SWL 286 May June 2019.qxp_Layout 1 16/04/2019 09:18 Page 1 FREE TAKE ME HOME

South West

130 local events

IN THIS ISSUE Should you tutor your child? May half term and summer holidays • Parties • Free activities • Local events • Galleries and museums

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Do you know the Streatham Rookery? An enchanting garden to discover. contents Luke Fullalove for www.MuddyPuddles.com May/June 2019 Issue 286/287

6-7 It’s Local Business Week! 28-30 SWIMMING FEATURE • Families London South West is part of Families Print Support your local shops • Can swimming help the mental Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated health of our children? under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of 11 How to help your children • Why choose a private (or semi) LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow make friends Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. private swimming class? • Ten top reasons why we love baby • The contents of Families London South West are 12 Why children misbehave and fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial how to handle it swimming or photographic matter may be reproduced in any 32-35 TUTORING FEATURE form without prior consent of Families London South 16 Three of the best Clubs & Classes West. • Why are parents turning to tutoring? • Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts. 18 Local Clubs & Classes • Encouraging creativity in exam preparation • Every care is taken in the preparation of this 20 Free activities magazine, but Families SW, our distributors, the • Factors to consider when choosing a franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle 22-23 Half term holiday activities tutor/centre Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims • A fun after school club rather than of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or From music to sport any consequence thereof. extra work or tutoring 24-27 Summer holiday activities • Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed 36-39 PARTIES sustainable sources. Camps, workshops, courses and days out The best local party entertainers Tel: 020 8696 9680 41 Finding space for YOU Editorial: [email protected] News: [email protected] 42-47 WHAT’S ON Adverts/Artwork: [email protected] Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon • Diary dates Events/Diary Dates/What’s On: • Babies and Toddlers [email protected] • Theatre Next Issue: July/August 2019 Advertise in our next issue. • Museums and galleries ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2019. Contact us on 020 8696 9680

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Families celebrate Local Business Week 13-19 May Let’s support our local businesses and help our communities thrive!

Fulham Greens Isn’t it lovely to see a family greengrocer back on our high streets? Fulham Greens is only a few months old, and bursting with fresh produce. Make sure to give them your custom! 265 New Kings Road SW6 4RB. www.fulhamgreens.co.uk

Gennaro Dell'Aquila exquisite hair Reader Very special chiropratic offer ! Offer Deborah Ben-Shah, DC LTD, a salons in Wimbledon chiropractor from America with over This salon is not only amazingly tree from India, extremely rich in 16 years experience, treats patients beautiful, it is also truly innovative. Vitamin C. I have used chemicals with neck pain, back pain, cervicogenic for ages, so my hair is dry and headaches, frozen shoulders, sciatica, GA make their own blends using brittle—no more! I am totally pain caused by poor posture and many other conditions of the nothing but 100% natural and converted to their natural musculoskeletal system. Call to get a organic herbs, roots and flowers, methods: beautiful, luxurious hair yes flowers! The blends are then comprehensive exam, consultation that grows healthier, not weaker, and two treatments for only £39 (value crafted and mixed around the over time. £130)*. individual for a truly bespoke She is based in Chelsea across from service. Families wholeheartedly recommends GA! They are at 154 the Chelsea and Westminster hospital. 020 7352 3087 My blend included Cassia, for Arthur Road SW19 8AQ www.FulhamChiropractor.com nourishment and Amla, a native www.gennarodellaquila.co.uk * Offer valid for new patients only. Expires 30/06/2019

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Reader Offer Free maths assessment Nomad Books shortlisted for award Mathnasium is a new math-only learning centre on the Northcote road. We love Nomad bookshop, a family business for 30 years. Shortlisted for They help children in Years 1-11 understand maths by teaching it in a way Children’s Bookseller of the Year and Individual Bookseller of the Year at the that makes sense to them. Hooray! Their method for teaching children British Book Awards 2019. The winners will be announced on May 13th. maths has transformed the way students learn maths for over a decade and Keep your fingers crossed for them! Storytime is every Thursday at 4pm. across 800+ centres worldwide. 781 Fulham Road SW6 5HA www.nomadbooks.co.uk Free maths skills assessment and a free trial session for Families readers. And if you choose to sign your child up as a result, enjoy a 10% discount on tuition fees. 122 Northcote Road SW11 6QU www.mathnasium.co.uk/clapham Get 20% off Stib Inspirational colouring pencils Stib is a purposeful business, helping young people ‘Feel Good on the Inside & Do Good on the Outside’, giving 10% of profits to we.org. It has two products: Stib Jumbo Pencils, a bright tube of 12 soft-leaded colouring pencils, embossed with words like Good Listener or Team Player. Their award-winning, Stib Inspirational Mini Colouring Pencils, include 10 vibrant mini colouring pencils with on-the-go colouring sheets. Go to www.stibpencils.com and enter Reader the code STIB20SW at the checkout for Offer your 20% discount. Buy two for free delivery. Natural Botox in your own home

The Secret Face Clinic offers facial natural appearance without any acupuncture, also known as chemicals or painful procedures. ‘natural Botox’, a widely endorsed celebrity favourite and recent The treatment typically takes addition to Harrods own well- around an hour and is delivered in being centre. the comfort and convenience of your own home (perfect for those This holistic facial treatment uses with busy schedules or children to between 40 and 100 carefully look after). inserted acupuncture needles into the face causing an immediate Five minutes after the procedure reduction of fine lines and general any tell tale signs of treatment will firming of the face. have disappeared and you will look like you but just on a really good Reader With a course of treatment, there day! Offer will be an increase in the collagen and natural oils content of future Find out more at skins cells giving your face a fresh, www.secretfaces.co.uk

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YEAR 7 OPEN DAYS

Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls - OPEN MORNINGS - which proudly holds a CPD Platinum Mark, Thursday 4th July 8.45am the EQualities Award, the International School Award, Tuesday 8th October 8.45am and has UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold status. - OPEN EVENING - ‘Students work hard, have high aspirations for future employment and are proud of their school.’ Wednesday 25th September 6.00pm

Ofsted, May 2016 ‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’

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PARKGATE HOUSE SCHOOL An independent co-educational preparatory school and nursery for children aged 2½ - 11

OPEN MORNING Saturday 8th June 2019 9.30am - 12.00pm

To register please contact Registrar on 020 7350 2461 or book online at www.parkgate-school.co.uk

PARKGATE HOUSE SCHOOL 80 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9SD

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Football fun for children aged 18 months-7 years. Learning the FUNdamentals of Football

Book your free trial class! Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8675 1155 Website: www.LittleKickers.co.uk

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How to Help your Children Make Friends Linda Blair’s Top Tips for Parents

Linda Blair’s tips for parents are:

55% of parents say they are anxious about making new adult friends and it’s Do as I Do therefore not surprising that some children are also not sure how to go During the early years, parents are their child’s best role models. Try to show about this. It’s useful to help them understand that the easiest way to make your children how to make friends by a friend is to BE a friend. Psychologist Linda Blair has some useful tips for setting a good example - giving the children and parents. people around you your full attention and listening fully whenever your child, Tips for Children “This is why it’s important to start introducing your partner or other key people around them to this skill at a young age. Once they can you want to tell you something. Show Offer to Help understand empathy it will feel like second you’re concerned about how other If you think another child isn’t sure about nature to them to behave in those adaptive people are feeling and thank others whether to join in with what you’re doing, invite ways.” when they do things you appreciate. them to do just that. Everyone likes to feel included. Read Stories about Sharing and Making As a parent, you can help your child to make Sharing is Caring Friends ® When you’re with your friends, offer to share new friends. Families Magazine suggests: Talk about them afterwards. Start reading your toys, so you can all play together. these stories as early as possible, even Starting a Conversation before you think your child can Taking Turns Some children may want a parent’s help to start understand them! Whenever you see an Make sure everyone you’re with gets to have a a conversation. Working with your child to think opportunity, ask your child how a turn at whatever you’re all doing. They’ll know of a few things they can say like “I like your lunch character could be feeling - and ask how that you are a kind person. box’ or “What games do you like?” can help your they know. Let’s Pretend child feel more comfortable about starting to Knowing how other people are feeling will talk to a potential new friend. Make a Head Start help you understand what makes them tick. Before your child starts a new school Join a drama club so you can learn how Joining In year, find out if you can who else will be different characters feel and behave. At home, Encourage your child to watch what other in their class. Then invite one of those ask your family to play ‘let’s pretend’ games with children are playing and think about what they children over to play with your child you. can do to fit in. Suggest they try joining the during the summer holidays. That way, Linda Blair says: “To make friends children game by doing something that’s relevant to it Eg once school starts, your child already must be able to consider life from other people’s if children are playing at running a library, has a friend from the start of term. This points of view so they can appreciate and react volunteer to be somebody who wants to borrow in turn will reduce their anxiety when to what others want to do and enjoy. “Although they go into class on that first day. a book. Stress that it’s important not to be young children show they’re capable of For more from Linda Blair, visit negative about the game or try to change it and appreciating other viewpoints, they don’t www.lindablair.co.uk normally apply this skill until they’re about 5 if the others don’t want them to join in right years old. then, to try again another day.

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Why children misbehave… and how to handle it By Kristina Bill, Joy Marchese and Jane Nelsen

uman beings are help him to have some chill time fundamentally social beings. too. To ensure your child HOur primary goals are to understands what you are doing, belong (connection) and to have a discuss as a family what happens sense of purpose and contribution when we’re stressed—our brains are (significance). In their pursuit of flooded with stress hormones so we these goals, it is normal for children can’t think. Then explain that when one of you is stressed, you can ask to test the waters by misbehaving. for chill out time in a different place They do so when they are struggling in the house that works for each to achieve these goals and feeling individual. This Time Out should discouraged. ALWAYS be a choice and NEVER a punishment. When children misbehave and parents feel frazzled, we often resort Focus on solutions to quick fixes such as punishment, Reduce power struggles by reward and bribery, because yes, focussing on solutions rather than they deliver temporary results. consequences of bad behaviour. However, many of these approaches Learn to think in terms of problem = do not empower children to find solution instead of problem = blame connection, belonging and a sense and punishment. It can be effective of purpose and contribution. This and empowering to help children leads to a vicious cycle of explore the consequences of their discouragement and renewed choices by asking, “What do you misbehaviour. think caused that to happen, and what ideas do you have to solve the To see sustained behavioural problem?” This teaches them change, we need to focus not just valuable life skills such as problem- on the misbehaviour, but on the solving, respectful communication, belief behind the behaviour—the decision-making, conflict resolution discouragement our children are and negotiating strategies. experiencing. Then we need to use parenting tools based on Effective parenting means constantly Learn to think in terms of Problem = solution rather than Problem = punishment encouragement that help our looking for win-win solutions, rather children experience their deep need to belong Validate feelings than winning at the expense of your child. Co- and feel capable through contribution. operation is the best way to avoid power “I know you’re upset because you can’t have struggles and feelings of inadequacy in that toy, but if you save your pocket money, I’m Building confidence and resilience children, reducing your stress in the process. sure you can purchase one soon.” You are Here are some strategies that we can use to connecting by showing understanding and help our children develop the skills they need validating your child’s feelings AND you are to pursue their goals. giving them the opportunity to contribute (earn and save their money) instead of rescuing them Jane Nelsen is the founder of the Connection before correction and buying something for them. Positive Discipline Methodology programme. London-based educators Brain research has shown that children do Joy Marchese and Kristina Bill worked better when they feel better. This does not Positive time out with Jane to co-author the book Positive mean feeling better because they get When your child misbehaves, firstly you need Discipline for Today’s Busy (and everything they want. They feel better because to check in with yourself and make sure you Overwhelmed) Parent: How to Balance they feel connected (belonging) and are calm enough to deal compassionately with Work, Parenting and Self for Lasting Well responsible (significant). Thus it is very your child at that time. If you are not, chances Being. Published by Harmony Books and important to make a connection with your are you will react with short-term strategies. available from Amazon at £12.99. child before you attempt correction. One of Say to your child that you are upset and need the easiest ways to do this is to validate their some time by yourself. This models self- feelings. regulation, an essential life skill. Ask if it would

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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

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Our skilled staff prepare children aged 25 years for their next school and start them on a journey of lifelong learning.

