Issue 112: January/February 2017 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk FREE
North West London Including North Middlesex, South Hertfordshire, North Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow and South Barnet (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between) Nursery & Childcare Feature issue
Bilingual Brains Coding for Kids (why Raspberry Pi(e) isn’t just a pudding!)
PLUS What’s On, Open Days and much more inside!
WATFORD BUSHEY RICKMANSWORTH M1 STANMORE M25 HATCH END NORTHWOOD EDGWARE HARROW WEALD HAREFIELD PINNER KINGSBURY HARROW WEST RUISLIP HENDON WEMBLEY ICKENHAM DOLLIS HILL SUDBURY PARK NORTHOLT BRONDESBURY PARK WEMBLEY UXBRIDGE A40 QUEENS PARK WILLESDEN KILBURN
Welcome to the IN THIS ISSUE: January/February issue! 4 News 8 Learning About Money CONTACT US: 10 Open Days www.facebook.com/ 12 Coding for kids FamiliesNWLondon Families North West 16 Nurseries and childcare Feature London Magazine @FamiliesNW 20 Bilingual Brains Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue. Editors: Published seven times a year. For families 24 Children’s Theatre Heather Waddington from birth to twelve. and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF UPCOMING ISSUES: T: 01923 237 004 Mar/Apr 2017 Children’s Parties! Deadline: 1 Feb 2017 E: [email protected] Cover image: May/June 2017 Camps, Childcare and Education depositphotos.com Deadline: 1 April 2017 www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left. Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources. Where is Families North West London?
Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know. Distributed to over 30,000 families!
Families Distributors Needed! Reliable individuals with own transport needed to drop Families North West London Magazine to specific locations in EDGWARE and NEWS STANMORE once each issue (seven times/year). Would suit active mum/dad or grandparent with school-age children. Get in touch to find out more! [email protected]
Expand your Vocabulary with Families and Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards: Overwrought adj – extremely excited or agitated. Synonyms: tense; Composed adj – 1. in control of one’s feelings; calm 2. made up of many distracted, distraught, edgy, fidgety, flustered, frantic, highly-strung, parts. Synonyms: calm; as cool as a cucumber, collected, cool, level- jittery, jumpy, overexcited, perturbed, strained, stressed. headed, poised, relaxed, sedate, self-possessed, serene, unruffled. www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 3 NEWS
Reader Offer for brand new Perform classes in Eastcote! On a Thursday afternoon from January 2017, Perform drama, dance and singing workshops are opening a brand-new branch in Eastcote. Perform offer a unique type of children’s drama school focusing on child development with a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. The class size is small so it ensures lots of individual attention by the experienced actor-teachers who focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration whilst being the best fun of the week. Classes for ages 4-7 will be held at Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens on Thursdays at 4pm and 5pm. In celebration of the opening of the new Eastcote classes, Perform are offering our readers a special offer! To take advantage all you have to do is get in touch on 0845 4004000 or email Perform at enquiries@ perform.org.uk to book your child’s Free Trial Lesson. Plus - if your child would like to continue you can claim a special £30 discount off your child’s first ten sessions. Quote: FAMI300116. Looking for a flexible, home-based, part-time business? Come and be an Area Manager with Families Online! You’re reading this, so we hope you already love Families magazine. But did you know Families also has a new website? Families Online re-launched in July, with 342 local websites covering the whole of the UK. Like our magazine, it is the go-to site for parents, carers and grandparents, offering all the information they need to enjoy family time in their local area. An Area Manager plays a pivotal role in the success of each local site and is responsible for creating content for their local site, managing social media, marketing the site to local businesses and selling advertising on the site. If you are a local parent (Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon or St Albans) who loves exploring what your local area has to offer with your family, this opportunity may suit you! The role can be performed at home, working round the needs of your family – and all you need is a computer, at least 8-10 hours/week free and an interest in introducing other local parents to everything that’s on offer in your community! Ideal Area Managers will have an understanding of how to put together good content for the site, experience with social media and the confidence to present the site to potential clients. So why not take a look at the site at www.familiesonline.co.uk For further information about Area Manager opportunities, contact [email protected]
The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results • Established 14 years in Stanmore • Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, London Studio Centre, Ballet West • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals • Contemporary/Jazz classes Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher) T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”
SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds Tel: 01923 255099 E: [email protected]
Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years by expanding and rebranding to SportsKids Academy American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc
We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk
4 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 NEWS
A FEARLESS start to the year Why fearless you might ask? And what does this even mean? For us, a child’s educational journey goes beyond acing a quick spelling test or getting to the top of the class for a term. It is about building long-lasting confidence that takes them through their entire life, whether it is through developing a ‘have a go attitude’, or knowing it’s A New Year Means a New ok to put their hand up without fear of a ‘silly’ question being Term of Drama, Singing and mocked, or simply feeling excited about their next step. Dance in North West London It’s about nurturing a sense of pride, and a fearless attitude to learning, so that every child Now that the New Year is well and truly underway, what can become their version of amazing. better way to kick-off 2017 than with drama, singing and dance classes in North West London? Our incredible tutors are there to support every step of the way. Rather than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will ask: “are you Jigsaw has been offering weekend performing arts classes sure?” or “can you convince me of your answer?”, allowing to children aged 3-18 across London and the South East for children to explore and push the boundaries of their thinking over 20 years. From musical theatre to contemporary drama each day. and dance, the performing arts are a hugely enjoyable way for children and young adults to develop skills for life. To celebrate the new year and all of the potential it brings, we would like to offer you a little something to help your Jigsaw is incredibly passionate about building talent and child along their fearless learner journey. finding success! At Jigsaw, we understand that attending a performing arts school for the first time can be an exciting From the 16th January until the 28th February, you’ll save but nervous experience. That is why we offer a two week trial, £50 when you join any one of our maths and English tuition giving the student the opportunity to try Jigsaw first-hand centres. before committing to a full term. To find out which one is closest to you and to book your free Visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk for more information, or call 0208 trial, check out our website: explorelearning.co.uk/offer. 4474530 and book a two week trial today.
www.activetime.co.uk
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 5 Education
The benefits of mindfulness in children
he past two decades have seen program of meditative activities. It is a tools on how to deal with their emotions, an abundance of research, and simple, yet powerful observation free from and how to develop a positive outlook hundreds of studies conducted, criticism and is a new and improved way on life with mindfulness skills. Children about the increasingly popular of seeing what is happening to us in our can learn vital stress-relieving skills such practice of mindfulness. lives. Although very effective once learnt, as breathing techniques, mindful hearing TCountless results of said studies have mindfulness does of course not rid you of and listening. If children struggle with an shown a great increase in stress, so much everyday problems and pressures, yet it emotion or getting angry they can revert so that some Fortune 500 companies in does, however, provide you with the tools to mindfulness techniques to learn how to the US for instance, have even employed and mindset needed to handle them in deal with, and control, those emotions. mindfulness coaches to benefit their a calmer way. This calmer way has been employees. said to benefit not only your mind but also Mindfulness and autism, ADHD Specific programs for businesses around your heart and body, thus providing an the globe have been created for their improved way of life and a greater sense of and ADD employees to help reduce stress, keep clarity and focus. The Autism Research and Treatment employees’ minds fresh and focused and in study undertaken by Sequeira is a piece turn able to perform better at work and of How can mindfulness help of research that supports the notion course be happier and healthier from the that mindfulness meditation has a great inside out. young children? positive effect on children with autism. Extensive research has shown that To be mindful helps one keep focused in But, just what is mindfulness? And does it mindfulness can help children between a precise moment. Taking medication for has the same positive effect on younger the ages of three and 11. If we take a look autism, ADHD or ADD does not have long- children, specifically those between the at the developmental changes that occur term benefits, however, mindfulness can ages of three and 11? within children, the physical changes and help long term given it is practised daily events such as starting school, socialising, and part of one’s lifestyle, not only for What is mindfulness? and simply learning about life, it makes children but also for adults. Parents and/ In short, mindfulness is a simplistic perfect sense to equip youngsters with or carers who look after children with such
6 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education
“Extensive research has shown that mindfulness can help children between the ages of three and 11”
disorders can often find themselves dealing with stress, so things such as meditation and mindful thinking can help reduce the effects of stress, thus enabling them to deal with situations in a calmer, more helpful way, to themselves and children. Some of those with autism suffer from psychological imbalances, such as lack of rhythm. Children who struggle with this can have difficulty when trying to balance the inner and outer world, which can result in issues with interaction or distorted relationships. One area of mindfulness that may benefit these children is Mantra Meditation. This type of meditation is all about repetition, such as repeating a sound or repeating a movement or word. It’s this calm and harmonising meditation that can help to restore the child’s sense of rhythm.
Can mindfulness help your child thrive at school? It is a sad and somewhat worrying fact Children who are undertaking exams may that more and more children are feeling find yoga a much-needed break from the stress and pressure of school life. studying, as even 10 minutes’ practice can With a push to succeed academically, to provide great clarity and help to re-focus make friends or even anxieties related to the mind. changing or starting new schools, these Many practitioners are encouraging schools pressures are simply no good for our and parents to practise mindfulness with children. their children due to the plethora of proven With this in mind it is no surprise that benefits to all. For instance, Susan Kaiser teachers, carers and parents are looking Greenland has published a study named towards proven methods of mindfulness “Mindful Revolution in Education”. This to protect and nurture their youngsters’ informative piece goes into more detail on mental and general wellbeing. the ways in which mindfulness programs for children can help create a more Some children find short yoga routines at compassionate, calmer youngster with the start or end of their day a great way to good practices. clear their mind and relax, as well as stay in tune with their mind and bodies. These sorts of activities are perfect for all ages, For more information, visit: from very young children to the elderly. www.familiesonline.co.uk/wellbeing
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 7 Education
Books to help kids learn about money
Money makes the world go around, so teaching your children the subject is pretty important! Why not read a book with them to give you a helping hand with the subject matter? After all, teaching kids finance can be difficult!
Master Money The Millionaire What is Money? by Allan Ahlberg by Claire Llewellyn Master Money is very, very rich! In fact this little This book is great for answering kid’s questions boy is so rich that he even smells of money! By the about all things money. From how to tell the age of four years old he’s managed to find buried difference between different notes and coins to treasure in his very own back garden! By the time how to get money and what to do with it. There’s he’s five, he’s found even more treasure in the also lots of notes for teachers and parents too! sandpit at school – and by six he’s got his hands on more, yes more, at the beach! However, Mister Creep soon finds him… Show Me The Money by Alvin Hall A treasure trove full of advice for parents and It’s Not What You’ve Got! kids from the finance guru Alvin Hall. This book by Dr Wayne W. Dyer introduces children to the concept of “money makes Part of a series of inspirational books for kids, this the world go around, only if you know how to use one address the topic of money and abundance it”. Within minutes of reading this wonderful book – linking it to children’s earliest thoughts and your kids will be entered into the crazy world of perceptions of money. This beautifully illustrated business and economics – learning everything from book presents concepts such as; money doesn’t the history of money to how to use it. have to define who you are, along with it doesn’t matter what other people have. Unlike many other The Story Of Money books on the subject of money, this one doesn’t try by Martin Jenkins to teach little ones how to spend and save, instead it provides a rather spiritual approach on the matter. A hilarious look on the subject of money; perfect for kids! This thought provoking tale explains that in some parts of the world money is a stone with a Noggin and the Money hole in it, a copper slab, or a string of shells. But one by Oliver Postgate thing remains the same; money makes the world go around. And it doesn’t grow on trees! In this The story of a friendly Viking, Olaf the Lofty who amazing book Jenkins looks at the history of money invents money – after all, it seems like a genius and how it came to be involved in the electronic idea! However, it soon seems that money is banking which takes place today. actually more trouble than it’s worth. Packed full of beautiful illustrations this book is perfect for newly independent readers looking to learn about money. If you want a little more help finding books for your kids, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/Bookclub
Tell them you saw it in Magazine!
