Families Upon Thames September 2018 Issue 125

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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 125 September 2018

Grosvenor House May 2016 Twickenham Green July 2016

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Kingston, Richmond & Barnes FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS Locomotion, Running, Leaping, Jumping, Hopping, Gross Motor Planning, Manipulation of objects

2-3 years

FUNDAMENTAL SPORTS SKILLS Throwing, Striking, Hitting, Shooting, Receiving, Catching, Trapping, Bouncing, Rolling

3-4 years

SPORT SPECIFIC BALL SKILLS Individual Participation, Organised Activities, Team Games, Sportsmanship

4-5 years

MULTI-SKILLS Competitive Games, Net and Wall Games, Hitting and Catching Games

5-6 years

MULTI-SPORTS Mini Versions of Tennis, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Cricket

6-9 years

SPORT AND MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS, TEACHING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH SPORT!

Richmond and Barnes richmond.playball@gmail.com Kingston kingston.playball@gmail.com

www.playballkids.com

Tel: 07850 324 116

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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.

contents

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4 5 6 8 12 20 28 30

Family Health Food Early Years Parenting Education Clubs and Classes Directory Days Out What’s On

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames @FamiliesuponT Now more than 8,000 followers!

Make sure you pick up our October issue for our Halloween Special and Education Focus

Out early Oct

...endless ideas for families of young children in • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • • Spelthorne • North Surrey Families® Upon Thames • Issue 125• SEPTEMBER 2018 • Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Upon Thames

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

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Families Upon Thames • 3

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Family Health

Measles, Mumps and Rubella in children Measles, mumps, and rubella (also called German measles) used to be quite common in childhood but are much less common now.

Dr Daniela Peeva MD, Consultant paediatrician at +richmond practice discusses each disease and explains why this is the case Measles causes a red rash, high temperature, runny nose and sore eyes. It can cause acute complications, such as convulsions and diarrhoea. Very rarely, it causes permanent brain damage and death.

Mumps causes swollen and painful glands in the neck, aches, pains and tiredness. It can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which increases the risk of diabetes. It can cause meningitis and swelling in the brain; sometimes it makes walking difficult and can lead to behaviour problems. In boys and men mumps can lead to inflammation of the testicles, which can (if it happens after puberty) make it difficult for them to father a child in the future.

Rubella causes a rash and swollen glands but you can often have it without having any symptoms. Rubella is most harmful to pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects, such as deafness and heart problems. Your baby is most likely to be affected if you catch rubella early in your pregnancy (before 11 weeks).

Why does my child need the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine protects children from getting measles, mumps and rubella and from getting the complications associated with them.

How is the MMR vaccine given?

The MMR vaccine is given in two injections. The first injection is when your child is between 12 and 15 months old and the second injection is given between the ages of three and five.

Why two injections?

Not everyone responds to the MMR vaccine the first time they have the injection. After the first dose, up to 10 in 100 children will have no protection against the diseases but after two doses it is less than 1 in 100 children.

Are there side effects?

Your child may get some mild side effects from the vaccine, such as a high temperature. Some children become irritable, get a skin rash or swollen glands.

A small number of children have convulsions (fits). There is no evidence that the MMR vaccine can cause longterm harm.

Consult your doctor if: n your child is very ill when they're due to have the vaccine, has had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic neomycin or has a disease or gets a medical treatment that affects their immune system n you have any concerns about your child's vaccination programme

Extra +richmond practice offers travel clinics. If you would like to consult a GP/Paediatrician before you travel call 020 8940 5009 to make an appointment.

For more information, visit www.richmondpractice.co.uk

richmond practice PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ SERVICE

The family doctor.

GP · Paediatrician · Gynaecologist

020 8940 5009 Clinical excellence hassle-free

4 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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Food Giggling Squid brings its signature Thai cuisine to Kingston

Giggling Squid opens in Kingston upon Thames this month, bringing with it a brilliant combination of bold Thai flavours and authentic cooking techniques.

From lunchtime tapas to delicious curries, salads, rice and noodles, Giggling Squid’s menu lends itself to the distinct sharing culture of Thailand. Guests at the stylish and spacious restaurant will experience its rich tapestry of dishes, freshly prepared by a team of talented on-site Thai chefs; there’s even

a dedicated ‘little tapas for little people’ menu guaranteed to ensure smiles all round.

Owned by Thai-born Pranee Laurillard and her husband Andrew, Giggling Squid (the nickname of one of their three children) was founded in 2002 in the basement of a tiny fisherman’s cottage, now the Brighton restaurant, where dreams of replicating a little taste of home became a reality.

To find out more, visit www.gigglingsquid.com

Chakra Riverside launches in Kingston Having established a loyal following from their muchloved Kensington flagship site, the award-winning Chakra is now open in Kingston upon Thames. With room for up to 100 guests and an alfresco terrace area, the restaurant’s riverside spot boasts a relaxed yet stylish setting where diners can experience the brilliant combination of bold flavours and authentic cooking techniques that is Chakra.

The team of talented Indian chefs boasts a wealth of experience and the extensive lunch and evening menu includes popular staples such as their famed Lamb Rogan Josh, signature Kashmiri Lamb, vegan-friendly Chakra Channa and Fish Moile, a popular Keralastyle seabream fish simmered in a smooth coconut milk gravy.

If it’s weekend brunch you’re after, then be sure to visit between 11am and 3pm where the delicious menu is sure to wake up your palate. Guests can raise a glass to breakfast with help from Chakra’s Chai Bar, with its eclectic selection of organic teas courtesy of Heath & Heather. For diners wishing to experience the menu from the comfort of their own home, Chakra Riverside offers a takeaway and delivery service via the website and Deliveroo.

For more information, visit www.chakra.restaurant

Fruit Juice with Breakfast Places Children at Higher Risk of Obesity Children who drink fruit juice with breakfast are more likely to become overweight or obese.

The study, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, questioned 13 year olds on their breakfast habits.

A study, led by the Medical University of Vienna, revealed that children who had orange or apple juice with their breakfast were 50 per cent more likely to be overweight, while those who drank water saw their obesity risk fall by 40 per cent.

While most types of food had no clear relationship with weight, of the 652 questioned, those who drank fruit juice more than three times a week were 50 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese.

It also found that skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain as it makes children more likely to snack during the day.

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For more information, visit https://eco2018.easo.org/

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

Families Upon Thames • 5

Early Years A shining start at Bright Beginnings

With three nurseries in Twickenham, two of which (Grosvenor House and The Green) have been awarded an ‘outstanding’ status, Bright Beginnings Day Nurseries seems to have a shining future ahead.