Incorporang art, cooking, science, music, sport, languages, drama, yoga and all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. Please arrange a visit to see the learning and excitement in acon.

www.oaktreenurseryschool.co.uk Ramsden Hall, 21 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX Tel: 020 8166 5932

COLLEGE GUARDIANS YOUR CHILD THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE WORLD Ever Thought of Hosting an International Student? We are currently seeking host families to look after children attending boarding school in the UK whose parents are based overseas. Our hosts look after the children during some half term holidays and occasional weekends. Dates of stays will depend very much on the school that the child attends. In exchange for your hospitality you will receive a generous compensation package as well as the invaluable experience that hosting an international student can bring to you and your family.

For more informa on please contact Caroline Lloyd, Guardianship Manager [email protected] • +44 (0) 1684 581600 www.collegeguardians.co.uk

345 Nursery School provides an outstanding start to a child's educational journey. We ensure that our pupils have gained a sense of independence, self-confidence and a desire to learn. Our independent nursery is situated close to Wandsworth Common and has a very large outdoor space. The curriculum includes Sport, Spanish, Music, Ballet and Tennis.

Contact Jill Pearce [email protected] www.345nurseryschool.com 345 Nursery School, Fitzhugh Grove, Trinity Road London SW18 3SA Tel: 020 3633 4185

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Clubs & Classes Three of the best Clubs & Classes How do you choose an after school provider over another? Word of mouth? Reading through their website? Could be. But here is what we did: we asked three of the best ones why THEY think they are special! It is enlightening.

Stagecoach Performing Arts The Little Gym What is unique about your school? Wandsworth & Fulham At Stagecoach we teach our students so much Playball London more than how to sing, dance and act. We What is unique about your classes? What is unique about your classes? help them blossom into well-rounded We help children to develop as a whole with individuals, ready to embrace life and all its Our class sizes are small in size, 6 children for our 3 Dimensional and holistic approach: get opportunities. We help our students develop our 2-3s and 8 children for our 3-6 year old moving, brain boost and life skills. We are the confidence and find creative courage for life. age groups. Because of this, during lessons we perfect combination of fun and challenging are able to identify and rectify any skill that a physical/gymnastics activities, which allow our What do you do really well? child has not quite got right yet. We are then children to perform their best while having fun. At Stagecoach we are proud to be the leaders able to repeat until the child has banked it and of providing quality teaching in the performing their neurological pathways have been formed What do you do really well? correctly. Making sure the foundation of any arts and we understand how to get the best We care about every child’s development, movement or sports skill is developed correctly out of our young performers. We promise to boosting their confidence and self-esteem at an early age will save the child hours and nurture and inspire every child who joins us. through movement and music. We provide our hours of practice at a later stage. We believe that every child has the potential to parents with tools and little homework they be brilliant and we help our students to can do at home with their children to reinforce What do you do really well? realise this. what they did in class and providing them with The way we combine having fun with the opportunity for extra interaction. We encourage them to take ‘safe risks’ through education! During a Playball class our coaches rehearsals and performance, which brings out will go from being an entertainer to an What is a typical comment from a child a willingness to take on new challenges and educator and back to an entertainer a number or parent? fosters confidence, imagination, creativity, of times during the lesson. We believe in order resilience, teamwork and self-expression. for the children to learn and develop they must Children comments: love what they are doing! Our classes have a “I have been waiting all week to come We have a clear commitment to child real great balance of learning and developing to the Gym.“ protection and the safeguarding of our while having fun. “ I love the Little Gym.” students is of the highest priority. “Little Gym is a lot of fun.” What is a typical comment from a parent? What is a typical comment from a parent? When shown our age specific lesson plans and Parent’s comments: “My child talks about her teacher all day.” “There is always a warm and friendly welcome curriculum, parents often comment on how in at Stagecoach Wimbledon. My daughter depth and educationally aligned our classes “ The fun and engaging environment is perfect cannot wait for the next class and the teaching are. The usual comment is: for my child.” is of a very high standard.” “We thought the children were just “Each class is educational, fun and (Stagecoach Wimbledon parent) having fun?.” individualised for my child’s needs.”

www.stagecoach.co.uk www.Playball-London.com https://wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu/

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Clubs & Classes Some news from our favourite after school providers:

Contact Stefania 020 8748 6418. Club Italiano for children Children learn Italian through action songs, role-plays and structured games, once a week in Fulham, after school. Basic reading, writing and speaking. Relaxed and friendly. Thursdays 4 to 5pm. Only £398 for the whole year, £135 one term. Club Italiano for parents Once a week classes in Barnes, Hammersmith, Richmond. From beginners to advanced. Focus is on conversation and grammar. Ci sentiamo.

Children overflow with natural creative energy and curiosity. Paint Pots House encourage them to use it to develop life skills and inner confidence – so important in later life. New location for French classes Exciting times for Les Petits Choux, the French takeplace on Wednesdays 4-5pm. They also language school based in Southfields: it has offer a new Saturday morning class for relocated to The Aspire Centre, Merton Road. bilingual children beginning May 4th, Their classrooms mean the children can use an 10-11.30am. interactive French programme alongside the For more information or to sign up please Paint Pots House Creative usual games, songs and stories making it a truly email: [email protected] Classes The Boltons multisensory way to learn French. Classes www.lespetitschoux.org.uk Location: St Mary The Boltons Church, SW10 9TB Book online at www.paint- pots.co.uk. The Autumn Term bookings go live from Monday 3rd June. Children love the atmosphere of exploration and discovery at these classes. They will enjoy discovering the wonders of the Treasure Baskets to other sensorial activities; the children move naturally onto toddler art and music, early Montessori, music and movement and the delicious cooking classes. Age: 6 months – 6 years, accompanied and unaccompanied.

To advertise in Practice your cantering in Wimbledon Horse riding is a sport the whole family can proficient rider the stables’ experienced and enjoy so why not book a family lesson on the friendly instructors will help you to improve Equicise, a fully interactive horse riding your skills as well as develop your riding fitness. simulator? Located at Wimbledon Village A group lesson is a fun way of watching, Stables, the Equicise is a safe way for young, learning and encouraging each other. £75 per Call: inexperienced or nervous riders to learn how hour for up to four people, 30 minute private to ride—even the children will be cantering by lessons are also available from £39. 0208 696 9680 the end of the first lesson! If you are already a Visit www.equicise.co.uk to book your lesson now!

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It’s about developing New Skills, growing in Confidence, having great Role Models, making new Friends and being super Active but most of all it’s about having Fun!

FOUNDATION PHASE DEVELOPMENT FOR 2-8 YR OLDS

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There is so much to do in London for More FREE FREE free. Any of these would make a great activities in the What’s on (or low cost) free outing. pages Wandsworth Arts Fringe The procession can be viewed activities Venues across Wandsworth along The Mall or along the edge of St James's www.wandsworthfringe.com Many free Park facing Horse Guards Parade. Members of 3-19 May events! Get the the public can watch from the stands on Horse A treasure trove of creativity full programme Guards Parade by applying for tickets. Tickets bursts into Wandsworth, with and enjoy! from £2 (Standing). street performances, exhibitions, comedy, theatre, National Army Museum music, dance and everything in between. On www.nam.ac.uk the 11th May play, discover or just relax in Oily 18 May Cart’s inclusive Play Space, a tactile, sensory Spotlight Saturday: Royal Armoured Corps. wonderland for children with complex needs. Meet serving soldiers from the Royal Armoured Smallwood School Annexe SW17. Slots are free Corps as we mark its 80th anniversary in a day but book your time slot. 10am-1pm. of tanks, talks and family fun. Free. 25-28 May Victoria and Albert's Birthday Bash Airbrush Effects. Pick a colour, grab a blow pen 29 and 30 May 11am - 3pm and get creative with this giant poster half- Wimbledon Art Fair Come to Hyde Park and celebrate Victoria and term activity. Free. Albert turning 200 with free, fun, historical 30 May - 2 June games and activities for the whole family to Poster Printing. Channel your inner graphic enjoy! Come dressed up in your Victorian best, designer with this family-friendly print-making take part in Victorian games such as skipping, workshop. Free. yo-yos, hoops and sticks, tea sets and marbles. Follow the history trail around the garden and British Library participate in Victorian themed craft activities. www.bl.uk/learning Dressing up is optional. 30 May Family Takeover: Make and Create. Time to The Regents Park Music Festival take over the Learning Centre with creative Every weekend family fun! Enjoy playful multisensory activities Enjoy free concerts every weekend during the and learning resources. A selection of summer at The Regent's Park Bandstand. children’s books will be available to relish, read and even perform. 11am-3pm, free. Wandsworth Arts Fringe Wimbledon Art Fair 22 June Family Day: Build a Story. Take part in an Wimbledon Art Studios exciting family day inspired by the magic of 10 Riverside Road, London, SW17 0BB storytelling. Make, touch, sign and explore, as www.wimbledonartfair.com you create, share and celebrate stories. This 9-12 May event is fully accessible for families with deaf Take the children and enjoy visiting 150 artists children, parents and carers. 12-6pm, free. in their own studios. Two buildings, eight floors of wall to wall art. Our children always love it. Who knows you might even bring a National Portrait Gallery piece of affordable art home. Free entry. www.npg.org.uk Every third Sunday of the month Streatham Kite Day Drop In Family Sundays. Drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events. Streatham Common Free. www.streathamkiteday.org.uk 12 May The free event will be packed full of Be creative at the National Army Museum spectacular kite flying displays and is an Can you help us? opportunity for everyone to go fly a kite. Check We are looking for a few mums who know out the brilliant line-up of kite flyers this year south west London well and have a bit of who will dazzle and amaze with acrobatic time on their hands to join our little team of displays or astound with their huge static kites. Roving Mums: could you help the editor The organisers encourage people to bring their with local features, go to events and share own kites to fly. If you don’t own a kite, why your reviews? not make one or buy one on site? 11am-5pm. Share your local knowledge in exchange for free tickets to shows or review products Trooping the Colour parade to keep. 25th May For our July/August issue we are looking The Trooping the Colour parade is on the for child friendly cafés. Let us know if you Queen's official birthday at Horse Guards know one you’d recommend. Wandsworth Arts Fringe Parade in St James's Park. Starts at 10am email: [email protected] (approx) till 12.25pm.

