ISSUE 110 OCTOBER 2016 www.familiesonline.co.uk

· What to look for in a school · Autumn term parents evenings · Open Day dates · Half term activities for the kids

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: [email protected] 2 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 CONTENTS

In this issue...

We are back with all things to do with education in West London. Are you looking around for next year or for the future? This is the issue for you. It is packed with useful information about the schools to choose from and what to look for. Good luck in your search!

Contents Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Families West Magazine @FamiliesWest School News & Views Page 3 ‘Families West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. Education Page 8 All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham School Open Day Dates Page 12 House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or What’s On in West London Page 14 photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be Classified Section/ held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. ’ Half Term Workshops Page 20 Designed by Martin Driscoll. Email: [email protected] Printed by The MANSON Group Limited, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk

October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 3 EDUCATION Library renovations at Orley Farm Tim Calvey, headmaster at Orley Farm School told us about the new library they have set up at the school . “Here at Orley Farm we decided to continue our edu - cational revolution in the library! I am very conscious that schools and communities are merrily downsizing these essential places of wonder and replacing them 11+ interviews at Notting with a suite of tablets that can be trolleyed into any Hill & Ealing High School space offering, in my opinion, a poor substitute. As this Lauren Smith, Registrar at Notting Hill and Ealing High School was a boarding school set up in 1850, the dining hall explains what happens at the 11+ interview, “Every girl applying was understandably at the heart of the school, food to us is invited for an interview in January. We hold our inter - for the body. However, we are now a thriving forward- views across several days so the interview date may fall before looking day school that must capture and light the or after the 11+ exam itself. Staff conducting interviews don't imaginations of 500 pupils and therefore the entire old see the examination results so there is no advantage to a date either before or after the 11+exam date. Girls are interviewed dining hall has been converted into our stunning new on a one-to-one basis for about 15 minutes. The interview is a library, food and inspiration for the very soul! This is not chance for us to meet each girl applying to us and get to simply a school library, it is haven in the busy and know her better, so that we have as much information about bustling day to take time out for selfish indulgence... each applicant as possible when making our decisions. Girls do and I am delighted that pupils and staff are making the not need to bring anything to the interview, there is no aca - very most of it, so much so that we are drawing up demic content as such and no special preparation is required. plans for an extension linking a junior common room for We do understand that the thought of an interview can be nerve-wracking but our team of interviewers are all very Yr7 and Yr8 pupils to this space .” experienced. They will swiftly put your daughter at ease, get www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk her talking and girls generally come out smiling. Encouraging your daughter to read regularly and talk about what she is reading, encouraging her to form opinions and express her views and to talk about her interests and ambitions are proba - bly the most useful preparation for interviews at this age. But perhaps the best thing parents can do to prepare their daugh - ters is to remind them that there are no right or wrong answers in an interview and to just be themselves. Parents do not attend the interview at NHEHS but are of course welcome in school on the day. We provide tea, coffee, newspapers (and the famous Noting Hill & Ealing flapjacks) so that the experience is as relaxed as possible for parents too!” www.nhehs.gdst.net

Developing a real understanding of Maths and Science Clifton Lodge , like many prep schools does a great job in ensuring that pupils have the mathematical and scientific knowledge to pass exams and get into very academic schools. State schools for many years now, have used SATs levelling, which again is very knowledge focussed. However, whilst this can lead to pupils having considerable knowledge, it does not lead to mastery of the subjects. Real mastery comes from getting pupils to critically assess and evaluate a mathematical or scientific idea or hypothesis. Additionally, and of more concern, is that the subject can become very dry and uninteresting for the pupil who may then be put off the subject for life. The Government has also finally woken up to this by a move to assessment without levels and in particular, the concept of mastery. “At Clifton Lodge we have introduced Critical Thinking into the curriculum. The concept of critical thinking gives pupils an opportu - nity to develop their thought processes and begin to ask some fundamental questions (Kipling’s 6 wise men). It also leads to a greater understanding of how Maths and Science interrelate and form the basis of much of the world. This concept of mastery lies in the demonstration or application of a subject concept outside of lessons and thus looks at a more holistic and interesting approach to understanding a subject. “ Dr. Tony Thamia, Headmaster of Clifton Lodge Prep School, Ealing. www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

