Issue 149 September/October 2022 familiesonline.co.uk FREETake Me Home West London IN THIS ISSUE Back to school What’s On
DAY NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL Open Now! Brand new state of the art nursery and pre-school from 3 months to 5 years in Regency Heights Easily accessible from Park Royal, Ealing, Acton and Alperton • 500m from Park Royal and 750m from Hanger Lane tube stations • 3 minute drive from Hanger Lane Gyratory north of the A40 • Ample space for drop off and pick up. Nlittlenurserygroup.com URSERY PAGROUP RT OF THE Contact us today t 0204 553 0790 e managerlt@littlenurserygroup.com Little Tigers Day Nursery & Pre-school 8 Lakeside Drive | London | NW10 7GS Families magazine advert.indd 1 24/03/2022 12:00
Editors: Rachel Bailey & Anna Collins 01628 829761 / 07753 www.Familiesonline.co.ukEditor@FamiliesWest.co.uk414605
...endless ideas for families of young children in Chiswick • Ealing • Hammersmith • Kensington • Maida Vale Notting Hill • Uxbridge @FamiliesWestLondon forandSinging,YOURSELFBEINGATGOODBEdancingactingclasses4-18yearolds Stagecoach Acton & Ealing StagecoachStagecoachwww.stagecoach.co.uk/ActonBroadwayKensington&Hammersmithwww.stagecoach.co.uk/KensingtonChiswickwww.stagecoach.co.uk/Chiswick BROADWAYINSCHOOLSNEWEALINGATCHRISTTHESAVIOUR Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www cbcd bbk ac uk/online studies 020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk ac uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk
Tens of thousands of children will be given the chance to learn a new instrument as part of a new national plan for music education in the UK. The plan sets out the government's ambition to give 'every child the opportunity to develop a love of music.’ Made in consultation with music teachers and young people in the music industry, it involves a raft of new investments and measures to support music education.
From the Editors...
More music education in schools
Families West London 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 West London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families West London. 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.
West London Next Issue: November / December 2022 Tel: 01628 829761 / 07753 414605 Circulation: 16,000 Cover image: depositphotos.com
Twenty five million will be made available for schools to purchase musical instruments and equipment, including adapted instruments for children with special education needs and disabilities. According to the updated guidance, schools will be asked to offer at least one hour of music curriculum a week. Every school will be expected to have a designated music lead or head of department.
From the Editors…. Hope you all had a good break and managed some down time over the summer. Now the kids are back to school and a new term has started, we know it’s not always easy. If you’re experiencing a period of adjustment, we’ve got plenty of pointers on what to do if your child dislikes school or you feel like you can’t help them with their work, plus how to understand phonics and master times tables. If you’re considering new schools, check out our open days listing on p.8 and there are also some parenting tips on how to get children tidying up on p.15, as well as our what’s on guide on pages 16-18. We hope you enjoy it.
Anna & Rach
In this issue
@FamiliesWestFamiliesWest 3-7 News & information EDUCATION 8 Open Days 9 Mastering times tables 10 Understanding phonics 12 What to do if your child ‘hates’ school PARENTING 15 Getting children to tidy up 16-18 WHAT’S PARENTINGON 18 Oh dear! I can’t help my child with this familiesonline.co.uk 3
Head teacher, Tim Calvey, believes that at the heart of the Orley Farm experience is the passion in teachers to light fires in the minds of young people that burn for a lifetime!
Start your learning journey at Orley Farm School
Orley Farm believes that pupils’ wellbeing and happiness is key to their learning. They strive to find the right senior school for each individual and this year Orley Farm pupils were awarded 37 Scholarships, including a Queen’s Scholar to Westminster and gained places at 29 different senior schools. Just before lockdown, they were awarded outstanding in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and throughout the school closures, teaching continued remotely, keeping students together in virtual classrooms. Their next Open Morning is on Saturday 8th October 2022 10.00am –12.00pm. To register, visit www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Tours with the Headmaster are also available on selected Wednesday mornings. Please contact email registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk for further details. South Hill Avenue, Harrow on the Hill HA1 3NU 020 8869 Twitter@orleyfarm7600
Michael Belsito will be joining Clifton Lodge School as the new Head this September. Michael’s ethos and values are perfectly aligned to those of the school which he knows well, having started his teaching career at Clifton Lodge before eventually progressing to Deputy Academic Head.
Michael has since held a range of senior leadership roles across the state and independent sector including at Oldfield Primary School, Fulham Prep School, and since 2014, has been the Deputy Head at North Ealing Primary. These leadership experiences have afforded him the opportunity to lead on other areas of school life outside of the purely academic which has seen Michael assume the roles of Inclusion Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health Lead whilst at North Ealing Primary.
Michael strongly believes that communication and relationships with parents and staff are key in forging successful outcomes. He will continue to promote a culture where talents and abilities are nurtured, where children are taught that they should have an open mindset and where there are no limits to their dreams and aspirations.
News & ViewsNews & Information 4 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk OPEN MORNING Saturday 8th October 2022, Register10.00–12.00pmonline SouthTel:Email:orleyfarm.harrow.sch.ukat:registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk02088697600HillAvenue,Harrow,HA13NU@orleyfarm
Tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets on sale now https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/depot/september-
Clifton Lodge Prep School & HeadappointsNurserynew
See how London’s transport has shaped the city
Unlock a world of transport treasures at London Transport Museum’s Depot in Acton Town, West London. From 22 to 25 September, join the team as they explore how London’s transport has shaped London for over a century - from the Underground to hidden gems over ground - and what it takes to keep a collection store of over 500,000 running smoothly. Take a tour behind the scenes with the Museum’s expert guides and volunteers, find out more about their world class transport collection, catch a lecture or two and even get creative with a family workshop. Plus, take a ride on the popular London Transport Miniature Railway! 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 5BG 020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.ukinfo@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
Orley Farm has over 500 girls and boys aged 4 to 13 receiving an educational experience that develops the whole child preparing them for future success. Founded in 1850, the school is set in 39 acres of playing fields, woodland and meadow situated at the bottom of Harrow on the Hill. The broad and balanced curriculum includes drama, music, art and technology and sports alongside the more traditional subjects. Younger children enjoy a creative curriculum which brings subjects and topics together under one main theme every term. The school’s ‘Thinking Skills Programme’, enables children to develop their resilience, curiosity, empathy, risk-taking, good judgement, creativity, initiative, focus, flexibility of mind and ambition.