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Connect with us on social media Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon

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May half term and Summer activities combined 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. Please find below camps, courses and workshops. In order to save space— there are so many!—we have amalgated those who run both May half term and Summer holidays together. Those who only run summer Holiday courses with The Strings Club courses are listed separately. Developing skills discounts available, 9.30-11am or fab cookery camp. 10.30am- improve fitness. Expecting plenty of 11.30am-1pm, £250 for a 5 day 12.30pm. £35 per child, everything singing, dancing, puppets, week, £200 for a 4 day week. provided from the aprons to the instruments and sensory activities. Little House of Science ingredients. Drop in for only £8 (£5 siblings), Venues in SW7 0800 092 1062, Yellowbird Education dates vary depending on venue. [email protected] Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Eddie Catz Wimbledon www.littlehouseofscience.com Fulham Park Road SW6 4LJ and Earlsfield The Strings Club 28-31 May 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318 Tooting Primary School, Franciscan 42 Station Road SW19 2LP Half Term Science Camp – The www.yellowbirdeducation.com Road, Tooting SW17 8HE 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ Fascinating Animal Kingdom Join 28-31 May and 8 July – 30 August 0121 296 9204, 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com in captivating scientific journeys Holiday Workshops Includes [email protected] Throughout May Half Term and where you will discover a variety of Creative Writing Workshops for www.thestringsclub.org Summer Holidays interesting facts from Biology, Years 2-6; English Skills Booster for May Half Term Holiday Activities Across both Chemistry and Physics. Age 4-7 7+, 8+ and 11+; Comprehension Holiday Camp Looking for high- branches in SW London –Earlsfield and 8-12, 9.30am-3.30pm, with and Composition Workshops for quality, fun and rewarding and Wimbledon Colliers Wood – early drop off available. 10% 7+, 8+ and 11+; Intensive childcare for May Half Term? Look there will be plenty of holiday siblings and friends discounts Handwriting Workshops for age 8 no further than The Strings Club camps, creative workshops and available. and upwards; Reasoning and their award-winning Ofsted- parties to choose from. Prices 8 July - 4 September Workshops for 11+. From £349, registered Holiday Camps. Each usually include lunch and a free Summer Holiday Science Camps dates and times vary depending on day is wonderfully different. play at the venue, plus Eddie Catz Includes Journey to the Centre of course. Children aged 4-11 learn skills, appears in all venues twice a day to Biology, When Science Meets make friends and grow in meet and greet the children. Architecture, Science Geniuses and Kids En Cuisine confidence. Standard hours Fascinating Zoology. Age 4-7 and 9.30am-4pm, wrap around care Venues across SW London 8-12, 9.30am-3.30pm, with early from/to 8am-5.45pm, from £20 020 3015 2966 Music and Drama drop off available. 10% siblings and half day. www.kidsencuisine.com friends discounts available. 27 – 31 May Dantastic Upbeat Music Half Term Cookery Camp Learn Across SW London including Naomi Martin Touch about healthy food by cooking real Southfields Library, Sindbads Thomas’s Academy, Parsons Green Typing dishes with a different menu every Raynes Park and Corfield Centre, SW6 4LY 07816 901396 Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham day with vegetables, fruits, Streatham 07460 222003 www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk High Street SW6 3JJ aromatic herbs and spices. www.dantasticproductions.com/cl 27-29 May and 24 July – 9 August 07949 204553, 10.30am-12.30pm. £35 per child, asses Pop and Rock Fun at Upbeat www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk everything provided from the Dates in May Half Term and Camps Sing, dance, play in a band, 28-31 May and 8 July – 30 August aprons to the ingredients. Summer Holidays record your tracks and then Touch Typing Courses Touch 15-19 July Baby and Toddler Classes Action perform them. Courses end with a typing courses for children aged 7- Summer Holiday Camp Join Kids packed, interactive musical performance and CD presentation. 18. Classes are 90 minutes long, En Cuisine in the heart of London adventure classes aimed to inspire, Age 4-12 and 13-16, sibling mixed age and ability. Sibling in their family friendly kitchen for a educate, build confidence and discounts available, 10am-4pm.

Little House of Science Kids En Cuisine The Strings Club

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Sport Cricket Dynamics Venues across Wimbledon and Wandsworth 07946 559572 AJ Coaching Cricket cricketdynamics.co.uk Academy 28-31 May and 22 July – 23 Dundonald Recreation Ground August SW19 3QH 07790 935428 Holiday Courses May half term and summer holiday tennis courses www.ajcoaching.co.uk RHS Garden, Wisley 28-31 May and 8 July – 15 August for Under 7s, Under 10s and Under Holiday Camps Cricket camps 13s, for beginners to advanced. focusing on skills and match Times vary depending on age Playball London Holiday May Half Term and Summer Splash groups, see website for details. practice, all abilities welcome, age Camps Courses Lessons run 9am-12pm in 5-10, Monday-Thursday 4 day Single day play options available. 4:1, 2:1 or 1:1 classes. 40% discount courses, £120, 8.30am-1.30pm. It is Fulham FC Foundation Venues in SW London offered for children with special possible to book for single days www.playball-london.co.uk needs. Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, 020 8123 2217 too. [email protected] 28-31 May and 22 July – 30 Youngstars Multi-Sports www.fulhamsoccerschools.com August All Star Tennis May Half Term and throughout Playball holiday camps are tailored and Activity Camp Leaders Gardens SW15 1LS Summer Holidays to meet the needs of younger Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, King Georges Park SW18 2GJ Holiday Courses Soccer schools children and are based on the Putney and Wimbledon Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT run every day, 9am to 3pm. Play fundamental sport skills for just 07749 343116, info@young- Tooting Common SW17 8JU tons of football, learn new skills about any ball sport you can stars.co.uk 020 8871 4706 and make lots of new friends. imagine! Water slides, treasure www.young-stars.co.uk www.allstartennis.co.uk/holiday- Taking place at Fulham FC’s hunts, water fights and a whole 28-31 May and 22 July – 30 camps Training Ground in Motspur Park, host of other exciting activities all August 28-31 May and 8 July to end Bishops Park in Fulham, Dundonald make up a morning at a Playball May Half Term and Summer August Rec in Wimbledon and other holiday camp. Age 3-9. Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, May Half Term and Summer venues across South West London. games and excitement whilst kids Holiday Tennis Camps All Star Prices start from £21 per day, with SwimWay are introduced to all aspects of Tennis award-winning camps are discounts for booking the whole Balham, East Sheen, Putney, sports in an all inclusive and non- back and filling up quickly, packed week. 3-14 years. Kensington, Kew Gardens and competitive environment. 3-12 with games, drills, tennis technique, GoApe Battersea Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, years, times and prices vary so see match preparation, fun [email protected] website for details. tournaments, trick shots, prizes and Battersea Park SW11 4NJ www.swimway.co.uk team games. Plus, a chance to goape.co.uk/days- Dates throughout May Half Term dress up on the last day! 3-4 years, out/london/battersea and Summer Holidays Days Out 3-4pm, 5-7 years, 10am-1pm and Throughout May Half Term and Swimming Courses Intensive 3-5pm, 8-12 years, 10am-3pm, Summer Holidays courses to improve your child’s teens 12-4pm. GoApe Battersea is open 9am-5pm swimming technique, on a private Family Gardening Festival every day throughout the break, or semi-private basis. Courses run www.rhs.org.uk with its Tree Top Junior (1 hour Chelsea FC Soccer School for half an hour each day, book 25 May - 2 Jun activity), £21. For the fully grown early to avoid disappointment. Age RHS Garden Wisley Join RHS Venues across SW London Tarzans and Janes, you won’t even 3-9, dates and times dependent on Garden Wisley for the Family 020 7957 8220 feel like you’re in the city as you’ll venue. Gardening Festival where they’ll be [email protected] be fully immersed in the pursuit to inspiring young people to get m / [email protected] conquer some of the longest and South West Swimming outside, get involved and get www.chelseafc.com/foundation / highest crossings with the Tree Top gardening. It is your chance to try www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Adventure (3 hour activity), from School your hand at lots of practical May Half Term and throughout £28. Their friendly instructors are Venues in SW London gardening activities and garden Summer Holidays ready and waiting to propel you www.swswimschool.co.uk themed crafts. There will be an London Soccer School For boys into a leafy world of canopies too, 020 8767 2723, and girls aged 4-13. All abilities including bridges and zip wires that [email protected] outdoor music maze, ‘pot to plate’ welcome, times vary according to guarantee a family vibe across the 28-31 May and 22 July – 16 cookery, society stands and hands- course, from £30. tree tops. August on growing activities.

Upbeat Music

Summer fun at Playball Developing resilience with Role Models

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Summer Holiday Activities

Book a staycation in a Developing skills chic Sussex house Sussex is such a fantastic destination for South West Londoners. Simply Spark4Kids pack up the kids and you can be on Venues in Dulwich 020 8090 1444 the beach or out in idyllic www.spark4kids.com countryside in under 1.5 hours – 29 July - 2 August and 12-16 perfect for a weekend break or August longer holiday. Cabins and Castles Summer Holiday Computer is the brainchild of erstwhile SW Coding Workshops Spark4Kids are Londoner and now Sussex resident running all-day holiday workshops Zoe. She has personally vetted a that introduce children to quirky, chic selection of the best computer coding through the holiday properties in the county – medium of games. Available are many of which welcome children courses on Minecraft Modding, but don’t make any sacrifices when Roblox Coding, Robotics, Games it comes to style. The website is Design, MicroBit & Arduino coding, Book an Italian villa with child friendly activities grouped into helpful sections such Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript and Finding time for yourself as well as making sure quality time is as ‘family friendly’ ‘dog friendly’ and ‘by the sea’, so it’s easy to find Unity/C# in a fun, engaging spent with your children is a challenge for any parent—Villa exactly what you’re looking for. Psst: environment. Ages 5-7 years, 8-12 Radicata has it covered with a variety of activities, true Italian Their booking fee is half Airbnb! and 13-16. hospitality, delicious food and peace of mind, knowing your Call Zoe on 07773 789 863 children are happy with their Italian ‘Nonna’. Villa Radicata is www.cabinsandcastles.co.uk NumberWorks’nWords ideal for families: it sleeps up to 12 people, offers stunning lake Battersea and mountain views, a fenced pool and garden, stair gates for Developing skills little escapers and plenty of toys and baby equipment 187a Lavender Hill, Clapham (highchairs/cots/sterilizer). Junction SW11 5TB 020 7223 1882 Choose from: yoga, fitness classes, cooking lessons, mini yoga, numberworksnwords.com/uk/our- art, baby Italian, massage for mum and baby, excursions, locations/united- shopping and horse riding. kingdom/battersea/ 26-30 August Contact Rita on 0039 349 5018679 / 07785 571 292 www.mum-and-baby-experience.co.uk Back to School Course www.holiday-villa-in-tuscany.com A curriculum-linked programme Role Models holiday designed by experts to deliver the results your child needs (catch-up, immersion programme and learn Alpine French School courses extension or exam prep), while also French without leaving London. Fun Chelsea Academy, SW10 0AB building confidence and increasing activities including French music, French Alps +33 4 50 79 08 38 22 July - 23 August love of learning. 10am-12pm, call French art, patisserie, French www.alpinefrenchschool.com Resilience, Collaboration, for prices. Plus maths tutoring, coding, French musical, sport…and Dates throughout July and Leadership or Creative Problem English tutoring and individual it’s all 100% French fun! Age 4-10, August Solving; Age 8-11 tuition programmes. plus a Teen GCSE programme, Alpine French School Summer Brilliant Me and My 9am-3pm. Camp Learn French at a French Mind/Confidence; Age 6-7 Summer Camp in the beautiful All our courses are delivered Languages Kidslingo French Alps. An amazing camp in a through active learning and will Ravenstone Primary School, fantastic location! A residential challenge and empower your Et Patati Patata Balham 0796 1107707, Zoe Olivier French Summer Camp including child, 10am-3pm, £395 sporting, cultural and social Venues across SW London [email protected] Wellington College, RG45 7PU 07966 893674, Two-day fun packed Summer activities, excursions, French 15 - 28 July French and Spanish holiday clubs lessons and full-board Residential Course, combining all [email protected] www.etpatatipatata.com for ages 6-11. French club 28- accommodation. 11-17 years. four of our Life Skills courses to 29th July and Spanish club 28th- They also run French Day Camps, offer a unique summer 22-26 July, 29 July – 2 August, 5-9 August 29th August. £50 per day 9-3pm French GCSE and A-Level courses experience for children aged and Family French Courses. See 11-14. Fun French Summer Day Camps with wraparound care available at Join the award winning French an extra cost. website for details.

