Yummy Mummy Club London February/March 2015

YUMMY MUMMY CLUB LONDON

FEBRUARY/MARCH ISSUE 3

yummymummymagazine.co.uk

THE BABY SHOW KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS SWIMWEAR GENIUS PARENTING GADGETS

Autumn Gold Cloud Q & Priam cybex-online.com

The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

Welcome to Yummy Mummy Club, Issue 3 The Baby Show with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be showcasing more baby and infant essentials, alongside innovative, exciting and not-on-the high street brands than ever before.

More than 200 of the best parenting brands will be exhibiting, with many using the show as a platform to launch their latest products.

The trend, adopted from America, is becoming increasingly common in Britain, with women spending an astonishing £220m attending baby showers each year. Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls”.

Family forest

getaways

2015 Short breaks in the New Forest

Getting around London with a baby or toddler can be exhausting at the best of times but the Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillos is riding to the rescue – helping parents get from A to B without cramping their style.

Stella McCartney Kids launches first swimwear range for Spring Summer 2015 with playful themes inspired by the spirit and energy of kids today.

Last year was a record year for the UK toy market, with the industry reaching £3bn. The growth was helped by toy sales relating to Disney’s Frozen, the mini-elastic band craze Looms, and merchandising for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. London Mother’s Club is a luxury destination for savvy mamas to connect and embrace motherhood through fun and informative events.

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The Baby Show Returns!

20th-22nd February 2015, ExC eL London

T

he Baby Show with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be showcasing more baby and infant essentials, alongside innovative, exciting and not-on-the high street brands than ever before…

Michelle Kyles, Marketing Manager at organisers, Clarion Events, says: “The Baby Show is the market leading event for all things baby! We are very excited to be starting our 13th year with a bang at ExCeL. More than 200 of the best parenting brands will be exhibiting, with many using the show as a platform to launch their latest products. The Show is a must-attend event for new and expecting parents, and this year it will incorporate The Work & Family Show, which will be dedicated to providing expert advice, solutions and ideas for managing work and life and helping them kick start their career after having a family.”

Expert speakers will be on hand to give mums and dads advice including nutritionist and author, Annabel Karmel MBE, breast-feeding guru, Clare Byam-Cook and sleep expert Jo Tantum.

Following the success of last year’s Work + Family Show, this will now be incorporated into The Baby Show for parents interested in how to balance work and family, how to return into the workplace – with advice from CV skills and flexible working to confidence building, as well as inspirational stories from people who have done it. Those visiting The Baby Show will have free entry to The Work + Family Show exhibition, and will have the option of attending expert led insightful seminars from just £10 a ticket.

Early bird ticket prices start at just £11 on Friday and £12 on

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BABY SHOW AT Saturday and Sunday (+£2 transaction fee, ends December).

EXCEL IN LONDON WILL INCLUDE The advanced ticket price is £13.95 on Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors the chance to Friday (it is £14.95 for either the thoroughly test and try before buying Saturday or Sunday) while on Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting the-door tickets cost £20. brands.

Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, Opening times: baby and toddler wear.

Friday 20th February: 9.30am – 5.30pm, A complimentary crèche where parents can drop off their Saturday 21st little ones and enjoy the show knowing they are being February: cared for.

9.30am – 5.30pm, Sunday 22nd The Baby Show Stars’ themed competition where the show’s February: cutest baby will be awarded a high end, exclusive photo shoot.

9.30am – 5.30pm.

Dedicated baby facilities ensure visitors have everything they require, including The tommee tippee feeding area where parents will be able to take advantage of heating and sterilising equipment, complimentary baby food and a For more information visit comfortable and private space for breast feeding.

Complimentary entry to The Work & Family Show exhibition. www.thebabyshow.

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CONTENTS Editors Letter

www.mobauk.com

3

Contents 5 The Baby Show Return!

4

Keeping Fit During Pregnancy

6

Baby Showers Boom

8

How To Bond With Your Baby

10

The Safe Way For Babies To Sleep

11

Fitness With A Baby

12

Sleep Tricks At Bedtime

14

Five Armadillos That Love London Life

16

The Genius Parenting Gadgets You Need To Know About

18

Get Fit As A Family

20

Stella Mccartney Kids Launching Swimwear Spring/Summer 2015

22

Choosing The Perfect Playhouse

26

Step Into The Ultimate Cinderella Fairytale Experience

28

A Guide To Planning Your Children’s Party...

30

Top Children’s Toys For 2015... Revealed

32

Every Child’s Dream...

34

Tips For Healthy Kids

38

Brasserie Blanc Launches Henri Le Worm Kids’ Menu

40

Health & Safety During Swimming Classes

42

School Sports Shoes From Sporting Feet

44

Something Fun And A Little Bit Different

46

Luxury Children’s Nightwear

48

Tower Powerhouses 5K Family Challenge

50

* * * * *

Safe Hygienic Strong Eco-Friendly Silent Luxury matching bedding range now available!

Made In Great Britain

YUMMY MUMMY

Keeping

fit

during pregnancy S tudies have shown that women who keep fit during pregnancy often enjoy easier, shorter and less complicated labours and also, a faster return to fitness once their baby is born.

Here are a few tips to keep you in tip top condition during pregnancy: Health and fitness benefits include Better circulation Less unnecessary weight gain Reduced swelling Less abdominal discomfort Before you begin, there are some sensible precautions to consider.

KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY 1: PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes many changes, not just visual ones...

These include: Weight gain Changing blood pressure Changing resting heart rate Increased flexibility as the hormone relaxin is released Variable levels of fatigue

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You may also experience some or all of the following conditions: Morning sickness (often disappearing after 12 weeks) Increased sweating Dizziness Nausea Hormonal mood changes Frequently, by the end of the fourth month most or all of the above symptoms subside and renewed energy levels and vitality are felt. If you have found it difficult to maintain your fitness because of the changes that your body is undergoing, by 16 weeks you often feel raring to go. Providing that you have no medical reasons why you shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy, you can follow a sensible training routine for as long as you wish.

KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY 2: GETTING STARTED IN PREGNANCY EXERCISE The key point to remember when exercising through your pregnancy is to keep all your training at a comfortable level. Particularly if you have been a regular exerciser before becoming pregnant, avoid pushing too hard. The focus should be on general fitness maintenance and well-being, rather than competition and exercising to exhaustion.

TOP TRAINING TIPS FOR KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY Always keep well hydrated You may find that you sweat more so drinking more water is important.

Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing Loose clothing will help keep you cool, particularly as your shape changes.

Allow longer recoveries your levels of fatigue will alter through your pregnancy so take extra rest when you feel you need to.

Always complete a thorough warm up and cool down in your session Pregnancy affects your circulatory system so extend both your warm up and cool down to 15 minutes so that your body gradually adapts.

Protect your back at all times - The back increasingly comes under load as your baby grows, so always consider your body position, particularly if carrying out resistance training.

Avoid exercising on your back after 20 weeks After 20 weeks, the weight of the womb can cause compression of the inferior vena cava, which in turn can cause dizziness, numbness at the extremities and a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Avoid over-stretching Joints gradually become looser as your pregnancy develops, so avoid excessive flexibility exercises that could over-stretch muscles and tendons.

Consider your energy requirements Combining exercise with pregnancy increases your calorie requirements so pay particular attention to your pre and post exercise nutrition needs.

Choose low impact rather than high impact aerobic activities To avoid excessive pounding and also damage to slacker joints, try activities such as swimming and only jog if you jogged prior to pregnancy.

Ensure your footwear is supportive and has suitable cushioning Good ankle and foot support is important, particularly in later pregnancy as joints become more lax.

Focus on correct posture and technique at all times It is important to put extra focus into your movements and posture because as your shape changes, your body is loaded in different ways. Good technique is vital to ensure a safe exercise session.

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YUMMY MUMMY

THIS CLEVERLY MOCKED-UP IMAGE IS CREATED BY CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKE PHOTOGRAPHER ALISON JACKSON WWW.ALISONJACKSON.COM

BABY SHOWERS BOOM

T

he trend, adopted from America, is becoming increasingly common in Britain, with women spending an astonishing £220m attending baby showers each year. Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls”.

When baby showers first caught on here, they were low-key affairs for a few close girlfriends at their pregnant friend’s home. Now the shower has become a costly social event: No wonder dozens of companies now offer baby shower gift-lists online, and there are even professional baby shower planners. The trend has doubtlessly been helped along by celeb mummies tweeting and Instagramming pics of their swanky bashes to the world.

Guests buy gifts from a compiled wish-list, this may sound lavish and materialistic but it is not unusual. The baby shower gives the mum-to-be the opportunity to be the centre of attention, with invited guests arriving laden down with designer presents.

‘Baby shower gift lists are becoming more popular and more extravagant as mums-to-be try to up the ante,’ said a consultant for Harrods’ weddings and celebrations gift list department. ‘Where mothers used to ask for small presents, such as baby clothes and toys, we had a list drawn up recently that included a £1,200 Silver Cross Balmoral Pram and a £469 Swarovski crystal-inlaid picture frame.’

John Lewis set up a baby shower gift list facility in response to public demand. It reports a 20 per cent monthon-month rise in requests for lists.

Some more generous, and less materialistic celebrity mums-to-be are seeing an opportunity not to indulge in all the expensive baby gifts, but to give to others. Shakira and Gerard Pique have taken to social media to ask their fans to donate money to UNICEF for what’s being dubbed a “World Baby Shower”.

The mega pop star and FC Barcelona defender are expecting their second child, and rather than having fans sent gifts to the couple for their newborn, the couple have asked all money be given to charity. The money given to UNICEF will go to vulnerable children and expectant mothers around the world.

Shakira says: “Now that we are soon welcoming our second child we want to help other children around the world and also contribute to a long-lasting solution for getting children living in extreme poverty the supplies they need to survive. We also want other parents to feel compelled to do the same. With the explosion of social media, celebrities aren’t the only ones who have platforms that can reach mass audiences, and we want this movement to keep going long after our baby shower has ended, so we want to invite them to host their own baby showers with Unicef as well.”

No longer just for celeb mums-to-be, some are spending £10,000 on parties for their unborn babies: no expense is being spared on today’s baby showers with professional planners, lavish venues and expensive gift lists.

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YUMMY MUMMY

HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR BABY

Getting to know your new baby is exhilarating, daunting and different for everyone, here are some of the ways of ensuring that bonding with your baby is nothing to worry about.

KNOW WHAT YOUR BABY IS FEELING Your baby will likely spend the majority of the first 48 hours asleep, but that doesn’t mean that he or she is unaware of what’s happening. Babies are not blank slates at birth.

They come into the world with all kinds of mental abilities and predispositions, Your baby already has a surprisingly sophisticated set of senses that developed long before he or she left the womb, including the ability to differentiate between sweet, bitter and sour tastes.

Your baby’s eyesight will also be fairly well developed, though a little blurry if objects or faces are too close or too far away.

If you want your baby to see a particular object, hold it roughly 10 inches away from his or her eyes. Hearing and smell are also well developed senses, meaning your baby will be sensitive to unpleasant odours and loud or unexpected sounds, such as dog barks.

LEARN HOW TO COMFORT YOUR BABY EFFECTIVELY Once you are aware of the sensations and feelings that your baby is experiencing, it will be easier to make him or her comfortable. The most obvious comfort is you – by cradling your baby close to your chest, you will also allow them to hear the familiar sound of your heartbeat, which they will recognise from their months inside your womb.

Gentle and repeated sounds, such as the whoosh of a tumble dryer or the whirr and vibrations of a vacuum cleaner can actually be reassuring to a baby too, as can any sound 1 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

that rhymes with ‘hush,’ or, ‘shush’. That’s because the sound mimics what your baby hears in the womb. Try saying it into your baby’s ear, or playing a recording of waves, which also sound similar.

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BABY Newborns sleep an average of 16 hours for the first day, often in three to four hour stretches.

It is also a good thing if your baby wants to eat regularly, in other words more than eight times in the first 24 hours.

It is likely that the colour of your baby’s poop will change from green-black to yellow during these first 48 hours. The consistency may also alter and become less sticky and more watery. Rest assured this is all part of the adjustment process.