News & Views familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 5 THE LONGEST RUNNING COMEDY IN THE WEST END ThePlayThatGoesWrong.com | DUCHESS THEATRE, LONDON ‘COMIC GOLD ’ Variety Not actual size ‘TONS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES ’ Huff Post
Misalignmentis: of your musculoskeletal system. This can cause neck, shoulder, and back pain, have an adverse effect on the spine and can decrease your range of motion.
Masbro Children’s Centre, 87 Masbro Rd, Brook Green W14 0LR 4-7s Saturdays at 9.30am; 7-12s Saturdays at 11.15am
If you are feeling hunched over or misaligned, book yourself in at M.D. Massage Therapies, with £10 off per hrs treatment it’s a great time to book. Massage can help you gain a pain free posture helping your body to go back to its natural alignment.
What posture?is
Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, Hammersmith W6 0UB 4-7s Thursdays at 4pm; 7-12s Thursdays at 5.05pm
Give the autumn term a confidence boost with Perform
“Perform is not a stage school” stresses Perform Principal, Lucy Quick. “Our classes teach life skills using fun confidence-boosting drama games which results in a celebratory end of term production.
Good posture is about more than standing up straight so you can look your best. Good posture is an important part of your longterm health. Poor posture can be bad for your health. An effect of slouching or slumping
How can Massage help?
Local Perform Classes: St. Peter’s Hall, 59a Portobello Rd, Notting Hill W11 3DB 4-7s Wednesdays at 4pm; Fridays at 4pm 7-12s Wednesdays at 5.05pm; Fridays at 5.05pm St. Paul’s Church Hall, Ridley Ave, Ealing W13 9XW 4-7s Tuesdays at 4pm; Fridays at 3.45pm 7-12s Tuedays at 5.05pm; Fridays at 4.45pm St. Barnabas Millenium Hall, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QG 4-7s Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 4pm; Saturdays at 9.30am 7-12s Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5.05pm; Saturdays at 11.15am
Christ Church W4 Mission Hall, Cunnington St, Chiswick Park W4 5ER 4-7s Tuesdays at 4pm; 7-12s Tuesdays at 5.05pm
Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen St W8 6BL 4-7s Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.15pm; 7-12s Wednesdays at 5.15pm and Fridays at 5.20pm
Not only will you receive a fantastic treatment you will also be guided through some home care stretches that will help in between treatments too.
6 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk www.mdmassagetherapies.co.uk
News & ViewsNews & Information
Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk Toperform.org.uk/trybookafreeno-obligation
The primary aim of our classes is to develop what we call the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication."
The term runs from September to December and children are welcome to try a free class at any point.
The Advent Centre, 37 Brendan St, Marylebone W1H 5JE 4-7s Mondays at 4pm; 7-12s Mondays at 5.05pm St. Michael’s Hall, Elmwood Road, Chiswick W4 3DY 4-7s Sundays at 9.30am; 7-12s Sundays at 11.15am
trial class visit www.perform.org.uk/try
This term, Perform 4-7s will venture into The Magician's Chamber for some confidence-building fun with Merlin the Wizard whilst 7-12s will work on a funky festive performance of Ebenezer, based on the Charles Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol.
The YAA Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, Maida Vale W9 2AN 4-7s Tuesdays at 4pm;7-12s Tuesdays at 5.05pm
St. Dunstan’s Church Hall, Friar’s Place Lane, East Acton W3 7AW 4-7s Saturdays at 2pm
During a massage, posture can be improved by the loosening of tight muscles, release of muscle tension and mobilisation of the joints due to the specific techniques used throughout the massage. By reducing muscle tightness and increasing mobility, massage helps by reducing the stress placed on the body structures.
A common struggle shared by many children as they start school or return after the summer break is a lack of confidence, and this can stop them reaching their full potential. Whether you're looking for a confidence boost for your child or just a weekly dose of drama, dance and singing fun, Perform is back for the autumn term with two exciting productions for 4-7s and 7-12s.
familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 7 News & Information www.paint-pots.co.uk NUTCRACK ER THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY 15 DEC – 7 JAN ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Children go half-price!* THE SUNDAY EXPRESS *When booking through the London Coliseum Box Office. T&Cs apply. Paint Pots The Grove, Notting Hill Opens ‘The Nest’ for 1-2 year olds
Discover
WIN a Family Ticket + Hetty Feather Trail!
This September, Paint Pots are opening ‘The Nest’ classroom within their Montessori nursery in Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill. This beautiful classroom has been specially designed for 1-2 year olds and is a home from home. It is a calm room of sensorial experiences which will interest your child’s natural curiosity as they grow and develop. Natural materials, aromatherapy and gentle music set the tone. Their in-house Chef will create nutritious meals and snacks for the 9 infant toddlers who will be looked after by the experienced Paint Pots team. The Nest is open from Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm most weeks of the year and parents can use it in a flexible way. Places are limited and they are now accepting registrations for September 2023. (2 adults + 2 children – valid for 12 months) the home of Hetty Feather and find out what life was like at the real Foundling Hospital with a visit to London’s Foundling Museum. Find the interactive displays, have fun with the dressing up rail and explore the collections with an art-based Hetty trail! To enter simply tell us who wrote the Hetty Feather books. Email your entry to editor@familieswest.co.uk with the subject line ‘Families Competition’. Competition closes 31st October 2022.
