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IN THIS ISSUE Nursery Special, Half term activities, Reiki, Things to do with Babies, Museums and Events Baby friendly activities and holidays...

Issue 283 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE

6-7 Local news

8 Families Top Five activities this month 9 New Year New You Take part in Wear A Hat Day and help raise vital funds for research into brain tumours.

10 Six of the best things to do while you’re on Maternity Leave

11-17 eDuCaTioN • Open days • School news • Why Girls should start independent education at 4

18-29 NurSerY • Nursery Selection: The Start on the Education Map • Improving the Number Foundations of Pre-Schoolers • Curiosity is key to early childhood success • Local nursery news

30 Learn to support your child on an emotional and spiritual level 32-34 ClubS & ClaSSeS contents • Get Active! – Your New Year’s resolution for the whole family January/February 2019 Issue 283 • Your Clubs & Classes news

41-43 FebruarY HalF Term aCTiviTieS www.muddypuddles.com From sport to art, days out, music, drama etc

Travel • Families London South West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are 44-47 independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Baby friendly holidays, glamping with Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. little ones and fabulous holiday ideas • The contents of Families London South West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic 48-54 wHaT’S oN matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London South West. • Diary dates • Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts. • Drama • Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the franchise company, Families • Museums and galleries Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the • Art Activities contents, or any consequence thereof. • Babies and toddlers • Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

Tel: 020 8696 9680 editorial: [email protected] News: [email protected] adverts/artwork: [email protected] events/Diary Dates/what’s on: [email protected] Next issue: March/April 2019 ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2019. Not so 'free' childcare Up to 30 hours a week government- News funded childcare is available to eligible parents who sign up to an approved preschool provider, including schools with nurseries, private day nurseries, childminders, playgroups and pre- schools. All good news, except the allowance doesn't always cover costs, particularly here in London where decent childcarer pay, rent and rates are not always covered by the payments brought in by parents. As a result, some local nurseries have had to shut down or charge for extras. Research for the Department of Education confirms that 56% of parents are charged for additional items or activities including meals and snacks, and Why not join Pram Chorus, the special activities such as music, gym parent’s choir? lessons or outings. Furthermore, almost half of parents said that they had seen Did you know? Singing improves your mood, it restrictions placed on when they could is also good for your health and well being. So use the hours or that they had to be why not join a choir where you can sing your New Year, New Challenge? taken at times specified by the provider. heart out and meet like-minded mums? Pram Parents can save money with a Tax-free Chorus does not require any experience or Would you have some spare time to help a Childcare account. Pay in £8 and the talent to join, everyone is welcome to join. local family? Home-Start Wandsworth are government will top it up with an extra It's about YOU doing something creative and looking for people to join their amazing £2, raising the amount available to spend fun for yourself, where your little one is also network of volunteers supporting families with on childcare to £10. Across the year, this welcome (in all his/her vocal glory!). So bring young children across the borough through could cut your childcare bill from £6,000 yourself, your bump, babies, toddlers and pre- home visiting and group activities. You would to £4,800. The credit can be used for all schoolers and come to sing a huge variety of support families who are finding it difficult to kinds of regulated childcare from songs— no nursery rhymes. cope and provide them with emotional nannies, nurseries and childminders, to support, practical help and friendship. You can Various locations in South London. breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs. use the knowledge and experience gained Get in touch for more info or to join Check online to see if you are eligible from looking after your own family to support [email protected] www.pramchorus.com www.childcarechoices.gov.uk others who are struggling. All you need are empathy, enthusiasm and reliability. New antenatal and post natal They have a training programme to help prepare you to support families, covering a classes range of topics including coaching, mental Amanda Thompson, a leading antenatal health awareness, boundaries and signposting. teacher, will be launching her own company Volunteering requires only 2 to 4 hours a week. Bundle in Streatham, Wandsworth and Fulham Their next preparation course runs for 9 in the new year. Classes will focus on the all sessions (9:30-14:30) on Wednesdays and important post natal period without diluting the Thursdays, 27th February-27th March 2019, at antenatal offering. “We know that being a new 20-22 York Road, Battersea, SW11 3QA. 020 parent can be overwhelming but with the right 7924 5268 or support you can enjoy every minute of it!” [email protected] Join Bundle and you will have access to a team of experts (midwives, antenatal instructors, Merton Live: a great day out for the whole family nutritionists, obstetricians) who will be there to help you. Weaning, First Aid, Baby Massage Wimbledon Guild, the local charity that activities for and Breastfeeding support will be on offer from supports people across Merton, together all the family February, antenatal courses from June. with New Wimbledon Theatre are holding a including: Email [email protected] for more brand-new community event on Saturday 26 workshops, information or visit www.bundlelondon.com January from 10am-5pm to celebrate local dressing up in theatre costumes, face talent in Merton. painting, insight to technical side of the Merton Live! will showcase a fantastic theatre, arts and crafts, treasure hunt, food line-up of local bands, dance, drama and and drink, plus lots more. gymnastics groups. In addition, the theatre will be throwing open its doors for ticket- Get your ticket here holders to explore this historic building with www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon backstage tours and a host of theatre related

6 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU +HCR#K@RRDR

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

New School BJJ is one of the top clubs in the country teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art famous for its grappling Lancet warns of WIFI health risks for children techniques. These are safe and fun to learn, whilst being extremely effective for self-defence. Mounting scientific evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to Their Youth Squad compete regularly, and have had success in radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation has serious health effects, says International and national competitions! The Lancet Why not join the fun with New School BJJ! For years at Families SW we have been reporting on our concerns about www.NewSchoolBJJ.com 07469 192329 human exposure to WIFI. I was relieved — at last — to read an article in The Lancet, December 2018, commenting: “Evidence exists for an association between neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorders in children and exposure to wireless devices, and experimental evidence, such as the Yale finding, shows that prenatal exposure could cause structural and functional changes in the brain associated with aDHD-like behaviour. These findings deserve urgent attention.” “…Some government health authorities have recently taken steps to reduce public exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation by regulating use of wireless devices by children and recommending preferential use of wired communication devices in general, but this ought to be a coordinated international effort.” Do your own research, investigate the many sites that provide information like wifiinschools.org.uk and others, then sign petitions, fight 5G, it’s really scary and must be fought. In the meantime why wait to protect your children? We can begin to protect our families by adopting simple, preventative measures like turning Congratulations to All Star Tennis who our routers off at night, limiting our children’s exposure to any sort of WIFI will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! enabled gadgets like smart phones, tablets, wireless baby monitors (yes Sessions for tots through to teens and a fantastic them too) and refusing to have a smart meter installed. holiday programme in 4 locations across the Read the Lancet article here http://bit.ly/Lancetarticle Wandsworth borough. www.allstartennis.co.uk

Spin a tale during National Storytelling Week The first week of February marks National Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories—from conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows. Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children's academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else's story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds—both real and imaginary. To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit the organisers' website www.sfs.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 7 Here is our pick of the best five things to do with the Families Top five... whole family this January and February…

imagine Children’s Festival Southbank Centre SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk 13-24 February

The largest festival of its kind in London, dedicated to art and culture for kids and families. This year includes The League of Laureates with Malorie Blackman, Chris Riddell and Jacqueline Wilson celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Children’s Laureate, Sue Perkins guest-conducting Noisey Notes interactive concert, and Peppa Pig’s First Orchestra, with Mummy Pig conducting for the first time. Plus, see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt live in concert, and take part in West End Kids Workshops in performance, song and dance with the child performers from The School of Rock.

Kew orchids Festival: Colombia! a great day out Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey www.kew.org 9 February – 10 march

Visit Kew’s first ever Orchids Festival, on the theme of Colombia. This South American country is the world’s most bio-diverse for orchids, with over 4270 species! Also, enjoy Carnival music, street food and crafts for kids during the half term week – there promises to be loads to do to keep even the littlest entertained!

puddle Jumping Championships !! WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk 16-24 February

Join the Wetland Centre for the London Puddle Jumping Championships this half-term where children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies and have fun jumping in puddles. Jumping is free with paid admission to the centre and free to WWT members.

party at the palace! experience life in the baroque palace Kensington Palace Hampton Court Palace W8 4PX KT8 9AU hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace 17-22 February 16-24 February

This February half term, come and join in the gossip, display and fun of the Experience life in the Baroque Palace and meet characters from the past Baroque court at Kensington Palace. Take part in traditional court games this February half term at Hampton Court. Perfect for all the family, visitors for a chance to meet Queen Anne, along with other hands-on activities can enjoy live drama and hands-on activities exploring the stories of perfect for all the family. Queen Anne and her courtiers. Included in Hampton Court Palace Included in Kensington Palace admission. admission.

8 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Register now for Wear A Hat Day If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat Day. The annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March, 2019 and the Brain Tumour Research charity needs your help to make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! There are so many ways to get involved and the little ones will have so much fun, all whilst helping an important cause. From organising a hatty fashion show and making Easter bonnets, to hosting a bake sale and going on a hat-tastic walkabout, you can plan any type of event you fancy… just don’t forget your hat! By taking part in Wear A Hat Day, you will be helping to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours. The disease is indiscriminate and it can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. register for wear a Hat Day and your family can help change this, simply go to www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/wear-a- hat-day/wear-a-hat-day-registration

Keep Your Family Healthy In 2019 Doctors and physios to your door, 7 days a week Postnatal Pilates Sometimes waiting weeks to see a doctor simply isn’t an option, Re-connecting to your bodies with especially when it’s for your little one. Here at Qured, we know what Holistic Body Focus. it’s like to trek to A&E when the surgery is closed, only to be faced with a long wait to be seen. Fridays 11.45-12.45 at Fresh Ground, 68 Battersea Rise SW11 1EQ Qured provides some of London’s best doctors and physios to your SPECIAL OFFER ! door, day and night, saving you precious time. You can use our £10 Taster class when booking online with code HBFPN10 brilliant app or go to qured.com, to book a doctor or physio to your www.hbfocus.co.uk home and be seen in as little as 2 hours, or whenever best suits your schedule. It really is that simple! These classes are led by pre & postnatal specialist Hannah Brown we also offer: aiming to support the postural demands of life with a baby and • Prescriptions • Referrals • Sick notes • Vaccinations improve muscle tone, strength and mobility. In her friendly and relaxed classes you will meet other mums and babies and get personalised advice on a safe and effective way to return to your SPECIAL OFFER! pre-pregnant physique. This class is suitable for mums from 6 For £25 off your first appointment, use code FAMILY25 weeks after your baby is born (8-12 weeks post c section) until For more info or to book an appointment, head to qured.com or baby is crawling. download our app from the App Store. Come and trial a class and give your body some much needed TLC. To book or for more info please go to the website [email protected] www.hbfocus.co.uk +44 (0)20 948 1634

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 9 Six of the best things to do while you’re on Maternity Leave by ruth bennett, co-founder of babble Talks

You’re expecting a baby – congratulations! Whether this is your first or your fourth, 5. Get communicating! thinking about how to spend your maternity leave can be overwhelming. As all mothers A highlight of our week were our baby-signing will attest, maternity leave is NOT a holiday (partners take note, please!). Babies disrupt classes. A combination of easy-to-learn songs everything and the experience is unlike anything else in the world. It’s amazing and and signs, this is a way to help communication and understanding before babies begin to form challenging in equal measure. words. As your little one develops, it’s exciting The way that every new mother copes is individual and, as the weeks and months go to realise just how much they understand. by, the needs of your baby will change too. For some, it’s all about going with the flow, Signing is an additional way of helping them whereas others rely on getting things planned in to give their days some structure. navigate this strange new world – and it’s fun too! singandsign.co.uk If you’re looking for inspiration about how to spend your maternity leave, here are my top six things to do: 6. Don’t forget about you! All new mothers want the very best for their 1. enjoy our green spaces! 3. Get active! little ones. Trying to make everything just right From Wandsworth to Wimbledon, there are Once you’ve been given the thumbs up from can be exhausting. Make sure you don’t plenty of lovely commons and parks that are the GP at your six-week check, mother-and- neglect yourself, as this will end up having an perfect for walking with the buggy. Getting out baby yoga is a time to stretch, relax and impact on both of you. Take a break from and about allows you to be active without entertain your baby all in one go. I loved baby-focused activities once in a while and putting too much pressure on your recovering Kathleen Beegan’s six-week postnatal yoga head to an activity that’s all about you! Sing body, and it gives your little one some fresh air course in Streatham (kathleensyoga.co.uk). your heart out with Pramchorus.com or enjoy and a wealth of interesting sights and sounds. Have fun and make friends at the parent and a dose of much-needed laughter with Take a moment for a drink and a bite to eat in child classes at The Little Gym BYOBComedy.com—or if you’re feeling like one of the many lovely cafes. https://wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu or your mind is going to mush, BabbleTalks.com is enjoy baby swim classes at Swimway.co.uk or an event where expert guest speakers present 2. Grab the popcorn and head to the cinema! Waterbabies.co.uk talks on everything from artificial intelligence to In the early days of your maternity leave, life archaeology, especially for parents with babies can feel like a constant cycle of feeding, 4. Stimulate those senses! under 1. See more baby friendly events in the burping and nappy changing. Hopefully baby There are so many options for classes that Baby and toddler section page 54 in the What’s will be sleeping lots too … but you, not so introduce little ones to sights, sounds and on column. much! So heading to a late-morning showing senses. Pretty much all new experiences are of a new release at the cinema is a great way to exciting for a little one, but babysensory.com ruth bennett is co-founder of Babble Talks. give yourself a break and connect with what’s classes are full of fun and provide lots of toys Founded in 2018 in response to a lack of going on in the world outside of the baby and props to play with. From around six activities that allow new parents to stimulate bubble. There are mum and baby cinemas at months, we loved the Tiny Clippers classes, their minds, with baby in tow! the Ritzy, Odeon, Cineworld, Clapham Picture involving puppets, songs and sensory Visit www.babbletalks.com for more House. http://cliptheatre.com/tinyclippers information.