The nurseries provide a warm, caring and friendly atmosphere for your little one and Grosvenor House has a dedicated nursery for babies under two. Each nursery benefits from superb facilities including large, colourful classrooms with separate sleeping areas. There is an excellent 3:1 children to staff ratio with continuity of staff being a priority and from the age of two, children are split into groups to provide activities suitable to their development.

At Bright Beginnings, the staff are highly trained and passionate, and the teaching is tailored to your child’s needs. But what sets this independent day nursery chain apart is its commitment to monitoring all the children’s progress, with managers highly involved. Ofsted highlighted this as one of the many successful initiatives which contribute to its ‘outstanding’ rating, stating that ‘the managers meticulously track children’s learning’ and make sure that ‘individual care and learning needs are met’, while positively promoting ‘good manners, sharing and being kind at all times.’

The care provided at Bright Beginnings strikes the perfect balance between opportunities to play and develop friendships.

‘Children flourish in the highly inspiring environment. They are nurtured and encouraged to discover and investigate. Childinitiated learning is supported by high-quality teaching that promotes children’s thinking and problem solving. All children make exceptional progress in their learning and development.’

(Ofsted) The nursery aims to help each child achieve the best they can in all areas of their development by extending them in the areas where they thrive and supporting them in areas where they are weaker.

When the children leave Bright Beginnings, they are confident and know that if they treat others with respect, try their best and ask for help when it’s needed they can achieve anything!

Bright Beginnings Day Nurseries offers full day care for children aged 3 months to school age from 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks of the year.

Free nursery places are available for three and four year olds with some places for qualifying two year olds.

For more information, visit www. brightbeginningsdaynurseries. com

To advertise please ring Mima on

07792 006546

Beaumont House Day Nursery is awarded ‘Millie’s Mark’ The team at Beaumont House Day Nursery in Twickenham is delighted to have been awarded ‘Millie’s Mark’, a Quality Mark for nurseries where all employees working directly with children are trained in paediatric first aid. This has been awarded by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) in association with Department for Education and Millie’s Trust. Millie’s Mark is named after Millie Thompson, who died after choking on food at nursery in 2012 when she was just nine months old.

Over the past six months staff have been working hard to achieve this award, which acts as an indicator that they go above and beyond the minimum requirements to keep children safe and minimise risks and accidents. The process for Millie’s Mark is not only that all staff hold a paediatric first aid certificate, but also that they have reflected on their practice to ensure that there are tight processes and documentation in place and that staff are competent and confident to apply paediatric first aid in practice.

on the safety of their children whilst they are at nursery.’ Says manager Emma Miller. ‘We want to offer them an extra level of awareness and training, so that we can be the safest possible place for young children. Staff have enjoyed doing the training and we are all so much more aware of first aid issues now.’

For more information, visit www.bhdaynursery.co.uk

‘We have worked really hard towards this award and recognise the huge importance parents place

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Half Price Registration (Save ÂŁ125.00) up until 30th September 2018.

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

Parenting Two Thirds of Children Not Safe in Cars

Only Half of Pre-School Children are Being Read to Daily The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20 per cent since 2013, according to recent research.

The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69 per cent of pre-school children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51 per cent.

The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16 per cent said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books.

The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily and warned that the ‘steep decline’ in reading to young children ‘signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.’

For more information, visit www.egmont.co.uk

Parents are being advised to check their children’s car seats after a new study found that two in three children aren’t safe while travelling.

The What Car? study, created in conjunction with specialist organisation Child Seat Safety, found that 59 per cent of children are sitting in car seats that have been incorrectly fitted or are inappropriate for them.

The survey on 3,000 seats, with and without children in them, held at random seat-checking events throughout the UK, revealed that 36 per cent were incorrectly fitted

in the car, while 33 per cent of those that had children in them were unsuitable.

Many of the mistakes were said to be ‘simple and easy to avoid’ and included loose seat belts, incorrect head restraints or harnesses being in the wrong position.

In the UK, children are legally required to remain in a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-therules

To advertise here contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk Please tell advertisers you found them in

Upon Thames

8 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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Parenting

Upon Thames

To advertise please ring Mima on

07792 006546

Kids Come First® provides Support Workshops for Families Coping with Separation and Divorce Dealing with divorce or separation is a dramatic, daunting and lifechanging experience for everyone. A recent TV programme described divorce as ‘open heart surgery while you’re still awake’. And if you have children, for many parents ‘splitting up’ and reaching the end of your intimate, co-parenting relationship can feel pretty traumatic (like losing your ‘other half’).

It takes time to adapt and adjust to the changes and it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re hurtling along on a kind of awful emotional roller coaster with its uncontrollable ups and downs.

No longer part of a parenting ‘double act’, as a single parent your children will be observing your behaviour and responses even more closely during this difficult

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time. As they struggle with their own ‘loss’ emotions, it’s likely they’ll be depending on you to be your strong, ‘whole’ self, just when you’re finding it really hard to function at your best. Children suddenly have to adjust to being with only one of you at a time and they may also find it hard to share you with their siblings.

Navigating your way through this complex, challenging journey can be tough so it’s important to find the right specialist support as early as possible. Kids Come First® is a unique, child-focused support and training workshop with guidance to suit every parent at every stage of their separation or divorce. Booking on a group session or arranging a private consultation benefits both you and your children and the better you cope, the better your kids will too!

Kids Come

First®

is sponsored by

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

Thameside Family Collaborative Lawyers and Mediators (www. thamesidecollablaw.co.uk).

To find out more, visit www.kidscomefirstuk.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 9

Parenting Why mastering handwriting is still so important Did you know that today’s digital age is having a major impact on children’s handwriting skills?

In some cases, handwriting is so illegible that teachers are unable to read their pupils’ exam scripts, resulting in marks being unnecessarily lost.

Handwriting is not only an essential communication skill but also a complex task linked to improved creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In 2017, Karin H James, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, reported that ‘early handwriting practise affects visual symbol recognition,’ explaining that it links ‘visual processing with motor experience, facilitating subsequent letter recognition skills.’ This in turn helps children to read more fluently.

However, children today are at a distinct disadvantage as they spend more and more time on their screens. According to Sally Payne, Head of Paediatric Occupational Therapist at the Heart of England

Foundation NHS Trust, ‘children are not coming into school with the hand strength and dexterity they had 10 years ago’, which is a worry. To combat this Selene Cutler, a handwriting tutor and member of the National Handwriting Association, recommends that parents reduce the time pre-school children spend using a touch screen in order to develop strength in their fingers through playing.