4 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 SCHOOL NEWS & VIEWS Computer Science: Left brain? Right brain? Or both? Thames Christian College has always been at the forefront of technology and as a Google Reference Site treats Computing as a fourth Science. Programming is highly creative. Our updated Computer Science curriculum is designed by two teachers with extensive experience in the software development industry. It includes principles of object orientated design and coding in high level programming languages like Java as well as the visual environments such as App Inventor which creates apps for Android tablets and phones. Drawing on the school's very successful and innovative approach to Maths, the curriculum now teaches concepts before knowledge and skills. In this way pupils learn to solve not just specific problems but also use that under - standing to solve a whole range of problems. Pupils take Computer Science IGCSE early which looks at both theory and a number of practical programming tasks in high level languages . For more information visit: www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk Or contact: 020 72283933.

New facilities at Stellar exam results at St. Benedict’s St. Augustine’s Priory Students at St Benedict’s in Ealing are celebrating an St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing’s leading Catholic excellent set of A Level and GCSE results. At A Level, Independent Day School for girls aged 3-18, has there were record numbers of A* grades and nearly ¾ of grades were A*- B. GCSE students collectively gained announced plans to invest significantly in further 238 A*s and 385 As. In fact, almost half of all exams developing facilities across the 100 year old site. taken at GCSE were graded A* or A. These results The ambitious ten-year capital development reflect St Benedict’s commitment to supporting all chil - programme is planned in 3 phases, and com - dren to develop their full potential and its proud aca - menced in August 2016. Phase 1 begins the com - demic record. Inspections by ISI (November 2012) and plete refurbishment of the school hall and instal - Westminster Diocese (September 2013) have endorsed lation of new entrance facilities, with an estimat - our success in fulfilling the School’s aims and have recog - ed date of completion in May 2017. Phases 2 and nised the many strengths of the School. More recently, in 3 include a new purpose-built Sports Hall and August 2015, The Telegraph Performing Arts Centre. These new facilities will included St Benedict’s among its list of ‘ten best value complement the existing full-size, floodlit private schools in the UK’, the only London school to be included. Retiring Headmaster, Chris Cleugh, said “ I am Astroturf, specialised Science Centre, Forest delighted for all our students and their teachers - their School, Meadow and Open Air Theatre, all of hard work has been rewarded. I wish them every future which serve to differentiate St Augustine’s Priory success. ” www.stbenedicts.org.uk among the capital’s independent schools. The 13 acres of grounds in which the school sits provide a physical freedom unique in the heart of London. The school is working closely with relevant plan - ning authorities as well as environmental experts to ensure the project reflects sustainability goals. This is a transformational stage in the evolution of St Augustine’s Priory and a bold statement of commitment to meeting the changing needs of the school’s community. http://sapriory.com

October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 5 See all the latest news, views and what’s on listings on our brand new website: www.familiesonline.co.uk

6 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 7 EDUCATION Questions to ask when visiting a school

Will they enthuse, inspire, encourage? Don't rely on league tables - look beyond the headlines. Check-out the GSG detailed analysis of results to uncover how well a school does for a child like yours. Whether the most able, least able or Annie Average, what really matters is how enthusiastic the school is about teaching and developing a child.

Academic performance and results Top of the class or could do better? There are no right or wrong answers - but award 10/10 and you may well have found your ideal school. which allows the school deal with this? more likely to imply a • How good is ‘value to pick up under- • Is it all work and no cohort of overseas added’? Value-added performance quickly enrichment? Do they get students than a diverse measures the improve - (within a term). If this is out to visit galleries and offering for your offspring. ment in pupils’ perform - working well, it will result museums, on geography • How are pupils ance over the years. If a in lots of happy stories field trips and language grouped? Setting? child enters school with about pupils rescued exchanges? Streaming? an expectation they will and enthused teachers. • What subjects are Mixed ability? Vertically? attain all C grades at • What about pressure? popular at A level? Horizontally? Or a mix of GCSE (based on their Are they loaded down Is there a strong gender methods? There is no one Sats performance) and with homework from the divide, with boys doing right answer - but the then does, no value has off? Or do some spend maths/science whilst girls school should be able to been added (clearly, the explain its policies. lower the expectation, • Homework - how the greater the scope to much, how often? add value). “...A good school will educate your Is there a homework club • How does overall value child holistically, not just patch up pupils can attend? added compare with the Is homework supervised - national average? Is this the bits they view as in need. .” where, how? Is additional consistent over all help available from tutors subjects or is the good or subject teachers via news all in one or two the first few years do arts and languages? email? How is homework areas? coasting whilst others • What languages are monitored, recorded • How does the school catch up? In some selec - genuinely on offer - and and reported? Is there a monitor progress? The tive schools, in particular, how many take them - holiday reading list or best will use regular pupils put immense at GCSE and A level? holiday homework? tracking integrated with pressure on themselves. One or two exotic Ever? Never? the value added system, How does the school foreign languages are