10 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

11 PLUS Mrs Jones E DUCATION TUITION Y4 & Y5 COURSES 2019 & 2020 11 Plus Foundation – Limited Space Year 4 (one year)

11 Plus Preparation – Year 5 (one year and 16 months) 11 Plus Mock Exams – Year 4 & Year 5 Highly Experienced All the Year 4 Foundation and Year 5 Graduate Preparation Courses include weekly Teacher tuition classes and monthly mock exams. EXCELLENT 11 P LUS RESULTS MO CK EXAMS State Gra mmar and Private Schools NOW Year 4 and Year 5 Call us to book Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, BOOKING courses starting in your child ’s place Non- Verbal Reasoning, January 2019 0208 390 6076 Cloze Procedure a nd South West London Exam Technique www.11plustuition.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 11 Please check the date has not been changed or cancelled before setting out. Schools Open Days Update...

JaN/Feb 2019 SW10 SW18 redcliffe School 3-11 Co-Ed Open Day 10/5 The roche School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open SW1 at 9am, places must be reserved, plus tours Mornings 16/1, 1/3, 10/5 and 12/6 at 9.30- Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout January- 11.30am, call to make an appointment on 020 eaton House belgravia pre-prep 3-8 Boys March 9.30am booking required 020 7352 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.co.uk Open Evening 13/3 7-9pm 020 3917 5050 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com St michael’s Cofe primary School 4-11 Co-Ed www.eatonhouseschools.com Open Morning by appointment only on 7/1 at SW11 9.30am 020 8874 7786 SW2 www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk Dolphin School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings Christ Church Streatham Ce primary School , 4- 10/1, 17/1, 31/1 and 28/2 at 9.15-10.40am, by SW19 11 Co-Ed Open Day 14/1 at 10am and 2pm appointment only 020 7924 3472 0208 674 4308 www.dolphinschool.org.uk The Study prep School 4-11 Girls Open www.christchurchstreatham.lambeth.sch.uk l’ecole De battersea 3-11 Co-Ed School visits Morning 9/3 9.30am-12pm, plus are held on Friday mornings 11/1, 18/1, Tours on Tuesday mornings throughout SW3 25/1,1/2, 1/3, 8/3, 15/3, 22/3 and 29/3 at 10am, January-March 9.20-10.30am 020 8947 6969 by appointment only 0207 371 8350 www.thestudyprep.co.uk The Hampshire School Co-ed 3-13yrs Open www.lecoledespetits.co.uk wimbledon Common prep (also known as day 30/1 9-11.15am. 020 7352 7077. To book Thames Christian School 11-16 Co-Ed Open Squirrels) 4-7 Boys Open Morning 23/1 9.15- a place, please visit Mornings 26/2, 6/3 and 25/4 020 7228 3933 10.45am, bookings are open now 020 8946 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk/open-day www.thameschristianschool.org.uk 1001 www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk Hill House 4-13 Co-Ed Tours of school Christ Church Cofe primary School 4-11 Co-Ed wimbledon High School 11-18 Girls Senior available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Open Day 9/1 10.30am-12pm, by School Open Mornings 19/3 and 26/3 at Friday during term time at 8.30am, no appointment only 020 7228 2812 8.50am, Junior School Open Mornings 26/2 appointment necessary 020 7584 1331 www.christchurchwandsworth.sch.uk and 12/3 020 8971 0900 www.hillhouseschool.co.uk belleville primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Tours of www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net St Joseph’s Catholic primary School Nursery the school 10/1, 31/1 and 21/3 at 9.30am 020 Kings College School 7-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed open day 7/2 2-3pm 020 7589 2438 7228 6727 www.belleville-school.org.ukSt Junior School (7+, 8+, 9+ and 10+ entry) Open www.stjosephs.rbkc.sch.uk mark’s C of e primary School School tours Morning 21/6 9.30am-12pm 020 8255 5437 Mondays andFridays at 9.15am 020 7735 1467 www.kcs.org.uk SW4 albemarle primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open SW12 Days 11/1, 8/2 and 15/3 at 11am 020 8788 eaton House The manor 8-13 Boys Open 3170 www.albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk House 16/1, 23/1, 30/1, 6/2, 13/2, 27/2, 6/3 and The white House 2-11yrs Co-ed. Open our lady Queen of Heaven primary School 4- 20/3 at 9am 020 7924 6000 morning 27/4, 9:30-11:30am. 11 Co-Ed Open Afternoons 10/1 and 5/2 at www.eatonhouseschools.com www.thewhitehouseschool.com 2pm, by registration only, plus monthly tours parkgate House School 2.5-11 Co-ed Open Hornsby House School 4-11 Co-Ed Open for Reception and Nursery can be booked morning 2/3 9.30am-12 020 7350 2461 Morning 14/3 at 9am 020 8673 7573 through the school 020 8788 7420 www.parkgate-school.co.uk www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk www.ourladyqueenofheaven.wandsworth.sch.uk ravenstone primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open ronald ross primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open SW6 Days 10/1, 28/2 and 26/3 at 9am, booking Morning 11/1 at 9.30am 020 8788 5233 required 020 8673 0594 www.ronaldross.org.uk Fulham prep School 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep www.ravenstoneschool.co.uk/ Open Mornings 28/2 and 26/3 at 9.15am, W6 10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and SW14 time slot 020 7471 4217, Prep School tours by ravenscourt park prep School W6 4-11 Co-Ed appointment only 020 7386 2444 Tower House prep School 4-13 Boys Open Open Morning 17/1 9am, booking necessary www.fulhamprep.co.uk Mornings 25/1 and 1/2, plus tours of the school 020 8846 9153 www.rpps.co.uk l’ecole Des petits 3-6 Co-Ed School visits are by appointment 020 8876 3323 held on Thursday mornings 10/1, 17/1, 24/1, www.thsboys.org.uk SE26 31/1, 7/2, 28/2, 7/3, 14/3, 21/3 and 28/3 at Sydenham High School 4-18 Girls Prep School 10am. Visits are by appointment only 0207 371 SW15 Open Morning 26/3 9.30-11am, Senior School 8350 www.lecoledespetits.co.uk ibstock place School 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep Open Morning 19/3 9.30-11am 020 8557 Sinclair House School 4-11 Co-Ed Open Day School Open Morning 30/1 at 9.30am, 7000 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 14/3 10am-11.30am 020 7736 9182, booking required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk 5803 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk BATH Granard primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Open SW7 King edward’s School bath 3-18 Co-ed Open Morning 1 0/1 at 9.15am, call to book a place morning Pre-prep and nursery 27/2 9am-12 eaton House belgravia prep 8-13 Boys Open 020 8788 3606 www.granardprimary.co.uk 01225 820 399 www.kes.com Evening 13/3 7-9pm 020 7924 6000 Falcons School for Girls 3-11 Open day 13/3 9.15-11am www.falconsgirls.co.uk www.eatonhouseschools.com 020 8992 5189 Call to book St Nicholas prep School 3-11 Co-Ed Open mosaic Jewish primary School 4-11 Co-Ed Morning 17/1 9.30-11am 020 7225 1277 Open Morning 10/1 at 9.30am 07973 137002 your place now! www.stnicholasprep.co.uk www.mjps.org.uk

12 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 13 Education News

New Head at the Hampshire School Chelsea The Hampshire School Chelsea welcomed a new Head last September, as Dr Pamela Edmonds, previously Head of St Cedd’s School in Chelmsford Essex, succeeded Mr Donal Brennan. With a teaching career spanning over two decades within independent schools as Head and in senior leadership roles in the UK and abroad, in addition to being called upon to inspect as an Education Quality Team Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and a member of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS) Board, Dr Edmonds has a wealth of peregrines pre-prep connects with the big apple experience to draw from. The Hampshire School Chelsea provides Pupils at Peregrines Pre-Preparatory School are taught their American friends all about the an education for children aged 3–13 years participating in an innovative transatlantic English tradition of Bonfire Night and why it through its Early Years, Pre-Prep and Prep partnership with the highly-prestigious came about. In exchange, the children at School. The Pre-Prep and Prep School is Wetherby-Pembridge New York, also part of Peregrines enjoyed watching imaginative housed in the iconic old Chelsea Library, with the Alpha Plus Group of schools. Excited Year footage from Wetherby-Pembridge about the early learners within close proximity 1 and 2 children from the Putney-based school American Thanks Giving. benefitting from an EYFS setting at Wetherby recently enjoyed the launch of the new Taking inspiration from their media Place. initiative in which both schools communicated exchange from across the ocean, the young 15 Manresa Road, SW3 6NB, 020 7352 via video to undertake a variety of creative joint learners crafted and wrote labels to people 7077 (Pre-Prep and Prep School) and 5 projects. who they are thankful for to show their Wetherby Place, SW7 4NX, 020 7370 7081 To kick-start the venture, Peregrines pupils gratitude. To register for an Open Day, call (Early Years) www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk created an educational, historical piece of film Harriet Stokes, Registrar on 020 8992 5189 or of them acting out the Gun Powder plot. This email [email protected]

award for eaton House belgravia Common entrance exams Eaton House Belgravia (Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep schools) has just won a Highly dropped Commended Award in the Independent Boys’ Westminster, St Paul’s and Wellington School of the Year Category in the College will stop requiring pupils to take Independent School of the Year Awards 2018, the Common Exam from 2021. They will is now registering for 2020, with a few 2019 rely solely on their ‘pre-test’, which is places remaining. taken at the age of 10 and 11. They are holding two Open Evenings from 7-9pm on Wednesday 13 March and Patrick Derham, Head Master of Wednesday 12 June 2019, bookable via the Westminster said he wanted to “remove website at www.eatonhouseschools.com. To uncertainly and unnecessary stress” and it find out more, please contact Jennifer McEnhill, Head of Admissions, at would “allow prep schools to adapt their [email protected] or on curriculum in Years 7 and 8 in ways that 0203 917 5050. are rigorous but inspiring. “

Scholarships at Dolphin School Following last year’s excellent exam results and many offers to top Senior Schools, with 13 scholarships offered, Dolphin School are delighted to offer 7+ Academic Scholarships for entry into Year 3 in September 2019.

For further information and to apply please contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Benson at [email protected]

Applications need to be in by 22nd January and the Assessment Day will be held on 29th January. Open Morning Tours, by appointment, will be held on 10th and 17th January. They look forward to meeting you.

14 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 15 Education

From the first New Girls’ Tea Party aged 4 many Prep school girls bond with their closest friends, but what are the real reasons why parents should opt to send their girls to an independent school early rather than at age 7 or 8? It is important to be honest with parents and say that it can be hard to catch up on later entry, although of course we do our best to make it a seamless transition. Beyond purely academic factors, there are a number of extremely good and positive reasons why girls benefit from coming to us straight from nursery.

Why Girls should start independent education at 4...

