IN THIS ISSUE

∞ Childcare solutions in school holidays: Camps, Activities and Classes

∞ Demystifying Phonics ∞ What’s On for Families

Issue 128 May/June 2019 familiesonline.co.uk 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: May/June issue! 5. How to turn off screens without a meltdown 6. Demystifying Phonic CONTACT US: 7. How to encourage a love of www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon music Families North West 10. Parenting @FamiliesNWLon 12-15. Childcare in school holidays London Magazine Readership of over 60,000 local parents, carers 17. Local Classes Editors: and teachers every issue. 23. Children’s Theatre Heather Waddington and Janine Mergler Published seven times a year. For families from birth to twelve. P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 UPCOMING ISSUE: E: [email protected] Cover image: July/August 2019 - What to do with the kids this depositphotos.com Listings and Features Editor: summer! Deadline: 1 June 2019 Anna Blackshaw September 2019 – Back to School and Local Clubs E: [email protected] and Classes – Deadline: 10 August 2019 Feature images used under license from www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to depositphotos.com. Other images have been the details left. supplied by independent sources.

Where is Families North West London? Families North West London Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group Families North West London Magazine is distributed are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the Families NW London Magazine are fully protected by copyright and east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: in any form without prior consent of Families North West London schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports Magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby but Families North West London Magazine, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to contents, or any consequence thereof. parents, please let us know.

NEWS North West London women win national NCT New Children’s Garden at the volunteering award Roya Haghighat-Khah and Sinead Walker from North West Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew! London have been highly commended at the national NCT Stars Awards, which fittingly took place at the Space Centre in The Royal Botanic Leicester. Gardens, Kew has Roya and Sinead embarked on its resurrected the long- most ambitious dormant North West design project in London NCT branch. recent years, with They transformed it, the creation of a making it accessible giant new Children’s and appealing to all Garden due to open parents through their to the public on 18 excellent use of social May 2019. Covering media. They have 10,000m², it’s the size shown commitment of nearly 40 tennis to building accessible courts, and has been and inclusive support designed by Kew networks for new garden designers around the elements that plants need to grow: earth, air, parents and parents-to-be in the area. sun and water. Children will be able to play and explore as they wind their way through a landscape filled with over 100 mature trees, discovering In accepting the award, Roya said: “We’re delighted to receive hidden treasures and adventure, and developing their love of nature, plants this award. The revival and growth of our North West London and the outdoors along the way. networks was fuelled by the generosity, enthusiasm and skill of an incredible team of volunteers. Not to mention the copious Suzie Jewell, Children’s Garden Designer, RBG Kew said: “With the amount of support from our local community, and cake, lots of Children’s Garden we really hoped to design and create a unique space it!” for children to play in, that would not only be fun and stimulate their imagination, but also give them a different perspective on how the plants Anyone interested in volunteering for NCT or finding out about grow and why they are so important. I hope that this will lead to a deeper activities and events in their area can contact the local NCT connection with nature and a lifelong love of plants.” branch via NCT’s website or call NCT’s enquiries line on 0300 330 0770. www.kew.org

2 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk NEWS

CCMH Mental health awareness conference for parents and teachers Taking place on Saturday 15 June 2019 at The Child Centre for Mental Health in Islington (N1) the latest conference hosted by Local recruiter celebrates CCMH will address ‘What children and teenagers need to know about life in order to live well’. 12 years of flexible working Through fascinating Ten2Two, local experts in part-time recruitment and flexible film footage and recruitment, is celebrating its twelfth year in business this year. deeply moving case material, teachers Since their launch in 2007, they have seen the employment and parents can landscape shift in favour of more flexible working arrangements learn how to and a greater acceptance from employers that embracing present science flexibility can add value at all levels across an organisation. MD, and psychology- Deborah O’Sullivan says “when we first launched we would have informed key to explain to our clients the various types of working formats information to young people on vital topics such as living with your available and that part-time roles weren’t just for junior positions. emotional brain, why love hurts, how to make up after a row and Now, our clients come to us asking for all levels of candidates knowing your brain chemicals so you can calm down effectively in all sorts of formats from three days per week, five short days, after stressful emotions instead of self-harming or turning to drink remote working or other flexible working formats.” or drugs. Other topics to be covered include what drugs do to your Ten2Two helps mothers (and fathers!) achieve a work-life brain, the key causes of depression and anxiety, how to prevent balance by finding rewarding work with local employers working mental illness, how to keep going when you want to give up, why hours that suit life’s other demands such as the school run or people want to die and why they want to live, what you need to nursery schedule. Their slogan says it all – Drop kids off. Have a know about sexuality and gender, how to manage friendships well career. Pick kids up. They are looking forward to expanding their and how to be a great parent. business reach further during the year. To find out more visit www.childmentalhealthcentre.org. Find out more and register at www.ten2two.org The cost per delegate is £183.

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 3 NEWS

Little feet can make a big Why I love teaching difference this June Perform holiday courses Barnardo’s Big Toddle returns to raise Perform Producer, Gemma Payne, tells Families money for vulnerable children why she loves running Perform’s drama, dance Last year’s Barnardo’s annual and singing holiday courses. Big Toddle fundraiser saw thousands of under-fives take part in short, sponsored “toddles” to raise money for the UK’s largest children’s charity, which supports more than 301,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. The charity is now once again calling for children, families and nurseries to join in the fun this summer as Big Toddle Week returns with an animal theme from June 24th – 30th. Those who register by May 20 will receive a Big Toddle pack containing information and fundraising ideas. To register to hold your own Big Toddle, find out more about the Dudley Zoo Big Toddle or for further information, visit www. bigtoddle.org.uk or call 0800 008 7005.

Holidays should be fun and my job is to take the children on a magical adventure they will remember. Together, we work Gujutots celebrates their on songs, dances and character and it’s a joy to see the quieter ones come out of their shell and the bubbly ones become FIRST birthday! focused on learning song lyrics and lines. In the year since Gujutots launched their first class in April 2018 On the last day, there’s a show for friends and family and the hundreds of under 5’s have enjoyed learning Gujarati using this fresh parents are so surprised and proud when they see what their new approach. child has achieved. The children’s faces light up when they The themed, interactive Gujarati classes were started by local mum hear the applause and they know they’ve done a good job as of two, Smitty Hindocha, who spotted a gap in the market. “Parents they run to their families for a cuddle. It’s a busy week but the recognise it can be difficult to speak in Gujarati at home so by attending feeling when you’ve put together something memorable and Gujutots classes, children get an opportunity to practice their Gujarati entertaining for the parents is just magical. And I suspect most from birth in a fun, positive way - through singing familiar nursery rhymes, of the children won’t ever forget it either! reading stories and playing games in Gujarati.” Smitty has written and Perform Wizard of Oz holiday courses run across July and composed her own songs and stories for the classes, and now has two August. highly popular CD’s for parents to use in the car and at home to continue Visit perform.org.uk/holidays for full details to support additional language development. The NW London based Gujutots classes currently operate during the week, and is planning to shortly launch weekend classes in response to parent requests. To find out more visit www.gujutots.co.uk

4 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Parenting

7 ways to turn off screens without a meltdown By Andrew Campbell

To minimise the meltdowns, try Create a Routine these ideas: Children who know they have to turn off the TV before a specific activity (like dinner) can Explain your Reasons sometimes transition more easily. Children are less likely to push your limits when you thoroughly outline your reasons for Encourage other Activities reducing screen time. Let them know that, in Keep other options such as board games, art your family, you place a higher value on family supplies, books, Frisbees, and bikes around and The best part about your child’s screen time is bonding, physical activity and positive sources ready when your kids claim there’s nothing else that it gives you a short break. The worst part of entertainment. When you make it less about to do. is the meltdown when you turn it off. the negatives and more about the positives of Helping children regulate their own media reducing screen time, your children are more Disable Back-to-Back Shows use is an ongoing process, and along the way likely to comply. If you’re using a streaming service, disable the you’re likely to experience some struggles setting that automatically plays the next show when it’s time to turn off the TV or any other Have a Clear Plan in a series. digital device. Explain to your child that he or she can watch a certain number of TV shows or be on a device Keep Screens out of bedrooms When it’s time to move from TV watching to It’s much easier to exercise control when your another activity, using pre-recorded shows can for a specific time period. Let them know what to expect after the show or time period too. In child is within view. So that means keeping be effective. On traditional broadcast TV, one video games, the TV and the tablet in a show follows another, but when you a DVR, other words, “After the show you need to turn off the TV or I will have to come and turn it off common area where you can keep an eye on streaming-video services like Netflix, or even things. DVDs, your child can be encouraged to turn for you. Then we’ll do some baking.” Decide what times of day are appropriate for viewing. off the TV when the show they want to watch Give Praise is over. For instance, you may decide that your children can watch television before but not after If your child successfully transitions to another If you don’t have any of these options, consider dinner, or that you want devices turned off a activity without a meltdown, show your using the “watch later” feature on YouTube. good hour before bedtime. When the rules appreciation. Say something like, “Thanks for The site allows you to select and add videos are clear and consistent, you can avoid daily turning off the TV and coming to set the table!” to a playlist. Your child can simply watch what battles when you say it’s time for screens to be Children will be more likely to follow through you’ve selected. turned off. again if they have a positive experience.

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 5 Education Demystifying Phonics

By Andrew Campbell

Parents play a very important role in helping children learn to read. But teaching methods have changed since most parents were at school and if you want to assist your children, it’s important to understand how they are taught. ∞ What is Phonics? Phonics is used in all schools in the UK as the main first method for children to learn to read and write. It is all about sounds. There are 44 sounds in English, which are put together to form words. These small units of sound are called ‘phonemes.’Some sounds are represented by one letter, like ‘t’, and some by two or more, like ‘ck’ in truck and ‘air’ in chair. The letter, or the combination of letters are called ‘graphemes.’ Children are taught the sounds first, then how to match them to letter(s), and finally how to use the letter(s) and sounds to read and spell. ∞ What makes Phonics Tricky? The English language is a bit more complicated than most ∞ How is Phonics Taught? languages. Having been invaded so many times throughout its The most widely used approach in UK schools is called ‘synthetic history, it is a rich mixture of languages. For instance the word phonics’ in which the phonemes (sounds) associated with particular ‘fern’ comes from the Anglo-Saxons and the first sound is spelt ‘f’. graphemes (letter or letters) are pronounced in isolation and Whereas the word ‘phone’ comes from Greek and the same sound blended together (synthesised). is spelt ‘ph.’ Tricky words need to be learnt by sight, rather than The 44 sounds (phonemes), and the way they are written down, are sound. taught individually. The first sounds to be taught are usually s, a, t, p, i, n. This is because once children know each of those letter sounds, ∞ Helpful Resources they can then be arranged into a variety of different words (eg: sat, There are a large number of apps available including Jolly Phonics tip, pin, nip, tan, tin, sip). The teacher will show pupils how to ‘blend’ and Teach Your Monster to Read. The BBC Skillwise Phonics Tool or sound out words, using the new sound. For example, the word allows you to hear sounds of English in five different accents and ‘lock’ when spoken has three sounds. Children are taught to say the discover the correspondence between sounds and letters. sounds separately then blend them together: ‘l-o-ck’, ‘lock.’ Once children are aware of the sounds of English and how spoken words are built from these sounds, they can learn the ways each sound is usually written, as a letter, or group of letters. ∞ How Can You Help? Sounding out words is at the heart of phonics and helping your child with this at home is simple. Try introducing sounds one at a time. Phoneme cards are useful (downloadable, printable resources can be found at www.phonicsplay.co.uk). Show a letter card to your child and say the sound. Ask your child to say it as well. This will help build a link between the letter and its sound. You can go on to help your child blend the sounds by saying each of the sounds in the word and then pushing them together to say the word. Using the sounds to write is achieved by helping your child to work out the individual sounds in a word and matching these sounds to the letters. Say a word and ask your child to break it down into its individual sounds. For example big, b i g. When reading to your child, practise by encouraging them to point to each letter and say the sound out loud. Then your child can read these words by blending the separate sounds together.