8 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education
OPEN DAYS 19.01.17 Open Evening 6-8pm BUXLOW 20.01.17 Open Morning 9.30-12.30pm Preparatory School and Nursery 21.01.17 Open Morning 9-11am 09.03.17 Open Evening 6-8pm Established in Wembley in 1927 10.03.17 Open Morning 9.30-12.30pm 11.03.17 Open Morning 9-11am
• Co-educational. • Small classes. • High quality teaching. • Excellent academic results. • Demonstrable record of 11+ Senior School progression and scholarship. • Outstanding specialist programmes in Music, Drama, ICT, PE, French. • High expectations of behaviour • Caring, warm, family-friendly and diverse community. • Persistent focus on values and attitudes. Individual School tours arranged by Appointment: • Welcoming and inclusive Parent Please telephone 020 8904 3615 Association. For further information call 020 89043615 or email [email protected] www.buxlowschool.org.uk
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 9 Independent School Open Days
Please check school websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change. Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/ Open Day: Sat 17 Jun, 10am-12.30pm. Prep School 01923 Day) [email protected] 851664. Senior School 01923 858122 Alpha Preparatory School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment 0208 427 1471 www.alpha.harrow.sch.uk Bales College Kensal Town W10 Boys and Girls 11+ Open Day: By appointment 020 8960 5899 to register www.balescollege.co.uk Open Morning: Thu 19 Jan, Thu 9 Mar, Thu 27 Apr & Thu 15 Buxlow Preparatory and Nursery School Wembley HA9 7QJ Jun, 6-8pm; Fri 20 Jan, Fri 10 Mar, Fri 28 Apr & Fri 16 Jun, Boys and Girls 0 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk 9.30am-12.30pm; Sat 21 Jan, Sat 11 Mar, Sat 29 Apr & Sat 17 Jun, 9-11am. 020 89043615 Buckingham College Preparatory School Pinner HA5 Boys School Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737. 4-11 years www.buckprep.org Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: By appointment. 020 8266 1700 Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: Jun Sch - Fri 23 Jun, 9.15am. 020 8266 2302 email Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk [email protected] High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – Open Day: Tue 24 Jan, Tue 7 Mar, Tue 2 May, Tue 13 Jun – 9.15 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com & 10.15am. 01923 681103
The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. Open Day: Sat 23 Sep, 9.30am-12.30pm. 020 8515 9400 www.johnlyon.org
Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344 www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2018) Harrow HA1 Boys and Open Day: By appointment. Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk [email protected] Open Day: Sat 6 May, 10am-12.30pm (Senior School) Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood Nursery & Rcptn by appointment. 01923 825648 HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk ( R i c k m a n s w o r t h ) 0 1 9 2 3 8 4 5 5 1 4 ( N o r t h w o o d )
North London Collegiate School Edgware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment. Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch www.nlcs.org.uk 020 8951 6481/6468. Open Day: Wed 1 Mar, Tue 27 Jun, 9.30-11am (Sch at work). Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. Mon 6 Feb, Tue 2 May, 9.30-11am (nursery & rcptn) 01923 www.northwoodcollege.co.uk 825446.
Call us to arrange an individual appointment
10 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education
Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr Open Day: Sat 13 May, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600 www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. [email protected] 020 www.quaintonhall.org.uk 8861 8861 Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660 www.reddiford.org.uk
Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092
The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep Open Day: By appointment. 01923 725354 and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18) Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 Open Day: By appointment. 020 7932 1178 yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268 Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years Open Day: Fri 13 Jan, Wed 8 Feb, both 10am-12pm. 020 8902 (day) [email protected] 5069 St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Open Day: By appointment. 01923 255 017 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthelens. Open Day: Wed 14 Jun, 9.30am-12pm (whole sch) 01923 london 843230 St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. Open Day: Fri 19 May. 0208 950 1751 www.sthildasbushey.co.uk St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. Open Day: Wed 24 May, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067 www.st-johns.org.uk St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: By appointment 020 8901 0872 (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.org.uk St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs Open Day: Fri 3 Mar, 10am-12pm. 01923 825 740 www.stmartins.org.uk St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 Open Day: Fri 20 Jan, Fri 24 Feb, Fri 17 Mar, all 9.30am-12pm. yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk 020 8205 7153 York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs Open Day: Sat 11 Mar, Sat 13 May, all 9.30am-12pm. 01923 772 www.york-house.com 395
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 11 Education
CODING FOR KIDS If you think a ‘Raspberry Pie’ is just a summer pastry pudding, think again!
e are living in a world dominated by technology, teaches them basic life skills as well as preparing them for the understanding hardware and software is now as future. important as reading and writing and is essential to Even at a basic level, coding and programming are difficult. For Wsurviving in the 21st Century. Get inspired and join children, learning at a young age will test them and encourage the digital revolution today! them to think differently in order to work around a problem. Coding is a great way for children to develop important problem-solving How to get your child involved in coding skills, in a way which interests and fulfils them. After learning Computers and technology are fast taking over the modern the basics for yourself, you will quickly recognise the similarities world, and becoming an integral part of our lives. While previous between learning to code and learning another language. generations didn’t have access to this technology until they grew Understanding the rules and structures of the HTML codes teaches older, nowadays computer sciences are present in children’s children how languages are created and differ from each other. lives from a much younger age. As a result, it’s becoming vital to Learning these at a young age opens a child’s mind when it comes educate our children correctly, making them more aware and safe to understanding foreign languages, and can make it easier for as they grow, and preparing them for future developments and them to understand these later on. industries as they reach adulthood. With more careers available in technology than ever before, computer sciences are becoming as important for job opportunities What is coding? as sciences and languages. Engineers, computer technicians, web First of all, what exactly is coding and what is it used for? developers and scientists all use coding and programming in their Coding can be difficult to understand, as there is no limit to how daily work life, and more jobs and careers are being created as advanced and detailed it is. But coding is basically what makes technology develops further. the programmes in computer systems and technology that we use every day. It tells our computers and smartphones what to do; from How can you teach coding to your child? setting a spin cycle on a washing machine to sending an email on Any child that can use a smartphone or tablet can learn some level your laptop, coding is the building blocks of all technology. of coding and programming. There are many ways to teach them the basics and into further developments, but as with any learning, So why do our children need to learn to code? it needs to be fun and interesting. For many children, coding can Teaching children coding is quickly becoming a vital part of their become a hobby and passion in their life, often without them even education, and is even now a part of the national curriculum. It realising the importance of what they are learning.
St. Christopher’s School Wembley Park
Individual School tours arranged by Appointment: Please telephone 0208 902 5069
Open Mornings Nursery & School - Friday 13th January 2017, 10am-12noon Nursery & School - Wednesday 8th February 2017, 10am-12noon • Excellent academic results both at 11+ exams and in SATs exams • Boys and girls 2 – 11 years • Small classes • Caring environment • Strong musical emphasis • Numerous educational outings • New refurbished building and IT facilities St Christopher’s School 71 Wembley Park Drive, Middlesex HA9 8HE Tel: 0208 902 5069 Visit our website http://stchristophersschool.org.uk
12 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education
to computer science developments. The creators want to increase the diversity of programmers, and encourage young girls and underrepresented minorities to become more involved in coding. With a multitude of online courses and useful information, this site is brilliant for learning at home and in the classroom. There are many other apps, games and websites with endless resources for both your children and you to learn coding and develop your understanding of technology. As a parent, learning alongside your child will not only allow you to expand your own knowledge, but it will encourage them to take an interest. Work together through tasks and games, keeping the emphasis on fun. You will be surprised at how quickly they pick up the basics! For more information about helping your kids get learning visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/education
DiscoG Coding Academy uses the Raspberry Pi – a credit card sized computer – to teach children and adults of all Here are a few ways to help your little ones ages to code. They offer four unique coding programmes grow in the subject of coding: for introducing the Python Programming Language to new users, including their Young Coders Course, for children Daisy the Dinosaur app aged 9-14. It is an ideal introduction to the world of This free app is ideal for younger children and teaches them the coding. If you find your child has some free-time in their very basics of coding while making it feel like a fun and colourful weekly diary now that their 11+ exams are now over, this game. They quickly pick up the rules and methods, while making may be the perfect time to discover a new skill that could Daisy the dinosaur dance around on the screen and follow the instructions. prove valuable to your child’s future. Hopscotch app Founder Gerard Papet, has developed a structured yet Created by the same people as Daisy the Dinosaur, this app is flexible approach to learning in a relaxed and supportive ideal for teaching yourself and your children the coding basics environment that encourages self-direction and innovative in a slightly more in depth way. This app has won many awards, thinking. This hands-on tutor-led approach to learning such as ‘Parents Magazine: Best Apps for Families’ and ‘Children’s guides students to deepen their understanding of key Technology Review: Best Educational Technology’, so is essential topics in technology such as writing codes to control for most families. It allows children to make and play on their own electronic circuits, creating fun and engaging gadgets that games, publishing them online for others to see as well. spring to life with lights and sensors, and using Python Code.org Turtle to draw digital art. www.discogcodingacademy.com This website was launched in 2013 with the aim to expand access
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 13 Education
How to make maths fun for kids
aths is one of the fundamental skills that all children Do your homework need to acquire, and there are plenty of ways you can Before you can support your child’s maths learning at home, you’ll make maths fun through the use of games and maths need to find out about the way they learn maths at school. Do Mactivities at home. some homework on modern maths methods like number lines Numeracy targets are fundamental to the National Curriculum and and gridding, and find out whether your child’s school offers to primary school testing and that can seem as intimidating to you maths support classes for parents. If not, there are some excellent as to your child. But there are some simple strategies you can put resources available online like the family maths toolkit from national in place that can make maths fun for your kids and reinforce how numeracy or the ‘Maths for Mums and Dads’ books by Mike Askew important those life skills are. and Rob Eastaway. The way maths is taught in schools has changed fundamentally Maths by stealth over the past few years so, who knows? You may end up learning There are plenty of ways you can incorporate maths into everyday something new, too. life, which is an excellent way of letting children know how
14 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education
important numeracy skills are outside of the classroom. Next time you have a cake or a pizza, ask them to divide it into quarters or thirds or an even number of portions for the number of people eating it. Baking isn’t just a pleasurable activity to do with your “Before you can kids, it’s one of the very best ways of embedding the importance of weights and measures. They’ll also need to keep an eye on the clock to know when their goodies are ready to come out of the support your child’s oven. Meanwhile, every time you go to the shops, encourage them to add as they go and then make their best estimate of the final bill. maths learning at From calculating the change they should receive when they buy an ice cream to keeping score in a friendly game of football, everyday maths really is everywhere! home, you’ll need to find out about the way they learn maths at school.”
Learn with and from your children As the family maths toolkit points out, maths is not a can or cannot subject but something we can all improve, however old we are. When your children start to bring home maths homework, take the opportunity to learn about new maths concepts from them and show them real world examples of how to put those skills into practice - by checking your shopping or phone bill. Encourage them to contextualise a newly acquired skill by putting it into practice around the home, whether it’s telling you the time their favourite TV show comes on or estimating how long their bath takes to run. And always praise their effort rather than their talent, to reinforce the message that by working hard anyone can improve their maths skills.