1. FrieNDSHipS: Lifelong friendships are often 1:1 tuition. Date of birth is a factor in class 8. aDDeD eXTraS: Our clubs and activities formed in the first years of Prep school. grouping and is taken into account so that programme runs before and after school every Groups form early and many last a lifetime— ‘summer babies’ don’t miss out. day with over 35 pursuits on offer, from Junior even beyond senior school. Drama Club to Netballs Skills and Bookworm 5. CoNFiDeNCe: Through our single sex ethos, Club. Authors, explorers, scientists and charity 2. aCaDemiC CoNSiSTeNCY: The academic we put the girls’ confidence front and centre of leaders are just some of the remarkable all we do without any gender stereotyping. We excellence, consistency and familiarisation of a individuals to have visited in the past year. warm, genuine (and often specialist) teaching adopt a ‘sky is the limit’ approach to academic learning and in all things. staff from the ages of 4-11 can prove key to 9. paSToral Care: We strive to make our girls’ academic success later. 6. CommuNiTY: We have a strong community pastoral care excellent in every way, supported where parents and carers are always in and out by form teachers and the House system. We 3. broaD aND balaNCeD CurriCulum : of the school twice a day at drop off and pick are extremely experienced in helping our A broad and balanced curriculum is key. The up, house events, play rehearsals, concerts and smallest girls to enjoy learning without any girls receive lessons in Maths, English, Science, much more. The mothers of the youngest pressure. If it’s happy and fun, it’s working! Topics, Computing, Art, Music, Drama, French, children often become firm friends as we are a Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School PE, Games, Swimming, Ballet and TPR very local school, based on beautiful Clapham (Theology, Philosophy and Religion). In the Common. senior half of the school, Reasoning, Critical Thinking and Latin are also introduced. 7. SCHolarSHipS: Consistency of education aged 4-11 is important for potential scholars. 4. Small ClaSS SiZeS: With class sizes of up Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School achieved By oliver Snowball , to 20, and one teacher and one teaching 25 scholarships in two years to London day assistant with the girls throughout the first and boarding schools and the early pace of Headmaster of Eaton House three years, we ensure that each girl receives a work at age 4-8 allowed them more time for The Manor Girls’ School more bespoke learning process, often receiving scholarship prep later. www.eatonhouseschools.com

16 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Southfields call 020 8870 8300 email southfi[email protected] Battersea call 020 7223 1882 email [email protected] www.numberworksnwoods.com/uk

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 17 18 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Nursery Education

improving the Number Foundations of pre- Schoolers A leading child psychologist from Kingston University has produced a series of number games for nurseries and parents which are proven to boost the confidence and ability of pre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks. Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games based on her research into the Approximate Number System (ANS), a mechanism used by the brain to differentiate between groups that have more or fewer items in them without counting. The ANS games are based on two foundations - estimation and matching approximate large amounts. "The activities we've developed are fun, rather than formal lesson plans, but they're based on scientific evidence about the cornerstones of mathematical learning and how to nurture this in young children." Her research showed that playing these specially-designed games for 10 minutes a day for 5 weeks improved young children's number foundations, the essential building blocks needed for mathematics. This improvement was still apparent 6 months later, when the children had started formal education. To download the free games, visit www.kingston.ac.uk/research/research- Nursery Selection: The Start on the education map showcase/research-case-studies or the majority of new parents, changing family circumstances. Curiosity is key to early looking ahead and beyond their If an individual child’s larger ‘educational Fchild’s next feed or bath time is a childhood success map’ is considered, these choices are further challenge. For many London parents these complicated. Many top London prep school New research links curiosity levels in young fraught first days are further complicated admissions operate a ‘selective’ entry procedure children with later academic success. with concerns for their child’s education for children joining from as young as reception Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of before they can often walk or indeed talk! age. These early admission challenges place 6,200 kindergarten children and found that further responsibility on nursery schools and The growth in what is now frequently termed the children of parents who reported their ‘educational mapping’ has developed from the pressure on parents to select a school that is child’s behaviour as highly curious did the need to navigate early schooling options in a able to equip their child with the required skills best at school, regardless of socioeconomic city where competition is fierce for popular and for this critical next stage of their educational status. The results were consistent for both often oversubscribed nursery schools with journey. boys and girls. many requiring registration from birth. The children’s reading and maths scores Janie Richardson of JR School Search is Undoubtedly there is much choice with the were consistently better the more curious confident that by supporting clients with they were. That was true even when the structure of nurseries becoming increasingly informed advice and careful planning the diverse to accommodate changing needs of students weren't very good at a self-control selection of a ‘strong fit’ nursery can provide a parents. Furthermore, nursery education is measure called "effortful control," which valuable step to ensuring the best choice of often characterised by a range of ‘approaches’ tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks. “Even if a child in the best teaching methods to be introduced school is available to be plotted next on the manifests low effortful control, higher during these key early years. Parents are education map. curiosity may be associated with more progressively forced to research the growing Janie Richardson School Search & Placement optimal academic achievement,” the authors options available just to meet frequently www.Jrschoolsearch.com of the study wrote. The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement. More info at www.nature.com

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 19 FLEDGLinGS On THE COMMOn ‘Where childhood memories are made’ Fledglings Kindergarten • Ofsted registered for 28 children A place to blossom and grow • Open 9.15am – 12.15pm term time only • Staff are qualified, committed and enthusiastic Children Ages 2 - 5 years practitioners • Exceptional outside environment able to support high Term time quality learning opportunities which build on the children’s interests and capabilities Full and part time sessions offered • We provide a safe, secure nurturing environment to support your child’s individual needs Places available for EECP funded children • FNEP Funding accepted • 2year old Early Education funding available for eligible Contact 0207 101 2033 children fl[email protected]

Please contact: John Barleycorn Fledglings on the Common visit our website at 1 O’Clock Centre Chivalry Road www.cbcservices.org.uk SW11 1HT [email protected] Tel no: 0207 7101 2034 0207 738 1958 Email: fl[email protected] Ofsted rated: good Ofsted rated: good This setting is managed by Childcare & Business Consultancy This setting is managed by Childcare & Business Consultancy Services (CBCS) a registered Charity (1083895) and Company Services (CBCS) a registered Charity (1083895) and Company Limited by Guarantee (4060959) Limited by Guarantee (4060959)

FLEDGLinGS EARLy yEAR FLEDGLinGS On THE COMMOn & OUT OF SCHOOL CARE CHiVALRy ROAD, WAnDSWORTH COMMOn SW11 1HT 0207 101 2034 ‘Where childhood memories are made’ fl[email protected] Affordable and high-quality childcare for children aged from 6 months to 5 years Out of School for 3 – 11 year olds OPEn PLAy SESSiOnS Our Early Years provision is open from 8.00am-6.00pm all year Set in a safe environment with outside play round and offers full day care, wrap around and sessional care. • Monday to Friday (term time) Qualified, experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic staff team • 1.15 pm – 3.00pm under 5s £3.00 per child Safe, secure and nurturing indoor and outdoor learning 1.15pm – 4.45pm under 5s £4.50 per child environments to support children’s interests and capabilities 3.00pm – 4.45pm under 8s £3.00 per child • Flexible full time and part time packages • Nutritious meals cooked freshly on the premises each day Monday to Friday (school holidays) • Quality care and early years education 10.00am – 1.00 pm £4.00 per child • 1.00pm – 4.00pm £4.00 per child Nursery education grant funding accepted for eligible children 10.00am – 4.00 pm £7.50 per child • Nursery vouchers accepted • Ofsted rating good Children must be accompanied by an adult over 16 years

Contact: Also available for party hire on Saturdays and Sundays Sherrill Fitkin, 101A Derinton Road, London SW17 8HZ For further details call us on Telephone: 0208 672 7358 EXT1 0207 738 1958 Email: fl[email protected]

This setting is managed by Childcare & Business Consultancy This setting is managed by Childcare & Business Consultancy Services (CBCS) a registered Charity (1083895) and Company Services (CBCS) a registered Charity (1083895) and Company Limited by Guarantee (4060959) Limited by Guarantee (4060959) THE MONTE SSORI SCHOOL

THE MONTESSORI HOLIDAY AND AFTER CHILDREN SCHOOL CLUBS We provide a delightful Local children up to the age of environment for children from 8yrs are welcome to join in with 2yrs of age. Offering the full our fun and creative activity Montessori curriculum with days during school breaks. visiting teachers for Music, School pick-ups and homework Dancing, Yoga, French, Drama, clubs are also available Sports & Gymnastics. during term time. TEA TIME FOR CALL US TO BOOK A TODDLERS VISIT TO THE NURSER Y This session takes place from 0208 673 8037 3:30pm to 4:30pm for children 102 Chestnut Grove Balham, from approximately 2yrs of age London, SW12 8JJ to attend with an adult ww w.themontessorischool.co.uk

“Somerset is a highly developed effecti ve edu cational pra ctice , w here every child is treat ed a s an indivi dual” – OFSTE D 2018

A stim ulati ng, v ibran t, chal lenging, inclusive envi ronment w here children a re abl e to pu rsue t heir own cur iosi ties, t ake ris ks and discov er from first -hand experiences. Led by qual ified, experienced teachers w ho enab le children to become ha ppy , independent creativ e thin kers, with a joy for learning.

Places Available: - Free 30 hours where eligi ble - Free 15 hours part time - Free 15 hours fo r 2 yr. old s wh ere eligible - 15 or 30 hours fee-pa ying To arra nge a visit please call t he school on 020 7 223 5455 157 Battersea Chu rch R oad, London S W11 3ND Brea kfast and Afterschool ww w.somerset. wan dswort h.s ch.uk Club s Available! Maintained and funded by Wandsworth Bo rough Council

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 21 Nursery Education Characteristics of Effective Learning Unlocking young minds through play

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum highlights the importance of what children learn as well as how they learn. The ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ run through the Hampshire School’s day to day routine and underpin three essential indicators of learning through play: ‘Playing and Exploring’, ‘Active learning’ and ‘Creating and Critical Thinking’. by Samantha Danison, Head of Early Years, The Hampshire School Chelsea allowing children free play choices while curiosities. Whilst play and exploration is vital had happened. The children agreed that it was extending their play experiences for learning, active learning is facilitated by a ‘monkey that escaped from London Zoo’. support and careful planning of a class teacher They then decided to write wanted posters to Playing and Exploring in our Early Years setting so that young children know how to improve help catch the monkey. Then, during a period means that children are able to create their and what their next steps are. In our Early of free flow exploration; many children wrote own learning experiences where they can Years setting, we have high expectations of our lists to create a trap, used creative materials to practise skills they have learnt. In order for children and we share their next steps with construct ‘lifelike’ bananas in order to create a children to demonstrate their depth of play through child initiated learning, our team them. Thus, the children are motivated to try trail; in addition, others used magnifying prioritises a high quality provision and a activities to support their progression. glasses to check the rest of the school learning environment that allows children to inspecting to see if there was a route he Furthermore, Creating and Critical thinking followed. Teachers allowed children to engage self-serve and have free access to resources encompasses children being independent that will enrich their play. with the learning in a way of their choice. learners. Children display this characteristic Observation of children in their play indicated Whilst complete exploration is a pivotal factor when they have been given the tools and that through one stimulus, the children to learning in the Early Years, there should also stimulus to think and have their own ideas to explored and were able to demonstrate skills in be a balance of adult initiated activities. At The make links with their learning. The only way all areas of the curriculum. They were highly Hampshire School Chelsea, highly skilled children can demonstrate this characteristic motivated and challenged themselves through teachers plan purposeful activities for children within their play is if the adult supporting the activities chosen. to play and engage with. These activities are enables the environment and lesson stimulus planned with a learning intention which allows to lend itself to children taking an idea and To conclude, the Characteristics of Effective pupils to work on their developmental next making their own decisions about how to Learning provide us with the ways in which steps whilst playing. The classroom approach a task. children learn generally. As professionals, we environment is set up so that all additional work carefully to pay attention to individual resources provide free choice and exploration who’s gone bananas? encouraging critical learners through personalised learning and to further extend their play experiences. thinking ensure each play and learning opportunity within school, is tailored to the unique aspects active learning expresses the children’s A great example of Creating and Critical of each child. motivation for learning thinking in our Early Years, is when adults set up a stimulus in the classroom. One example I 15 Manresa Road, London SW3 6NB (Pre-Prep Nurturing the children’s love of learning is witnessed was when one particular classroom and Prep School) and 5 Wetherby Place, essential and we strive to ensure that this is was a mess with bananas on the floor. The London SW7 4NX (Pre-Prep and Prep School) based upon the children’s interests and natural children had to share ideas and conclude what www.TheHampshireSchoolChelsea.co.uk

22 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Education News

Deadline for applying for free childcare Are you a working parent with a three year old child? Does your child attend a nursery or childminder? All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to 15 hours of funded term time childcare, from September 2017, some working parents are able to claim an additional 15 hours of funded childcare. Find out if you qualify for 30 hours free childcare by visiting www.wandsworth.gov.uk/30hours. You will need to apply and verify your code by 31 March. For more information, contact the Wandsworth Early Education and Childcare Team on 020 8871 7899.