8 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 By Beth Noakes

Providing extra help – A good school will experienced help in proclaims it doesn't have Talented children may educate your child finding somewhere else? any children with special require curriculum flex; holistically, not just • Does the school needs. the gifted and those with patch up the bits they expand horizons? Is there • How do they manage special educational view as in need. a programme of activi - children whose first needs may need • Expert help? Does ties or special classes for language is not English? curriculum enhance - the school have special gifted, talented or able What proportion of ment. Mainstream help on tap for learning children? children receive EAL schools that do well by difficulties? If so, how • Flexibility or rigidity? support? How are they children with SENs are much help, in what form, Will the school adapt its helped to integrate? often excellent places for and (at an independent timetable or arrange - Does an independent all sorts too – the systems school) at what cost? Will ments for an especially school charge extra for of individual attention an independent school talented child? EAL lessons? and understanding that fire misfits/slow learners if • Are they alert to More information can support SEN pupils mean they don’t shape up different teaching and be found at: that any child in any quickly? learning styles? Are they www.goodschools trouble is picked up Do they eject those who willing to try different guide.co.uk quickly and dealt with don’t achieve specific methods to meet your sympathetically. grades at GCSE? child’s needs? If your child has • Asked to leave? What • Do they view children particular needs, happens next? If pupils with SEN as invariably less discuss them with a cross are encouraged/forced able? Beware of those -section of staff, ask how to leave, how well are who talk down children they can help and they supported? Are they with SEN, and be wary monitor reactions. given lots of notice, and of any school that

October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 9 EDUCATION My child hates school: what can I do?

Consider any potential causes Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment ,’ so not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears. Common reasons for school aversion include bullying/ friendship problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or a major family event, such as divorce or bereavement.

Meet with their teacher Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home so you can carve out an action plan together.

Still struggling? Support for severe cases should be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private child psychologist.

How to cope with being told off and Fake illnesses can be a school refuseniks feeling stressed, it could headache… add to their anxieties. Mysterious maladies are By Liat Hughes Joshi Not all children skip common when kids Liat is a parenting journalist happily through the It might just be a phase don’t want to go to and the author of four school gates every day. Many children have a school, although it can books including 'New Old- Here’s what you can do phase when they’re not be difficult to decipher fashioned Parenting' and to help… keen on school; this whether they’re crying 'How to Unplug Your Child' might resolve itself within wolf or actually ill. (both published by Keep calm a few days. Meanwhile Threatening a trip/call Summersdale) and ‘Raising (not easy we know but if you’re sure they’re just to the doctors will usually Children: The Primary Years’ please do try…) ‘trying it on ,’ stand firm get illness fibbers (Pearson) If your little one starts to and make it clear that miraculously cured. associate mornings with school is non-negotiable.

10 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 How to make the most of parents’ evening By Liat Highes-Joshi

Most schools run a parents evening in the autumn term. It is your big opportunity to get feedback on how your child’s doing at school, but with as little as five or ten minutes a couple of times a year, how can you get the most of your time in there?