11+ Mock Tests SW Consortium QE Boys subjects Call us to arrange an individual appointment Saturday 6 May 2019 ...... 2pm - 4.30pm Saturday 1 June 2019 ...... 2pm - 4.30pm Nascot Wood Junior School, Nascot Wood Road, Watford WD17 4YS From £27.50 per paper including detailed feedback BOOK NOW www.mocktestmasters.com FEEDBACK includes: ✔ Detailed report on your child’s strengths and weaknesses ✔ Access to mock test questions and answers ✔ Over 20,000 pupils have taken our tests

6 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Education How to Encourage a Love of Music in Your Child By Jon Flinn

Beyond giving warmth and love, relationships lower the age of children targeted from the which encourage a child’s musical current 5/6 years to nursery age. development are sensitive and responsive to It’s also why the national Music Commission the child’s needs, feelings and interests. For (www.musiccommission.org.uk) focusses, in example, giving them access to variety of isten to the stories of successful young part, on the role that parents (whether they music to hear and play but acknowledging musicians today and they will tell you are musical or not) can play in their children’s the child’s own tastes. They’re also about that they got involved with classical learning. The Learn Music London (www. supporting the child’s own efforts to express music, in large part, because they were learnmusic.london) resource can also help L themselves, and being consistent in setting parents in London find teachers and local exposed to it from an early age. clear boundaries. support. It sounds obvious doesn’t it? Yet no two Creating enabling environments is about musical ‘journeys’ are the same and there are There’s lots that government and agencies making sure that your child – whatever many different starting points. like ABRSM can do to help support children age – has access to appropriate stimulating to learn to develop their musical skills, but The reality, of course, is that most musicians resources which are relevant to a range of nothing is more important to a child’s musical are unlikely to even remember their first children’s cultures and communities, has development than the support of their exposure to music because, as the evidence rich opportunities to learn through play and parents. clearly shows, the process of responding to playful teaching and is free to take risks and music starts before we are even born. After explore through music. just 25 weeks a foetus has a functioning There are dozens of great tips on their The ABRSM is the world’s leading auditory system and can respond to sound, website (www.early-education.org. provider of music exams and an for example, by jumping or kicking in uk) – everything from copying children’s organisation which has spent 130 years response to a very loud noise. vocalisations to show that you hear and inspiring the musical achievement of So how do you as parents or parents-to-be value them to using recording devices and young people. It is currently looking nurture your child’s relationship with music? creating ‘treasure baskets’ with items that the for music learners ages 7 to 18 and The British Association for Early Childhood youngest babies can shake, scrunch or tap. their parents from a wide range of Education has done some great work in this When it comes to developing your children’s backgrounds to take part in a series of area, showing how parental support for their relationship with music, you can’t start early online discussions, polls and surveys. child’s musical development is underpinned enough – which is why it’s such great news If you are interested, register online at by two simple but vital principles: positive that, when it comes into effect in 2020, the www.abrsm.org/parentslearners. relationships and enabling environments. new National Plan for Music Education will

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 7 Education

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/Day) Open Day: Sat 15 Jun 2019. Prep School 01923 851664. Senior [email protected] 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 Buckingham Prep School Pinner HA5 Boys School 4-11 years Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 2737. www.buckprep.org Charlotte House Prep School Rickmansworth WD3 Girls 3-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment. 01923 772101 www.charlottehouseprepschool.co.uk Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Open Day: Sat 5 Oct, 1-4pm (Sen & Prep); Sat 9 Nov, (Pre-Prep – Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk appt only) 0208 266 1950 Open Day: 4+: Wed 18 Sep, Thu 26 Sep, Wed 2 Oct, Fri 11 Oct, Thu Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 17 Oct, Tue 5 Nov. 7+: Tue 15 Oct. 11+: Tue 24 Sep, Thu 3 Oct, Thu Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk 10 Oct, Fri 18 Oct, Thu 7 Nov, Mon 18 Nov . 020 8266 2302 email [email protected] Haberdashers’ Adams, Newport, TF10 7BD. Boys 11-18 yrs (boarding) Open Day: By appointment. 01952 953810 Girls 6th form. www.adamsgs.uk

High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – 11 Open Day: By appointment. 01923 681103 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com

The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. Open Day: Tue 18 Jun, 5-7pm; Sat 21 Sep, 9.30am-12pm. 020 8515 www.johnlyon.org 9400

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs.www. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344 avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow

Longwood School and Nursery Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 3 mths – 11yrs. Open Day: Every day is Open Day, just call to book a tour. www.longwoodschool.co.uk 01923 253715 Open Day: Sat 11 May, 10am-12.30pm (Sen Sch). Thu 3 & Fri 4 Oct, Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood HA6 both 9.45am-12pm (Prep). 01923 825648 (Prep) 01923 845514 Boys 11-18yrs www.mtpn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk (Senior) North London Collegiate School Edgware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. Open Day: Thu 16 May, Wed 5 Jun, Wed 19 Jun, Sat 28 Sep (Junior). www.nlcs.org.uk Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch 020 8951 6481/6468.

Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. Open Day: Wed 3 Jul, 9.30-11am (Early Yrs & Jun Sch) Mon 1 Jul, www.northwoodcollege.gdst.net 9.30-11am (Sen Sch); Sat 5 Oct, 1-4pm (whole sch) 01923 825446.

North London Grammar School London NW9 Boys & Girls 11-18 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 0208 205 0052 www.northlondongrammar.com

Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr Open Day: Sat 11 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. www. Open Day: By appointment. [email protected] quaintonhall.org.uk 020 8861 8861

Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660 www.reddiford.co.uk

Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3months-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 and Prep Open Day: Sun 6 Oct. 01923 725354 Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18) St John’s CofE Primary School Watford WD17 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment. 01923 255 017 www.watfordstjohns.org

St Helen’s College Hillingdon UB10 Boys & Girls 2-11 yrs Open Day: By appointment 01895 234 371 www.sthelenscollege.com

Open Day: Thu 13 Jun, 9.30am-12pm; Sat 21 Sep, 9.30am-12.30pm. St Helen’s School Northwood HA6 Girls 3-18 yrs www.sthelens.london 01923 843230

St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. Open Day: By appointment. 0208 950 1751 www.sthildasbushey.com

St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. Open Day: Wed 22 May, 9.15am. 020 8866 0067 www.st-johns.org.uk

St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs Open Day: Sat 21 Sep, 9-11am. 020 8901 0872 (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.co.uk

St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs Open Day: By appointment. 01923 825 740 www.stmartins.org.uk

York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs Open Day: Sat 18 May, 9.30am-12pm. 01923 772 395 www.york-house.com

8 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Education WHAT’S NEW? Retro gaming mat Yoto – fun for the whole We loved this clever speaker- designed by family! families, for families, 80s kids are going to love this using Montessori Retro Gaming Mat. Remember principals to empower when whole days could slip by children through play. in games arcade’s - never was Yoto uses physical cards there a better way to spend that young children use your pocket money. to unlock a world of Bring back all that nostalgia and curated and child-safe all the fun (without the need for music, stories and a bag of coins) with the Retro interactive learning that Gaming Mat. It enables you to grow with your child play 200 old school 8-bit games and it offers youngsters - yet plugs into your modern TV. the opportunity to build Bringing all the best bits from the 80s to the now. independence over what they listen to or play. Yoto The Orb Retro Gaming Mat costs £29.99 from ThumbsUp.com is ‘Playtime Amplified’ Yoto player + Card Starter Pack comes with A Yoto player with a Cards Starter Pack featuring: music and Days Out Underground: story cards; interactive cards for learning; our own live radio card; a favourite 50 subterranean storytelling podcast; sound effects cards; and a set of blank Make Your Own adventures beneath cards that you can use to upload . Britain RPP starting from £129.00 Find out more at www.yotoplay.com By Peter Naldrett Moonlite story A quirky and original guide for inexpensive ideas of something different projector – your to do on a weekend! favourite story This unique guide explores 50 illutrations coming to a underground attractions, from caves to nuclear bunkers, abandoned mines to wall or ceiling near you! secret railways, labyrinthine tunnels to Inspired by her daughter’s love ancient crypts, all brilliantly described of shadow play before bedtime, and portrayed with incredible colour Canadian mother and former Google photography throughout.Hidden beneath veteran, Natalie Rebot created Britain are plenty of attractions open to Moonlite, a children’s story book everyone. There are atmospheric full projector for your mobile phone. colour photographs throughout, and boxes that highlight precisely It creates a truly magical, immersive why you should visit, as well as things to look out for when you do. Days Out storytelling experience that fuels Underground has something to excite everyone, especially families – here’s your child’s imagination like no how you entertain the kids on those wet-weather weekends! other. This small device clips onto RRP £16.99 #daysoutunderground your smartphone and uses the torch to project vibrant storybook images onto any surface. While projecting the storybook Little Guides to Great Lives - newest books in images, the Moonlite app displays story text and the series - Anne Frank and Ferdinand Magellan plays charming sound effects, creating a special Written by Isabel Thomas; Illustrations by Paola Escobar story time experience for you and your child. Designed to be soothing and calming, Moonlite Meet some of history’s most inspiring figures in this beautifully-illustrated automatically operates in Night Shift mode to create a relaxing bedtime guide to their amazing lives. From artists to aviators and scientists to environment. revolutionaries, Little Guides to Great Lives is a series of handy, accessible guides, each beautifully depicted by a different illustrator. The guides The Moonlite Starter Pack RRP £19.99. introduce children to the most inspirational figures from history. Additional Story Reels RRP £7.99 each. www.mymoonlite.co.uk/ Each features a timeline, glossary and index at the back of the book. Recommended reader – Ages 7+ RRP £8.99 ea

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 9 Parenting Are you stressing out your kids? By Susie Ramroop

ne of the most common beliefs that parents seem to have when it comes to keeping children Ohappy is that they have to be busy all of the time, so much so that they fear what quiet time will be like. As grown ups we can all go a little stir crazy, but the reality is this very rarely happens because we are caught in a busy trap, continually stacking our calendars. And worse, we are teaching the same patterns to our children. Are you running you and your kids ragged on the basis that you think it is what they need? It can easily happen - in this part of the country there is something to do every day of the week: from rhyme time to baby do not function at my best, and nor did my all the time. Teach them to choose activities massage. baby. that are replenishing. True hobbies are I noticed quite early on as a new Mum that I started to own that I was disrupting her those that bring us joy, and don’t feel like a my child was getting grumpy - drinking rest, and ignoring her needs because I was chore. So choose activities that juxtapose less milk and not sleeping so well. On trying to keep up with other Mums. I didn’t the structure of school promote creativity, one desperate Saturday afternoon I went think I was doing a good enough job just to like a drama class or a sport. How to to the library and turned to Gina Ford for trust my own instincts and parent the way choose? Pick the one that is visibly bringing advice. Whilst some people don’t like her that made us both happy. the most joy. When you feel yourself racing regimented approach, for me it seemed from one thing to the other, it’s time to like a savour. To stick to it, I had to give up And this is exactly the same in the clients reduce the strain on your family schedule. some of the activities we were doing. Only I see today. They are running themselves in doing so did I grasp how many of them from commitment to commitment with no respite in between, and they are enforcing Susie Ramroop is a Mindset Coach helping there were. I was treating my 6 week old busy parents to focus on what truly makes baby like she cared what her social life the same routines on their kids. Our children need a break too. a difference in life and at work. Please send looked like. And in truth, maybe I was any comments and questions to susie@ putting my own needs to leave the house Statistics show that stress levels in adults susieramroop.com. and kids are rising. The good news is that ahead of hers. And if you realise having read this that you by helping yourself, you will be helping When I turned down events based on Elise’s could do with cleaning up your act on this your kids get more resilient now and in the routine people gave me funny looks, but topic, her Spring Clean Your Life course will future. frankly, my baby’s happiness and mine were definitely help: www.susieramroop.com/ more important - without routine and rest I Don’t teach them that they need to be busy spring-clean-your-life

10 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Mummy on the Edge An unequal exchange.

here’s a week-long work experience trip in Belgium to practice our French. Can I go?” My imagination ran riot as I pictured myself at a sunny writing retreat; being pummelled by thalassotherapy “Tjets at Champneys; ordering a portion of pescaito mixto frito and to whether a half a cerveza at a Spanish food market. Oh the joy! Belgian family might “Wonderful YES go, darling. Be independent! Enjoy!” want to host without Then she added, “It’s an exchange in March.” sending. So I said ok. My stomach sank. Was that because my child would be missing a The Teen went to stay with a lovely Belgian Senegalese family. We week of school during ‘A’ Level term time? Was it because I would facetimed with her mum and sisters a week before she was due have to clean and tidy the house to the inevitably higher standard to leave. I ummed and ahhed about what to send as presents and of an unknown quantity? Was it because it involved an unknown opted for nice shortbread for the mum, Mini-Easter egg tubes for quantity hosting my child? Was it because I would have to prepare the kids and a Lindt bunny for the student as well as a mindfulness a packed lunch for an unknown quantity for five days running and magazine called Teen Breathe. The family had arranged a placement I had no faith in my ability to wake up every day in time to slap at a nice Oxfam shop. She visited the Atomium, saw the famous luncheon meat and salad leaves between bread in an appetising and amusing Manneken Pis statue and ate Belgian fries, Belgian fashion before delivering them to a work experience placement waffles and Belgian chocolate (probably all at the same time). She that I would have to find? What if unknown quantity had Dietary photographed a toilet with my likeness on it (ah… always thinking of Requirements? Oh, the stress! me). We now look forward to hosting her lovely pal one day in the holidays. And my writing retreat at Casa Ana in Andalusia was super! I consulted my best zen friend and she allayed my fears. She had hosted– twice - in her compact flat and she’d managed more than Listen to Angelina’s popular chat show Dessert admirably. “You can do this,” she said. By the time The Teen came Island Discs on live on www.thepulsehr.uk home flapping a letter with the actual dates on, I was ready to say Thursdays at 10am or catch up at “Yeah, alright then.” But, it turned out, the Belgian visit to London www.mixcloud.com/angelina-melwani *facebook. coincided with a week of nearly daily rehearsals and evening com/angelinamelwani * twitter @appleina * performances of The Teen’s school play. So I just said “Sorry, no” mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com *Instagram @ without thinking too hard about it. The fantasies of my solitary mynotesfromtheedge holiday evaporated. I would, I promised, find a week this year to go to France with her and make her do all the restaurant ordering. I didn’t feel it would be fair on the Unknown Quantity or on me for us to have to entertain each other while she was at school singing and dancing till bedtime. The Teen understood and did not get huffy. “I’m sorry,” I said, when I met her French teacher at parents evening and I explained why I had said no. Another girl in her class was also in the play and her parents had said yes. I didn’t realise I was the only trip-nixing parent among the entire cohort at her school. Teacher told me that The Teen was missing out. Oh, the guilt! Was there still time to change my mind? Teacher said she would make enquiries as