‘Problems with handwriting are best addressed at an early age as it can quickly lead to a child‘s low self-esteem as school work becomes more demanding in later years,’ she explains.

According to The National Handwriting Association, ‘legible writing that can be produced comfortably, at speed and with little conscious effort allows a child to attend to the higher-level aspects of writing composition and content.’ This is important when assessments are based on written work, particularly in timed exams.

Even in this digital age when children can so easily learn to type, teachers and examiners still see handwriting as an essential lifelong skill with many advantages. In a study of 76 children aged three to five, carried out by Marieke Longchamp and Jean-Luc Velay at the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at Aix-Marseille University, it was found that

children who learned to write letters by hand were better at recognising them than those that had learned them by typing them on a computer.

For more information, contact Selene Cutler 07521 554 188 / selene.cutler@ handwritingsupport.co.uk

Trafalgar School launches new ‘Wishlist’ website With current funding cuts affecting many schools, a group of parents at Trafalgar School in Twickenham has launched an exciting new fundraising platform TRAFALGAR. OURSCHOOLWISHLIST. ORG that is designed to reach out to parents, carers and supporters of the school to easily donate funds where needed.

Items on the 'Wishlist' are clearly categorised by school class and ‘urgency’ ranging from boxes of pencils costing £15, to a much-needed storage shed for Reception costing £199.

Teachers can ‘add’ new items to the list as and when required. Since

launching the website, the school’s PTA has had overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, carers and Twickenham residents and businesses who are delighted

that they can now make a tangible difference.

of the parents/carers at Trafalgar School,’ says the school’s Head Teacher Lynne Thompson who is delighted with the initiative. ‘The PTA works tirelessly to raise funds for the school and the local families support their efforts with enormous enthusiasm. As with many underfunded schools in Twickenham, our PTA funds are now required for essentials such as reading books, exercise books and pencils rather than the “added extras” in previous years.’

‘I am overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and support

For further information, visit: trafalgar.ourschoolwishlist.org

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Parenting

Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad Alesha Dixon encourages children to celebrate their individuality in her new book We’ve know her as a BGT judge, a Strictly judge, a TV personality and a pop star, but did you also know Alesha Dixon has recently become a children’s author? Families spoke to Alesha about the upcoming release of her new book, Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad, the sequel to her electrifying first book Lightning Girl.

What inspired you to become a children’s author?

I love new creative challenges! I felt there was a gap in the market for an inspirational book which featured a young female superhero as a positive role model for boys and girls of different ethnicities.

One of my driving forces was the desire to create a book which my daughter could strongly relate to.

Lightening Girl, Aurora is finding that this ‘saving-the-world lark’ isn't all it’s cracked up to be. Worldfamous overnight, she's now living in the full glare of the media's flash bulbs: everyone wants a piece of Aurora.

There’s twists and turns

throughout, and the challenges get bigger as the story moves on.

There are a lot of messages interwoven within your book. What do you hope are the core messages received by your readers?

Essentially, what I’m saying to young people is ‘you all have a superpower within you’. It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to stand out. You don’t have to

follow everyone else or to be like everyone else to be accepted. You all have a light, so don’t let anything dim it. We’re all unique and collectively we can all help one another in our own special way. It is important to me that all children learn that they can contribute, that they are counted and that they are important. I want them to realise that nobody should be discriminated against, nobody should feel excluded in any way and that we all should feel worthy.

If children have a gift or talent, I’d love this book to give them permission to celebrate it.

What is the general plotline of your second book?

Aurora Beam doesn’t want to be a superhero. She just wants to be a normal girl who blends in. After her adventures in

Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad

by Alesha Dixon will be published by Scholastic on 6 September 2018

Why not catch up on Aurora Beam’s first superhero adventure in Lightning Girl?

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Families Upon Thames • 11

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To advertise in Call Mima: 07792 006546

Mrs. Cutler: St Margarets, TW1 T: 07521 554188 E: selene.cutler@handwritingsupport.co.uk

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Both the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Preparation Courses above include weekly tuition classes and monthly mock exams.

Year 4 and Year 5 NOW BOOKING courses starting in January 2019

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EDUCATION FOCUS AUTUMN 2018 Educating the whole child

Education

School News Twickenham Prep supports Malawi school

Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School

Two teachers from Twickenham Prep School (TPS) visited Songwe School in Malawi last term with the school’s long-term charity partner African Vision.

TPS has supported Songwe for many years with money raised through its Charity Days and the generous donations made by its Parents’ Committee. During this visit, TPS was able to give a pencil and exercise book to every child in the school and the sports tops and tracksuits donated by many families at TPS

Hampton PrePrep & Prep School offers an excellent all-round education, with superb pastoral care and exceptional teaching.

were distributed to the orphans who were most in need of warm clothing.

TPS’s teachers were shown round the classrooms, where the children sat on the floor and are educated in classes of over 50.

The teachers were able to walk across the new bridge which TPS had funded and appreciated how vital it was as a crossing point for the school children and the local community.

For more information, visit www.twickenhamprep.co.uk

Students flourish at Kingston Grammar School Kingston Grammar School is one of the most successful co-educational schools in England and has a long tradition of developing individual talent and encouraging high aspirations. Its pupils are bright and enthusiastic and their joy in life and spirit of curiosity makes educating them a real pleasure.

Inspirational teaching and a deep commitment to pastoral care means that pupils grow in confidence and understanding, and individual talents and creativity are able to flourish.

International GCSEs, the introduction of Mandarin into its curriculum and Extended Projects interweave with more traditional examinations to

produce an exciting and vibrant academic diet, designed to challenge expectations and to engage pupils in a love of learning.

For further information, visit www.kgs.org.uk

Every child is recognised as a unique individual and allowed to flourish in a caring, lively and happy environment. The school’s latest ISI report found that: ‘The achievements of the pupils are excellent… A close and nurturing atmosphere is at the heart of the school.’ The school’s stunning, new, state-of-the-art Prep building borders a local park and pupils enjoy an abundance of outdoor space, with onsite grass playing fields, an all-weather games area and ‘the allotment corner’ with raised beds for

growing flowers and vegetables.

The welcoming and friendly PrePrep School and Kindergarten are accommodated in an attractive Edwardian building with a superbly equipped playground. Part of the Hampton School Trust, the Pre-Prep & Prep School enjoys close links with the nearby senior school and an increasing number of the boys move onto Hampton School via the Assured Place Scheme.

