Westminster
Issue 25, October 2015
Children first
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Win a family ticket to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Keep your tots happy at the library Get the family fit, healthy and happy
Your recycling guide Your mixed recycling collection is weekly Step 1
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Order your free recycling bags or container from your housing manager or caretaker, or contact us.
Put all your recyclable items together into your recycling bag or container.
Leave it out on your recycling collection day or put it in your nearest mixed recycling bin which may be in your building.
You can recycle:
Tip: Flatten your cardboard boxes and add to your mixed recycling
Contact us • to order free recycling bags or a container • to find your rubbish and recycling collection days and times • to find your nearest on-street micro recycling centre
Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycling Call: 020 7641 2000 Email: recycling@westminster.gov.uk If you have a housing manager or caretaker please ask them for details of your rubbish and recycling services.
Dear parent or carer Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy, but there are lots of ways to keep the family fit in Westminster. Our lives are busier than ever. I’m always running between meetings with the Youth Council, to school and then out to see friends. Parents with small children have even less time on their hands. So I feel lucky to live in a place where there are opportunities to stay healthy right on my doorstep. Westminster has eight low-cost leisure centres, with some of the lowest prices in London. There are also lots of sports pitches and neighbourhood sports clubs, plus outdoor activities like the LEAP Parkour Park. Westminster residents get great discounts on sport, including 60% off swimming with a Westminster City Save card. There are more discounts in this edition of Children First, including discounted half-term holiday camps.
Contents your tiny tots 5 Keep happy at the library the family fit, 6 Get healthy and happy more 8 Learn about fostering Westminster’s 9 Explore wildlife what’s on 10 Discover in Westminster great 11 Enjoy family discounts
We may live in central London, but that doesn’t stop us from staying fit, eating right and even finding wildlife in some of the 80 parks and open spaces in the city. Whatever time you have to keep the family healthy, there are plenty of ways to do it in Westminster.
Aby Murray Youth MP Westminster Contact Aby at westminsteryouthmp@ westminster.gov.uk
Win a family ticket to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Page 11
Discounted half-term holiday camps Page 10
Cover photo: Songs and rhymes for under 5s at Mayfair Library.
Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
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The latest news from around Westminster
Apply now for school places in 2016
Free childcare for your two-year-old
Check our online admissions guides for step-by-step advice on how to apply for primary and secondary school places. Visit westminster.gov. uk/admissions
More parents than ever can apply for up to 15 hours of free early education or childcare for their two-yearolds, in Children’s Centres, nurseries or through childminders. If your child is two – or turning two soon – find out if they’re eligible at westminster.gov.uk/ childcare
Don’t forget, the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31st October 2015. The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15th January 2016.
Meningitis B vaccine A new vaccine to help prevent meningitis is now being offered to babies as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged two months, followed by a second dose at four months, and a booster at 12-13 months. Talk to your GP for more information. For a list of local GP surgeries visit westminster.gov.uk/ health-and-medical-care
Check your electoral details The electoral register is updated every year and you are required to confirm your details as part of the annual canvass. We wrote to you in August to confirm who is living in your household. Please follow any instructions in your letter to ensure you remain on the electoral register. You need to be on the electoral register to vote in elections including the Mayor of London and London Assembly Elections next year. Visit westminster.gov.uk/ register-to-vote
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NEWS
Check your smoke alarm when the clocks go back The clocks go back on 25th October. Why not use the clock change as a reminder to test your smoke alarm? Follow @CityWestminster or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ WestminsterParents for the latest news, offers and events for your family.
Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
Keep your tiny tots happy at the library You’re never too young to enjoy the library. Children can join from birth and there are over 130,000 children’s books, DVDs, music and story tapes to choose from. There are also free play, song and rhyme sessions for under 5s throughout the week. Keely Brett from Bayswater brings her one-year-old daughter Everly to Mayfair Library for songs, rhymes and baby play time.
playmates. It’s become part of her routine and I would really recommend these sessions to other parents in Westminster.”
She says: “I found out about the sessions from visiting the library and have been bringing Everly around three times a month. It’s a really lovely, small group and we both look forward to coming.
Find sessions for your baby or toddler at westminster.gov.uk/ under-5s-and-libraries
Everly & Ke el ey Your favourites – Westminster libraries Tanya Fraser: “Paddington Children’s Library is my favourite because of the lovely and kind staff whose patience seems to be never ending. During the holidays there are endless art and craft events which my children love attending.”
Natalie Walsh: “As a child my favourite library was Church Street Library, doing the summer reading challenge. Now it has to be Maida Vale Library where my kids get to do the same!”