Open: Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm Year Round/Term-Time Ages: 3 months – 6 years

• Excellent Standard of Care & Education • Qualified Montessori Staff We are an Ofsted Registered • Safe Play Areas Independent Montessori • Nutritious meals prepared Nursery School daily by our on-site chef St Michael’s Church Annex St Michael’s Church Road 0208 830 7331 Cricklewood NW2 6XG [email protected]

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 11 Summer Camps Childcare in School Holidays Piecing together the Puzzle

By Gabrielle Nash In their latest survey, the Coram Family & What about asking a sibling, aunty, uncle or Childcare Trust found the average price of even a friend to provide the odd day or even holiday childcare in Britain to be £133 per week? child per week. Megan Jarvie, the head of the trust, believes now is the time to urgently ∞ Childminders address the issue. “For too many families, You may be lucky enough to find a the long summer holiday is a time of stress childminder who handles term-time wrap and expense as they try to patch together around care and covers school holidays. a solution despite gaps in availability and Alternatively, for more ad-hoc hours, try financial support.” getting some regular, friendly babysitters on What are the Options? board. ∞ Holiday Nanny/Au Pair ∞ Annual Leave If you have term-time wrap around care Most parents do not have sufficient annual sorted but require holiday care, another leave to cover the entire school holidays, option is to find a childcare provider who so it’s worth investigating if your employer can provide care in your home just for the can offer additional parental leave. A less holidays. These can be more affordable than desirable option is “shift parenting” whereby you think. you and your partner each take annual leave separately. The downside, of course, is that you don’t see each other, although ∞ Holiday Clubs and Camps this option does cover a large portion of the It’s unusual not to find several local holiday holidays. club options, with specialisations ranging from sport to drama or a mix of lots of hat do the summer holidays ∞ Flexible Working activities. Some are run privately, others by mean to you? Ice creams in the your local authority. Local authority provision Can your employer offer the option to work is less expensive but limited so it’s wise to park? Lazy mornings with the flexibly? If you work shifts, can you work a investigate all options. Another option is Wkids? Or a carefully constructed different shift pattern to assist with holiday American-style residential holiday camps. puzzle of parental annual leave and various childcare? Katie Abdullah has five children childcare options? and started her own business because of the tricky work/school balance. “I can tailor my When your children reach school age, the Check out our extensive listing of work around the children. I try to take extra burden of full-time, stay-at-home parenting local camps, clubs and activities on hours during the term so I can have more begins to lessen allowing both parents to free time during the holidays.” pages 14-15 work. Then the school holidays arrive and there are long weeks of childcare to find. For many families this is a painful financial ∞ Family Assistance For more parenting tips and advice, burden and with holiday childcare costs If you’re fortunate enough to have extended read Gabrielle’s blog @londonishmum rising by 4% last year that burden is set to family nearby, willing grandparents can play increase. an integral role in school holiday childcare.

12 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Summer Camps

Piecing It Together Childcare in School Holidays If your family are just at the beginning of school life, then the key is early planning for childcare that will accommodate, if possible, both school holiday and term time needs. But if you are already in a situation where you have term-times sorted but not school holidays, there’s still time to make this summer easier: Budget – what can you realistically afford to spend? Research - what is available from your council? Are there local schools offering holiday camps? What other private local holiday camps are available? (Tip: make sure they don’t involve too much travel). Reach out - can extended family help, even just for a few days? Perhaps a family member that doesn’t live locally might come and stay? Speak to local friends. Can you share childcare with one another? Co-ordinate – for children who are resistant to attending holiday camps or clubs on their own, try signing them up with friends. This can make the experience more enjoyable and you might be able to share travel. Schedule - when you’ve got your plans together, draw up a schedule and make it available to all the family. Book early – the most popular holiday camps book up very quickly. Don’t leave your planning until the last minute! With some forward preparation, there can still be relaxing down time with ice creams in the park!

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 13 Summer Camps Day Camps & Activities for Half Term and Summer

Our extensive listing of upcoming local opportunities to keep the kids happy, entertained and engaged out of term time. Perform

Aqua Vie are doing Regular weekly Tues DiscoG Coding Academy will be running Fun Fest Holiday Club-Watford at Wed and Sunday classes in Bushey during a series of hands-on coding bootcamps Holywell Primary School offers children a term times. Spaces for new babies Tues, on the Python programming language choice about spending their holidays. With Wed and new group Adult swim classes. for children aged 6 - 8, 9 - 14, GCSE and an exciting menu of activities to choose Learn mindful effortless swimming in a A Level students. Join us to learn the children can plan their own individual calm environment in warm water. Use less language that writes the future. holiday programme, developing social and effort, swim further and experience the joy Call Gerard on: 07767300940 physical skills. Fun Fest -Watford is Ofsted of water. www.discogcodingacademy.com registered for children from 3 years, run Email [email protected] Location: 504 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 by qualified and experienced childcare tel 01923 245 773 www.Aqua-Vie.com 8RD practitioners along with sports coaches/ enthusiastic students. Artzania Art and Craft Activity Club (HA) Echo’s Equestrian Centre – Summer Hoof Tel: 07892721317 www.fun-fest.co.uk Children’s Arts and Crafts activity club Camp from. Open to kids from the age of [email protected] ages 1-11 yrs open during term time and 5+, get the chance to experience what it holidays. Parent Toddler Group (aged 1-4 would be like to own your own pony. Each Future Stars Theatre Arts (HA5) Run an yrs); After-school/ Holiday Club (ages day consists of approx. 1 hour group riding, amazing Summer Academy each year 5-11yrs). Contact to book your place: lots of hands on stable management and which is held at The Harrow Arts Centre. Keshma: 07419343105 fun and creative theory. Sessions are 9am Students work towards professional E: [email protected] – 5pm. performances, firstly to increase their www.echosequestrian.co.uk confidence and secondly for parents to Aspire Offer Ofsted-registered activity see first-hand how their child’s ability is camps during the school breaks. Camps The Elms School Holiday Multi-Sports developing. Their shows are exceptional, are great for 5 - 14 year olds and are run by Camps – Action packed daily sports camps be prepared to be amazed at what experienced staff. running in Stanmore, Hatch End, Ruislip, your child achieves at Future Stars! 020 8420 6725, www.aspireleisurecentre. Barnet, Watford and many more areas! Give your child a confident start! info@ org.uk/kidz-zone-holiday-camps Football, hockey, tennis, netball and many futurestarstheatrearts.co.uk 07912538656 more sports for ages 4-12 years. 020 8954 www.futurestars.co.uk Cinnamon Square (WD3) Baking 8787 www.elmsholidaycamps.co.uk workshops take place during the school Harrow Arts Centre - Summer Music holidays. Classes include chocolate Forever Green Forest School: Family Camp - Thurs 25 – Wed 31 July, 9:30am making, classic cake making, cupcakes and Forest School. Sessions in the woods - 5pm for ages 7-12 years. A special an all-round baking workshop. The 2 hour for the whole family during the school 5-day extravaganza of music, singing, hands-on sessions, which combine learning holidays. Activities include fire lighting, craft, dance and FUN!! You will learn how with fun, are suitable for 5 years and toasting some delicious food on the fire, to sing, dance and play the steel pans, upwards. Everything the children make make a woodland bracelet or keyring, fun ukulele and drums in sessions provided by they take home with them including recipe games and more! Places must be booked professional instrumental teachers from sheets to continue baking at home. and paid for in advance. Harrow Music Service, culminating in a www.cinnamonsquare.com www.forevergreenforestschool.com finale performance to family and friends! Optional breakfast and board games club from 8.30am – 9.30am. www.harrowarts. com

Harrow Woodcraft Folk Fun & freedom in the countryside, at their weekend camps all summer, for all the family. Camp craft such as putting up tents & fire lighting; group games in the fields and woods; exploring nature; arts and crafts and campfire songs & stories. Call 0208 428 2409 www.woodcraft.org.uk

14 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Summer Camps

Hertfordshire Sports Village have a range Little Big Leaders English, maths and Ruislip Baptist Church Summer Holiday of activities over the holidays for children science group tuition for children aged Club - Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd aged 0 – 18. Activities include Multi-Sports 3.5 - 16 years at London Academy from August 10am - 12.15pm and 6.30pm - Day Camps, Unlimited Soft Play, Swimming Monday 29 July - Friday 16 August and 7.45pm. Join us for a week of fun, craft, and much more. An ideal childcare solution Bushey Academy from Monday 22 July - team challenge, cooking, bible stories and for working parents during school holidays, Friday 2 August. Entrance exam prep also singing. Register online via our website, parents can drop children off between available. Contact us at Little Big Leaders we look forward to seeing you. 8-9am and pick-up between 4-5pm. www. on 020 3637 6266 www.ruislipbaptistchurch.org hertssportsvillage.co.uk Little Kickers Courses running throughout Science Group Tuition (HA8) for KS3 Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre the summer. Football training for kids and GCSE pupils at our Little Big Leaders (HOAC) Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and from 18 months to under 7 years. Ruislip, holiday schools - Winter, Summer, Easter Land activities for 5-18 yr olds. 01895 824 Pinner, Harrow, Harefield, Rickmansworth for only £200 per week. Only 10 pupils 171 www.hoac.net & Watford jodiesloan@littlekickers. per class. Our highly experienced tutor co.uk 0208 123 9346. Mill Hill, Swiss takes pupils through academic content in Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Holidaytime Holiday Club – Holiday club CGP Revision Guides and supports pupils Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet jlevene@ through the completion of CGP Workbooks open 7.30am-6pm for children aged 2-13 littlekickers.co.uk 0208 201 1084. Bushey years. Indoor and outdoor space. , sports, for KS3 and GCSE examination boards & Harrow HA3 0208 422 0676 www. AQA, Edexcel and IGCSE. 020 3637 6266 arts and crafts, cooking, trips, workshops, littlekickers.co.uk free time. Qualified and experienced www.littlebigleaders.com staff. Full day, half day booking, Childcare Monkey Music workshops are a popular The Sharpe Academy Musical Theatre vouchers except & tax free childcare. way to keep children entertained during Intensive, for ages 6-18, includes a full 07794078452 Elmgrove road Harrow. the holidays. Unlike the regular classes week of Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acrobatics, [email protected] where children are strictly grouped Musical Theatre, Jazz, Stage Combat, www.activetime.co.uk according to age, the holiday workshops Singing, Drama, Acting for TV & Film and cater for a mixed age group of children. Huzzah Performing Arts Holidays Older siblings love joining in the fun and all students present an end of week theatre Camps are designed around 20 years of we also welcome friends and visitors. Book showcase. www.sharpeacademy.co.uk experience in giving kids want they want early to avoid disappointment. 0208 427 while delivering what they need. Each 6595 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Stagecoach - Children and Teenagers can week is a blend of drama activities, dance, make friends, have fun and develop some singing and mindfulness combined with the NumberWorks‘nWords Maths and English great new skills at the fabulous Stagecoach focus of building up to a show at the end tuition classes which will target identified Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops of the week. W10. 4 weeks to choose from. needs to improve achievement levels. for 6-18 yrs. At the end of their time at Ages 4 - 11. huzzahperformingarts.com Catering for all levels from 4 to 16 years the Stagecoach holiday workshops, the 02039767171 old. Specialised programmes for 7+, 11+ and students will join together to showcase SATs. www.numberworks.co.uk 0208 868 their new-found singing, acting and 7672 [email protected] dancing skills to family and friends. Ignite Tennis (HA3) A great way for kids to www.stagecoach.co.uk stay active and use their brains by learning a skill. Staying Fit and Healthy during the Perform - There’s no place like Perform school holidays is quite a challenge these this summer. We’re off to see the wizard Sylvia Young Theatre School - If your days, so join in this fun holiday programme. this summer, as we sing and dance our way child would like to work with the top 3 Camps accommodating 3yrs – 16yrs. down the yellow brick road in our Wizard teachers from The Sylvia Young Theatre Main Camp Tennis in the morning and a of Oz holiday courses. With colourful School (Marylebone) then why not join a costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling one week Theatre Skills holiday school. mixture of multiple sports in the afternoon. dancing, your child will have the best fun This fun filled busy course is open to May Half Term course 27th – 31st May, and of the summer as we bring this story to life. anyone aged 7-18 years and offers Drama/ Summer courses running from 15th July Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard Age Audition Technique, Singing / Microphone to 23rd August. [email protected] range: 4-10 years. Dates: 12th – 16th August. Technique, Street Dance and Basic Circus 07852 180905 ignitetennis.co.uk Five-day course. 10am to 3pm each day. Skills. Musical Theatre Performance weeks Venue: St Luke’s Parish Hall, Love Lane, are also available. Hurry - some holiday Jigsaw Summer Schools – designed Pinner, HA5 3EX Contact: T: 020 7255 courses are now sold out! One week to provide enjoyable and stimulating 9120 / [email protected]. courses run between 22nd July to 16th performing arts activities for students Aug, £310.00 per week. www.syts.co.uk during the school holidays. The sessions Raviv Practice London - Prevent are split into age groups of 3 to 5 years regression in the school holidays- Keep and 5 to 16 years. 020 8447 4530 your child’s brain stimulated and improve Type IT! Typing Crash Courses for children www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk academic performance during the holidays. age 10+. Learn to touch type in just one Raviv Practice London offers three week with our fun, interactive tutor-led KangaRooKids Music and Drama Summer evidence-based computer programs that typing courses. Courses running during half Camp 2019 – At Belmont Children’s Farm, present the perfect compromise between terms and Easter and Summer holidays. To The Ridgeway, Mill Hill - London NW7 1QT. play and work. One-to-one intervention book contact Type IT! on 020 8434 7111. Our wonderful camp is a mixture of drama, scientifically proven to improve your child’s www.touchtypeit.co.uk music, dance, art and farm fun for 3-7 year grades. Contact Usha Patel -Raviv Practice olds. www.kangarookidsgroup.co.uk London- on 0203 887 0486.