To find out more about helping your child learn visit: www.familiesonline.co.uk/education
Make tech and tables count There are numerous maths apps available for children of all ages, from simple counting games to more advanced calculations. Doodle Maths and Mr Thorne’s Maths Universe should get even committed young mathphobes practising their numeracy on their tablets and smartphones. Percy Parker Sing Your Times Tables and Squeebles Times Tables are both excellent apps for embedding times tables in young brains. Why not try singing along with Percy Parker on your next long car journey? For older children facing their end of primary school tests, ensure that they know not just the multipliers but the divisors too, up to 12 x 12. Try gamification In other words, get out some old fashioned board games. Children learn best when an activity is fun, and they’re usually unaware that they’re learning through playing games. Dominoes is an excellent game for practising basic maths concepts, as is Snakes and Ladders. They’ll be having too much fun to notice they’re adding and subtracting and recognising basic number patterns. For older children, Monopoly introduces more sophisticated numeracy skills and Scrabble is a brilliant way to practise both numeracy and literacy. Board games are also valuable for introducing related concepts like strategy, logic and reasoning skills into the mix. Make it more formal As your children’s maths skills progress, you can begin to make their home learning more formalised. There are any number of online maths resources available and your school may encourage at-home use of a programme like Mathletics to challenge and reinforce skills learned in the classroom. These online resources usually feature progressive levels so you can easily track your child’s progress but do check before you sign up to a paid programme that it’s compatible with the National Curriculum. Although it’s easy to assume that children will prefer working on the computer, many also enjoy age-appropriate workbooks, with stickers to reward their progress.
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 15 Nurseries How to choose your child’s nursery
It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips
here are all sorts of different child better than some others, because it will When you look round, don’t be too anxious nurseries out there. Big ones, mesh in with your own and your partner’s about all the questions you need to ask or small ones; ones run by the ideas about how to raise a child, and what whether you’re going to miss something local council, and ones run by matters most in his or her life. All of which vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and independent companies. There are is why what you feel inside you about a take in the holistic sense of the place. Does T nursery will give you the biggest guide as to it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you what to go on. place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced start out looking for one, the plethora of Looking round what’s out there can make it all seem very by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about daunting. To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area the place; would you feel confident about But here’s the first, the most important, and (or perhaps in the area where you work, if leaving the most important person in your possibly even the only thing you need to you’re thinking your child can be cared for life, your child, here in the care of the people know about how to make your choice. Listen at nursery while you work nearby). Look at you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery to the voice inside your head, heed your the Ofsted reports for any you think sound you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if instinct about what’s right for your child, promising. Think about what factors matter you have any doubts whatsoever about this and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) most crucial thing, whether you’re confident choice. Because the truth, of course, is that and then make appointments to look around about leaving your child there, move on. there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; a selection of those that have, or might have, For more advice on choosing a nursery visit there is, however, a nursery that will suit your vacancies. www.familiesonline.co.uk
St Nicholas Preparatory School and Nursery– founded 1937
NW London (Kingsbury/Wembley) An independent Day School and Nursery for age 3 months to 11 years www.stnicholasschool.org.uk Individual School tours arranged by Appointment: Please telephone 020 8205 7153 • Newly refurbished • Small classes and bright, airy classrooms • Great results in 11+ examinations • A caring, nurturing environment with a We provide family atmosphere private education at a competitive • After-school care and clubs price • Interactive whiteboards in every classroom Open Mornings: January 20, February 24, March 17 Address: 22 Salmon Street, Kingsbury, NW9 8PN E: [email protected] Tel: 020 8205 7153
16 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Nurseries
How can children be supported with the development of early literacy skills -
the skills of reading and writing?
good childcare setting will and they begin to form letters. These letters encourage children to develop may not be in the correct order but they can their own skills by giving ample tell you what it says. “Children will opportunities to talk about their Encourage your child to listen to outside Aown experiences or to retell noises, see what they can hear, point out benefit from access their own story. Actively listening to your signs as you walk along the road such as child will help them develop by offering new bus stop, names of shops, café. This will help to a variety of suggestions on what might happen next. your child to start to realise that these marks Remember that it is best if the television have meanings and will help your child in the resources such and your phone is off as this allows for first stages of reading. as paint brushes, uninterrupted language. Books are part of the child’s learning and by During the day the children should have reading stories to them and using your finger rollers, pens, access to a variety of books, stories, music as under the words this will again emphasize well as resources to encourage early reading, and show your child that these marks in a crayons. ” threading, tick charts, different size paper, book have meaning to a story. Let your child pens and messy activities to encourage hold the book and hold their finger under the writing. words as you read. This will help them to see sandwich bag with child friendly paint, seal words or letters to start off with. the bag well and remove excess air. Your Encourage children to mark make both child can then move their fingers over the indoors and outdoors. Children will benefit Activities to encourage reading and bag and use this to draw shapes, letters from access to a variety of resources such as writing at home. or make marks. Praise your child and be paint brushes, rollers, pens, crayons. When interested in what they are doing. Enjoy!!! your child is mark making this may seem like Put some sand, glitter, cornflour, flour into a flat tray and allow your child to use their scribbling to you but it all has a meaning, as Marie Campbell – The Little Academy Day time goes on your child’s hand skills develop fingers to make marks, this will help develop their fine motor skills. You can even fill a Nursery www.thelittleacademy.co.uk
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 17 Nurseries
Learn Language by Example Children’s capacity to learn language is staggering, and the right environment makes all the difference.
t is amazing that young children, with Children learn new words by hearing little understanding of the things these words used many times in similar going on around them, nevertheless “Current research tells contexts, so when your child points at seem to learn all the basics of a new us that children who are something because they don’t have the Ilanguage with total ease and without word for it, you can say , “Would you like anyone teaching them. No one tells them read to regularly develop the orange juice?” and later, “Have you what order to put the words in or how to finished drinking your orange juice now?” pronounce the particular sounds. They larger vocabularies and The repeated use of words in context helps simply soak up the words that surround them to learn them more quickly. them and speak. learn to read more easily.” In what seems like no time at all, your At this time in their lives, children have words will become their words, so make a special sensitivity to the sound of So what can you do to make sure that sure that all the words your child hears are the human voice and they will seek the ones that you would like them to use, it out above any other sound in their your child makes the most of this unique window of opportunity when learning how and don’t assume that just because they environment. It is this that urges the small can’t speak, they don’t understand or won’t baby to focus on the lips of people that to communicate and express himself? be able to pick up what you are saying. speak to them so that they can imitate Create an environment rich in Current research tells us that children what they see and hear and eventually spoken language make these sounds themselves. And it is who are read to regularly develop larger Long before they can speak, children vocabularies and learn to read more easily. this sensitivity that means that they can absorb the words you say, complex words learn a new language in the time that most You can start to read to your children from as easily as simple words. Try to use the very beginning of their lives. It doesn’t adults could only learn how to ask for a precise and accurate words to your child. cup of coffee in another language. But this matter if you don’t think they understand So instead of just saying “spoon” we can all of the words - because this is how they “sensitive period” does not last forever and say “teaspoon” or “tablespoon”. You can learn new ones. the language that your child speaks will be give precise names for everything in your as rich or as meagre as the language that child’s world. Why not say “rose”, “tulip”, or they have been exposed to during the first rhododendron”? Children learn these words Jethryn Hall is the public liaison for Maria six years of their lives. as easily as they learn the word “flower”. Montessori Training Organisation
Tell them you saw it in Magazine!
_ Open term time _ Ofsted rating - ‘Good’ _ Soft play, Gym, Tennis, French and IT classes _ Free places government funding available for 2-5 year olds Honey Bears Montessori Nursery Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, Eastcote HA5 2QU Tel: 020 8426 1855 077 5169 4480 [email protected] www.honeybearsmontessori.co.uk
18 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Nurseries
Encouraging Independence in our Children By Alison Banks
loved doing everything for my first son. A three year old can set the table, help with He suffered some serious asthma attacks “Although it’s housework, and put away toys – particularly when he was little, the terror I felt made if you make a game of it. Put on a CD and me extra-protective. Later, it became hard, granting see if your child can pick everything up Iclear that he is severely dyslexic. I felt he before the music stops! needed my help. independence is what Once children reach school age, our Whilst I felt that I was doing the right thing we have to do if we communication with them is key in teaching at the time, the help I gave my first son has them how to be independent. meant it has taken him a long time to grow wish to avoid raising Dorothy Einon suggests that we can do up. He didn’t learn about failure until he this by: was much older and so he didn’t develop an adult who still the normal resilience to and tolerance of difficult situations that other children did. If brings his washing Teaching children to voice I can pass anything on to you from my own home at age 40!” their own opinions experience, it is that it is not kind in the long term to over-manage our children. Encouraging children to talk. Find a time each day when you can sit down together I am not talking about love and support. and discuss your day. Ask them for an This they absolutely do need. What I’m can be encouraged to do age-appropriate opinion and wait for their answer. talking about is recognizing the difference tasks independently. Babies of this age can between love and support and over- feed themselves with tiny sandwiches and Answering children when they ask why and managing. Although it’s hard, granting bits of banana and hold a spoon when you explaining things in simple terms. independence is what we have to do if are feeding them. They can also hold a cup Another important way of encouraging we wish to avoid raising an adult who or bottle. our children to be independent is by still brings his washing home at age 40! By the time your child is one, they can letting them take risks. These days the Children should grow, flourish and become practice their fine finger skills by scribbling world is a more dangerous place than it independent under our protection. on a piece of card with a fat crayon. used to be. Parents fear losing their kids The “letting go” process needs to be Two year olds can start to learn to dress and do whatever they can to protect them. gradual. If it happens too soon and too themselves slowly. Help them by choosing However, children need to take healthy quickly, young children find independence clothing with elastic waistbands, Velcro or risks and “fall” a few times to learn that it’s frightening and they are likely to become clothing that slips on with zips and buttons normal and how to deal with it. withdrawn or overly clingy. already partly closed. By the time your Dorothy Einon, Lecturer in Psychology at child is three, they will probably be able to Alison Banks is a mother of three and manage some clothes themselves, if they founder and owner of Parenting Tutor. University College in London suggests that www.parenting tutor.co.uk from the age of 6 to 9 months, little ones are laid out so they can be lifted in the right way.