music at the white House Music is at the forefront at The White House Prep School in Balham. Year 3-6 kicked off back to school after the half term with a choral performance at the Barbican. This was followed by a superb performance at The Royal Albert Hall to help raise money for Barnardos. outstanding Somerset nursery Not to be left out, Year 1 & 2 sung of qualified teachers and nursery nurses, who Christmas songs at Southwark Cathedral Somerset Nursery School is one of three local have a passion for creating interesting and and the term finished with the whole authority schools dedicated to the early years. exciting, learning experiences; set in the most school singing Christmas Carols on the In February 2018 they were delighted to wonderful purpose built school, with an drive, with mince pies and mulled wine. receive an ‘Outstanding’ school inspection. amazing outdoor space. 020 7223 5455 www.whitehouseschool.com They are a highly trained and experienced team www.somerset.wandsworth.sch.uk

For the love of forests The children's love of the forest at The Roche Nursery Schools is a highlight of their week. Dressed in their school puddle-suits, they set off to Wimbledon Common in search of wonderful adventures. Den building and natural hidey-holes are favourite themes of exploration. Roche Rangers have discovered that you can make music by finding tapping sticks and striking them against the bark of any tree. The children adore the freedom of being outdoors and to make daring decisions such as balancing on logs! A strong emphasis on outdoor learning is encouraged and supported at The Roche Nursery Schools. Both have spacious outdoor areas including a magical garden at Keswick House. 020 8877 0823 www.therocheschool.com

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 23 ST MARK ’S Church of England Primary School

Monday to Friday mornings and afternoon sessions now available

CHaellpli nusg d aisclol vbera hboyw Sbacbiiees nletairsnt!s! A school where children develop the passion to learn, the Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in skills and knowledge to achieve and the confidence to fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We take Christian values into our diverse society. provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, School Tours Mondays and Fridays at 9.15am or we refund any travel expenses. 020 7631 6258 Harleyford Road, Kennington, London, SE11 5SL TEL: 0207 7351467 email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.stmarkscofeprimarylambeth.co.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

24 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

OAK TREE DAY NURSERY 3 months to 5 years 8am to 6pm (Mon to Fri)

* Excellent facilities * Newly renovated premises * Stimulating, caring and homely environment * Qualified and experienced staff * Outside garden * Good OFSTED report * French * Music & movement * Fun Sports sessions * Early years foundation stage curriculum * Baby unit * Close to public transport * Sensory room 56 - 58 Blairderry Road, Streatham Hill, London SW2 4SB 020 8674 4844 www.oaktreedaynursery.com

26 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Job opportunity - nursery practitioner The Woodentops nurseries, located in Balham & Clapham, are looking for passionate practitioners, full of creative ideas and enthusiasm to join the team. Candidates should be nVQ level 3 or above.

The nurseries are family-owned and run and our teams are made up of some very special people. Through our nurseries and parent school, The White House Prep, we have been providing outstanding education and childcare in Clapham for over 30 years.

To apply contact [email protected] woodentopsnurseries.com

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 27 Great for small parties

Perfect for Baby Showers, Gender Reveal and Bridal Showers

28 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Education News amazing playground at playdays In May 2018 Playdays Wimbledon Hill undertook a complete refurbishment of their outdoor play area. The amazing space offers the children lots of freedom and space to explore as well as being an extension to the nursery classrooms throughout all weathers with the addition of a huge canopy.

Playdays believes that outdoor learning has a positive impact on our children’s well-being, learning and development, so it was designed with one fully lawned area with play apparatus for the younger children as well as a separate area where obstacle courses, construction activities can be set up for the more boisterous.

All in all, this fantastic area allows the children to explore their senses whilst enjoying being outdoors. 020 8944 8959 www.playdaysnurseries.co.uk

Give your child the best start at oak Tree Day Nursery

Oak Tree Day Nursery in Streatham the children plenty of opportunity Hill aims to provide each child the for exploration, play and learning. opportunity to achieve their They also have a mud kitchen and potential in a safe and stimulating pots to grow vegetables. The environment. children enjoy outings to places such as the local library, fruit & The nursery follows the EYFS vegetable stalls, parks, farms and curriculum and have state-of-the Polka Theatre. Free baby and art ICT equipment with touch parents music workshop on screen and educational Saturdays mornings for children programmes for the children’s use. aged 0-2 years. The nursery also offers extra curricular activities such as French, Get 75% off registration fee in Music and Movement and Fun January with their advert page 26 . sports at no extra cost. Offer ends on 31/1/19. The nursery has a sensory room 020 8674 4844 and a large garden, which offers www.oaktreedaynursery.com

Structured play sessions for little ones Little Learners is an OFSTED techniques and resources to registered morning nursery stimulate curiosity and critical offering children from 15 months thinking whilst promoting speech, the opportunity to enjoy regular language and social development. structured play whilst developing Nurseries in SW11 & SW12 and essential preschool skills. Children open from Monday–Friday 9.30- learn the principles of sharing and 12.15 during the term times. turn taking whilst developing skills 07941 103860 in problem solving and www.thelearners.co.uk negotiation. Influenced by the Montessori/Steiner approach to learning they use a range of

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 29 describes Reiki makes him feel grounded, gives him a warm glowing feeling, a sense of Learn to support your wholeness and helps him connect to other people especially when he is feeling detached from the world. My 9-year-old also loves Reiki child on an emotional and I use it as his bed time routine, he describes as relaxing, calming and helps him feel safe at night time. and spiritual level You can incorporate this healing in your daily activities, it does not have to be a by maria Cooper-Gomes, Holistic therapist structured treatment. Children are free beings and they like to move this way. You can simply treat your child while they are playing, reading, ith the increase in anxiety, low anger sadness, loneliness. It helps with sleep, eating, watching television. mood/depression amongst children self-esteem, confidence, concentration, raise For you as the parent, Reiki will nurture and Wyoung people these days, wouldn’t it self-awareness, support physical with pain and empower you so that you can then nurture and be lovely to have a way to support your child discomfort. on an emotional and spiritual level? Learning empower the family and be able to support Reiki 1 as a parent is a wonderful way to life long benefit of reiki them fully, fill your cup first and then let this increase the tools in your parenting tool box. Introducing Reiki to your children from a flow to your family. Reiki will teach you how to Anyone can learn Reiki 1, you do not need any young age will teach your children about the practice self-care, be committed to your previous experience, all you need is an open importance of self-care, to take responsibility wellbeing and lead by example. Reiki healing mind and an open heart. It can be learned in a for their emotional, mental health and physical helps by boosting your energy levels, be more day or over a course of two days. It is a health. It raises their self-awareness, aiding a centered, grounded, and balanced. This process, so although the course is not long, it positive attitude. On a deeper level it heals modality helps to balance hormones when is more of a personal healing journey that negative family patterns that are carried from experiencing both with moon cycle as well awakens your inner self. one generation to another. It educates experiencing any menopausal symptoms. children from a young age to be and stay Learning Reiki will expand you and your child So how can reiki help you and your family? authentic, helps them to trust themselves and allowing creativity to flow. It can help with It is gentle, safe, non-invasive, comforting and the world that they live in. intuition and support the body to heal naturally nurturing. It is inner wisdom, it is magic at your I first learned Reiki just before I became by activating the immune system. hands. Children are sensitive beings and like pregnant with my eldest, who is now 21. I used sponges, their energy loves Reiki. Reiki assists it throughout my pregnancy, he has always Lastly and more importantly Reiki helps deep relaxation, calms the emotions bringing loved reiki and always found it comforting, create a safe bond between you and your all aspects of self-mind and body into balance. reassuring and safe. I used it at a time when I loved ones. This bond is healing, caring, It is a great tool to have and use for your child’s was going through a separation from an compassionate and loving. In times of first day at school, settling in period into abusive relationship with my son’s father. challenges Reiki can be there to support you school, bullying, dealing with changes, moving Having this tool meant that I could help and and your family. home, changing school, arrival of a new empower myself as well as support my son. I sibling, pressure of exams, family issues, when still believe to this day that it was Reiki healing For more information on learning Reiki dealing with separation/divorce/death etc. that held me together from spiraling into contact Maria on 07961 803 298 It can help with emotions like anxiety, fear, chronic depression. My son who is 21 now or look up www.mariacoopergomes.com h s a l p s n U

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30 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk please tell advertisers you found them in Families

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familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 31 activities. Active games feature unpredictable elements and solvable problems to nurture Get Active! – Your “executive function” skills, which help children make plans and strategies to pursue their goals. What’s more, researchers believe that physical games that require sustained focus and New Year’s resolution standing still at times can help with overall attention, even in extreme cases like ADHD. for the whole family Cooperation is just one of a battery of teachable friendship skills that reflect healthy by Tobias rossberg of The little Gym wandsworth & Fulham social and emotional development in a child. The relevant skills vary by age, but include ou are feeling a little jaded after the playing fairly, listening, demonstrating empathy festive season, the children spent too It comes as no surprise that active children are and resolving conflicts peacefully. Other Ymuch time on their screens and parent more likely to become active adults. A series of studies have tracked the leadership success of guilt is in full force. Now is the time, studies from multiple countries makes it children who developed the ability to take bolstered by your New Year’s resolutions, to increasingly clear that children spend far too turns and wait for a reward. These children re-acquaint yourself with the gym, prep for much time sitting and that this inactivity is grew into adolescents who were better able to handle frustration and stress, pay attention and that marathon or just do those 10,000 daily happening earlier than ever before. Getting make plans, and generally perform better in steps, measured on your new Christmas your children involved in regular physical activity as early as possible may alter this trend both school and social situations. present. But what about the children? They for the better. Young children who acquire should also be getting out and doing some “fundamental movement skills” such as So maybe it is important that all the family have a New Year’s resolution of getting active and exercise. Actually, not just in the first running, hopping, catching, throwing, that we should ALL stick to it, both you, but couple of weeks of the new year—they balancing and twisting are more likely to get probably more importantly the younger should be getting back into a regular weekly and stay physically active. Success in physical members of the family who have a whole life programme of activities. activities and games can also boost a child’s time to benefit from their early start to regular confidence. Research shows that children activity. We all know why it is so important that children make judgments about their motor skill abilities do regular exercise? It is healthy for them, at an early age, which may affect their what is the best activity for a child to take up? helps them to keep a steady weight, and fit and willingness to take on new physical challenges Any and all is the best suggestion but I would healthy heart and lungs. as they get older. of course recommend Gymnastics! Gymnastics is widely regarded as one of the exercise for self confidence exercise for mental health best early organised activities a child can The real surprise is it not just their overall Did you also know that physical activity boosts participate in, providing an amazing variety of physical health that benefits from regular children’s mental functioning? Young physical, cognitive and social skill development exercise. Research suggests that creative children’s brains undergo tremendous growth opportunities / challenges in a safe and physical activity may be the key to fostering and change, which we can see reflected in a structured way. confident, successful kids. For example, a child’s improved processing speed, working 2007 report by the American Academy of memory, self-control and strategic decision- The little Gym wandsworth & Fulham offer Pediatrics noted the importance of play in making ability. To foster this intellectual a 7% discount if you mention Families . promoting healthy child development both growth, you can encourage your child to 020 8874 6567 physical, cognitive and social. participate in structured and repetitive physical www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu

32 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Clubs and Classes News Choosing an after school activity: what really matters As parents we aim to support our children make it rewarding and equip them with the tools they need In our experience children gain the most when as they take on new challenges. Whether they are rewarded for their progression. music, sport, drama, dance or STEM, term Whether, like our weekly music lessons, your chosen course has incentives and a nationally time courses are a great option, but it can recognised scheme such as Music Medals from be difficult knowing which one to choose. ABRSM, make sure there is something which If you are considering extra-curricular helps your child understand that they are doing lessons for your child at the start of this new well so they can feel good about themselves term, here are a few tips from The Strings Club and encouraged all the time. Head Office Team, all gained from experience as parents as well as education professionals. boost development You understand that your child’s time is make it fun precious that’s the reason you are considering It goes without saying that your child has to the course after all. Make sure you look out for have fun. If this first box isn’t ticked then they how your chosen course talks about the won’t be interested in the class and it will have positive impact it has on your child, what they a negative impact. Make sure your chosen will learn and how it will help them fulfill their course creates an exciting atmosphere, meet potential. If they are seriously on their game If you’d like more information on The Strings the team if you can, just like at our Discovery they will have a personal report just as we do in Club go to www.thestringsclub.org or call Days. our Term Time Courses. 0121 296 9204. How to choose a ballet class by blandine lamaison, la Sylvaine School of Dance