Plan and prioritise At best you might be Maximise what you get told they are ‘in the top out of the meeting by quarter’ or ‘middle working out priorities in group .’ Equally, if your ‘different child’... DO ASK: advance. What do you little one is only in I don’t mean literally a • Has my child settled need to know the most reception, it’s pointless different child, but don’t well into school life/in and what do you want grilling the teacher be shocked if some of the class this year? to communicate to the about their future job the descriptions of your •What are his/her teacher? Have a chat prospects or chances of son or daughter aren’t strengths and with your child to see if Oxbridge. They simply so familiar. Sometimes weaknesses? they have any worries or won’t know. children behave or • How is he/she issues you could discuss Don’t get sidetracked perform differently at doing compared to and find out more about Parents’ evenings usually school compared to at expectations for this what they do and don’t run to tight schedules home - your child might age and stage? enjoy at school. and most teachers will be extremely chatty with • Is there anything we Then write a list and put stick strictly to the time you but very quiet in the can be doing to help it in order of importance limits (it’s not unheard of classroom for example. support his/ her learning in case you run short of for them to use an egg Need more information? or behaviour at home? time. Take a pen/pencil timer), not least to avoid If any issues were left • About friendships and paper to write making subsequent unresolved or you have and behaviour, not just notes if you’re likely to appointments run concerns once you’ve academic matters. forget what was said annoyingly late for other digested the feedback, DON’T ASK… afterwards. mums and dads. So save it’s normally fine to • About other children’s Don’t just focus on the general chit-chat for request a follow-up academic performance academic matters another day or you risk meeting with the - this is confidential. Behaviour, friendships half your time being teacher. You shouldn’t be given and how your child has wasted talking about Parents’ evening class rankings in primary settled into the class are the weather. question ideas: schools. all just as important as Be open-minded about reading, writing and less flattering feedback maths. Most of us head into Be realistic about what parents’ evening the teacher will tell you wanting to hear fabulous The style of feedback things about our children teachers give has but the reality is you changed since most of might receive negative us were kids - it tends to feedback, albeit this be less blunt and less should be constructive. about direct compar - It can be hard to take isons with classmates. this on board if you So if you go in expecting don’t agree but stay to know your child’s calm and at least hear position in the class the teacher out respect - versus other children, or fully before asking further whether they’re on a questions or making your higher reading level points back. than specific classmates, Don’t be surprised if the you’ll be disappointed. teacher talks about a

October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 11 We have listed schools in postcode order from W1 - W14 and then outside the ‘W’ postcodes that serve children living in West London. There is plenty of advice on our website on what you should be looking for when you do the tour of schools. Don’t forget to log in with your postcode so you SCHOOL OPEN DAY DATES get the information that is relevant to your local area at: www.familieswest.co.uk

School Address Age Dates Contact details Eaton Square Upper School 106 Piccadilly, Mayfair W1J 7NL 11-16 By appointment www.eatonsquareupper.school [email protected] Portland Place School 56-58 Portland Place W1B 1NJ 9-18 Tours: 10 Oct, 21 020 7307 8700 Nov 9-11am. www.portland-place.co.uk Open morning: 12 Nov 10am-12 noon [email protected]

Southbank International School 63-65 Portland Place, W1B 1QR 11-18 24 Nov 9.30-11am. 020 7243 3803 (Westminster Campus) By appointment www.southbank.org [email protected]

Hyde Park Nursery and The Long Garden Albion Street 2-5 12 Oct 9.30am 020 7262 1190 Pre-Preparatory School W2 2AX www.hydeparkschool.co.uk [email protected]

Connaught House School 47 Connaught Square, London W2 2HL 4-8B By appointment 020 7262 8830 4-11G www.connaughthouseschool.co.uk [email protected]

Pembridge Hall 18 Pembridge Square W2 4EH 4-11G By appointment 020 7229 0121 www.pembridgehall.co.uk [email protected]

Arts Educational Schools London Cone Ripman House, 14 Bath Rd, W4 1LY 11-18 By appointment 020 8987 6600 www.artsed.co.uk [email protected]

Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove, W4 1LB 3-11 8 Oct 9.30am-12noon 020 8742 8544 W4 1LB www.orchardhs.org.uk [email protected]

Heathfield House School Turnham Green Church Hall, 4-11 By appointment 0208 994 3385 Heathfield Gardens, W4 4JU www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk

Chiswick and Bedford Park Priory House, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX 3-7B By appointment 020 8994 1804 Preparatory School 3-11G www.cbppschool.co.uk [email protected]