Kids Can Achieve Run playschemes for children with additional needs. The playscheme is all about your child having fun through play and structured activities, and sessions are arranged around constructive play, arts and crafts, outdoor play and swimming. 020 8420 2300 www.kidscanachieve.co.uk

Paediatric First Aid Courses

Sun 19 May, Sun 9 June, Sat 13 July - Harrow on the Hill Suitable for Ofsted Registration. Includes some home study. Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85 Contact Margaret at [email protected] or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 15 Local Clubs and Classes Directory

We offer Speech and Language Therapy sessions within a modern clinic KangaRooKids Music & Drama classes for 0-6 yrs. Active Drama, Music & PARTIES base, nurseries and schools. 01923 824 074 07956 994721 Movement. P-A-Y-G classes for 0-4’s & after school drama for 3-6 yrs. Mill Perform Parties - Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s energetic  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Hill, Finchley & Hampstead. www.kangarookidsgroup.co.uk party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter to create Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies fun-filled, action-packed parties. Call 0207 255 9120 or visit International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is performparties.co.uk 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum, The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) Fun for kids, hassle-free for parents, to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from written by classically trained musicians, ensures that classes are a “good birthday parties at The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor, for 1-10 September and February 2016 and are free.  [email protected] fit” for pre-schoolers. Parents across the UK have voted it as “Best years boys & girls include invitations, party leader & assistant(s), freshly Guju Tots Swagatham! Kem Chho? Come along to a FREE taster of these National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school prepared food, decorations, music, lights, games, dancing, props and fun-filled 45 minute classes in NW London to help kids 6 months to 5 years Development Activity”. Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’ Roll from 3m, prizes. Optional extras - adult refreshments, face-painting and party learn Gujarati through songs & stories! Interactive, relaxed classes, plus Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are bags. Lots of themes from Princesses and Super Heroes to Monsters, Trolls, plenty of material to practice at home!  07956 385 316 open 6 days a week, at venues in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Harrow Makers and Mad Hatters! Modern & clean venue.  01895 624755   www.gujutots.co.uk and Stanmore. 020 8427 6595  www.monkeymusic.com [email protected] www.thewindmillstudio.com Outdoor OB1 Rhythm & Rhyme (WD17 and HA8) Music and Movement classes Forest School Parent & Toddler Programme. Monday and Friday Oxhey are fun, tactile and engaging for both parents and children. Enjoy /Northwood. Come and explore in the woods, led by experienced and nursery rhymes, instruments, scarves, ribbons, parachute, stories and CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS qualified Forest School Practitioners. Developing learning, confidence and music, whilst delighting in puppets and bubbles. Children will learn Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media well being through fire, den building, song, storytelling, craft and tool use. positive social interaction and enhance their coordination and physical art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed,  07900 215 512  www.forevergreenforestschool.com development, as well as excite curiosity. Classes are aimed at 3 months supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099 to 3 years and follow the EYFS framework. Join a class in Edgware or  [email protected] Sign Language Borehamwood.  07522405486 [email protected]  www. Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby OB1.co.uk/RhythmRhyme BaB – Bring a Baby courses for adults. All Bring a Baby Courses are signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. designed for you, the grown up, but are fun and engaging for your kids Sling Swing (various) Award Winning Fun Dance Classes for Parents/Carers Babies 6-30 months. Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow.  with your little one in a Sling/Carrier. For Babies aged from 6 weeks* No too. Their courses get 5* reviews because they make it possible for you www.singandsign.com to learn a new skill and be with your children. Photography, Knitting, Experience Necessary. Slings available to use in Class. Dance styles include Embroidery, Cake Decorating and more.  www.bab-courses.co.uk Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Salsa and Commercial. Hatch End- Ruislip- Uxbridge- Capital Connection Chorus - female A capella harmony (HA4) Calling Watford- Stanmore.  www.slingswing.co.uk Info: gemmagoodman@ HEALTH AND WELLBEING slingswing.co.uk women who love to sing! Particularly need lower range voices at present. Wellbeing Kids Workshops (WD3) Well-being workshops for children Perfect way to meet new friends and sing with a great group of women. aged 9-12yr and 13-17yr olds. Holiday masterclasses to support the holistic Wed night 7.45pm to 10.30pm at Ruislip Community Centre. mind, body and spirit learning. By exploring emotional intelligence,  www.capitalconnection.org.uk imagination, yoga, mindfulness, role-play and many more creative/ SPORTS AND EXERCISE Eggless Cake Delights (HA) offer eggless baking, cake decorating and outdoor activities.For more information, please contact Anita  07956 All Stars Cricket Gives boys and girls aged 5-8 the chance to play, learn dessert classes for kids & adults in Harrow. Classes are held in small 849614,  [email protected] great skills and make new friends! 8 week course starts May 2018. groups in hands on and Demo format, during weekdays, weekends and  www.allstarscricket.co.uk during term holidays in a friendly environment.  07737847405 or info@ Massage & Yoga Human Values Based Yoga After school classes run in Harrow by a qualified Capoeira Academy UK (HA) Classes in Stanmore providing outstanding egglesscakedelights.com.  www.egglesscakedelights.com and fun classes for children aged 4+years. A unique blend of martial arts, Meditation (HA5) Every FIRST Thursday of the month, 8.00pm at The yoga teacher with over 40 years yoga experience and over 30 yrs teaching yoga in various settings, including adult education and family learning, dance, acrobatics and music; capoeira develops skills for life with inspiring Stables, Eastcote House Gardens, Eastcote Village, HA5 2FE. Everyone and nurturing teachers. 07841342874  capoeiracademyuk@gmail. 18+ welcome. Just £5. Feel energised, increase happiness, improve community clubs, hospitals and mental health centres. For adults and children 6-11 years.  Joyce on 07912 879 103  [email protected] com www. capoeiracademyuk.com mental clarity and memory recall. Flush out negative thoughts and Echo’s Equestrian Centre (SL0) A small friendly livery yard and Pony Club improve physical and mental health. Ten minute stress relief treatment YogaBelliesKidz Family yoga (HA & WD) Share the mental and physical benefits of yoga...peace of mind, relaxation and increases body strength Centre in Iver, Buckinghamshire. Junior Pony Club and a Hoof Club during for newcomers FREE. No booking needed, just come along. For more the holidays. 07895 706053  www.echosequestrian.co.uk information, contact Alexandra Barrett: [email protected]; and flexibility!  0775 334 90 24 YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday afternoons (birth to 10 mths) Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, Movers and Shapers (NW6) Fitness with babies in tow. Book online. www. YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 mths to 4 yrs): Sat mornings, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect moversandshapers.co.uk 020 7624 8687 Bushey introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for [email protected] YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (4-12 yrs): Sat & Sun mornings, Bushey toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders  Green and Muswell Hill. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 yrs): Weekday evening, Bushey olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike! women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga 07840 904887  [email protected]; www.yogabellies.co.uk/ 0333 334 0845 or 07763746886 asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life members/anjli  www.enjoy-a-ball.com [email protected] building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. There are AquaBellies - Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women. NEW YogaBelles: ACTIVITY CENTRES in Term Time, Field End Rd for ages 5–11 yrs. Join the friendly team of yoga designed for a unique women’s body.  07840 904887 Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing  [email protected] www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli activities available from 6mths to 12yrs. 020 8954 5759  kidzzone@ fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of Zest For Life Studio is a new secret fitness oasis for vitality and aspire.org.uk. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your wellness near you. Let me welcome you in my garden studio to share Cloud 9 Leisure (WD25) Imagine a giant inflatable world which combines own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  an invigorating hour of zesty fitness, a unique programme of toning the fun, challenge and excitement of Ninja Warrior, Gladiator and Total Tracey [email protected] circuit & zumba: enjoy a variety of class at 9am, a personal touch, small Wipeout! Cloud 9 at Francis Coombe School in Watford is an incredibly Harrow Junior Hockey Club (HA1) run sessions for children aged 4- 16 group of 6-8. In&outdoor classes. marion.bignone.zumba.com - new, exciting, active leisure experience for all ages. From a giant inflatable years on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings at The John Lyon [email protected] obstacle course and dodgeball arena to a 1v1 battle platform, the fun is School Playing Fields, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3NA. Everyone endless with plenty more surprises in store.  www.cloud9leisure.com welcome please contact us for more information  harrowhcjuniors@ First Aid JAMtots (HA4) An interactive daytime activity centre for parents with outlook.com MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Hertfordshire Sports Village (AL10) have plenty of activities and sports include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events sessions to keep your children active throughout the year. They cater for  Margaret 07814 191 395  [email protected] plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear. 01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com all children between the ages of 0 – 17 years and offer everything from swimming lessons, Gymnastics, Mini Movers, Trampolining and Mini Boots. Jungle Monkeyz (HA5) offers a unique Indoor Soft Play Area that is a  www.hertssportsvillage.co.uk safe environment for children aged 0-9 years. There are special areas LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT for infants and toddlers, as well as the Junior zone for bigger monkeyz Ignite Tennis (HA3) Coaching courses for ages 3+ at Kenton Lawn Tennis All Saints Toddler Group (HA8) Every Thursday 10am-11.45am. Everyone which has a 3 tier play structure and exciting Adventure zone. www. Club. Junior group coaching is for those who wish to improve their tennis welcome. A small friendly group run by the pre-school, with qualified junglemonkeyz.co.uk skills with others of a similar age and ability. Each session will cover staff on hand to provide help and support if needed. At Waltham Drive, Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play different aspects of the game and they will relate from one session to the Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 5PQ.  07985 284 498/07958 473 475. children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility next. All sessions include technical, tactical, physical and mental skills.  [email protected] www.allsaintpreschool.com and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room Contact James  07852 180905  [email protected] Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the www.ignitetennis.co.uk about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. restaurant while your little ones are playing. 0208 427 8847  info@ Kaishi Karate School runs classes for children and adults in North London. Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com 020 7631 6258  www. cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Karate helps with discipline, confidence, coordination and fitness. First class The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has is a free trial and free karate suit to new members during the month of Chinmaya UK (HA) Do you want your children to connect to their Indian just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults including October. Call on 07875501674 or see class times on culture through stories, games and celebration of festivals? Go along to  classes, courses, complementary therapies and room & studio hire.  [email protected] Bal Vihar classes to explore culture and values in an engaging, positive 01895 624755  www. thewindmillstudio.com environment. Every Sunday in Harrow and Hendon for children aged 5-17. Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th  [email protected] www. chinmayauk.org 07812 146428 birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football Giggling Panda Chinese School (UB5) offers fun, creative and engaging MUSIC & MOVEMENT activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Mandarin classes for children aged 3-11. Small size classes are run on Beat Building Vibrant & energising music classes using African drums and Hill, Friern Barnet 020 8201 1084  [email protected]. Ruislip, Sundays and the school is located conveniently off A40 with onsite funky percussion. Great songs and games get the imagination glowing & Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford parking. Alec Reed Academy Bengarth Rd, Northolt UB5 5LQ Lisa.malde@ introduce the concepts of beats, rhythmic patterns, time keeping & also  0208 123 9346  [email protected] or Harrow (HA3) gigglingpanda.co.uk 07916165228 www.gigglingpanda.co.uk encourage sharing, taking turns and listening. A wonderful introduction Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  [email protected] Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati to music and rhythm, beat Building is brilliantly fun! 07721 623 171  www.littlekickers.co.uk music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help [email protected] www. beatbuilding.co.uk www.facebook.com/ London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance (LAGAD) Wembley and across your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am beatbuilding at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org north London (HA9, N2, N3, N12, N8, N10, N14, N15, N20, N22, NW11). LAGAD Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and is a specialist company passionate about the provision of high quality, Little Stars Baby Club (HA9) A fun and friendly baby club where new children up to 6 yrs with small, age-related classes. Classes are enjoyable mums with babies from birth to sitting can relax and meet new friends dynamic and fun dance & gymnastics classes. Classes for youngsters from and inspire learning, developing inner hearing and core music skills. 3.5 years through to advanced levels. Our fully-trained, highly qualified whilst babies play and explore with a range of lovely sensory toys. Every New class starting in Hendon in Jan 2017. 020 8444 9435  www. Friday 9:30-11:15am at Powell Suites @ Chalkhill Community Centre, The nlcolourstrings.co.uk coaches and dance teachers work with all abilities to bring out the best in each child and help them develop a range of fantastic physical and life Welford Centre, 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park HA9 9FX. £2.00 Diddi Dance Harrow & North Hillingdon (various) At diddi dance we  0208 385 1836  [email protected] enhance children’s endless energy and enthusiasm through funky, full of skills. Birthday Parties also available. Trial Classes throughout the term. The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An fun sessions that build confidence, co-ordination and creativity. Classes in LAGAD aim to inspire and ignite a passion.  0208 883 4675 / Independent Practice providing an exceptionally high quality, caring and Pinner,Ruislip & Stanmore with new ones opening soon. [email protected] www.lagad.co.uk individualised service for promoting the communication needs of children. To book a FREE TRIAL contact tejal. [email protected]