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 19 Nurseries
The little guide to little bilingual brains
Dr Evelyne Mercure
nfants and young children have an impressive capacity Every family and every child is different. There are a million for learning languages. They are curious, very eager to different ways of raising bilingual children and the most important communicate and their brains are designed for fast learning. is to find a way that feels right for your family. Bilingual families have an interesting opportunity of making the Imost of these early learning capacities in teaching their children Here are a few tips that can help making these two languages from birth. decisions for your family. There are several interesting advantages to raising bilingual children. Maximise face-to-face communication. From the first days of life, babies love making eye contact and hearing their loved ones Bilingualism does not cause language delays. Bilingual children speak, vocalise and sing. Face-to-face communication is the motor usually learn two languages at the same pace as monolingual of language learning and early experience is key. Making sure you children are learning one. For example, bilinguals say their first talk to your baby as much as possible, and you involve your child in words and start combining words into sentences at the same as much conversation as possible will lead to better abilities in one, age as monolinguals. Bilinguals may sometimes appear to know two or more languages. less words than monolinguals, but this is usually because their vocabulary is divided between two languages. Have a plan. It is important to think about what ‘bilingualism’ Learning two languages encourages children to think about means for your family. Would you like your child to have a basic languages. Young monolinguals might struggle to recognise that understanding of another language? Are you hoping for your child ‘caterpillar’ is a bigger word than ‘whale’ because they find it to be fluent in two languages? Or read and write in two different difficult to dissociate a word from its meaning. Bilingualism attracts languages? Make sure you provide plenty of experience for your children’s attention to language itself, making children more aware child to achieve each of these goals. It might be a good idea to of the sounds, words and regularities in languages. This gives them decide on a language to be used at home. One parent may decide a head start in school when learning phonics or grammar rules. to use one language when addressing their child, while the other Bilingualism might make your child better at multi-tasking or parent will use a different language. Think of the language(s) you listening to someone speaking in a noisy environment. When want to use when reading to your child or singing to them. The speaking one of their languages, bilinguals must inhibit the impulse more exposure your child will get in one language, the more fluent to use words in their other language. To achieve this task, they they are likely to become in that language. activate parts of their brain involved in cognitive control. This extra Keep it fun. Your child’s motivation to learn each of their languages practice at controlling their own thoughts may lead to a ‘bilingual will make a huge difference to their achievement. A child may find advantage’ in certain cognitive tasks. it unpleasant if they feel constantly tested and criticised when Mastering two languages will give children a better speaking. The main focus should be on what is being said and not understanding of their family’s cultural background. The most how it is being said. unique aspects of a culture always risk getting lost in translation. For this reason, being bilingual helps children become ‘bicultural’, Find role models. One way of keeping their motivation up, may making them more aware of cultural differences and more likely to be to involve people who are not fluent in your child’s dominant take part in two cultures. language. This may encourage them to use a language they are less comfortable in. It will also show them that this language is spoken by people other than mum and/or dad. Children will also learn a lot from other children, especially older ones. They will want to speak like them and adopt their accent and expressions. Cousins who are not fluent in your child’s dominant language, for instance, may become excellent role models and a very good source of motivation. Offering a bilingual environment to your child is a richness they will benefit from all their life. They may not only learn two languages, but also a new way of thinking about cultural diversity. Do not be afraid of making the most of their incredible language learning abilities!
About the author: Evelyne Mercure studied Speech & Language Pathologies, Neuroscience and Psychology. She is currently an ESRC fellow at UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, investigating the impact of language experience on infants’ brain and cognitive development. She is also the proud mum of three bilingual children.
20 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Nurseries
Day Care Dilemmas By Lynne Murray
ay care is the fastest growing baby is an individual, and some just seem seem that babies are less stressed by the form of child care in the UK and to find separations, as well as changes in separation experience. most children experience some routine and stimulation, harder than others. kind of formal non-parental Separation distress may be more marked Good settings commonly help babies care by the age of 2 years. So after around 9 or 10 months old, when manage day care by building active links D with home. Parents may be encouraged what effect does day care have on the babies become more clearly aware of their development of a child? How can parents attachment to their parents, and for this to bring in special toys, blankets or other maximize its benefits and alleviate any reason some parents prefer to make the ‘attachment objects’ and settings may difficulties arising? transition to day care before then. follow the routines that parents use at home, for example, for settling to sleep. Firstly, any effects of day care on a child’s Having in place a systems, like ‘day development are by far outweighed by books,’ for passing on information about his or her family influences. Secondly, important events in the baby’s life also research concludes overwhelmingly that “In spite of help staff respond to each individual baby’s the effects of day care are very dependent experience and support them sensitively. on its quality. Fortunately, in the UK this is the potential generally good. Some parents worry that their baby benefits, helping will become more attached to day care In settings where there is good training staff than to them. There is no evidence and pay, and a high staff-to-baby ratio, day a baby adjust to of this, and parents are typically their care staff have higher morale and a strong baby’s strongest attachment figures. sense of professionalism and motivation, day care is not Nevertheless, close attachments can form and there is likely to be a low staff turn- between babies and their day carers, over. All these things are linked to staff especially when the carer is responsive providing better care and having the skills always easy” and warm towards the baby. This quality to provide both good one-to-one care and of relationship is beneficial to the baby’s to manage a group of babies. development. Where day care is of a high standard, then there is no evidence of harmful effects Some day care settings deal with the stress of separation by encouraging on children’s development. Indeed, it can Lynne Murray is Professor of parents to stay with their baby, possibly positively benefit language and cognitive Developmental Psychology at the over the course of some weeks, until the development, as well as enhance a child’s University of Reading, and author of The social maturity and relationships with other baby settles. If parents feel that their Psychology of Babies: How Relationships children. baby is particularly sensitive, and may find Support Development from Birth to Two the transition to day care difficult, it is (Constable & Robinson 2014), in which In spite of the potential benefits, helping a advisable to choose a setting which offers more information on day care, as well as baby adjust to day care is not always easy. this option, so that the baby can become other aspects of babies’ development, is Firstly, it is quite common for babies to be accustomed to the environment and provided. upset when their parents leave them. Each the staff. Where this is possible, it does
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 21 What’s On
Help is at hand for children with poor handwriting
New local classes apply a unique approach to developing handwriting speed and legibility
ittle is known by parents on how to help their child The following checks are the guidelines we struggling with handwriting. Schools may be willing use when assessing: to provide the necessary support with additional worksheets to practice, but parents can remain baffled Do they have sufficient strength in their arms for larger Las to why the effort is not being translated into the movements (gross motor) such as rope turning when skipping? necessary legible script promised by additional practise. The Gross motor movements need to be properly developed for good most worrying aspect - even in this digital age - is that speed handwriting and legibility of handwriting is a much needed skill for future exam success. How are their throwing/catching skills? Handwriting requires eye tracking where the eyes move with flow without moving the As a therapist specialising in learning difficulties I work with the head. most challenging of cases and over the years have transformed those with weak handwriting to beautiful cursive script of Can they stand on one leg and balance for a count of more speed and legibility using Handwriting Lab. than 30? Balance/core strength is often overlooked. Children with weak core muscles can be seen slouching at their desks. Handwriting Lab is a programme for parents who wish to help their child bridge this gap and as an alternative to worksheets provided by schools. We assess four key areas: posture, Right/ left body awareness - being able to touch their right hand to their left knee followed by left hand to right knee. Being bilateral coordination, sensory perception and arm/hand and able to coordinate in this way shows both parts of the brain finger muscle strength. Without these skills in place no amount are being used and information between the two sides is being of worksheets will help the struggling writer. communicated.
Is there enough strength in the fingers and wrist? You can tell if your child has insufficient strength in either of these areas because they will tire quickly when writing, drag their pencil or “even in this the writing pressure is too weak. If you identify with any of the above then Handwriting Lab is digital age speed for your child. Where are HandWriting Lab Classes held? and legibility of How long before we see an improvement? HandWriting Lab classes are held in: Pinner/Eastcote, Northolt handwriting is a and Northwood. Enrol your child for two terms for the best results. We use a combination of motor sensory therapy to much needed skill improve posture, bilateral coordination, sensory perception, arm/ hand/finger muscle strength and traditional Occupational Therapy type methods to measure improvements. We work with children for future exam age 5 to 10 in small groups (max 10). The work they do in the session is followed up by 10 minutes of daily practise specific to their needs and an overall Perceptu-Motor programme towards success” the end. Within just two terms you should see the transition from spidery handwriting to clear legible script.
For more information call – Usha Patel HandWriting Lab founder on 07766 837 616. SEN therapist at Raviv Practice London.
22 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Mummy on the Edge Angelina and Midi-Me go on a bear hunt. (Well, a walk.)
“I think we’re going to end up doing 3 laps of the garden, mum,” sighed Midi-Me. We parked at Harrow View Point on Old Redding which is on top of a hill not far from our house and provides views across London. I would drive Midi-Me here to look at other people’s fireworks when she was little. It’s a place where snogging couples hang out. I’ve just looked it up on the google and someone has put in their review “It’s like a movie scene right out of California.” Well no, not quite, but it’s no bad place to park your car before you commence an adventure. On my little phone I had bookmarked the two really terrible maps I had found online of the 7km Bentley Wood Circular Walk, which would, in 2 and a half hours take us into the woods (da-da da-da, that we have daily over fourteen years driven straight past) from Grims Dyke down past Stanmore Hill and back past Bentley Wood High. We role played. Midi-Me was James Bond and I was James Bond’s sidekick who he finds out is his mother after she dies. I died pretty early on and then became t was the kind of gorgeous, sunny winter morning myself as I couldn’t be bothered to role play. We chatted. that would be photographed, superimposed with a corny platitude in a cool typeface and posted on Instagram. As we ate our hipster brunch of seeded toast, topped with spinach, parmesan, fried egg and chilli oil, in our sundrenched living room, my body tingled with Ilet’s-do-somethingness and a cloud of fomo loomed large over “LET’S GO TO THE my brow daring me to waste this gift of a day. “How about a long walk,” suggested Midi-Me. I stared COTSWOLDS! THEY’RE at her suspiciously and continued to chew my spinach. Not usually so enthusiastic about long-distance activity, Midi-Me FAR-ISH BUT NEAR-ISH had just signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at school. It’s basically about trekking and plotting a course and eating cold beans and camping overnight in the back AREN’T THEY?” of beyond. I am guilty of neither lessoning nor encouraging her in this area of… I don’t even know what it’s called… outwardboundedness?? I feel this remissness on my part, I feel it deeply. Therefore I felt pressured to yield to her desire; my We marveled at nature. We sang Proclaimers songs. Midi Me interpretation involved a pub linner (that’s an early dinner) got us to Stanmore Cricket Ground and then I panicked as and going somewhere not Bushey (where we live). “Let’s go the sun started to set and insisted we abandon the map and to the Cotswolds! They’re far-ish but near-ish aren’t they?” the woods in favour of getting back intact before darkness. No sooner than Midi-Me had agreed to this, I remembered we To this day I don’t understand the route we finally took. It couldn’t leave the house till 1 as someone was coming over in involved roads and also dipping back into the woods in search the morning. of shortcuts and then doubling back on ourselves when we “I think it will take too long to get to the Cotswolds. couldn’t find anything except impenetrable trees. I shouted How about the Chiltern Hills? They’re a bit nearer, I think.” I a few times (and may have stamped my foot) to make Midi- consulted the google, looking at all manner of council and Me listen to me. (I know. I’m not proud of that.) By the time walking websites on the way that detailed walks with difficulty, we returned to the car it actually felt like we had walked 5 the time they would take, and the area covered in each walk. hundred miles and 5 hundred more. But at least I redeemed The walks were long. And distant. myself on the outwardboundedness front. “Erm, I think it’s going to take too long to get to the Chilterns and we need to be back by nightfall. I need to be a Join me on the radio!! Thursdays from 10am responsible mother.” to midday on www.thepulsehr.uk. Send And this continued. I looked at Lea Valley, which turned your song requestst to: facebook.com/ out to be further away than the Chilterns and then at Colne angelinamelwani * twitter @appleina * Valley. The area of our theoretical walk appeared to be mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com *Instagram diminishing concentrically, towards our house at its centre. @mynotesfromtheedge *
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 23 What’s On Compiled by Anna Blackshaw What’s On in Children’s Theatre We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
The Alban Arena Pump House Unicorn Theatre Civic Centre, St Albans Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 147 Tooley Street, SE1. 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Wed 8 – Sat 11 Feb – St Albans Gang Thu 16 – Sat 18 Feb – Oliver! Tue 24 Jan – Sun 5 Mar – The Iron Show 2017 Be prepared to be blown away by the Rickmansworth Players Youth and Junior Theatre group Man The Iron Man has been eating every single piece talent of young people in St. Albans as the Gang Show are delighted to be presenting Lionel Bart’s Oliver. of metal in sight: tractors, old cars, fences - right down takes to the Arena Stage for another year. Go along After running away from the orphanage and then an to the last rusty nail, destroying farms everywhere. for a fun, uplifting and spine tingling evening of song, undertakers, to which he’s been sold, Oliver ends up The angry farmers try and trap him, but in the end it’s dance and comedy sketches energetically performed by in London. He’s befriended by the Artful Dodger and down to a young boy to try and tame the monster. over 110 local Scouts, Guides and Young Leaders. taken to be part of Fagin’s gang, leading him into all Using paper-cut silhouettes, puppetry and stop-motion sorts of trouble. Oliver! is ‘Pick a Pocket’ full of fantastic animation Matthew Robins (Something Very Far Away), Mon 13 Feb – Cirque Du Hilarious This recreates the world of The Iron Man so vividly that you’ll show is over two hours of continuous laughter! Clive numbers - book early to avoid missing this fantastic family-friendly show! feel you are there. His distinctive handmade and visual and Danny’s madcap hilarious humour and lunacy style of storytelling lets you watch this atmospheric tale manages to cross all ages from Children, Teenagers, being created live onstage. Ages 8+ Mums, Dads and Grandparents! Clive and Danny are Ulla’s Odyssey actually father and son and along with the rest of the Puppet Theatre Barge Sun 29 Jan – Sat 19 Aug – Baby Show team have audiences in tears of laughter from start From the makers of Scrunch and Seesaw, this brand to finish. Little Venice W9 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com new show is a great first trip to theatre for the really Thu 16 Feb – Monstersaurus This brand The Beck Theatre young. Time for a walk, better wrap up warm. Poppers, new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants Grange Road, Hayes. Sat 14 Jan – Sun 19 Mar – The Red buttons, zips. Scarf, hat, mittens. Inside out, upside is monster-ously good! Follow the young inventor Balloon The show tells the story of a small boy’s down, back to front. But it’s raining, it’s pouring and the Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk friendship with a balloon and explores the poignancy wind is whistling through the trees…Then, out comes inventions and incredible monsters, but he has a Sat 21 – Sun 22 Jan – The First Hippo of a child’s imagination. Performed using long string the sun. Quick let’s enjoy it whilst we can! Baby Show problem – now he has made them all, what is he on the Moon From Number One bestselling wood-carved marionettes, and accompanied by is a sensory performance with captivating images and going to do with them?! This energetic show full of Children’s author David Walliams; comes an explosively specially commissioned music, the show has captured intriguing sounds that will keep your little ones rapt. thrills, spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole funny space adventure for children of 3 and up. Two the imaginations of both adults and children as they Ages 6-18 months family – with original music and plenty of audience big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it are transported into the world of the puppets. Expertly participation! Ages 3+ to the moon first? Adapted for the stage by Les Petits manipulated, the puppets become characters and are Watersmeet Theatre Company following their tour of Captain Flinn able to present the most intense emotions, using only artsdepot and the Pirate Dinosaurs and immersive hit Adventures mime, to audiences who become spellbound by their High St, Rickmansworth WD3 in Wonderland. Featuring puppetry, music and a giant magic. All ages 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk space race to the moon! 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 Thu 26 – Sat 28 Jan – Bugsy Malone 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 12 Feb – So You Think You Know The Radlett Centre Presented by RARE Productions, the stage musical is Sun 22 Jan – Cake Cake takes to the kitchen About Dinosaurs Go and test your knowledge set in Chicago in the 1920’s and concerns the battle against Ben Garrod (the TV scientist in Attenborough 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 to tell a story of valour and bravery as fresh as lemon- 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk for criminal supremacy of rival gangs. Into the mix scented washing-up liquid. A heroic knight sets out, and the Giant Dinosaur). With the help of TV film steps aspiring boxing promoter Bugsy Malone, who through a forest of forks and a mountain of washing up, footage and photos of his own palaeontological Fri 20 – Sat 21 Jan – WOW! Said the agrees to help Fat Sam turn the tables on his rival. The to do battle with a vicious set of snapping teeth which dinosaur digs, he will tell you everything you ever Owl Explore the wow-world of colours with this ‘weapons’ in this story are, of course, splurge guns and threatens a large cake and the community that lives wanted to know about dinosaurs - and more. This is curious little owl who is determined to stay awake in the finale, just about everyone gets ‘splurged’ before inside it. Ages 4+ an interactive show where children will be given the to see what day light brings. From the warm pink getting up and realizing they can all be friends after all. chance to ask questions and show off their dinosaur glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright With well known songs and exciting dance routines, this Sun 29 Jan – The Bear One night when she’s knowledge to the audience. Using film footage from the colours of green leaves, blue sky, grey clouds and, is a massively popular show for audiences of all ages fast asleep, an enormous snowy white bear climbs BBC’s Planet Dinosaur, Ben will talk about the deadliest finally, a stunning rainbow. But despite the beauty to enjoy. The cast of talented local young people will into Tilly’s bedroom. It has a big black tongue and a predators that ever roamed the planet and the ones of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the ensure that this will be a production to remember. yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared. The that, 65 million years ago, would have walked right night-time stars are the most beautiful of all. WOW! Bear is a heart-warming and humorous tale, adapted where they are sitting now. Said the Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award from Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book. With dazzling winning author Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through Watford Colosseum puppetry, music, storytelling, and laughs, this is an Tue 14 Feb – Comedy Club 4 Kids Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old a blend of beautiful story-telling, puppetry and music. Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 unforgettable experience for the whole family and a Ages 2-5 years perfect introduction to theatre. Take a bear with you, and under 400 years old (no vampires). Featuring the 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing Wed 1 – Thu 2 Feb – Ben and Holly’s and join Tilly and her great big white friend on a wild Sun 19 Feb – Mr Bloom’s Nursery Take and magical adventure. Ages 3+ what they do best… but without the rude bits! Little Kingdom Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t your ‘tiddlers’ along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies Sun 5 Feb – David Gibb: Letters Wed 15 Feb – Alice in Wonderland on their first ever live tour! Mr Bloom and his Veggies Imagination runs wild and logic is abandoned in this always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben Through Your Door David Gibb is an award the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, are getting the Nursery ready for a very special occasion winning song writer, story teller and tallest man in fantastical, larger-than-life musical brimming with - a member of the Royal family is paying them visit! nonsensical fun and excitement for the entire family. but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston Derbyshire, on a mission to create great music for the Ladybird. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny Can you lend a hand and help them get the Allotment children and families. Letters Through Your Door Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a ready in time? Featuring all of the much loved elements colourful, topsy-turvy adventure like no other and meet land where flowers and grass rise high above them and features original songs as well drawing on traditional every day is an adventure. Join Ben and Holly, and their of the TV show, Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) will be joined children’s song from across the world. The themes a host of outlandish characters. Immersion Theatre by all his gardening friends: Margaret, Joan, Colin, proudly bring their trademark energy to their most friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical range from the everyday to the the surreal, but adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. Raymond and Sebastian, the lovable Wee MacGregors, whether it’s finding a dragon in your bedroom, spectacularly bonkers show to date, as children and and not forgetting Mr Bloom’s trusty machine ‘The adults alike are invited to join in the hilarity of seeing This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood dreaming about swimming in the sea, or simply waiting innocence will delight all the family! Ages 2-6 Compostarium’. Using song, play and interaction Mr for the postman to arrive, there’s something here for this classic story brought vividly to life before having Bloom’s Nursery is a fun and inspiring show with strong everyone! Ages 3-8 years the opportunity to meet the characters after the show. Wed 15 Feb – Marty MacDonald’s Toy educational values which will entertain parents and Machine A brand new show featuring the voices tiddlers alike! Sat 11 – Sun 12 Feb – The First Hippo Little Angel Theatre of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo on the Moon From Number One bestselling the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow. Everyone at Marty Children’s author David Walliams; comes an explosively 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 MacDonald’s Farm is delighted with the special delivery Winston Churchill Theatre funny space adventure for children of 3 and up. Two 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com that’s arrived – the Toy Machine that makes all of the big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it toys in the world! But the machine has stopped working Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 to the moon first? Adapted for the stage by Les Petits Until Sun 29 Jan - A Very Old Man and they need to fix it before the Toymaker comes to 01895 250615 www.hillingdontheatres.uk Theatre Company following their tour of Captain Flinn With Enormous Wings The world’s been sad get it back! Join Marty and friends in a fun, musical, and the Pirate Dinosaurs and immersive hit Adventures since Tuesday. The child has a fever and is hotter than Thu 19 – Sun 22 Jan – Aladdin Bringing interactive adventure to repair the Toy Machine, save together the companies of Argosy Players, ACT and in Wonderland. Featuring puppetry, music and a giant a fish on a spit, the dog chases its tail, Mother dreams the day and give the world back its toys! Makaton™ space race to the moon! Ages 3+ of a new broom and Father gazes out to sea. The whole HTDC, be transported to Beijing for a traditional family signing is used with the singing so everyone can join in! favourite. Aladdin is in love with Princess Jasmine but Sun 19 Feb – Ulla’s Odyssey Fourteen- village is on the brink. Then the sky gets frisky, the sea rears up and, in a bolt of lightning, a very old man with Fri 17 Feb – Granny’s Game Exploring he is too poor to marry her. He and his brother Wishee year-old Ulla is attempting to become the youngest while stuck at Gran’s, two children discover a most Washee regularly steal apples from the royal gardens person to sail the world single-handedly in her trusty enormous wings crashes to earth in a flurry of feathers. Nothing will ever be the same again! Ages 7+ mysterious game – they’ll get more than they and work in the launderette run by their mother, sailing boat ‘The Homer’, with only her cat Binnacle to bargained for when they start to roll the dice! Join Julia Widow Twankey. Evil Abanazar want to become the keep her company as she navigates the high seas. All Until Sun 29 Jan - Me… The world is a very and John as they play Granny’s Game, where a trip most powerful sorcerer in the world. He needs the is not plain sailing, as our heroine encounters mythical big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just around the board becomes a globetrotting adventure! help of a Genie who is hidden in a lamp, in a cave, and creatures and obstacles on her journey. Meanwhile the finding her feet. The shimmering stars and glistening Wrestling the snakes and climbing the ladders, our the one to open the cave must be pure of heart – it voices of the Sirens, Ulla’s friends and family, call out snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains brave players will risk it all in a high-stakes quest they’ll can only be Aladdin from Beijing. From rags to riches to her from across the waves, tempting her to give up tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. And never forget. and back again, a magic carpet ride, and constantly her lonely voyage and come home. This new opera is although baby penguin may be small, her family know chased by the comedic Police, go join Aladdin on his an enchanting nautical fantasy inspired by Homer’s she’s the biggest thing of all. This early years favourite Sun 19 Feb – Alice in Wonderland magical journey. Odyssey, full of live music and puppetry and is suitable is a lovely and touching story about a parent and their Imagination runs wild and logic is abandoned in this for children aged 7+, families, and any adult with a love for their child by much loved children’s author fantastical, larger-than-life musical brimming with Sat 18 Feb – Monstersaurus Follow the sense of fun and wonder. Emma Dodd. Ages 2 to 6 years nonsensical fun and excitement for the entire family. young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a of wacky inventions and incredible monsters, but he Sun 26 Feb – Night at the Theatre Wed 1 – Fri 3 and Sun 5 Feb – The colourful, topsy-turvy adventure like no other and meet has a problem - now he has made them all, what is When three characters become trapped in a theatre, Enormous Turnip Young Rosie dreams of a host of outlandish characters. Immersion Theatre he going to do with them? This energetic show full of little do they know that they will soon become the carving a special turnip lantern for the Festival of Light. proudly bring their trademark energy to their most thrills, spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole stars of their own show. Combining a mixture of dance Little does she know how absolutely ENORMOUS her spectacularly bonkers show to date, as children and family – with original music and plenty of audience theatre and imaginative storytelling with Casson & turnip will grow! To plant and harvest the turnip, Rosie adults alike are invited to join in the hilarity of seeing participation! Ages 3+ Friends’ trademark interactivity, Night at the Theatre will need plenty of help from the audience, her animal this classic story brought vividly to life before having will spark the imagination of children and their grown friends and one small but very important gnome… the opportunity to meet the characters after the show. ups. Ages 4+ Ages 3-8 years
24 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
What’s On listings for What’s On all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw
To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (Mar/Apr 2017) send your entry by xxxx Email [email protected]. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
www.FamiliesOnline for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!