Try to avoid giving your baby a bath for the first week. Instead, dampen a cotton wool ball or pad with cooled boiled water and gently dab their ears, eyes, neck, face, nappy area as well as the base of the umbilical cord.

Remember also that it is likely your newborn will increase in weight by one ounce each day for the first three months.

However, don’t be surprised if your baby loses weight in these first 48 hours. Astonishingly, this can be as much as 10 per cent of his or her birth weight, according to experts.

Remember to look after yourself too. If your baby sleeps a lot during these first two days at home, make sure you catch up on your sleep too, so that you are as well rested as possible for the exhausting but exciting days ahead.

The safe way for babies to sleep Prepare your baby for a good night’s rest by wrapping him up in his very own cosy sleeping bag It is normal for babies to wake during the night, particularly in the first few months of life. However, research has shown that babies often wake because they wriggle about, kicking off, tangling in, or even slipping down under conventional blankets and duvets. As a result, babies can easily become too hot or too cold, and it is this discomfort that leads to distress and the inevitable crying.

By replacing blankets and duvets with a Slumbersac baby sleeping bag, you can keep your baby at a safe and comfortable temperature throughout the night. Because your baby will be warm and snug in her Slumbersac, she will be less likely to wake in the night and more likely to go back to sleep if she does.

When used as part of the bedtime routine, a sleeping bag is great for helping your baby to settle. After an evening bath, put your baby into his sleeping bag for a cuddle, and you’ll find it simpler and far less stressful when you put him into his cot. Night-time nappy changes are also easy because Slumbersac sleep sacks have an all-round zip.

Sleeping bags with feet!

Slumbersac’s newest sleeping bag is specially designed for toddlers and young children.

This clever design has holes at the bottom that children can put their feet through when they want to walk around, and then pull them back into the sleep sack when they go to bed to stay cosy and warm! As well as being super practical, these bags are also safe as they can help to prevent little ones tripping up, especially when they are learning to get about on their own for the first time!

Personalised comfort Baby sleeping bags come in a wide range of sizes and togs. The tog size determines the thickness of the sleeping bag and therefore how warm it keeps your child. Whether it’s summer or winter, Slumbersac offers sleeping bags for every season, and a wide choice of designs featuring beautiful embroidery, appliqués and prints to suit boys and girls, and to coordinate with your baby’s nursery. All sleeping bags are made from – and lined with – 100% cotton.

Padded with quick-dry, soft polyester fleece, Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are easily machine-washed and tumble-dried, and they make the ideal gift for babies and toddlers because they are both practical and attractive! And by choosing Slumbersac’s name embroidery option, you can also personalize your gift.

THE DETAILS

Save 10% when ordering online, by entering the following promotion code during checkout:YM10 including free UK delivery and returns.

Call Customer Service on 01202 825081.

Visit www.slumbersac.co.uk for further details.

YUMMY MUMMY

Fitness with a baby C

ongratulations, you have a new addition to the family, or perhaps the happy event is on the horizon. However, amidst all the excitement and activity, you’re wondering how you’ll be able to return to fitness, find the time to exercise and regain your shape post pregnancy. Certainly your life changes, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about fitness...

TARGETS AND BENEFITS Your primary targets for getting fit are likely to be: Returning to your pre-pregnancy weight Rebuilding your abdominal strength Feeling good Getting fitter provides numerous health benefits but specifically post pregnancy your fitness programme will give you: Improved posture Increased strength Increased stamina Elevated metabolic rate Weight-loss More energy Increased self-confidence FITTING IT ALL IN There’s no way around it, finding any free time in the day is a challenge, let alone several times a week. That is where planning and organisation come in. The most important step that you take on your road back to fitness is telling everyone of your plans, and involving them when you need support for some quality ‘you time’

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EXERCISE TIME STRATEGIES You have to be organised to fit in a training session around sleep times, nappy changing and feeds but with some thought and planning, there are many different opportunities for some quality training time, including: Community playgroups A chance for a couple of hours away whilst your toddler plays.

Babysitting Make use of friends or get involved in a babysitting circle with local parents.

Nursery care As well as letting you have some quality time, your baby or toddler will benefit from some social interaction with other children.

Parents A cornerstone of your support network and providing you don’t overdo it, usually very happy to be the doting grandparents.

Partner Sharing the parenting duties is important for you both, so let your partner spend some bonding time with your baby whilst you work out.

Train with your baby A brisk walk in the fresh air is a great way to fit in some exercise with junior and if you feel more energetic, there are some excellent Baby jogger pushchairs specifically designed for your activity and your baby’s comfort.

Gym crèches Many of the big Health Club chains offer crèche facilities, so you can train without any concerns that your baby is very far away.

Having a baby is a life changing experience that is not to be missed, but your new baby is part of your life just like looking after your own health and fitness.

By starting out on a fitness programme, you will have more energy and vitality and will enjoy motherhood even more!

Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life?

The postnatal and breast-feeding period is a time when you are adjusting to the demands of becoming a new mum and providing the very best care for your newborn baby. With a new member of the family, and the inevitable tiredness and fatigue1, it’s also a time when you must not forget to look after yourself.

Trust Pregnacare’s specially formulated range to help safeguard your diet at this especially important time.

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The first ever breast-feeding specific supplement with the recommended3 10mcg vitamin D, plus 700mg calcium. With a separate capsule providing 300mg DHA which contributes to normal brain and eye development in breast-fed infants.4

Carefully balanced to help support the nutritional requirements of new mothers. With iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue and biotin which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & www.pregnacare.com 1Pregnacare® contains iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. 2For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3UK Health Departments recommend mothers take a supplement containing 10mcg vitamin D during breast-feeding, and a healthy diet rich in calcium. 4A beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg of DHA/EPA for adults. Do not exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5g DHA/EPA combined. *UK independent sales value data IRI 52 w/e 6th Sept, 2014

YUMMY MUMMY

Sleep tricks at bedtime We all have our ways of encouraging our children to get to bed – some more conventional than others.

W

e’ve all been there - desperately trying to settle the children in bed when sleep is the last thing they want to do. From bribery to cajoling, parents try everything, and if you’re worried about your get-them-to-sleep tactics, we’ve got some reassuring admissions from other parents to share.

Bribery at bedtime is pretty common among parents...

A new survey has revealed the top excuses that children use for not wanting to go to bed – and how parents change their minds. We’re talking bribing them with presents and letting them watch TV until they fall asleep. Sound familiar?

The study of 1,500 parents, conducted by bedtime toys company Dream Lites, also showed what time children aged between 3-6 years old go to bed and how many times they wake in the night. The average child goes to sleep at 7.22pm and wakes at 6.46am, after waking three times in the night. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 24% of parents are unable to remember the last time they had a good night’s sleep.

TOP EXCUSES CHILDREN GIVE FOR NOT WANTING TO GO BACK TO BED...

1. Claim not to be tired 2. Want one more story told to them 3. Claim to be hungry or thirsty 4. Want to stay up to watch their favourite TV show 5. Scared of the dark 6. Wants to play on iPad/tablet or games console 7. Sibling not going to bed yet

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TOP TECHNIQUES USED BY PARENTS TO GET THEIR CHILDREN TO SLEEP 1. Allow them to sleep in parent’s bed 2. Allow them to stay up and watch TV until they fall asleep 3. Allow them to play with an iPad/games console in bed until they fall asleep 4. Promise to buy them a present 5. Gave them sweets 6. Tell them they won’t get any Birthday presents if they don’t go to bed 7. Tell them a white lie These methods may sound shocking, but sleep expert Mandy Gurney says it’s pretty normal for parents to resort to measures like these. However, she warns of the long-term effect on the child...

“Though such techniques appear to work in the short term, they may have the opposite effect in the long term,” says Mandy. “Children who rely on props at bedtime are more vulnerable to waking later in the night – as the child comes into light sleep phases, which we all do throughout the night. And then they are likely to seek such props to help them get back to sleep again. A good sleep routine is all a parent needs” Mandy explains. “Just setting aside 30 minutes at the end of the day with a simple, quiet, relaxing bath, a calm story and kiss goodnight is well worth the effort.”

Chances are it will help soothe and relax you, too.

Double win.

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YUMMY MUMMY

FIVE ARMADILLOS THAT

ARMADILLO FLIP XT TEAL TIDE, £479

LOVE LONDON LIFE Getting around London with a baby or toddler can be exhausting at the best of times but the Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillos is riding to the rescue – helping parents get from A to B without cramping their style.

T

he Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillo strollers has been designed to help parents enjoy all the things they loved to do before starting a family.

Whether it’s sipping a coffee in their favourite café, hunting for antiques or enjoying a walk along the canal – the ultra compact fold reversible seat and option of chunky wheels makes everything possible.

The first member of the stylish family – the Armadillo – has already earned a reputation for being the biggest ‘little’ stroller in town. Despite an extraordinarily neat and compact fold - plus the fact that it takes seconds to open with one hand - the pushchair offers lots of comfy wriggle room as well as a full recline for long, leisurely naps.

Next up, the smallest member of the family, is the Armadillo City. Designed to squeeze into the tightest of spaces, it has a narrow, lightweight frame and a tiny footprint, and yet there is no compromise on comfort. With bags of shopping basket space and an XL hood complete with a peek-a-boo window, the Armadillo City almost defies logic. It offers far more space than much larger and heavier strollers and, meanwhile, front and rear suspension make navigating city streets and public transport a breeze.

The Armadillo Flip is the third member to join the family. It gets its name because it can be folded down with

ARMADILLO FLIP,TEAL TIDE, £399

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ARMADILLO LEMON DROP, £199

one hand in seconds – whichever way the reversible seat is facing. It is carrycot and car seat compatible and is the most compact ‘travel system-ready’ design on the market.

However, its modest dimensions don’t stop it offering more stretching room than any of its rivals. In short, it’s the only stroller parents will ever need!

Finally, the newest editions to the Armadillo collection are the Armadillo Flip XT and Armadillo XT – both loaded with stunning and practical extras to the already brilliant and stylish Armadillo and Armadillo Flip. With chunky wheels and extra grip to conquer cobbles parents can take tow paths in their stride, while the telescopic handles ensure that it is not just little passengers who are always comfortable.

The whole Armadillo family is available in a range of contemporary colours complete with matching accessories, from Shoulder Bags and Parasols to Footmuffs and Liners. For more information just visit www.mamasandpapas.com, drop into one of Mamas & Papas 36 stores or visit your nearest independent stockist.

THE DETAILS MAMAS & PAPAS Telephone 0845 606 7772 www.mamasandpapas.com

ARMADILLO XT TEAL TIDE, £299

ARMADILLO CITY - LEMON DROP, £179

Scoot into spring with scooters Scooters for all the family from the iconic, award winning, original and best scooter brand.

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Shop online www.micro-scooters.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

The Genius Parenting Gadgets

You Need To Know About Technology’s come a long way in the last few years, helping make parenting a fair bit easier (but much more expensive). And while you definitely don’t need all of these futuristic gadgets, they’ll help put your mind at ease and make getting from A to B with a tiny human much simpler.

OWLET SMART SOCK, £TBC Using pulse oximetry (a technology that doctors use in hospital) to keep an eye on your baby’s vital signs, this gadget shines small LED lights on the skin to sense how much light makes it back to the photo receptor.

It alerts you or any issues by sounding an alarm if the heart rate dips too low – or spikes too high.

PACIFI, £25 This world’s first Bluetooth smart pacifier monitors a baby’s temperature by transmitting the data back to a parent’s smartphone, via the free associated app.

Parents don’t even need to be in the same room as a child – it works from a distance of 30 metres.

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THERMOBANDS, £13 Gone are the days of testing the temperature of your baby’s bottle on the back of your wrist; this clever band lets you know when the milk is the perfect warmth for your tot.

MIMO BABY ONESIE, £133 From checking your baby’s sleep status and listening in on him, we think you’ll agree this smart baby monitor is pretty genius. A turtle monitor is attached to a onesie, which sends data and audio to a lilypad monitor before sending it on to your smartphone.

VOLVO INFLATABLE CAR SEAT, £TBC Forget about hauling your child’s car seat from one car to another or lucking out when you’re travelling abroad – this genius design can be completely deflated and inflated in less than 40 seconds. It’s perfectly safe, too, and uses a technology developed by the military.