For further information, visit www.hamptonprep.org.uk

Rock horror at Newland House School

Girls and boys in Year 6 and 8 at Newland House School in Twickenham worked tremendously hard learning their lines, rehearsing and honing their singing voices last term to deliver their own unique interpretation of the 1960 American rock musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors.

The audience, who anticipated impending horrors from the outset, was still none-the-less stunned by the stage presence

14 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

of not only the budding actors, but also by a larger than life, all singing, all dancing Flytrap.

The production was energetic, engaging and above all thoroughly entertaining, with the cast and crew receiving some tremendous feedback from parents. The pupils took part with great enthusiasm and spirit and the show was a fitting end to their time at Newland House.

For more information, visit www.newlandhouse.net

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Families Upon Thames • 15

Education

School News King’s Oak Primary Expands Early Years Provision

Exciting things are happening at New Malden’s King’s Oak Primary School. 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’.

The new leadership team at the school is committed to ensuring that King’s Oak remains at the heart of the local community.

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

The clubs are hugely popular and are an exciting extension to the school day that allow students to embrace the activities they enjoy the most.

All students from Kindergarten onwards are welcome to join in, and the after-school club

Due to more and more parents asking for extended care options for their children, St Helen’s College in Hillingdon now offers a totally flexible package which could be seen as ‘boarding without the boarding’. The coeducational prep school for boys and girls aged from two to eleven has a Breakfast Club from 7.30am, extended care until 6.00 pm and care available from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm throughout the school holidays (excludes bank holidays and Christmas), all provided by the college’s staff.

This means that the school’s expectations and core values of love, harmony and growth run through everything the children do, in both work and play. So, whether they are eating

breakfast, in a classroom or taking part in an after-school club or holiday camp, they will feel loved, secure and happy.

For more information, visit www.sthelenscollege.com

Free Toddler Group Sessions at Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep School

After-school Clubs at ISL

The International School of London (ISL) has a rich programme of extra-curricular activities and offers in excess of 40 clubs per week.

Boarding without the boarding at St Helen’s College

So, whether you like yoga or hip hop, drama or coding, boxing or ukulele, ISL after-school clubs have something to suit.

Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School in Esher is now offering free Toddler Group sessions. The friendly Toddler Group takes place on Fridays during term time, between 9.30am and 11.15am, and starts on Friday 21 September. Parents, carers and children under five are welcome to drop in and join in the fun.

The informal sessions take place in a nursery classroom and each week there will be a different focus ranging from arts and crafts to messy play. The Toddler Group children will also be able to use the school’s own soft play equipment in the Sports Hall. Refreshments will be available for adults.

Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep School offers children from three to seven a secure, purposeful, healthy and happy atmosphere where each child is encouraged to thrive socially and academically.

For more information, visit www.isllondon.org

For more information, visit www.shrewsburyhousepreprep.net/toddlergroup

programme is delivered by both internal teaching staff as well as external specialised providers.

This year, ISL is delighted to include yoga to its ever-growing list of activities.

16 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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Education School Open Day Friday 5th October 9.15-11.15am

Upon Thames

Let’s discover who they are

To advertise call Mima: 07792 006546

Independent, Co-educational Day School In Hampton Tel: 020 8979 6216 Email: office@twickenhamprep.co.uk www.twickenhamprep.co.uk

Part of the Hampton School Trust.

IAPS Independent Day School for boys aged 3 -11 & girls aged 3 - 7 years

Open Mornings

9.30am: Headmaster’s welcome – Prep School 9.45am - 11.00am: Tours – Pre-Prep and Prep Book your place via our website: www.hamptonprep.org.uk - ‘Visit the School’ page

Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School is highly successful in meeting its aims. The achievements of the pupils are excellent.

Assessment morning for Year 3, September 2019 entry: Saturday 10 November, 2018

ISI Report 2016

Friday 5 October and Friday 7 December 2018

020 8979 1844 admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2UQ

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Families Upon Thames • 17

Education

Open Days - Autumn 2018 HALLIFORD SCHOOL Whole School Open Days Saturday, 6 October 9.30am to 12.00pm (Headmaster’s speech at 11.30am) Sixth Form Open Event Wednesday, 17 October 6.30pm to 8.30pm Visitor Mornings Thursday, 8 November 9.30am to 11.30am Tuesday, 13 November 9.30am For further information or to reserve a place, call 01932 234921.

HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL Friday, 5 October 9.30am to 11.00am For further information or to reserve a place, call 020 8979 1844.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL For further information, call 020 8992 5823.

KING’S OAK PRIMARY SCHOOL To arrange a visit, please call 020 8942 5154.

KINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL Information Evening (parents only) Thursday, 27 September 7.00pm to 9.00pm Open Day Saturday, 29 September 10.00am to 12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening Monday, 8 October 7.00pm to 9.00pm Please book at www.kgs.org.uk/admissions/ open-events NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Welcome Mornings Friday, 14 September from 9.30am Friday, 12 October from 9.30am Friday, 23 November from 9.30am Please call 020 8865 1305 to book or to arrange an individual appointment; individual appointments for the Pre-Prep, Prep and Nursery are available also.

SHREWSBURY HOUSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL For further information or to book a tour, please call 01372 462781.

ST HELEN’S COLLEGE Tuesday, 30 October 9.00am to 12.00pm For further information or to reserve a place, call 01895 234371.

TWICKENHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Friday, 5 October 9.15am to 11.15am Please call 020 8979 6216 to reserve a place.

To advertise contact: MIMA WALIA, Editor

m: 07792 006546 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk Please tell advertisers you found them in Upon Thames

Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School

Toddler Group Fridays, during term time, drop-in between 9.30am – 11.15am. First session starts Friday 21st September. All parents, carers and children under 5 are warmly welcome to join in the fun.

Each session is free to attend.

For more information, please contact Mrs Jules Akhurst: jakhurst@shstrust.net 01372 462781 www.shrewsburyhousepreprep.net/toddlergroup Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep School 22 Milbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey KT10 9EA

18 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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7 Tips for Making your Open Day a Success

Making the Best of Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents. Claire Winter reveals how to get the best out of your visit What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to. During an open day, prospective parents are shown around the school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and its environment.

Sometimes pupils are given the task of showing parents around the school; how settled, relaxed and confident these children are can give you an idea of how happy the students are there. Usually, the

head teacher or a senior member of staff gives a talk which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos.

When are they held?

State schools generally hold Open Days in September and October aimed at children and families looking for a school place for the following year. It’s a good idea to start looking a year in advance so that you can revisit the schools you are most interested in with your child the following year.

Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a school-specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you need to find out the criteria for entry to the school and visit well in advance.

How are Open Days organised?

Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days to allow working parents to visit the school too and some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday. However, there may be a lot of people attending so make sure you turn up on time and follow the school’s directions during the event.

If, after all your initial visits, you are still undecided, go back and visit the schools on your shortlist again during a normal working day.

Finally, in making your decision, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts; you know your child and you are best placed to ascertain what is right for them. If your child is older, do take into account their preferences and include them in the decision-making process as the best decision will undoubtedly be the one you all agree on.

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1. Take your child with you.

There is no point falling in love with a school only to find your child does not want to go there.

2. What is your general feeling about the school? Your gut reaction is very important. Do the pupils look happy and engaged?

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask the pupils what they think of the school.

4. Don’t make decisions on individual teachers. They often move on and large departments have a variety of teachers that will rotate every year to teach your child a particular subject.

5. If your child is especially interested in a subject, make sure you visit the department and look at the kind of work they will be doing.

6. What extra-curricular activities do they have? Are there clubs that will engage your child and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests?

7. While exam results aren’t everything, every parent wants their child to do well.

Academic performance is a top priority for many families.

It’s a good idea to see how the school is performing compared to other local schools, using exam league tables and Ofsted reports.

Families Upon Thames • 19

Clubs & Classes PERFORMING ARTS

ART & CRAFT

CERAMICS CAFÉ KEW Ages: All In: Kew Ceramics Café Kew offers children and adults the chance to create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes, it is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within two to four days.

Ceramics Café Kew also provides parties for children and adults and offers morning sessions to mum and baby groups who want to create a personalised hand and foot print of their babies.

Contact: Joanna Wronka 020 8332 6661 www.ceramicscafe.com

HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS For Ages: 6+ In: Teddington Happy Potter Ceramics is an arts and crafts café for all ages offering pottery painting, clay, T-shirt design, mosaics, foam clay, decopatch and baby prints. Visitors can enjoy an After School Art Club, and during the holidays there are lots of fun, art-inspired workshops, and lunch is included! Happy Potter Ceramics also hosts parties for children and adults and there are workshops for adults too.

Contact: Una 020 89731468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS

DRAMACUBE PRODUCTIONS Ages: 7 to 14 In: Hampton Hill and Twickenham Dramacube Productions provides students aged 7 to 14 with an opportunity to perform in fullscale musical theatre shows at impressive professional/purposebuilt theatres in and around the Richmond borough.

Inspired by a talented team of performing arts professionals, students participating in these productions are guided and supported in their own development as young performers.

Shows are carefully selected to ensure students experience a diverse range of musical theatre styles, maximising opportunity to enhance skills in acting, singing and dance. Dramacube works with leading licensing agents for musicals, using scripts which are inspired by commercially successful shows but written specifically for young people.

Contact: 020 8408 0245 contact@dramacube.co.uk www.dramacubeproductions. co.uk

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOLS For Ages: 3 to 18 In: Surbiton A new school year is here, which means that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet Autumn weekends.

The classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends.

With more children attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near you.

Contact: 020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

JUST IMAGINE For Ages: 0 to adult In: Richmond, East Sheen, Kew, Twickenham, St Margarets and Teddington Just Imagine offers magical dance classes for girls and boys. There’s Glimmer and Twinkle Ballet classes (0-5 years) which are taught affectionately through enchanting stories where children enter a world populated by loveable animals and fairy characters.

Children aged between 5 and 16 can join Sparkle and Dazzle Ballet classes which develop classical ballet further while embracing individuality, creativity and performance. Other classes include Tap, Street Dance, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Adult Ballet, Classical Ballet with RAD Ballet Examination classes, Boys Only Ballet (4-6 years and 7-10 years), SEN and Therapeutic Dance, plus Private Coaching, Holiday Camps and Birthday Parties.

Contact: 07813 741189 www.facebook.com/ JustImagineBalletLondon/

LITTLE VOICES RICHMOND AND TEDDINGTON Ages: 4 to 13 In: Richmond and Teddington 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. Lessons work towards a yearly performance as well as highly accredited LAMDA examinations.

20 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

Contact: Ashlea Pearson 020 8088 0113 SWL@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/ london-richmond www.littlevoices.org.uk/locations/ teddington PERFORM For Ages: 4 to 12 In: Esher, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham and Weybridge Perform offers confidencebuilding fun through a unique mix of drama, dance and singing, specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential.

Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by its experienced teachers who are hand-picked for their warmth, energy and professionalism.

Perform offers no-obligation FREE trial sessions.

Contact: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS For Ages: 4 to 18 In: Chertsey, Cobham, Hinchley Wood, Kew, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington & Twickenham, Weybridge 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. Twoweek trial available.

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

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Good News all round at Dramacube Productions With six Swan Award nominations, the announcement of a fantastic Christmas show and the launch of a new cast, it has been an exciting time at Dramacube.

I

t was this time last year Dramacube students scooped two Arts Richmond Swan Awards for Best Boy and Best Girl Performer, so to receive an incredible six nominations this year, including Best Youth Production, is a great achievement and a tribute to the immensely talented group of students who participate in the shows. The award ceremony, which is to be presented by television personalities Lynn Faulds Wood and John Stapleton, will be

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hosted by the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington later this month and will no doubt be an exciting evening for all involved.

The awards follow auditions for the Dramacube Christmas show, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, based on the classic C. S. Lewis tale about the fabulous land of Narnia. This musical adaptation by Irita Kutchmy, which is designed for young people, beautifully captures the mood and drama of the novel’s supernatural

setting and makes for a wonderful Christmas show for all the family to enjoy.

Artistic Director Matthew Bunn will head up the production, supported by Musical Director Artemis Reed, choreographer K’ja Young-Thomas and Akshy Marayen will return to design. The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe will be staged at the impressive Hampton Hill Theatre in December.

Auditions for the show will take place on Sunday 16 September at Hampton Hill Theatre and the Exchange Theatre in Twickenham.

Students participating in the workshop/audition will enjoy a fun session working in small groups on a song, basic routine and scene from the show. The workshops also provide a great opportunity for children to learn a little more about the company and to ask questions about the production.

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe goes into weekly

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rehearsal from late September with technical, dress rehearsal and performances during the week commending 17 December.

With the Christmas production now firmly on the horizon, what better time to launch a new cast who will rehearse at the Exchange Theatre in Twickenham on a Friday evening. The new cast provides a great opportunity for children to join Dramacube and participate in this exciting show.