The Falcons Pre-Prep School 2 Burnaby Gardens, 3-7B By appointment 020 8747 8393 for Boys Chiswick W4 3DT www.falconschool.com [email protected]

Clifton Lodge School 8 Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BG 3-13 8 Oct 020 8579 3662 www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk [email protected]

Durston House 12 Castlebar Road Ealing, 4-13B By appointment 020 8991 6532 W5 2DR www.durstonhouse.org [email protected]

St Benedict’s School Junior School and Nursery 3-18 Open Mornings: Nursery: 020 8862 2254 (age 3-11) 6 Oct, 3, 24 Nov 9.30-11.15am. www.stbenedicts.org.uk 5, Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, W5 2XP Junior School: [email protected] 8 Nov 9.30-11.15am. Senior School and Sixth Form Senior School: 13 Oct, 14 Nov 9.15-11am. (age 11-18) Sixth Form Open evening: 10 Oct (advance booking only) 54, Eaton Rise, Ealing, W5 2ES Saturday Open Morning for whole school:1 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. (no booking necessary)

Harvington Prep School 20 Castlebar Rd, Ealing, W5 2DS 3-4 co-ed By appointment 0208 997 1583 5-11G www.harvingtonschool.com [email protected]

St Augustine’s Priory Hillcrest Rd, Ealing, W5 2JL 3-18G Open day:8 Oct 10am-12 noon 020 8997 2022 Sixth form: 5 Oct 5pm. www.sapriory.com School in Action: [email protected] 1 Nov 9.15am for year 3-6, 11 Nov 9.15am for Nursery-year 2

Barbara Speake Stage School East Acton Lane, W3 7EG 3-16 By appointment 020 8743 1306 www.barbaraspeake.com [email protected] 12 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 School Address Age Dates Contact details International School 139 Gunnersbury Avenue 3-18 By appointment 020 8992 5823 of London W3 8LG www.isllondon.org

Latymer Prep School 36 Upper Mall, Hammersmith 7-11 Open days throughout the Autumn term. 0845 638 5700 W6 9TA Telephone for an appointment. www.latymerprep.org/open-mornings [email protected]

Latymer Upper School King Street, Hammersmith 11-18 8 Oct 11+ entrance only. 0845 638 5721 W6 9LR (children in Year 6). Tickets required. www.latymer-upper.org Contact the Admissions Office. [email protected]

St Paul’s Girls School Brook Green W6 7BS 11-18G 11+ entry 8 Oct. 020 7605 4882 9am and 11.15am, www.spgs.org 31 Oct 5pm. [email protected]

Godolphin and Latymer School Iffley Road, W6 0PG 11-18G For 11+ entry: 020 8741 1936 12 Oct 4.45 - 7 pm www.godolphinandlatymer.com 6th Form- 6 Oct, 4.45pm. [email protected]

Hawkesdown House 27 Edge Street, W8 7PN 3-8B By appointment 020 7727 9090 www.hawkesdown.co.uk

Thomas’s Kensington 39-41 Victoria Road, W8 5RJ 3-11 By appointment 020 7937 0583 (Lower School) (Lower School-age 4-7) 020 7361 6500 (Preparatory School) (Prep School-age 7-11) 17-19 Cottesmore Gardens, W8 5PR www.thomas-s.co.uk [email protected]

The Lloyd Williamson School 12 Telford Road, W10 5SH 6 months- By appointment 020 8962 0345 14 yrs www.lloydwilliamson.co.uk

Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, W10 6JP 3-11 8 Oct 10am-12.30pm 020 8969 0313 www.bassetths.org.uk

Notting Hill Preparatory School 95 Lancaster Rd, W11 1QQ 4-13 By appointment 020 7221 0727 www.nottinghillprep.com [email protected]

Southbank International School 36-38 Kensington Park Road, 3-11 21 Oct 9.30-11am by appointment 020 7243 3803 (Kensington Campus) W11 3BU www.southbank.org [email protected]

Norland Place School 162-166 Holland Park Avenue, 4-8B By appointment 020 7603 9103 W11 4UH 4-11G www.norlandplace.com [email protected]

Avenue House School 70 The Avenue, Ealing, W13 8LS 3-11 Individual tours by appointment 020 8998 9981 www.avenuehouse.org [email protected]