Book Camber Sands Cottage in Sussex with Cabins and Castles It’s fun learning French or Spanish with Kidslingo

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Arts & Crafts confidence working towards a final Stagecoach Tooting & performance of 'The Greatest Showman’. 9.30am-3.30pm, Merton Park £180.00 per child (get £10 off if you Graveney School, Welham Road, book before Friday 12 July.) Tooting SW17 9BU 020 8942 3502 19-22 August www.stagecoach.co.uk/tooting 'The Lion King' Summer Camp stagecoach.co.uk/tooting Children aged 4-13 will be 12-16 August Stagecoach Fulham transported through four days of Early Stages Summer Workshop script learning, singing, dancing, Theme to be announced. Age 4-7, 22 July – 30 August 9.30am-12.30pm with a making new friendships and building Holiday Gym Camps Put on your Paint Pots performance on the Friday at 12pm, confidence working towards a final super cape, it’s time for Summer St Mary The Boltons, The Boltons £130 (£105 for siblings). performance of 'The Lion King’. Adventure and Skill Thrill Camps, full SW10 9TB 12-16 August 9.30am-3.30pm, £180.00 per child of exciting, creative missions and www.paintpotshouse.com Main School Summer Workshop (get £10 off if you book before gymnastics drills, to exercise your 15 July – 2 August Theme to be announced. Age 8-18, Friday 12 July.) Venue TBC. muscles, imagination and Paint Pots Fun 3 weeks of 10am-4pm with a performance on the cooperation skills. Schedule a day, summer fun, exploring arts, Friday at 5.30pm, £160 (siblings £130). Sparks Ignite or few days, or several few weeks crafts, music, games and other Ravenstone Primary School, Balham sessions. Age 3-8, 9.30am-12.30pm seasonal activities for ages 3-6, Stagecoach Wimbledon SW12 9SS 020 71019329 Monday–Friday, and 2-5pm on 9.30am-12.30pm, £45, 9.30am- Kings College School, Southside, www.sparks-ignite.com/balham Wednesdays, age 6-12 Tuesdays and 3.30pm, £65. Led by fully Wimbledon Common SW19 4TT 29 July – 9 August qualified Nursery School and 020 8946 3400 Thursdays 2-5pm, members £39, Summer Shoots Action-packed Creative Classes teachers. www.stagecoach.co.uk/wimbledon non-members £46. There are also summer camps full of movie making 22-26 July and 29 July - 2 Aug drop in classes available. fun. Young movie makers discover Matilda the Musical Put on a show Music, Dance & Drama new skills behind and in front of the in 5 days and perform in a theatre at All Stars Cricket camera, as they spend a week the end of the week for family and Barnes, Sheen, Putney, having fun, producing and friends. No experience required - Wimbledon, Fulham performing in their own movie just lots of enthusiasm. Age 7-16. At the Spencer Cricket club. masterpiece before sharing their Oliver Week Five fun packed www.allstarscricket.co.uk films in a special Cast and Crew mornings of singing, dance and All Stars Cricket is a programme screening event. Age 4-18, 9am- drama preparing for a show in the aimed at children aged 5-8 years 3pm, £165. theatre on the final day. old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are Stagecoach Battersea Sport accredited by the England & Wales Allsorts drama Northcote Lodge, Bolingbroke Little Gym Cricket Board. Your child will Notting Hill Prep School Grove SW11 6EL 07956 288928 develop key skills in a fun and safe Smugglers Way SW18 1DB W11 1QQ www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea environment where parents can 020 8969 3249 29 July – 2 August 020 8874 6567, join in too and help create www.allsortsdrama.com Summer Holiday Performing Arts [email protected] #BigMoments you’ll both treasure! Summer drama workshops Camp 5 days (or mornings) of www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu Sessions begin May 2019. Popular and fun drama for ages dance, acting and singing with 4-6 and 7- 11, 11 – 14. The experienced West End professionals. perfect way to keep your child Come and put on a show for friends entertained and stimulated in a and family to enjoy. You don't have creative and structured way. to attend Stagecoach classes - everyone is welcome! Childcare vouchers accepted. 9.30am- Funky Monkey Keyboard 12.30pm for 4-6 year olds, £120 or 10am-4pm for 7-16 year olds, Classes from £130. Clapham and Sevenoaks 01732 457100, Stagecoach Fulham [email protected] All Saints C of E Primary School, www.funkymonkey.info Bishops Avenue, SW6 6ED 20-24 August 0845 2025 727 All Stars Cricket summer programme Summer Holiday Workshop Learn www.stagecoach.co.uk/fulham famous tunes in just one week, with 24-28 July loads of art activities based around Holiday Workshop Over the course music, plus a last day concert and of five action-packed days, presentation. Age 4-8, 9.30am- experience every enthralling aspect 12pm, £110 (£100 sibling discount) of live theatre; casting, directing, Little Voices rehearsing, and performing on Sinclair House School, Fullham SW6 stage. Learn a variety of numbers 3LF [email protected], from popular West End productions 020 8088 0113 and on the final day perform a 29 July – 1 August unique and brand new production The Greatest Showman' Summer to family and friends. Little Camp Children aged 4-13 will be Performers – 4-6 years, 9.15am- transported through four days of 12.30pm, £168 (siblings £148), Big script learning, singing, dancing, Performers – 6-18 years, 9am-4pm, making new friendships and building £198 (siblings £158).

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DISTRIBUTORS Summer Holiday Clubs The Greatest Showman One week of acting, dancing & 29th July - 2nd August, ages 6-9 WANTED... singing with West End professionals! Harry Potter Families South West Magazine Tara Theatre, Earlsfield 27th - 30th Aug, ages 8+ is looking for distributors in the local area Do you have a car and a few spare hours a month? Join our delivery team and earn some pocket money. Email [email protected] www.starspaclubs.com

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Swimming

Stress Relief: The endorphins that are released during any exercise are Can swimming help the known to combat the stress hormones that are released by the body and the rhythmic actions of mental health of our swimming and the environment in which you learn to swim can all children? By Claire Harrison, owner of Swimming Rocks have a positive counter effect on both anxiety and behaviour. any of you will have seen the Swim England Brain Development: A scientific M#loveswimming advert. study carried out by the Griffith This industry-wide campaign Institute for Educational Research centres on a film showing the found that children who learn to extremes of fast-paced modern swim earlier reach major cognitive life, and the impact it can have on and developmental milestones mental health. A new research including speech, literacy, study for Swim England and the numeracy and visual motor skills Health commission also cites that much earlier than their peers and non-swimmers. swimming has significantly A boost in blood flow can help reduced the symptoms of anxiety improve memory, mood, clarity, and or depression for 1.4 million adults focus and can help children to sleep in Britain. better, which every parent knows But what about the effects on our can help with daily stress and behaviour! children? stress levels and can have a lasting The mental health charity Mind impact on the development of estimates that every year, 1 in 4 Physical development: Today’s challenges for our impressionable minds. people in the UK will experience a In babies and toddlers, swimming children At Swimming Rocks, we are mental health problem. helps the development of fine and Online pressure, school and social encouraged by the current Mentalhealth.org.uk told us gross motor skills, improves circles are having a significant awareness in relation to mental some interesting facts in relation to cardiovascular function, builds psychological impact on today’s health awareness, but we have also children: strong muscles, increases lung youngsters: 7+exams, entrance been shocked by some of the • 20% of adolescents may capacity and improves weight assessments, GCSEs all carry high statistics: experience a mental health management and overall fitness. problem in any given year. We could go on and on! • 50% of mental health problems The Griffiths Institute study also are established by age 14 and 75% cited that “Children who learn to swim by the age of five gain by age 24. significant developmental • 10% of children and young advantages compared with children people (aged 5-16 years) have a who don’t start the activity at a clinically diagnosable mental young age” problem, yet 70% of children and So, in today’s fast paced world, adolescents who experience getting children into the pool and mental health problems have not learning to swim can take them had appropriate interventions at a away from the stresses and strains sufficiently early age. of everyday life. But what’s more, it gives them the skills they need to So can swimming help combat enjoy a healthy, anxiety reducing this problem? activity forever. Absolutely! And the benefits shouldn’t be underestimated either. www.swimmingrocks.co.uk

Swimming Rocks are a well-respected London swimming tuition provider, offering a fantastic learn to swim programme to babies, children and adults. Recognised locally as a leading swimming tuition company delivering progressive lessons with a strong reputation based on effortless service and a hugely experienced team of swim coaches. Private (1:1) or shared (2:1) lessons alongside small groups for babies. Term Time lessons and crash courses. Venues in Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Fulham, Marylebone and Golders Green 07557 051 904 [email protected] www.swimmingrocks.co.uk

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Swimming Why choose a private (or semi) private swimming class?