16 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk Local Clubs and Classes Directory

SportsKids Academy ((WD3 & HA3) Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines: drama, dance and singing. enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream setting and/ SportsKids Academy provide 4 Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial -16 year olds with an exciting and talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell lessons. 020 3637 6266  www.littlebigleaders.com educational sports programme by having fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Adams Tutors (various) A bespoke tuition service from London’s leading Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 tuition provider – one to one and group tuition. Experts in maths. 11+, at weekends. We encourage and 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www. develop young people to grow as Entrance Exams, 13+, GCSE, A-Levels. All tutors are DBS Enhanced checked. stagecoach.co.uk 020 7859 4556  www.adamstutors.co.uk athletes and individuals. We have an extensive programme of Sylvia Young Theatre School (W1H) A specialist performing arts school team and individual sports as well as weekly team building offering a high level of academic & vocational studies. The Sylvia Young All Saints Pre-School Queensbury (HA8) Free childcare for 2-5 yrs, 15-30 challenges. ALL CHILDREN participate in a wide range of Theatre School is committed to providing high-quality part time training for hours. Visit anytime Mon - Fri. Waltham Drive, Queensbury, Edgeware, HA8 students aged 4 to 18 years old. Classes are held on Thursday evenings and 5PQ. 07985 284 498/07958 473 475.  [email protected] different sports , grow in confidence through leadership www.allsaintpreschool.com skills and have fun making lots of new friends. Their Saturdays at their Central London school at 1 Nutford Place, and focus on programme includes; American Football, Dodgeball, Handball, singing, dance and drama. www.sylviayoungtheatreschool.co.uk Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards. Basketball, Rugby, Softball, Gaelic Football,  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or Peggy Brand 020 8205 7597 Rounders, Athletics, Cricket, Gymnastics, Tennis, Communication Skills for children 3-18yrs.  [email protected] Fencing, Lacrosse, Archery, Netball, Volleyball, Martial Young A Listers (HA0) The UK’s first part-time Self-empowerment Drama Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational School, founded by Actor/Writer/Director Samuell Benta, with an intention to weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery Arts, Football, Badminton, Hockey, Orienteering and Golf. raise young people’s awareness about their personal strengths and power. schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with technology:  07983392479 8 [email protected] The school offers the chance for children to pursue a career in acting or mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk simply learn some new skills and build their confidence as a person. Classes and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to complement the EYFS every Tues and Thurs at St Johns Community Centre in Wembley. www. curriculum. Free trials available. 020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. TISKA (HA1/9) Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held in Wembley youngalisters.com [email protected] 07508 031 672 [email protected]. and Harrow. Families welcome, minimum age 4 yrs. 07739 572487  [email protected] www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk Dance DiscoG Coding Boot Camp (various) Weekly Coding Programme teaches Instep School of Ballet (HA/WD) Trains students of all ages and abilities in Primary and Secondary School children the basics of coding. Using the Y Active (HA2) New Harrow classes booking now for children and adults Python Programming Language and the Raspberry Pi 3 your child will create at the YMCA. A beautiful studio with free parking and a play garden. Baby, ballet, tap, pointe and performance. The school offers examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of fun and engaging gadgets that spring to life with lights and sensors, and Ballet, Gym, Soft Play and Classes from £4.40. 020 8832 1576 prototyping devices that will ‘amaze and inspire’. Tailored courses written to  [email protected] www.ymcawestlondon.org Dance (tap), and all teachers are fully qualified and registered with the RAD and ISTD. They produce a summer show each year. Classes in Harrow, North support the National Curriculum for GCSE and A Levels. Adult courses are also Harrow and Bushey.  07814 793 772 available. Gerard on 07767 300940  [email protected] Swimmimg www.discogcodingacademy.com Aqua Vie are doing Regular weekly Tues Wed and Sunday classes in Bushey  [email protected] www.instepschoolofballet.co.uk during term times. Spaces for new babies Tues, Wed and new group Adult London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance (LAGAD) LAGAD is a specialist Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds swim classes. Learn mindful effortless swimming in a calm environment in company passionate about the provision of high quality, dynamic and of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a warm water. Use less effort, swim further and experience the joy of water. fun dance & gymnastics classes. Toddler and Parent Ballet (from age 18 free trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk.  [email protected]  01923 245 773 www.Aqua-Vie.com Months) and Children’s Ballet and Street Dance classes for children aged 3.5 Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Saturday Brent Dolphins (NW10/HA0) Swimming lessons for children 5 years and years upwards at the Ark Elvin Academy. All abilities welcome, Trial Classes in Term Time adjacent to Field End Junior School, Field End Road, Eastcote, over at Willesden and Vale Farm. Sessions are held in a fun and friendly available throughout the term. Wembley (HA9) and venues across North HA4, for children aged 5 – 11 yrs. Join the friendly team of British Cycling environment from beginner to competitive swimming level.Further details London.  0208 883 4675  [email protected] www.lagad.co.uk Coaches at 9.15am and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed are available on our website www.brentdolphins.org.uk or you can email Tartan Tots A fun introduction to Scottish dancing for 3 and 4 year olds. Cycle Track, make new friends and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 11.30 our Club Secretary at: [email protected] Encourages co-ordination, rhythm and keeping time to music. Experienced - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, and qualified teacher. Saturday mornings in Watford. Classes also in helmet, gloves, water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  Contact Tracey Highland dancing for primary aged children.  07866 295694 at [email protected] THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS  [email protected] The Harrow Woodcraft Folk (HA) Elfin group for children, 6 to 9yrs. Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, Parents wishing to join their children should contact the District Secretary; in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years John Woolf: 020 8428 2409 or [email protected] www. 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level. with Royal Academy of Dance examinations harrowwoodcraftfolk.btck.co.uk/HowtoJoin 07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk.  020 8950 2457  www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning! (UB5) Activities Future Stars Theatre Arts (various) Drama – Dance – Sing – LAMDA. Future to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor Stars is an established stage school with an outstanding reputation for ARTS AND CRAFTS difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round excellence. They provide fun, fresh and dynamic training in Drama, Dance, motor integration. Usha Patel 07766 837 616 ushapatel.raviv@gmail. Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting com www.integratedbrain.co.uk Singing and LAMDA taught by the very best in the industry. Ages: 3-18 years. and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small Classes in Stanmore College, Northwood, Aldenham and Radlett. groups Mon–Thurs afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for JKEducate Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Visit the website to book your FREE TRIAL now! Limited availability! children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, [email protected] 07912538656  relaxed, supportive environment. 020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  EFL. 020 3488 0754  www.jkeducate.co.uk  www.futurestars.co.uk [email protected] Karen Wilkin Tuition (HA) 4+/5+ tuition. One to one, tailor made, hands- Huzzah Performing Arts & Mindfulness Build confidence from the inside Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm on, fun sessions in the comfort of your home. Experienced Montessori out with a Huzzah weekly class. Drama, dance, singing and a touch of at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, teacher with excellent results in all the top schools. Term time and holiday mindfulness. Ages 4 - 7. Saturday 1 - 2.20pm in Queen’s Park. Sunday 10 - painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For sessions available. 07887 984 401, [email protected] 11.30am in West Hampstead. Sign up for a FREE TRIAL 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers. 07946 055 422 www.huzzahperformingarts.com. Creative, calm, confident kids.  Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal   [email protected] JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. 07985 588 085 Artzania Art and Craft Activity Club (HA) A new and exciting Arts and Crafts  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk available in dancing and drama from 2.5 years – adults, male and female activity club for children ages 1-11 yrs open during term time and holidays. plus an incredibly busy Agency that is always looking for new recruits for TV, The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based films and commercials. 01895 624755 www.jam2000.co.uk They offer and Mother Toddler Group art club (aged 1-4 yrs) and an After-  school/ Holiday Club (ages 5-11yrs) Contact to book your place: Keshma learning, to yr 4 and 5 students. Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar OB1 Theatre School (WD6 and HA8) Affordable SINGING and DRAMA classes 07419343105  [email protected] and private schools.  For a call back email your name and number to [email protected] for 4-18 years. Our unique approach to teaching, combined with our small The Bite Me Corner’s Confidence building cooking & Nutrition programmes! class sizes means that each student is given the training and attention they (HA9) Come, join our engaging Saturday cooking and nutrition sessions Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-of-lesson homework deserve. Our classes are designed to build confidence, encourage creativity support. 0333 12 33 445  www.mathscool.com and teamwork, and inspire curiosity. We inspire our students to reach their held in the heart of Wembley Park at The Yellow! 1 Humphry Repton Lane, full potential so that they can excel in every aspect of life - not just the Wembley Park, London HA9 0GL. Booking required for these sessions: 11am- Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which 12pm ; 12:30- 1:30pm. Ages 7+. Create a variety of quick and tasty recipes target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for performing arts. All The World’s A Stage. Book your FREE TRIAL at our venues from great pizza to double chocolate muffins! Healthy options start from in Edgware or Borehamwood.  07522405486  TheatreSchool@OB1. your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports. Cater for being confident with your ingredients! Using organic and commercial food all levels from Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk co.uk www.OB1.co.uk produce we’ll get you fired-up and back in the kitchen to create fantastic OB1 Vocal & LAMDA Studio (NW7 and SG5) We offer 1:1 private singing dishes! HEY, THERE’S MORE! If you would like to join on our After- school fun The Play Shelter After School Club Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - lessons with Oren - an award winning singing teacher, as well as 1:1 LAMDA programmes which are held at: Cranford Park Academy, Phelps Way, Hayes, 3.30pm-6pm term time. Play schemes available out of term-time. 0207 sessions with Georgina, our acting coach. Lessons focus on the individual, Middx, UB3 4LQ on Tuesdays 3:30-4:30pm or Friday 3:30-5:00pm or have 407 6744. [email protected] www.theplayshelter.co.uk enabling students to learn new concepts and technique in a safe and one of our exciting Wellbeing Workshops contact Lauri on: Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception expressive environment. Earn UCAS points through LAMDA exams, build  www.thebitemecorner.com [email protected] to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, confidence, diction, energy, and expression. Ages 8+ years. We inspire our Blank Canvas Art Club (HA4) Do your kids love Art? Then welcome to the Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. Free assessment. Ofsted Registered.  www. students to reach their full potential so that they can excel in every aspect of club! Sign them up for these fun classes where I teach art techniques to pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk life - not just the performing arts. Lessons in Mill Hill Music Complex and our 5+, 7+ and 11-18 year olds. Weekly term time classes & holiday workshops, own studio in Letchworth. [email protected] www.OB1.co.uk Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course. Improve reading age with public or small group private options are available in Ruislip Manor & by 1 year in 3 months of home based work. The computer interventions Perform Weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidence building fun Eastcote. Special member’s benefits, sibling discounts and a refer a friend is similar to having a tutor in your home with daily monitoring and feed for 4-12s. A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to scheme are available so why not book now & let them develop a love of Art back. Usha Patel on 07766 837 616  [email protected] bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of that will last a lifetime! Contact Suzi at  [email protected], (registered therapist) individual attention. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions. Venues 07773 819 603 8 www.Facebook.com/BlankCanvasArtClub  Stem Den (HA6) Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths for children in Croxley Green, Golders Green, Eastcote, Northwood, Pinner, Harrow, Hatch (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the End, Kensal Rise, Kentish Town, Queens Park, Stanmore and Wembley. Messmakers! aged 5 to 13 years. Develop problem solving skills and learn programming. very young and their families, with lots of mess and none of the tidying up! At St John’s School in Northwood. www.stemden.co.uk 020 7255 9120 / [email protected]  www.perform.org.uk Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) “A new school year is here, which dressed for mess! 0208 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been means that children across London and the Home Counties are taking to the Stitch Club (HA5) Stitch and Sketch Club for children and teens. Start stage as Jigsaw begins an exciting new term of drama, singing and dance personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading with simple hand sewing then developing sewing machine and design verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series. Every year since 1987, over classes; the perfect activity to escape the cold, wet October weekends. techniques to design and create your own items. Saturday Sketch Club Classes are designed to develop children’s confidence, focus and social 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 develops looking and drawing skills and confidence. Also parties and 7683 0734 www.sdeuk.org/swherts skills, while having fun and making lots of new friends. With more children one-off workshops. Adults’ weekly Dressmaking sessions and occaisional  attending Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools than ever before, now is the time Beginners workshops.  stitch.club E: [email protected] Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA2) Learn to touch type! to book a two-week trial and discover these unique benefits at a school near Weekly lessons and intensive holiday courses for children from age 8-18. you. For more information or to book a two-week trial,  www.jigsaw-arts. Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their co.uk or call 020 8447 4530. AFTER SCHOOL CLUB/EDUCATION SUPPORT office in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based Academic Primary School Tuition (HA8 & WD23) in Maths/English or Phonics also available.  020 8434 7111.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@ theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and & Writing for 3.5 to 11 year olds at our Little Big Leaders Saturday School, typeitforkids.co.uk. Stanmore where children 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full Summer School and Winter School, in our 8th year of success. Tutors support scale Musical Theatre productions. 01923 437693 and challenge pupils to improve their learning, and have a track record in  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 17 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 (July/August 2019 issue) send your entry by 1 June 2019 .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.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