Notting Hill and Ealing 26 St Stephens Road, W13 8HH 4-18G. Junior- 4+ and 7+: (Parents Only) Admissions (Mrs Barwell)-020 8991 2165 High School (GDST) (Junior) Entry at 4+ 4 Oct 1.15am Booking essential. 7+, 11+ 20 Oct 10.15am www.nhehs.gdst.net and 16+ Senior: (Parents Only) [email protected] 10 Nov 10.45am Senior School Open Evening: 19 Oct 4.30pm (Parents and girls welcome - no need to book) Sixth Form: 4 Oct 6pm

Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square, SW1V 1PP 2.5-13 By appointment 020 7931 9469 www.eatonsquareschool.com [email protected]

Westminster Under School Adrian House 27 Vincent Square 7-13B 8 Oct for 1 1+ 020 7821 5788 Westminster SW1P2NN www.westminsterunder.org.uk

Fulham Pre Prep School 47A Fulham High Street 4-7 18 Oct, 020 7371 9911 17 Nov www.fulhamprep.co.uk [email protected]

Hyde Park Preparatory 24 Elvaston Place, 5 -11 By appointment 020 7225 3131 School and Nursery SW7 5NL www.hydeparkschool.co.uk/preparatory [email protected]

Thames Christian School Wye St, SW11 2HB 11-16 1 Oct 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 4 Oct 11am-1pm www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk 3rd Nov 11am-1pm [email protected]

Orley Farm School South Hill Avenue Harrow on the Hill 4-13 8 Oct 10am-12pm 020 8869 7634 Middx HA1 3NU or Wednesday mornings by appointment www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk [email protected]

ACS Hillingdon Hillingdon Court, Vine Lane 4-18 1 Oct 10am-12noon 01895 259771 International School Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 0BE [email protected] www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon

Eton College Windsor, Berkshire SL4 6DW 13-18B By appointment 01753 671000 www.etoncollege.com October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 13 WHAT’S ON