Q: We asked Swimway what parents should look for when choosing a swimming class for their child… Photo: Swimway

A: Teacher in the water and no fundamentals such as breath enormous factor in students’ time between 8 or more other floatation device control, buoyancy, body position, progress. students. That doesn’t leave much Because SwimWay specialises in gliding and correct leg kick action time for individual focus and private or semi-private lessons, the before introducing the full stroke. A: Private swimming lessons mean attention. This also means private children receive full, direct support Students that are given the correct the focus is on your child classes are safer because your inside the water from their teacher. core elements will thrive, and It can be frustrating for parents children are supervised throughout This allows us to use only a become good swimmers. The when their child does not receive the whole lesson. SwimWay kickboard as a floatation device most important aspects of the enough attention in their classes instructors are some of the most without sacrificing any safety classes are the lesson quality, and falls behind other students. highly trained instructors in London measures. Other swim schools teachers’ enthusiasm and, we feel, Our teaching methodology has when it comes to safety. All our may use backpacks, shark wings our unique methodology of only been specifically designed for small teachers participate in safety and noodles, which inevitably delay using kickboards and no other personal classes; it works to the training at the start of each term, the learning process. floatation devices. Of course, the individual needs of each student. which is specially produced by environment and water These bespoke children’s classes SwimWay for our private pool A good programme will work on quality/temperature also play an begin with teaching children to use locations. their own buoyancy in the water. SwimWay is the leading home visit Our experienced and highly- swimming school in London. Since trained swimming instructors will 2005, the company has developed focus on your child for the full 30 a reputation for providing high minute duration of the class. This quality swimming lessons for not only helps to build rapport parents and babies, children and between teacher and student, but adults. Locations include exclusive it also helps children build private developments, homes, confidence in the water. Our schools and gyms around London, students know that their SwimWay as well as 11 sites open to the coach is right there in the water general public. supporting them. For further information please In large public classes, the email [email protected] or visit instructor may have to split their www.swimway.co.uk

0208 679 4243

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SWIMMING

Top ten reasons why we love baby swimming, say Water Babies

babies exercise more muscles, more Baby swimming is an exciting and enriching experience effectively, in water than on land. Finnish for both you and your baby. Not only does it teach vital research showed that swimming babies lifesaving skills, but it also enhances the way babies and crawled later but walked earlier, thanks to their toddlers learn too. It is pretty amazing! excellent muscle control. 7. It develops their learning skills Here are our top ten reasons why we love mums still generally having the most bonding Responding to repetitive voice commands can baby swimming: opportunities, swimming is a fantastic way for also sharpen your baby’s mental skills and 1. It teaches water safety dads to spend some precious one-to-one time increase their levels of understanding. Tragically, drowning is the third-biggest cause with their babies. The Early Years Swimming Project at Griffith of accidental death among children under 5 in 4. It boosts confidence University found that by the time they start the UK. Learning to get to the side, hold on, Introducing children to water at a very young school, children who swim in the early years get out and/or swim could save your child’s life age helps prevent a fear of water developing are ahead of non-swimmers by 6 to 15 months one day, so at Water Babies we teach vital later. Exercises that involve moving when it comes to solving maths problems, safety techniques from birth. independently in water and holding on to the counting, language and following instructions. 2. It’s great for their physical and mental side are wonderful for your baby’s confidence. 8. It enhances their wellbeing health Many parents also find that handling their baby Warm water relaxes your baby, and swimming With childhood obesity levels still worryingly in water is great for them, too—especially if stimulates their appetite; for you, the good high, swimming is a great way of getting little they’re anxious about water or can’t swim. news is improved sleeping and eating patterns! ones exercising from a young age. Each Water You’ll be so proud of what your baby can do! 9. It provides structure Babies lesson provides a complete physical 5. It develops their co-ordination Weekly swimming classes contribute to work-out, strengthening your baby's heart and Being in the water helps improve co-ordination structuring your week and your day, providing lungs and in turn aiding development of the and balance, and learning to swim with toys a regular fun and social activity (and, just brain—including stimulating all 5 senses (taste, will help your little one’s co-ordination and possibly, a little sanity…) smell, touch, sight and sound). And with each motor skills. A 2009 study by the Norwegian 10. You’re never too young to start swimming lesson burning up to 300 calories, you’ll get a University of Science & Technology found that Even the NHS agrees! You don’t need to wait work-out, too! babies who swim have better balance and can until your baby has had his or her vaccinations 3. It promotes bonding grasp objects more easily than non-swimmers. before they go swimming (even underwater). Skin-to-skin contact strengthens the bond 6. It builds their strength To find out more about baby swimming visit between you and your little one–and with Buoyancy and water-resistance means that www.waterbabies.co.uk

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CallingHelp us discover all baby how babiesScientists! learn! Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses. 020 7631 6258 [email protected] www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

To advertise Call: 0208 696 9680

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Education - Tutoring

Why are parents turning to tutoring?

Around a quarter of children in the UK are being tutored. Claire Winter looks at why one in four families are seeking extra help outside the classroom.

arents often get extra tuition for their guidance to complete tasks and often suffered children to prepare them for important from a sense of overwhelm.” Pentrance exams or the 11+. They also get them to help boost their child’s skills in a Is tutoring creating an educational gap? subject in which they aren’t doing well or to The education charity the Sutton Trust help them excel in a subject, so they can acknowledges the importance of tutoring but impress the schools to which they are applying. worries that extra tuition is causing the educational gap to widen between children Modern technology means kids can be tutored from affluent economic backgrounds and virtually via Skype or Zoom and its big business. those from poorer economic backgrounds. For It’s estimated that we spend £2 billion a year on example, around 40% of children are receiving private tutoring, which makes us one of the top help in London compared to around 25% in the 48%, will meet national standards in their SATs spenders on tuition in the world. rest of the country. at Year 6, compared to 67% of their more privileged peers. On joining secondary school, Many parents believe that tutoring can be an Sir Peter Lampl, chair of the Sutton Trust, says: it's much harder for these pupils to catch up amazing resource that gives children extra “Private tuition is widespread and increasingly and by the end of Year 11, they are, on average, confidence, reassurance and skills to stop them so. Nearly half of teachers have tutored and a 12 months behind. As more and more young feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of quarter of teenagers have been tutored. But people access private tutors, the gap in schoolwork. Others argue that extra tutoring with costs of at least £25 per session, many attainment between disadvantaged young creates more pressure on children. Many cannot afford to benefit from this extra people and their peers will grow. Our charity children are busy already with lots of extra- support, which exacerbates education uses the power of volunteer tutors to bridge curricular activities and homework. inequalities. The Trust is recommending that the gap and ensure tutoring support can be the government introduce a means-tested accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just Beware of the effects of too much pressure voucher scheme to enable lower-income those who can afford it." Ex-teacher Victoria Kennedy, who is now a families to provide tuition for their children. confidence and image coach The option for all children to have access to (www.thefairyclothesmother.com) takes the CEO and founder of the charity, Action tutoring whatever their economic status needs view that tutoring needs careful management Tutoring, Susannah Hardyman, also highlights to explored at Government level too. My to ensure it doesn’t result have a negative the importance of tutoring. "We know tutoring children attend a secondary school where gaps impact on a child. She says: “When I worked as works to improve grades and this impact is not in knowledge are quickly identified, and pupils a teacher in Hampshire and London, I found limited to young people from high-income are asked to attend booster sessions before that children with extra pressure and backgrounds either. In the UK today nearly a and after school so that they can catch up. expectations from parents struggled with third of all pupils are classified as Not all schools can offer this and long term, it failure, needed more encouragement and disadvantaged and less than half of this group, is a situation that needs to be addressed.

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Education - Tutoring

Make sure the tuition includes maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. It is Choosing a tutor essential that all four subjects are taught to a high enough level to meet the 11+ examination requirements. In our experience, most children Factors to consider when choosing a will sit the entrance examinations for a range of By Gwenda Jones of Mrs Jones Education schools, which require various combinations of tutor/centre: all four subjects. It is therefore important to fully prepare for all subjects. Most children benefit from and prefer to work within a small group. On searching the Check that the tutor is knowledgeable about internet or your local paper, you will find many the entry requirements and application people offering either one to one or group procedure for all State Grammar and tuition. Many children find one to one tuition Independent Schools in your area. The tutor tedious and uninspiring. should be able to give you advice on the most suitable school choices for your child Make sure the tutor(s) are qualified, DBS according to your child’s ability, interests and checked, and have substantial proven personality. experience of teaching specifically towards the 11 plus exams. Check their pass rate and ask You may also decide to enter your child for a for testimonials. scholarship or bursary where all subjects (and possibly science) are needed. Additionally, Always check the size of ‘teaching’ classes. your child is likely to need interview practice and advice on interview technique. Ensure Some organizations have very large teaching that the tutor you choose is able to give class sizes, which can be more than 25 or even appropriate guidance and advice in these areas. 30 in a class. At Mrs Jones Education, we believe teaching class sizes should be no more Check that the fees are inclusive of class than 8–11 per group, allowing the teacher to books, past papers, work books and other work on an individual basis with each child. resources and equipment, as the cost of these Our timed mock exam practice classes are in a over the year can be substantial. Remember— larger group to create an exam ‘atmosphere’ you usually get what you pay for. and to allow pupils to learn to focus and to improve their technique and speed. www.11plustuition.co.uk

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Education - Tutoring

NumberWorks ‘n Words and thought of it as a fun after school club rather than extra work or tutoring! Kit and her team are very experienced and provide a fun and stimulating environment which is really motivating. My daughter covered all the necessary areas of the curriculum needed for her 11+, she was very “A fun after well prepared for her exams and did extremely well with offers from every school she applied school club for.”

rather than We like to think we are more than just a tutoring business but a real part of the local extra work or community. In February, we sponsored Window Wanderland Southfields which gets tutoring!” local residents into creative mode decorating By Kit Somers of their windows with amazing displays which the local children love walking around and NumberWorks ‘n enjoying on a cold winter’s evening. Earlier this Words year we campaigned to improve safety for children on a nearby zebra crossing and heard in response that the council will be repainting it NumberWorks ‘n Words arrived in Southfields however, is that the children never seem and looking at fitting brighter lights. in September 2017 and since opening we’ve reluctant to come to their sessions and we loved getting to know lots of local families in constantly hear the words ‘they love it’. We We have children coming to our centre from and around SW18. The best thing has been the have also enjoyed success with pupils who schools all over Southfields and Earlsfield, but smiling faces of the children as they arrive for come to us for preparation for entrance exams NumberWorks ‘n Words centres now serve their tutoring sessions. We’ve celebrated some and GCSEs. South West London really well with friendly great successes with parents reporting centres to be found in both Battersea and improved results in school, an increase in One parent whose daughter came to us to Wimbledon. confidence and a renewed enjoyment of prepare for the 11+ said: southfi[email protected] English and Maths. What we are most proud of “My daughter absolutely loved going to www.numberworksnwords.com/uk

Southfields call 020 8870 8300 email southfi[email protected] Battersea call 020 7223 1882 email [email protected] www.numberworksnwords.com/uk

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Education - Tutoring

that exam preparation needs to adapt to both encourage and inspire children to think creatively during assessments.

During lengthy school holidays, Yellowbird offers small group workshops for children of all abilities that are interactive and forward thinking. Their innovative fresh approach equips children with key skills whilst building vital confidence to think differently. As such, creative writing becomes an enjoyable lifelong skill rather than a means to passing grueling exams—a valuable asset on any educational journey. Exam practice is vital, but if structured well, can be a fun and dynamic exercise allowing children to learn whilst making new friends.

Encouraging creativity in exam So whilst admissions processes are By Janie Richardson of Yellowbird education undoubtedly changing, exam preparation in all preparation its many guises still has a role to play ensuring Competition for limited places at top London innovative testing is to avoid children being children have the creative skills with which to schools has led to tutoring becoming the taught restrictive exam techniques and instead shine! acceptable norm with families often choosing allows them to obtain a clear well rounded to supplement expensive education to secure picture of a child’s academic potential rather www.yellowbirdeducation.com their child a school place. than their ability to obtain knowledge.

Many recognise such harmful pressure on Yellowbird Education have long identified the children is not sustainable and thus welcomed need to introduce creativity into school the well documented ‘creative assessment’ admission processes. Their hugely popular introduced by the London 11+ Consortium holiday workshops are carefully designed with earlier this year. The logic behind the new a fun but educational approach acknowledging

Nurture Ignite Achieve A co-educational Preparatory School for pupils aged 4-11

From the moment a child walks through our gates, aged four, we place them at the heart of everything we do, with an unfailing emphasis on creating the conditions and culture that each child in our care needs in order to thrive and achieve their potential.