SLEEP IQ BED, FROM £659 Measuring your child’s sleep patterns through a smartphone app, these beds are definitely a thing of the future. They don’t come cheap but they adjust to fit your child as he grows and

4MOMS MAMAROO BOUNCER 2015, £259.99 This has to be the ultimate baby bouncer.

It has five unique motions to soothe and bounce your baby as if he were in your arms – all of which can be adjusted from your smartphone.

BOON COLLAPSIBLE BABY BATHTUB, £54.99 Ideal to use on holiday or when your little one’s staying with the in-law’s, this collapsible bathtub can be used from age newborn to 18 months – and in two different positions.

ISWIMBAND, £90.56 Designed to give you peace of mind when your child’s in the swimming pool, the iSwimband is a wearable accessory which alerts your Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet or music player if your child has been submerged beyond a preset time limit of if a non-swimmer (like your toddler) goes in the water.

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YUMMY MUMMY

Get fit as a family W

hile we’re all leading busy lives, it can be hard to fit in family time, let alone time to exercise. We’ve put together some family fitness activities that will help you to bond with your children as well as keeping everyone fit and healthy!

Getting the family involved in sport is a guaranteed way of improving everyone’s fitness – so why not try out some of the following...

S wimming is always a sure-fire hit with the kids, and a fun family activity.An hour’s swimming can burn up to 300 calories as well as build your upper-body strength and it also gives your heart, lungs and all the major muscle groups in your body a good workout.

F amily cycling. There are now more and more safe cycling routes that are traffic-free for family-friendly cycling. Even if your child is too young to control a bike on their own, you can buy child seats or attachments that link their bike to yours. Cycling is a fun way to shift the pounds because it burns between 200 and 800 calories per hour!

I ndoor games for the family. Badminton, ten-pin bowling and table-tennis (to name just three) are all activities that everyone in the family can have a go at.

Activity holidays. Nowadays, there is a growing trend for the traditional beach holiday to be supplemented by something a little more dynamic and adventurous.

The opportunity to experience a new sport without compromising family time is ideal – and with the wide range of sports now on offer, there will be something for

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everyone.Water sports, trekking or even daily excursions are more beneficial and healthy than sun-lounger-type breaks – plus they are more enjoyable family activities.

Walking with the family.The simplest of healthy activities, costs nothing and can be enjoyed almost anywhere.A family walk over a couple of hours will tire out the children and bring a multitude of health benefits including exercising the cardiovascular system, strengthening and toning the legs and burning approximately 100 calories per hour.

Family outdoor activities.Whether it’s a playing in the garden, a game of ‘tag’ in the local park or some fun on the swings and slides, simple outdoor games and activities are great for quality family time and exercise.The children will love it and you’ll also benefit from the getting your heart rate a little higher. Make sure all the family members can get involved so that everyone has the chance to exercise.

Family day trips.

Any event that involves everyone getting up and about will contribute to the family’s health and fitness.

Visiting the zoo, going to a sporting event or exploring a theme park is something that can be enjoyed by all the family and will also involve expending plenty of calories en-route!

It doesn’t have to be hell to be healthy for you or your family and using some smart combinations of activities such as the ones above means that you’ll neither neglect your family nor your fitness.

Of course everyone is busy and yes, everyone wants a piece of you, but there aren’t many more important things than maintaining your health and fitness and spending some time with your family, so go and do it!

THE PARK CLUB feel the difference...

Call 0203 740 4323 or visit theparkclub.co.uk The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB.

GYM AWARDS 2014 WINNER OF

BEST FOR FAMILIES

YUMMY MUMMY

Stella McCartney Kids

LAUNCHING SWIMWEAR Spring/Summer 2015

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S

tella McCartney Kids launches first swimwear range for Spring Summer 2015 with playful themes inspired by the spirit and energy of kids today.

The collection includes effortless and modern styles in vibrant colours for children aged newborn to 14 years.

Perfect for summer, the new range features 16 styles for girls, boys and babies including bikinis, swimsuits and swimming trunks in 3D sea scene prints and packaged in a special swim bag. Swim Tshirts and all in ones have +50 UV protection in prices ranging from £45 for the swimming trunks to £65 for the swimsuits and T-shirts.

The collection is inspired by the sea, the landscapes of British countryside and vintage prints. Playful illustrations feature apples, ion motifs are featured on dresses and sweatshirts.

Also new this season is a majorette style jacket for girls and a reversible bomber jackets for boys. As in previous

seasons, styles are adapted from the RTW collection, this season the daisy pattern from the summer 2014 collection will be featured on dresses and outerwear.

In keeping with the brand featured on items which will contribute a percentage of sales to support the Meat Free Monday awareness campaign. Brand new for babies is a diaper bag with nappy kit and cooler pocket for bottle.

The collection is available now online at stellamccartney.com and in stores worldwide.

Addressing the key wardrobe essentials in the best possible fabrics, prices for the collection range from £23 for a shirt to £225 for a dress.

With shipping in up to 100 countries, the Stella McCartney Kids website allows parents to shop the full collection.

In addition to the online shopping service, the collection is now available at 30 Stella McCartney stores and at over 300 wholesale accounts worldwide.

THE DETAILS Shop Kids at stellamccartney.com

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CHILDSPLAY CLOTHING

Luxury Brands for Newborn to 16 Years

Spring into Summer Love

Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt – from £48

Burberry White Cotton Shorts – from £72

Ralph Lauren White Shorts - £48

Young Versace Girls Patent Handbag - £220

Young Versace Belt - £83

MiMi Sole Patchwork Denim Print Dress - £205

Scotch Shrunk Bird Print Top – from £30

MiMi Sol Blue Bow Headband - £72

Boss Dark Blue Jeans – from £60 Boss White Pique Polo Top – from £37

Burberry Grey Cotton Check Dress – from £89 Chloe Girls Navy Viscose Shorts – from £52

SuperTrash Blue Tuxedo Jacket - £90

Chloe Girls Blue Chambray Blouse – from £56

SuperTrash Striped Dress - £90

Boss Baby Navy Chino Trousers – from £51

Young Versace Patent Leather Medusa Shoes - £128

Boss Baby White Striped Shirt – from £51

Young Versace Floral Print Top – from £75

Boss Canvas Pre Walker Trainers - £60

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OVER 100 BRANDS • STYLE ASSISTANTS • FREE DELIVERY • FREE RETURNS *Valid on products from the SS15 season only, excluding Burberry, Chloe, Gucci and other selected items. Valid once per customer and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

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LOVE LOC AL YUMMY MUMMY

CHOOSING THE PERFECT

PLAYHOUSE

FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES – AND YOU! is entirely up to you – and your child! You can paint the interior walls in any colour you choose, from pale blue to bright red. You could even wall paper the inside of your playhouse for that real cosy, lived in feeling.

Depending on what your child, children or grandchildren plan to use the playhouse for will determine how you furnish it – it may be a castle with a princess hiding in the highest room in the tallest tower, a cowboy saloon, or somewhere to do their homework. Adding a comfy sofa or chairs will really bring the house to life, whilst a practical desk will provide ample space to study. You could even include a bed for those summer sleep overs!

With a little help from The Playhouse Company you can create the perfect playhouse that will take your child all the way from their toddler days to their teenage years.

One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway”

C

hoosing a play or tree house for your children or grandchildren can be overwhelming. What size and style is best for your little ones? How will it fit into your garden and will it complement its existing design? A playhouse can also be a significant investment, so ensuring it is the right one, and is built to last, is imperative.

The Playhouse Company, a designer and builder of beautiful wooden play and tree houses, has vast experience in bringing playhouse dreams to life. The process begins with your initial idea. The Playhouse Company then uses this vision, taking into consideration the age of the children and the layout of the garden (which is either through a photograph or a site visit), to create a design.

Designs are then translated from sketches into a beautiful detailed structure. One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway” in later years or incorporating garden storage making it a dual purpose playhouse.

The Playhouse Company can work with all types of gardens & any size, including those with uneven surfaces in which case it creates a sub base. It has also been asked on many occasions to incorporate existing features into the design, for example building a house around an ancient tree, along an old wall, or in a compact corner. It is the company’s bespoke service that allows you to create the perfect house for your garden as well as for your children.

What you do with your child’s play or tree house once The Playhouse Company has delivered and installed it,

UA AR R Y 2 20 01 15 5 3226 FFEEBBRRU

THE DETAILS For further information about The Playhouse Company, its ranges and services please visit www.theplayhouse.co.uk or call 01544 387 100.

TM

& let us make it happen

playhouses castles treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Step Into The Ultimate

Cinderella Fairytale Experience at

C

inderella fans are in for a treat, as the Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods introduces two special new Cinderella experiences, to coincide with the release of the live-action feature film inspired by the classic fairy tale.

The film, released on March 27th, brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realised characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods is set in a fairy tale castle enclosed within the glittering walls of Harrods. In the stately fitting room behind the large wooden castle doors, dazzling dresses and shimmering accessories are encased and within the boutique salon, ornate golden mirrors line the walls. Children will be hosted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-Training to learn the qualities needed to become Cinderella, from her courage and kindness, to her sense of humour and generosity. They will also take a royal oath and enjoy the magical transformation to become a true Princess.

Perfect as a gift for children aged 3-12 or for a special celebration, the ultimate new Cinderella storytelling experiences allow fans to transform themselves into either

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Cinderella at the ball or at her wedding and to enter a magical new world where imaginations become reality.

CINDERELLA WEDDING EXPERIENCE Transform yourself into a beautiful bride with this magnificent experience which includes the Deluxe Wedding Dress from the new film, sparkly tiara, beautiful shoes and more.

CINDERELLA BALL EXPERIENCE This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a special Limited Edition Ballgown from the new film, sparkly tiara, beautiful shoes and more.

Bookings can be made at www.harrods.com/disney with the experiences available from March.

THE DETAILS Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com

T HE A RT OF ‘FROZEN’ Working with Disney approved artists Disney Original Art captures artistic interpretations of Disney’s rich tapestry and continuing legacy, these works are showcased through a series of unique and exclusive original paintings and hand signed limited editions.

All artwork is authorised and approved by The Walt Disney Company.

‘Winter in Arendelle’ by David Womersley Limited edition of 23, signed Hand embellished giclee print on canvas - 61 x 48cm - £1200 framed

‘Downhill Racer’ by Trevor Carlton Limited edition of 23, signed Hand embellished giclee print on canvas – 76 x 38cm - £599 framed

AVA I L A B L E N O W 3 Golden Cour t Richmond upon Thames T W9 1EU

020 8226 5566 canvasgaller y.com info@canvasgaller y.com

YUMMY MUMMY

A Guide To Planning Your Children’s Party...

Q

uintessentially Events, which organise functions, said: “Children’s parties have become the acme of competitive parenting. It’s not unusual for the cost to reach £50,000.” So with money no object, we consulted owners of Mystical Fairies, Neal and Meg Sussman, to provide tips to ensure your child’s Birthday Party will be a glitzy affair and the most talked about…

HOW DO I DECIDE ON A VENUE? Venues are tricky! Firstly I would suggest working out the expected number of guests. A massive room looks awful with only a few children. Younger children often feel comfortable in a familiar space so home is a good place to start. Having said that, if there is a venue you want that is offering all you need, that’s brilliant! Lastly any good entertainer can give you suggestions or recommendations so always ask.

CAN SOMEONE ELSE ORGANISE FOR ME? There are many professional party planners out there to suit any budget, everything from a children’s tea party to a massive extravaganza. If you go to a party you have loved, ask who the event organiser was, often people are thrilled to recommend as it is a compliment to them. Whoever you choose you should feel comfortable with them, and know you are a priority to them and that they understand what you want.

DO I NEED A THEME? Not necessarily. Sometimes we have found that the best parties come from something as simple as a favourite colour, although it is easier to start with a theme. However, some parents have spent an entire weekend at Frozen themed parties trying to explain to their child why Elsa didn’t recognise them or why she didn’t look the same each time. If you want your child’s A theme you choose for your child’s party should be something that they love, or at least was at the time of organising it!

HOW MANY CHILDREN SHOULD I INVITE? Early years should be smaller amounts, children are overwhelmed by everything from the noise to lots of people being in their space, so this is very personal. As they get older, some invite the whole class, and some invite everyone they’ve ever met to show how fabulous they are at throwing parties! As long as the birthday child has their favourites then they will be thrilled, anyone else is a bonus.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SEND INVITATIONS? Invitation etiquette is no more with the invention of email and texts. As soon as you have a venue and a date, then the sooner, the better! If inviting the whole class on a popular date, let it be known early so others can organise theirs on a separate day or

time. You want everyone you invite to be able to attend yours, so definitely let them know in advance.

I WANT TO INCLUDE A WISH LIST FOR BIRTHDAY GIFT IDEAS – MY CHILD IS VERY FUSSY. A hard one, if invitations are being sent to family, then do tell them what their favourite niece, nephew or grandchild would like! If there is a theme, many parents will try to stay within that, or if someone does ask what the birthday child wants say there are lots on the wish list, and give further ideas. Most things are returnable so explain nicely that they received the same thing and would love to swap it. If not returnable and you have to re-gift it, remember who gave it to you in the first place!

HOW LONG SHOULD THE PARTY GO ON FOR? A one year olds’ birthday party can very happily go on for an hour and be filled with lots of songs and stories. If you have to entertain lots of different ages then a standard two hour party with lots of activities works well. We generally suggest a two hour party but equally a one or 3 have been known to happen and even an all- day event! Do what suits you.

I WANT TO KEEP THE CHILDREN AMUSED,WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE WAY OF ENTERTAINMENT? Lots! Start with the interests of the birthday child and go from there. It could be as easy as a bowling, sport or theme party. Party organisers are more than willing to send in a character entertainer or magician, face painting or sing a long a music videos.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPROACHING MY CHILDREN’S IDOL TO MAKE A GUEST APPEARANCE? If you have any mutual friends, then that is the first place to start. If you are going in cold, find out who the agent is. Google is your best friend although lots of organisers have in’s that you wouldn’t believe.

WHAT SORT OF FOOD SHALL I ORDER, OR WILL THE VENUE CATER FOR THAT? Venues often have on site caterers, so always check to see what is and is not included. Parents always over cater, children are so excited that most don’t want to eat, they want to be active in the party. Start with the birthday child’s favourite food. It can be as simple as ordering in pizza and getting a cake! There are so many ways to go with party food, the theme can give you and the caterer ideas depending on ages. Cake professionals are always in high demand so do order one well in advance!

At the end of the day, have a wonderful party and don’t forget to invite the Fairy Queen!

Children’s birthday parties used to be modest affairs - not any more….today’s generation of competitive parents are spending thousands to make sure their adorable offspring have the best day money can buy.

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YUMMY MUMMY

Top Children’s Toys for 2015... Revealed

The toys that are set to take 2015 by storm have been revealed at the annual Toy Fair

L

ast year was a record year for the UK toy market, with the industry reaching £3bn. The growth was helped by toy sales relating to Disney’s Frozen, the mini-elastic band craze Looms, and merchandising for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. This year’s must-have toy predictions were revealed

ACTION TOYS eluxe Flying, £39.99, Bandai D Mutant Mania Rampage Arena, £29.99, Flair Jurassic World Growlers Assortment, £14.99, Hasbro

GAMES/PUZZLES OG on the BOG, £22.99, Drummond Park Games asgij General Election, £12.99, Jumbo Games W Eiffel Tower With Lights 3D Puzzle, £24.99, Ravensburger

SPECIALTY TOYS nagranimals Interchangeable Plush Toys, £16.99,Anagraminals A GoldieBlox Zipline Adventure, £24.99, Interplay UK Minions Movie Backpack Collection, £4.99-£19.99, Posh Paws International Boris the Trunki Bus, £45,TrunkiMini Dinos, £2.99, Schleigh

PLAYSETS oast Guard Station With Lighthouse, £49.99, Playmobil C Amusement Park Ferris Wheel With Lights, £49.99, Playmobil

3 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

at the Toy Fair 2015 last month, hinting which toys are set to be massive this year! Including some wow-factor designs, futuristic tech-toys and games for all ages, there are plenty of products that your children will want to get their hands on.

Behold.. don’t get caught out for your child’s Birthday!

S ylvanian Families Adventure Treasure Ship, £16.99, EPOCH making toys

PRE-SCHOOL CHARACTERS Paw Patrol Basic Vehicles, £12.99, Spin Master Toys UK alking Twirlywoos Soft Toys, £9.99-£16.99, Golden Bear T

CONSTRUCTION ionicle Master Assortment, £12.99-£14.99, LEGO B Minecraft:The Dungeon, £19.99, LEGO Disney Frozen: Elsa’s Sparkling Ice Castle, £34.99, LEGO

HOBBY orgi James Bond Aston Martin DBS, £19.99, Hornby Hobbies C Quadcopter “Raymore”, £59.99, Revell GmbH

PLUSH P uppy Surprise Plush, £24.99,Trends UK FurReal Friends JJ My Jumping Rug, £39.99, Hasbro Home Talking Plush Assortment, £19.99 Flair

PRE-SCHOOL eebledown Farm Wobbily Mill and Barn, £29.99, Character W Options Sort & Pop Farmyard Friends, £19.99,TOMY Toot-Toot Friends Busy Sounds Discovery House, £44.99,VTech

TECH TOYS I -Que Intelligent Robot, £59.99,Vivid Little Live Pets Clever Keet, £59.99, Character Options Wi-Fi Quadcopter “X-Spy”, £99, Revell GmbH

CREATIVE E xpress Yourself Range – Selfie Jewellery, £10.99, James Galt Crayola Colour Alive: Mythical Creatures, £6.99,Vivid Bangle Blitz City Girl, £9.99, John Adams

OUTDOOR ozy Coupe Dino, £59.99, Little Tikes C Nerf Rebelle Arrow Revolution Bow, £39.99, Hasbro Wubble Bubble Ball, £9.99-£19.99,Vivid

West London School of Dance From Baby to Ballerina Classes for Boys and Girls age 2 1/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work Jazz, Singing, Tap Annual Performances

Classes held in Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush South Kensington

T: 020 8743 3856 E: westlondondance@aol.com W: www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

“OUTSTAN DING”* 1 Montessori education 1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum) 1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics

Call: Fulham 020 7386 0006

or

Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877

Taking care of Little People since 1978

www.littlepeople.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Every Child’s Dream...

Children lead by example so treat them to a mini replica of your sports car from Flying Gadgets at HARRODS RIDE ON RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CAR £359.00 Boasting a stylish representation of the original, this Range Rover Evoque Car boasts a high-tech ride-on electric design, which can be controlled by remote control.

Additional features include a key start, working head and taillights, indicators and horn. Licensed by Range Rover, it is complemented with an integrated MP3 player, 6V high power battery and four hour battery life.

Range Rover Evoque Car Licensed by Range Rover Ride-on electric car Can be controlled with remote control Key start Working head and taillights, indicators and horn MP3 player 15 minute assembly 6V high power battery 12 hour charging time 4 hour battery life (per charge) Age 3-6 years old RIDE ON FERRARI CAR £359.00 Boasting a sleek polished red finish, this iconic Ferrari Car showcases a high-tech ride-on design, which can be controlled by remote control. Additional features include a key start, working head and taillights, indicators and horn.

Licensed by Ferrari, it is complemented with an integrated MP3 player, 6V high power battery and four hour battery life.

Ferrari Car Licensed by Ferrari Ride-on electric car

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Can be controlled with remote control Key start Working head and taillights, indicators and horn MP3 player 15 minute assembly 6V high power battery 12 hour charging time 4 hour battery life (per charge) Aged 3-6 years old BENTLEY GT RIDE ON CAR £359.00 This realistic scale replica of a white Bentley GT is the perfect gift for a lucky boy or girl. This ride on car features a 6V battery, seatbelt and parental remote control for safety.

This miniature car includes realistic sounds of the key start ignition and engine, to steering wheel sounds on turns, a horn and working lights.

H48cm x W128cm x D65cm Mp3 Connection Lead 6V Battery and Charger Working Lights Seat belt User Manual Remote Control Age: 3-6 years old THE DETAILS Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com flyinggadgets.com

k c a B y b a Nurse B to Good Health

The perfect duo to treat babies’ coughs and colds this winter - Earth’s Best Baby Cold Soothing Baby Wash and Cold Relief Vapour Ointment.

Cold Soothing Baby Wash is designed to be mixed in a warm bath, and is an incredibly soothing wash, perfect for when babies are stuffy, cranky and congested. With eucalyptus, tea tree and menthol.

www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

Cold Relief Vapour Ointment is made with natural camphor to help soothe discomfort and help relieve coughing due to the common cold so sleep becomes easier. Can also be used to relieve minor muscle aches and pains.

Available from ocado.com, WholeFoods, As Nature Intended, John Bell & Croyden, Nutri Centre at Tesco, Lloyds Pharmacy at Selfridges, jasonnaturalcare.co.uk and leading health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

+44 (0)8450 725 825 • enquiry@jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

HYPO-ALLERGENIC, MINIMUM 70% ORGANIC CONTENT, 100% NATURAL, VEGETARIAN AND NO ANIMAL TESTING

YUMMY MUMMY

Tips for healthy kids I n modern times we are becoming increasingly aware of the foods we are feeding our children. Surveys show that children are eating higher levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fat than government guidelines recommend, and are failing to reach the five-a-day target for fruit and vegetable portions. This means that they are potentially missing out on vital nutrients that contribute to optimum development. In practical terms, what can parents do to ensure their children develop healthy eating habits?

at with your children as they learn E by example. ‘Family’ eating not only promotes home-cooked meals, it also fosters a sense of routine and encourages social interaction — all of which lead to better eating habits later in life.

Make food fun! Experiment with new foods and make meals as colourful and as rich in variety as possible.

The more visually stimulating a meal appears, and the more textures it incorporates, the more likely your children will be to tuck in!

Include two portions of vegetables in their evening meal, and provide fruit or a fruit-based pudding for dessert. This will help ensure that your children get three out of five servings of their recommended five-a-day at dinnertime.

Encourage your children to drink water or sugar-free diluting juice between meals. This will help prevent dehydration, which can lead to constipation and poor concentration.

If you have a fussy eater, don’t give up hope. Try serving the same foods in different forms — for example, those that dislike the texture of broccoli

3 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

often find it more palatable in a sauce or soup.

Include lean meat or another protein in every meal.

This will keep your children fuller for longer and will discourage snacking later. Red meat provides iron which is particularly important for girls, whose iron needs increase as they begin menstruation.

Serve oily fish twice a week (but no more). These are a rich source of omega oils, which can help keep the heart and mind healthy; If your children find the taste too overwhelming, add seeds to their breakfast cereals for plant versions of these oils.

Pack a healthy lunchbox. ‘Disguise’ vegetables in sandwich fillings, vary the fillings, provide plain yogurt and a piece of fruit that’s easy to eat. Children can be very particular about fruit. Aim to give them small apples, bananas and grapes, which are easy to hold, peel and eat.

Make sure your children eat breakfast. This will ensure a steady supply of energy to get them through the morning, help maintain attention span and discourage snacking. Fortified breakfast cereals can also be a good source of iron and B vitamins.

MINERALS TO CONSIDER...

Two particularly important minerals for school-aged children and teenagers are calcium and iron, which help strengthen teeth and bones and prevent anaemia, poor concentration and lethargy respectively. To ensure that children’s needs are met, include milk and other dairy products, pulses, lean red meat and green leafy vegetables frequently in meals. Foods containing Vitamin C — such as orange juice — can also increase iron intake if drunk alongside iron-rich foods.

YOUR LOCAL WALK IN URGENT CARE CENTRE 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm Weekends 10am - 6pm All minor accidents, illnesses and injuries treated l Children treated from age of one l Open 7 days a week l Onsite parking l Instant referrals to hospital l

LOCATED AT THE GROVE END ROAD ENTRANCE OF THE HOSPITAL TWO MINUTES FROM ST JOHN’S WOOD TUBE STATION HOSPITAL OF ST JOHN & ST ELIZABETH, 60 GROVE END ROAD, ST JOHN’S WOOD, LONDON, NW8 9NH

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CASUALTY FIRST ADVERT FISH MEDIA 4.6.14.indd 1

Olé Kids

06/10/2014 15:38

Spanish classes for children and parents

Bilingual and beginners.