FOUNDLING MUSEUM extraordinary painting of Paris with new RAVENSCOURT PARK electric streetlights and create a glow-in- WC1N 1AZ 5 Nov. Gates open at 6pm and children’s DIARY DATES www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk the dark masterpiece. fireworks starts at 7.15pm. Main firework 20 Oct BACH TO BABY An innovative 16 Oct FAMILY AFFAIR Be inspired by Throughout Oct GET CREATIVE display starts at approximately 8pm. classical babies’ concert created by mum Rembrandt’s paintings to make mini clay FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL Tickets £6.00 in advance from Lyric and pianist, Miaomiao Yu, inspired by portraits of your own family members. Hundreds of arts, crafts, music and dance Theatre and £8.00 on the gate. Under 5’s Handel. 10.30-11.30am, adults £10, 5, 12, 19 Oct WELCOME events all over the country for families. go free. Venue: Paddenwick Road, London children free. WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life www.familyartsfestival.com W6 0UA. www.lbhf.gov.uk 22 Oct FOOD ART PAINTINGS Using through interactive music, storytelling, art a range of fruit, vegetables and other and messy play activities. Every Wed, 15 Oct EALING 135 BISHOPS PARK foodstuffs, work with artist Shelly Wain to 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age NEARLY NEW SALE 4 Nov. Gates open at 6pm and children’s recreate your favourite painting from the five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers. Bag yourself some pre-loved bargains for fireworks starts at 7.15pm. Main firework Foundling Museum Collection. Layer DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery your 0-5 year olds. Clothes, toys, display starts at approximately 8pm. chopped fruit and vegetables to create a paintings as inspiration for your art. For pushchairs, highchairs, and all your baby There will be a funfair and refreshments. tasty 2D or 3D sculptural picture in this ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. paraphernalia. Refreshments on sale. Venue: Bishop's Ave, London SW6 6EA. experimental workshop. Sessions at Drop-in. 10am-12noon. Haven Green Baptist www.lbhf.gov.uk 10.30am, 1 and 3pm, free, for age 5+ 9 Oct PICTURE POSTCARDS Explore Church, Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2UP. 25 Oct THE BIG DRAW: paintings in the National Gallery as A FOUNDLING FEAST Draw a feast for inspiration for your art. Travel through 15 Oct NCT KENSINGTON & the foundlings inspired by the colour and Canaletto’s visions of Venice and create a CHELSEA NEARLY NEW SALE MUSEUMS AND variety of food we eat today. Using picturesque postcard. 23 Oct CHARGING KNIGHTS AND Clothes for ages 0-7, plus baby and tod - historic kitchen utensils as drawing REARING HORSES Discover the drama dler equipment, toys and books, 10am for implements, work with artist Isobel GALLERIES in Uccello’s Battle of San Romano and members and 10.15am for non-members, Manning to create a food and science- create brave knights and galloping horses. close time 12 noon. Taking place at BRITISH MUSEUM inspired collaborative drawing for The Big Westbourne Grove Church, Westbourne WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Draw. Sessions at 10.30am, 1 and 3pm, HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS: Grove, London W11 2RW. until 27 Nov SUNKEN CITIES - free, for age 5+ 24 Oct MESSY MONDAYS: EGYPT’S LOST WORLDS Submerged 26 Oct PLANT A FOUNDLING EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in ses - 16 Oct DIWALI under the sea for over a thousand years, GARDEN Inspired by the cottage garden sion for children under 5 years. Become a Trafalgar Square will be open to all to two lost cities of ancient Egypt were at the Foundling Hospital, make your own mini artist by exploring materials and mark celebrate in the Hindu festival of Light recently rediscovered. Their story is told plant pot from recycled materials and making in a tactile environment inspired from 1-7pm. Enjoy music, dance, family- for the first time in this blockbuster plant a herb seed. Using ink stamps print by a painting. friendly activities and delicious food. exhibition. a special label for your pot and take away 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Take place at a packet of herb seeds that you can plant 24-27 Oct SPOOKY SHADOWS weekends and school holidays on a at home. Sessions at 10.30am, 1 and 21-23 Oct 23 THE BABY Celebrate Halloween and seek out variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for 3pm, free, for age 5+ SHOW LONDON OLYMPIA mysterious witches and monsters to make ages 7+ (unless stated). 28 Oct GEORGIAN GINGERBREAD It’s back, offering visitors a one stop shop Join curator Jane Levi for a private tour of creepy shadow puppets. For age 2+, of parenting essentials and expert advice WORKSHOPS: our exhibition Feeding the 400 to discover 11am and 2pm. while providing an enjoyable day out. 7 Oct LITTLE FEET: ROCK ART Come the food that Foundling Hospital children 24, 25 Oct DRAW FOR LIFE: FROM For further information or to book tickets, on an adventure exploring some of the ate. Design your own Hospital-inspired SKULLS TO SUNFLOWERS Work with go to: www.thebabyshow.co.uk/olymia world’s oldest art. Examine rock art using biscuit cutter, then make gingerbread to a specialist tutor to expand your drawing sight, touch and creative play. Make some take home and share with your family. skills and investigate a range of still life FIREWORKS NIGHTS AT: messy art of your own. For under 5s. Sessions at 10.30am, 1 and 3pm, free, for paintings. Develop a love of drawing 10.30am, free entry. age 5+ through fun, practical exercises and close THE EALING CRICKET CLUB 13 Oct LITTLE FEET: UNDERWATER looking. For ages 8-10, £40, 11am- 5 Nov. Fireworks this year will be set to WORLD Help create an underwater world NATIONAL GALLERY 3.30pm. music featuring favourites from the pop 25 Oct TALKING TUESDAYS: with seaweed to crawl through, fish to WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk world USA style and includes a laser INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing catch and all the colours of the sea to Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS display beforehand. Gates open at 6pm a painting to life through singing, talking enjoy! For under 5s, 10.30am, free. Activities designed for families to enjoy and display starts at 7.45pm. Activities and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm 24-28 Oct CELEBRATING OSIRIS and learn together, 11am and 3pm. include rides for children, glow novelties, and 1.30-3pm. Enjoy storytelling sessions of Egyptian MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For refreshments inc. bar and bbq. Venue: 25-27 Oct ARTIST'S APPRENTICE myths, create a festival barge to add to a children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am Corfton Road, Ealing W5 2HS. WORKSHOP: RENAISSANCE cityscape, and make a mask of the and 11.30am–12pm. Fly away on the www.ealingcc.co.uk PAINTING TECHNIQUE Investigate the Egyptian god to parade around the magic carpet, coming to land in front of classical technique of gesso painting and Museum and take home with you. a different painting each day. discover what it was used for and the BRENTHAM CLUB 11am-4pm, drop-in. 2 Oct FAMILY WALK AND TALK developments that led to its decline 5 Nov. Children's entertainment and A walk around the gallery, talking about through practical experimentation. For activities from 6pm. Fireworks start at pictures to make them come alive. ages 8-10, 11am-4pm, advanced booking 7.30pm. STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on work - essential. £15. www.brenthamclub.co.uk/fireworks-night- shops that start in the Gallery, followed by 5th-nov a studio session (11am and 2pm). WHAT’S ON LISTINGS LYRIC HAMMERSMITH 2 Oct ILLUMINATED ILLUSIONS ALFIE WHITE, SPACE EXPLORER Explore how Pissarro created an CONTINUE ON PAGE 16