January
Until Sun 15 Jan – The Big Skate (WD17) Go and join the wintry fun at the Big Skate, back on the Parade in Watford for it’s third year. www.watford.gov Until Sun 3 Sep – Star Wars Identities (SE10) A new interactive Star Wars exhibition taking place at the O2. Explore the characters of Star Wars™ in this unique travelling exhibition, get to know them on a whole new level and learn more about yourself in the process. Explore rare treasures from the Lucasfilm archives, including 200 original costumes, props, models, and pieces of artwork. Unleash your creativity as you build your personal and unique Star Wars Hero. www.starwarsidentities.com Sun 1 Jan – Sat 4 Feb - Strictly Come Hospice (WD17) This is your opportunity to have your own Strictly experience by taking part in Peace Hospices’ very own ballroom dancing competition ‘Strictly Come Hospice’! You will receive 7 weeks of dancing lessons with professional dancers from Paul Alex Dance Studios before you get to perform your routine in front of a panel of expert judges and an audience of 500 at the Strictly Come Kew Gardens Hospice Grand Finale with a chance to crowned champions. Make sure you book your place and remember, keep dancing!! 01923 335373 www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/strictly Mon 9 – Sun 22 Jan - Bump Rollerdisco (SE1) teenagers; Negotiating and setting limits; Finding different ways to BUMP Rollerdisco welcomes the whole family to the Southbank communicate effectively and Peer pressure. Sessions are weekly at Sat 7 – Sat 14 Jan - Sleeping Beauty (HA6) Arrow Centre for festive sparkle and vibes. At weekends look out for Hope Harrow from 7-9pm. Players present “Sleeping Beauty” at the Church of St. Edmund DJs and special rollerskating performances too. Rollerskates are 0208 863 7319 [email protected] the King in Northwood Hills - a thoroughly traditional family available in a range of styles to fit feet from a child’s size 9 to an pantomime, with lots of singing and dancing, fun and laughter. adult size 14. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, Sat 14 Jan - Learning Through Play with the Sleeping Beauty tells the story of how the Wicked Fairy takes though if they can skate well on their own, you can sit back and LEGO team (SE1) Go along to the Southbank Centre and hear revenge on the Princess for not being invited to her Christening, enjoy watching them go around by themselves. 11am - 11pm. from play experts about the value of playtime, and then take on a by sending her to sleep on the eve of her 18th birthday for 100 0871 663 2501 www.southbankcentre.co.uk LEGO® challenge. This event is part of Nordic Matters, a year-long years. It’s up to the Prince to overcome all the traps she has set, festival exploring arts and culture from Aland Islands, Denmark, and rescue the Princess. There’s fun for all the family, whatever Tue 10 Jan – Tue 7 Mar - Living With a Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. their ages. Teenager (HA1) This course is for every parent with Recommended for ages 6+ 11.30am - 12.45pm 020 8428 1349 [email protected] www.arrowplayers. a teenager or adolescent aged 12 years+. Topics include:- 020 7960 4200 www.southbankcentre.co.uk org.uk Understanding and acknowledging the needs of pre teens and
Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools
SCHOOLS IN: Harrow Hendon Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford Watford call: 0208 123 9346 email: [email protected] ✴ ✴ ✴ Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey 3–18 years call: 0208 422 0676 email: [email protected]
TWO WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE!
020 8447 4530 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
26 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 What’s On
Chinese New Year © Museum of London
Sat 14 Jan - A Valentine’s Evening with the will be transformed into a fairytale world of light sculptures, Sat 28 Jan - Chinese New Year: The Year of Stars (SE10) Be starry-eyed with your loved one in a special Chinese arts, Virtual Reality, games and food with a funfair and 600 the Rooster (E14) Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at this planetarium show of love-themed constellations. Head along to square metre ice rink and ice bar. special family festival at the Museum of London Docklands. Fill a the Royal Observatory in Greenwich for a an evening of Valentine’s www.magicallantern.uk tray of togetherness, try your hand at paper-cutting, fashion a fun, with a romantically themed planetarium show, followed by a zodiac-inspired mobile, listen to traditional Chinese stories, take chance to look at the Moon through the Great Equatorial Telescope, Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jan – The London Model part in a dragon dance and much more. What better way to start and some time on the Meridian Line with an amazing view and a Engineering Exhibition (N22) Go along to Alexandra the New Year? glass of bubbly. Palace and see the full spectrum of modelling, from traditional www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands www.rmg.co.uk model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to the more modern gadget and boys toys including Sat 28 – Mon 30 Jan - Big Garden Birdwatch Sat 14 – Sun 15 Jan - St Ann’s Christmas Pop trucks, boats, aeroplanes, helicopters and robots as featured on (various) The next RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch will take place Up Cinema (HA1) Head along to St Ann’s Shopping Centre “The One Show”. Visitors can travel between the show’s different for free cinema showings. Sat 14th at 11am will be Love Actually, zones, trying the activities and watching fascinating and technical from 28-30 January. Take a note of the birds you see in your and 2.30pm will be Arthur Christmas. On Sun 15th you can see demonstrations. garden, or even the local park, and feedback your results to the RSPB. Frozen at 11am (this is an Autism friendly screening) and the Polar www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk Express at 2.30pm. www.rspb.org.uk www.stannsshopping.co.uk Sat 21 Jan - The Stars Above: The Solar System (HP23) Discover the solar system with this special Sat 28 Jan – Fri 3 Feb - Snowdrop Days 2017 Sun 15 Jan - Wow! Said The Owl & talk & observation event at the National History Museum in Tring. (SW3) See Snowdrops in all their glory before the rest of the Crafternoon: Feathered Friends (NW3) Go along Suitable for 7+yrs, advance booking required. 6.30 to 8pm. country, thanks to the unique warm micro-climate at Chelsea Physic to JW3 and explore the wow-world of colours with a curious www.nhm.ac.uk Garden. Head Gardener Nick Bailey, and his team will be creating little owl who’s determined to stay awake to see what daylight innovative displays by elevating snowdrops so that you can admire brings. The acclaimed children’s book by awardwinning author Tim Sat 21 Jan - Cutty Sark Burns Night their intricate details up close. There will also be an unexpected Hopgood is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, Celebration (SE10) One for the grown up’s! Celebrate Burns injection of colour to these typically white icons of spring. puppetry and music by Little Angel Theatre. Then you can join in Night on board Cutty Sark, named for one of Burns’ most-loved Throughout the event there will be snowdrop themed Walks, Talks the Crafternoon event and create your very own feathered friend poems, Tam O’Shanter. Head along for a night of celebrations and and Workshops. with origami! dancing: hear from ‘Nannie’, the ship’s figurehead; explore the ship; www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk www.jw3.org.uk drink whisky and maybe try some haggis. And be sure to join the band for a rip-roaring ceilidh, and to wear your kilt and dancing Thu 19 Jan – Sun 26 Feb – The Magical shoes! For ages 18+. Lantern Festival (W4) The historic Chiswick House Gardens www.rmg.co.uk continued on page 28 v
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 27 What’s On
Sat 26 – Sun 27 Feb - Hampton Court Palace Adult Ghost Tours (KT8) Hampton Court Palace are running some spooky Ghost Tours for adults! Go along for a 1.5 – 2 hours evening walking tour hearing stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity at Hampton Court Palace. Minimum age 15. Booking essential. 0844Half 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palaceTerm Sat 11 – Sun 19 Feb - February Frolics Lambing Event (AL4) Live lambing, newborn lamb bottle feeding demonstrations and a full day’s programme of fleecy fun for a baa- rilliant day out at Willows Activity Farm. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Sat 11 – Sun 19 Feb - February Half Term at The Museum of London Docklands (E14) There are a whole host of events taking place over the week. Build a mini blossoming station on Sat 11th, create a whole range of different train carriages from throughout history on Sat 12th, make a model cable car on Mon 13th, create your own London bus on Wed 15th, create a pop-up ship on Thu 16th, and find your way through London by looking at maps on Sun 19th. Check the website for further details and events. V&A Museum of Childhood www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Sat 11 – Sun 19 Feb - London Puddle Jumping Championships (SW13) The London Puddle Jumping Sat 11 Feb - London Children’s Book Swap v continued from page 27 Championships will be held at WWT London Wetland Centre during (E2) Discover new stories and renew your personal library when February half term. Children of all ages can grab their wellies and Sun 29 Jan – Bookniks (NW3) Jewish Book Week and the London Children’s Book Swap returns to the V&A Museum of have fun jumping in puddles in the fresh air, so take your wellies JW3 bring you Bookniks, their very own children’s book festival. Childhood. Take along your old books to trade for different books. and wet weather gear and go and have a splashing time! Use your Go along for a fun-filled afternoon of stories, craft, puppetry and Drop-in for all ages between 11am – 4pm. imagination to create the biggest, most exciting splash. Throw some some of the most exciting children’s writers around, including David www.vam.ac.uk/moc shapes in the air for extra style! www.wwt.org.uk Solomons, Claire Freedman, Dr Emily Grossman and Andy Stanton. Sat 18 Feb - Brent Culture Open Day (HA9) Find For the Crafternoon session, bring your favourite book characters to out all of the latest news from the Brent Culture teams and Brent’s life with lolly stick puppets! Sat 11 – Sun 19 Feb - Rebuilding London (EC2Y) Community Libraries, plus a variety of fun activities for all the Take part in a week of daily free family events at the Museum www.jw3.org.uk family! 12-4pm at Wembley Library. of London, exploring how London was rebuilt after the Great www.brent.gov.uk Fire of 1666. Create your own map of London or make a phoenix masterpiece out of burnt materials. Join interactive storytelling or February Sat 18 Feb - London Philharmonic Orchestra help poet Sara Hirsch create a fire-themed poem. Daily event info Sat 4 Feb – Kids Run Free (NW10) Kids Run Free is a FUNharmonics: Conducting Science (SE1) available online. Suitable for all ages. 12-4pm. charity that organises fun, running based activities for children aged Join science presenter and comedian Helen Arney, special guest www.museumoflondon.org.uk 0-16 years in their local parks and schools. It takes place on the first scientists, and the LPO at the Royal Festival Hall for interactive Saturday of every month in Gladstone Park at 9am. Don’t forget to experiments, demonstrations live on stage, and plenty of brilliant Mon 13 Feb - Filmsmeet presents: Disney’s register your child/ren at the website - print off a barcode for each music. Conducting Science will give parents and children alike a Moana (WD3) A young woman uses her navigational talents child and take it along to every event. chance to look down the microscope at the secrets behind the to set sail for a fabled island. Joining her on the adventure is her www.kidsrunfree.co.uk Orchestra’s sounds. And don’t forget head along before the concert hero, the legendary demi-god Maui. The film will show at 11am, for hands-on science fun and ‘have-a-go’ instrument sessions. This 2pm & 5pm at Watersmeet Theatre. Sat 4 Feb – Sun 5 Mar - Orchids 2017 (TW9) concert is aimed at children aged 6 and over but family members of www.watersmeet.co.uk The beloved Orchids Festival returns to Kew Gardens. Inspired by all ages are welcome. the vibrant colours, culture and magnificent plant life of India, this www.lpo.org.uk Mon 13 – Tue 14 Feb - A Mermaid’s Tale (SE10) year’s festival will feature giant floral displays created using exotic Mermaids and men exist worldwide in myths and legends: make up orchids, decorative rickshaws, Indian soundscapes, films and much Sun 19 Feb - Udderly Amazing Cows! (SW19) transformational merpeople and stories! Part of the Rainbow Week more. It will be Kew’s 22nd annual Orchids Festival and the first The cows play a crucial role in managing the wetlands at the WWT February Half-Term at the National Maritime Museum: this year they themed around India. London. Spend time behind the scenes with the udderly amazing will be exploring change and transformation in their collection, www.kew.org cows, learn more about their importance and what the wardens with two free drop-in family workshops at 11.30am–1:30pm and have to do to look after the furry friends. 10am – 11am & 1.30pm – 1.30–4pm. Tue 7 Feb - Homework Matters (NW3) This 2.30pm. Spaces are limited so please book your place at admissions www.rmg.co.uk seminar at JW3 is designed to give parents guidance on how to get on the day (first-come first-served basis). Mon 13 – Wed 15 Feb - Peter Pan Children’s children to do their homework willingly and independently without www.wwt.org.uk Workshop with Perform (various) Let your children having to nag, shout or bribe! Teaching your child good study habits fly to Neverland for an unforgettable three-day adventure this is a foundation for successful work habits as an adult. Rachel Vecht Sun 26 Feb - The Party: A Circus Show (NW3) A man gets ready to host his long anticipated birthday party, which February. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, and Peter Pan, the Lost Boys is an experienced primary school teacher, mother to four children and Tinkerbell in tow, the children will be transported to the land and founder of Educating Matters. goes spectacularly wrong with the arrival of some uninvited guests. A circus show for all the family at JW3, The Party is a totally madcap where no one grows up for the best fun of the holidays. Perform’s www.jw3.org.uk celebration spiralling out of control through clowning, juggling, trick team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will work their magic guiding each child every step of the way to inspire and encourage Sat 11 Feb - Chinese New Year (E2) Head along to cycling and tumbling. This is followed by the Crafternoon activity for children ages 2+ and their parents, which is making traditional them to project their voices, learn energetic dance routines, the V&A Museum of Childhood to celebrate Chinese New Year with sing catchy songs, and develop the Perform 4 Cs: Confidence, traditional and modern instrumental and dance performances. clowns using paper plates! For children aged 8-11 years there is a Circus Skills Workshop, which is a drop off event where they can Concentration, Communication and Coordination. On the last day, Take part in Chinese Opera mask making, costume and calligraphy the children will put on a show-stopping performance to delight workshops. A collaborative event with Mothers’ Bridge of Love. Free learn the secret tricks of the trade with Nearly There Yet. www.jw3.org.uk family and friends complete with imaginative costumes and original drop-in for all ages. songs. www.vam.ac.uk/moc www.perform.org.uk/peterpan Sat 11 Feb - Rave-A-Roo (SE1) A brand new clubbing mash-up of festival fun for the whole family, and the ultimate party for kids. Rave-A-Roo features live DJs, madcap hosts, bubble walkabout, hilarious interactive performances and fab giveaways. It’s an epic afternoon in a safe and spotless environment mixed with a kids festival. People of all ages are welcome, from toddlers to grandparents, to dance, let loose, or sit back, watch and chill. 1-3.45pm at the Royal Festival Hall. 020 7960 4200 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Sat 11 Feb - Out at Sea: Family Festival! (SE10) A day-long free family festival to celebrate LGBT History Month at the National Maritime Museum! Join in a sing-along with the London Gay Men’s Chorus, have a chat with the resident female pirate, hear stories of gods, goddesses, mermaids and monsters, learn about the history of boys’ and girls’ toys with ‘Let Toys Be Toys’, and create your own incredible rainbow ship-badge! Museum of London www.rmg.co.uk