WIN
Lady Eleanor Holles Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HF Wednesday 28 September (Junior) Saturday 8 October (Junior) Tuesday 11 October (Seniors) Friday 14 October (Seniors) Tuesday 22 September (Sixth Form) 020 8979 Littlelehs.org.uk/admissions/open-eventsoffice@lehs.org.uk1601Tigers Lakeside Drive, London NW10 7GS Saturday 17 September 9am 020 4553 Orleywww.littlenurserygroup.comManagerLT@littlenurserygroup.com0790FarmSchool
8 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk
André Malraux Primary School 44 Laurie Road, Hanwell - London W7 1BL Two November weekdays to be confirmed To book a visit, contact below: 020 8578
Heathfieldwww.durstonhouse.orginfo@durstonhouse.org6530School London Road, Ascot, Berks SL5 8BQ Saturday 8 October 9.45am to 12 noon Sixth Form Open Evening (in the new Sixth Form WednesdayCentre!)28 September 6 to 8pm To book a visit, contact below: 01344 www.heathfieldschool.netadmissions@heathfieldschool.net898342
The Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2RW & The Park, Hyde Park, W2 2QD Personal visits in Autumn To book a visit, please contact: 020 7223 Phoenixwww.paint-pots.co.ukinfo@paint-pots.co.uk0123Academy The Curve, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 0RQ Thursday 6 October 5pm to 7pm 020 8749 Stwww.phoenix.futureacademies.org1141AugustinePriory Hillcrest Road, Ealing W5 2JL 20th September (Nursery to Year 6 entry) 24th September (Year 7 and above entry) 10am until 12pm 020 8997 www.sapriory.comadmissions@sapriory.com2022 Nursery and Schools’ Open Days • AUTUMN 2022 Call tobooknow!placeyourPlease ring the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead. LEH_ALL ADVERTS 2022.indd 2 7/1/22 14:09
Durstonwww.cliftonlodgeschool.co.ukadmissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk3662House
South Hill Avenue, Harrow HA1 3NU Saturday 8 October 10am to 12pm To book a visit, contact below: 020 8869 Paintwww.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.ukregistrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk7600PotsMontessoriNurseries
Open Days
Cliftonapprendre/primaire/andre-malrauxwww.lyceefrancais.org.uk/index.php/contact.malraux@lyceefrancais.org.uk3011LodgeSchool
12-14 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DR Saturday 15 October, Thursday 10 and Thursday 24 November 0208 991
8 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BG Saturday 1 October 10am to 12pm 020 8579
8
Use online games such as Times Tables Rockstars (https://ttrockstars.com). These are great to help develop speed and accuracy; Ask Alexa (or equivalent AI) to recite a times table or play a multiplication song and ask your child to try to beat it; Colour in the multiples on a 100 square; Rhymes are great for tricky multiplication facts such as ‘wakey wakey, rise and shine, 7 x 7 is 49;’ Write multiples on post-it notes or paper and make a game of aiming a ball at the correct answer; Match the question with the correct multiple choice answer; Use counters to represent a calculation. For example, children would need six counters to represent 2 x 3 and 3 x 2. Many children are used to this representation from Reception when they are taught arrays.
To help schools target support, the government have introduced a statutory multiplication check for Year 4 pupils, which tests them on whether they can recall their times tables up to 12 x 12. This test consists of twenty five questions and the children are expected to answer them within six seconds; however, there is no pass mark. What can parents do to help?
Mastering times tables
tables by rote for weekly tests was a feature of most of our school days. For some, these tests would bring on the cold sweats while for others they were an opportunity to shine. But, of course, it isn’t about drills just for the sake of doing well in the tests; times table fluency can determine how easily children can grasp new mathematical concepts, such as fractions.
Try some of these ideas:
Showing your child how to spot patterns and connections also helps them to apply their understanding to more complex calculations and word problems.
• Use counters to represent a calculation. For example, children would need six counters to represent 2 x 3 and 3 x 2. Many children are used to this representation from Reception when they are taught arrays.
• Match the question with the correct multiple choice answer;
environment.” OFSTED Childcare
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page edumateuk.
It’s very useful to observe and work out your child’s preferred learning style - visual, auditory or kinaesthetic - so you can guide them in the most effective direction.
• Use online games such as Times Tables Rockstars (https://ttrockstars.com). These are great to help develop speed and accuracy;
NOVEMBER
05/07/2022 15:46:53
Education familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 9 AndréEalingMalraux Primary School 44 Laurie Road, London W7 1BL +44 (0)20 8578 contact.malraux@lyceefrancais.org.uk3011 Classes & activities in French & English International & dynamic school Spacious grounds & classrooms www.lyceefrancais.org.ukLYCÉE DECHARLESFRANÇAISDEGAULLELONDRES A thriving bilingual environment for your children
• Colour in the multiples on a 100 square;
“Pupils thrive
and
By Zuzu LearningJordantimes
• Rhymes are great for tricky multiplication facts such as ‘wakey wakey, rise and shine, 7 x 7 is 49;’
• Ask Alexa (or equivalent AI) to recite a times tables or play a multiplication song and ask your child to try to beat it;
in a vibrant and purposeful
PrimaryMalrauxschool FROM
André 3 TO 11 academically socially learning funding available Open days & Battersea Schools Show 1
AM_pub_WF_07_2022.indd
• Write multiples on post-it notes or paper and make a game of aiming a ball at the correct answer;
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and later write. It is based on the fact that letters and groups of letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together they make words.