Exposure to sports and the arts help In an environment where creativity is children to develop into well rounded favoured, your child will enjoy mimed songs, young men and women. Have you free dance, improvisation and childhood thought about ballet? stories. Through playful exercises using percussions, a child will gradually feel and Dancing is a great activity for girls and boys. A understand musical time and rhythms. lot of research is bringing stunning results. Choose a school with properly trained Scientists can now affirm that ballet increases teachers the development of children’s bodies by 40%, British organisations such as the RAD and ISTD and slows down the ageing of the body by 40% lead the world in terms of dance education as after age 50. they have devised teaching programs for “once week amateurs” through to vocational ballet for football and rugby teams students, as well as Teacher Training Courses. Ballet dancers make it look effortless as they It is most important for parents to choose a move across the stage, from lifts to pointe school where teachers are properly trained as work. Your child can also be a part of this teachers, fully qualified and registered with one through the practice of classical ballet. Ballet of the main bodies in the UK. Be wary of At La Sylvaine and Wendy Bell School of Dance, for Boys was also rediscovered partly thanks to schools where teachers are introduced as your children will be looked after and taught in the immense success of Billy Elliot. Did you “ballerinas”. Being a professional dancer is a warm and caring environment, by fully know that it is becoming “a must” for football entirely different from being a trained teacher qualified and very experienced teachers, all of and rugby teams who are now learning the who study physiology and child’s development whom are RAD registered. Their schools are benefits of controlled movement to lengthen to teach children safely. Lets draw a parallel: or strengthen muscles? can an accomplished writer teach little children part of a large international family, founded in how to read and write in a classroom? Paris in 1930. Many students have become ballet will help children who start young with renowned dancers and performers but most all sports importantly, your children will be nurtured to Skills and coordination acquired during develop self-confidence and a love of dance childhood and adolescence remain in our for life. Most carry on dancing for 15 years and physical memory throughout our lifetime. In ballet classes, your child’s co-ordination further. lateralisation and balance will develop. Group discipline will gently be established as your www.lasylvaine.co.uk in Kensington, Chelsea, child learns to share and take turns. Fulham, Hammersmith. familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 33 Friday sessions from January 2019. Early Stages Your local Clubs & Classes (4-6 years) will run from 4.15pm to 5.45pm and Main School (6-18 years) from 4.30pm-7.30pm. Term starts on 11th January and runs until 29th March. To enrol, please call 0845 2025 727, email [email protected] or visit their website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/fulham. Keyboard Classes paperbirds art classes Learning the keyboard at home can be a lonely Ready. Set. Paint! Paperbirds art classes are a weekend Netball classes affair, but with Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes wonderful way for children to express themselves, for all abilities children learn in small groups, which is far more learn, unwind and have a lot of fun. Children fun. Children get introduced to practical and paint, draw, build and create, learn about artists For school Yrs 2-6 theoretical music, with games, quizzes and art and experience with different techniques and From complete beginners to school/club activities all based around music thrown in for always come home with a wonderful players wanting to improve individual skills good measure, you'll be amazed how much they masterpiece. There are classes for children of all and understanding of the game. can learn whilst having fun. ages, events and amazing art parties and holiday Their fun and friendly classes with fabulous Streatham, Furzedown (New), Clapham and camps … coaches focus on developing key netball Blackheath, Herne Hill, Sydenham Book early, they always sell out fast! skills, teaching the rules of the game and 01732 457100, [email protected] building confidence—all whilst making new www.paperbirds-london.co.uk www.funkymonkey.info friendships and having FUN! [email protected] Attend a free class, book a term of classes and Classes run during term time in Wandsworth, claim a 2nd free class! Kingston upon Thames and Elmbridge. Visit Cricket in wimbledon and www.sistersnsport.com for more information raising Confident Children with wandsworth and to book. perform Aspire Centre, SW18, Rutlish Indoor Sports Hall, Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) SW19 and St Cecilia’s School, SW18 Very popular action packed cricket courses Sporty aND fun! who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old. Sara was drawn to aimed at boys and girls aged under 5s to under We instinctively know that active children learn Perform because of its focus on developing 13s school years of all abilities. These skill better and are more confident, don’t we? Then confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “I’ve packed courses ensure that all participants why not try SportyMinis? They create fun, always wanted my children to feel confident learn and develop a variety of batting, bowling motivating, outdoor activity sessions for children speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of and fielding skills at an energetic and fun pace. ensuring a multi skills approach allowing for the people. I think these are essential life skills Also holiday courses and birthday parties. development of ALL the fundamental movement these days. It’s not a pushy stage school” she [email protected] 07946 559572 skills children need to excel physical explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a https://cricketdynamics.co.uk/ development. You can find them at their topic like manners, making eye contact or exclusive charity partner venue Fledglings on the introducing themselves, but this is wrapped up Skateboarding club Common SW11 1HT. in a highly engaging way in the context of Well done Urban studio who teaches urban Book via hoop.co.uk/sportymini drama and songs.” sports disciplines such as skate boarding, inline “Since my children started attending skating, scootering and BMXing. They have learning balls skills with playball Perform, other parents frequently remark on successfully delivered funded social projects Playball offers high quality, fun filled, classes their confidence and how well they speak in across the borough of Wandsworth, aimed at tailored to meet the needs of younger children. school assemblies. I’m really impressed with young people who participated in skateboard 3-8 year olds learn the fundamental sport skills how they chat to adults in places like shops design and tuition workshops. They are like tennis, hockey, cricket, golf, football, rugby, and restaurants.” encouraging young people as well as adults to basketball, football, volleyball and just about any Classes at Perform are small with two participate in these activities to improve fitness ball sport you can imagine. Also teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and levels and general wellbeing. Their urban Mention fantastic holiday camps and Families enthusiasm. They go out of their way to sports programme focuses on developing to get one week birthday parties. understand and engage every child” reports motor skills, coordination, balance, strength, FREE! www.playball-london.com Sara.” agility, stamina, accuracy and judgement. All 020 8123 2217 Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance the sessions and programmes are tailored to or drama class in Balham, Battersea, Barnes, suit all ages and abilities and welcome those New Friday Stagecoach sessions from Chelsea, Clapham, Earlsfield, East Sheen, who have disabilities. January Fulham, Raynes Park, Streatham, Tooting and Due to overwhelming demand for spaces at Wimbledon. Visit perform.org.uk/try www.urbanstudiosessions.co.uk/events or Stagecoach Fulham, they will be launching new to book. contact Michael on 07950 581 981.

Cricket Dynamics

34 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

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36 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 37 38 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 39 please tell advertisers you found them in

Guitar tuition in your own home Saturday guitar lessons Sean Flood DipLCM(TD) RGT@LCM tutor Learn Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz and Folk Grades, music Theory/Reading Contact Sean on 07932 723010/ 0208 764 6705 [email protected] • www.seanguitartuition.com

40 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk February Half-term activities Compiled by Joanna parry

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed. Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Sport Chelsea FC Soccer School Venues across SW London Role Models 020 7957 8220 All Star Tennis [email protected] Leaders Gardens SW15 1LS m / [email protected] dwallaDcee@vweildolopnidnogn .Sorkgi.lulks King Georges Park SW18 2GJ www.chelseafc.com/foundation / Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Tooting Common SW17 8JU 18-22 February Spark4Kids 020 8871 4706 London Soccer School For boys Venues TBC 020 8090 1444 www.allstartennis.co.uk/holiday- and girls aged 4-13. All abilities www.spark4kids.com camps welcome, times vary according to 18-22 February 18-22 February course, from £30. Holiday Computer Coding Role Models Day February Half Term Tennis Camps Workshops This half term, Join the award winning All Star Fulham FC Foundation Spark4Kids are running holiday Courses team for their February holiday Venues in Fulham workshops to introduce kids and Chelsea Academy School camps for players of all levels. All 0870 442 5432, teens to computer coding through SW10 0AB Star Tennis award winning camps [email protected] the medium of games. Choose 020 3637 7107 are renowned for their fun and from updated courses including www.fulhamsoccerschools.com www.rolemodels.me, creative approach to learning Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, 18-22 February [email protected] tennis. Packed with games, drills, Tech 4 Little Kids, Games Coding 4 Holiday Courses Soccer schools 18-21 February tennis technique, match Kids, Robotics 4 Kids, Unity/C#, run every day, 9am to 3pm. Play Resilience Course – preparation, fun tournaments, trick tons of football, learn new skills Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit, shots, prizes and team games. 5-7 Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript Celebrating China Role Models and make lots of new friends. have partnered with Dragons years, 10am-1pm, 8-12 years, Taking place at Fulham FC’s in a fun, engaging environment. 10am-3pm. Ages 5-7 years, 8-12 years and 13- Teaching to offer a course continued on p.42 18 years. Visit their website for which helps develop resilience more details. and also explores Chinese culture and language. Learning Naomi Martin Touch to step outside of your comfort Typing zone, try things for the first time and challenge yourself are all Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham important ways of applying High Street SW6 3JJ 07949 204553, resilience. Age 7-11, £395, www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk sibling discounts are available. Throughout February Half Term Touch Typing Courses for children aged 7-18, classes are 90 minutes long, and of mixed age and ability. To advertise in Sibling discounts available, 9.30- 11am or 11.30am-1pm, £250 for Families Playball the week. Call: 0208 696 9680

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 41 Perform

Swimway

Training Ground in Motspur Park, developing confidence while the 18-22 February child enjoys every minute as they Bishops Park in Fulham, Dundonald kids have loads of fun. February Half Term Camps Plenty work towards a show-stopping Rec in Wimbledon and other of fun, games and excitement performance of The Lion, The venues across South West London. SwimWay whilst kids are introduced to all Witch and The Wardrobe to delight Prices start from £21 per day, with Balham, East Sheen, Putney, aspects of sports in an all inclusive family and friends. Ages 4-10, discounts for booking the whole Kensington, Kew Gardens and and non-competitive environment. 10am-3pm, price from £206 week. 3-14 years. Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, Guaranteed fun! 3-10 years, times depending on venue. [email protected] and prices vary. Little Gym www.swimway.co.uk Polka Theatre Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 18-22 February Drop off at Multi Sports 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon 020 8874 6567, Swimming Courses Intensive camp SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 [email protected] courses to improve your child’s Every school holiday including 18- www.polkatheatre.com www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu swimming technique, on a private 22 February and 1-19 april at 18-22 February 18-22 February or semi-private basis. Courses run Dulwich College Sports Club E21, Half Term Holiday Workshops A February Half Term Gym Don’t for half an hour each day, book www.holidaydropoff.com range of exciting holiday miss out on the opportunity to join early to avoid disappointment. Age Your children will have a blast at workshops for budding actors, these popular classes for children 3-9, dates and times dependent on HDO's fantastic multi-sports directors, designers and costume of all ages. The programme venue. camps. Children from age 5+ can makers. Age 2 upwards, dates, focuses on building new skills and take part in a whole range of times and ages vary depending on S W Swimming School incredible indoor and outdoor workshop. Emanuel School SW11 1HS sports to keep them happy and Burntwood School, Tooting active through the school holidays, Sparks Ignite SW17 0AQ 0208 767 2723, including swimming pool inflatable Broomwood Hall School, [email protected] sessions and many new exciting Nightingale Lane, Balham www.swswimschool.co.uk activities www.holidaydropoff.com. SW12 8NR 020 71019329 18-22 February www.sparks-ignite.com/balham Intensive Courses A 4- or 5-day music & Drama 18-22 February intensive splash courses where The Scene of the Crime Make a children swim everyday with same thrilling murder mystery movie, instructor. All lessons are 30 Dantastic explore new creative skills in movie minutes each day, running Across SW London including production, meet new friends and between 9am-12pm Monday to Southfields Library, Sindbads produce a dramatic movie to be Friday. Raynes Park and Corfield Centre, proud of. Over three days, movie Streatham 07460 222003 makers will explore lots of Youngstars Multi-Sports www.dantasticproductions.com/classes techniques to build suspense, and Activity Camp Dates in February Half Term along with mystery plot twists, red herrings and plenty of ‘CSI’ details Balham, Clapham Common, Baby and Toddler Classes Action packed, interactive musical to help catch the criminals. Age 7- Clapham Junction, Putney and 14, 9am-3pm, £165. Wimbledon 07749 343116, adventure classes aimed to inspire, [email protected] educate, build confidence and www.young-stars.co.uk improve fitness. Expecting plenty of singing, dancing, puppets, instruments and sensory activities. Drop in for only £8 (£5 siblings), dates vary depending on venue. Perform Drama Chelsea, Clapham South and Kensington 020 7255 9120 / [email protected] www.perform.org.uk 18-20 February The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe With a sprinkle of fairy dust, Perform’s team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will work their magic to ensure your

42 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Kids En Cuisine

The Strings Club 0800 092 1062, Tooting Primary School, Franciscan [email protected] Road, Tooting SW17 8HE www.littlehouseofscience.com 0121 296 9204 18-22 February www.thestringsclub.org Half Term Holiday Camp – 18-22 February Scientific Story of our Planet Take February Half Term Camp a scientific journey from Big Bang Discover Days or Week Long to the modern times and the future Courses - each day with The of human existence. Find out Strings Club is wonderfully about stellar explosions and the different, including exciting creative formation of the solar system, workshops alongside high quality while developing scientific small group instrumental sessions. understanding of the earth and Fully Ofsted registered, all children other planets’ geological structure aged 4-11 are able to attend for the and natural processes. Do rocks whole day. Half days from £20, have a life cycle? How will our early bird and late club £5. planet look in 10,000 years? Will we inhabit other planets? Ages 4- arts & Crafts 12yrs. Eddie Catz Putney, Kids En Cuisine Wimbledon and Earlsfield Venues across SW London First Floor, 68-70 Putney High 020 3015 2966 Street SW15 1SF www.kidsencuisine.com 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 18-22 February 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ Cookery Camp Learn about 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com healthy food by cooking real Throughout February Half Term dishes with vegetables, fruits, Holiday Activities Across the 3 aromatic herbs and spices. Join the branches in SW London – Putney, team at Whole Food Market, Planet Earlsfield and Wimbledon Colliers Organic, As Nature Intended, in Wood – there will be plenty of their purpose-built kitchen in the holiday camps, creative workshops heart of Westminster or they can and parties to choose from. See even come to you with all the www.eddiecatz.com for more kitchen utensils you need to have information and to book online. lots of fun! Prices usually include lunch and a Little House of Science free play at the venue, plus Eddie Baden Powell House, 65-67 Catz appears in all venues twice a Queen's Gate, Kensington SW7 5JS day to meet and greet the children.