Find more family favourites on our Facebook page: facebook.com/ Westminster Parents
“Everly loves the songs and the baby play time on the mat once the session has finished. She also enjoys seeing the same children each week and has been making some lovely
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Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
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There are after-school homework clubs in all of Westminster’s children’s libraries for seven to 13-year-olds. There are no distractions and friendly staff are on hand to help with any homework questions. Visit westminster.gov.uk/homework-clubs
Get the family fit, healthy and happy With winter fast approaching, we’ve put together our top tips for keeping your family healthy and active.
Join free family health sessions Fun games and activities to help keep your family fit and healthy are now available through our new Mind, Exercise, Nutrition….Do it! (MEND) sessions in Children’s Centres, schools and community centres. Find out how to prepare healthy meals and take part in fun exercise activities alongside your children.
Visit mytimeactive.co.uk/MEND for activity details or call 020 8323 1725 to book your place.
MEND Mums Low on energy and in need of a boost? Come along to our energising workouts alongside nutrition advice for you and your baby.
Where: Portman Children’s Centre, 12 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE When: Mondays, 10-11.30am
(sessions start on 2nd November 2015) No need to book, just turn up and join in
MEND Mini Food tasting activities and games plus physical activities to help the development of your two to five-year-old.
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Where: Marsham Street Children’s
Centre, 121 Marsham Street, SW1P 4LX and Portman Children’s Centre, 12 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE
When: Mondays, 1.30-2.30pm
(Marsham Street) and Thursdays from 5th November 2015, 2-3pm (Portman) No need to book, just turn up and join in
MEND 5-7 Help develop healthy habits with your five to seven-year-old through active play and setting goals. Plus advice on how to deal with tantrums.
Where: Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8HJ When: Mondays, 3.45pm-5.30pm Call 020 8323 1725 to book
Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
Protect your family against flu If you’re pregnant you can ask your GP for a free flu vaccination which can help to protect you and your baby from flu after it is born.
MEND 7-13 Become a healthy eating detective and find out what’s hiding in your food whilst having fun and making friends.
Where: The Stowe Centre, 248 Harrow Road, W2 5ES When: Tuesdays and Fridays, 4-6pm Call 020 8323 1725 to book
Kick it for good Make a pledge to quit smoking in Stoptober and you’ll receive lots of support along the way. The 28-day smoking challenge is a national effort to help people to give up for good. Visit nhs.uk/smokefree. There’s also lots of local support in libraries, markets and Little Venice Sports Centre through the Kick It stop smoking service. Visit kick-it.org.uk or call 020 3434 2500 for more information. It is now illegal to smoke in vehicles with someone under 18 present. For more information about the new legislation visit gov.uk/smokefreecars Under 19s get free swimming at Westminster’s five swimming pools with an ActiveWestminster card. Apply at westminster.gov.uk/sportsand-leisure-discounts Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
Flu is especially common in children. This year, schools are vaccinating all children in Years One and Two and you can take your two to four-year-old to your GP. It’s given as a nasal spray to children, which is painless and easy. The vaccination is different every year in response to changing strains of the virus so it’s recommended that you have a flu vaccination every year to protect yourself and your children. The best time to have the vaccination is in October to early November; however vaccines may still be available later in the flu season from your GP. Five reasons to vaccinate your child against flu: 1. The nasal spray helps protect against flu, has been given to millions of children worldwide and has an excellent safety record 2. It’s painless and easy to have 3. Flu can be really serious, especially for children with medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes 4. If your child gets flu you may have to take time off to look after them 5. Protecting your child can stop flu spreading to other children and the family, especially babies and grandparents, who may be at higher risk from flu. Find out more at nhs.uk/child-flu 7
Give something back, become a foster carer Has your child recently left home or headed to university? If your home is feeling a bit empty use your parenting skills and experience to provide care and support for other teenagers who need a home by Most people are eligible to becoming a foster carer. foster, so if you’ve been thinking about it take the first step and Esther, 64, has been a Westminster foster find out more. carer for two years caring for teenagers. “I decided to foster as I felt I had something to offer another child after my children had left home. I also thought it would be nice to have company and someone around the house.
Call 0800 169 3497 or 020 8753 1057, email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk or sign up for a fostering information event:
“I chose to foster 11 to 18-year-olds as they are more independent and you don’t have to do everything for them as you would younger children or babies. I give them their own space and they can be as independent as they want to be, but I still give them chores to do, as I would with my own children. When they came to live with me they continued to attend their school and they kept their friends, which has helped them to settle.
One-to-one sessions: Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month between 10am and 4pm. Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU
“At my age it’s great to still have a family at home, it’s a joy for my grandchildren too, they love playing together.”
Information session: 27th January, 10am-12 midday. Venue to be confirmed closer to the date.
