF FUN AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 1.30-3.30pm Cost: FREE Fun arts and crafts at this drop-in family craft session. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org KIDS RUN FREE AT MARBLE HILL PARK Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NL Ages: 0-16 Time: 9am Cost: FREE. Free running events for children. 08703 331181 www.kidsrunfree.co.uk

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES 10 TO 18 FEB CHILDREN’S HALF-TERM TRAIL AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4pm. Cost: 50p plus Normal Admission . Guaranteed fun, come rain or shine. Get some fresh air as you explore Claremont on this children’s trail. 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden FEBRUARY HALF-TERM FUN AT BOCKETTS FARM Young St, Fetcham, KT22 9BS Time: 10am-5.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission. Enjoy a great day out on the farm this half term with the start of the spring lambing. There will be Birds of Prey ﬂying demonstrations and a chance to meet the miniature Shetland Ponies in the Pony Parlour too. 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 10am-5pm . Enjoy the ’50 things’ activities and have fun on the natural play trail. 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park HAM UNLOCKED AT HAM HOUSE Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 12-4pm Cost: £2 plus Normal Admission. Follow the trail with keys and locks to discover Ham House’s secrets and win a prize! 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house

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PETS IN THE PARKLAND AT HATCHLANDS East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 10am-4pm. Discover the stories of the pets who lived at Hatchlands on this fun trail. 01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park SURPRISE SOUVENIRS TRAIL AT POLESDEN LACEY Great Bookham, near Dorking RH5 6BD (Satnav KT23 4PZ) Time: 10am-3pm Cost: £3 plus Normal Admission. Find out what souvenirs Maggie Greville has sent back for the woodland creatures at Polesden during her Far East travels. 01372 452048 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey 12 TO 16 FEB FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-4pm Cost: £5. Make your own portable kitchen garden ready for spring and learn how to plant your own salad! 020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park HALF TERM FAMILY FUN AT BROOKLAND'S MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Normal Admission. Take a trip in a vintage-style car, join one of the Kids Tours on Concorde, follow a trail or take part in a family workshop. 01932 857381 www.brooklandsmuseum.com 13 FEB HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITY AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Ages: 5-12 Time: TBC Cost: TBC Enjoy mosaic madness at this fun halfterm activity. Booking required. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 13 TO 16 FEB VICTORIAN DECOUPAGE HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES AT MUSEUM OF RICHMOND Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Time: 10am-12pm Cost: £4 per child Discover more about the craft of decoupage and create your own example to take home. 0208 332 1141 www.museumofrichmond.com 15 FEB HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITY AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Ages: 5-12 Time: TBC Cost: TBC Create marionette puppets at this halfterm activity. Booking required. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 17 FEB YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8 -16 Time: 11am or 12.30pm Cost: £5 Learn about Viking ships at this fun club. Booking essential. 01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 18 FEB STORY CAFE AT RIVERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE Manor Road, Walton KT12 2NZ Ages: 3+ Time: 3.30pm Cost: £4 Bring a cushion and a cuddly toy to this creative storytelling event. Enjoy crafty projects, themed activities and a teatime. 01932 254198 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 29

February Half Term Fun at Bocketts Farm Park 10th – 18th February 2018 Enjoy a great day out on the farm this February Half Term with the start of the Spring lambing. There are up to 70 lambs due from Feb 10th - you may even see one being born! Birds of Prey will also be at the farm Monday-Friday where you can meet them up close and watch the ﬂying demonstrations twice daily. What’s more, there is a full

programme of fun farm activities including pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling and pig racing. Outdoors, enjoy the jumping pillows, treehouse towers, pedal go karts and play trails. Plus the large indoor area with a giant heated playbarn, trampolines, ride-on tractors and a coﬀee shop means you can have a great day out whatever the weather!

unlock the secrets of Ham House this half term Visitors to Ham House during the February half term can enjoy a variety of diﬀerent activities suitable for the whole family. The Ground Floor and Below Stairs will be open in the house and families can take part in unlocked (10 to 18 February) - a trail to unlock Ham House’s secrets (£2 per trail). Alongside this there will be art activities running daily in the Education Room with drop-in sessions (12pm to 3.45pm) and storytelling.

Ham House is extending its welcome to four-legged family members who are in for a real treat, as winter walkies (until 9 February) welcomes dogs into the garden for the ﬁrst time in over 300 years! Families can enjoy the winter walkies trail (£1) plus three new local walks, specially created to help dog owners, which are available online and onsite. For further information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

‘Butterflies in the Glasshouse’ returns to rHS Garden wisley The vibrant Butterflies in the Glasshouse exhibit returns to RHS Garden Wisley from 13 January to 4 March, providing a tropical retreat for visitors this winter. More than 50 species of exotic free-flying butterflies will inhabit the Tropical Zone of the cathedral-like Glasshouse for this eye-catching exhibit. The special guests will showcase their magnificent colours, patterns and form amongst lush-tropical plantings, such as palm trees, bananas, bromeliads and climbers, as well as aquatic plants that thrive in the warm jungle pool. New species of butterflies such as Graphium doson and Papilio paris, will be joining vibrant favourites this year, such as Morpho peleides, Kallima inachus and Siproeta stelene. The Graphium doson is a black tropical butterfly with pale blue semi-transparent central wing bands that are formed by large spots and is widespread throughout Southeast Asia. Papilio paris, the Paris peacock, is a striking species of swallowtail butterfly found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Pick up a spotter guide on arrival to identify the ones you have seen.

For those visitors keen to become butterﬂy experts, explore the family-friendly Education Zone. The interactive area will spark imagination and enable visitors to learn all about the intriguing life cycle of a butterﬂy. To mark the launch weekend on 13 to 14

January, visitors will get the chance to decorate butterﬂy willow sculptures before they go on display and children can enjoy face painting. For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

30 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - January/February 2018

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register for wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event! wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event and takes place on Thursday 29 March. March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month and schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this brutal disease, which leaves families devastated. This is unacceptable! Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is dedicated purely to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientiﬁc research into brain tumours.

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Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds. More information, event ideas and fundraising tips visit www.wearahatday.org.

Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event! Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, wristbands and badges to help promote your event and smash your fundraising target!

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Families Upon Thames • 31

Half Price Registration (Save ÂŁ125.00) up until 31st March 18.

Offer available to new registrations only Only one offer per child

Offer is not open to employees

Offer applicable to customers paying by monthly standing order This offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time New places are subject to availability