If you would like to find out more about the school, contact the Registrar on offi[email protected] Tel: 020 8870 4133 • www.wandsworthprep.com

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Parties Party like there is a tomorrow By Ara Yoo

2019 has to be the year of sustainability, with talks of banning plastic altogether, a good place to start our effort could be at our birthday parties. It is all too easy to simply buy plastic plates, cutlery and plastic party bags. If we start by break down our sustainability effort into small practical actions, we’ll make it a lot easier and fun. So let’s tackle children’s birthday parties!

1. Today is a gift - it’s called present 2. Little bag full of dreams sunshine, freedom, and a little In my younger daughter’s class, we Considering we make an effort in flower.” Guests loved it! Share your Ara makes her own have agreed that a £5 contribution sourcing, buying and assembling ideas with us via Facebook. sustainable party bags can replace a gift. And OMG my life those pesky party bags, let’s with recycled changed. Instead of a plastic toy consider filling them with 3. Happy belly, happy soul newspaper! packaged in more plastic, we slip something other than plastic. My dad used to say this. And yes, £5 into a home-made card. The Recently, for my older daughter’s we want to feed our children well birthday child gets to buy birthday party, we made our own so try something easy, healthy and something they really want and party bags out of Evening alternative to meat. Humous involve deep-breathing and military everyone wins—the guest, the Standards, got a £2 plant from a spread on toast with slices of style planning. This annual event birthday child and the planet! If local flower shop for each of the cucumber and carrot. Yum! Also, I has children jumping for joy but you do buy a gift, think about the guests and complemented it with a have two sets of IKEA children’s many parents breaking into a cold amount of plastic involved and nice quote and a sweet. Hans plates and cups and I use them in sweat. Here are some excellent consider wrapping it with brown Anderson’s quote read “Just living order to avoid single-use plastic. party providers, who will help you paper. is not enough, one must have Planning your child’s party can plan and deliver the perfect day.

Great for small parties

Perfect for Baby Showers, Gender Reveal and Bridal Showers

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Parties

Playball London Parties Playball is a dedicated family of individuals who want to help every child discover and enjoy the wonders of sport. Their focus is on combining fun, engaging activities with educational scenarios to build a passion for sport in young people. Their children’s sports party entertainers and the activities that come with them, seek to Adam Ants parties achieve this same goal through a Adam Ants offers amazing bespoke party service that will parties at affordable prices. blow you away. Adam Ants and his talented Does your child want to enter an team make sure their parties are enchanting new world? Or fly like non stop fun. With something a superhero? They can craft games for all ages: magic, balloon and adventures that will combine modelling, puppets, music, physical activity with enticing dancing, games, face painting. themes to ensure that every party- They also offer amazing goer has fun! disco/sports parties or the ever Sit back, relax and watch them popular a Build a Bear party. organise an age-focused set of You can hire tables and activities that are tailored to your chairs/bouncy castles/soft play child, creating the best active party and ball ponds. they’ve ever attended! In a nutshell, Playball will tailor- Why not invite your favourite make an active party centred character to the party from around your child’s passions! Mickey Mouse to Pepper Pig 020 8123 2217 gavin@playball- and many more? london.com 020 8959 1045 / 07969 121094 www.playballlondon.com/parties [email protected] www.adamantsparties.co.uk

Blueberry Playsongs Memorable interactive fun filled Parties children’s entertainment Blueberry parties are lively, interactive musical parties for ages With more than 20 years experience, the Action 0-5. One of their talented Station offers unique entertainment solutions, entertainers will play guitar and tailored to the age of the children, your preferred “From a large selection of vetted performances, sing songs with joining in, actions, theme and budget. we make sure our entertainers have what it takes to jumping games, dancing and Specialising in Imaginative Interactive Storytelling, impress the young and the restless looking for instruments. Shaky egg maracas, a team of professional actors and actresses share original entertainment. Juggling acts, stilt walkers, parachute games and a puppet will their passion with their audience, taking them along fire eaters, puppet shows, mad cap magicians and add to the fun—perfect for little their unique adventures. Choose from mermaids, clowns, face painters …. and much more! – we seek ones! A 45-minute session in witches, fairies or princesses, knights, pirates, out the best and most unique entertainment option London is £125. cowboys, and many more! Alternatively their Spy, for your party.” “Blueberry is wonderful Cheerleader or Drama parties for older children, Create unique parties with the Action Station 0870 entertainment for little ones; fun, create a unique, fun and creative experience for all. 770 2705 www.theactionstation.co.uk cheerful and gentle.” 020 8677 6871 [email protected] Sporty mini party www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk Your child can enjoy a sporty mini birthday party for ages 2+ with a Little House of Science focus on energetic and fun Parties activities for all. All their games are Book an amazing science party non competitive and cover many and get 60 minutes of mind different multi sports skills. PARTIES! Wonderfully fun musical parties blowing scientific experiments and demonstrations, including for your under-5’s! Guitar-accompanied songs They can even cater for themed chemical reactions, air vortexes with actions, joining in, jumping and dancing, parties. eg super heroes and and mini robots. The parties are princesses. instruments, puppet and parachute! for children aged 4-11 and can be held in your home or your chosen The perfect party for little ones. 020 3773 9120 07447087842 venue in London. Call 020 8677 6871 [email protected] www.littlehouseofscience.com [email protected] www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.sportyminis.com

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Perform Parties Perform Parties Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. From the moment the lively leaders walk in the door, they'll give your child and friends the best birthday party they've ever had. “As Hugo went to sleep, he asked if that superhero could come back for his party next year because she was so amazing!’ Jessica Cuatrecasas (Previous party booker) To find out more or book a party call 0207 255 9120 or visit performparties.co.uk Richard Pinner With Richard Pinner’s full party packages the children will be Stagecoach Parties entertained from start to finish leaving you to enjoy yourself as much as your young guests. The show unofficially Stagecoach Parties starts as soon as they arrive and doesn’t Stagecoach Birthday Parties are perfect for 4-10 yrs: Choose your theme end until the last one has their coat on! (Moana/Pirates/Popstars/Princesses/Jungle Book) and they’ll make a show Leaving you with nothing to worry about for family to enjoy at the end of the party. Children learn songs and except enjoying the moment. routines from their chosen theme and weave them into a story. Perfect, 020 7352 3524 bespoke party fun. www.MagicAndLaughter.co.uk Stagecoach Murder Mystery Parties - Solve the mystery with your group of friends. Ideal for children aged 10+. Led by a professional actor who comes in as the detective to help unravel the drama. Scripts and props included. www.stagecoach.co.uk/parties

Playball Parties

Action Station

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Canapés Gastronomiques Parties

Allsorts Drama for children Allsorts offers fantastic original themed drama parties. Understanding how important birthday parties are to children, they want them to have the most fabulous party ever! The parties are always a whirl of excitement, fly to the world of make believe, become a Film star, Magician or Detective. Explore the drama of murder mysteries. The only limit is your imagination! 020 8767 5298 or 020 8969 3249 www.allsortsdrama.com

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Twizzle parties Experienced, Reliable, Clean The Twizzle team organise and run Fully Guaranteed / Insured the best parties in town! All their entertainers are professionals, FREE ADVICE & QUOTE many with a background in theatre John:- James & Lamont Canapés Gastronomiques and television. Some are also 020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 members of the Magic Circle. specialises in food Whether you want a traditional miniaturisation for children, birthday tea party at home for a teens and adult parties. They few of your child’s friends, or offer creative fun foods with big whether you want a sports party flavours that have nutritional for the whole party at an outside value too; mini buffets or food venue, they can help with your boxes; small decorated cakes to party. Twizzle can be as involved fit with your party theme; mini as you like. If you want them to cocktail parties for teens. simply provide a bouncing castle, Parents can also enjoy culinary or food boxes, then they can do delights for every type of party: that. If you want them to run the cocktail, designer teas, buffets entire party, then they can do that and themed events. too. They also cater for different For menu suggestions and budgets and can help at your prices, please email budget. Traditional birthday tea enquiries@canapes- parties, sports parties, and theme gastronomiques.co.uk or parties like Pirates, Fairies and contact Linda on 020 7794 Teddy Bear picnic. 2017 or 07774314201 www.twizzle.co.uk www.canapesgastronomiques.co.uk

Small party venue If you are looking for an intimate space for a small party, The Living Room Place venue in Furzedown, might be just right for you.

It works really well for the more quiet parties, maybe for a small art or craft party or for very young children. There is no garden but there is a separate room with a kitchen.

The space is brand new, cosy and all white so easy to decorate, it only costs £30 an hour. www.thelivingroom.place

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massive difference to how you feel. Start small and build these short amounts of time into Finding space for YOU your schedule, even if this is initially just an extended shower or starting your day 15 So, you imagined that when your children went to school, you’d have an minutes earlier.. extra 6 hours a day to play with, right? In reality, those 6 hours a day get Rather than focusing on your need for an hour or two of spare time, experience the joy eaten up in a different way. Of course, you’ll be class representative, join you can extract from 15 minutes of the same the PTA and ferry your children back and forward to lots of extra-curricular activity. Are three favourite songs enough to activities. Take a moment to ask yourself: would you be better to dedicate bring you joy? Or a single chapter of a book? Both of these things are better than no time for some of this time to yourself? Will that help you feel less stressed and you. And once you recognise the joy you can overwhelmed? Will your family be better off with a happy and well get from 15 minutes, you will be motivated to balanced you? find more time. When you are happy, your children will be happy. When you take time for you, you will be Create a safe haven candidate—help them to take responsibility for re-energised for your family. So in their When you feel you have no time, you may feel their own things (and the mess they create) interests, take care of yourself. you have no space too. Create a space where early in life. Their future spouses/partners will you have room to think—a sofa that is clear of thank you for it! homework, a dining table that is clear of the Susie Ramroop is a mum and a remains of the last meal or a room Try a kids swap Transformational Coach that is out of bounds for the I often observe that some parents won’t www.susieramroop.com children. Clear physical space ‘Me time’ is not just ask for help for fear of criticism, whilst helps generate clear mental nice to have. It is an others won’t offer for fear of space. Creating it interfering. The truth is we all have and keeping it that way absolute necessity. family and friends who want to means you won’t So slow down and support us if we allow them to do so. constantly have to tidy it reconnect with Find a person whose children you up for it to become what what brings you joy. could tolerate looking after regularly you need. and agree a swap. You look after their children one month and they do it for you Have your fun with the kids too the next month. Quid pro quo is a great It is easy to become resentful about all the time way to overcome guilt and begin to be we dedicate to our children when we don’t supported. have enough for ourselves. Having more fun time together can drastically increase your own Focus on 15 levels of joy, and bring you a step closer to When we are overwhelmed having time for you. with our schedules we So create a list (in your safe haven) of all the desperately crave space things your child wants to do that you enjoy for ourselves and it seems too. That could be going for a walk around a impossible to get. Don’t stately home with an amazing playground or target Nirvana. Just 15 visiting a museum with a great café. If you love mins a day can make a games make sure you have the ones YOU like in the house… use these times as a chance to connect with the child in you as well as the one(s) in front of you.