Little House of Science

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 43 Personally selected places where both parents and children have a real break by Sian williams of baby Friendly boltholes

Thanks to a former career in luxury travel PR and a well-formed boutique hotel habit, I am a self-confessed spoilt brat when it comes to holidays and mini-breaks. Just because junior loves doing the macarena with the hotel’s mascot, you won’t find me propping up the bar in a package holiday hotel… well, not unless I am sobbing into my Sauvignon! Luckily, my spoilt tendencies and travel writer contacts ended up coming in very useful and, by the time my own little one had turned one, I’d set up www.BabyFriendlyBoltholes.co.uk and was sharing my best finds. Caserio del Mirador, Spain

ust over a decade and a ton of feedback personal experience of the Stern family who found salvation in the form of mini-breaks to from grateful parents later, I’ve learnt founded the resort. brilliant little cottage clusters. The ones on Jmore than a thing or two about family Baby Friendly Boltholes are all beautifully holiday game changers i.e. what can take a For those who prefer a more ‘local’ experience designed but also have onsite indoor pools, holiday from “more stressful than staying at on holiday, we’ve found an abundance of soft play zones, games rooms and, at some, home” to “memorably marvellous” — and why. gorgeous Italian, Spanish and France daily animal feeding rounds. So rather than farmhouse villa, cottage or apartment clusters dreading a weekend of wracking our brains on Here are my best finds: that are well set up, not just with nursery kit how we can burn off excess toddler energy, Without doubt, the best loved luxury resort and toys, but play areas with sociable seating whilst maintaining our sanity, we’ve been hotel has to be Martinhal Sagres in Portugal, so parents can share tips and advice over looking at making amazing memories and followed closely by Domes of Elounda in drinks whilst mini guests make holiday really bonding, even in the worse the British Greece. Both have interiors to rival a boutique playmates. Many of the best loved are run by weather has thrown at us! hotel but a fun and friendly approach for little British ex-pat families who understand it is no ones. Parents always tell me how, as well as mean feat to truly relax on a holiday with Here and overseas, everyone involved in Baby the stylish little play areas and pools, what they under-10s in tow and have put everything in Friendly Boltholes is just so passionate about love most is the simple pleasure of being able place to make that happen. making sure families make the best memories to linger over an evening meal or glass of wine in their free time. Just drop Juliet, Tori or Sian whilst the offspring are nipping to the indulge in a mini-break a line via email or the LiveChat system at supervised craft or toy tables found at every Having discovered the hard way just how www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk and they restaurant or bar within the resort. Such a challenging it can be to keep little ones from will personally help you find the best break stroke of genius and clearly inspired by the climbing the walls on rainy weekends, I have possible.

44 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk Travel Holidays with a difference by Claire winter

Are you fed up with package or resort- based holidays? Why not try some of these quirky suggestions for a short break or alternative summer holiday destination. Little Wowo

Go glamping with your under 5s Italian villa with child friendly activities

little wowo is a family campsite Little Wowo Weeks 3rd-6th June villa radicata sleeps up to 12 children are happy with their in the heart of Sussex offering an and 1st-4th July 2019. people, offers stunning lake and Italian ‘Nonna’. Choose from: adventure for the whole family. Specialising in group camping mountain views, fenced pool yoga, fitness classes, cooking Enjoy campfires, workshops, with their easy to use system get and garden, stair gates for little lessons, mini yoga, art, baby nature’s playground, music in a in touch to arrange your class escapers, plenty of toys and Italian, massage for mum and tipi with Al Start from Go Kid camp for 2020, limited baby equipment baby, excursions, shopping and Music, and a free bowl of our availability for 2019. New for (highchairs/cots/sterilizer). horse riding. famous veggie soup with most 2018 they will now host Sacred Finding time for yourself as well stays. They have unique Seeds a western herbalist Contact Rita on 0039 349 as making sure quality time is glamping options in different offering consultations and 5018679 / 07785 571 292 locations with yurts, shepherds products. spent with your children is a huts, and lotus bell tents or bring challenge for any parent—Villa www.mum-and-baby- Wowo is a wonderful place to your own tent and choose your Radicata has it covered with a experience.co.uk take the family this summer, variety of activities, true Italian pitch. www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com check out availability online hospitality, delicious food and They host special events for www.wowo.co.uk. peace of mind knowing your families with under 5 year olds:

Try treehouse life How about a House Swap? The Garden village in Slovenia fishpond, while glamping tents A house swap can be a great way the house. You can negotiate to is a beautiful eco-village of have a mezzanine level, of exploring the world and cutting swap cars and look after each treehouses, glamping tents, bathrooms, TV and hot tub. holiday costs. You lend your other's pets too. Finnish sauna, massage pavillion Lake Bled, which offers a vast home to another family, while you and a garden, which supplies the array of activities, is just a short live in theirs. All you have to do is Try love Home Swap on-site restaurant with fruit and walk away. Treehouses are buy your flights or ferry ticket. You (www.lovehomeswap.com) or vegetables. The tree houses are expensive in peak season (€360 do need to clean and tidy your Home exchange raised cabins with two levels and a night) but tree tents which home so another family can live it. (www.homeexchange.com). have indoor nets to lounge sleep four and have shared about on, kitchenettes and bathrooms/toilet facilities, are You also have to empty some bathrooms. The wooden-floor less at €260 a night. cupboards and drawers for their pier tents are by a stream and www.gardenvillagebled.com clothes and leave a manual about

familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 45 best for babies and toddlers princesa Yaiza, lanzarote Children will love the exceptionally family-friendly Princesa Yaiza which is ideal for year-round sun. Located in an excellent location in Playa Blanca on a wide sandy beach, within walking distance of local restaurants in the old town or the modern marina, along a lovely promenade, perfect for pushchairs. Its family facilities include a mini-disco and musical shows which will leave you hurrying your dinner so your little ones can get to them. Kids’ club here is superb in the form of Kikoland, a 10,000m² children’s playground area, with an extensive programme for tiny babies (with a professional creche) to teenagers. Travel Promotion

best for relaxing - Columbia beach resort, Cyprus

This charming resort has recently been refurbished and is located in a stunning location in a beautiful Blue Flag beach bay, within easy walking distance of local shops and restaurants. The 80m swimming pool is truly tranquil and there’s a great spa and kid’s club. The charming and typically Cypriot village of Pissouri, with its old square, is only a five-minute taxi away. Must-travel DESTINATIONS Melissa Barker , Owner of Travelbeam Luxury Holidays, shares her family favourites and what makes them stand out from the crowd. best for multi-generational families - pine Cliffs, portugal The range of self-catering accommodation at this resort is perfect for grandparents and their families who are travelling together. The Pine Cliffs Residences (which can sleep up to 8) are luxury self-catering luxury apartments with a living room, fully equipped kitchen and a laundry room. You can enjoy all the facilities of this extensive resort such as fabulous children’s facilities (huge kids’ club village with pirate adventure playground), plenty of dining options, a fantastic beach and there’s a golf course and spa for the grandparents. New this year is a football academy with coaching by Andy Cole and John Barnes.

best for luxury all-inclusive - ikos resorts, Greece & Spain best new hotel - parklane, a luxury collection resort & Spa, Cyprus These popular resorts are selling out even before they are built! IKOS Aria This new beachfront property, only 15 minutes from Limassol, opens this in Kos opens this May. On offer are gourmet restaurants, fine wines/ April after huge investment. We were very impressed with the level of finish branded spirits, 24-hour room service with entertainment and some water and quality when we visited. There’s a large sandy beach and an amazing sports activities such kayaking all part of the cost. IKOS Andalusia in Spain Park Kidz children’s club with outdoor splash pool. opens May in 2020 and is available to book now.

Do get in touch to discuss your holiday plans: or to order a copy of our new brochure: 0345 845 0145 | www.travelbeam.co.uk what’s on January & February 2019 FREE community event if you only do one thing this Take the children and have a walk in the month… dark!

window wanderland Around Southfields Grid and surrounding area 9-10 February We love this idea! The aim is to transform the streets of Southfields into a magical outdoor art gallery for all to see with cut out designs in the windows. Taking part is Free and everyone in the community is welcome. Simply go for a walk and enjoy the efforts of the local people. Residents are encouraged to make a display in the windows of their house, business, shop or even front garden. Alternatively, they might stage a performance in their front room, host karaoke in their front garden or project something fantastic onto their building. 5.30-9pm. Find out more at windowwanderlandsouthfi[email protected] or www.windowwanderland.com/event/southfields-london-2019

animated adventures... let your 23 February Diary Dates ... imaginations take flight! 11.30am. Barbican OpenFest. Free and for all ages, the day will showcase works Can You Foster? from Sky Arts’ Art 50 which invites Mum2mum Markets fastest ship of its time. Meet Venues in Wandsworth artists of all kinds, from all walks of www.mum2mummarket.co.uk characters from the ship’s past www.wandsworth.gov.uk life, from all artistic genres, to such as Captain Woodget and the Come along and buy all kinds of 17 January, 14 February and create a piece of work which says ship’s cook and listen to their epic nearly new toys, clothes, books, 21 march something important about stories about life on board. Try and strollers, car seats, feeding Caring for someone else’s child is national identity in 2019. Celebrate outwit the crew in our Sailors’ the diversity and creativity of a accessories, baby equipment and hard work, but the rewards are Challenge game, get your sea legs nation through dance, music, so much more. Or if you fancy a unbeatable. 10am-12noon, 2-4pm by taking the helm at the ship's photography and film. quick clear out, why not book a or 6-8pm. Find out more about stall? Admission £2 on the door, wheel, follow a family trail or take part in regular workshops. fostering at one of these events. children free. Visit the Mum2mum Go to the website or call 020 8871 Big Fish Little Fish Family Market website to get 2 for 1 6666 to find out more. Rave admission. Saturday Film Clubs www.bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk 19 January BFI W1T 1LN 3 February at The Amersham Arms, At Ricards Lodge High School, www.bfi.org.uk/families Fulham Palace 114 New Cross Rd SE14 6TY Wimbledon. 10am-12pm Saturdays in January and February Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA 26 January at the V&A Museum of 19 January These Saturday film clubs are a www.fulhampalace.org Childhood At Immanuel and St Andrew's must for any child who loves film 19 January World famous, award-winning, Church, 452 Streatham High Road and wants to have fun. Topics Young Archaeologists’ Club. Glastonbury Festival performing, SW16 3PY. 3.30-5.30pm cover everything from animation Explore the wealth of archaeology offers family fun for the post-rave and adverts, to sci-fi and special at Fulham Palace and discover the generation of parents. The multi- effects. These clubs are hugely past through investigating artefacts The Big Garden Birdwatch sensory dance floor has glitter popular so book early. Mini and exploring the world around ww2.rspb.org.uk cannons, bubbles, giant balloons Filmmakers for ages 8-1, 10.30am– Sat 26 – mon 28 Jan you. Age 8-16, 10.30am-12.15pm. and a parachute dance finale. 12.30pm, Young Filmmakers for Get your garden ready and be part Captain Cookie Craft tables with ages 12-15, 2-4.30pm. of something HUGE! The Big LSO Family Concert giant mural, themed crafts and 26 January Garden Birdwatch is the world's Barbican Centre playdoh table. There's a licensed Funday Preview: How to Train Your largest wildlife survey – all you www.barbican.org.uk bar, free transfers and glowsticks. Dragon: The Hidden World. need to do is register then count 27 January Optional fancy dress encouraged. Everyone’s favourite boy-dragon the birds you see in your garden or Folksong & Fantasy. Experience the Check online for price and times. duo, Hiccup and Toothless, must local park. spectacle of a live symphony Pre-walking infants free. travel to find a hidden world, long orchestra with your family and be Day out on the Cutty Sark dismissed as a myth. Join in a Q&A with director Dean DeBlois and captivated by traditional tunes and Chinese New Year www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark producer Brad Lewis, bring your tales of yore. The stories hail from Chinatown and Trafalgar Square Save 10% by booking online. little ones along to the dragon- the sparkling skies and icy 10 February Throughout January and February inspired arts and crafts area, and be mountains of northern lands, Join London's Chinese New Year Calling all sailors! Bring the family in with a chance to win some including Catch the Wind – a tale celebrations, the largest outside to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an fangtastic prizes. Create fire- of elves and dragons all the way Asia, with colourful parades, action-packed day out on the breathing creatures, dragon masks, from the Faroe Islands. Age 7-12. performances and displays. Watch