Students aged 7 to 14 years wishing to register for the auditions can do so at www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk

Families Upon Thames • 21

Clubs & Classes PERFORMING ARTS

STEP ON STAGE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS For Ages: 3 to 18 In: Twickenham and Hampton Hill Step On Stage offers first-class training by industry professionals in a fun and nurturing environment allowing every pupil to reach their full potential. Classes on offer include Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance and Music and pupils can work towards LAMDA, Trinity, ABRSM and ISTD exams. There are also holiday workshops, Summer Schools and masterclass workshops with guest teachers available. Step On Stage Productions, the awardwinning youth theatre, regularly performs at local and professional theatre venues. The forthcoming production is Goodnight Mr Tom and auditions will be held this month.

Contact: Emma-Louise McCauleyTinniswood 07973 900196 emma@steponstageacademy. co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

SPORTS

FOOTIE TOTS AND FOOTIE WIZARDS For Ages: 2.5 to 13 In: Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Hinchley Wood and Molesey Footie Tots and Footie Wizards introduce children to the world of fitness and football, teaching basic ball skills with lots of goal scoring and fun along the way! Footie Tots is suitable for children aged twoand-a-half to five years and Footie Wizards is for children aged five to thirteen. All classes encourage children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age and are held indoors.

Contact: Andy Scates 07931 707720/020 8979 1497 andy@footie-tots.co.uk www.footie-tots.co.uk

PLAYBALL For Ages: 1 to 6 In: Barnes, Kingston and Richmond Playball is an international sports and movement programme where your children will thrive in fun-filled, high-quality sport lessons. There are six age-specific programmes which aim to boost confidence and self-esteem, with each class tailored to your child’s developmental, emotional and physical needs. Playball will equip your child with a wide range of sports skills and ensure them a future of positive and competent sports participation.

Contact: 07850 324 116 kingston.playball@gmail.com www.playballkids.com

TEAM SWIM SCHOOL For Ages: 2.5 to adult In: Cobham Team Swim School provides fun, safe and structured lessons in a chlorine-free, ultra violet pool for children from two-and-ahalf to adults. The teachers are experienced and teach within the water. The school is based in Cobham, Surrey and offers all its clients a FREE trial lesson first.

The facility is bespoke and offers a conservatory with refreshment facilities and comfy sofas, so you can relax whilst your children are swimming.

Contact: Paul 07915 510720 info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

TRY TIME KIDS’ RUGBY For Ages: 2 to 7 In: Twickenham Where better to introduce your little ones to rugby than in Twickenham, the heart of rugby?

Try Time Kids’ Rugby launches in Murray Park this month with staff who are passionate about getting children active whatever the weather, having lots of fun and learning valuable, lifelong skills.

Through highly creative games girls and boys, irrespective of their sporting ability, learn how to throw, catch and kick a rubgy ball. Kids’ rugby also teaches the wonderful principles of teamwork and how it’s about following instructions, discipline, friendship, confidence, respect and hard work. FREE trial and sibling discounts available.

Contact: www.trytimekidsrugby.com/ twickenham WATER BABIES For Ages: 0 to 4 In: Chessington, Kingston, Morden, Shepperton, Richmond, Surbiton, West Horsley, Woking, Godalming, Cobham, Farnham, Addlestone and Cranleigh Babies have a real affinity with water and because they’ve spent nine 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

TISKA For Ages: 5+ In: Surbiton and Staines The Surbiton and Staines karate clubs have a mix of grades from beginners up to 3rd Dan Black Belts. Classes are run with children and adults together, making lessons suitable for individuals and families alike. The clubs also welcome individuals with previous karate or martial arts experience. Gradings are held throughout the year and as pupils achieve the next grade they feel a sense of achievement and motivation which in turn promotes their self-confidence; they are also able to participate in courses run by Sensei Sahota and take part in the annual TISKA National Competition. FREE trial lessons are available.

Contact: 07880 491278 | seb.tiska@hotmail.com www.tiskakarate-surbiton.co.uk | www.tiskakarate-staines.co.uk

22 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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.

Contact: Melissa Holt 01932 227 428 underthewaves@waterbabies. co.uk www.waterbabies.co.uk

TUITION GRAVITAS ACADEMY For Ages: 8 to 16 In: Cobham Gravitas Academy is a fun and creative people skills academy specialising in communication, public speaking and mindfulness.

The weekly classes cover many communication skill areas including: confidence building, conversational skills, how to connect, losing inhibitions, eliminating anxieties, voice work, body language, emotional intelligence, respect, leadership, team building, TED-style talks and mindfulness.

Contact: samialderin@ gravitasacademy.com www.gravitasacademy.com HANDWRITING WITH MRS CUTLER / HANDWRITING CLASSES

Handwriting Tutor For Ages: 4 to 11+ In: Twickenham Achieve neat, cursive, joined-up handwriting and boost your child’s self-confidence with one-to-one handwriting lessons. Half term group courses are available for pre-school and older children.

Pre-school children will learn to build fine motor skills to improve strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. The courses for older children will focus on learning how to hold a pencil correctly, letter formation, spacing and cursive handwriting.

Contact: Selene Cutler 07521 554 188 selene.cutler@ handwritingsupport.co.uk

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ABRSM Guitar exams: choosing the music Are your children taking ABRSM exams? Have you ever wondered who decides which pieces appear in the syllabus?

A

t ABRSM the Learning and Qualifications team is dedicated to creating syllabuses packed with wonderful music to learn and play. The staff review the syllabuses on an ongoing basis, asking for feedback and looking at what’s worked well before, while keeping abreast of developments in music education. A panel of expert consultants help them with this vital work.

Grades 1 to 5 for the first time – offering convenience and great value for money.

Repertoire from the new Guitar syllabus includes new arrangements and specially commissioned pieces, as well as duets at Grades 1 to 5, classical favourites and pieces by some of the most famous composers for the instrument. A selection of these pieces features in the new books of Guitar Exam Pieces at

Whatever the level, ABRSM offers a broad range of music for teachers and candidates to choose from. It’s all about providing pieces to motivate, encourage and inspire.

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Supporting students from the very beginning is very important to ABRSM too. That’s why it’s updated the Guitar Prep Test and is publishing Guitar Star – a fun book of inspiring repertoire to help students develop their skills as they work towards Grade 1 level.

For more information about ABRSM Guitar exams, visit abrsm.org/guitar

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

Families Upon Thames • 23

Clubs & Classes TUITION Continued

KEW LEARNING CENTRE For Ages: 6+ In: Twickenham Kew Learning Center provides Year 4 and Year 5 (11+) English and maths tuition as well as an English reading club, Mandarin Chinese language lessons, computer coding, chess, painting and drawing plus voice and LAMDA speech and drama lessons.