Delegate your Top 3 If we don’t know how to spend our time we end up ‘full’ but not fulfilled. We do chores that someone else could do, like tidying and cleaning. Yes, these things have to be done but you can perhaps do less of them and there is definitely room to delegate IF you are willing to let go and choose instead to spend time doing something that gives you joy. List the top 10 things you are juggling, pick three that you don’t like and delegate them; that might mean outsourcing, or finding someone else at home to take responsibility. Don’t rule out your child as a possible

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What’s On

Leeds Castle The Golden Hinde

If you only do one thing this month… Photo: Neil James Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk From 17 May Museum of the Moon. Since 2016 the Moon has been circling the globe, lighting up spaces from Bilbao to Beijing including abbeys and swimming pools. This six-metre model features meticulously detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, ambient moonlight and an evolving soundscape, and will be at the Museum in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, accompanied by an exciting programme of events for space enthusiasts of all ages. Plus, join interactive theatre-makers Coney in Companion: Moon, a free experience where you can join in or observe as multiple art forms combine in a beautiful performance. Dates include 17 and 18 May, 15 June, 20 and 26 July.

Living History Sleepovers 25-27 May much more. Or if you fancy a quick Diary The Golden Hinde SE1 Medieval Jousting Tournament. clear out, why not book a stall? www.goldenhinde.co.uk Thrill at the sight of armoured Admission £2 on the door, children Dates in May and June knights from England and France free. Visit the Mum2mum Market An amazing night-time adventure competing on powerful combat website to get 2 for 1 admission. Dates ... awaits at The Golden Hinde. Join horses. Watch archery and 10am-12pm other families as you step back in firepower displays throughout the Underbelly Festival 2019 time to become the new crew of Sir day with medieval music and living Southbank Centre Francis Drake's ship on this history encampments. www.underbellyfestival.com www.southbankcentre.co.uk unforgettable voyage. Be prepared 19 May Throughout May and June Barnes Literature Festival for an evening of immersive role Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert. Underbelly Festival’s biggest family play in costumes to see if you have www.barneskidslitfest.org This interactive family concert programme ever includes the what it takes to be an Elizabethan 11-12 May explores more than 400 years of ultimate family singalong Massaoke sailor. £45, age 6-11, 5pm-9am the This is really one event not to miss: musical history. Audience members for Kids, the original adult and baby following day. it is no less than London's largest will learn how the orchestra has mixed bill comedy Screaming With dedicated children's literature grown, hear how its instruments festival. It is your chance to meet Laughter and the wildly popular Leeds Castle have changed and share in the some of the UK's best authors and Maidstone ME17 1PL amazing imagination of some of the Fun Kids Radio Hour. illustrators for a fun-filled weekend www.leeds-castle.com world’s greatest ever composers. for children of all ages. £4/£8. The festival is centered around the To 2 June lovely Barnes pond and is led by UK Soundpit. Visitors will feel in a whole Laureate Lauren Child and master new way by playing an immersive storytellers Judith Kerr, Michael musical instrument that links the Rosen, David Almond, Frank Cottrell senses. Using sand, graphics, music Boyce and Francesca Simon, this and motion-capture technology, year’s programme looks better than Soundpit echoes synaesthesia, a ever. Prices vary according to event phenomenon where a sense in one but many are free. part of the body stimulates another Mum2mum Market sense at the same time, such as Ricards Lodge High School, ‘hearing colour’. £8. Wimbledon and other venues across SW London Fulham Palace www.mum2mummarket.co.uk www.fulhampalace.org 18 May and 13 July 25 May Come along and buy all kinds of Fulham Palace Unveiled! Be the Francesca Simon, Barnes Literature Festival nearly new toys, clothes, books, first to see the brand new museum, Photo: © Helen Giles strollers, car seats, feeding temporary exhibition gallery and accessories, baby equipment and so restored period rooms.

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Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert The Showstoppers Kids Show, Underbelly Festival Southside Players Dirk Gently until 7th July 26 May Barnardo’s triathlon BFI Tudor May Day. Join the Palace for challenge www.bfi.org.uk/families their first family fun day following Saturdays in May and June Take the opportunity To sign up and download your the restoration of the Tudor Palace. to go and see the Saturday Film Clubs. These fundraising pack visit Meet the May King and Queen, Magna Carta! Saturday film clubs are a must for dance to music with our wandering itri.barnardos.org.uk any child who loves film and wants minstrels and get hands on making Swim, cycle and run set distances to have fun! Topics cover a tussie mussie, a May crown or in your own time. Free registration everything from animation and even candle rolling. British Library for the iTRI challenge open until adverts, to sci-fi and special June 14. The challenge can be effects. These clubs are hugely www.bl.uk/learning completed at any time between popular so book early. Mini Dirk Gently’s Holistic 30 May June 1 and June 30 2019. Filmmakers for ages 8-1,) 10.30 – Detective Agency Phoenix of Persia. Celebrate the 12.30, Young Filmmakers for ages Chestnut Grove Theatre at launch of stunning new picture 12-15, 2-4.30pm. Chestnut Grove Academy, book The Phoenix of Persia with a Boundaries Road, SW12 8JZ spellbinding family storytelling Summer Vegan Pledge www.southsideplayers.co.uk event from author Sally Pomme Sign up 29 May – 1 June Clayton. A legend from ancient www.animalaid.org.uk/SVP-19 Balham’s award-wining theatre Persia, the tale of Prince Zal and The perfect opportunity for those group, Southside, performs ‘Dirk the Simorgh is a mythical who are interested in trying Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ exploration of forgiveness, family veganism, to give it a go for the by Douglas Adams, author of ‘The and what it means to be truly wise. month of June, recipes, nutritional Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’. 2-3.30pm, age 6+, from £7. information, amazing offers and Barnardo’s Tri event discounts.

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BYOB Comedy Bach to Baby Tara Theatre

BABIES AND TODDLERS Kew Gardens Do-Re-Mi Babies Join Little Explorers for a Hands-on Concerts fun 90-minute learning sessions NCT Bumps and Babies The Bedford Some great Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, aimed at children aged 2-5 and Wandsworth Group Pub events here their parent/carer. Last Monday of www.doremibabies.co.uk Riverside Pub, St George’s Wharf SW12 9HD the month, 29 April to 28 October Dates throughout May and June SW8 2LE www.thebedford.com 2019 (excluding July and August). Inspirational and fun classical Every Tuesday in May and June Tuesdays and Fridays in May and June concerts. Babies and toddlers are Come along at 2.30pm to meet up Unicorn Theatre welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, with other pregnant people or Baby Sensory classes and Pram SE1 2HZ Chorus. See website for details. nappy change and more, so you people with babies - completely www.unicorntheatre.com Plus, they are running dance can relax and enjoy some free and nice drinks available. classes during October half term Saturdays in May and June wonderful music. £10 per adult, Contact Caroline Flint and hold a Big Fish Little Fish kids’ Up Club. Join the Unicorn Play children free, tickets online or on 07973 657 642, email and parents’ “rave” every month, Club most Saturdays for free drop- the door. Dates vary depending on [email protected] featuring top DJs, craft drop ins, in activities from portrait painting venue. bubble machine and parachute and potato printing to giant rocket National Army Museum dance. making and more. 12noon - 2pm. Tara Arts Last Wednesday of every month www.tara-arts.com www.nam.ac.uk Screaming With Laughter. London’s Singing Mamas Choir Throughout May and June 13 May and 17 June original afternoon comedy club, South London Liberal Synagogue, A range of children's Tiny Troopers: Music. Bring your designed for parents with babies Streatham / The Half Moon classes, parent and little ones to our monthly toddlers under 1 year. See the best acts (Workshop Room), Herne Hill baby shows, We love this session, perfect for under-5s. £3. from TV and the comedy circuit www.singingmamaschoir.com without having to book a Froggy's Famous small theatre Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May babysitter. Buy tickets at Fanclub, Baby in Earlsfield! and June, depending on venue Cutty Sark www.wegottickets.com/Screaming Broadway and Bring A Community of Choirs for www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark WithLaughter Your Own Baby Comedy. Every Wednesday in May and June Women, with or without children. Sing world songs, folk songs, Toddler Time. Bring your little sailors The Royal Albert Hall Fulham Palace gospel and more. A warm welcome along for songs, stories and playtime SW6 6EA awaits all singing abilities. Contact www.royalalberthall.com on board the ship. How exciting is www.fulhampalace.org southlondonsingingmamas@gmail. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May that! 10-11am, age under 4. Mondays and Tuesdays in May and com, tel 07947 609780. and June June Storytelling and Music Sessions. A Southbank Centre The Palace Explorers. Join the National Maritime series of sessions for babies and Palace Explorers, weekly toddlers aged 0-4, to encourage SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk parent/carer and toddler sessions Museum interaction between parents/carers Dates in May and June for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, SE10 9NF and their little ones using musical which includes a drink and healthy Rug Rhymes. A short session of www.rmg.co.uk instruments, singing, movement nursery rhymes, poems and snack, booking essential. 9.30am- Tuesdays in May and June 10.30am. and stories. 10am and 11.30am, £5. rhyming stories. Times vary. Play Tuesdays. Embark on a museum adventure that includes The Graveney and BYOB trails, arty workshops, songs and Comedy Sure to give stories. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and Meadow you a boost Clapham, East 2pm. to morale SW17 9NA Dulwich, graveneyandmeadow.com Teddington, Putney, Museum of London Wednesdays in May and June Tooting EC2Y 5HN Kids’ and toddlers’ arts and craft www.byobcomedy.com www.museumoflondon.org.uk classes. See website for details. Dates in May and June Wednesdays in May and June Thursdays in May and June Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. A Little Moles Toddlers Group and Pram Chorus. Child friendly funny, friendly afternoon of top Mini Moles Babies Group. Fun, comedy and you get to bring your daytime choir, 10am, £7 per adult, hands-on, creative sessions for own baby! They provide toys, baby toddlers, parents and carers. 3.30- see website for times. changing, buggy parking, bottle Fridays in May and June warmers and more, so that baby is 4.30pm, book in advance. Plus Rhythm n’ Babies. Music classes for happy and you can relax and enjoy sensory, hands-on, play-based activities for you and your baby to babies and their carers with top comedy stars from the circuit In The Willows - UK Tour. enjoy together, 11am-12pm. instruments. 9.30am, £5. and TV. Photo by Richard Davenport 186

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Horniman Aquarium The Chit Chat Chalk Show Puppet Theatre Barge Photo: LauraMtungwazi Omnibus Theatre