Wed 8 May – Bach to Baby: Victorian Vox MAY Pop (NW3) This spring, celebrate the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria with Bach to Baby at Hampstead Burgh House! The upright- Weekends in May and Jun - Osterley Park piano and super soprano will channel the voice of the people; and House: Family Canoeing On Middle singing Her Majesty’s favourite Mendelssohn melodies, Brahms Lake (TW7) Watersports return to Osterley Park with a paddle ballads, and Gilbert & Sullivan songs! Doors open at 10am. Concert and a splash as the Sharks Paddlesports programme starts up lasts for about an hour. www.bachtobaby.com again on Osterley’s Middle Lake. Enjoy an alternative experience of Osterley and get #NTActive as a family. Booking online. 12-4pm. Fri 10 May - Rock For Heroes (WD7) Fundraising www.thesharks.org.uk in support of Help for Heroes - music, laughter & a rockin’ night out for all of the family! Following on from the hugely successful Sat 4 – Sun 5 May - Koinobori Flying Fish first year of touring, the incredible new live music experience (SE10) Celebrate the Japanese festival of Children’s Day by Rock For Heroes returns. Bringing the perfect combination of your learning how to make a fantastic carp kite inspired by Cutty Sark’s favourite Rock & Pop artist across the eras to the Radlett Centre, travels to Japan. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm. www.rmg.co.uk and fundraising in support of Help for Heroes. 01923 859291 www. Sun 5 May - Kids K’nex Challenge Club radlettcentre.co.uk (HA5) Using the K’nex building system to learn engineering Sat 11 May - Watford Model Railway basics and solve practical design and building problems at the Exhibition (WD23) The South West Herts Model Railway Heath Robinson Museum. Themes include bridges, cranes, trucks, Society Annual Model Railway exhibition, Queens School Bushey towers and much more. Your child’s imagination is the limit. 11am - from 10am-4.30pm. Over 20 quality layouts have been invited from 12.30pm. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org across the country covering a range of timescales from the early Sun 5 – Mon 6 May - Elizabethan May Bank 20th century to the present day. Something for the whole family Holiday Event (HP8) Experience traditional Elizabethan including the opportunity to drive model trains and purchase items May Day Merriment with dancing and music at Chiltern Open Air for your own collection. www.southwesthertsmrs.org.uk Museum. Discover what it was like to live in Elizabethan times and Sat 11 May - Maritime Models (E14) Using clay experience an Elizabethan May Day celebration. www.coam.org.uk 8 June - Open Gardens - Barbican Wildlife make your own little ship or boat fit for the high seas at the Museum Garden © Anna Barclay Sun 5 – Mon 6 May - Drop-in Design: May of London Docklands. Fill your boat with miniature sailors or the Bank Holiday Weekend 2019 (SW7) Take part in precious cargo that would have come to Britain from all over the the V&A Museum’s Performance Festival during May bank holiday family fun extravaganza, May Day at The Manor proves to be the world. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands weekend and make your own crafty musical instrument using a perfect bank holiday for the whole family! Gates open at 12:00pm. Sat 11 May & Sat 8 Jun - Morning Stars variety of materials. Led by the Drop-in Design team. 10.30am–5pm. www.headstonemanor.org (SE10) This early morning show at the Royal Observatory www.vam.ac.uk Greenwich is for children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) Mon 6 May - Watford Celebration 2019 and their families and carers. Explore the night sky and find out live Mon 6 May - St Lawrence May Fair (HA5) St (WD18) Watford’s celebration of its rich diversity of cultures, Lawrence Church in Eastcote is hosting it’s annual May Fair. A fun day faiths and talents. There will be performances of music and dance from a Royal Observatory Astronomer what is visible on the night of out for all the family - BBQ with Beer tent, refreshments and cake from different cultures, a selection of international foods, children’s your visit and the month ahead, with opportunities to ask questions stall, bouncy castles, face painting and games with prizes. 10:30am activities and a sacred space for discussion of different beliefs, plus afterwards. www.rmg.co.uk to 2:30pm. www.st-lawrence-eastcote.org.uk free refreshments all day long. 11am-4pm at the Multi-Cultural Sat 11 – Sun 12 May & Sun 16 Jun - Maple Mon 6 May - May Day at the Museum (HA2) Community Centre on Durban Road. www.watfordcelebration.com Lodge Nature Reserve: Open Weekend Over the weekend this private nature reserve - one of Step back to Roman Harrow with a Roman reenactor spectacle Mon 6 May - Free Funday Mondays: Aladdin (WD3) including Roman gladiators and craftsmen, falconry displays as well Bring Aladdin’s flying carpet to life at Intu Watford, with colours Rickmansworth’s hidden secrets, will be open to the public. On both as Roman Story time at Headstone Manor Museum. Between the and paints, plus interactive storytelling, mini games and soft play. days guided tours of the reserve will be organised by members of busy programme of activities, treat yourself to homemade cakes, A free event for ages 1-5 years, from 9.30am-1.30pm. www.intu. the Maple Lodge Conservation Society. Light refreshments will be specialty foods, handmade crafts and gifts from the many market co.uk/watford available all day and there will also be plants, second-hand books stalls that will be there on the day. With so much going on in a and handmade greeting cards on sale. Entry to the reserve and parking will be free of charge. www.maplelodgenaturereserve.org Sun 12 May - Cheeki Monkeys Children’s & Baby Market Rickmansworth (WD3) The Nearly New Baby Sales are community events for local families to make money while recycling unwanted items. Buy or sell quality, gently used babies’ and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. Great events for savvy mums & dads! Also, crafts, entertainment and refreshments. At Mill End Community Centre from 2-4.30pm. www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

18 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

Sat 12 May - The Jetstream Sat 25 – Tue 28 May - Airbrush coinciding with the Playing with Buildings display Hatch End – Harrow Triathlon May Half Term Effects (SW3) Pick a colour, grab a blow and London Festival of Architecture. (HA5) A popular family-oriented race at pen and get creative with this giant poster www.vam.ac.uk/moc Hatch End Playing Fields / Pool, targeted at Sat 25 May - Pre-Film half-term activity at the National Army Museum. inexperienced/less-confident triathletes and Workshop: A Spoonful of Sugar Abram Games used airbrush techniques when Sun 26 May - Fenton House non-triathletes wanting a new challenge. The Singalong & Half Term Film: designing posters during the Second World War. and Garden: Fenton’s Big Picnic pool-based swim and less competitive, family- Mary Poppins Returns (HA5) Mary Get inspired, grab a blow pen and create beautiful (NW3) Celebrate the English garden over the oriented nature makes this an ideal starter race Poppins is back and with her comes even greater airbrush art on giant posters in this fun family late May Bank Holiday Weekend. Take a picnic for those new to the sport. The Junior races are songs! Join song star Fae Simon who will lead a workshop. Drop-in sessions run from 11am-1pm and while away some time in Fenton’s beguiling for ages 8-16, with an off-road cycle and British vocal workshop from 10-10.45am at Harrow Arts and from 2-4pm. www.nam.ac.uk walled garden and 300-year-old orchard. Simple, Triathlon approved age appropriate distances. Centre to learn some of this magical new film’s delicious refreshments, wine by the glass and www.hatchendtri.com most popular songs before you fly off to watch the Sat 25 - Fri 31 May - Osterley traditional garden games like croquet. Storytelling film which starts at 11am. Park and House: 50 things to and other idle activities in an enchanting setting. Sat 18 May - Lots for Tots Sale www.harrowarts.com do before you’re 11 (TW7) Go and www.nationaltrust.org.uk Watford (WD25) The Watford sale takes join the re-launch of 50 Things to do before place at Francis Combe Academy, Horseshoe Lane, Sat 25 May - The Greatest Sun 26 – Mon 27 May - Roman Back you’re 11 ¾ activities. Whether you’re a regular 50 Watford WD25 7HW, and will have up to 40 tables Showman Singalong (HA5) Gladiators (HP8) Watch provincial at Harrow Arts Centre by overwhelming demand! Thing’s participant or just starting out, the team at selling great quality items. 10-11.45am. www. Osterley can help you explore the new activities. gladiators in action at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Enjoy the smash hit musical that everyone can’t lotsfortotssale.co.uk From No. 1 get to know a tree, to No. 31 hunt for as a team of criminals, barbarians and other stop singing, on the big screen! Experience the bugs, or No. find a geocache, come and see what prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers and thrill Sat 18 – Sun 19 May - story of a visionary who rose from nothing to adventures can be had at Osterley! Simply collect seekers fight for the entertainment of the crowds Rickmansworth Festival (WD3) create a spectacle that became a worldwide your 50 things information from our team and and the Emperor. Who will live, and who will The Rickmansworth Festival celebrates canals, sensation, with lyrics on the screen so you can join collect stickers as you complete each activity. die: you decide! The gladiators will be brought to the community and the environment. The top in as loud as you want. 5-6.45pm. Booking Not Needed. life by Britannia, one of the largest (and oldest) attraction for many is the wonderful array of canal www.harrowarts.com boats from across the country, and you’ll also find www.nationaltrust.org.uk re-enactment groups in the U.K. a range of music and performing arts, displays Sat 25 May - Community Market www.coam.org and presentations, traders, boats and catering. Garden Open Day (WD18) New Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun - Spring Sun 26 – Mon 27 May – Spring Hope’s Community Market Garden will be open The Spring Special The festival is based at the Aquadrome, on the Special (AL4) Steam Gala 2019 (HP22) Steam towpath between Stockers Lock and Batchworth. to members of the public. Featuring music, programme at Willows Activity Farm will include train rides all weekend at Buckinghamshire www.rwt.org.uk/festival storytelling, refreshments, children’s activities live sheep shearing demonstrations by Tuck the Railway Centre. All available locos will be running! and, of course, plants and produce! The garden Shepherd – seeing the woolly friends getting 10.30am-5pm. www.bucksrailcentre.org Sun 19 May - Watford Colour is at 64 Rickmansworth Road, Watford and is their hair cut for the warmer weather. You will Run (WD6) Join hundreds of others at this accessed through a gate on the driveway of 62 also enjoy new shows in the Peter Rabbit Theatre, fantastic family fun run, where you can expect to Mon 27 May - Redbourn in Rickmansworth Road. There is NO parking on the Sheep Racing around the animal race track and Steam (AL3) A popular annual steam be covered in coloured powder as you make your driveway of 62 Rickmansworth Road. 10.30am- all your Willows Favourites including Tristan the rally at Redbourn Village Museum, plus model way around the 5k route and through the famous 3pm. www.newhope.org.uk Runaway Tractor. engineering exhibition and other activities Hundred Acre Woods hitting 6 colour stations www.willowsactivityfarm.com for families. Small admission charge includes Sat 25 May - South Indian along the way! The course is completely family admission to Silk Mill House, now a museum friendly and pushchairs are welcome. There’s also Cultural Open Day (SE10) Go along Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun - May to the National Maritime Museum for a free drop- exploring Redbourn’s impressive heritage. Engines a lively events village with food and games. half-term 2019 at V&A Museum in steam from around 11am to 4 pm. www.peacehospicecare.org.uk in event showcasing the colourful cultural heritage of Childhood (E2) Play, build and design of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam – traditional at the museum this May half term. Meet artists Fri 24 – Sat 25 May - Open south Indian dance forms. The event will include and designers for playful workshops and activities Continued on page 20 Air Cinema (NW9) Go along to the make-up demonstrations, costume displays and a RAF Museum London for two special outdoor series of short performances. 11am-3.30pm. cinema screenings, taking place on the airfield, www.rmg.co.uk surrounded by hangars full of aircraft! Take your picnic blanket, get comfy and cosy up in front of a Sat 25 – Sun 26 May - Beasts of big screen for a night of movie magic. Deckchairs London Family Festival (EC2Y) will be available to hire in advance. Full bar and Take a walk on the wild side with your family at a selection of delicious food on sale. Doors open this weekend extravaganza at the Museum of at 7.30pm, you will have the opportunity to look London! Inspired by the new experience ‘Beasts around Hangar 1 and grab a bite to eat before the of London’, go beast-tastic with a cacophony of movie starts at 9pm.www.rafmuseum.org.uk workshops, performances and stories. This exciting festival is a free, drop-in event, though attendance Fri 24 - Sun 26 May - Feria de does not include entrance to the experience Londres (SE1) Returning to the UK for its ‘Beasts of London’. third year, Feria de Londres will be bringing its www.museumoflondon.org.uk famous Andalusian carnival spirit to London. Colourful ‘casetas’ will be popping up in the aptly Sat 25 – Sun 26 May - named Bernie Spain Gardens on the picturesque Hertfordshire County Show South Bank, serving up delicious Spanish tapas, (AL3) A family day out, with all entertainment refreshing cocktails, tasting workshops, vibrant included in the ticket price. Livestock, horses & Flamenco dance shows, interactive activities and dogs, arena displays, fun, food & shopping. At The live Spanish music. Showground in Redbourn. www.hertsshow.com www.feriadelondres.com

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 19 What’s On

Continued from page 19 Easy Wings Travel Operator to discover more some of which have been found in the river. about real life bird migration patterns and book www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london- Mon 27 May - Wallace & Gromit your own migration route. Where will your ticket docklands Are Returning to London! take you? This is a drop-in activity, so stop by anytime between 12-1.30pm or 2.30-4pm. Wed 29 May - Half Term: Funky (EC2Y) Wallace & Gromit bring a brand-new Mural Workshop (HA5) Think large production of their Musical Marvels show to www.museumoflondon.org.uk with thisAll muralStars painting Cricket art workshop brought to London’s Barbican Centre, featuring the iconic Mon 27 – Fri 31 May - The you by local pop-up shop, Picazzo Arts at Harrow characters on the big screen with live orchestral Imagination Station: May Half- Arts Centre. Learn to plan, grid out and execute accompaniment. This is a fantastic opportunity Term 2019 (SW7) Go along to the V&A a real mural – a workshop that encourages for young audiences to experience live classical Museum for free making and performance innovative thinking and personal development music for the first time, in an accessible, fun way. activities this half-term, inspired by the – little details that create an impressive large Parents will also enjoy reliving their youth, with a exhibition FOOD: Bigger than the Plate. painting! The mural will be displayed up in the 11 June - The Royal Opera House BP screening in the second half of the all-time classic www.vam.ac.uk Harrow Arts Centre’s community corridor galleries Big Screens of Swan Lake, Trafalgar Aardman animation, The Wrong Trousers, again for a month. After which, every child can take Square (c) 2018 ROH with live orchestral accompaniment – a world Tue 28 May - Half Term: their little masterpiece home. 11am-2pm. first. www.carrotproductions.com Origami Workshop (HA5) Get of colourful, bold shapes. Then add a catchy hands on experience with this fun and engaging www.harrowarts.com slogan with stencilled or stamped letters. Drop-in Mon 27 May - Dino Adventure workshop from Origami specialist, Lavender Thu 30 May - Family Takeover: sessions run from 11am-1pm and from 2-4pm. (SG3) Go and experience the prehistoric Home at Harrow Arts Centre! Try your hand at this www.nam.ac.uk world of the dinosaurs with Dino Adventure at Make and Create (NW1) Time to delicate Japanese art-form and create an array take over the Learning Centre at the British Knebworth House. Aspiring palaeontologists of Origami animals. Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Fri 31 May - Mini-engineer’s and brave explorers can conquer the special Library with creative family fun! Enjoy playful Workshop (HA5) To celebrate Heath Parents do not need to stay with their children. multisensory activities and learning resources. Robinson’s birthday, members of the West dinosaur trail, travelling back in time to face the 11am - 12:30pm. www.harrowarts.com 72 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures! A selection of children’s books will be available London Meccano Society are returning to the Adventurers who find all the dino eggs and Tue 28 – Wed 29 May - Out of to relish, read and even perform if you wish! A Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner for the fourth complete the trail quiz sheet can claim an This World (SE10) Take a family trip to range of materials will be on hand to inspire you year in a row to run this popular course for the exciting reward. www.knebworthhouse.com the Moon with a planetarium show, interactive to make, create and invent something to take budding engineers of tomorrow or girls & boys quiz and immersive virtual reality activity at home. Families are welcome to drop in at any who just love a challenge. Booking essential. Mon 27 – Fri 31 May - The the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Start your point during the session. Stay for 10 minutes or [email protected] Trader’s Game (SE10) Become a orientation in the state-of-the-art digital the full four hours! 11am-3pm. www.bl.uk www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org trader and cross the world on a board game to planetarium, continue your mission with a brain collect cargoes from different countries at Cutty bending quiz and finally take a virtual step onto Thu 30 May - Holiday to Space Sark. Try to beat the other ships to buy the most the lunar surface with a virtual reality activity (SE10) Travel across the Solar System at the JUNE sought-after cargo and beware of getting stuck in to feel what it’s like to be a moonwalker. 10am- Royal Observatory Greenwich and help Space the doldrums. www.rmg.co.uk 12:30pm, ages 7+. www.rmg.co.uk Ted plan for a holiday on another planet. Enjoy Throughout June - Marvellous a special 20-minute Space Safari planetarium Moons (SE10) Discover more about the Mon 27 – Fri 31 May - Fly away Tue 28 – Wed 29 May - show filled with spectacular views of the planets moons of the Solar System in this amazing with Easy Wings Travel! (EC2Y) Thames’ Treasures Today (E14) up close and a chance to sing along to help Ted photographic exhibition at the Royal Observatory Go along to the Museum of London and browse The Thames is a spiritual and surprising site, Greenwich. From our familiar Moon to the lava their selection of fabulous migration destinations! find the great big bear followed by a 30 minute even today. In this creative workshop at the workshop to find out a little more about Ted’s world of Io or toxic lakes on Titan, this exhibition Did you know hundreds of birds travel to London Museum of London Docklands, make a piece of showcases the fantastic variety of planetary from countries all around the world? Chat to an adventure to the planets. 10-11:30am, ages 4-7 jewellery influenced by Yantra Hindu designs, years. www.rmg.co.uk moons in our Solar System. www.rmg.co.uk Thu 30 May - Phoenix of Persia (NW1) Celebrate the launch of The Phoenix of Persia with this spellbinding storytelling event at the British Library! Go along and celebrate the launch of the stunning new picture book The Phoenix of Persia with a spellbinding family storytelling event from author Sally Pomme MORE Clayton. 2-3.30pm, ages 6+. www.bl.uk ONLINE Thu 30 May – Sun 2 Jun - Poster Printing (SW3) Channel your inner graphic designer with this family-friendly familiesonline.co.uk print-making workshop at the National Army Museum, inspired by the art of Abram Games. Make your own foam stamps and print a design

20 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk What’s On

Sat 1 Jun - Watford Rural Parish Sat 8 Jun - Children’s Piano Sun 9 Jun - Music in the Park and useful techniques for parents to apply at Council Summer Fun-Day Concert (WD18) Praised for his “sensitive (WD18) Grab your picnic blanket and head home to help their child’s learning. 11am-4pm, (WD19) Summer Fun-Day, including stalls, and unpretentious musicality” by Pianist Magazine down to Cassiobury Park for ‘Music in the Park’ free drop in, ages 0-4 years. www.vam.ac.uk/moc kiddie’s funfair, face painting, balloon artist, music and referred to as “a major talent” by The Classical presented by Peace Hospice Care Watford Support and raffle. Free entry, all rides £1. At St. Andrew’s Source, Ji Liu has positioned himself as one of Group. 2pm to 6pm. The event is free to attend Sun 16 Jun - Historic Precinct, South Oxhey. the brightest stars in classical music. This eagerly and the team will kindly be raising money for the Commercial Vehicle Rally (HP22) www.watfordrural-pc.org.uk anticipated children’s concert will feature pianist Ji Hospice and the Watford Renal Unit at Watford The 35th Annual Ridgeway Road Run for Historic Liu performing a collection of short fun pieces for General Hospital. www.peacehospicecare.org.uk Commercial Vehicles starts in Henley and finishes Sat 1 – Sun 2 Jun - The Hendon piano. This will be an enjoyable, educational event at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre on Father’s Pageant (NW9) Go along to the RAF Tue 11 Jun, 2 Jul & 9 Jul – The Day. Up to 60 historic vehicles will be on display, Museum for a nostalgic vintage festival for children. Clarendon Muse, Watford, 3-4pm. www.mastermusicpublications.com Royal Opera House BP Big arriving from about 11am. Steam trains will be celebrating the style and charm of the Hendon Screen (HA9) Enjoy free culture on your running offering unlimited free rides, and the Pageants. The pageants drew huge crowds and Sat 8 Jun - World Oceans Day doorstep when the Royal Opera House BP Big miniature ride-on steam trains will be running too were a chance for spectators to see aircraft fly, to (SE10) World Oceans Day returns to the Screens are hosted at 24 key locations across the with rides for £1 per person. Gates open 10.30 am experience technology they had never seen before National Maritime Museum with a day full of UK this summer including Arena Square Wembley and last admission 4.30 pm. and to see the Royal Air Force in action. Join in this indoor and outdoor activities, workshops, prizes, Park. Take a picnic and your friends and family to www.bucksrailcentre.org family festival that will capture some of the magic live music, character encounters, tours and see beloved classics: Romeo and Juliet (11 June), of the past Hendon Pageants. 10am – 5pm. contemporary art installations. 10am-5pm. Carmen (2 July) and The Marriage of Figaro (9 Mon 17 Jun - Parenting with www.rafmuseum.org.uk www.rmg.co.uk July) as they are live-broadcast. www.roh.org.uk Positive Discipline (HA1) As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing Sat 1 – Sun 2 Jun - Ready, Set, Sat 8 – Sun 9 Jun - Enrich Sat 15 Jun - Wonderful Whales our children grow into unique individuals and Action! (SE10) Have fun exploring different Festival (WD17) A three-day event at (E14) Create a beautiful spinning mobile inspired forms of performance and dance from around Watford Palace Theatre, created to give space by the wonderful big beasts of the sea at the also challenging when they decide they want the world at the National Maritime Museum. Find and visibility to talented people with additional Museum of London Docklands. These magnificent things their own way. This session at Hope out about Kathakali Indian dance and how sailors needs, break down social barriers and challenge creatures have even been spotted in the Thames! Harrow will look at parenting our children with would perform on-board HMS Intrepid when stuck misconceptions. Through a variety of inclusive, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london- respect, making sure it’s consistent and firm but in the frozen Arctic ice. 11am–1pm & 2-4pm. creative and accessible performances, workshops docklands fair, ensuring we create a long-lasting positive www.rmg.co.uk and live music concerts the artists and the relationship. 7-9pm at The Lodge, 64 Pinner Road, Sun 16 Jun - Father’s Day Harrow. To book a place please call 0208 863 7319 audience will have a chance to spend a good The Sun 2 Jun - Outdoor Theatre: quality time enjoying themselves in a friendly Medieval Jousting (SG3) or email: [email protected]. The Tempest (HP8) The Handlebards turrets and towers of Knebworth House provide www.hopeharrow.org.uk all female troupe’s hilarious outdoor theatre and prejudice-free environment. See website for a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights performance at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Starts further details and times. on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Mon 17 – Sun 23 Jun - Refugee at 6.30pm. www.coam.org.uk the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. Week (SE10) The sea has, for centuries, Sat 8 – Sun 9 Jun - Open The crowds are encouraged to cheer and jeer the played a crucial yet unforgiving role in the Mon 3 Jun - Free Funday Knights of Arkley as they demonstrate their skills migration of refugees. For Refugee Week 2019, the Mondays: Toy Story 4 (WD17) Garden Squares Weekend Toddlers can create beautiful finger puppets using (Various) This June, over 130 London gardens in hand-to-hand combat. Once again, the Green National Maritime Museum will be exploring the a selection of materials and embellishments, plus will open for public fascination and enjoyment Dragon Bowmen will be offering visitors the experiences of displacement as well as the ways in interactive storytelling, mini games and soft play. as part of Open Garden Squares Weekend 2019. chance to try some archery. which communities have welcomed and embraced A free event at Intu Watford for ages 1-5 years, London’s most popular garden-visiting weekend www.knebworthhouse.com new arrivals. Go along for a week of talks, from 9.30am-1.30pm. www.intu.co.uk/watford allows members of the public to visit and explore workshops and performances. www.rmg.co.uk some of the capitals most exciting private Sun 16 Jun - Osterley Park Mon 3, 10, 17 & 24 Jun - Mindful and House: Father’s Day (TW7) Wed 19 – Sun 23 Jun - Taste of gardens, and to take part in a whole range of Celebrate Father’s Day at Osterley House, with (HP8) Take part in a range of London Festival (NW1) The perfect Mondays special events, activities and tours. free entry for all Dads. Don’t forget to visit the mindful activities and forgotten skills at Chiltern www.opensquares.org. family day out is coming to Regent’s Park this Open Air Museum. 6pm. www.coam.org.uk Stables Walled Garden, with beer tasting from June! The five-day festival celebrates the best Sat 8 – Sun 9 Jun - Sugar the National Trust range. Also enjoy a brisk walk food and drink in London, with a range of family Sat 8 Jun - Watford Pretty Family Festival (E14) Sugar was one of around the formal gardens or explore Robert friendly activities - while the kids are having fun Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids! the most important goods stored in the Museum Adam’s designs in the Osterley House. in ball pits, the parents can enjoy highlights of Whatever your ability, get muddy (WD18) of London Docklands when the building was still www.nationaltrust.org.uk London’s renowned food scene and a glass of and help beat cancer sooner with the Pretty a warehouse. Join in a weekend of hands-on Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. This year’s festival is Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids obstacle course at Sun 16 Jun - Montessori Play workshops, arts, crafts and performances centred around the theme ‘Wild in the City’, and Cassiobury Park! Race for Life Pretty Muddy is a Day (E2) To coincide with their centenary, exploring our relationship with sugar. Some sustainability will be a key concept, educating kids brilliant 5k muddy obstacle course. Scramble over Montessori are once again holding their very sessions will look at the history of sugar and how on the importance of high-quality, handmade the A-frame, crawl through the mud pit, have fun popular Play Day at the V&A Museum of there is a dark history to this treat. Prepare to be produce whilst spending a day of family-fuelled with your friends and raise valuable funds for life- Childhood. Visitors will be invited to explore the surprised, entertained and educated at this lively fun in the sun. www.london.tastefestivals.com saving research. Kids can take part in the Pretty Montessori approach to teaching, based around festival weekend for the whole family. hands-on learning and collaborative play. Tutors Muddy Kids obstacle course. To register visit: www. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london- Continued on page 22 raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org from Montessori Centre International – the docklands charity’s training college – will share fun, creative

familiesonline.co.uk Families North West London 21 What’s On

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Fri 21 Jun– Sun 1 Sep - Midsummer Mowed Maze (HP18) Inspired by a historic maze design from a book in the collections at Waddesdon House and Gardens, visitors can challenge themselves to find their way through this horticultural puzzle mowed into the grass. Free with house & grounds admission, 10-5pm. www.waddesdon.org.uk Sat 22 Jun - Family Day: Build a Story (NW1) Take part in an exciting family day at the British Library inspired by the magic of storytelling! Go along to make, touch, sign and explore, as you create, share and celebrate stories. This event is fully accessible for families with deaf children, parents and carers. 12-4pm. www.bl.uk Sat 22 – Sun 23 Jun - Bushcraft Weekend (HP8) Discover more about essential bushcraft skills and ancient survival techniques at Chiltern Open Air Museum. www.coam. org.uk Sun 23 Jun - Peppa Pig and George in the Park (SG3) Peppa Pig and George will be making appearances in Knebworth Park at intervals between 10am and 2pm. There will be photo opportunities so don’t forget to take your camera! www.knebworthhouse.com Mon 24 – Sun 30 Jun – Barnardo’s Big Toddle (Various) Little feet can make a big difference this June as Barnardo’s Big Toddle returns to raise money for vulnerable children. Children, families and nurseries are being called on to put their best foot forward as Big Toddle Week returns with an animal theme from. With lots of opportunities for creative dressing up and exclusive animal-themed early years learning resources available to those who register, this year’s Big Toddles are sure to be roar-some! www.bigtoddle.org.uk Fri 28 Jun - Outdoor Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing (HP8) The Handlebards all-male troupe’s hilarious outdoor theatre performance of Much Ado About Nothing. At Chiltern Open Air Museum at 7pm.www.coam.org.uk Sat 29 Jun - Lots for Tots Sale Rickmansworth (WD3) The Rickmansworth sale takes place at Rickmansworth School, Scots Hill, Rickmansworth WD3 2AQ, and will have up to 40 tables selling great quality items. 10-11.45am. www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk Sat 29 Jun - Astronomy and Islam: Family Special (SE10) Held before the predicted sighting of the next New Crescent Moon, this special Astronomy and Islam planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich will use the planetarium to explore Arabic tales woven into the starry night sky and explain why the Moon seems to change shape over the month. Visitors will be able to extend their stay beyond the show as access to the historic part of the Observatory is included in the ticket price. Ages 7+, 10-10.45am. www.rmg.co.uk Wed 3 Jul - The Luna Cinema: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (AL4) Highfield Park in St Albans will once again play host to open air cinema this summer. Make sure you book early to get your place at St Albans’ most exciting open-air cinema experience. £1.50 from each ticket sale will go directly to the Highfield Park Trust charity who manage the park. thelunacinema.com Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jul - Summer Fest (HP18) Experience Waddesdon’s new summer spectacular, Summer Fest. Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere and be amazed by a range of extraordinary street theatre and arts performances, including an incredible tightrope performance by the Bullzini Family. Complete with family activities and live acoustic music throughout the weekend, this is one event you don’t want to miss. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Thu 25 - Sun 28 Jul - Camp Bestival (BH20) Camp Bestival is known as the UK’s ultimate family festival, having won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards five times. Taking place July 25th-28th at Lulworth Castle, Dorset, the four-day festi-holiday offers hundreds of things to see and do. From headliners Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jess Glynne and Annie Mac, family fun with Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Shaun The Sheep, to science shows and circus workshops, there’s so much for kids of all ages to enjoy.Tree-climbing, woodland workshops, helter skelters, giant bubble workshops and face painting for the kids through to teens having poetry slams, teen only spinning classes, sleeping out under the stars and How To… workshops, there really is something for everyone. Parents are particularly spoilt at Camp Bestival; well, they do buy the tickets! Amazing live acts and DJs, raves, discos, parties, comedy, literary talks, parenting advice and stories, cocktails, award-winning street food, likeminded people all in a big old field by a castle and the sea. www.campbestival.net/tickets

22 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk What’s On What’s On Children’s Theatre We couldn’t fit them all in! More online www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Compiled by Anna Blackshaw We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check with the venue directly before setting out.

The Alban Arena Little Angel Theatre Civic Centre, St Albans 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk www.littleangeltheatre.com Wed 19 – Thu 20 Jun - In The Night Fri 10 May – Sun 4 Aug - The Slightly Garden Join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and Annoying Elephant What’s big, blue, bossy, friends at In the Night Garden Live for a brand new show and turns up uninvited? A slightly annoying elephant, of on their first ever UK theatre tour in 2019! course! This hilarious story by author David Walliams is brought to life through puppetry. Ages 3 – 8 yrs Artsdepot Thu 23 May – Sat 13 Jul - Suffrajitsu From the cotton mills of the Lancashire hills to the big 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 smoke of London, we follow Annie, as she fights for her 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk right to vote. Combining original music, puppetry and Sun 26 May - Stick By Me “a joyful and some graphic novel style ‘Ka-Pows!’ Ages 7 – 11 yrs funny show” (The Guardian) about friendship and play, Fri 31 May – Sat 1 Jun - A Message and the importance of treasuring little things. This From The Sea Captain Jorgan’s found a message “Charming, delightful, inventive show” (The Wee Review) in a bottle – a message for Charlie. Join them on a is created by Andy Manley and Ian Cameron, co-creators of steampunk voyage to discover the truth. Inspired by a international hit show White. Ages 3-6 yrs story by Charles Dickens, step into a colourful new world Thu 30 May - Sun 2 Jun - The Very of discovery with some of puppetry’s freshest voices. Hungry Caterpillar Show Created by Ages 6 – 11 yrs Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories Brown Bear, Brown Lyric Theatre Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of Unicorn Theatre Watford Colosseum course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Ages 2+ Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com 147 Tooley Street, SE1. Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Wed 3 Jul – Sun 8 Sep - The Gruffalo The Beck Theatre Live on stage Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse Sun 16 Jun – Sun 4 Aug - Aesop’s Wed 29 - Thu 30 May - The Tiger Grange Road, Hayes. 020 8561 8371 meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the Fables A few of our favourite writers select one fable Who Came To Tea The doorbell rings just as www.becktheatre.org.uk high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying and re-tell it for today’s audience. two versions: one for Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for ages 4-7 and one for ages 8-12. could it possibly be? A stunning stage adaptation of the Wed 8 May - Bring Your Own Baby these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised! Comedy The UK’s number one baby friendly comedy such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and Ages 3+ yrs club! The show features some of the funniest comedy monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their Watersmeet stars from the circuit and TV. This event is all about you… grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain High St, Rickmansworth WD3 Wed 19 – Thu 20 Jun – Ben & Holly’s the parents! A brand new line up of comedians every and the world! 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk Little Kingdom From the makers of Peppa Pig month featuring two acts, plus a compere, with a 15 comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live minute interval, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Please Thu 23 – Fri 24 May - RARE on stage! Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who lives in the note: comics will be performing their usual adult material, Productions present: Youth Little Kingdom with her friend Ben the Elf. there is a 12mth age limit for the little laughers. The O2 Arena production of High School Musical It’s Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, Peninsula Square, London SE10 the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full Wed 29 May - Milkshake! Live: 0208 463 2000 www.theo2.co.uk Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of Milkshake Monkey’s Musical Milkshake recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year. Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight Wed 26 – Sun 30 Jun - Cirque du Disney’s High School Musical is fun for the whole family. all the family! you all! But when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake Soleil: Toruk Inspired by James Cameron’s record- friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you breaking movie AVATAR, and with creative input from Wed 29 May - The Jungle Book With have ever seen! Learn the amazing songs and dances with James Cameron and experts from the movie’s production, brand new songs, creative staging and bags full of fun, your favourite Milkshake friends. TORUK – The First Flight is unlike any other Cirque du Soleil why not bring your cheeky little monkeys to laugh like a Winston Churchill experience. With the brilliance of the Cirque du Soleil pack of hyenas when The Jungle Book swings into town! Theatre performers whose athleticism and acrobatics bring to life Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 Cadogan Hall the Na’vi, the show is a visual effects spectacular where Watford Palace Theatre 01895 250615 www.hillingdontheatres.uk 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X the world of Pandora is depicted through impressive 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com multimedia projections, massive set-pieces and the Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 Sun 16 Jun - Jeremy Isaac presents largest collection of puppetry in Cirque du Soleil history 01923 225 671 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Billy’s Band Join Billy’s Band on a fun musical Thu 9 May - London Chamber creating a narrative driven official prequel to AVATAR. adventure! Featuring great music, world class musicians, Tue 11 – Wed 12 Jun - The Very pre-concert activities and family participation. Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf Hungry Caterpillar Show Eric Carle’s A youthful take on orchestral music: hear Prokofiev’s Puppet Theatre Barge timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto Ages 3+. childhood classic narrated by his own grandson, Gabriel, the stage, featuring a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. alongside Gabriel’s acclaimed piece for DJ and orchestra Little Venice W9 (During the summer the Barge is at – debuted at the BBC Proms in 2011. And, of course, the Richmond, TW10) 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com outreach project Music Junction returns with participants performing a brand new piece written specially for them. Sat 4 May – Sun 7 Jul - A Child’s Garden of Verse Shadow puppets and marionettes combine with specially composed music to Chickenshed make this a programme of beauty, poignancy and fun, which captures and nurtures the imagination. Ages 4 + Chase Side Southgate N14. 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk The Radlett Centre Tue 7 – Sat 18 May - Stig of the Dump Everybody had told Barney not to play too near 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 the edge of the chalk pit. But today was one of those 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk grey days when there was nothing to do, nothing to play, and nowhere to go. This new adaptation of Clive King’s Fri 31 May – Sat 1 Jun - The Wizard Stig of the Dump has been developed by members of the of Oz This spectacular Spring pantomime adaptation Chickenshed Young Company and celebrates a world of of L. Frank Baum’s classic story is packed with good jokes, imagination and friendship. quality song and dance routines, spectacular scenery and plenty more for all the family! Thu 20 Jun - Baby Broadway Family Julia Concert Enjoy well-known musical numbers from Tue 18 – Wed 19 Jun - ZOG your favourite shows and films, all performed by amazing Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog comes to West End singers. You can also expect bubbles, puppetry, life in Mike Shepherd’s magical adaptation with Johnny dance moves and lots of audience interaction - join in as Flynn’s sumptuous folk score featuring live musicians - much or as little as you want to! Ages 0-6yrs roaring fun for all ages. Ages 3-7 yrs Harrow Arts Centre Trestle Theatre Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk Sat 8 Jun - The Flying BathWhen everyone has left the house in the morning, the bath toys spring Sun 26 May - John Hinton: into action and head off on exciting adventures in their Ensonglopedia of Animals Twenty-six magical flying bath! This charming and adventurous story animal songs, one for each letter of the alphabet. Get from bestselling author Julia Donaldson is brought to life to grips with fascinating facts about extraordinary using music, rhyme and puppetry in this exciting new echinoderms, distressed damselflies, crazy corals, batty stage adaptation. Ages 2+ birds and amazing arachnids. Ages 5 to 105 yrs

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