28 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 What’s On
Willows Farm
Mon 13 & Thu 16 Feb – Bedazzled (SE10) During the First World War, artists were carers at the Museum of London. Free but ticketed on arrival, arrive early to avoid disappointment 10.30- commissioned to decorate Royal Navy ships with intricate and colourful ‘dazzle’ patterns to make them 11.15am, 11.30am-12.15pm & 1-1.45pm. hard to spot at sea. Blur the lines with dazzle masks using bright colours and bold designs to transform www.museumoflondon.org.uk yourself at the National Maritime Museum. 11.30am–1.30pm and 1.30–4pm. www.rmg.co.uk Wed 15 – Thu 16 Feb - Family Fun: Sticktacular (HP23) Creative crafts, games and trails for children of all ages at College Nature Reserve in Tring. Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb - Airfix Make and Take (NW9) Half term Airfix Make and Take www.bbowt.org.uk event at the RAF Museum, which gives visitors the opportunity to make and paint their own Airfix model. www.rafmuseum.org.uk Fri 17 Feb - Musical Storytelling (WC1N) Learn about musical games in this interactive story-telling workshop for families at the Foundling Museum. Immerse yourself in the music and sounds Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb - February Half Term Scheme at JW3 (NW3) This half of games played by children on the streets of London throughout its history. Suitable for ages 5-10. term you can express your wild side through science, sound and sport! Go along for one day or the whole www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk week, as no day is the same. Children will enjoy a mixture of professionally delivered, age appropriate workshops and hands-on activities with the in house youth leadership team. For ages 5-11. www.jw3.org.uk Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb - Play the Museum Game (E2) Experience the V&A Museum of Childhood like a giant board game to celebrate Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered and all things playful. A series of workshops and activities inviting you to view the Museum’s collection and building playfully and differently. Drop-in for all ages from 11am-4pm. Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb – SuperCamps (HA6) A multi-activity camp taking place at Northwood College for Girls during the February half term. www.supercamps.co.uk Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb – Toad to the Rescue (EC2R) The fantastic stories from ‘Wind in the Willows’ are brought to life in this half term event at the Bank of England Museum. Enjoy fun and interactive sessions with a costumed storyteller. No booking required. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Mon 13 – Fri 17 Feb - Half Term Fun Week at Watford Colosseum (WD17) Work with professional artists to explore the production behind the magic of theatre. Arts and active fun for ages 7-12 years. Booking essential. 01923 571102 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Tue 14 Feb - Victorian Street Games (WC1N) Go on an adventure inspired by Victorian street games, in this free family workshop at the Foundling Museum. Join artist Isobel Manning to learn about the outdoor games that children played in the nineteenth century and make your own game to take home. Ages 5+. Sessions run 10:30-11:30am, 1-2pm and 2.30-3.20pm. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Tue 14 – Wed 15 Feb - Upswing presents: Between the Stacks (NW10) Try a new art form as you experience the library environment in a different way. Between the Stacks uses contemporary circus performance and play activities which explore stories based on night time, fantasy and journeys. At The Library at Willesden Green 11am-12pm and 2-3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. www.brent.gov.uk Tue 14 – Wed 15 Jan – Half Term Activities at Natural History Museum Tring (HP23) Investigate Birds in 30 minute workshops on Tue 14th and Wed 15th and make Fluffball Dodos on Thu 16th. On Fri 17th there will be a Scavenger Hunt at Tring Park at 10.30am & 2pm. This is a 2 hour activity which includes a 20 minute steep walk. Advance booking required. www.nhm.ac.uk Tue 14 – Thu 16 Feb - Half Term Activities (AL9) Activities taking place at 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm and 2.30pm at Mill Green Museum. On Tue 14 Feb make a moving Dragon Puppet; On Wed 15 Feb create a 3D Hand Print Dragon Picture, and on Thu 16 Feb make a clay model of your favourite Dragon. Sessions last for one hour, no booking required. Suitable for age 4+. 01707 357850 [email protected] www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Wed 15 Feb - Tickets please! (EC2Y) Discover modes of transport past and present while learning songs about travel in the city during this musical session for under 5s and their parents and
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 29 Local Clubs and Classes Directory Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw
available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the filled programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS restaurant while your little ones are playing. 0208 427 8847 info@ and coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com Stanmore. For more information contact [email protected] Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099 about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults. 01895 All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini [email protected] 624755 www.thewindmillstudio.com academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth 01923255099 women who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present. MUSIC & MOVEMENT [email protected] www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. Every Wednesday night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre. Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and www.capitalconnection.org.uk funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & above held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and Harrow Weald. Adult classes in Barnet. Sheena 0787 550 1674 encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction to [email protected] www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun! 07721 623 171 groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and [email protected] www.beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook. Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults at the YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden. during term holidays in a friendly environment. 07737847405 or info@ com/beatbuilding egglesscakedelights.com. www.egglesscakedelights.com Baby, Ballet, Gym, Soft Play and Classes from £4.40. 020 8832 1576 Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and [email protected] www.ymcawestlondon.org The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. children up to 6 years old with small, age-related classes. Classes are Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, enjoyable and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music students learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a Massage & Yoga skills. New class starting in Hendon in Jan 2017. 020 8444 9435 friendly and homely environment. Group and one-to-one hands on Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk courses. 0208 204 1906 www.veggiekitchen.co.uk Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates & Baby Massage, Little Notes (HA1&HA6) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2016. Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for for those in & near Eastcote Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood & Uxbridge. info@ Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians. Sarah positivlifefitness.com 07974 062 973 www.positivlifefitness.com women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga is a classically-trained singer and leads classes with voice, piano, flute www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life and guitar. She creates an interactive musical space where children and YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. adults can be guided as they explore sounds, shapes, rhythms and rhymes There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post for children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, together. Love music, right from the start! Classes for children from 0 to 5 posture and concentration and also helps in relaxation. Fun and engaging natal and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW years in Harrow & Northwood. Please see website for more details. YogaBelles: yoga designed for a unique women’s body. 07840 904887 classes for children from walking to 12 years of age. Contact details: 020 8426 4114 [email protected] www.littlenotes.co.uk [email protected] www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli 08458997168. [email protected]. www.yogabugs.com Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical First Aid music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement. Focusing on a benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength range of engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down and flexibility! (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and MCS Training tempo, leaving parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 months) voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. tickling roller coaster! Contact [email protected] or visit YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): Margaret 07814 191 395 [email protected] www.mini-maniacs.com Sat mornings, Bushey YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Sat & Sun mornings, Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies Bushey LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Weekday evening, Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, Bushey about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good 07840 904887 [email protected]; www.yogabellies.co.uk/ fit” for pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. 020 7631 members/anjli National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school 6258 www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, Swimmimg Club Petit Pierrot (NW3/8/11) French Parent & Toddler group for 2-4 year Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim olds in Hampstead at the JW3 Centre (NW3). Mon from 10.30am-11.15am open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, New Denham, Eastcote, without aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of and will be a multi-sensory session, totally in French, with many fun and Northwood and Harrow. 020 8427 6595 www.monkeymusic.com parking. They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and varied activities including songs, rhymes, music, arts & crafts, dances weekly ‘Term Time’ courses. www.aquaswim.org 07925954144. and movement, language games, and puppets…all great fun! There will also be new fun French after-school classes on Weds for 4 to 6 yr olds Aqua Vie Swimming based on effortless swimming and true water and 6 to 8 yr olds in St Anthony’s School for Girls, Hampstead (NW11). SPORTS AND EXERCISE confidence. Fun classes for babies & Children from 6wks+ to all ages including Adults. New Tues, Wed & Sunday morning classes in Bushey WD23. Multi-sensory sessions with arts & crafts and music & movement also take Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding Tel 01923 245 772 www.aqua-vie.com or email [email protected] place in St Mark’s Church Hall, St John’s Wood/Maida Vale (NW8) on Thurs, and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, Fri and Sat. 020 7385 5565 [email protected] www. dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and clubpetitpierrot.co.uk and nurturing teachers. 07841342874 capoeiracademyuk@gmail. abilities, ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults. www.aweswim.co.uk 01923 537070 Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati com www.capoeiracademyuk.com Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, they positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching environment. They at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner. www.sansaar.org introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for provide fully qualified instructors who are committed to maintaining and Little Stars Baby Club (HA9) A fun and friendly baby club where new toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders improving an excellent quality of teaching along with low ratio swimming mums with babies from birth to sitting can relax and meet new friends Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy-a- lessons in a safe environment for children aged 3.5 years plus. All abilities whilst babies play and explore with a range of lovely sensory toys. Every Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy are catered for, from gaining water confidence through to competition Friday 9:30-11:15am at Powell Suites @ Chalkhill Community Centre, The games loved by boys and girls alike! 08452 26 26 94 training, following the ASA progressive scheme awards. 07749554405 Welford Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park HA9 9FX. £2.00 www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected] www.pushandglide.co.uk 0208 385 1836 [email protected] Everyone Active (various) Swimming lessons, sports clubs and activities Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the for all ages. See our ad on page 19 for more details. After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from www.everyoneactive.com held at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School. 