Hampton Court Palace and the inspiring story of a girl who New Wimbledon Theatre and ground breaking 3D special www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace dares to change her destiny. atgtickets.com/venues/new- effects, these two astounding Every Thursday and Saturday in wimbledon-theatre shows are guaranteed to thrill you May and June Colour House Theatre 9-11 May and your children. Historical figures Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk In The Willows. It’s Mole’s first day and events will come alive on stage the Palace together. Discover the Saturdays and Sundays to 30 June in ‘The Willows’. With ballads, and hover at your fingertips. stories of Hampton Court Palace Alice in Wonderland. An adaptation beats, and backflips, this fresh new through music, movement, messy of Lewis Carroll’s classic. The Colour musical will be fun for the whole Omnibus Theatre House Theatre is a tiny theatre we play and more. £6 per child, price family. From £13. www.omnibus-clapham.org love! It is near Morden Hall Park and includes up to two adults £5 per 22-25 May 12 May Deen City Farm, bringing together child for members. 10.30am – Amelie The Musical. Amelie The Chit Chat Chalk Show. Kiko, a all the ingredients for a fabulous day secretly improvises small, confused young girl, struggles to babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – out! 2pm and 4pm, from £10. walkers. extraordinary acts of kindness that understand how she feels about bring happiness to those around the strange new world she lives in. Kensington Palace Lyric Hammersmith her. Be inspired by this imaginative With the help of her quirky new www.lyric.co.uk friends, she embarks upon a quest hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace dreamer who finds her voice, 19-29 June Selected Wednesdays and discovers the power of connection to discover the mixture of Lyric Ensemble Show. Following Saturdays in May and June and sees possibilities around every emotions and colours that make the success of Abandon in 2018, this Tiny Explorers. Explore and play in corner. her unique. Charming, physical and year's Lyric Ensemble, a group of the Palace together. Discover the 14-16 June packed with interaction for young actors, present their new stories of Kensington Palace The Tiger Who Came to Tea. The children aged 3-8 years and their show... £10. through music, movement, messy doorbell rings just as Sophie and families. 11am and 2pm, from £7. 27 June – 27 July play and more. £6 per child, price her mummy are sitting down to Noises Off. Hailed as one of the includes up to two adults £5 per tea. Who could it possibly be? A Peacock Theatre funniest plays of all time, Noises Off child for members. 10.30am – musical play adapted and directed makes its triumphant return to the www.peacocktheatre.com babies, 1pm – walkers, 2.30pm – by David Wood, based on the book Lyric almost 40 years on, in a bold 21 May – 16 June walkers. new production by Jeremy Herrin by Judith Kerr direct from a smash- Beats on Pointe – Masters of for fans to enjoy and new audiences hit West End season. Choreography. Known for pushing to discover. From £10. 26-29 June conventional dance boundaries, THEATRE Horrible Histories – Awful Masters of Choreography is back Lyric West end Egyptians and Terrible Tudors. It's with their worldwide sell out show time to prepare yourself for an Beats on Pointe, a dynamic Cambridge Theatre www.nimaxtheatres.com amazing show with Horrible modern story of two opposing uk.matildathemusical.com The Gruffalo Live on stage Histories live on stage! Using actors dance worlds; street vs ballet. Throughout May and June 3 July – Sunday 8 Matilda The Musical. Inspired by the September, twisted genius of Roald Dahl, A fine piece Songs, laughs and Matilda revels in the anarchy of of children’s monstrous fun childhood, the power of imagination theatre' for children aged Sunday Times 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world! From£15. Children under 18 months are admitted free of charge and do not require a ticket.

National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk To 11 May Follies. New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.

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The Gruffalo Mouse PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Brick Wonders at Horniman Museum and Garden Sea Princess by Hannah Cousins Puppet Theatre Barge of recent years opens this May. The London Transport and adventurous animals, the size of nearly 40 tennis courts, this exhibition offers new insights into the www.puppetbarge.com giant new children’s garden has been Museum cultural history and heritage of 4 May – 7 July designed for children to play and www.ltmuseum.co.uk London. It’s quirky, amusing and A Child’s Garden of Verse. Shadow explore the hidden treasures, trees Throughout May and June bizarre! puppets and marionettes combine and adventure parks. Includes a giant Future Engineers 22-23 June with specially composed music to sand pit, quirky play hut village and Gallery. Have fun Steam Train Trips. Be make this a programme of beauty, tunnel slides, a Sun Garden with rings exploring the Always a favourite transported to a by-gone era of poignancy and fun, which captures of sunflowers and pergolas fascinating world of for Half term Victorian steam-powered travel and nurtures the imagination. The festooned with edible fruits, and a transport engineering as London Transport Museum narrative is driven by a selection of Water Garden with water pubs and in the new Future marks 150 years of the Capital’s beautiful poems by Robert Louis splash pools. Ages 2-12. Engineers gallery, which opens to the District line, and travel on a vintage Stevenson and others, illustrated and public as a permanent display. Test steam train through central London. brought to life with puppets and your skills, solve transport music. Cutty Sark conundrums faced by modern day Museum of London SE10 9HT www.museumoflondon.org.uk The Unicorn Theatre www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark engineers, and enjoy a series of interactive exhibits. Sundays in May and June www.unicorntheatre.com Throughout May and June Museum Explored. Explore the Cutty Sark characters. Come aboard Throughout May and June 11 May – 2 June London Stories. Visit this new galleries through fun, hands-on Dido. English National Opera and the to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories activities. 11am and 2pm. Plus, join a brought to life by characters from the exhibition featuring 100 illustrations Unicorn join forces for the very first celebrating London and revealing fun and engaging tour of the time to create a new production of ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, museum’s galleries, especially for the ship’s most daring master; Jock some of the fascinating tales of Purcell's powerful and emotional London life past and present. From families. Age 5+, 2-2.30pm. masterpiece, Dido and Aeneas, for Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Sundays in May and June Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the urban myths, historic events and teenagers and adults. remarkable characters, to daily lives Hands-On History. Hear incredible 16 June – 4 August ship’s cook, James Robson, who all London stories as you touch and hold Aesop’s Fables (aged 8-12) and have an extraordinary story to tell. Aesop’s Fables (aged 4-7). As far as Daily, age 3+. we know, Aesop was a slave and 4-5 May storyteller who lived in ancient Koinobori Flying Fish. Celebrate the Greece between 620 and 564 BC. Japanese festival of Children’s Day by We still have over 725 of his stories. learning how to make a fantastic carp The Unicorn have asked a few of kite inspired by Cutty Sark’s travels to their favourite writers to select one Japan. Age 4+. fable and to re-tell it for today’s 27-31 May audience, presenting two versions of The Trader’s Game. Become a trader the results: one for ages 4-7 and one and cross the world on the board for ages 8-12. game to collect cargoes from different countries. Try to beat the other ships to buy the most sought- MUSEUMS, after cargo and beware of getting GALLERIES AND stuck in the doldrums. Age 5+. Foundling Museum DAYS OUT www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 28-31 May A half term week of workshops and Charles Dickens Museum activities for ages 5+, from arts and www.dickensmuseum.com crafts to modeling and beatboxing. Last Sunday of every month Highlighting the Collection. Drop-in Kensington Palace object handling sessions throughout hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace the historic interior of 48 Doughty 25 May – 2 June Street. Discover a unique set of May Half Term Activities. Explore the Dickensian curiosities from a cheque world of Princess – later Queen - signed by Dickens, to a beautiful dolls Victoria’s imagination this half term house, an engraved snuff box and and create a Victorian puppet even a collection of original props theatre. Inspired by the brand-new from The Invisible Woman. family exhibition Victoria: A Royal Childhood and the moving puppet Children’s Garden theatre within it, families will also be Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey able to dress up as characters from www.kew.org the puppet show, just as Victoria Kew’s most ambitious design project herself did as a little girl.

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Colour House Theatre The Cutty Sark Beasts of London, Museum of London Photo: © National Maritime Museum, London Cutty Sark real museum objects. Age 5+, 2-4pm. Out Of This World. Take a family trip to the Moon Throughout May and June with a planetarium show, interactive quiz and DISCOVER A NEW MUSEUM Beasts of London. Step into a tour through immersive virtual reality activity. This session London’s history, narrated by the animals who includes rock handling for a tactile experience of Horniman Museum and once lived here. Beasts of London explores the how the surface of the Moon looks and feels up Gardens fascinating role animals have played in shaping the close and a chance to discuss your findings with 100 London Road Forest Hill SE23 3PQ capital. Be guided through time, from the Roman Atronomers. Age 7+, £6. era through Medieval London and right up to www.horniman.ac.uk present day, narrated by the beasts themselves. Discover how animals – from lions and elephants, Science Museum to horses, rats and pigeons – have shaped the city www.sciencemuseum.org.uk and its beastly history. Age 7+ To 6 May The Sun: Living with Our Star. The sun, its National Maritime Museum beauty and power have inspired us since the www.rmg.co.uk dawn of civilization. This is the story Saturdays in May and June of humanity’s ever-changing Character Encounters. Join an exciting relationship with our nearest performance and journey bringing maritime history Popular event, star. Free for children aged 16 to life. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, age 6+. From 15 book quickly! and under. May Ready, set, action! Have fun exploring 10 May and 7 June different forms of performance and dance from Astronights. A special overnight around the world. Find out about Kathakali event for 7-11 year-olds, featuring exciting Indian dance and how sailors would perform hands-on workshops, science shows, and a on-board HMS Intrepid when stuck in the frozen sleepover at the Science Museum among the There is so much to discover at this Arctic ice. Free, all ages. amazing exhibits – all followed by a tasty amazing museum: it houses an Sundays in May breakfast and a breath-taking film in the IMAX extraordinary collection of objects Discover Sundays. Be inspired by our maritime Theatre. including internationally important past and explore your personal connections to collections of anthropology and musical the sea. Free, all ages. Tower of London instruments, as well as an acclaimed www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london aquarium, a Butterfly House and natural Royal Observatory Greenwich Throughout May and June history collection. Armoury in Action. A family friendly exhibition www.rmg.co.uk Unusually for such an important Museum, revealing the fascinating story of arms and the Weekends in May and June you can see their collection up-close and Young Astronomers Workshop. Get hands-on armoury at the Tower. From shooting arrows and assembling firearms to brandishing swords, face-to-face. Take part in activities and in these short drop-in family workshops themed a thousand years of history at the Tower is enjoy the 16-acre gardens which have a around space science and exploration, from the brought to life in this exciting, hands-on nature trail, an animal corner, a butterfly most recent discoveries about the Solar System experience. house and a farmer market every saturday. to our latest understanding of the wider Admisssion is free. universe. The team of Observatory Explainers Spend your May Half Term at the can answer your burning space questions. Victoria and Albert Museum www.vam.ac.uk Horniman. Enjoy A World of Stories (stories 12.45-4.15pm, free, age 7+. To 14 July from some of the best storytellers in 11 May Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams. Spanning London for 5+, free, 2-2.45pm and 3.15- Morning Stars. This early morning show is for 1947 to the present day, this exhibition traces 4pm.) Family Art Fun, Pond Dipping, The children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition the history and impact of one of the 20th Great British Bee Count, Mini-beast Safari (ASC) and their families and carers. Explore the century’s most influential couturiers. From £20. and Horniman Explorers. Times, dates and night sky and find out live from a Royal Throughout May and June ages vary. Most activities are free. Observatory Astronomer what is visible on the Mary Quant. The first international retrospective night of your visit and the month ahead. Age 5+, on the revolutionary fashion designer Mary Main exhibiton is Brick Wonders. Discover £6, 10am. Quant in nearly 50 years, focusing on her amazing wonders from around the world 30 May revolutionising the high street with her made entirely from LEGO® bricks. From an Holiday to Space. Travel across the Solar System subversive and playful designs. ancient Egyptian pyramid to Old London and help Space Ted plan for a holiday on Bridge or to the natural wonder of a coral another planet. Enjoy a special 20 minute Space V&A Museum of Childhood reef explore over 70 models made using Safari planetarium show filled with spectacular half a million LEGO® bricks. Build your www.museumofchildhood.org.uk imagination at the interactive play areas. views of the planets up close and a chance to 25 May – 2 June sing along to help Ted find the great big bear Play, build and design at the museum this May See also under Activities for babies and followed by a 30 minute workshop to find out a half term. Meet artists and designers for playful toddlers and Art activities. little more about Ted’s adventure to the planets. workshops and activities coinciding with the There is no such thing as a boring museum Age 4-7, £6. Playing with Buildings display and London at the Horniman! 28-29 May Festival of Architecture.

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