At Kew Learning, by working with small groups, it offers tailored, sensitive support and teaching according to the needs of its students, while also maintaining the focused, collaborative classroom environment.

Contact: 020 3488 3277 info@kewlearning.co.uk www.kewlearning.co.uk

MINDSONART For Ages: 7 to 11 In: Twickenham MindsOnArt (MOA) offers weekend, curriculum and after-school kids clubs focusing on Mindfulness and Creativity. Children’s wellbeing as well as their creative development are the main goals of MOA and the various programmes are designed by a youth mindfulness trainer, an artist and a drama teacher with the support of a psychologist.

By attending the mindful and creative sessions, children will learn to focus on the ‘here and now’, the importance of being open minded and creative, having a positive attitude and being kind and generous towards themselves and others.

Contact: 07469 EDUCATION 757042 Mrs Jones hello@mindsonart.co.uk www.mindsonart.co.uk

Mrs Jones

EDUCATION

LES COCCINELLES For Ages: 3 to 11 In: Richmond The French Club Les Coccinelles aims to encourage a positive attitude towards learning languages, which will equip a child in their future school. It will take children from basic greetings to real-life situations through roleplay. It will give them a head start for when they go to secondary school and half-forgotten vocabulary will resurface when needed later in life. The Saturday club at the Cambrian Centre in Richmond offers one-hour lessons on Saturdays during term times.

Contact: Liliane info@lescoccinelles.co.uk www.lescoccinelles.co.uk

MRS JONES EDUCATION – 11 PLUS TUITION For Ages: 8 to 11 In: Kingston, Surbiton, Wimbledon, South Wimbledon/Sutton, Hampton, Richmond, Twickenham, Chiswick, Ealing, Hounslow and Isleworth Mrs Jones Education aims to enable your child to reach their full potential and successfully gain a place at a good senior school where they will achieve and be happy. Learning is structured to maintain your child’s enthusiasm and imagination and allow them to enjoy learning. In Year 4 children attend 11 Plus Foundation before moving onto 11 Plus Preparation in Year 5. 11 Plus Mock Exams are also available for both age groups.

Contact: 020 8390 6076 www.11plustuition.co.uk

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24 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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Clubs & Classes Boosting Children’s Self-esteem and Life Skills with Perform A common struggle shared by many children is lack of confidence. This can stop some children reaching their full potential.

a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent establishing their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.’

Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to help all children achieve their true potential – even those that are shy and reserved.

Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children.

‘Perform is NOT a stage school,’ stresses Perform Producer, Karen. ‘It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.

‘Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents,’ says Karen, but ‘I can pretty much guarantee that within five or six classes, they will run in without waving goodbye!’

‘Classes are small with both a Producer and

For more information on your local classes in Esher, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools

Surbiton ✴ ✴ ✴

3–18 years

TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE!

020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

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Families Upon Thames • 25

Clubs & Classes Try Time Kids Rugby Team Building – why you can never start too young!

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Team Building isn’t just about working together, it’s about following instructions, discipline, friendship, confidence, respect and hard work. These are often hard concepts for children, so the sooner they start, the better, and what better way than with Try Time Kids Rugby in Twickenham?

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

Through playing sport, children learn to listen and follow instructions, although this is easier said than done! However, kids tend to be much more responsive when they are in an environment ‘playing sport’ and having fun.

Communicating with others is a big step for young children, but through speaking to supportive coaches and teammates they will build their confidence.

This ethos of teamwork and respect extends to the sidelines with children having the opportunity to show their parents and supporters the new skills they’ve learnt.

Sport is vital for so many reasons, so get your children outside and see how far teamwork can take them!

For more information, visit www.trytimekidsrugby.com/ twickenham

.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)

Sept and Oct 18

Upon Thames

To advertise please ring Mima on

07792 006546 26 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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SW Little Voices Top LAMDA Exam Success for Little Voices’ pupils

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 KEW LEARNING CENTER OFFERS GROUP LESSONS:

YEAR 4 & YEAR 5 (11+) ENGLISH & MATHS TUITIONS, MANDARIN, COMPUTER CODING, CHESS PAINTING & DRAWING, VOICE & SPEECH, READING CLUB Little Voices South West London performing arts school has helped students in Putney, Richmond, Fulham and Wandsworth to achieve outstanding results in this year’s London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations.

w w w. k e w l e a r n i n g . c o . u k info@kewlearning.co.uk, 020 3488 3277 1 s t F l o o r, A l l i e d H o u s e , Tw i c k e n h a m T W 1 3 S Z

In July, 200 Little Voices children took exams in grades 1 to 8 with over 98 per cent achieving distinctions and merits, yet again maintaining its outstanding 100 per cent pass record. The students ranged from age 4 to 13 and include pupils from Dolphin School in Clapham as well as Prospect House School in Putney.

Principal, Ashlea Pearson commented: ‘We are thrilled that our students’ talents have been recognised through these amazing results and are so proud of all of them. It is always rewarding to be part of an organisation that helps students to achieve their ambitions.’

LAMDA examinations are prestigious awards, from which students can gain UCAS points to help with their university applications. As part of the exams, students must perform their poems, scenes and straight acting pieces for the examiner with confidence.

Little Voices has seven centres across south west London, running for the past five years during which time Ashlea and her team have trained 200 students in drama and singing, helping them to achieve impressive LAMDA results throughout.

Due to the demand for lessons, Ashlea has scheduled further classes on every weekday evening across the area to offer more children the opportunity to develop their talents and confidence with Little Voices. Places are filled quickly so anyone interested should apply soon for a Free trial lesson.

For more information, visit www.littlevoices.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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

Families Upon Thames • 27

What’s On Time: 7.15-9.30pm Cost: £10 Learn about Claremont’s species of bats and use a bat detector to hear the sound they make as they fly.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 15 SEP OLD ISLEWORTH MARKET Shrewsbury Walk, off South Street, Old Isleworth Focusing on high-quality food, the market will offer locals an alternative to the supermarket and a chance to purchase locally sourced, affordable produce. rowan@southstreet.biz

EVERY WED DURING TERM TIME PANDEMONIUM AT WATERMANS ART CENTRE 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS For Ages: 0-2 & 2-4 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 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 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 28 OCT THE MAGIC GARDEN AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU Cost: FREE with Palace Admission Enjoy a unique way to explore the palace’s past as you come face-to-face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto.