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how Splashtime Swim School 07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452 Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from Saturday in Term Time at Field End Road for all children aged 5 – 11 years. September and February 2016 and are free. [email protected] Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Sign Language (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket. 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow. Tracey [email protected] 07974 750 224 www.beverleydance.co.uk. www.singandsign.com JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through agency that is always looking for new recruits! 01895 624755 ACTIVITY CENTRES football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, www.jam2000.co.uk Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet 020 8201 1084 jlevene@littlekickers. Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) run weekend dance, drama and activities available from 6mths to 12yrs. 020 8954 5759 and Watford singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age [email protected]. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP 0208 123 9346 [email protected] or Harrow (HA3) appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Focus on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and Bushey and North Wembley activities. Two week trial available. 020 8447 4530 parties. 01923 892140 www.gambado.com 0208 422 0676 [email protected] www.littlekickers.co.uk www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA* (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s Nichola Rees Youth Academy – NYRA (WD) An acting and performing babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that MixedMartial Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs. Ladies Only Boxing & Kick arts academy based in Watford, for young people aged 4-18 years.Weekly include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events Boxing from 15yrs. Mixed Adult KRAV MAGA Classes from 16yrs. www. workshops on Thursdays and Saturdays, and an annual performance. plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear. 01895 624755 fightingcombatfitness.co.uk; www.moderncombatmartialarts.com; 07702 965 851 [email protected] www.nrya.co.uk thewindmillstudio.com 07818 416 671 Perform Drama (Various) Together with a team of experienced theatre Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds. professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with fun- dance and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room performance at the end of the term. Perform sessions are specially
30 North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Local Clubs and Classes Directory designed to encourage creativity, confidence and communication skills as in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, well as being a kaleidoscope of fun! on courses. 0208 204 1906 www.veggiekitchen.co.uk Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, 0845 400 1275 www.perform.org.uk EFL. 020 3488 0754 www.jkeducate.co.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and AFTER SCHOOL CLUB reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. 07985 588 085 Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk for full scale Musical Theatre productions. 01923 437693 www. /EDUCATION SUPPORT Kumon (various) Unique maths and English study programmes which SharpeAcademy.co.uk Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist support children by building and developing a solid foundation in their Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards. literacy and/or numeracy skills. www.kumon.co.uk www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 singing. Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Offer specialist experience and to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of Champs Learning (HA1) A very structured tuition course for English, Maths, accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run their shell by having fun! Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill Science and 11+ exams. Courses run at Harrow College. 020 3004 9007 popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays. 2 hours spent per & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 www.champslearning.co.uk subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and Non- Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599 Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational Verbal Reasoning. All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success www.stagecoach.co.uk weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with technology: 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted. 01992 651 300 www. Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs. [email protected] mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads leadersarereaders.co.uk and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to complement the EYFS Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged three Dance curriculum. Free trials available. and a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English. 020 8434 7111. www.clickit-kids.co.uk. [email protected]. Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in 020 8213 3100 07949 925374 Uxbridge City Centre. Classes for children ages 2 all the way through to DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom adults. Hip Hop, Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the based learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will Grammar and private schools. For a call back email your name and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/competitive create fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and phone number to [email protected] levels. Three fully equipped studios available for hire, at very competitive sensors, and prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all genres) and gymnastics teachers courses written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Mastermind Tuition (HA) Specialise in 11+, Maths, English, Verbal & into schools to run after/before school extra curricular sessions, and PE and Adult courses are also available. Non-verbal reasoning (including CEM-style) and Grammar & Independent PPA cover lessons. 01895 251224 [email protected] www. Gerard on 07767 300940 [email protected] www.discog.co.uk school preparation. Classes in Harrow & Northwood (free parking on site) Visit the website or call 07478 878672 to book a FREE TRIAL www. futunityuk.com Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware. mastermindtuition.com [email protected] Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in Programmes for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra ballet, tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for Magikats (HA1) Innovative programmes, written to support the National the Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers entrance exams or you just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, Sat at Gayton Library, Harrow. Individual of Dance (tap), and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the help. 99% success rate. programmes and support for individual children, promotes confidence, RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, 020 8958 1192 07956868119 www.childrensstories.net skills and a love of learning. 02084275663 www.magikats.com North Harrow and Bushey. 07814 793 772 instepschoolofballet@ Excel Academy (HA3) Experienced tuition in preparation for SATs, 11+, 13+, Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework yahoo.co.uk GCSEs, AS & A2 levels. Small group sizes, all aspects of the support. 0333 12 33 445 www.mathscool.com www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk National Curriculum covered. Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Fun, Motivating and Popular dance www.excelacademy.org.uk The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Kathak. Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year independent service covering a range of children’s communication Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults - call us now to arrange your trial olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to difficulties. 01923 824 074 www.northwoodpractice.co.uk lesson. All dance levels welcome and training leads to stage performance book a free trial class! www.explorelearning.co.uk. Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English opportunities. 0208 423 9543/07944 457 984 www.kspark.co.uk First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, designed tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to a child’s levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. learning needs & style. Find out more about this structured approach to progress reports. Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11. www. Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to learning, by contacting one of your local Centre managers. numberworksnwords.co.uk Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard. www.firstclasslearning.co.uk Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Lesson with this advert. 0208 8662105 or 01923 285380. www. Fleet Tutors (Various) Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered. lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk Professional one to one tutoring. Fleet www.pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk RISE Studios (WD) Dance and Performing Arts Schools in Watford and Tutors has been matching the right tutor Rickmansworth. Classes in ballet, modern, tap, street dance, hip-hop, to the education needs of students across The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) drama, singing, LAMDA and Performing Arts. 01923 218626 www. the UK since 1977. Our network of tutors are - 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time. 0207 rise-studios.com subject specialists who tailor the teaching 407 6744. [email protected] www.theplayshelter.co.uk and learning experience to relieve any The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, subject specific anxieties and help build The Rainbow Club (various) Specialise in preparing for 3+, 4+ and 5+ technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years your child’s confidence so they achieve a successful outcome. entrance exams. 07850 045 471 [email protected] with Royal Academy of Dance examinations 020 8950 2457 www For a helpful discussion about your requirements, speak to our vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the knowledgeable tuition consultants today 0333 920 2545. SEN register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via www.fleet-tutors.co.uk computer) monitored daily. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616 ARTS AND CRAFTS [email protected] (registered therapist) The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfin group for children, 6 to 9 year Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups olds are reopening their group after the Summer holidays on Tuesday Simple Studies (NW4) Offer expert English and Maths tuition for 4-16 year Monday–Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for 6th September in Central Harrow. Parents wishing to join their children olds at their cosy centre in Hendon. They specialise in 11+ entrance exams. children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a should contact the District Secretary; John Woolf: 020 8428 2409 or Quote ‘Familiesmagazine’ and get 10% off your first lesson! relaxed, supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099 e-mail: [email protected] For more information regarding 07793 498195 www.simplestudies.co.uk [email protected] Harrow Woodcraft Folk visit their web site: www.harrowwoodcraftfolk. Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, (HA4 & WD7) 11+ tuition for Independent and Grammar school printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr High Fliers have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers. 07946 055 422 info@ entrance. Run by highly experienced and qualified prep school teachers market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year mysistersandme.co.uk offering a unique and tailored tutoring service. 07949 297070/07534 since 1987, over 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Let them explore their creative side! 020868 [email protected] www.high-fliers.org.uk success. 020 7683 0734 www.sdeuk.org/swherts Imaginative Art classes for children delivering art techniques in a fun Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities environment. (This isn’t just messy play and each term is different). Infant Stanmore Tutor Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for classes Mon 3.30, Tues 5pm, Juniors Wed 4.30. Private classes available and day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily adult classes coming soon. 07773819603 blankcanvasartclub@gmail. that all important place. 020 3538 2437 com, www.facebook.com/Blankcanvasartclub activity. They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm Nicole 07794078452 [email protected] www.activetime.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch Luchi and Ota (HA8) Sewing classes and course for kids and adults. Also type! Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18. Highly Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities hold one-off drop-in sessions and sewing and craft parties. recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office 020 8958 7714 [email protected] www.luchiandota.com to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the available. 020 8434 7111. very young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up! all-round motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel. Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come [email protected] www.integratedbrain.co.uk www.typeitforkids.co.uk. [email protected]. dressed for mess! 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com/family Mini Picassos (NW10) After school art courses for children 4-13yrs. Toddler Picassos - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.45-3.45pm: Painting, water play, collage, play dough and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 yrs. Adults evening Life Families North West London is designed by Bibbysalt and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine drawing classes. Mini Picassos Arty Birthday Party for children aged 2-10 SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST 2016. Families North West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group An independent service covering a range of years and Summer Holiday workshops too! 07903 638 817 www. are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, minipicassos.co.uk [email protected] Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North West London are Children’s communication difficulties. The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior Contact THE NORTHWOOD PRACTICE Stanmore. Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held MRCSLT, HPC more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Call 01923 824074
North West London JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 31