48 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk colourful floats and more than 50 Leicester Square Theatre Gaston the Ladybird. They live in teams take part in the vibrant www.leicestersquaretheatre.com the Little Kingdom, a tiny land Chinese New Year parade, which 19 and 20 February. where flowers and grass rise high kicks off with dragon and lion Alice in Wonderland . Let's All above them and every day is an dances and handcrafted floats. The Dance returns with this fabulous adventure. fun includes screen shows and a family favourite. Join Alice as she thanksgiving ceremony, followed enters the curiouser and curiouser Piccadilly Theatre by firecrackers, speeches and the world of the White Rabbit, Queen W1D 7DY Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony. of Hearts and Mad Hatter. www.piccadilly.londontheatres.co.uk Stunning dancing, much loved To 23 February It’s Hot It’s Not, Unicorn The Baby Show characters and super costumes The Curious Incident of the Dog in ExCeL bring the famous tale to life in this the Night-Time . After huge Puppet Theatre Barge www.thebabyshow.co.uk/excel magical ballet production. Suitable success around the world, Blomfield Road (opposite 35) 1-3 march for all, especially 2-11 year olds, including an extended run in W9 2PF The UK's largest event for parents- including children with special London’s West End, the National www.puppetbarge.com to-be, new parents, grandparents needs. Tickets £21.50 children, £24 Theatre’s stunning production of 9 February – 24 march and babies is a unique family- adults Simon Stephen’s play returns. The Town Mouse and the Country friendly shopping and advice Directed by War Horse’s Marianne Mouse . The two famous mouse experience. Expert speakers give Lyric Hammersmith Elliot, the story follows young cousins take it in turns to visit one advice on sleep, birth, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk Christopher Boone as he goes on another. First the Town Mouse breastfeeding, weaning, health and 19 February – 16 march an adventure to discover just what goes to stay with the County wellbeing as well as celebrities The Animals and Children Took to happened to his neighbour’s dog. Mouse and has to face up to the sharing their experiences of the Streets . Like a graphic novel unfamiliar world of the wild parenthood. Save money and time burst into life, 1927 invites you on a Peacock Theatre countryside. Then, the Country with leading baby brands all under theatrical journey of startling WC2A 2HT one roof, plus boutique, not on the Mouse heads into town and has to originality. Seamlessly www.sadlerswells.com / high street products and tons of learn to escape from the house cat synchronising live music, www.peacocktheatre.com exclusive show offers. and navigate the noisy city traffic. A performance and storytelling with 20 February – 9 march delight for young and old, told with stunning film and animation. From Cirque Eloize - Hotel . Celebrating rod puppets, music and sing- along THeaTre £10. their 25th anniversary, Canadian songs. contemporary circus crew Cirque New Wimbledon Theatre Éloize open the doors to their new Cambridge Theatre Time and Leisure Studio SW19 1QG show. In an art deco grand hotel, Wimbledon SW19 1QG WC2H 9HU atgtickets.com/venues/new- tourists and travellers, the famous www.atgtickets.com uk.matildathemusical.com wimbledon-theatre and infamous, mingle in the 1920s, 4 February and 4 march Throughout January and February 31 January – 2 February stopping over in the 1970s and Bring Your Own Baby Comedy . Matilda The Musical . Inspired by Russian State Ballet of Siberia . 2040. Sneak behind closed doors It does what it says on the tin! the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Performances include Cinderella - to witness their intimate stories, 22-24 February Matilda revels in the anarchy of the world’s favourite rags to riches guided by the time-spinning Mimi and the Mountain Dragon . childhood, the power of fairy-tale where dreams can come groom and the artful maître With lively original songs, imagination and the inspiring story true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s d’hôtel. atmospheric storytelling and of a girl who dares to change her energetic score, lively magical puppets this is an exciting destiny. choreography and colourful Polka Theatre new show about friendship, costumes. SW19 1SB courage and adventure for anyone 18-23 February Colour House Theatre www.polkatheatre.com who loves snow, dragons and Fame The Musical . Based on the www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk To 17 Feb stories. High up in the snowy 1980 phenomenal pop culture film, SW19 2RD The Wind in the Willows . When mountains of Switzerland the this international smash hit To 27 January Mole abandons spring cleaning for villagers of Dorta bang drums, blow sensation follows the lives of Jack and the Beanstalk . Jack is in the delights of the riverbank, he horns and ring the bells to keep the students at New York’s High School big trouble when he comes home has no idea of the adventures that fearsome Mountain Dragon away. For The Performing Arts as they with a pocket full of magic beans lie ahead. With Toad’s obsession for navigate their way through the instead of gold in return for his all things fast causing chaos (poop, cow, Daisy. Furious, Jack’s Mum highs and lows, the romances and The Unicorn Theatre the heartbreaks and the ultimate poop!), it falls upon his friends SE1 2HZ throws the worthless beans into Ratty, Mole and wise old Badger to the garden, but overnight the elation of life. www.unicorntheatre.com save him. tallest bean stalk you’ve ever seen 4-5 march 26 January – 10 march To 17 February grows into the clouds… Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom . Icarus . A new take on the classic In the Winter Wood . When Pig and Saturdays and Sundays 9 February From the makers of Peppa Pig myth. Here, where pleasant Goat discover they’re being – 14 april comes this BAFTA award-winning cottages stand colourful in the fattened up for a winter feast, they Beauty and the Beast . Many years television animation live on stage. friendly village and a gentle breeze decide to run away to find a little ago a wicked witch put a spell on an Holly is a young Fairy Princess who wafts through the air, children play house in the winter woods, where arrogant young prince, turning him is still learning how to fly and her in the square laughing and they can live happily together. into a hideous Beast. The spell can magic doesn’t always go quite shouting – but Icarus, oldest son of Along their journey they meet only be broken if the Beast learns to according to plan. Her best friend, the builder Daedalus, does not play Goose, Hare and Cockerel, who love and be loved in return, before a Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and with them. He sits looking out over magical rose loses its final petal. he doesn’t do magic, but he runs offer their special skills to help the sea and thinks about his father. 2pm and 4pm, from £10. very fast and flies on the back of build their new home. Age 8-12. familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 49 engraved snuff box and even a transporting visitors back to a time muSeumS, collection of original props from when they were the beating heart The Invisible Woman. of life at Hampton Court Palace. GallerieS aND New displays now feature Foundling Museum interactive technology and sensory DaYS ouT 40 Brunswick Square, Camden experiences, so for the first time Town WC1N 1AZ ever visitors are able to see, smell www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk and touch their way through the British Library 16-24 February process of preparing a meal fit for a Half Term Events . A week of events, king. NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/events activities and workshops for the 26 February – 12 may whole family including Bach to Friendship Before Facebook . How Horniman Museum and Icarus, Unicorn Baby, Family Poetry Workshops, were friends selected, collected Gardens Ideal Home Show and Pillow Prints. 2 February – 10 march and put on display, before the SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk digital era? Explore the Library’s Throughout January and February It’s Hot, It’s Not . Weather the Hampton Court Palace Whether. This surreal, funny and collection of pocket-sized World Gallery . The Horniman’s carefully crafted physical friendship albums – made between KT8 9AU exciting new gallery, displaying performance explores the weather the 16th and 19th centuries – full www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace over 3,000 extraordinary objects in all its forms and takes delight in of celebrity autographs, music, Throughout January and February from around the globe. Free entry. discovering the world anew and miniature paintings and bawdy lift- The Magic Garden . Discover how we experience it differently, the-flap pictures. something new around every twist wherever we are. Age 2-5. and turn in an immersive world Charles Dickens Museum populated by mythical beasts, Kew Gardens WC1N 2LX including a 25m dragon! Take the www.dickensmuseum.com family to become Tudor Knights, Last Sunday of every month besiege the battlements, storm the Highlighting the Collection. Drop- Tiltyard Towers and explore a in object handling sessions mysterious secret grotto. Included throughout the historic interior of in palace admission. 48 Doughty Street. Discover a Throughout January and February unique set of Dickensian curiosities Tudor Kitchens . Last summer saw from a cheque signed by Dickens, a complete re-imagining of the Ahoy! National Maritime Museum to a beautiful dolls house, an famous Tudor kitchens,