0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk 5 SEP TO 28 OCT SPLASH, BUBBLES AND BALLOONS AT THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Time: 11am-3.15pm Cost: £1.95 plus Normal Admission Can you really make water disappear and can you fill a balloon with fire? Find out at this explosive show.

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre 7 AND 21 SEPT MUSEUM MONKEYS AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT

For Ages: 5 and under Time: 9.30-11am Cost: £5 per child, additional siblings £2.50 Singing, stories and crafts. Book in advance.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 AND 28-29 SEPT BAT WALKS AT OSTERLEY PARK Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 7.30-8.30pm Cost: Adult £8 Child £4.50 Discover the seven species of bats that make Osterley Park their home and learn more about these nocturnal creatures from the rangers.

020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark 8 SEPT HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 10am-6pm Cost: FREE Enjoy free entry to the beautiful 18th century landscape garden for Heritage Open Day. 01932 868 113 www.painshill.co.uk 9 SEP HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT HATCHLANDS PARK East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 10am-5pm Cost: FREE Visit the house, garden and parkland free of charge.

01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark 12 and 13 SEP STICKY SLIME TODDLER DAY AT THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW Time: 10am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Enjoy sticky slime-themed arts and crafts, storytelling and face painting plus more than 90 hands-on science and discovery activities, all waiting to be pulled, pushed or prodded.

01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ thelookoutdiscoverycentre 14 SEP BAT WALK AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG For Ages: 6+

28 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOLGY CLUB AT CHERTSEY MUSEUM 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT For Ages: 8-16 Time: 11am and 2pm Cost: £5 per child Go around the museum on a hunting and gathering mission, identify some original animal bones and try cave painting and some carving as you go.

01932 565764 www.chertseymuseum.org 16 SEP DOG SHOW AT HATCHLANDS PARK East Wing Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT Time: 10am-4pm Cost: £2 per class plus Normal Admission Fun and games for your four-legged friend.

01483 222482 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlandspark HUXLEY’S BIRDS OF PREY AT CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission See a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls as they soar above Claremont’s 18th-century landscape garden.

01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden 22 SEP MUM2MUM MARKET – NEARLY NEW SALES FOR BABY AND KIDS Teddington Baptist Church, Church Road, Teddington TW11 8PF Time: 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 28 TO 30 SEP TREMENDOUS TREE – FAMILY TRAIL AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-3pm Cost: FREE plus Normal Admission Discover the hidden and secret stories of trees on this new nature-based trail and decorate your own wooden medallion.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park 29 AND 30 SEP APPLE FEST AT MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD Time: 11am-4pm Cost: FREE with Normal Admission Taste local Merton apple varieties and enjoy applethemed crafts and activities.

020 8545 6850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park

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Days Out

Go Wild this Autumn!

By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

Autumn: ‘a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.’

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperature starts to cool.

Here are just a few ideas: Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile.

You will need: twine, scissors and a large needle. n Collect colourful fallen leaves, cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick from the woods or the park. n Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in. n Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. Thread leaves and seeds along the twine. n Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat before you let your children eat what they’ve collected! familiesonline.co.uk

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

You will need: basic cooking equipment such as a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl.

Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque.

You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar.

Alternatively, you could bake a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes.

Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam.

Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar.

Simmer for about an hour or until it sets. Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on.

Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

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

Safety Tips n When foraging, take care to only collect safe, edible fruits and seeds n Choose fruit bushes and trees that are away from roads n Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins

Extra More about Going Wild Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them.

These autumn activities are taken from The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published

by Frances Lincoln.

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

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What’s On

Experience the magic of Coppins Farm

I

ntroduce your children to the basics of nature firsthand at Coppins Farm in Suffolk where deer and badgers, butterflies and insects live in the ancient woodlands and wild flower meadows. Let them wander through fields with wild hedges which provide homes for the elusive dormouse and count how many bird species they can spot (57 to date). Paddle in streams, listen out for bats and take a ride in an old farm tractor. After sunset the fun continues as you look up at the pitch-black skies and wait, silently, for the badgers that visit the holiday makers in search of peanuts!

Coppins Farm lies adjacent to Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The farm is currently in a Natural England Higher Level Stewardship scheme; a joint endeavour with farmer John McGlashan to turn the tide on

wheat desserts and support nature to re-balance itself. Meadows growing indigenous grasses and wildflowers have replaced the cereal crops which previously predominated. Where there were once tractors, sheep have taken over and graze peacefully. The wetland in the valley grows cricket bat willows and provides an area for deer to hide, while the ancient woodland, which no doubt once provided timber locally, has recently been taken into management to ensure its continuity.

Guests to Coppins Farm are in for a real treat when it comes to the accommodation as an 1885 railway carriage and two charming showman’s wagons have been kitted out to provide comfortable, quiet and secluded lets. Visitors can sit out and experience the peace and quiet but if they want a change, there is plenty to do in the

surrounding area. Horse riding, walking, historic Lavenham and the beauty of the sea at East Mersea are all within easy distance for days out and if it’s something local

you’re after, then there are plenty of family friendly, good local pubs!

For more information on the farm contact: www.coppinsfarm.co.uk

One Festival, Two Weekends and 5,000 Free Events!

For the first time ever, Heritage Open Days, England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture, will take place across two weekends in 2018.

Heritage Open Days (6 to 9 and 13 to 16 September) is an annual celebration of England’s architecture and culture that allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery it brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

With a theme of ‘Extraordinary Women’, this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. There are hundreds of activities for kids including dressing up, woodland walks and railway rides.

Best of all, every single event is FREE! For more information, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

30 • Kingston • Richmond • Brentford • Isleworth • Spelthorne • North Surrey - September 2018

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What’s On Curiosity Is Key to Early Childhood Success New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success.

Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls.

The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were. That was true even when the students weren't very good at a self-control measure called ‘effortful control’, which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks.

‘Even if a child manifests low effortful control, higher curiosity may be associated with more optimal academic achievement,’ the authors of the study wrote.

The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement.

More info at www.nature.com

Sponsored by:

Upon Thames

Wednesday 19 September, 12 - 7pm Kempton Park Racecourse

• meet local employers • find your next job • explore training opportunities • attend free workshops • bring your CV and discover your next step for your career www.spelthorne.gov.uk/sscf Organised by: Spelthorne Borough Council, Spelthorne Business Forum, A2Dominion, Jobcentre Plus, Surrey Chamber of Commerce and Kenyngton Manor Sure Start Children’s Centre.

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To advertise call Mima: 07792 006546

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

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