Top Tips • Practise recognising the sounds.
BACH TO BABIES CONCERT in Kensington
FW133 Jan-Feb 2020_FW133 Jan-Feb 2020 11/02/2020
AWAY One ordinary boy living an ordinary life Every day the same: parents still asleep, late again for school, can’t find his clean trousers But today is different Today is a game Today he has wings Fly out of your room Congratulations! Level two Get dressed, find breakfast, don’t wake your parents, get to school, reach level three, keep going Don’t get flattened Level four Full of warmth and sorrow, dreamlike and kaleidoscopic, it celebrates a child discovering inner resources resilience, determination and ingenuity and finding a kind of freedom For ages 8 12 As you sit together in the cosy space, share in your baby’s excitement at the building anticipation of Christmas Day and all things present related including the very best bit: crumpling, rumpling and scrunching that wrapping paper! Ushers will be on hand to look after you, and highchairs, baby changing and bottle warming facilities are available For ages 6 18 months
I hope these tips help you joining the Phonics Club!
• Help children to spot when two or three letters work together to make one sound e.g ‘ai’ in ‘rain’ and ‘igh’ in ‘light’.
• If you’re stuck or worried, ask your child’s school for help. Supporting children learning to read can be as frustrating as it is magical.
SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www southbankcentre co uk 17, 24 31 Jan, 7, 14, 28 Feb RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books Free but booking essential 12 Jan OAE TOTS: THE PATIENT HORSE AND THE DUTIFUL DONKEY
There are different groups of letters that make sounds: a digraph is two letters that go together to make one sound e.g. ‘ch’ in is three letters together making one sound e.g. ‘ear’ in As‘near’.children develop their knowledge, they build up and put together all of the sounds they recognise in order to read and write.
UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www unicorntheatre com 31 Jan-1 Mar THE BEE IN ME- LET’S FLY
Page
Image by Jack Woodhouse 09:50 15
• Practise blending - this can be the key to unlock entry to ‘the club!’
• Read, read, read!
Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.
By Emma Lewry
PUPPET BARGE THEATRE W9 2PF www sadlerswells com 15 Jan 23 Feb THE WATER BABIES A little chimney sweep's suffering ends when he is transformed into a water baby As he plunges into an underwater realm of fish, caterpillars and caddisflies, we are drawn into his adventures in the colourful depths, swept along with his dreams and new freedom With specially commissioned music, beautiful long string marionettes and ghostly shadows For ages 4+ RICHMOND THEATRE TW9 1QJ www atgtickets com/Richmond 1, 2 Feb 25, 26 Jan PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER A road trip full of adventures From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice creams to muddy puddles there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more A live show packed full of songs, games and laughter
An interactive music making session for ages 2 5 Meet the players and the instruments in the foyer after the performance 12 23 Feb IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Dive into the best children’s t heatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone Draw, write, read, play, sing, dance and create For ages 0 11 Book ahead for shows such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The adventures of Supertato and The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean amongst many others See website for more details
Phonics is one of those things that feels like a secret clubsome people understand it and to others it’s gobbledegook! If you have a child at school, they’re part of ‘the club’ and they may look askance at you when you ask what a digraph or blending is. For you and anyone who has a child due to start school, here are some tips to get you both closer to full admittance of the phonics club! What is phonics?
A magical children’s show about a little boy who has a dream One night, Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast He can’t wait to tell everyone about it but no one is inter ested In fact, they don’t even notice that this very same boat is growing on his head, getting larger and larger by the minute! For ages 2 8 25 Jan MIMI AND THE MOUNTAIN DRAGON High up in the mountains of Switzerland the villagers of Dorta bang their drums, blow their horns and ring the bells to keep the fearsome Mountain Dragon away But this year is different, one morning Mimi discovers a baby dragon sleeping in her woodshed! Mimi must be extremely brave to reach the Dragon’s castle at the very top of the mountain and return the baby dragon to its mother For ages 3 11 1 Feb MAZYMEG AND THE HONEY BEES
English is a tricky language and sometimes the same letters make different sounds. For example, ‘i’ can sound short as in ‘fish’ or have a longer sound like ‘eye’ in ‘find’.
phonicsUnderstanding
CONCERTS BACH TO BABY www bachtobaby com/londonnorth All concerts at 10 30am 27 Jan, 17 Feb in Notting Hill (St John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, W11) 17 Jan, 21 Feb in Chiswick (St Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) 15 Jan, 19 Feb in Kensington (Saint Stephen s Church, Gloucester Road SW7) 8 Feb in Ealing (Haven Green Baptist Church, 2 Castlebar Road, W5)
Albert lives with his beloved bees on Dartmoor, a mysterious land where nothing is as it seems When his bees are stolen Mazymeg the Pixie sets off to bring them home Weaving together Devon folklore and songs, an original soundtrack by Dartmoor musicians and shape shifting puppetry this is an enchanting show for all ages 8 Feb WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDAD A show with an important environmental message to share Something is happening in the woods, voices can be heard, and a strange metallic smell fills the air Machines are gathering at its edge and a mysterious call is heard across the valley Velda the Vixen knows there’s a one person who can help them Grandad But is there enough time? Can they save the wood? And will the mystery stranger help? Ages 3 11 15 Feb THE BEAR
The story of a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear One night when she’s fast asleep, an enormous white bear climbs into Tilly’s bedroom It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head But Tilly’s not scared This playful, funny and heart warming tale is one of imagination and growing up For ages 3 8 18 22 Feb STAR IN THE JAR A warm hearted story, that perfectly captures the friendship between two siblings When a little boy stumbles across a special star, he puts it in a jar and takes it on adventures But the poor star misses its home Can the little boy and his big sister find a way to send the star safely back? For ages 3 8
Achop.trigraph
Families West London is part of Families Print Ltd, and is 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 West London are fully
10 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk Education Year 7 Open Events: Year 7 Entry 2023 Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th October | 8:40 am 10:00 am Thursday 6th October | 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Sixth Form Open Evening: Sixth Form Entry 2023 Thursday 10th November | 5:00 pm 7:00 pm PHOENIX ACADEMY, THE CURVE, SHEPHERDS BUSH, LONDON, W12 0RQ T: 020 8749 1141 PHOENIX ACADEMY OPEN DAYS 2022 Book your visit today Coffeewww.phoenix.futureacademies.orgatmornings:23RD&30 TH September & 7TH, 14TH & 21ST October | 8:50 am 10:00 am (please book admissions@phoenix.futureacademies.org.via CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www matildathemusical com Booking until Jun 21 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www lyric co uk 11 Jan THE CROW’S TALE Follow Crow as he embarks on a journey that will trans form his appearance forever, while kindness, generosity and courage will shine through For age 3+ 18 Jan ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT
• Your child will be taught phonics in a specific way at school so ask them to teach you. It’s a great way for them to test their understanding.
familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 11 Why Better?Smalleris Nursery & Preparatory School for boys & girls from 3 to 11 years Find out at our Open Day Saturday 1st October 2022 10am - 12 noon 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BG 020 8579 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.ukadmissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk3662 ISI EXCELLENTinspection SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Wednesday 28 September 6pm – 8pm WHOLE SCHOOL Saturday 8 October 9.45am to 12 noon Day and Boarding for Girls 11-18 heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343 To book email: admissions@heathfieldschool.net
A nurturing, caring environment for your child with a 'home from home' atmosphere.
12 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk
The Montessori approach encourages active learning, individuality, and independence in learning, at your child's pace. Based in Greenford with breakfast club option available from 7.30am. Open from 8.30-5.30pm term time. Contact us to arrange a visit: Laila Crawford: 07768 946643 Amira El-Aghel: 07888 info.lailamontessori@gmail.com710516lailamontessori.com
Free entry for under 21s – Explore the Museum with our Hetty Feather trail – Dress up as a Foundling – Take part in a family workshop (book online in advance)
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
What to do if your child ‘hates’ school
If they are struggling with a certain class, help them find ways to overcome their struggles.
If they have fallen out with their friends, listen to them and talk about what they are going through. Helping them to find their own solutions will build resilience and restore positive feelings about school.
Poor chemistry with a teacher. Your child may complain that a particular teacher is ‘unfair’ or ‘mean.’ Remember, children know how to play a parent against a teacher. While acknowledging your child’s feelings, don’t automatically assume you’re getting the whole picture. Talk with the school to find out what’s really going Ratheron.than dismissing children’s worries, let them know they are heard.
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
Discover the home of Hetty Feather
Foundling Girls in the Chapel by Sophia Anderson (1813-1903) © Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum Foundling Museum visitor dressing up © Fernando Manoso-Borgason School can be a source of support and community as much as learning. It provides new experiences, exposure to different opinions, a sense of achievement, peer friendships and relationships with trusted adults. However, it can also be a lot to cope with, particularly when starting a new academic year. Children usually settle in. But what do you do if this doesn’t happen and if your child says they ‘hate’ school?
Bullying. If your child seems quiet and anxious, has few school friends or suddenly shows a drop in self-esteem, bullying may be a factor. Ask your child’s school to keep an eye out. If bullying is happening, the school will need to put strategies in place to support your child.
It’s important to recognise the problem and provide the right support. School ‘hatred’ can arise for various reasons: Anxiety. This most frequently occurs during times of family stress such as a change in the family situation or when a child is about to enter a new school or phase. It can manifest as separation anxiety. Trouble learning. For some children, the jump to higher academic levels and the sheer volume of information they need to digest can be overwhelming. Loneliness. Making new friends can be difficult and children often fall out for no obvious reason. This can have a direct effect on self-esteem and turn into a dislike of school. Children who always feel alone will often feign illness to avoid school and school-related activities.
Education
foundlingmuseum.org.ukRussellSquare
familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 13 St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Road, Ealing, London W5 2JL Catholic Independent Day School for girls aged 3-18 and boys in the Nursery. Set in 13 stunning acres including excellent sports facilities and working farm. Featured in the Good Schools GuideAssociation Girls Schools “The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent” Source: ISI Inspection 2021 Book An Open Day 20th 24th(NurserySeptembertoYear6entry)September(Year7andaboveentry) www.sapriory.com Our Girls Will Change the World
14 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk Angel sadlerswells.com VardinmonJasminCompanyALiCE 28 – 29 Oct 2022 Also coming up... Ballo Arthur Pita – Ten Sorry Tales 27 – 29 Oct 2022 Lilian Baylis Studio Apply for our great FREE giveaways! Sneezy Panda game Simply pop your favourite fruity drinks into the moulds and shape trays and place them in the freezer. Put the frozen shapes under Mr Frosty’s hat and turn his handle to create tasty, crushed ice treats! Ages 3+ Mr Frosty The Crunchy Ice Maker available10 The game with flowers and leaves which make little panda, Sam, sneeze! Suitable for two to four players. Ages 4+ Apply www.familiesmag.co.uk/goatMarlo&Colekids’t-shirts Cool UK made t-shirts from ethical babywear brand, Marlo & Cole, created to inspire the next generation’s love of music through unique, vibrant and fun illustrated designs. Printed with child-friendly inks on Oeko-Tex cotton. T-shirts for ages 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5. available10 available5 T&C’s apply
Getting children to tidy up
By Tanith Carey
Parenting
Finally it helps to reframe your expectations. A family home doesn’t have to be a show place. See tidying up at the end of the day as a sign your child has explored the limits of their imagination to the full. When your child helps you pick up their playthings after a busy play session, you are on the right path.