50 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk February – october National Maritime the Royal Observatory Greenwich solar system, its brilliant light Brick Wonders . Discover amazing Museum includes a show in London’s only shapes our sense of time, our wonders from around the world public planetarium and the chance health and our environment. This is made entirely from LEGO® bricks. SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk to look through the gigantic Great the story of humanity’s ever- From an ancient Egyptian pyramid Saturdays in January and February Equatorial Telescope at what the changing relationship with our Character Encounters . Join an to Old London Bridge, and from night sky has to offer. Plus, spend nearest star. Free for children aged exciting performance and journey the natural wonder of a coral reef some time on the Greenwich 16 and under. bringing maritime history to life. to the modern marvel of the Meridian with a hot drink, an 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, age 6+. international space station, travel amazing view and astronomers on Tower of London through history and explore over hand to answer all your space- EC3N 4AB Natural History Museum related questions. Age 7+. 70 models made using half a www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk weekends in January and million LEGO® bricks. Build your Throughout January and February Throughout January and February February imagination at the interactive play Armoury in Action . A family friendly Whales Beneath the Surface . A Young Astronomers Workshop . A areas, and don’t miss two special exhibition revealing the fascinating major exhibition exploring the programme of weekend family models of Horniman icons, story of arms and the armoury at extraordinary life of whales. workshops - participate in a varied designed especially for the show. the Tower. From shooting arrows To 24 February range of activities related to space and assembling firearms to Life in the Dark . Are you afraid of science and space exploration, brandishing swords, a thousand London Transport the dark? Well, it’s the perfect time from the International Space years of history at the Tower is Museum to find out. Descend into Station to the latest discoveries brought to life in this exciting, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk underground caves, plunge to the about the Solar System and the hands-on experience. Throughout January and February depths of the oceans and see what wider universe. Free, age 5+ Selected Sundays to 7 april Future Engineers Gallery . Families, awakens in the night in this Throughout January and February Twilight Tours . Join the Tower’s young people and ‘big kids’ can get immersive exhibition. Free for Space Safari . Follow the adventures Yeoman Warders as they lead hands-on and have fun exploring children aged 16 and younger, of Ted as he searches the Solar exclusive tours of the Tower after the fascinating world of transport adults from £8.50. System for the great, big bear in Fri 1 & Fri 23 February the sky, visiting the Sun, the Moon dark. Take in world famous sights, engineering in the new Future such as Traitors’ Gate, the scaffold Engineers gallery, which opens to Dino Snores for Kids . This unique and the Planets. In collaboration sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 with local schools, music and site and the Bloody Tower, and be the public as a permanent display. appalled and amazed by tales of Test your skills, solve transport the chance to explore the Museum songs have been developed by after dark while taking part in fun Trinity Laban Conservatoire of prisoners and past residents, of conundrums faced by modern day and educational activities. The Music and Dance. Age 7 and under, royal gossip and of the secrets kept engineers, and enjoy a series of night begins as you set up camp in from £5.35. within these ancient walls. interactive exhibits. one of the Museum's spectacular To 31 march galleries. Stalk the galleries as Science Museum Life in the Medieval Palace . Step Museum of London back 700 years and enter the night descends and find T. rex in SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk EC2Y 5HN Tower of London’s Medieval hidden in shadows. At midnight, Throughout January and February www.museumoflondon.org.uk Palace, home of King Edward I, it's time to settle down to sleep. In Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery . Sundays in January and February Hammer of the Scots. Meet the morning, breakfast is served Don’t miss out on this fantastic Museum Explored . Explore the characters from the past, including bright and early and you'll get to new interactive gallery with live galleries through fun, hands-on Edward’s new wife and Queen, experience a live animal show demonstrations and an Explainer- activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join Margaret of France and enjoy live before waving goodbye to the led experience revealing the beauty drama exploring a world of a fun and engaging tour of the Museum when it opens to the and wonder in the science and public at 10.00. museum’s galleries, especially for mathematics that shape our lives. chivalrous knights, troublesome 10 February and 28 april families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm. Truly fascinating! £8/£6. lords and royal prisoners. Dawnosaurs . A free event for Sundays in January and February To 6 may 16 – 24 February children on the autism spectrum, Hands-on history. Hear incredible The Sun: Living with Our Star . The Knight School – Defend the free from the hustle and bustle of London stories as you touch and sun, its beauty and power have Tower! This February half term, the general public. Visitors have hold real museum objects. Age 5+, inspired us since the dawn of become a knight and defend the access to a wide-ranging 2-4pm. civilization. Set at the centre of our Tower of London. From manners, programme of activities, including continued on p.52 National Army Museum a chance to see, meet and even touch live animals. All activities are SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk supported by experienced, autism- To 3 march aware facilitators. A dedicated Call in the Cavalry . New exhibition Sensory Room is also available for - from flamboyant uniforms to fast those children needing a quieter horses, this exhibition looks at the and calmer space. 8-10am, ages 5 shared heritage between the to 15 with grownups, free but book Hungarian and British hussars. first. During the 19th century, 12 British Army regiments were retitled or Royal Observatory created as hussars, adopting traditions established by the Greenwich Hungarian hussars of the 17th SE10 8XJ century. Learn about the traditions www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory they have developed, and the many 11, 12, 25 and 26 January famous cavalry charges they have An Evening with the Stars . The taken part in. Free, drop in. popular after dark experience at Big Fish Little Fish familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 51 What’s On etiquette and entertainment, to dreams, the unconscious and an martial skills and fitness, learn the imaginary world between sleep and essential components of a Knight’s wakefulness. This gem of a arsenal. The training culminates in museum houses dolls, dolls' a knighting ceremony, where new houses, puppets, teddy bears, recruits are enlisted to defend the games, childcare, clothing, Tower and keep the great landmark furniture and art and photography. safe from marauding invaders. Everyday drop-in activities include Image Festival storytelling, arts and crafts, and Victoria and Albert trails. There's dressing-up, role play Museum and an under 3s area, an indoor freae. rT aCTiviTieS Family Activities Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge sandpit, and regular special events. V & A Museum SW7 2RL SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Open 10am-5.45pm daily, Under Fives Explore the www.vam.ac.uk/families admission free. To 24 February Gallery Throughout January and February Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt . until 22 april Tate Britain SW1P 4RG Pick up a family trail from the Explore the design and culture of A Pirate’s Life for me . Enter an www.tate.org.uk Information Desk and explore the contemporary videogames. This imaginary swashbuckling world of Dates in January and February museum through puzzles, drawing exhibition provides a unique insight adventure and exploration from a Experiment with a range of and observation. There are also into the design process behind a moody coastal inn to a tropical materials while discovering exciting hundreds of exciting hands-on selection of groundbreaking treasure island in search of routes and journeys through the exhibits containing plenty to touch contemporary videogames. Design sparkling riches. This is the V&A galleries alongside other families. work, including concept art and and try out, plus regular activities Museum of Childhood's first major and workshops for ages 7-12. Free. prototypes, feature alongside exhibition to focus on fictional Art Makers large-scale immersive installations pirates and their influence in Horniman Museum and Gardens SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk and interactives. popular culture, featuring key loans Drop In Family Sundays Saturdays in January and February from the V&A collections, including National Portrait Gallery Have fun with different art V&A Museum of toys, games, books, real pirate WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk techniques to create something Childhood every third Sunday of the month coins and treasures and more, fabulous to take home inspired by E2 9PA spanning over 300 years. At its the Horniman’s collections or These are great for any raining www.museumofchildhood.org.uk heart, a large-scale pirate ship seasonal celebrations. Different afternoon! Drop-in with children To 20 January inspires learning through active themes each week. 1.30pm & aged 3+ to take part in portrait- Dream On . An exploration of play. Admission 2.45pm, £3, age 3+. related events. Free.

52 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk The Little Draw The Wallace Collection W1U 3BN BABIES AND TODDLERS www.wallacecollection.org First Sunday of the month Meet artist Grace Holliday and use specialist drawing, handling and Toddler Time Every Tuesday and Wednesday in surface design techniques to Cutty Sark January and February respond to the stimulating forms King William Walk SE10 9HT Busy Bees. Lively sessions for and colour palettes. All ages, www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark under-5s. Activities include 1.30pm–4.30pm, free. every wednesday in January and storytelling, art and craft and Imagine Children’s February outdoor play. Free. Free drop-in activities for Bring your little sailors along for Dates in January and February all ages Festival songs, stories and playtime on Hands on Base : Family Activities. Southbank Centre Each week these fun family Sir John Soane’s Museum board. 10-11am, age under 4. www.southbankcentre.co.uk sessions will explore a different WC2A 3PB www.soane.org 13-24 February theme using objects from our This magical, mysterious museum Storytelling It’s the largest festival of its kind, Handling Collection, from flying encourages young visitors to Horniman Museum and Gardens dedicated to art and culture for animals to musical instruments. explore Soane's treasures and 100 London Road SE23 3PQ children and families. Download Age 3+, free, 11am, 11.45am and develop new skills with specialist www.horniman.ac.uk the programme from the 12.30pm. guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- every Sunday in January and website, here is a taster of some 1837) was an inveterate collector, February of the events running: filling every nook and cranny of his A World of Stories . Enjoy stories Music at the Southbank Have fun drawing on the Giant beautiful home with items that from some of the best storytellers Centre chalkboard, hop, jump, skip on fascinated him. He intended that in London. Their tales bring the SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk the outdoor games, play an after his death both his house and Museum’s varied collections to Dates in January and February immersive musical instrument in its extraordinary contents should life and will whisk you away to Rug Rhymes . A short session of the activity soundpit, join be used to educate and inspire. faraway places and different nursery rhymes, poems and Hippity Hop the multi-sensory Free drop-in activities run on the times. Suitable for families with rhyming stories. Times vary. musical, snuggle up and third Saturday of every month, with children aged 5+, free, 2-2.45pm rediscover the joy of bedtime activities for all ages and families and 3.15-4pm. continued on p.54 stories, Scream with laughter can take part together from 1.30- with your baby, interact with 4.40pm. Peppa Pig in My First Concert, join children’s songwriter Al Family Sundays Start for an hour of original The National Gallery WC2N 5DN songs, warm up your body and www.nationalgallery.org.uk mind with a musical morning every Sunday in January and boost with activity music time, February enjoy face painting with Another great place to spend a Glitterbox. rainy Sunday afternoon. Art Escape to the seaside with a activities designed for families to musical story based on the enjoy and learn together, 11am and popular children’s book The 2pm, age 5-11, free. Singing Mermaid, join former Children’s Laureates Jacqueline Family Friendly Art Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Activities Chris Riddell for a glimpse Tate Modern SE1 9TG behind the scenes of the www.tate.org.uk League of Laureates, Hip-Hop Throughout January and February dance workshop for kids with A range of free arty and crafty Little Groovers, Voyage to the workshops, see website for details. stars with the author and Free. illustrator of children’s book The Skies Above My Eyes. Spend a Creative art workshops whole day of music making totally free with Chineke. Dulwich Picture Gallery SE21 7AD There are so many events we www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk can’t list them all! First and last Sunday of each Sing alongs, rug rhymes, month storytelling, illustration Art Play. Creative drop-in workshops, free performances, workshops for adults and children, We are going on a Bear Hunt with a different activity each performance, drum, sign. meet session. Make anything and authors phew.. there is much everything from bunting to block much more. Don’t miss it! printing and all things in between. Many FREE activities. 2-3.45pm. familiesonline.co.uk January/February 2019 • Families South West 53 BABIES AND TODDLERS

that includes trails, arty workshops, Become a Palace Explorer songs and stories. 10.30am, Fulham Palace SW6 6EA 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm. www.fulhampalace.org mondays and Tuesdays in January Toddler group and February Museum of London EC2Y 5HN Join the Palace Explorers, weekly www.museumoflondon.org.uk parent/carer and toddler sessions wednesdays in January and for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, February which includes a drink and healthy Little Moles Toddlers Group and snack, booking essential. 9.30am- Mini Moles Babies Group . Fun, 10.30am. hands-on, creative sessions for toddlers, parents and carers. 3.30- Explore Hampton Court 4.30pm, book in advance. Plus Palace ©Bach to Baby, Alejandro Tamagno photographer sensory, hands-on, play-based KT8 9AU activities for you and your baby to www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Lots happening for babies original afternoon comedy club, enjoy together, 11am-12pm. every Thursday and Saturday in at The Graveney and designed for parents with babies January and February under 1 year. See the best acts from Do-Re-Mi Babies Tiny Explorers . Explore and play in Meadow TV and the comedy circuit without SW17 9NA Concerts the Palace together. Discover the having to book a babysitter. Buy Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, stories of Hampton Court Palace www.graveneyandmeadow.com tickets at wednesdays in January and Wandsworth through music, movement, messy www.wegottickets.com/Screaming www.doremibabies.co.uk play and more. £6 per child, price February WithLaughter Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft Dates throughout January and includes up to two adults £5 per February child for members. 10.30am – classes . See website for details. BYOB Comedy Thursdays in January and February Inspirational and fun classical babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – Clapham, East Dulwich, Teddington, concerts . Babies and toddlers are walkers. Pram Chorus. Child friendly daytime Putney, Tooting choir, 10am, £7 per adult, see welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, www.byobcomedy.com nappy change and more, so you can Explore and play at website for times. Dates in January and February Kensington Palace Fridays in January and February relax and enjoy some wonderful Bring Your Own Baby Comedy . A W8 4PX Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for music. £10 per adult, children free, funny, friendly afternoon of top hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace babies and their carers with tickets online or on the door. Dates comedy and you get to bring your Selected wednesdays and instruments. 9.30am, £5. vary depending on venue. own baby! They provide toys, baby Saturdays in January and February Comedy at The Bedford changing, buggy parking, bottle Crafts at Morden Hall Park Tiny Explorers . Explore and play in warmers and more, so that baby is SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk the Palace together. Discover the Pub happy and you can relax and enjoy every monday in January and stories of Kensington Palace 77 Bedford Hill SW12 9HD top comedy stars from the circuit February through music, movement, messy www.thebedford.com and TV. Little Explorers . Bring your little play and more. £6 per child, price Tuesdays and Fridays in January ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor includes up to two adults £5 per and February Play at the Unicorn activities, songs and stories. Little child for members. 10.30am – Baby Sensory classes and Pram Theatre Explorers is a fun activity session for babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – Chorus . See website for details. Plus, SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com children aged 2-5, 10am, £2 per walkers. they are running dance classes Saturdays in January and February child, £1 siblings. during October half term and hold a Check out baby friendly events at Up Club . Join the Unicorn Play Club Big Fish Little Fish kids’ and parents’ most Saturdays for free drop-in NCT Bumps and Babies Tara Arts “rave” every month, featuring top activities from portrait painting and Group SW18 www.tara-arts.com DJs, craft drop ins, bubble machine potato printing to giant rocket Riverside Pub, St George’s Wharf Throughout January and February and parachute dance. making and more. 12noon - 2pm. SW8 2LE Children’s Classes . A range of last wednesday of every month every Tuesday in January and children's classes, parent and baby Screaming With Laughter . London’s Singing Mamas Choir February shows, Froggy's Famous Fanclub, South London Liberal Synagogue, Come along at 2.30pm to meet up Baby Broadway and Bring Your Own Streatham / The Half Moon with other pregnant people or Baby Comedy. (Workshop Room), Herne Hill people with babies - completely www.singingmamaschoir.com free and nice drinks available. would you like to Tuesdays and wednesdays in Contact Caroline Flint 07973 657 earn extra money? January and February, depending 642, email Capital Focus Groups are on venue [email protected] looking for people who enjoy A Community of Choirs for Women, giving their opinions and are with or without children . Sing world Storytelling and Music willing to share their views on songs, folk songs, gospel and more. Sessions the products and services they A warm welcome awaits all singing The Royal Albert Hall SW7 2AP use for many of the country’s abilities. Contact www.royalalberthall.com largest companies and well- [email protected] Tuesdays and wednesdays in known products. It’s free, it’s om, tel 07947 609780. January and February fun and you will be financially A series of sessions for babies and rewarded as a thank you for Play Tuesdays toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage taking part! Register now to National Maritime Museum interaction between parents/carers earn extra money, by calling SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk and their little ones using musical Liz on 07761 128059 or Tuesdays in January and February instruments, singing, movement and [email protected] Pram Chorus Embark on a museum adventure stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5.

54 Families South West • January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk