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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Focus School news & open day directory

Halloween Spooktacular Lots of spooky events to enjoy this Halloween

Clubs & Classes Directory A round up of the latest classes to enjoy this Autumn

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK BE 020 8773 4242 COULSDON GOOD 0345 078 0805 AT CROYDON 0845 265 7083 BEING YOURSELF 01372 730363 MITCHAM & MERTON PARK 020 8942 3502

SHIRLEY 020 8949 1116

® SUTTON 01372 740284 Creative Courage For Life ®

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 76 September/October familiesonline.co.ukFamilies London Borders SUMMER HOLIDAYS Learn to ACTIVITY CAMPS 2017 dance, act & sing Mini Mice ~ 4-7 years Cool Cats ~ 8-10 years Little Stars (4 – 6 years) Top Dogs ~ 11-14 years Stars 1, 2 & 3 (7 – 16 years) Camps are 8.30am until 5.30pm. Morning sessions available. All childcare vouchers accepted. New term now booking

We organise Kids’ Free trial sessions are available at all classes Parties too! Call us on 020 8460 5711 now or visit www.spotlightstheatre.co.uk to book Call us for more info spotlightsuk spotlightsuk @spotlightsuk on 020 8657 9313 or visit www.croydonsportsclub.co.uk Beckenham | Bromley | Croydon | Orpington Sanderstead | South Croydon | West Wickham

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2 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk In this issue... 4 Local news 5 Clubs & classes news 6 Education news 8 Great minds and how to grow them London Surrey Borders 9 Science - feeding their curiosity 10 Education diretory and school open days Tel: 01923 239 664 14 More to School than lessons 17 Developmental crafts Editor Tamar Pearson 18 What’s on [email protected] 20 Halloween Spooktacular Design Rebecca Carr 22 Firework displays Printer Print Mates 22 Children’s Theatre

21,000 copies printed 42,000 readers per issue Families LSB welcomed Luigi Palmieri to join our team Next issue November/ December 2017 With the imminent arrival of my second born, Families LSB has Booking deadline 4 October 2017 welcomed Luigi Palmieri, a French business intern, to join our Cover image Deposit Photos team over the Summer to collect and collate and help as much as possible before baby arrives.

Editor’s note Luigi has a passion for the arts, so I sent him on a little adventure to the National Gallery to put together his thoughts With the imminent arrival of Autumn and on why families should frequent a place like the National Gallery. the start of the new academic year upon us, I would like to wish all my readers and their Here are his thoughts ………What is the best moment for my families a wonderful adventure, whether it child to discover arts? How can it be fun and educational at be in the classroom or outdoors chasing the the same time? These are questions parents ask themselves changes in the weather. regarding their children’s education.

I have come across this wonderful gem of a With more than 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons for your children read, A Rainy-Day Kids Adventure Book by to discover the National Gallery. For those who think that museums are boring places, they Steph Scott and Katie Akers, which is the should reconsider their thoughts. Effectively, the National Gallery is an exceptional museum prefect book for encouraging youngsters to where you and your children can enjoy the beauty and fascinating stories of historically renown see the excitement of wind, snow and rain. art pieces in many ways. Furthermore, you can enjoy free access to all the arts rooms, so why Packed with outdoor educational activities, wait? games, crafts suitable for children aged 3–99. You can get your copy from www. If you’re not convinced yet, here are 3 reasons to involve your children into these magnificent batsford.com priceless works of the National Gallery.

Tamar 1. Discover paintings from great artists like Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent Van Gogh that will contribute to create lifelong learners. Indeed, museums encourage curiosity which is xx necessary for children’s cultural minds. Families London Surrey Borders is part of Families Print Ltd, a 2. Get creative with families’ holiday workshops. You will be able to brush up your skills and franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are create your own masterpiece. Children, just like parents and grandparents will enjoy these independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta families’ activities. Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents 3. Invite your children to listen and enjoy live music concerts at the Gallery. They will be of Families London Surrey Borders are fully protected by thrilled by regular concerts and other artistic events, and again, it’s free! copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London Surrey Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation Open daily from 10am, the National Gallery will be happy to welcome you and your children to of this magazine, but Families London Surrey Borders; our discover amazing paintings, stories, events and activities. Don’t wait any longer to involve your distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims children into Art in the heart of the National Gallery of London. visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any families for a full list of all the family activities happening at the National Gallery. consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 3 Get lost in the land of Narnia as new adventure trail opens at new Woods and Chipstead Downs News & Views Nature Reserve

Visitors to the newly designated Banstead Woods and Chipstead Downs Nature Reserve in Surrey can come face to face with Aslan the Lion, spot Lucy Pevensey waiting by the lamp post and even walk through the wardrobe entrance to Narnia, as these iconic characters from the children’s classic tale ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ have been brought to life at an enchanting new Narnia themed nature trail.

By creating this unique trail, the Council hopes to encourage more people, particularly children and families, to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Oak Tree shortage in Europe causes delay in the construction of the new Adventure Playground at Hever Castle Paper Birds - Ten fun, feathery friends to pop out and make

Hever Castle are disappointed to announce Meet Olive the Owl who loves breakfast but hates rainy days and Hektor that the grand opening of their new adventure the nectar collector on this delightful craft project for any young artist playground, Tudor Towers been delayed due ages 8 and above. to a severe shortage of quality oak in Europe. Designed by Ruby Taylor, a designer, illustrator, and crafter, Paper We will keep you updated on the project and Birds brings you a gorgeously illustrated cast of feathery new friends to look forward to sharing this exciting new press-out, make, and play with. Includes information about each bird’s play area with you when it is completed in unique personality, with “likes” and “dislikes” listed so you can really the autumn. But don’t let this delay stop you get to know each character in this book. Retailing for £9.99 at www. from visiting Hever Castle over the next few quartoknows.com/books/9781782404996/Paper-Birds months as there are always amazing activities on for all the family. This Summer Windsor Great Park has launched a For a full list of events at Hever Caste please photography competition for budding photographers visit www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on Whether a fan of close up blooms, panoramic landscapes, enchanting displays or wildlife moving through their natural habitat, Windsor Great Park wants to see it through your lens.

Three lucky winners will receive a one hour photography workshop with professional photographer, Gill Aspel in Windsor Great Park, as well as featuring in the official 2019 Windsor Great Park calendar.

To enter, photos must be taken outdoors in the public areas of Windsor Great Park including The Savill Garden and must be in landscape format.

Please email images to [email protected] before the 30 September. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/summermoments

Grow young minds with DKfindout! Posters

DK has released six stunning DKfindout! posters full of amazing facts and eye-catching photographs to help children learn.

There are six to collect: Animals, Bugs, Dinosaurs, Human Body, Times Tables and Solar System. Suitable for Key Stage 1 & 2 these posters will help children discover the characteristics of the five different vertebrates and invertebrates, learn amazing facts about butterflies and beetles, recognise a Argentinosaurus from a Triceratops, identify the names of different body parts, improve their multiplication, and learn more about our solar system. 55x70_alison.qxp_Layout 9 25/08/2016 10:52 PaRetailing at £2.99 each form www.DK.com

Wood Chips Forest School Speech & Drama Classes LAMDA training for all ages Parent/Carer and Toddler After-School and Birthday For classes of pure MADness, Parties group Weekend Sessions join MAD Academy Too! Group and Private Tuition Available Babies from 3 months action songs and sensory stimulation For further information Walkers to 2 years music, movement and motor development please call or email: 2 to 4 years dance, musicality and beat competency Classes in Croydon & surrounding areas 07947 545 309 020 3620 2866 Call Alison on 020 8407 1726 or email: [email protected] Come and have fun with your little ones in beautiful [email protected] Chipstead woodland. Sessions each Weds and Thurs. Run by fully qualified Forest School Leader. For more info www.curtainupdrama.co.uk madacademy.com email: [email protected] or contact Susie 4, Carlton Road, Music And Dance and a whole lot of fun! 07982 1984 51 South Croydon, CR2 0BP

4 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk A little bit about Gymboree Play & Clubs & Classes News Music, formally known as Gymboree Cheam

Get Happy – Get Outside! At Wood Chips Gymboree Play & Music classes are age Forest School Parent and Toddler group specific and all children in the class are at the same stage developmentally, ensuring Bring along your little adventurers to help them they learn by watching and copying their explore and have fun in a beautiful woodland peers. As children grow they move through setting. Wood Chips Forest School hold Parent/ the programme developed specifically for the age of the children in Carer and Toddler sessions each Wednesday the room. and Thursday in Chipstead, where they share woodland activities, stories, singing and lots Sensory Baby Play -Dedicated to pre-mobile babies, these classes more! The sessions are very relaxed following are designed to introduce babies to new sights, sounds and sensory the Forest School ethos of being child-led. Run experiences. by Susie Timms, a fully qualified Forest School Leader whose passion for the outdoors knows Gymboree Play & Learn 2 - Learn about cause and effect, develops no bounds! So come along and have fun in the natural environment, confidence and strength in moving and climbing. make new friends and discover the joys of getting muddy occasionally! Gymboree Play & Learn 3 - Explore two-way communication with a For more info email [email protected] or call 07982 198451. variety of fun activities. Develop walking skills and movement abilities.

Gymboree Play & Learn 4 - Figure out how the world works through games and physical tasks with the introduction of vocabulary. Stagecoach Shirley Celebrates 20th Year Gymboree Play & Learn 5 - Stretch the imagination through creative As the Autumn term begins at Stagecoach play to support language development and social interaction. Performing Arts Shirley, the students are all excited to begin rehearsals for the end of term Gymboree Play & Learn 6 - Taking our imagination to new highs with show which will be performed in December. advanced class themes.

Principal Kim Findlay says “The students love For more information call 07990 761259 our show term. Other terms have a different focus – either on specific performing arts skills attainment or culminating in a demonstration of the term’s work in a relaxed performance for Reviving the bedtime story...... parents. But the performance term is the one By Curtains Up they really love – with costumes, lights and everyone having their own part; it’s a very fun and special term.” A main concern for parents is their child’s inability to express emotion Stagecoach Shirley runs Saturday classes at Shirley High School for freely or to find words to express children aged 4-18 years, and 2017 marks the school’s 20th year. themselves. As adults, we learn how to express strong emotion, through “It’s amazing to think of the hundreds of children we’ve had pass through experience. Children therefore learn our doors over the years, and what they have accomplished in their time how to express themselves in a with us and beyond” Kim says. “We nurture the shy and apprehensive, situation using parents as a point of reference. until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy. We A great way to help your child would be the bedtime story. A child’s believe in the potential of every child.” experiences with books should be enjoyable and you can make it so. Not only does this allow brain development, improving concentration, and For more information regarding weekly classes visit www.stagecoach. mastery of language, it cultivates the imagination, creates a bond, and co.uk/shirley or call Kim on 020 8949 1116. encourages a love for reading. So, grab a book, cuddle up and enjoy the adventure together!

Perform weekly drama, dance and Curtain Up is a drama company teaching speech & drama to children, young adults and adults. For further information on classes visit www. singing classes curtainupdrama.co.uk Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential.

Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Each Gymboree Play and Music Cheam term sees a brand new theme to keep imaginations buzzing. Sensory Baby Play Play & Learn This autumn, 4-7s will be venturing Under the Sea on a colourful aquatic adventure while 7-12s will be working rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Art Music Parties Cinderella Rocks. FREE NEW Classes opening in Sutton this Sepember Wednesdays – 4 – 7 years, 4pm Start and 7 – 12 years, trial TRY A FREE CLASS TODAY! 5pm start at Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton, available Surrey, SM1 1SN. 07990 761 259 [email protected]

Nearest classes to you- Sutton & Purely www.gymboreeclasses.co.uk Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions for newcomers. For more information please contact 020 7255 9120 / [email protected] or visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 5 Nanny Share - a flexible childcare option By Mrs Manjit Shah, Director at Buttons Nanny Agency Education News What is a Nanny Share?

A nanny share is when you and another family share the costs and responsibilities of employing a nanny. It’s a good option if you want to employ a nanny but can’t afford the expense on your own.

The nanny would be employed on a daily basis and would look after your child and another family’s child in either of your homes. This may be at the same time, or each family may have different hours. Another option is that the nanny may live with one family, but also care for other children within that home.

Nanny shares work best when the two families involved know each other, as its important that you can place trust with the other family and their home is a safe environment for you Countdown to Banstead Prep – Transition to send your children to. If you would like to enter into a nanny share but seek another Days, Taster Days and Dinosaurs! family to join up with, then you can ask around amongst friends, local nanny agencies, playgroups, nurseries or children’s centres. Banstead Prep School, a new co-educational prep school for girls and boys aged 2 -11, Advantages of a Nanny Share? opens this September. The first pupils visited the school last term to help them prepare for • It provides your children with the best of both worlds, as your child is receiving near 1-2-1 their new school. Staff showed them round care from a nanny but has other children around for company and play, from the comfort the school site with its amazing facilities and of a home setting. engaged them in learning activities that will be • You have the flexibility of having a nanny however with lower costs typical of their time at Banstead Prep. • You can also negotiate more flexible hours with a nanny if your working hours vary or if So what did the children think of the you work evenings or weekends. experience? “I got to paint a picture of my face and pretend to roar like a dinosaur! Rahhhhh! Disadvantages of a Nanny Share? I love my new school!” , Benjamin, joining Reception. “The activities were fun; we played • You may have difficulty finding another family willing to do a nanny share. Or finding class bingo to help us to get to know the other a family who shares the same views as you on issues such as discipline, meal plans, children”, Millie, joining Year 4 learning and development for the kids etc. • Planning and coordinating interviews can prove tricky and should be done with both Many of the pupils met their teacher for next families. You and the other family should both feel completely comfortable with the nanny year for the first time; and were obviously you employ. impressed: “I loved rainbow writing my name • Nanny shares can be complicated in terms of your responsibilities as an employer. with Miss Murphy! She is my new favourite teacher!” ; Ashton, joining Year 1 “I’m really • Its important to spend time with the other family as you will need to work out how much looking forward to Mr Ayling being my teacher” to pay the nanny and what benefits you will offer. If you haven’t employed anyone before, Georgie, joining Year 4 you’ll also need to understand the law regarding tax and pensions. Parents also provided feedback on what they How to Make a Nanny Share Work? think of the new school: “We are delighted that both our son and daughter will now be able • One parent will need to be the main contact point for the nanny, as this prevents to attend school together at Banstead Prep. confusion for the nanny. We have been to all of the transition events • Before you start looking for a nanny, you need to agree on how the arrangement will work and open days and are really excited about with the other family. Where will the nanny and children be based? Split between two what looks to be a forward thinking school homes or based at one family’s home? with excellent teaching staff and lots of varied opportunities for the children. Our children • Once you have found the right nanny, you will need to have a contract drawn up really enjoyed meeting new friends.” between you (employers) and the nanny (employee). It will need to cover the arrangements, schedules of work, hours of work, salary, rates of pay etc to prevent any For more information on Banstead Prep visit misunderstandings. www.bansteadprep.com

Visit www.buttonsnannyagency.com for more information. Little Learners Nursery introduces 30 hours funding for local parents

Little Learners has chosen to support working families by offering the 30 hours funding to those that are eligible. We are offering the 30 hours as a stretched entitlement which equates to 22 hours per week for 51 weeks of the year. The nurseries currently have 2 ways of providing the 22 hours per week:

Option 1 Monday to Friday 1:30pm – 6:00pm There is a cost of £10.00 per week to cover snacks and tea and a charge of £4.25 for the additional 30 minutes of care. Total = £14.25

Option 2 3 days a week 8am – 6pm. Total = £49.25

Please contact the nurseries if you require further information or to come and have a look around. www.little-learners.net

6 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk St Christopher’s School and Care Home in in Epsom raise over £ 11000.00 for disabled children

Each year St Christopher’s School choose a charity and raise funds in an exciting and age-appropriate way so that, in conjunction with the money raised the children understand the charitable cause.

This year’s chosen charity was MERU, a small local factory making BUGZIs- small bright green electric Dogs could help children improve their wheel chairs for young disabled children. reading skills

The School Council, with an average age of 6 headed off to the factory to meet the engineers Many studies have shown that improving a child’s and learn about the needs of a disabled child. They organised a special day entitled ‘Life reading skills will tend to lead to a greater overall without Limbs’, which included a fun run and activities which focussed on different ways of academic success and better life chances. doing activities such as painting with your feet and playing sport without arms or legs. There have been numerous schemes and The owner of the Care Home, Mr Barrett, had expressed an interest in getting involved with the initiatives aimed at boosting both interest in and MERU project and pledged to match any monies raised. True to his word, and with MP Chris aptitudes for reading but one of the most novel Grayling and the director of MERU Sue Pressey, a final assembly took place where a cheque involves bringing four-legged helpers into the for over eleven thousand was handed to MERU . As the Chair of the School Council aged 7 classroom. summed up ‘We should all be very proud because we have made a real difference’. The practice originated in the US in 1999 with For more information on St Christopher’s School please visit www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) scheme. It was slower to catch on in the UK but has gained traction recently, with the Kennel Downsend’s Double Dekker Club’s Bark and Read Foundation being at the forefront. Keen swimmer and Surrey schoolgirl Lauren Dekker, a Year 7 pupil at , has won a Gold Medal at the IAPS National Swimming Championships for the second successive According to the Kennel Club, reading to dogs year. The prestigious, long-standing event, held at K2, Crawley, allows pupils to compete in both has been proven to help children develop literacy individual and relay events, all of which were hotly contested. skills and build confidence, through “both the calming effect the dogs’ presence has on children In the U12 50m Freestyle event, Lauren competed against seven other finalists to win the event and the fact that the dog will listen to the children in a time of 29.45 seconds. She was presented with her medal by London 2012 Olympic Silver read without being judgemental or critical”. medallist, Michael Jamieson. Actress Zoe Wanamaker CBE, a supporter of For more information on Downsend Schools visit www.downsend.co.uk the scheme, said: “That is why the Kennel Club’s Bark & Read project is such an inspiring idea, as we all know that dogs are great listeners and Reedham Park Schools New Head Proud of won’t judge if we stumble over a word.” 78% Grammar Pass Rate

‘’I was incredibly excited to step into the role of Headteacher at Reedham Park School last September and have thoroughly enjoyed my first year.

I feel we have managed to maintain the traditional Reedham values whilst at the same time add a few new features. We have introduced an early drop off facility from 8.00am five days a week and now run a homework club from Monday to Thursday until 6.00pm. Our Kindergarten (Reception) class has increased from half days to full days throughout the year and more extra curricula clubs have been added such as debating, chess, sewing, fencing, and latterly a feel good club; run by the children for the children, where students can go to discuss any friendship issues. We are also starting a netball club this September in response to a parents’ survey sent out recently.

Our results this year were very impressive; 78% of those who sat Grammar school entrance exams succeeded in gaining a place at their chosen Grammar school. I couldn’t have been more proud of my first set of leavers. I wish them all good luck in their new schools and know they will all go on to achieve great things, Katie Shah.

Visit www.reedhamparkschool.org.uk for more information.

An accomplished Headmaster with a love of sport is taking the helm at Cumnor House School

Daniel Cummings joins Cumnor House this September to lead the boys’ school. He has taught in the state and independent schools sector in England as well as in Australia and has a track record of innovation and leadership.

The experienced Headmaster guided his last school into The Sunday Times Top 100 UK Prep Schools – entering the chart at number 10 of the London schools.

The father-of-two said: “Cumnor already has an excellent reputation for providing top class education and academic success. The sports and the arts are well established with a strong history of success. These coupled with the outstanding facilities and an experienced professional staff body give Cumnor every ingredient to continue to be an exceptional school for the future.”

An inspection of the school in February by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rated it as excellent. For more information on Cumnor House please visit www.cumnorhouse.com

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 7 How to create a high performing child:

Cultivate confidence and resilience – if a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out for them – and that includes tying their shoelaces as much as it does doing their homework. And model the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on things in your life.

Key words: How could you do this? Have you done anything similar before? What did you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard to do now but I know you can learn how to do this in time if you work at it.’

Develop critical or logical thinking: The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the characiteristic most associated with academic success.

Key words: ‘Why do you think. . . (bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I Great minds and wonder if that happened because of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about that?’

how to grow them Encourage them to monitor their progress – very important to the By Wendy Berliner high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things. With the children back to school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they ‘What do you need to be able to do this? How can you check flourish in class. Key words: you’re on track? How can you tell whether you are doing it right? Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s Encourage open mindedness – being open to new ideas is the more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the hallmark of an advanced learner. Start with being open minded yourself difference between whether their children succeed at school or not. so you model what it’s like to be receptive of ideas that differ from your own. The truth is that there is more room at the top of the class than we thought and children’s success can be made rather than born. The key is developing the right learning attributes and attitudes such as curiosity, Key words: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that interesting?’ ‘I never thought persistence and hard work. But with children spending as little as 15% of of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’ their time in class, life at home with parents has to be at the heart of this development. Practice – it’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how it is regular, deliberate and planned, working towards achievable malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t incremental goals and you practise what you can’t do until you can do fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you it well. don’t.

In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, myself and Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning have (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’ can use at home, fitting it seamlessly into normal daily life.

What follows are five top ideas you can use at home. They come from Deborah’s High Performance Learning System which is being Great Minds and How to Grow Them Exclusive introduced to schools in the UK and abroad and is detailed for parents by Wendy Berliner and Deborah Reader Offer in Great Minds and How to Grow Them. Eyre. For a 20% discount and free available for delivery of the book use webcode: Families GMGT230 on www.routledge.com

Reader offer available until 31 December 2017. Keep Tabs on their A one snap solution Comprenant l’étude de la langue écrite et orale. clothes Programme pédagogique français. they’re reusable too! French Classes for all Primary School Children “A truly wonderful product—Snappy Tags Recommended by Beginners and French speakers takes the hassle and pain out of labelling.” Le samedi après-midi à

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8 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Science – feeding their curiosity importance as English and Maths during in both state and independent schooling primary years as pupils need to prepare for systems to ensure that every child has the the transition into senior school, as quite foundation and baseline knowledge to excel often students start off their senior school in all the sciences once they have entered career with little or no investigative scientific secondary school and beyond. knowledge.’’ If you would like to find out more about Science is taught both at primary and the classes please contact Katiba on secondary level but there is a huge contrast [email protected] in teaching style. Advanced science requires strong investigative knowledge ‘’As my first student of the day arrives for and primary science can help develop these class, I see the sparkle in his eyes as he asks skills earlier. The best part of the lesson is me whether we will be doing a practical when a student gets to experiment their today!’’, Kabita Choudhary, Biology teacher ideas, use the information to make scientific at High School. predictions and then use mathematics and literacy to explain what has happened and A DfE spokesman agreed with Ofsted’s why. Due to multiple reason, including a statement – that pupils must learn through different in teaching hours and practical high-quality practical work if we are to experience obtained there is a huge produce the brilliant scientists vital for our distinction in the subject at secondary level economic prosperity. compared to primary.

‘’Children are intensely curious. This In a recent report OFSTED found that many curiosity enables them to learn about students are struggling with advanced the world we live in. Science isn’t much science because of a lack of time spent different, it enables pupils to carry out undertaking traditional experiments and experiments and help them draw out building the basic foundation, vocabulary conclusions from their investigations. As and understanding needed when taking part an experienced teacher, I have found that a in scientific experiments. student’s learning during experimental work is significantly accelerated, and knowledge Kabita Choudhary will be launching Get gained is easily applied in an examination. Ahead Science with Autumn, with the objective to provide that bridge for children I feel science needs to be given the same throughout Croydon, Sutton and Espom,

Open Day Friday 29th September Tours available from 9:15 to 10:30am please contact the school office to book a tour or to arrange an alternative date

“Pastorally, it is outstanding…”

The Good Schools Guide

An academically challenging education for girls from Nursery to Sixth Form

Open Mornings on 23 Sep, 17 Oct & 8 Nov

Book now at www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 9 Education Focus - Schools and Open Day Directory

In our nursery, we offer girls Seniors, shares excellent sports Pupils aged 2 – 6 years and boys from 2 years, a happy facilities, including an indoor Pre-Prep School Open House and secure environment in a swimming pool where girls enjoy Week: 2-6 Oct, All Day dedicated building on the main lessons from Reception age. www.downsend.co.uk school site, with full access to all that Banstead Prep can offer. Girls join Nursery aged 3, entering Elmhurst School for Boys, The Nursery team, led by a fully a warm, caring environment and Little Elms Nursery qualified Early Years Teacher, will focused on inspiring confidence. 44-48 S Park Hill Rd, South ensure your child is completely Classrooms are light, bright and Croydon, CR2 7DW Little Learners Day Nurseries prepared for a confident transition purpose-built and in the innovative 020 8688 0661 46 Haling Park Road to Reception and beyond. 4D room, a combination of sound, Independent day school for boys. South Croydon, CR2 6NE www.bansteadprep.com light, music and touch inspires Pupils aged 2 – 11 years 020 8649 7745 junior school girls to produce www.elmhurstschool.net School wonderful written and creative 156 Whitehorse Road Harestone Valley Rd. Caterham, work. West Croydon, CR0 2LA CR3 6YA Epsom, KT17 4JQ 020 8683 2476 01883 343028 Thanks to a legacy from a former 01372 821000 Co-educational day and boarding Music teacher, all Year 3 girls learn Co-educational boarding schools The School House, Beaumont school. a stringed instrument with free Pupils aged 11–18 years Primary Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. tuition for a year. Pastoral care is Open Day: Sat 7 Oct Old Lodge Lane Open Day: Sat 23 Sep, 9.30am an absolute priority; supporting Open Day: Sat 10 Mar Purley, CR8 4DN – 12pm girls as they develop socially and www.epsomcollege.org.uk 020 8406 0080 www.caterhamschool.co.uk ensuring success and effort are celebrated equally. At Little Learners, we operate Essendene Lodge www.croydonhigh.gdst.net three small and very friendly day Essendene Rd, Caterham, nurseries in the Croydon area. Street, Tadworth, CR3 5PB Caring for children aged 6 weeks KT20 5AP Cumnor House Boys & Tree 018 8334 8349 to 4 years at our South Croydon 01737 812 011 Tops Nursery (Pampisford Co – educational day school and West Croydon branches and Co-educational day school. Rd) www.essendenelodge.co.uk children aged 2-4 years at our Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. 168 Pampisford Rd, South Purley branch. We offer full time, Open Day: 5 Oct & Thurs 9 Oct, Croydon, CR2 6DA part time and Early Years Funding 10.30am 020 8660 3445 sessions (including 30 hours) as www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Independent day school for boys well as extended opening hours with a Co-Educational Nursery. of 7:30am until 6:30pm at all 3 City of London Freeman’s Pupils aged 2 – 13 years branches, subject to availability. Ashstead Park, KT21 1ET Open Day: Sat 30 Sep, 9am www.little-learners.net 013 7282 2423 -11.30am Co-educational day and boarding Tree Tops Nursery: Sat 30 Sep, Abadour School school. 9.30am -12noon Pupils aged 7 – 18 years. Brighton Road,, Castle Junior and Tadworth, KT20 6AJ Open Day: Fri 29 Sep, 9.15am – Cumnor House Girls & Tree Senior 01737 354 119 11.30am Tops Nursery Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW Co – educational Prep school Sixth Form Open Evening: Thurs 1 Woodcote Ln, Purley, CR8 020 8393 1413 Pupils aged 2 – 13 years 21 Sep. 6.45pm – 7pm 3HB Co educational day school. Open Day: Fri 6 Oct, 9am – 12pm Freemans Fun: Thurs 12 Oct, 020 8668 0050 Pupils 3 – 18 years www.aberdourschool.co.uk 4.15pm – 5.30pm Independent day school for girls Open Day: Sat 14 Oct, 9.30am – 6th Form Open Evening: Tues 26 with a Co-Educational Nursery. Sep, 6pm – 8pm 12.30pm Pupils aged 2 – 13 years www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk Whole School Open Day: Sat 7 Open Day: Sat 30 Sep, 10am -12 Oct, 10am – 12noon noon Whole School Open Day: Wed 11 Collingwood School Tree Tops Nursery: Sat 30 Sep, Oct, 9am – 10.30am 3 Springfield Road, Wallington, 9.30am -12 noon Whole School Open Day: Thurs 9 SM6 0BD www.cumnorhouse.com Nov, 9am – 10.30am 020 8647 4607 Located in beautiful grounds in the Co-educational day school. Downsend Prep School - picturesque village of Ewell, just Pupils aged 2 – 11 years Leatherhead half an hour from London, Ewell Open Day: Sat 14 Oct, 10am– Banstead Preparatory School 1 Leatherhead Rd, Leatherhead, Castle School provides a small and 12noon Sutton Lane, Banstead, SM7 3RA KT22 8TJ caring co-educational environment www.collingwoodschool.org.uk 01737 363600 01372 372311 for children 3-18. The vision of the Co – educational Prep school and Co – educational Prep school School is to nurture and inspire Nursery Croydon High School Pupils aged 2 – 13 years pupils to achieve within a happy Pupils aged 2 – 11 years Old Farleigh Rd, CR2 8YB Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 9.15am – and family friendly atmosphere. Open Day: Thurs 12 Oct, 9.30am 020 8260 7508 12noon. A benefit of being a small school Open Day: Fri 17 Nov, 9.30am Independent girls’ day school is that each pupil is known and At Banstead Prep, your child will Pupils aged 3 – 18 years Downsend Pre Prep valued within a caring, stimulating benefit from outstanding facilities Open Day Whole School: Sat 7 Ashtead -22 Oakfield Road, and disciplined environment. and a broad curriculum, delivered Oct, 9.30 - 12.30pm. Ashtead, KT21 2RE A broad curriculum is offered, by specialist subject teachers, 01372 385439 which focuses on nurturing and which very few prep schools are Croydon High Junior School Leatherhead - 13 Epsom Road, developing skills for a modern able to match. Our site includes Croydon High School in Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8ST world and achieving each child’s science labs, a full size floodlit Selsdon, Surrey is an exceptional 01372 385437 potential. All aspects of personal all-weather games pitch, sports independent day school for girls Epsom - 6 Norman Avenue, development are fostered, and hall, an indoor swimming pool, aged 3 to 18. Epsom, KT17 3AB pastoral care and support which professional dance studio and 01372 385438 is consistently acknowledged to specialist art, music and drama The Junior School, on the same Co – educational Pre prep be outstanding (ISI Report 2012) teaching spaces. spacious 22-acre site as the school contributes greatly to personal

10 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk INSPIRE | NURTURE | ACHIEVE

An independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3-18

Inspiring Curiosity Albert Einstein claimed he had no special talents, just that he was passionately With an ethos in which each child’s achievements are acknowledged, valued curious. We can’t all be Einsteins, but at Croydon High we provide the spark that and celebrated, pupils thrive academically as a result of a varied curriculum, ignites lifelong curiosity and love of learning. an extensive extra-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care Whatever stage of that journey your daughter is on, why not bring her along to our Sixth Form Open Evening next Open Morning? Tuesday 26th September 2017 6pm - 8pm We guarantee there will be plenty to inspire her. Please call 020 8260 7508 (Juniors) or 020 8260 7500 (Seniors) to find out more. Whole School Open Morning Saturday 7th October 2017 10am - 12noon Croydon High Open Morning, Saturday 7 October 9.30-12.30pm Wednesday 11th October 2017 9am - 10.30am

For further details and to pre-register please visit our website ewellcastle.co.uk 020 8394 3576 [email protected]

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

A new, co-educational independent prep school for boys and girls aged 2-11

SUTTON LANE, BANSTEAD WWW.BANSTEADPREP.COM 01737 363600

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 11 development and achievement of www.oakwoodschool.org.uk to try challenges and discover potential. their individual talents and gifts. www.ewellcastle.co.uk Old Palace School of John We aim to develop your daughter Whitgift both pastorally and academically, Homefield Preparatory Preparatory -2, Melville Avenue, based on knowing her personality Western Road, Sutton, SM1 South Croydon, CR2 7YN and her skills set. 2TE Senior - Old Palace Rd, Croydon 020 8642 0965 CR0 1AX We would be delighted to Independent day school for boys. 020 8688 2027 welcome you to visit us to learn Pupils aged 3 – 13 years Independent day school for girls St Christopher’s School how we value the whole girl, from Open Day: Sat 30 Sep Pupils aged 4 – 18 years. 6 Down’s Rd, Epsom, KT18 5HE our academic focus, through a www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Open Day: Sat 16 Sep 01372 721807 connected curriculum, to their Seniors, 9.30am – 11.00am Co-educational nursery and Pre- enrichment in our extracurricular , Nursery, Pre-School & prep. programme. Girls can join our Epsom Preparatory, 2pm – 4pm Pupils aged 2 – 7½ years Nursery in the half- term before 56 West Hill, Epsom, KT19 8LG www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk Open Day: Fri 29 Sep, 9:15 - their third birthday, and we also 01372 723590 10:30am provide wrap-around-care during Open Day: Thurs 5 Oct, 9.30am St Christopher’s School are term time. – 12noon specialists in education for young Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 9.30am – children aged from 3 to 7 and We are ideally situated on a green 12noon our happy, creative Pre Prep and leafy site with our Junior www.kingswoodhouse.org school was described in a recent School and Senior School on the inspection as ‘the best possible same campus so transition into Krishna Avanti Primary start that you can give your child’. Senior School life is the natural next step. School We look after your child during www.suttonhigh.gdst.net Temporary site until Sep ‘18, the vital first 7 years ensuring c/o The Minster Nursery & Reedham Park School strong and rich foundations that Infant School, Warrington Road, 71a Old Lodge Lane, Purley, CR8 will prepare them beautifully for Thames Christian College Croydon, CR0 4BH 4DN life. You don’t know what type Wye St, London SW11 2HB 020 8353 4253 0208 660 6357 of child you have at 3 years old 020 7228 3933 Co Educational, Hindu Faith Co-educational day school. but by 7 you do! We ensure a Co Educational, Christian school. Pupils aged 4 – 11 years. sound platform in all areas of the secondary school. Pupils aged 3 - 11 years. Parents are always welcome at curriculum and by the time your Pupils aged 11 – 16 years. Open Day: Wed 27 Sep Reedham Park School. To arrange child is at the top of the school we Open Day: Tues 26 Sep, 11am - Open Day: Tues 10 Oct a personal tour fill out our online can then gently guide you to the 1pm All open days will have options booking form. school that is the best possible fit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk to attend a morning tour of the for the next chapter of your child’s classrooms and facilities at Reedham Park is a small, education. Our school is full of The Cedars School 9:30am and a 5pm presentation successful school that provides a energy designed for young people Coombe Road, Lloyd Park, by the Principal. caring and nurturing environment to organically grow and succeed. Croydon, CR0 5RD www.avanti.org.uk/kapscroydon for 4-11year and girls Book a tour on 01372721807. 020 8185 7770 and prove that an excellent www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk Independent Catholic school for Laleham Lea independent education need boys 29 Peaks Hill, Purley, CR8 3J not cost you a fortune. Reedham St David’s School Pupils aged 11-18 years 020 8660 3351 offers a traditional, no frills, Woodcote Valley Rd, Purley, Open Day: Sat 30 Sep, 10am Co-educational, Catholic day preparatory school experience London CR8 3AL www.thecedarsschool.org.uk school. at a fraction of the fees charged 020 8660 0723 Pupils aged 3 – 11 years. by other independent schools Co-educational day school. Trinity School of John www.lalehamlea.co.uk in the area. The curriculum Pupils aged 2 – 11 years Whitgift is broad and fulfilling, from www.stdavidsschool.co.uk Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT Manor House School & introducing the children to times 020 8656 9541 Nursery tables in Reception to learning Independent day school for boys. Manor House Lane, Little Shakespeare and Latin by time Co – Educational 6th form. Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23 4EN they leave us. Thus Reedham Pupils aged 10 – 18 years. 013 7245 7077 Park Schools’ founding principle Open Day: Sat 7 Oct 9am – Independent day school for girls of ‘delivering an exceptional yet 12noon Pupils aged 2 – 16 years. affordable education to local www.trinity-school.org Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am children’ remains to this day. www.manorhouseschool.org www.reedhamparkschool.org.uk Warlingham Park School Common,Warlingham, Sutton High, Nursery and Oakhyrst Grange Royal Russell School CR6 9PB 160 Stanstead Rd, Caterham Coombe Lane, Croydon, Juniors 01883 626844 86 Grove Rd Sutton, SM1 2AL CR3 6AF CR0 5BX Co-educational Prep school. 020 8225 3075 018 8334 3344 020 8651 5884 Pupils aged 2 – 11 years. Co-educational Prep school. Co-educational day and boarding Sutton High Seniors www.warlinghamparkschool.com Pupils aged 4 - 11 years. school. 55 Cheam Rd, Sutton SM1 2AX Open Day: Fri 6 Oct 10am - Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. 020 8642 0594 Whitgift School 12noon Open Day: Sat 23 Sep, 8.30am Independent day school for girls Haling Park, London, South www.oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk – 1pm Pupils aged 3 – 18 years. Croydon, CR2 6YT www.royalrussell.co.uk Open day: Sat 23 Sep, 10am 020 8688 9222 Oakwood School and start Independent day and boarding Seaton House School Whole School Open Day - Sat 24 school for boys. Nursery 67 Banstead Road South, Sutton, Sep, 10am start Pupils aged 10 – 18 years. 59 Road, Purley, SM2 5LH At Sutton High School our priority Open Day: Sat 23 Sep, 9am - CR8 2AN 020 8642 2332 is to enable girls to be happy, 1pm 020 8668 2895 Independent Prep school for girls confident and independent. Our Open Evening: Tue 10 Oct, 4pm Co-educational,Catholic day www.seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk belief is that when girls enjoy - 8pm school. coming to school they develop a www.whitgift.co.uk Pupils aged 3 – 11 years. love of learning and feel supported Open Day: Sat 7 Oct, 10am – 1pm

12 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk your child to fearlessly take on the challenge of secondary school. Alongside this course we’ll help you navigate the process of selecting a new school. We’re confident you won’t be disappointed so why not book your free trial today? Explore Learning’s secondary top tips!

• Keep them organized! Get your child to check their timetable each night and pack everything they need for the next day - one less thing for them to worry about.

• Their new teacher will have had information about your child from their previous teacher, however if there is something you feel is important that the teacher knows about your child, do drop them a letter/e-mail or ask for a quick chat.

• Moving schools or class can result in your child missing their Explore Learning are helping friends. Ask them questions about new people they have met to encourage them to make new friends. Arrange to meet up with children of all abilities succeed their old class mates outside of school so they can still see them. in secondary! • It’s really important to remember that if don’t get your first choice September brings with it a new class or even a move to a different school of school, you can find out about your options. Keep an open for your child. For some, this is a very exciting time; at Explore Learning we mind - and try not to show any concerns you have about a hear our students chatting away about moving to ‘big school’ and planning school to your child. trips to buy new uniforms and stationery. For others, you can see they are a little more anxious. Even those that are very confident ask questions about • Talk to families who already go there and arrange a visit to the what it will be like when they move schools. How will they be able to tackle school if you’ve not already been. You may find the school is the the new, harder work? It’s important to talk to children about what they are perfect place for your child. You can put your child’s name on the excited about as well as what they are concerned about. Let them know waiting list for the school you want to go to. This is no guarantee, that it is ok to be worried about change, but it’s also good to take on a new but not everyone takes up the place they have been offered so challenge and confront your fears by trying new things. you may get a place through the waiting list.

At Explore Learning, we offer a course tailored to children in Year 6 to Year • Take the pressure off 11 plus exams. The exam is important, but 9 called Succeed in Secondary which is specifically designed to help your don’t let your desire for your child to pass put extra pressure on family with the transition. We support children with the skills they need them. Reassure your child that the exam is a chance to show off to excel in secondary school including debating, essay writing, delivering what they do know and if they can’t do something that is ok. Tell presentations, persuasive language, analysing and many more. Students them whatever the outcome you are proud of them. Removing get to grips with these skills though a whole range of topics including real stress as much as possible will allow your child to perform at life skills like budgeting and writing CVs. It’s the perfect course to help their best.

We’re giving them the confidence to tackle the new school year fearlessly!

EducationInvestor Awards 2016

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 13 Families Clubs and Classes Directory of the best Clubs and Classes near you

movement to teach a whole range Pre School And Toddler of skills and knowledge, from letters to numbers, from shapes to Gymboree Play & Music Cheam weather. But it’s not like traditional Gymboree Play & Music are learning! So come along and committed to quality because bring a little MADness to your parents want the best for their week. For more information call children. Alison Storey on 020 8407 1726.

Sensory Baby Play is for pre- mobile babies where new-borns There’s more to school are introduced to the world around them. Following this is than lessons Play & Learn 2 where they learn to develop confidence in moving. These days, education is about much more than what goes on Play & Learn 3 focuses on in the classroom. Most schools –offer a range of extra-curricular walking skills and then in Play & and enrichment activities and these can be fun, educational, Learn 4 vocabulary is introduced. sociable and great for boosting a child’s confidence. Play & Learn 5 starts to stretch the imagination through creative play Mini Monkey Croydon & So how can you ensure your child capitalises on the and this is developed further in Beckenham opportunities on offer but still gets the balance right between Play & Learn 6 which is all about Mini Monkey Gym’s popular work, rest and play? exploring your imagination. For soft play gym classes combine more details call 07990 761259 or active play, sensory and music email [email protected] to enhance young children’s Choosing activities - Follow your son or daughter’s lead when all round development. The deciding which classes to sign up for – most kids have a strong feel for professionally developed what appeals to them. That said, it’s also worth pointing them towards programme has been designed to something you think they might benefit from, such as drama sessions for help babies, toddlers and young a shy child. Making children take up an activity that they really don’t feel children develop their physical good about can be counter-productive. skills and get their bodies moving! Movement in babies and toddlers Encourage persistence - Some of us have flighty children who is crucial to stimulating brain get super-excited about an activity but within weeks, lose enthusiasm development and encouraging .Consider having a rule that your child does have to see the period you the creation of those all important paid for out before they can give up – they may well change their mind neural connections in the first few back after a few weeks anyway! Jo Jingles years. Mini Monkey Gym gives Jo Jingles provides fun singing you and your child the opportunity How much is too much? - There’s no set answer about how many and movement classes which to enjoy lots of fun and sensory activities are optimal – it varies for each child. Some will get more tired teach children to play percussion movement experiences together than others and find just one or two classes suffice, others embrace a instruments expressively, sing which promote this important packed schedule of karate to clarinet without losing energy. songs and find the rhythm to development. Classes in move and dance. Age-specific Sanderstead, Coulsdon and Needs change over time - Certainly, most reception-age children classes are tailor-made to engage Beckenham. Please visit www. are exhausted enough from school for the first term or so, without even the youngest children. minimonkeygym.co.uk for more lengthening their day by adding extra activities. Keep things simple at Classes encourage hand-eye information this stage. Older primary children have a decent opportunity to learn a co-ordination, and help children few different skills and enjoy classes, whereas once they start secondary, learn social skills and make longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures may mean friends, as well as encouraging reining things in. their physical, mental and emotional development. Children Relaxation time is vital too - Watch out for activity over scheduling play two age-specific percussion – quiet contemplation and scope to be creative and relax is just as instruments each week. No important as that second musical instrument or third sport. If your child membership fees! FREE Trial! doesn’t have space to just play and chill out, consider cutting back. Viv Hunt -Cobham, Epsom & Fetcham nr Leatherhead, 07751 438943. Lorraine Byrant - Monkey Music Banstead and Sutton, 07376 381 Award-winning Monkey Music 617. www.jojingles.com introduces babies and young children to music in a way they MAD Academy Croydon understand and enjoy, it’s brilliant MAD Academy classes for fun for children and adults too! preschool children are free Our unique four-stage curriculum spirited and bursting with energy ensures that classes are a “good and fun! Our classes are funky fit” for pre-schoolers - whether and physical, and packed full of this is intriguing sounds for a singing, dancing, music, games, 3-month old baby, moving and props and, of course, laughter! shaking for toddlers, or taking Classes are also educational, the limelight and learning to read helping children develop key skills music for a 4-year-old. aligned to the government’s Early Years Learning Framework. We Dorking, Fetcham, Walton on the harness the power of music and Hill, Ashtead and South Epsom

14 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk -Tina Parsons and Emma Playle 0208 432 0811 Banstead, Ewell, Claygate and 31 OFFER ENDS Esher - Dinah Nightingale, 01932 ST 223309. OCTOBER 2017

towards set goals and can monitor the children’s progress. Lessons concentrate on stroke technique and water skills and Atlantis Swim have a great team to teach this. For more information, call 0208 Oxygen Freejumping Little O’s 335 3536 Oxygen Freejumping, the ultimate trampoline park brand new to Croydon High Sports Club, £10 OFF LESSONS Croydon, is ready to get your coaching for kids toddlers tumbling with their Croydon High Sports Club offers exclusive sessions for ages 5 and swimming lessons in our 25-metre under. indoor pool plus badminton AND COURSES... and tennis. They also have a Little O’s is a special toddler Gymnastics club on site Saturdays session reserved for 5 year olds and Sundays plus a wide range of and under & their parents or NOW THAT’S BETTER. group exercise classes and swim guardians. Toddler trampolining is lessons for grown-ups! a great way to teach children the joy of movement and bouncing in a Morning sessions £18 per day or safe and fun environment. £79 per week. All day sessions £29 per day or £125 per week. For more Visit oxygenfreejumping.co.uk to information, call on 0208 657 9313 book. Located in The Colonnades, Purley Way, Croydon. CR0 4RQ

GLL – Better for You Rugbytots Ltd Staying focused and keeping active Rugbytots dynamic weekly can be a challenge for juniors, but sessions enable boys and girls with so much on offer, Better are aged 2-7 to develop their social determined to cater to everyone’s and physical skills in a fun, positive needs. They have lessons and environment. The structured courses operating in 31 centres play sessions take children on a across 12 boroughs in West London journey of sporting imagination, and surrounding counties; it’s the with engaging and energetic perfect way to get juniors started coaches supporting them every on their journey and to keep them step of the way, whilst teaching motivated. Book any junior lesson or course online before how to catch, pass, kick, run with st the ball and play as part of a team. Book now online at www.better.org. 31 October 2017 and you’ll receive £10 off By delivering their specifically uk/families and type in the code when you enter promotional code FAMILIES designed programme for each age FAMILIES for a chance to have £10 group with energy, enthusiasm off upfront costs on all lessons and at the checkout. and excitement, Rugbytots create courses and join the 45,000 pupils an atmosphere in the class that that are enjoying all we have to is totally unique and engaging for offer. What are you waiting for? parents and children alike. Classes To find out your local Better facility For a list of all participating Better are available all over Surrey and visit www.better.org.uk/families surrounding areas. To find out more centres visit better.org.uk/families visit www.rugbytots.co.uk or call MultiSports Sutton & Cheam 0345 313 3242. MultiSports is about introducing children aged 4 - 16 to a wide Sports range of sport orientated activities, harvesting potential no matter how Atlantis Swim School Ltd great or small, a developing life Atlantis Swim School have been skills such as confidence, personal teaching in the surrounding achievement and teamwork. area since 1998 and the Classes take place on Saturdays Terms & Conditions: The £10 discount is only available on junior lessons and courses when you join online and quote the relevant promo code. Offer is valid until 31st October 2017. Full terms and conditions are majority of people come to from at Nonsuch High School. For more available at better.org.uk/terms. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich recommendations. They have a information, call 01293 774051. Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, programme where they can work The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398 familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 15

381235_GLL_Junior_SportsCourses_AllCourses_Press Ad_87x260_May2017_FV2.indd 1 31/07/2017 12:20 and singing specially formulated Performing Arts to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions for newcomers.

Autumn Term Dates - Saturday 2nd September - Sunday 17th December 2017. 1994, their ‘Self-Development is small to allow teachers and Through Drama’ curriculum is Nearest Class to you are in Purley their assistants to give each child simply second to none. and Sutton. Call 020 7255 9120 or support and attention. BRIT Kids email [email protected] or BRIT kids are a Saturday school Teaching Voice, Movement and visit: www.perform.org.uk Main Stages classes are split in with a difference! Why? Improvisation skills amongst other three age appropriate groups, ‘We are proud to be part of The Theatre Arts, Helen O’Grady aim where young people aged 6-18 BRIT School, a famous school for is to build confidence and self- years old learn new skills in each Performing and Creative arts. This esteem and the best bit is that it is of the complementary Musical means our classes are taught in both AFFORDABLE and FUN! Theatre disciplines of singing, specialist studios and theatres dancing & drama. Classes are and use specialist equipment. Be Children between 5 – 17 years three hours long each week. it state of the art Music Production will benefit from their exciting suits, Screen printing rooms, programme, delivered by qualified Early Stages classes (90 minutes Radio suites, green rooms or and DSB approved teachers. each week) run alongside the professional Theatres, we are main Stagecoach schools, where lucky to have it all at our fingertips. With 14 studios throughout the children aged 4-6 years learn Alongside this, we offer a large Croydon and Surrey area there is Spotlights Theatre School skills in each of the three Musical array of subjects to choose from bound to be a studio near you. If Fun performing arts classes Theatre disciplines of singing, and being set up as a specialist you want to ‘SET YOUR CHILD UP from age 4 to 18. Expert tuition dancing & drama, so it is an easy school we can offer these classes FOR LIFE’ call 020 8667 9812. We in drama, dance and singing step when it is time to transfer to at a very competitive rate. are enrolling now! offering children the opportunity the next stage. to perform regularly in front of an Whatever your reason for joining audience to build their confidence. Their Mini Stages classes (45 us – a creative outlet, to meet new Casting agency (included with minutes) will spark your child’s friends, to be part of something – membership) offers opportunities creativity and help improve there are plenty of diverse classes to audition for film, TV, theatre and literacy, numeracy, communication to choose from. We will expect you commercials. and social skills. Children aged to work hard, we will expect you to 2 -4 will explore a world of be challenged, and we will expect New classes now available in imagination through songs, stories you to enjoy every minute of the Orpington on Saturday mornings and much, much more. journey!’, Tobi Deeson, BRIT Kids and West Wickham on Saturday Director. afternoons. Stagecoach Epsom 01372 730363 For more information on their Jigsaw Performing Arts For more information, or to book a www.stagecoach.co.uk/epsom exiting range of classes visit Jigsaw Performing Arts is class contact 020 8460 5711 www.brit.croydon.sch.uk/britkids dedicated to developing Stagecoach Sutton performance skills, promoting 01372 740 284 Curtain Up self-expression and building www.stagecoach.co.uk/sutton Based in Sanderstead, Curtain Up confidence. Classes are split into are a drama company teaching appropriate age groups. Stagecoach Merton Park, Mitcham speech & drama to children, & Tooting young adults and adults. Mitcham: 020 8688 3409 02089 423 502 [email protected] www.stagecoach.co.uk/tooting They run weekend and after- Sutton: 020 8688 3409 Sutton@ school classes for groups and jigsaw-arts.co.uk Stagecoach Coulsdon individuals for all ages 5- 18 years, Croydon: 0208 447 4530 0345 078 0805 and adults, at all levels. [email protected] Stagecoach www.stagecoach.co.uk/coulsdon Stagecoach Performing Arts teach During drama classes students are All new students are invited to children and teenagers how to Stagecoach Shirley prepared for one of the following join us for a two-week trial to see sing, dance and act, not only to 020 8949 1116 LAMDA exams: Acting, Speaking if Jigsaw Performing Arts is right perform on stage but also, more www.stagecoach.co.uk/shirley Verse & Prose and Public for them! To find out more or to importantly, to perform better in Speaking. book your two-week trial call 020 life. Stagecoach Croydon 8688 3409. 0845 265 7083 Classes involve a wide range of Suitable for a range of abilities, www.stagecoach.co.uk/croydon speech and drama activities, such Stagecoach offers the chance as acting games, improvisation, for kids to pursue a career in the Stagecoach Cheam working with published texts, performing arts or simply learn 02087734242 breathing exercises, physical some new skills to share with www.stagecoach.co.uk/cheam games, learning lines and sight family and friends. reading. Students are encouraged to take Would you like to advertise Visit www.curtainupdrama.co.uk ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals your business with us? and performance, which brings Helen O’Grady Drama – Building out a willingness to take on new your child’s confidence, self- Book Today Perform weekly drama, dance challenges. Call 01923 775 680 esteem and communication and singing classes skills Confidence building fun for 4-12s. Classes usually run for 12 weeks or email It works! Established here since A unique mix of drama, dance during the school term. Each class [email protected]

16 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk 5 benefits of arts and crafts for your child Arts and crafts can often be used by busy parents as an easy form of entertainment for creative children, but arty activities should not be dismissed as a last resort indoors activity for children on rainy days. Arts and crafts are not only a great hobby, but can significantly impact learning in a positive way, and can improve your child’s bilateral coordination in addition to being a great social activity and self-esteem booster. Charlotte Baldwin, operations manager at IQ cards, goes through 5 of the top benefits of arts and craft. Fine Motor Coordination just as multitasking during the meantime for your child. Learning to work around will help develop time management and others and to share are invaluable lessons for Whilst keeping between the lines when organization skills. Self regulation is all about your child to take along with them through colouring can be aesthetically pleasing, it knowing which present actions will affect your education and future work life. also works wonders for your child’s fine long term interests. motor coordination skills, which involves the Self-Esteem synchronization between small muscles and Bilateral Coordination movements in hands and fingers with thought Support from parents and peers can often be processes in the brain. Tasks such as drawing, It’s often easy for adults to take skills such very encouraging for children embracing their colouring in shapes and cutting, all help as bilateral coordination for granted, but for creative streak. Praising your child for their arts children progress these skills by making them growing children, these early stages are a & crafts efforts can be done verbally or even focus and coordinate between thoughts and crucial time for improving and developing skills by hanging up their artwork on the fridge or physical actions. that will be needed for everyday tasks such walls, which will build their confidence. Your as writing and typing in everyday life. Bilateral child’s creative talents should be rewarded Self Regulation & Organization coordination involves using both hands at once consistently to boost their self esteem. to perform a task, so, for example, cutting out Rome wasn’t build in a day, and often crafts shapes, or sewing fabric. About Charlotte Baldwin: can’t be completed in 24 hours, either. Charlotte Baldwin is the operations Activities such as papier mache and painting Social Skills manager at IQ cards and understands the involve a lot of waiting time before being importance of arts and crafts. IQ cards is a able to proceed with new layers. Waiting for Arts and Crafts is a sociable activity: from fundraising company that provide schools and projects to be complete before moving onto the painting parties to crafts clubs, arts & crafts establishments with the necessary tools to next stage will teach your child about patience, will open up a new world of social interaction fundraise via selling high-quality and unique gifts designed by pupils.

Bonfire Craft Ideas

Edible Child Safe Kids Fireworks Craft Fireworks Straw Scratch Art Fire Sparklers Using a Fork Painting Works

Ingredients Materials Material Material

Bread sticks / Wafer sticks Fork Watercolour paints / Food Paper Chocolate White paper colouring Crayons or oil pastels Cake sprinkles Coloured paint Water Black tempura or acrylic paint Hundreds and thousands You could also use black paper Paintbrush Washing up liquid and add white paint Straw Foam applicator (you could use a Instructions Glitter Watercolour paper paint brush) PVA glue Melt the chocolate and add some Instructions Instructions honey to make sure it does not set Instructions too fast Wet your watercolours and make a Colour in you sheets of paper with Choose your first colour of paint big dollop on the page. crayons, making them as colourful Cover the bread stick with some as possible. chocolate and decorate Dip the bottom of the fork into Let the paint pool a bit. paint and, going around in circles Mix the black paint with a squirt Leave them to set press down onto the paper Using a straw, blow on the paint. of washing up liquid and use the applicator to colour over the Wipe off the fork and dip it into You’ll see it start to spread crayon. your next colour Speckle - put paint on the brush and rub your finger over the end Leave to dry and apply a second Repeat over the top of the first of the bristles, causing the paint to coat. colour with the fork. fleck all over your paper (Optional) Once dry, get creative creating Pattern with PVA glue and cover your own fire work display with Glitter (Optional)

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 17 Tues 19 Sep, 11am – 12.30pm Sun 8 Oct, 10.00am – 6 pm Tuesday Tree Walk Autumn glory National Gardens Claremont Landscape Garden, Scheme day KT10 9JG Claremont Landscape Garden, KT10 Discover a twigful of garden history 9JG What’s On and trunkloads of interesting facts The garden is open in support of the Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have changed about our beautiful trees. National Gardens Scheme. Free guided since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families NAA. BE walk at 2pm with a member of the London-Surrey Borders! gardening tea. NAA Sat 23 Sep, 3 – 4.30pm Until Sun 29 Oct Sat 9 Sep & 21 Oct, 3pm-5pm NCT Nearly New Sale Cheam Thurs 12 Oct, 10.30am – 3.30pm The Robot Zoo Ashtead Mum2Mum Market Nearly St Andrew’s Church, Northey The Homewood Autumn garden open Horniman Museum and Gardens, New Sale Avenue, SM2 7HF day SE23 3PQ Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, Top quality baby and children’s clothes Claremont Landscape Garden, KT10 How do chameleons change colour? KT21 2BE and equipment at bargain prices. £1. 9JG What makes grasshoppers leap so All sorts for the little ones. £2 See the Homewood garden in its full high? Is a giant squid jet-propelled? Sat 9 Sept, 1pm - 2.30pm Fri 29 Sep and 27 Oct, 11am–12.30pm autumnal splendour. Minibus will Answer these questions and more at Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club - The Exploring the Arboretum operate a shuttle service between The Robot Zoo, where amazing animals Worst Jobs in Tudor Times Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Claremont & The Homewood. All are recreated in robot form to reveal Bourne Hall Museum, KT17 1UF Meet at the kiosk for a guided walk visitors must arrive via this minibus their inner workings. Child £4.40; Adult A Gentleman Usher from Henry VIII’s around the Arboretum.. NAA service. £7.70: Family (2 adults, 2 children) Palace of Nonsuch pays a visit to the £18.70. village looking for workers. He needs a Sat 30 Sep Sat 14 Oct–Sun 29 Oct, 10.30am– gong farmer, a food taster, a spit boy, a Bear Grylls Survival Race 3.30pm From 5 – 31 Sep daily 10am-5pm groom of the stool, and a wool dyer. If The Children’s Trust Charter of the Forest trail East Surrey Sculpture Exhibition you really want to get ahead, become Battle the elements of the Desert, Runnymede, Windsor, SL4 2JL Ightham Mote, Kent TN15 0NT an executioner! £5. Arctic, Jungle, and Mountain through (SatNav: TW20 0AE) Visitors to Ightham Mote in September our BG bespoke Obstacles and Survival Learn about the “other Magna Carta” can see over 70 sculptures, created Sun 10, Sat 16, Sun 24 and Sat 30 Challenges - testing your ability to as you explore Runnymede’s legendary by the East Surrey Sculptors. House Sept, & Sun 8, Sat 14 Oct, 11am-1pm endure a range of real-world survival landscape. 50p per trail opens 11am. Historic Scenic Walk scenarios. Ham House and Garden, TW10 7RS Sat 14 Oct, 2-4pm Wed 6 Sep and 4 Oct, 2.30pm–4pm Free guided walk from Richmond Sat 30 Sept – Sun 1 Oct, 11am – 4pm Epsom Mum 2 Mum Market Nearly Winkworth’s Wednesday Walk Station to Ham House. Meet inside Apple Day Weekend New Sale Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD station entrance. Morden Hall Park , SM4 5JD Ruxley Church Hall, Ruxley Lane, Meet at the kiosk for a seasonal guided Celebrate the humble apple and join KT19 0JG walk around the Arboretum. NAA. Sat 16- Sat 30 Sept us in tasting local Merton varieties of Pop up market of nearly-new baby, Vegetable Ham – tastes of late apples. We’ll also be pressing apples kids’ and maternity goods. £2 Thu 7, 14, 21, 28 Sep summer and have apple themed crafts and Bat Walks Ham House and Garden, TW10 7RS activities for the kids. Free. Sun 15 Oct, 7am–9am WWT London Wetland Centre, We will be harvesting the vegetable Dawn Photo Walk SW13 9WT and fruit bounty from our large, Sat 30 Sep – Sun 1 Oct, 11am – 4pm Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Our bat walks give you the chance to walled kitchen garden, from Uchi Kuri Apple & Orchard Weekend BE. see these amazing flying mammals squashes to Glen Magna raspberries. Ightham Mote, Kent TN15 0NT and their astonishing aerial acrobatics. Come and try our seasonal dishes in There will also be a wide range of Mon 16 Oct, doors open 10am Adults and children 10 +. Children must the Orangery Café, pick your own from apple related crafts and gifts for sale Bach to Baby Family Concert be accompanied by an adult. Times our family tasting garden and take from local suppliers and families can St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, CR0 vary with sunset. £10. BE home a Ham Vegetable bag. NAA. take advantage of a special Apple Trail 7EB around the garden! Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert Fri 8 Sep, 7.15 – 9.30pm Sun 17 Sep, 11am-4pm series for the whole family to enjoy Bat Walk Dog Show Sun 1 Oct, 10am–5.30pm together Claremont Landscape Garden, Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT National Gardens Scheme day KT10 9JG Fun and games with your four-legged Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Half Term Events Near You Join the Surrey Bat Group for an friend. £2 per class. The Arboretum is open in support of evening bat walk and use bat detectors the National Gardens Scheme. Free to hear the sounds they make as they Sun 17 Sep, 11am–12.30pm guided walk with garden team at 2pm. fly. BE The Story of Ankerwycke Runnymede, Windsor, SL4 2JL (Sat Sat 1 - Sat 29 Oct Sat 9 Sept Nav: TW20 0AE) Autumn Colour Trail Heritage Open Day Join a guide to learn how Ankerwycke’s Hever Castle and Gardens Polesden Lacey, RH5 6BD ancient landscape has changed As the gardens turn vibrant shades Visit for free in celebration of Polesden of red, pink and gold and the leaves throughout time. Adult £6, child £3. BE Get Lacey’s place in our country’s heritage. tumble from the trees, it’s the perfect Sun 17 Sep, 11.30am - 4.30pm time to head to the romantic castle in 2 for 1 entry every Fri 8 Sep – Thurs 30 Nov The Epsom Family Fun Day Kent for a walk with the family. Back to School with a weekday Beer to Champagne: the rise of a Hook Road Arena KT10 8QG Bounce! sparkling socialite A community family fun day with Sat 7 & Sun 29 Oct, 2pm The Summer holidays may be Polesden Lacey, RH5 6BD local charities, community groups Autumn colour at Claremont over for another year, but that doesn’t Meet Maggie’s men – her father, the and businesses running affordable Claremont Landscape Garden, mean the fun has to stop! Oxygen man who made her rich; her husband, family games and entertainment. £2 in KT10 9JG Freejumping, Croydon’s favourite the man who made her popular; and advance. £4 at the gate (under 12s Free) Meet at the Kiosk and enjoy a guided trampoline park, is here to ensure the the king, the friend who assured her afternoon walk around Claremont kids still have a place to let off steam place in society Sun 17 Sep, 10.30am – 4.30pm looking at the trees in their autumn and jump for joy this term. Explore Birds of prey day colours. NAA over 100 connected trampolines and Sat 9 Sep, 10am – 6pm Claremont Landscape Garden, 12 unique jumping zones, including the Heritage Open Day KT10 9JG Sat 7 Oct, 1pm - 2.30pm awesome aeroball, giant airbag cushion Claremont Landscape Garden, An opportunity to see a wide variety of Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club - and mega foam pit! KT10 9JG birds of prey including eagles, hawks, Good King, Bad King and Sad King Free entry to the Garden as part of the falcons and owls in the setting of an Bourne Hall Museum, KT17 1UF Parents will love it too, even if they’re national Heritage Open Day. Belvedere 18th century landscape garden. NAA. We take a close look at the lives of the not having a bounce! The cafe Tower open from 2pm-4pm BE great medieval kings and their times overlooks the entire trampoline park, and try and discover if they were good, and serves Lavazza coffee, wine, beer Sat 9 Sep, 10am−5.30pm Mon 18 Sep, doors open 10am bad or just plain sad! £5 and snacks. Plus, exclusively for the Heritage Open Day Bach to Baby Family Concert new school term, get 2 for 1 entry every Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, Sun 8 Oct, 10.30am–12noon weekday after school when you book The Arboretum is open for England’s CR0 7EB Fungi Photo Adventure online using promo code FRIENDS241. biggest heritage festival and is free to Bach to Baby is the acclaimed concert Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Valid 4pm-6pm only. Ends 30 Nov 2017. explore. series for the whole family to enjoy Search the Arboretum with our guide together. Flight of the Nimble Keys, for fantastic fungi photo opportunities. Located in The Colonnades Leisure Featuring Martin Cousin, piano. NAA. BE Park, Croydon CR0 4RQ. Book online at oxygenfreejumping.co.uk.

18 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Bocketts Farm Park 21st - 29th Oct 2017 WITCHES & Selected Dates WIZARDS WEEK PLUS: A HEATED 7th - 31st October ENJOY A SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT! INDOOR PLAYBARN! PLENTY OF FUN, WHATEVER THE WEATHER!

Proudly supporting Wizards & Witches Quiz Trail! Reptile Roadshow!

Halloween Circus Creepy Maze Hundreds of Don’t Miss… Animal Handling, Goat Milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides, pumpkins! Go-Karting and Pig racing EVERYDAY! £8 per person Tickets Creepy crafts! AWARD Special offer £2 WINNING! Group of 4 per person www.bockettsfarm.co.uk £28 Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25. # Roll up, roll up for Cirque Normandie’s A spine-tingling attraction for those SPECIAL £1 OFF full price farm entry per person* spooktacular Halloween circus! who like the ‘scream’ in Halloween! Valid from 1st September - 20th October 2017. OFFER Only with this voucher (*maximum 5 people). Spooky Zoo Monster Meals FM

£4.95 £3.50 per child (allows 2 adults per child per ticket*) Served between £2.50 11am - 4pm Monday - Saturday per adult 11am - 3pm on Sundays An exciting opportunity to encounter Why not join us for some terrifyingly an assortment of exotic creatures. good, meal time treats. *additional adults 50p each BOOK NOW: www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk

Celebrate the season of crunchy leaves with half-term events at Claremont Landscape Garden, Hatchlands Park, Morden Hall Park, Polesden Lacey, River Wey and Winkworth Arboretum

#nationaltrust nationaltrust.org.uk © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Arnhel de Serra.

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 19

1741-Halloween-2017-87x130-Families-AW.indd 1 31/07/2017 12:14 Sat 21 Oct, 10am to 12noon Mon 23 - Sun 29 Oct, 11am-4pm Bumps 2 Babies Nearly New Sale Awesome Autumn Banstead Hatchlands Park, GU4 7RT Banstead Community Hall, Park Discover fun Autumn facts on the Road, SM7 3AJ Autumn Trail through the parkland. Some great bargains for mums to be Included in admission. and already mums. £1 Tue 24 Oct, 1.30–2pm Sat 21 Oct, 2.30 – 4.30pm What King John did for us Ewell Horticultural Association Late Runnymede, Windsor, SL4 2JL Autumn Show (SatNav: TW20 0AE Blenheim School, Longmead Road, Learn about the notorious King John in Epsom KT19 9BH this free family talk. Displays of autumn flowers, home grown vegetables, cookery, handicrafts, Wed 25 Oct, 11am photography and floral art plus plants, Honeywood Mini Explorers -The bulbs and garden sundries for sale. World of Beatrix Potter Free Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX Aimed at children aged 6-10 years. The Sat 21 Oct, 10.30am–12.30pm children will create a mini Peter Rabbit Fungi foray Garden, listen to the Tale of Miss Tiggy Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Winkle and make a collage of Squirrel Seasonal fungi foray and learn how Nutkin – Free. BE to identify the many different types of Half Term Halloween fungi growing around the Arboretum. Wed 25 and Fri 27 Oct, 10am-11.30am NAA.BE or 1.30pm-3pm Trails and Tales Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct Gatton Park, Redhill, RH2 0TW Guess Who? Enjoy the story of ‘Funny Bones’ and go Spooktacular WWT London Wetland Centre, for a walk around the park to bring the Morden Hall Park eerie art. NAA story to life. Return to create artwork SW13 9WT Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD Join us at half term to play Guess Who? linked to the story. 2-4yrs, £7.50 per Mon 23 – Fri 27 Oct, 11am – 4pm Mon 23 to Fri 27 Oct, 5-6pm To win, use your ID skills and powers child. BE. October Half-Term Terrible Terror Tours of observation to guess which wetland Join a pumpkin trail in the park and make Discover spooky goings on ghostly tours animal your partner has selected. Thurs 26 Oct, 9.30- 4pm pumpkin and harvest themed crafts to in the dark; find out about our resident Ceramics Workshop take home. ghost dog and other spooky sightings! Sat 21 – Tues 31 Oct Sutton College, SM1 1EA Bring along your own pumpkin and we’ll £10 includes ghostly goodies. NAA. Toto’s return to Oz – half term trail A unique opportunity to create your lend you all the kit to carve it. Polesden Lacey, RH5 6BD own ceramic sculpture in our fantastic £4, free with your own pumpkin. Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct, 10am - 5pm Are you brave enough to join Toto specialist pottery studio. Half-term family fun and his friends as they venture back Winkworth Arboretum Ightham Mote, Kent TN15 0NT through Oz to find his magic ruby Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Oct. 10am start Hascombe Road, GU8 4AD Themed spider trail around the grounds collar? £3 per hero Banstead Art Group Annual Sat 21 Oct–Sun 29 Oct – and come and see our Pumpkin patch! Exhibition Happy Hallowe’en With ghoulish crafts on Thurs 26 Mon 23– Fri 27 Oct, 10.30am–4.30pm The Community Hall, Park Road, Have fun with our spooky trail, available Wild Learning SM7 3AJ every day throughout the week from Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct Winkworth Arboretum, GU8 4AD Annual exhibition of works from local the kiosk. Free entry for children in October Half Term- Creepy Creatures Hallowe’en costume + 50p for trail RHS Gardens Wisley, GU23 6QB Half-term adventure holiday club. Have artists. Discover all there is to know about fun and explore the woods with Wild Claremont Landscape Garden, Creepy Creatures this half term with Learning. For more details, costs and to Saturday 28th October, 12noon Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9JG crafts, planting seeds, trail and more. Banstead Autumn Foraging Course book, visit www.wild–learning.net Mon 24 – Thu 27 Oct 11am – 1pm with WildFoodUK Halloween half-term activities Mon 23 & Tues 24 Oct, 11am-2pm Mon 23 – Fri 27 Oct, 10.30am– 4.30pm The Woodman, St, A spooky trail available throughout the Halloween Trail Wild Learning SM7 3NL week, daily from the kiosk. Sutton Ecology Centre, SM5 3NY Claremont Landscape Garden, KT10 This course is a simple foraging walk Fri 27 Oct, 11am – 1pm Follow the Halloween Trail and find the 9JG where we hope to be able to identify Hallowe’en Craft Workshops & Pumpkin tree spirits along the way. Solve their Outdoor holiday club for children. Learn a selection of edible Spring plants, carving (please bring your own pumpkin) riddles to make a magic spell, then make fun new things in the fresh air. flowers and edible mushrooms. NAA, plus additional charge for trail, a wand to take home. £4 For more details, costs and to book, go crafts and pumpkin carving. online at www.wild-learning.net Sun 29 Oct 10.30am – 12.30pm Free entry to the garden for children Mon 23 Oct – Fri 27 Oct Fungi foray dressed in Hallowe’en costume Halloween Activity week at Birdworld Mon 23 Oct, 10am-12noon or 1.30pm- Claremont Landscape Garden, KT10 Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham, 3.30pm 9JG Ham House and Garden GU10 4LD A Prickle of Hedgehogs Join popular fungi expert Sara Shepley Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Feel your hair stand on end and a shiver Gatton Park, Redhill, RH2 0TW for a seasonal Fungi walk and learn Sat 21 to Sun 29 Oct, 10am-5pm down your spine as you walk through the Discover more about these fascinating how to identify the many different types Hallowe’en hocus pocus: ghoulish creepy corridors of Birdworld’s unique mammals and join in with hedgehog of fungi growing around the garden. ghosts and wicked witches Halloween Grotto. crafts and activities. 4 – 7yrs, £7.50 per NAA plus £9 Adult, £4.50 child. Take part in our witch hunt, discover ghostly goings on and ways to ward off Mon 23 Oct, 9.30am – 4pm child. BE. witches. There’s spooky storytelling and Creepy Clay & Crafts

BRIT Kids at At BRIT Kids, what do we do? BRIT Kids ...More than you can imagine! Theatre Fashion and Art Club Textiles CELEBRATING 15 YEARS Saturday Courses Dance Printmaking Film Making & Illustration Singing Music Computer Club at The BRIT School Street Dance Production AEN in collaboration with Performing and Creative Arts Photography Radio Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy classes for 8–15 year olds brit.croydon.sch.uk/BRITKids 020 8665 5242

20 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Have a Spooktacular time at Chessington Garden Centre

Halloween is back and bigger than ever. Dare you enter Chessington’s Creepy Maze, full of spooky surprises and perilous thrills, can you escape the ‘un- dead’ ends before it’s too late.

Cirque Normandies spectacular Selected dates- 7th – 31st October

Halloween Circus is back with an all new Sat 21-Sun 29 Oct show for 2017, hosted in a Halloween Wed 25 Oct, 9.30- 4pm Hair Raising Performing Arts Halloween at Hever Castle, Kent, themed, heated big top, this brand new TN8 7NG adventure starring bats, a werewolf, Sutton College, SM1 1EA comedy policemen, witches and more is Calling all Uncle Festers & Morticias! Dance, sing & act all day at this Prepare to be spooked this Halloween at sure to entertain the whole family. Hever Castle & Gardens. Meet Viscous Our amazing Spooky Zoo event is back Halloween workshop with Star Steppers Performing Arts Ltd. Vampire and his Goblin friend in the for a fourth fantastic year, take this Creepy Crypt and hear terrifying tales opportunity to get up close to a variety of vampires. Follow the eerie Halloween of exotic reptiles whilst learning all Wed 25 Oct, 11am and 2pm Hobgoblin Children’s Theatre… The trail, help ward off vampires with a about them from the experts on hand. spooky activity and sink your teeth into Each interactive session allows visitors Spookiest Fairy Tale Ever Told Denbies wine Estate, RH5 6AA a sweet treat at the cupcake decorating a unique chance to handle and have workshop. their photo taken with a fantastic array of One of the UK’s best loved touring creatures. Not to be missed! theatre companies. £7.50 per child. Accompanying adults With prizes for the best creepy costumes, free of charge a visit to Hever Castle is sure to be fang- New for this year, our Sedum Restaurant tastic fun for all the family. are serving up a monstrous meal Wed 25 Oct - Sun 29 time treat with some terrifyingly good www.hevercastle.co.uk dishes, enjoy delights including Witches Scream in the Museum Fingers and Zombie Brains whilst being Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX Prepare for Halloween with a free spooky entertained by Count Dracula himself Sun 29 Oct, 3pm enjoy a trail around the grounds. Ideal drop in craft.Gather evidence to prove with some fiendishly fun songs and Halloween event for younger children. Adults £5 Children ‘WHO DID IT’! by following our ‘WHO games. Book your tickets online. Haling Grove, 28A Blenheim Cres, DID IT’ trail! Free £2. No booking required CR2 6BN www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk Annual Halloween event, children Thurs 26 Oct, 9.30- 4pm Mon 30 Oct 7.30pm - 9pm arrive in fancy dress and bring carved ‘Orrible Organs – Science Workshop Tues 31 Oct, 5pm - 6.30pm & 8pm - pumpkins for a prize. Wild HUND Sutton College, SM1 1EA 9.30pm Morris Dancers will be performing. Let Brainwave Science tell you all about Walk on the Dark Side Refreshments available. the digestive system – from entry…to Bourne Hall Museum, KT17 1UF errie exit! Discover the darker side of Ewell’s Sun 29th October, 1pm-4pm history with a guided tour around its Fri 27 Oct 3pm – 4pm Spooky Spiders, Wizards & Witches historic heart. Visit graveyards and Spooky Pumpkin Afternoon Gatton Country Park crime scenes if you dare. £5. Honeywood Museum, SM5 3NX Drop in for Halloween activities and Turn your boring pumpkin into something terrifyingly beautiful with our paint, glitter Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct and ghoulish sequins, make Ghostly Wizards and Witches Week Pictures and listen to our Halloween Bocketts Farm, KT22 9BS themed story. Come dressed up to get your sweets! (pumpkin included) BE This October half term at Bocketts Farm, enjoy a full packed programme of fun Sat 28 - Sun 29 Oct, 10.30am-4.30pm and freaky activities including a Quiz Horniman Halloween Fair Trail, Creepy Craft Corner and Reptile 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ Roadshow, where you’ll get the chance to Join in for some fiendish fun at the meet awesome creepy crawlies up close! Horniman’s annual Halloween Fair. Enjoy Plus, they’ll be hundreds of pumpkins on the amazing arts and crafts market sale and amazing magic shows from the Sutton College, SM1 1EA and fabulous food stalls, set off on our Wizard magician! Daily activities include Haunting Halloween masks, spiders, Halloween trail, meet some creepy pony rides, tractor rides, animal handling ghosts and more at this one day creepy creatures, have your face painted and and pig racing. The Animal Barns are also creative workshop. get creative at our family craft activities. open, where you can meet and feed all Come dressed in your spookiest of the friendly farm animals. With a large Tues 24 Oct, 9.30- 4pm costume. Free heated indoor play barn, trampolines, pedal Circus Skills go karts, young driver’s area and a jumping Sutton College, SM1 1EA pillow, there’s plenty to keep the whole Circus excitement brought to life, not just family amused, whatever the weather! for the spectator! Juggling, diabolo, plate spinning, giant bubbles & more! www.bockettsfarm.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 21 Sat 4 – Sun 5 Nov Abbey Mills has been delighting Why the whales came audiences with children’s shows, Gracie and Daniel have been staging over 100 productions to more forbidden to go near the mysterious than 100,000 people the theatre has Birdman, but clues intrigue them. become known for its unique and After being lost at sea and stranded intimate musical shows. on his tiny island, they begin to unravel the Birdman’s secrets to learn why the whales came to the island.

New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG 0870 060 6646 www.atgtickets.com/venues/new- wimbledon-theatre

Fri 8 Sep, 1.30 – 4.30pm – Sat 9, Sun Peacock Theatre Fireworks Displays 10 Sep, 11am – 2pm Portugal Street, Holborn, Fri 3 Nov Sat 4 Nov, gates open from 5pm The Tiger Who Came To Tea WC2A 2HT Kingston Firework Display Fireworks & Lingfield Park The doorbell rings just as Sophie and www.sadlerswells.com Kingsmeadow Fitness and Athletic Lingfield Park Racecourse her mummy are sitting down to tea. Centre , KT1 3PB, Enjoy the funfair and food, then Who could it possibly be? What they Thurs 23 Nov – Sun 31 Dec Gates open at 6.30pm. Display starts soak up the atmosphere before the certainly don’t expect to see at the The Snowman at 8.00pm – (Last entry at 7.45pm) fireworks display. door is a big, stripy tiger! Twinkling with festive spirit this www.kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk www.lingfieldpark.co.uk/events/ stage show is now celebrating 20 fireworks The Colour House Theatre consecutive years at The Peacock. Fri 3 Nov 2017 Merton Abbey Mills, London, The Snowman is a magical mix Bonfire Coldarbour Village Sat 4 Nov SW19 2RD of exquisite dancing, storytelling, Coldharbour Cricket ground Bonfire & Fireworks 0208 542 5511 splendid sets and music performed by Torch-lit procession from The Plough Horley Lions Club www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk a live orchestra. followed by bonfire and fireworks Beginning at 7 (bonfire) & 7.30 at 8 pm (fireworks) tickets £5 Adult £5 Child Sat 2 Sep – Sun 5 Nov, 2pm – 4pm Would you like to www.surreycommunity.info/ £3 Family £15 (2 adults + 3 children) Rapunzel advertise your events with coldharbour/calendar www.horleylions.org.uk/fireworks Many years ago a husband was caring for his ill and pregnant wife when a us in these pages? Sat 4 Nov Sat 4 Nov, gates open 6pm wicked witch offered him a deal. She Fireworks Wimbledon Park Caterham Fireworks said she would make his wife feel Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon, SM4 Westway Library, Caterham, better if they gave her their unborn To feature in our November/ 5DX Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5TP child. With his wife struggling to cope December issue Wimbledon Park boasts a The fire will be lit and the display the husband had no choice but to spectacular setting for fireworks from 7.15pm and there’ll be plenty of accept the witches offer. displays with clear, unobstructed hot food, mulled wine and beer on CALL TODAY views in beautiful parks offer. Tickets £5 (on the gate) or £4 Sun 10 Sep – Sun 12 Nov, 2pm on www.merton.gov.uk/news-events/ in advance Hansel and Gretel at Merton Arts 01923 775 680 events/fireworks www.caterhamroundtable.co.uk Space For over twenty years The Colour or email Sat 4 Nov 2017 Sun 5 Nov 2017 House Children’s Theatre in Merton [email protected] Epsom Fireworks Display and Fireworks Morden Park Funfair Morden Park, SM4 Hook Road Areana, Epsom Morden Park boasts a spectacular Gates open at 5.30 pm, beginning at setting for fireworks displays with THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY 7.30 pm - tickets £7.50 (on the gate) clear, unobstructed views in beautiful or £5 in advance parks www.epsomfireworks.com www.merton.gov.uk/news-events/ events/fireworks Children’s Theatre based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Black Fri 6 –Sun 8 Oct MusicWhit ande lyrics by Howard Blake Ashley Avenue, Epsom, KT18 5AL In a Nutshell 01372 742 555 Little Acorn wakes up too early to find www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk that it’s always winter, never spring. In a quest to find breakfast for his Sun 8 Oct, 12pm - 3.30pm friend Robin, Acorn embarks on an Milkshake! Live “The Magic Story adventure that takes him to the edge Book” of his world and beyond. A warm and Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! touching story of beginnings and Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, endings, goodbyes and hellos, told with this all singing, all dancing, musical puppets, music, and bits and pieces. masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite Sun 15 Oct, 11am fairy tales. Sunday Story Sessions : Moyses Dos “Sheer theatrical Santos magic. Go see The Polka Theatre Bring all the family to enjoy some 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, Sunday morning fun and laughter. Snowman and melt” Black overprinSW19t 1SB Stories and music from Brazil and 100c 75mR AT I N0yG 0k The Times E B O 020 8543 4888 South America-performed live on stage L U E R C www.polkatheatre.com by world-class musicians. FAMILY TICKET ONLY £115 Sat 30 Sep – Sun 1 Oct, 11.05am – Fri 20 – Sun 22 Oct th 4 tickets, must include at least 1 child 12.30pm – 2.35pm Friends for All I N YEAR D Transaction fee applies. Max £3 Handa’s Surprise 8-year-old Lexi doesn’t make friends as N T H E T E Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s easily as some. If only her school would W E S footsteps as she journeys to see her allow a non-school uniform day then 23 Nov - 31 Dec best friend Akeyo, in the next village. she could be herself, and find others Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a like her. surprise – but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas… 020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com

22 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Banstead, Ewell, Claygate and Esher E: [email protected] T: 01932 223309 Dorking, Fetcham, Walton on the Hill, Ashtead and South Epsom E: [email protected] T: 020 8432 0811

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