Information session: 19th November, 6-8pm. Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX
Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/fostering
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Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
Explore Westminster’s wildlife Westminster’s parks offer children exciting opportunities to discover amazing wildlife and magical woodland, in the heart of London. Children from Westminster’s primary schools have been exploring the woodlands and wildlife at Paddington Recreation Ground in Maida Vale, whittling beads, embarking on bug hunts and making musical instruments from nature as part of a new Forest School project. Simone Anderson, a teacher from Essendine Primary School, says: “The benefit of taking part is that we all took the time to stop and look at the nature within our busy urban area. My class particularly enjoyed exploring the space around them, being independent as well as working together to build camps.” Forest school sessions take place throughout term-time. To see if your school offers the programme email info@sayers-croft.net
“I loved watching dragonflies and damselflies laying eggs”
“I can now creep quietly so I don’t disturb the wildlife”
Get the family active with Park Makers Park Makers are volunteers who run free sporty activities in Westminster’s parks. Head to Westbourne Green open space ever y Saturday from 10.30am12 midday for family activities – no need to book. Visit westminster. gov.uk/parkmakers
“I love playing and finding out more stuff about nature”
There are 80 parks and open spaces in Westminster filled with playgrounds, sandpits, climbing equipment and more. Find your nearest park and playground at westminster.gov.uk/parks
Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
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There are lots of fun things to do in Westminster this half-term Monday 26th Friday 30th October
Tuesday 27th Friday 30th October
Wednesday 28th October
Perfect your swimming technique with an expert coach Time: Varies according to skill level, call for more details Age: 3+ Venue: Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge, SW1V 1EL Cost: £36 for residents; £38.75 for non-residents 020 7630 5522
Football, basketball, cricket, tennis and multisports holiday camps Time: 10am-3pm Age: 5-15 Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD Cost: £55.96 or £29.28 with a Westminster City Save card 020 7641 3642
Spooky Halloween crafts Time: 10.30am-12 midday and 2.30-4pm Age: 5+ Venue: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT Cost: Free 020 7641 6200
Monday 26th October Make a scary monster from the past at dinosaur crafts Time: 10.30am-12 midday and 2.30-4pm Age: 5+ Venue: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT Cost: Free 020 7641 6200
Tuesday 27th October Enjoy a family fun afternoon with face painting, games and picture taking Time: 2-2.30pm Age: All Venue: St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, St. John’s Wood, NW8 6PD Cost: Free 020 7641 6200
Create paper animals and shapes out of origami Time: 2-3.30pm Age: 5+ Venue: St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, St. John’s Wood, NW8 6PD Cost: Free 020 7641 6200
Friday 30th October Halloween Party Time: 4.30-6pm Age: 5+ Venue: Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, W9 2QT Cost: Free 020 7641 6200 For more events sign up for our monthly families enewsletter westminster. gov.uk/families-first
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Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
offers and discounts for westminster residents
20% off your food bill at Flamingos Eatery Offer: Enjoy hearty flavours straight from the Caribbean and a children’s menu to satisfy all tastes and ages. Valid Monday-Friday. How to claim: Present your Westminster City Save card before ordering. Venue: Flamingos Eatery, The Yaa Centre,
WIN Win a family ticket to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Enjoy the ultimate Christmas day out. The prize includes tickets to the spectacular Magical Ice Kingdom, a skate around Ski Zillertal Ice Rink and a ride on the iconic Giant Observation Wheel finished off with a spectacular show from Zippos Circus.
How to enter: For a chance to win like our Facebook page at facebook.com/ WestminsterParents and tell us your favourite after-school activity in Westminster. Competition closes on 16th November 2015. Terms and conditions: A family ticket includes two adults and two children. Tickets must be used between 20th November 2015 – 3rd January 2016 (Winter Wonderland is closed on Christmas Day). Tickets cannot be exchanged. Tickets are subject to availability. Session times must be stipulated for the Ski Zillertal Ice Rink and Zippos Circus. Westminster Children First, Issue 25, October 2015
1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN
20% off grand tours at the Royal Albert Hall Offer: Experience the excitement of one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world. How to claim: Present your Westminster City Save card when purchasing tickets. Venue: Door 12, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
25% off family tickets at the Household Cavalry Museum Offer: Go behind the scenes at the working stables of the Queen’s mounted bodyguards. How to claim: Present your Westminster City Save card when purchasing tickets. Venue: Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1A 2AX
Apply for your free Westminster City Save card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 (Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm). Terms and conditions apply. Visit westminster.gov. uk/citysave for all offers and more details. 11
Adult learning in the heart of Westminster
Enro l no 2015 w for /16!
WAES is Westminster’s adult college, offering full-time and part-time study in the daytime, evenings and at weekends. We offer courses at 80 locations across Westminster, and with hundreds of courses from accounting to fine art, you are sure to find a course you’ll love. Visit us online at www.waes.ac.uk, call 020 7297 7297 or drop in to one of our centres for more information.
Enrolling now for courses in 2015/2016!