Children learn languages through immersion and play. ★Group classes across London ★Spanish in Nurseries ★After School Clubs ★Private classes at home ★Birthday parties Free weekend workshops at Iberica Canary Wharf while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk ★Adult Spanish Classes

Facebook: olekidslondon Twitter: ole_kids

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

YUMMY MUMMY

Brasserie Blanc launches

Henri Le Worm kids’ menu

Time spent as a family is important and dining out should be an experience for all, young or old, which is why our little guests get their own specially created menu packed with fresh and flavoursome ingredients.

RAYMOND BLANC

K

eeping children entertained during a meal out can be tricky, however help is at hand as Brasserie Blanc with its new Henri Le Worm kids’ menu.

Based on the popular app created by Raymond Blanc’s son Olivier, the menus is available at all 20 restaurants just in time for the half-term holidays.

Originally inspired by Raymond Blanc, Henri Le Worm is a French cooking worm extraordinaire and mirrors Raymond’s passion for healthy and seasonal produce. Henri, who lives in the magical Forest of Plenty alongside a host of animated friends was created by Olivier and the app is packed with games, facts and music to encourage kids to discover more about food, ingredients and nature.

Little one’s at Brasserie Blanc can now join Henri and his friends on a gastronomic journey through the garden with their own specially created menu. For just £5.95 for two courses and filled with tasty, fresh ingredients, little diners can

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tickle their taste buds with gourmet delights such as charcuterie platters, mini moules and crispy chicken followed by tempting puddings. Tiny tots can enjoy complimentary organic carrot purée or mac ‘n’ cheese.

A colourful and fun puzzle sheet designed to teach children where their food comes from will keep them happy during their meal. Kids can learn all about their favourite characters such as Derek the Lady Bird, Tina the Flea and Lumpy the Maggot in the Grub Club loyalty card, which not only gives a complimentary meal after the seventh visit, it’s also packed with healthy recipes and food tips.

THE DETAILS Henri Le Worm is available as an App on Apple iTunes and Google Play store.

For more information visit henrileworm.com Brasserie Blanc www.brasserieblanc.com

Onew ur pouches scrumptious

are

ripe for the picking!

Discover a world where the very finest organic ingredients are carefully hand-selected to create 30 tantalising recipes perfect for an exciting weaning adventure. There’s a pouch for every milestone of a little food explorer’s weaning journey: from smooth and mild for those magical first tastes, through to lumps for more adventurous taste buds.

Every savoury recipe also contains omega 3 goodness, important for the development of brain & nerve tissue.

It’s a

f Wean o d l r o ing lW u f r ll part e of our wond

Come and join our world at hipp.co.uk/wow For advice on when to start weaning, consult your Health Visitor.

YUMMY MUMMY

Health & Safety

During Swimming Classes More so than any other swim school, at SwimWay we make health and safety a major priority in the way we run the company and our lessons. When dealing with swimming lessons for all ages and abilities it is extremely important to put safety first, and we do exactly that.

A

lthough it would be more cost effective for our company to run lessons with larger groups of children, health and safety and quality of lessons is so important to us, that we keep all our lessons as private or semiprivate. This allows our instructors to focus fully on each child’s safety and needs within the lessons.

Legal requirements dictate that instructors undergo CPR and other emergency training only once every two years. We recognised that this is incredibly insufficient. Thus we run a first aid course at the beginning of every term. That comes to three times a year instead of once every two years.

We have also brought into the SwimWay team a specialised health and safety consultant – DAVID PERRY (click the link for his full profile).

With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, working with leisure centres and private swimming schools, as well as the STA (one of the UK governing swimming teaching bodies). David Perry brings a professional eye and mind to the health and safety concerns of our swim school.

David routinely runs the Termly first aid courses. He makes regular monthly pool visits to ensure our sites are up to spec. He also meets with the site owners and SwimWay management to discuss and resolve potential issues. He is our eyes and ears for the health and safety awareness of the company, keeping us on

4 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

the forefront of your children’s, and your own safety during our lessons.

Please see HERE (www.swimway. co.uk/team-profile/david-perry) for more information on David’s role as our Health and Safety Consultant.

SwimWay is the leading home visit Swimming School in London, providing swimming lessons to babies and adults in exclusive private developments, homes, schools and gyms around London, as well as 7 sites open to general public located in Putney, Knightsbridge, Kew Gardens, Streatham Hill, Wimbledon/Southfields, Bloomsbury and East Sheen.

In the comfort of an exclusive venue, SwimWay will be providing half hour semi-private lessons and private lessons only without using any floatation aid except than a kicking board. These small classes ensure a more personal lesson, with more individual attention for each student in the class.

SwimWay will open bookings for the Summer Term 15 Term (April to July) to new clients on 6th March 2015 once the priority booking period for existing clients ends. The new Wandsworth Common pool is open as from now.

THE DETAILS For further information please email info@swimway.co.uk, call the SwimWay office on 0208 871 3972, or visit our website at www.swimway.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

SCHOOL SPORTS SHOES O NI JU ASICS

R

NE TB ALL

RO TU RF BOOT

FROM SPORTING FEET

ST RA NIO ADIDAS JU

SHOE

S

porting Feet in Putney and Richmond have a great range of kid’s sports shoes for back to school. Whether its football boots, rugby boots, netball, hockey or all-purpose cross trainers you need for your kids, Sporting feet are likely to have something suitable.

Sporting Feet are sport shoe specialists who pride themselves on providing great products, service and advice. They stock a great range of shoes for all sports for adults and juniors. Leading brands stocked include Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance and K-Swiss.

Another key free service offered by Sporting Feet is running gait analysis, helping to ensure customers have the right type of shoe for their running style. All in all that means comfortable, well fitted running shoes and less likelihood of injury. This service is particularly useful if you are new to running or if you aren’t sure if your current shoes are right for you.

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They also offer free digital foot scanning and sell a good range of special sports insoles which can improve comfort, posture and help prevent injury. There is also a good selection of running and gym clothing, socks, supports and other accessories.

The shops are also useful ‘hubs’ for local sports in the community. There is loads of helpful information available on clubs, races, events, personal trainers, physios, podiatrists etc. Just the job if you are new to the area or a sport, or if you need some help to get started.

Open 7 days a week, Sporting Feet is a great addition to the retail landscape in South West London and one that can help us all get more active and stay injury free. Check them out soon!

THE DETAILS 3 Lacy Road, Putney SW15 1NH Tel 020 87800558 9 King Street, Richmond TW9 1ND Tel 020 8948 6059 www.sporting-feet.com

sporti g feet sports shoes for sporty people

Great service and expert advice Footwear for all major sports Adults and kids sizes Free gait testing/ running analysis Free digital foot scanning Specialists in sports insoles

10% OFF

WITH THIS AD BEFORE 28 FEBRUARY 2015

RICHMOND

9 King Street, Richmond, TW9 1ND Tel: 020 8948 6059

PUTNEY

3 Lacy Road, Putney, SW15 1NH Tel: 020 8780 0558

www.sporting-feet.com

YUMMY MUMMY

WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF. A SELECTION OF ITEMS FOUND AT WWW.MYDOTTYBOX.COM

PRETTY PINK THINGS BY UK BRAND ORANGE TREE TOYS

Something fun and

a little bit different

F

inding the perfect gift for that special little person in your life is no easy task. Where do you start? Whether it’s a trip along the high street or internet shopping, the whole experience can be pretty overwhelming and time consuming. New online company, My Dottybox has put together a service that puts the fun back into giving gifts for kids.

My Dottybox presents you with an exclusive collection of gifts for boys and girls aged 12 months – 8 years. The website offers a selection of beautiful themed gift boxes filled with things that kids will love. It’s really easy to find something that’s just right. You simply select a box based on the child’s age, their interests or the price range you’d like to spend. My Dottybox then presents you with a selection of suitable ‘Dottyboxes’ to pick from.

What’s great about My Dottybox is that they’ve chosen to work with three fantastic brands – Melissa & Doug, Orange Tree Toys and No Added Sugar – making sure that kids receive really good quality items in their boxes. The contents include toys, games, clothing and accessories that are fun and a little bit different.

All their gifts include a beautiful keepsake box and UK delivery free of charge. Prices begin at £27.50. To find out more and see the collection visit www.mydottybox.com

THE MY DOTTYBOX STORY My Dottybox owner, Claudia Williams tells us how she’s always struggled to know what presents to buy for kids. How would I know it was right for their age? Would they like it? What if they already had it? I wanted my gifts to look fun, exciting and special.

When my daughter was born, I was looking for a career change. I decided to set up My Dottybox as a place to make shopping for kid’s gifts easy. A one stop shop to quickly find ‘OVER THE RAINBOW’ £39 INCLUDING UK DELIVERY

the perfect gift for that special little person in your life. I wanted the products to be good quality, a bit quirky and fun to receive.

At a time when my little girl was lucky to receive an enormous number of gifts following her birth, I noticed how beautifully a lot of them were presented. The gifts packaged in keepsake boxes really stood out. They looked so special and it was exciting to see what was inside the beautiful box. I realised that there isn’t really anything like this for kids. And then the idea came to me.

Over the next few months I started putting my idea into reality. The name My Dottybox was inspired by my daughter who would smile every time she looked at my polka-dot design iPhone cover. I spent a lot of time researching the brands I wanted to work with, attending trade fairs and working with my fantastic team of graphic designers, website developers and photographers to create My Dottybox. I hope you and the special little people in your life really enjoy it!”

“My Dottybox is amazing! Fantastic, innovative products, brilliant choice and very very dotty!! I would recommend this website to anyone who wants to ensure great presents without the worry or effort required to find the right gift :)” BRETT “Thank you My Dottybox for all your gorgeous gifts. All the toys are lovely and presented so nicely. My little one can’t wait to play with them” HELENA “My daughter was so excited on Saturday when the postman brought her a ‘My Dottybox’ – she received the Dotty Princess Box with a Princess Push-up add on. Inside the box she got a princess skipping rope, beautiful handheld mirror and a decorate-your-own wooden princess. She was so happy with the goodies inside the box, and they are perfect for her age/likes.”

POLLY

MY DOTTYBOX B eautiful gift boxes for boys and girls aged 12 months - 8 years Gift boxes are themed for different ages and interests Our themes include Pirates, Princesses, Superheroes,Wild animals, Arts &Crafts, Fairies, Cars & Trucks and Fashion All our gifts include a free keepsake box All our gifts include free UK delivery Prices start at £27.50 Visit us at www.mydottybox.com

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‘DOTTY BLUE’ £29.50 INCLUDING UK DELIVERY

“Screw your courage to the sticking place – and we’ll not fail!”

Lady Macbeth was no fool!

She had high expectations of her husband!

If you have high expectations of your children then why not give them a What on Earth? Stickerbook Gift-Pack this Christmas.

Contains all FIVE What on Earth? titles – Big History, Nature, Science, Sport and Shakespeare – each one with more than 100 stickers that fix onto a 2m-long fold-out timeline that hangs on a wall.

Perfect activity books for parents, which children of all ages will enjoy, too!

Buy all five titlet s for jus £25!

Please visit us at:

www.whatonearthbooks.com/shop or call us anytime on 01732 464621

YUMMY MUMMY

Luxury Children’s Nightwear

E

stablished in 2006, London based Pixie Dixie burst into the online market and has since built a reputable brand of luxury children’s nightwear, quickly receiving attention from high profile retailers. Stockists include Fortnum and Mason, The Children’s Salon, Royal Academy of Art, National Gallery, Kensington Palace, Amazon, Alex and Alex and a plethora of luxury independent shops. Pixie Dixie is also proud to have its debut in Selfridges London, Winter season 2014/15. Celebrity fans include Penny Lancaster & Danni Minogue and some of course we cannot mention. We love making children’s nightwear that Mum and Grandma loves to buy and children love to wear. Our designs are as popular with children today as they were with their grandparents of yesteryear.

Having spent years working with the dedicated teams who care for children at London’s Portland Hospital, PD founder Tina Higginson became determined to find creative, fun and practical PJs outlet for youngsters who have to spend large portions of their childhood on the wards due to long term illnesses. Pixie Dixie was created and “Paint Your Own PJ’s” were born and have since become a best seller for the brand and a firm favourite for the children.

Popular for both boys and girls the Paint Your Own PJ’s gift set makes an excellent and unusual birthday present and ideal for sleepover parties. The boxed gift set is the ultimate boredom buster, especially for the arty types. The ingenious set, includes a

“Paint Your Own PJ’s” is a memory maker that will be cherished by children and their families alike.

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pair of white crew-neck PJs, made from the softest 100% jersey cotton, along with 4 fabric paints, stencils, brush and full instructions to create beautifully bespoke pyjamas for any little cherub aged 1-12 years, price £29.99. “Paint Your Own PJ’s” is a memory maker that will be cherished by children and their families alike.

This crafty kit is not the only trick up Pixie Dixie’s sleeves. For when cute couture of the more ready-made variety is required, the current and exclusive collection carries a range of dreamy prints, designed in-house and inspired by the London cityscape. Images include the iconic black taxi, red buses, marching palace guards and an inimitable classic, the mini-cooper. Their gorgeous boys and girls pyjamas for 1-10 year olds price from £28.99 and can be teamed with matching bathrobes to keep little ones extra toasty and delightfully dapper.

Due to the success of the PJ range, babies nightwear and accessories were added to the collection with prices from £8.99, which include sleepsuits, bibs, hats and blankets. Cosy and warm, the softest extra large double sided blankets that you will ever feel, measuring in at a whopping 120cm x 120cm are a firm customer favourite.

These are a keepsake and can be used for swaddling beautiful bundles right through to bed covers for the growing children. Price £34.99.

Shop online at www.pixiedixie.co.uk we have FREE shipping on orders over £50 within the UK. We are also offering 10% off for Yummy Mummy readers, family and friends, Use code: yummy THE DETAILS For more information contact Tina Higginson on admin@pixiedixie.co.uk Mobile 07803 247 400 Office: 0207 631 2084 www.pixiedixie.co.uk PixieDixiePJs

@pixiedixiepjs

YUMMY MUMMY

Sunday 8th March 2015 9am-1pm

TOWER POWERHOUSES

5k Family Challenge London’s Air Ambulance & Historic Royal Palaces launch Family Fundraising Event

F

or almost 1,000 years the Tower of London has stood sentry over the City of London. During its history it has been more than just a prison and royal residence.

This was the home of the King’s menagerie, the treasury and Crown Jewels, mint, ordinance office and observatory.

London’s Air Ambulance and Historic Royal Palaces have teamed up to bring you this new and exciting family challenge event. Follow clues around the City of London course and discover how the Tower of London and the powerhouses within it are connected with the City.

The course is suitable for everyone over the age of five and will not only challenge any intrepid adventurer with the distance but questions and clues will stretch the young participants to show off their numeracy and mathematical reasoning, literacy and language skills in accordance with Key Stage 1 & 2. The event will start and finish on the moat lawn with a picnic lunch and free entry into the Tower making this a fun filled and family focused day out.

Participating groups will be asked to pay an entry fee and pledge to raise a suggested contribution in aid of London’s Air

WILL THE POWERHOUSES OF LONDON DEFEAT YOU? Sign up at bit.ly/TowerPowerhouses Registration www.hrp.org.uk/challenge Cost Registration £25 per team, sponsorship target £175 Teams Maximum of 5 participants, one team member must be over 18 years old

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Ambulance and Historic Royal Palaces. Teams will receive full fundraising support before the event and all proceeds will be split equally between these two iconic London charities.

ABOUT LONDON’S AIR AMBULANCE London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London.

Using a helicopter by day and rapid response cars by night, a doctor and paramedic team can be at a patient’s side within minutes, providing life-saving medical interventions. The charity serves over 10 million people who live, work and travel in the capital and cover the area approximately bordered by the M25 motorway, a geography of 600 square miles.

London’s Air Ambulance treats on average 6 seriously injured people a day. Founded in 1989, the charity has treated over 30,000 critically injured people and attended most major incidents since inception. It has an international reputation for clinical excellence and delivers pioneering procedures which have been adopted across the world. www.londonsairambulance.co.uk ABOUT HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity which looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. We receive no money from the crown or the state to look after the six palaces in our care and we rely on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. www.hrp.org.uk

BBC Logo TM & Š BBC 1996

Sat 4 aPRIL 1.30PM & 4.45PM SUN 5 aPRIL 11aM & 2PM ssearena.co.uk | 0844 815 0815 0844 847 1682

Calls cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles will be considerably more.

www.CBeebieslive.com

Like our CBeebieslive page on

for news, competitions and fun!

EDUCATION

‘Private schools should be praised for

producing influential people’

A

new study by Debrett’s, the etiquette experts, reveals that two-fifths of the 500 most powerful and influential people in Britain went to private schools.

Crucially this cuts across all spheres of influence, including not only traditional careers, like business and politics, but areas like architecture and acting too: witness the amazing global success of Eton-educated Eddie Redmayne, still only 33, as Professor Stephen Hawking, in The Theory of Everything.

Of course private schools are always going to produce far more than their fair share of Society’s most powerful “players”. This is inevitable, given the fact that most successful people educate their own children privately; thus the system is guaranteed to be perpetuated, with success breeding success.

For example, high-flying parents will have all the key contacts, whether in commerce or theatre, to help ensure their own offspring have that first, vital helping

4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

hand up the career ladder.

Work experience slots inevitably go to the children of top business people or lawyers, for example as inevitably their parents have the contacts to find precious openings.

And anyone who has been to a private school, whether big or small, famous or not so famous, will know that there will be many such highachieving parents. Their added influence opens doors more easily and, crucially, other pupils can also benefit from their contacts.

For example, successful parents are often instrumental in prompting high-profile acquaintances to visit schools as speakers: spending time with pupils and offering invaluable advice on “How to succeed” in the process. That way, everyone benefits from their expertise. This is indeed how the system works on a termly basis: little nudges here and there, but nothing too blatant or nepotistic.

Private schools are exceedingly good at producing successful pupils...

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BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL Where Girls Learn to Lead

Girls’ Education

Root, Branch & STEM words Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School

M

y school is one of those increasingly rare institutions: a school which is single sex right through from 4-18 - no co-ed Sixth Form or Kindergarten tacked on at the beginning or end for us. Once, single sex education might have been perceived as the safe, traditional option but, for me, it has come to represent a distinctive and even radical choice. To choose a girls’ education is to opt for an infrastructure which supports girls in selecting the riskier, harder and more aspirational path in life.

In the new system of GCSE grading, the current A*-E grades will be transformed into grades 9 to 1. An A grade will be pitched at grade 7 and only 20% of those achieving above grade 7 will achieve the magic grade 9. This means that there will be an extraordinarily narrow margin for a new kind of ‘failure’ where a grade 8 will represent the failure to achieve the right kind of A*.

In a system which promotes perfectionism, the temptation may be to opt for a more limited curriculum – a narrower range of less demanding subjects.

However, in my girls’ school, we are acutely conscious of the need for girls to embrace the study of STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. At A level twice as many boys as girls take Maths and five times as many take Physics but, if girls do continue to study STEM subjects to A Level, they are more likely to achieve high grades.

In my school, we strive to promote STEM subjects in imaginative ways – our would be engineers are lured by the ‘Design Technology Divas Club’ in Year 9; our Junior Girls are skilled digital animators and computer coders; our Year 10s and Year 11s meet parents who are doctors, designers and engineers over coffee and cake in our regular STEM careers forum – the wonderfully named Café Scientifique. The key to promoting STEM subjects, is to nurture the roots – girls’ interest and enthusiasm for Science and Technology – only then will they have the confidence to branch out and to flourish.

THE DETAILS Find out more at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or from the admissions office on admissions@bro.gdst.net or telephone 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit.

We look forward to meeting you and your daughter at one of our forthcoming open events in March, May/June and October2015.

Follow us on twitter @bromleyhs

OPEN

MORNING Tuesday 3rd March 2015 10.15 am – 12.15 pm

FURTHER OPEN EVENTS May/June and October 2015 (dates to be confirmed)

Scholarships and Bursaries available (Senior School)

FOR GIRLS 4‐18 YEARS admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

EDUCATION

Empowering students to

develop as individuals B

ased in the heart of Mayfair in central London, Albemarle College was founded in 1997 and is now one of London’s leading Independent Sixth-Form colleges. Unlike many colleges of the same ilk, Albemarle’s student base is comprised of mainly British students with international students forming only 25% of the student body. Most students join Albemarle in year 12 to do A-levels having completed their GCSEs at a public, private or state school in the UK. The college offers 31 different A-level subjects and a wide range of GCSE subjects too.

The college ethos is one of empowering students to develop as individuals and to be able to work independently. This is done with the help of specialist teachers and a supportive network of Personal tutors and Curriculum managers who work with each individual student.

Exam success is a key element of the

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programme at Albemarle with 90% of students achieving grades A*-B grades at A-level. Most students progress on to one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK, although a few do opt for US universities.

To help develop the well-rounded individual the college has a number of specialist programmes such as a popular Life Skills programme for students in the lower sixth. There are also programmes for students wishing to enter degree courses in highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Architecture and Economics.

Albemarle also has a range of sports and extra-curricular activities available to students, including football, dance aerobics, horse-riding and golf, to name but a few.

THE DETAILS To arrange a visit or informal interview at Albemarle please contact the College Administrator Julia Millar on 020 7409 7273 or by email at admin@albemarle.org.uk www.albemarle.org.uk

An Award-winning Sixth-Form College In the Heart of Central London

Principals James Eytle and Beverley Mellon receiving the award for Best London Independent Sixth-Form College 2014 from Les Webb of sixth-form.com.

• Small group sizes – max class size of 8.

• Excellent location – in the heart of Mayfair in central London close to Hyde Park and Oxford Street.

• Excellent results

– 89.4% of A-level students gained A*, A, B grades in June 2014.

Wide Subject Choice

A-level & GCSE courses covering a wide range of subjects across Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Languages.

Specialist Programmes for University Entry

Specialist programmes for university entry onto competitive degree courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Economics, Psychology, Architecture and Engineering.

For enrolment enquiries please contact the College Administrator, Julia Millar on 020 7409 7273 or by email admin@albemarle.org.uk

www.albemarle.org.uk

EDUCATION

SYDENHAM HIGH’S MATHS TEAM DELIVERS A GEOMETRY EXERCISE AT ST JOSEPH’S RC JUNIOR SCHOOL

NUMBER GAMES CAPTURE STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND BUILD CONFIDENCE

SYDENHAM HIGH BRINGS

MAGIC OF MATHS TO LIFE

W

ith the increasing emphasis on STEM subjects being the key to future UK economic growth, Sydenham High GDST is taking an innovative approach to improve student’s engagement with and performance in Maths from an early age.

The school has launched Magic Maths, a unique programme developed by the Junior and Senior Maths staff using very visual, non-traditional demonstrations of the magic behind mathematical concepts – from living Venn diagrams (processing data) to number tricks (algebraic equations, common factors and multiples) plus paper cutting games such as fitting a whole class through one piece of A4 paper (geometry and spatial maths).

“The idea is to capture students’ curiosity with clever and strongly visual mathematical games,” said Mark Williams, Head of Maths at Sydenham High. “Showing students what a perimeter, a number bond or a set means, right in front of them, is a very powerful way to demystify Maths.

The programme is proving particularly helpful in smoothing

What makes us different is the difference we make...

Our strong academic record is just the starting point: from scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond exams Find out more at our Spring & Summer open events Junior: Wednesday 6 May

9.30 - 11am

Senior: Thursday 7 May 9.30 - 11am Wednesday 24 June 6.30 - 8pm (including our D’Art Exhibition)

020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

the step change in Maths from Junior to Senior School and also in introducing new concepts to girls embarking on the GCSE syllabus. Its popularity has also spawned a Magic Maths club, run

by Sixth Form Maths students.

“Once intrigued, students are more able to unpack the underlying concepts, see why they work and understand the logic that underpins them,” explained Mark Williams. “They gain huge personal satisfaction and confidence from finding the answers to something that might have seemed impenetrable on paper and they can then take their learning much further more quickly, seamlessly moving onto harder aspects.”

The techniques are not only being successfully used within the school but also in the community, thanks to the generous support of HSBC’s Global Education Programme - part of an ongoing collaboration with the Girls’ Day School Trust. Maths staff and a team of Sixth Form Mathematicians recently delivered an assembly and three different group activities to 120 children in Years 5 and 6 at St Joseph’s RC Junior School in West Norwood.

EDUCATION

Optimus Laudum W

ith Felices Erimus as its motto, happiness is at the heart of the philosophy at St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory School and it works. Educating three to seven year-old boys and girls in a friendly and caring environment for over 30 years is its strength and proprietor Adrian Ellis believes that the excellent ratio of staff to pupils allows each child to reach their full potential.

“Of course, together with parents, we look to establish each child’s unique qualities and particular talents and aim to develop them as fully as possible,” says Mr Ellis.

“We want our children to move on to the right schools for them.”

As a result St John’s Wood PrePreparatory has since 1982 been a ‘feeder’ to many of London’s top preparatory schools, among them Colet Court, Highgate, South Hampstead High School and University College School.

“The sense of a whole-school community is evident in this small school,” adds Mr Ellis.

“Size matters to St John’s Wood Pre-Prep. By limiting its numbers, most children know the rest of their fellow pupils throughout the school – an important element in building confidence and developing social skills.

Visit www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk or Call 020 7722 7149

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OPEN DAYS

2015

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

14TH MAR 25TH APR 19TH SEPT 3RD OCT

CATHOLIC BENEDICTINE 11– 18 CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX

www.worthschool.co.uk

B1534 WS 137x210L.indd 1

SINGING FROM THE HEART Being a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral is the experience of a lifetime St Paul’s choristers sing in one of the most famous and beautiful places of worship in the world, perform in concerts around the globe, and receive a first-class academic education at the Cathedral School. Boys are not expected to have fully-developed voices or much formal singing experience – enthusiasm, intelligence and musical potential are the keys.

— — — — —

100% tuition fees for all choristers Assistance with boarding fees available One of the top preparatory schools in the country The finest musical education An amazing start to life

If your son is aged 6–8 and shows musical promise, do get in touch.

He could become one of the next generation of choristers at St Paul’s.

For more information please contact: Clare Morgan, Registrar, St Paul’s Cathedral School 020 7248 5156 · admissions@spcs.london.sch.uk

ST. JOHN’S WOOD PRE - PREPARATORY SCHOOL

10/02/2015 17:43

Over 30 Years of Happiness & Success in Education Congratulations to the Year 2 class of 2013/2014 for receiving offers from schools including: City Of London School For Girls, Colet Court, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Highgate School, Latymer Prep School, Lyndhurst House School North Bridge House, Southbank International, South Hampstead High School and University College School Visit our brand new website and book for a tour of this small happy and successful school 020 7722 7149 info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk

ASHBOURNE COLLEGE A Level Scholarships Music and Performing Arts

• One of London’s best private colleges • Outstanding facilities for music, drama and art including state-of-the-art composing and recording software • Emphasis on study skills, independent thinking and individual attention has produced excellent exam results and university destinations • Informal, university-style approach and wide range of cultural activities • Opportunities for full and partial scholarships for students with exceptional talent and academic ability.

Contact admissions on: 020 7937 3858 admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk

college.co.uk

Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form Kensington, London W8 4PL

EARLY YEARS ‘‘This is a big, bold, very brilliant school.’’

Tatler School Guide 2015

www.dulwichpreplondon.org registrar@dulwichpreplondon.org

CE 4213 Fulham Life Advertisement:Layout 1 2/6/15 11:13 AM Page 1

4/2/15

15:12

Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Inspiring Brilliant Futures

Open Mornings Tuesday 17th March 9.30 - 11.00 Tuesday 9th June 9.30 - 11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

Page 1

Fulham Prep School

fishmedia ad NOV 2014:Layout 1

Is your child passionate about music, or in tune with a wide curriculum of subjects?

Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8). www.fulhamprep.co.uk

Fulham Pre-Prep Open Day Thursday 19th March, 2015 between 09:30 and 11:00am.

47A Fulham High Street.

Walk in anytime, no need to register.

All prospective parents welcome.

F

S

EDUCATION

A Winning Educational Forumla

D

onhead Preparatory School is a thriving independent Jesuit preparatory school for boys aged 4-11 years. Applications from other Christian denominations, other faiths and those of no faith are welcomed. Children are prepared thoroughly for selective state and independent schools, as well as maintaining a regular number of pupils transferring to Wimbledon College, a non-selective Jesuit secondary school.

There are 340 pupils on roll. The school roll has doubled in the last 8 years and, during that time, the school has benefitted from a £4.5m investment in additional and improved facilities.

Furthermore, a new £3.2m development begins in March 2015. This will be completed in December 2015 and will deliver the benefit of a Chapel, a 150 seat Theatre for Music and Drama and a two storey Art & Design Centre.

Donhead Preparatory School seeks to educate young persons of competence, conscience and compassion. It is hoped that our leavers, in whatever profession they ultimately choose

1 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

to pursue, will be ‘leaders in service’; taking the lead in serving the needs of those who need their help most. The cultivation of this spirit of ‘generosity’ is the core purpose of the school. The children are urged to do their very best in all that they do, developing their talents to the full, for both the greater glory of God and the common good. The byproduct of this pursuit of excellence is considerable success in our academic and sporting endeavours.

Last year 9 Scholarship Awards were secured to highly selective independent schools and, in the last three years, two of our year groups have won the National Schools’ Rugby Tournament. The school also has 3 choirs and an orchestra. The quality of music is a joy of the school.

It is not, of course, just clever boys who can make a difference and, therefore, Donhead is a strictly nonselective school. Places are awarded on a date of registration basis only.

Long waiting lists exist in most years and so early registration is advised.

Preference is given to siblings and to boys transferring into our Reception Class from The Ursuline Preparatory School.

THE DETAILS For more details please visit the school website at www.donhead.org.uk.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to our school.

AMDG

DONHEAD

33 Edge Hill Wimbledon London SW19 4NP T: 020 8946 7000 www.donhead.org.uk

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

A Jesuit School Preparatory Day School for Boys 4 to 11 years

      

Outstanding Inspection Report available to view at ADVERT www.donhead.org.uk 15 Our 10 year £7.7m development scheduled for completion in December 2015 Catholic Ethos Children of all denominations welcome Entry and scholarships achieved to top state and independent schools Outstanding Sporting and Musical tradition Extensive extra-curricular provision Wrap-Around Care from 8.00am to 6.00pm

Full admissions details available via the website.

To arrange a personal tour please contact: Mrs June Smith, PA to the Headmaster, at headmasterpa@donhead.org.uk or telephone 020 8946 7000 (extension 1)

EDUCATION

THE GOLD STANDARD

F

airley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with specific learning difficulties.

Offering a unique education with Educational Psychologists, Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists integrated into the school curriculum, the school enjoys a central London location with excellent facilities.

Addressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude.

0899 FH LIFE 125mm(h) x 185mm(w).indd 1

Following a great deal of encouragement from our parental body, Fairley House has decided, from September 2015, to continue its educational provision until the completion of Key Stage 4.

This will enable pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their needs are fully met.

While our intention is to enable your child to rejoin mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision will now offer the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions. We are certain that this new development will enhance the provision that Fairley House can offer.

24/01/2015 09:47

H S GROUP ROUP OUSEschools CHOOLSgroup ROUP HOUSE OUSE SCHOOLS CHOOLS G house Bassett House Bassett HouseSchool School Bassett House School Bassett House School Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

Orchard House School Prospect House School orchard House School OrchardHouse HouseSchool School prospect Prospect House School Orchard House School Prospect House School Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick

Bassett Bassett House School BassettHouse HouseSchool School Bassett House School 60 Bassett 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP 60Bassett BassettRoad, Road,London LondonW10 W106JP 6JP 60 Road, London W10 6JP Tel 020 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk OPEN DAYS 11th 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAYSaturday, Saturday, 9thOct, May, 10am-12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm

Orchard OrchardHouse HouseSchool School Orchard House School Orchard House School 16 16 Newton 16Newton NewtonGrove, Grove,Bedford BedfordPark, Park,London LondonW4 W41LB 1LB 16 Newton Grove, Bedford Park, London W4 Tel 020 Tel 020 8742 8544, info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel020 0208742 87428544, 8544,info@orchardhs.org.uk info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk OPEN DAYS 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYSaturday, Saturday, 7th March, 9.30am-noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon

Prospect House School Prospect House School House School P H Shhh lll PProspect HHouse SSchool PProspect H S 75 Putney 75Putney PutneyHill, Hill,London LondonSW15 SW153NT 3NT 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT 75 Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel020 0208780 87800456, 0456,info@prospecths.org.uk info@prospecths.org.uk Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk OPEN EVENING Thursday, 30th April, 6-8pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4thOct, Oct,9.30am 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th –––noon

Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth

Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard Bassett House House School School in in Kensington, Kensington, Orchard Orchard Bassett Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard House School in Chiswick and Prospect House House School School in in Chiswick Chiswick and and Prospect Prospect House House House House School in Chiswick and Prospect House School in Putney are prep schools for children aged Schoolin inPutney Putneyare areprep prepschools schoolsfor forchildren childrenaged aged School School in Putney are prep schools for children aged 333 and above.

All are IAPS-member schools and and above. above. All All are are IAPS-member IAPS-member schools schools and and and 3 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and participate in the Minimum Funding Entitlement participate in in the the Minimum Minimum Funding Funding Entitlement Entitlement participate participate in the Mininum Funding Entitlement Scheme, which reduces the fees charged Scheme, which which reduces thecharged fees charged charged for for Scheme, reduces the fees Scheme, which reduces the fees for childrenfor children aged under 5 years old. children aged under 55 years years old. old. children aged under aged under 5 years.

All three schools are co-educational to age 11, All three three schools schoolsare areco-educational co-educationaltoto toage age11, 11, All three schools are co-educational age 11, All when the children leave for their senior schools. when the the children childrenleave leavefor fortheir theirsenior seniorschools. schools. when the children leave for their senior schools. when The schools are non-selective for younger Theschools schools are non-selective non-selective forchildren, younger The schools are for younger The are non-selective for younger children, yet the academic expectations are high children, yet the the academic academic expectations expectations are the high children, yet are high yet the academic expectations are high and and the achievement distinguished.

We believe this and the the achievement achievement distinguished.

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We believe is for is for two principal reasons.

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Together these abundance of resources. Together these bring out the bring every child. bring out the best inchild. each and and every every child. child. in each best inout eachthe andbest every Examination consistently been Examination results results have have consistently consistently been results have consistently been Examination excellent: the schools proud of their hard-won excellent:the the schools are proud of their their of hard-won excellent: schools areare proud of their hard-won and and long-standing reputations. and long-standing reputations. long-standing reputations.

Parents children earlytoto to Parents usually usually register registertheir theirchildren childrenearly usually register their children early Parents secure Nursery or Reception secureplaces places in each eacheach school’s NurseryNursery or Reception school’s Nursery or secure placesin in school’s or classes but groups arise from classes but vacancies in other year groups vacancies in other year groups arise from Reception classes but vacancies in other year groups time to consider one of these these time from to time. time. youtime. wishIfto toyou consider one you wish consider one of arise timeIfIfto wish to consider schools foryour your child,for we strongly strongly encourage schools child, we encourage you to to encourage you one of for these schools your child, we strongly visit us. us. Please Please call the school secretary of visit secretary of the the encourage you tocall visitthe us. school Please secretary call the school relevant of school, who will will be who happy tobearrange arrange school, who be happy relevant happy to arrange for secretary the relevant school, willto happy tofor you to tofor visit the school and see see it in in school and action. you visit see it in action.

In arrange youthe to visit the school and it see it in action.In addition, there are occasional Open OpenDays Dayswhich Open Days which addition, Open Days which In addition,there thereare are occasional occassional give an an even even greater greateropportunity opportunitytoto tospeak speaktoto greater opportunity speak our give give an even opportunity to speak toour our strongestsupporters, supporters, namely the children! strongest supporters, namely children! strongest namely thethe children! children!