When a child is absorbed and ‘in the flow’ of an imaginative game it makes perfect sense to have all their materials and playthings spread out all around them. While it may look like chaos to us, having everything at hand means a child can stretch their creativity by using all the different items around them in new combinations.
As soon as they make a start, acknowledge how your child is helping so they have the confidence to keep it up. Once the kids are as quick as you, try turning tidying up into a race. Schedule clean-up time at the same time every day, such as the interval just before mealtime, to establish a habit.
What’s more, asking them to transition back to a reality in which they are no longer in control can feel like a physical and mental wrench. To help ease this, while your child is still playing, give them advance notice that it will soon be time to wrap up. Try something like: ‘One more game with your dinosaurs and then we can put them to sleep in their normal house (the toy box) until tomorrow.’ Just telling a child generally to tidy up can feel Evenoverwhelming.teenagers may not know where to start with tidying up, so little children will definitely need a helping hand. Make it clear it’s a job you will start together and then be specific about the tasks you want them to do. Make tidying up fun by putting on music and setting a time limit, so small children see it as a game they are playing with you. To make the task more achievable, as well as helping to develop their sorting skills, you could also suggest picking up just one type of toy at a time. Try something like: ‘You pick up all the blocks while I pick up all the crayons.’
The first step to teaching children to help tidy up is to understand how ‘mess’ looks from their point of view. It can be useful to schedule clean-up time at the same time every day, such as the interval just before a mealtime, to establish a habit.
Bear in mind that if a child has been playing a fantasy game, they will be really proud of the little world they have created. So while your request to tidy up is perfectly reasonable, they may hear it as a request to destroy what they have just made.
Tanith Carey is a parenting writer. With clinical psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, she is co-author of What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, published by DK which is filled with practical tips for raising children ages 2 to 7.
Playtime, particularly messy play, is vital to children’s development because it helps them understand how the world works, as well as using their senses and imagination. But it shouldn’t stop there; tidying up is a great opportunity to help children develop cognitive skills, like sorting.
editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 15
What parent or carer hasn’t felt weary at the sight of yet more trucks, play figures, crayons and LEGO® bricks to pick up at the end of the day?
From Baby to Ballerina
UNTIL DECEMBER
FAMILY FUN AT THE CUTTY SARK King William Walk, London SE10 9HT Free with entry ly-fun-weekendwww.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/famiticket
SATURDAY OCTOBER 8
HARRY KANE: I WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN Exhibition features rarely seen personal items, fam ily photos and iconic objects to document Harry’s career so www.museumoflondon.org.ukfar.
DINO DIG WORKSHOP Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd SW7 5BD Perform your own fossil dig and draw conclusions about how dinosaurs www.nhm.ac.uk/events/schools-dino-dig.htmllooked!
HALLOWEEN AT CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane W4 loween-at-chiswick-house-gardenswww.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/event/hal2RP
UNTIL SUNDAY OCTOBER 9
FOOD MARKET Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Rd 11am Free and bank-centre-food-market?eventId=902316www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/southUnticketed
SUPER HOT HOT DOG
FAMILY GLOBE THEATRE GUIDED TOUR Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 Ideal9DTfor ages 7-11 www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-onyears.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6
EALING MINI MILE Lammas park, 30 Elers Rd W13 9QD Running event for the under www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/ealing-mini-mile5s!
FROM THURSDAY OCTOBER 6
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 bugswww.lyric.co.uk/shows/professor-slugs-house-of-0QL
SUNFLOWERSOctoberSATURDAYOCTOBER1ANDSHEDS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11
If you’d like your event featured please email editor@familieswest.co.uk with details. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall 1pm. 5+ years Visit the seaside with Corali dance company, sharing extracts from their fantastical new family show and inviting you to share your thoughts in a tId=912694ily-young-people/super-hot-hot-dog?evenwww.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/famworkshop.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
DESIGN BABY V&A Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL Multi-sensory play for 0-3 year olds, inspired by Africa Fashion Exhibition. Booking by-sep-2022www.vam.ac.uk/event/bK4RGNRQWw/design-baessential
THE NOSY LITTLE TROLL
DON’T ASK THE DRAGON
OCTOBER MEET THE CHARACTERS OF THE CUTTY SARK King William Walk, London SE10 9HT Also Mon-Fri during half term. Free with entry ticket ty-sark-characterswww.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/cut
ROOM ON A BROOM Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D the-broomwww.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25225-room-on-7ES
PUBSeptemberFRIDAY2TOSUNDAYSEPTEMBER4INTHEPARK
National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Green wich SE10 9NF Under 5’s activities. £4 per child and accompanying play-tuesdayswww.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/learning-space/adult.
UNTIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4
PLAY TUESDAYS
HULLA BALLOONY MOON TIME Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL 2-7 www.lyric.co.uk/shows/hulla-balloony-moon-timeyears
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HS Suitable for tion-to-garden-historywww.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/event/introducadults
RAPUNZEL AND THE TOWER OF DOOM Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 bugswww.lyric.co.uk/shows/professor-slugs-house-of-0QL
Help bring this magical story to life! Babies and tod dlers who can sit lies/little-flamingos-the-three-little-pigswww.visitgunnersbury.org/whats-on/children-famiunaided.
MONDAY OCTOBER 3
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24
WEEKENDS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9 LITTLE FLAMINGOS: BRILLIANT BUGS
Gunnersbury Park Museum, Popes Lane, W5 4NH Find worms and other brilliant lies/little-flamingos-brilliant-bugswww.visitgunnersbury.org/whats-on/children-famibugs
Gunnersbury Park Museum, Popes Lane, W5 4NH
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24
What’s On All details correct at the time of going to press. Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and remember that in most cases you will need to book. Deadline for inclusion in next issue (Nov/Dec) is 3 Oct
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25
UNTIL JANUARY 2023
SINGING AND STORY SESSIONS
THE SEA BEAST BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX As well as the film, take part in craft workshop to animate your own sea www.whatson.bfi.org.ukbeast.
OngoingWEEKENDSINSEPTEMBERAND
LITTLE FLAMINGOS: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL 3-8 www.lyric.co.uk/shows/the-nosy-little-trollyears
SATURDAY OCTOBER 15
WATERSHIP DOWN BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX Screening with subtitles. Also screening on Sunday 18 with Audio www.whatson.bfi.org.ukdescription
INTRODUCTION TO GARDEN HISTORY
THE SHOES OF TANBURY Southbank Centre Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX Bilingual adaption. ly-young-people/shoes-tanburywww.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/fami5+.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3 AND SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4
TED’S SPACE ADVENTURE Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ Under 7s Also daily during school teds-space-adventurewww.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/planetarium-shows/holidays
UNTIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4
BEATRIX POTTER EXHIBITION The Porter Gallery, V&A Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 Family2RLfriendly exhibition in collaboration with the National Trust. ter-drawn-to-naturewww.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/beatrix-pot£14
Davies Exploration House, Kew Gardens, Rich mond, W9 3mths-2yrs.3AE£10 for child and carer (Entry to Kew separate) Booking essential. Also on 12 movement-for-0-to-2-year-oldswww.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/music-and-October.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 TO MONDAY OCTOBER 31
UNTIL SOUTHBANKDECEMBERCENTRE
PROFESSOR SLUGS HOUSE OF BUGS
UNTIL JANUARY 2 2023 VISIT DIPPY THE DINOSAUR Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd SW7 www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/dippy-returns.html5BD
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL 4+ www.lyric.co.uk/shows/sunflowers-and-shedsyears
Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane W4 2RP www.pubintheparkuk.com/chiswick
SCI-FI: VOYAGE TO THE EDGE OF IMAGINATION Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 ence-fictionwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/sci2DD
16 Families West London 07753 414605 familiesonline.co.uk
For under 5s. Free with admission. Every Tuesday and Friday until 15 Nov. Book a timed entry ry-sessionswww.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/singing-and-stoslot.
The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Sq, WC1N Find1AZ out more about the collaborative process of creating this delightful picture book through a display of original drawings, sketches and the-dragonwww.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/event/dont-ask-ideas.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20
GRANDAD ANANSI Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL 4-9 www.lyric.co.uk/shows/grandad-anansiyears
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5
What’s OnIf you’d like your event featured please email editor@familieswest.co.uk with details.
Pug Yard Learning Centre, Windsor Castle SL4 1NJ On the 30th anniversary of the Castle’s great fire come and learn more about the incident through crafts and workshops. Free upon admission to the Castle MONDAY 24 TO WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26
MONDAY OCTOBER 31
Clubs, Classes and Activities
THE MISSING PIECE Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank 11am.Centre5+ Interactiveyearsstorytelling ing-piece?eventId=914345ture-poetry/jordan-stephens-beth-suzanna-misswww.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/literaadventure
Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank 1.30pm.Centre 7-11 years Family show where anything’s tId=914571family-young-people/tongue-fu-kids?evenhttps://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/possible.
DEVASTATION AND RESTORATION
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd SW7 www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dino-snores-dippy-special5BD
TUESDAY OCTOBER 18 THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW The Beck Theatre, Hayes UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk
WWW.WESTLONDONDANCEACADEMY.COMWESTLONDONDANCEACADEMYCELEBRATING15YEARSOFDANCE
FRIDAY OCTOBER 28
TONGUE FU FOR KIDS
THE STORY GAME Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL 6+ www.lyric.co.uk/shows/the-story-gameyears
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
THURSDAY DEC 15 TO SATURDAY JAN 7 NUTCRACKER - ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane WC2N 4ES From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is an unforgettable Christmas treat. More than 100 dancers and musicians bring the festive classic to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live. Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they discover the sparkling Land of Snow, vanquish the Mouse King and visit a beautiful puppet theatre that comes to life with dancers from around the www.ballet.org.uk/production/nutcrackerworld. Families 07753 414605
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26
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DINO SNORES DIPPY SPECIAL
familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 17
TUESDAY 25 TO SATURDAY OCTOBER 29
Classes in Ballet, Tap & Contemporary Modern Jazz. Exams and Shows. Venue: WLDA Dance Annex, Chiswick W4 Contact:4NL 07795578781 email: natalieparnell.wlda@gmail.com West London Dance Academy www.westlondondanceacademy.com
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
If you are looking for a new club for your child, want to help them burn off some excess energy, or find a new hobby, below are some great suggestions for you to check out! When you call please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families West London Magazine.
SATURDAY 22 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 30
HALLOWE’EN FAMILY FUN Iver Environment Centre SL0 0EB 4.30-7pm. Come in costume and have a go at some spooky event-listingswww.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-we-do/activities.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES (Monday) and drop off days (Tue & Wed) Iver Environment Centre SL0 event-listingswww.iverenvironmentcentre.org/what-we-do/0EB
FRIDAY OCTOBER 28
FIREWORKSUpcomingTHURSDAYNOVEMBER3EXTRAVAGANZA Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 Open5YAto the www.enjoy-work.com/about/eventspublic
A SQUARE WORLD Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 This0QLendearing and funny performance looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself (non-verbal). Age 3-6 vwww.lyric.co.uk/shows/a-square-world
LIZ PICHON: HAPPY TO HELP Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre 11am. 7+ years Pick up your pens for doodling and talk with Liz Pichon, author and illustrator of the Tom Gates series, ahead of its 20th ?eventId=914352ture-poetry/liz-pichon-happy-help-eventuallywww.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/literainstalment.
Multi-award winning immersive, sensory music classes for the little folk and their grown ups! Filled with original music, sensory lighting and textures, massage, dress up, role play and more. Hartbeeps is inspired by curiosity, backed by research and sprinkled with magic since 2003. Classes designed for each stage of your child’s Babydevelopment.bells(Newborn to Sitting) Baby Beeps (Sitting to Standing) Happy house (Toddlers and Siblings) Bayswater, Maida vale, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush, Mayfair and Kensington Loulou@ hartbeeps.com Ealing, Acton, Hammersmith, and Chiswick Kimmy@hartbeeps.com Hartbeeps www.hartbeeps.com
Experience
Magical Merlin –the perfect half-term Halloween treat
/ enquiries@perform.org.uk
Contact: T:
18 Families West London Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) registered charity in England & Wales no. 1030884 and Scotland no. SCO39410 wwt.org.uk/london/eekweek FIND OUT MORE Callingallyoung eek!splorers... WWT London 15 Oct - 30 Oct Fantastic, fun Wildlife Learning eek!speriences for all the family. WWT_London_87x130_Eek_Week_Advert_2022.indd 1 27/07/2022 11:54 Perform’s Aladdin holiday course Send your child on a far-flung Arabian adventure with Perform this October half-term on an exotic adventure filled with colour, magic and mystery based on the much-loved story of 4–10Aladdin.year olds can enjoy three fun-packed full days of drama, dance and singing with an energetic team of actors, dancers and musicians. The course ends with a colourful performance for friends and family with original music and fabulous costumes. Visit www.perform.org.uk/aladdin Dates: 24 to 26 October, 10am to 3pm each day Venue: Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen St W8 6BL
What’s On The Plus Programme is a comprehensive early learning programme designed by teachers for parents with children aged 6 to 30 months. Learn and Play sessions at Alpha Plus Nursery Schools Exclusive parenting workshops Bespoke home learning materials And much more! plus@alphaplusgroup.co.uk ANDLEARNPLAY,GROW with the Plus Programme The_Plus_Programme
This October half-term, take your children on a trip back in time as they discover a world of witches, wizards, magic and Inmystery.Ancient Britain, Magical Merlin is the most miraculous wizard ever. So when the baby King Arthur is born and jealous older sister, Morgan Le Fay, starts turning people into animals, it’s down to Merlin to save the day. Teaming up with brave Sir Lancelot and beautiful Princess Guinevere, the adventurers ride a fire-breathing dragon to The Lady Of The Lake to discover where true power lies. But can they get back to Tintagel Castle before Morgan turns the baby Arthur into a Withhamster?aspellbinding mix of magic, songs and dancing, Magical Merlin is a spectacular mini-musical sure to enchant the whole family. Suitable for 4-10 year olds, shows run from 24-30 October at The Fortune Theatre, Covent Garden WC2B 5HH. Visit www.atgtickets.com to book. October half-term with Perform 020 7255 9120 • www.perform.org.uk
By Jemma Zoe Smith
Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).
It can be useful to start a session by running through a video with your child. Depending on their age, you may want to run through the video first before looking over it with them. This also really helps you focus and ensures you have your head around the topic sufficiently to be able to help explain it further to your child or answer their questions.
Oh dear! I can’t help my child with this
If the methods that your child uses are not familiar to you, don’t worry. YouTube, BBC Bitesize, Oak Academy and IXL are your friends. Simply type in your child’s year and the topic that they are studying (often found at the top of the worksheet) and the subject e.g. Year 4 - bus stop method, maths, into Google.
This year I supported two students with exam preparation and covered over fifteen different subjects with them - only three of those subjects are my specialism. So here is what I have learnt about supporting children in subjects in which you are not confident yourself.
At the end of each session, write down what you have covered in three bullet points. That way if your child gets another homework on the same topic, you can remember what you covered. These will also come in handy if you have a younger child or for end of year tests.
If your child is struggling with something specific, reach out to the school and ask them if they can point you in the direction of some practice that you can do with your child. Remember you are all on the same team. Use parents evening to ask what topics are coming up and to find out when exams are. Forewarned is forearmed.
Parenting
As a busy parent, you may only have a short amount of time in which to work with your child. Make sure that you both have clear expectations about what you will be able to achieve. If you only have twenty minutes, you may not be able to finish their homework together but you may be able to tackle a few key problems before they complete the rest themselves. So that your time with them is productive, set goals and a timer. Goals help you prioritise and the timer prevents you from watching the clock. Your child will also have your undivided attention during this time.
As children settle back in at school for a new academic year, parents also settle back into the routine of being called upon by their children to help them with homework. But what if you have very limited time, you are not across the school’s expectations or you simply aren’t familiar with the topic?
familiesonline.co.uk editor@FamiliesWest.co.uk Families West London 19
Discover the transport treasures hidden in our Depot in Acton Town. Book online in advance at ltmuseum.co.uk NOW OPENBRAND NEW SOFT PLAY AND BIRTHDAY PARTY ATPACKAGESKENSINGTONLEISURE CENTRE Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398. Exciting new soft play now open 7 days a week, for children aged 10 and under. Plus soft play birthday party packages now available too. Pop in today or find out more at better.org.uk/kensington