EDUCATION

Why choose an

Independent Sixth Form College?

F

or independent sixth form colleges, formerly known as “crammers”, times have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. There are currently over 100 such colleges in the UK, located nationwide from Exeter to Edinburgh, and significantly the majority of the A-level courses that they run nowadays are of the traditional two-year variety, rather than the shortened retake courses for which they were renowned. Most still run resit and revision courses, but this sector is now firmly established as a provider of the standard post-GCSE two-year programme.

Most of the best colleges are members of the Council for Independent Education (CIFE). CIFE, founded in 1972, is a national association whose colleges each offer individual features but are all subject to high standards of accreditation.

Details of each college can be found at www.cife.org.uk.

Chris Kraft, Principal of Duff Miller College, explains why the sixth form colleges are no longer the poor relation of the independent sector: “Students are making a pro-active choice to seek alternatives to the traditional school sixth form. The die is not cast for 16-year-olds to stay where they have been since 11 or 13, and many parents are now seeking a bespoke solution to the problem of ensuring entry into high-demand courses such as medicine and law at top universities. They are increasingly unconvinced that staying put is the best option.”

SO,WHAT ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF PRIVATE SIXTHFORM COLLEGES? Firstly, they provide a more adult learning environment compared to schools, a wider variety and range of subjects on offer (over 40, in some cases) and fewer restrictions on subject combinations. Mike Kirby, who founded Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College in the 1970s, stresses: “We offer the opportunity for change, growth and development and are rightly called half-way houses to university. There is an excellent balance between freedom and discipline: students have much more responsibility to manage their academic and social lives, but at the same time colleges are slightly obsessed with monitoring attendance, work submission and exam preparation.”

Secondly, the best colleges have experienced teachers who are A-level subject specialists, familiar with all the exam board requirements and often examiners for the syllabuses they teach. Steve Boyes, Principal of MPW London, adds: “Sixth form college teachers have developed special expertise because they cater only for Key Stage 5 and can focus on delivering A-level specifications in innovative and creative ways, which translates into high-level academic outcomes.”

THE DETAILS For more information go to www.cife.org.uk or telephone 020 8767 8666.

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“OUTSTANDING”* 1 Montessori education 1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum) 1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics

Call: Fulham 020 7386 0006

or

Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877

Taking care of Little People since 1978

www.littlepeople.co.uk Motivation • Inspiration • Excellence

Located in the heart of Belsize Park in Hampstead, Sarum Hall is a modern and successful school in which pupils are motivated to learn, inspired to fulfil their potential and encouraged to achieve excellence.

Natural talents and enquiring minds are nurtured, allowing girls to explore new horizons with confidence. We are proud of our academic, scholarship and examination success; the foundations laid at Sarum Hall last a lifetime.

Means-tested bursaries are available for a limited number of pupils.

Please contact the school for further information.

Headmistress: Mrs C Smith 15 Eton Avenue London NW3 3EL Tel: 020 7794 2261 Email: admissions@sarumhallschool.co.uk www.sarumhallschool.co.uk Charity number: 312721 Company Registration number: 0666444

Preparatory School for Girls aged 3 to 11 years

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL PETER HAMILTON, HEADMASTER OF HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL Making the right choice of school for your child is a daunting prospect. With so many excellent independent secondary schools available, all displaying an impressive pedigree, it is easy to become overwhelmed when choosing the school that will be best for your child in terms of academic fulfilment and personal development.

A child’s schooldays, however, are not merely about absorbing knowledge or acquiring grades. Ensuring that the school has the correct type of pastoral support and care for your child is paramount to their success and happiness. For example, how are classes set?

Ability setting may be too competitive for some; geographical location ensures classmates are close to each other both inside and outside of school, better encouraging the kind of lifelong friendship that schools inspire.

Additionally, how pupils are supported through exams – planning, revision strategies, stress management – and the UCAS process, should form part of your decisionmaking. At 11, this may seem early, but it is certainly not premature. Before you know it, you’ll be watching them receive their exam results and waving them off to University.

By now you will have visited numerous open days, acquired packs of prospectuses and met multitudes of inspirational children and teachers. Further, you will be facing the fact that most independent schools have small class sizes, exceptional exam results, motivated staff, an extensive range of extracurricular activities, a cabinet full of trophies, and more! So, how do you best make an informed decision?

Primarily, choosing a school is about choosing an academic ethos that will enable your child to succeed, not just in their exams, but in their lives after education.

Most schools supply an information book alongside their prospectus and this should explain the how each curricular subject is taught and what exactly is on offer.

Some schools expect pupils to drive their own learning; others may have a more creative, or project focused, approach. Some schools will offer little or no flexibility when selecting examination subjects; others may afford students a variety of choices. Knowing your child’s areas of strength, you should be looking to choose an approach that will engage them and encourage them to learn throughout their life.

In the case of Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, we admit the brightest boys, and at every stage of their development our curriculum is expressly designed to keep them involved, stimulated and eager to learn. We are known for our academic excellence and the vast majority of our students go on to their first choice university, with exceptionally high numbers to Oxford and Cambridge.

We produce confident and self-motivated young men who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future.

We have a strong and supportive multicultural community at our core. Students make friends across the most extraordinary range of backgrounds and cultures, and our community stands as a beacon of tolerance and respect.

The right school will share the values and aspirations that you have for your child. It will have demonstrated how it nurtures pupils, how it gets the best from them inside and outside the classroom, and it will already have struck a chord with your family.

I wish you the best of luck in making your decisions.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk Open Day: Sat 3rd October 2015 1 – 4pm Booked tours are available throughout the yeat

School Tours with the Headmistress for details contact the school 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk

ST JAMES Junior School

Earsby Street | London W14 8SH

for girls and boys

Registered Charity No. 270156

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

Open Day Saturday 3rd October 2015 1–4pm Booked tours available through the year

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996

Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA

EDUCATION

HEAD MASTER SIMON EVERSON GREETS ASTRONAUT COMMANDER CHRIS HADFIELD

SIMON EVERSON AT MERCHANT TAYLORS’

The role of the Head Teacher

by Simon Everson, Head master of Merchant Taylors’ school

E

ighteen months into my second headship seems a good point to pause and reflect on the experiences of being a Head. As a group, we Heads suffer more than most from a misleading popular perception of our role. Despite being almost 100 years out of date, for many the image that most closely describes a Head Teacher is taken from the Bash Street Kids stories in the Beano. They summon up a picture of an antique, rake-thin, remote and tweedy old man, clad in a black academic gown. This perception is unfair to Heads – but what are we really like? What should parents and pupils understand of this important figure in their child’s education? We should start by debunking a few myths.

The most common myth of headship is that it is a lonely job. The perception is of crushing solitude, of an isolated person who – whilst brooding at an Olympian height – bears the weight of the whole school upon his or her shoulders: just this morning I opened the Times Educational Supplement to see that the lead article bore the headline ‘The Loneliness of Leadership.’ The image beside the headline was a marble statue holding his face in his hands with a rather mischievous pigeon perched on his head. After more than eight years of headship I beg to differ. Yes, the final decision lies with the Head but each of us is surrounded by teams and innumerable supportive groups of colleagues. We share the discussion, collectively develop the vision and rarely act without agreement and mutual support. More widely, every Head is linked to other Head Teachers through professional bodies and circles of friendship. If all that fails, buy a dog. Ask most Head Teachers whether they are afflicted by loneliness and they will reply that they would cheerfully welcome a bit of solitude to get some thinking done.

The second myth is that the role is stressful. Setting aside the fact that not all stress is bad and that it is a balance of stresses that keeps cathedral walls standing for innumerable centuries, in fact the role is not stressful in the true sense of the word. It is pressured, often hectic, busy and (in modern parlance) full on – but not stressful. Stress arises from feeling of lack of control.

Stress arises from uncertainty. Heads suffer from many things but they benefit from being the one in charge. Arguably, Deputy Heads - with significant responsibility but no full ownership of the direction of the school - are more prone to stress.

The third common misperception is that headship is primarily about administration and paperwork. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that, particularly in state schools, the compliance culture requires that paperwork be undertaken and that records be in order. However, this is ‘grunt work’ and will

2 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

largely be completed by support staff, overseen by a Deputy.

Rather than a paper shuffling role, headship is almost entirely focused on people, whether it is supporting a Rugby XV on the touchline or taking lunch with pupils new to the school.

As a Head, your attention will be almost exclusively given to the needs of your pupils and working with colleagues (both teaching and support staff). The few minutes of any day not given to encouraging, collaborating with, inspiring, admonishing, cajoling and acknowledging those two key groups will be spent working with others. Heads also work closely with governors, parents, the press, people of local significance, former pupils and innumerable others. The primary tools of headship are communication and persuasion, whether delivered one-to-one or to a larger group.

Our final myth is that each Head is, at least on some level, a Machiavellian mastermind. Much as some of us might enjoy it if we were, this description does not stick either. In fact, schools are now so complex that it would be almost impossible to mastermind all activities people and processes involved. Again, the opposite of that myth is true. It is vital for every Head to be as open and transparent as possible. No Head wants to be in possession of information about a pupil unknown to that the child’s parents. Teachers look to Heads for inspiration – but they are highly intelligent and do not take kindly to the feeling of being manipulated. Head Teachers have to be moral leaders as well as professional leaders. An essential part of this is to prove beyond doubt to others that we are not in it for ourselves, but have a wider perspective and a clear moral compass.

So what is true about the role? The reality is both simpler and more fulfilling than any of these myths. The busyness of the role is a given. Besides that, a key ingredient of the role is variety. Headship will involve you in all aspects of the life of a school and the experiences of those who work and learn there.

The only certainty is surprise; it is not uncommon to go from a financial strategy meeting to one offering comfort to a distressed pupil or colleague. The working day of the Head is also full of humour. Not a day goes by without laughter and celebration of achievement. It is inherently joyful to work with children – never boring, always surprising and often humbling.

After nine years, I can honestly say that I am still learning.

I doubt I will ever reach the point where the day ahead is fully mapped and without surprises. And that’s why I enjoy the role so much!

Simon Everson has been Head of Merchant Taylors’, Northwoood since September 2013.

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561 15 61

Open Morning

09 May 2015 10.00 - 12.30

Wouldn’t you prefer a London school in the country?

40 minutes from Bond Street and Marylebone is: • 2016 Registration: 13+ February 28 2015 11+ November 30 2015 16+ December 31 2015

• A traditional boys’ education for your son • ‘Exceptional’ 2014 School Inspection • Inspirational teaching

• Unique tutorial system

• Civilized, friendly & unpressured

• Bursaries • Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships

• Magnificent sports fields

• Superb facilities set in 250 acres

St John’s Wood coach from September 2015

Getting here

Online

Coaches : Barnet (via Stanmore), Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore Car : MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40 Transit : MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) and is accessible from any Jubilee/Metropolitan Line station. Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth From Marylebone: Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow. Travelling time from WC1/W1 is 40 minutes

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 11.15 and 12.15

Visit us at www.mtsn.org.uk Find us on Facebook Merchant Taylors’ School Follow us on Twitter @MerchantTaylors

Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions Officer admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561.

For boys 11 - 18

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

Open Morning

Find the best tutors in your area |

|

|

We warmly welcome you to visit our school on

Saturday 28th February 9.30-12.00

Maths

English

Science

& more!

Wilberforce House, Camp Road, Wimbledon SW19 4UN Visit our school and meet Headmistress, Mrs Pepper and her staff For further details please call Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 We offer an assisted places scheme for girls aged 7+

www.thestudyprep.co.uk

Registered Charity No.271012

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½ OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday, 6th May 2015 Thursday, 7th May 2015 For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

020 3322 4748

tutorfair.com

www.hurtwoodhouse.com

Learning the Bard

For a life in the Theatre

Testing Materials

Open Mornings

For a life in Fashion

Open Morning

St George’s Junior School

St George’s College & Sixth Form

01932 839400

01932 839300

Friday 6 March 2015 Saturday th 7 March 2015

Saturday 7 March 2015

th

th

Leading independent co-educational Roman Catholic day schools in Surrey offering a values-led education for all.

Book now at www.stgeorgesweybridge.com A Registered Educational Charity No.1017853