14 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 15 CONTINUED W HA T ’S ON

For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then crea te your own. 1 0.30am- Autumn Confidence & Resilience Course 5pm, f or age 5 + Role Models’s Confidence & Resilience FREE A RT FUN-BA CK-P ACKS, Courses help children to present themselves effectively and react ACTIVITY CART AND ANIM AL BAGS positively to pressure. They teach Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, children to value collaboration and get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a imagination and to develop a robust approach to setbacks. gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in.

The courses include debating, public Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 speaking, team building and interview practice. Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun

Their half-term courses are from for children to create collages and pictures Oct 24-27th (10am-3pm) in Putney to take home. (SW15 6BH) and Chelsea (SW10 0AB) FOUN DLIN G MU SEUM for Years 3 & 4 and Years 5-7. Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity GE ORGIA N GIN GER BREAD [email protected] bag that has been developed especially 020 7164 6397 · www.rolemodels.me for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio pieces and turn them in to bad ges, neck - life by characters from the ship’s past. map and fabric cubes. laces, cu fflin ks or anything wearable. 1.45 Suitable for ages 3+ 30 Oct THE BIG DRAW: FROM LINES and 3.15pm fo r age 6 + Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring TO SHAPES, A JOURNEY THROUGH V&A M US EUM OF your little sailors along for songs, stories DRAWING Take a pencil on a journey to CHILDHOOD and playtime on board. 2-4pm for ages 4 create an abstract masterpiece, gathering WA LLACE COLLECTION E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/moc and under. inspiration from the golden age of steam W1U 3BN www.wa llac ecolle ction.org 15-16 Oct MAGICAL MUSEUM 1, 2 Oct FAMILY FUN WEEKEND and other modes of transport along the 24 Oct PAINTING SEA AND SKY FABULOUS FLEXAGONS: Inspired by way. Free, 11am and 2pm, all ages. SLE EP OVER After an evenin g of cr eative Learn the basic principles of composition the geodesic canopy around Cutty Sark, activ ities, a magical mu seum tra il and sto - and perspective by examining paintings this art workshop will explore geometric rytelling, you ’ll enjoy a special night’s by Rubens, Canaletto and Van de Velde patterns. Come along and draw, fold and NATIONAL PORTRAIT sleep in the c ompany of fairies, puppets, before creating your own 3D painting flex your triangle-inspired art work. GALLERY dolls an d tra ins. For ages 7-12. back in the studio. 10.30am-3.30pm, 11.30am and 2pm. WC2H OHE www.npg.org.uk 22, 25-27 Oct CHECKMATE: ages 10 -12 . 24-28 Oct SHE TELLS SEA TALES 16 Oct THE BIG DRAW FAMILY INTER ACTIVE TOUR FOR FAMIL IES 2 5 Oct BEA UTIFUL BUTTERFLIES FESTIVAL A Family Drawing Day The White Queen has gone missing from Listen to watery London tales, marvel at Look at the Wallace Collection's colourful exploring different styles of drawing from a chess set in the exhibition, Game daring voyages of fortune and enjoy sea Dutch still life paintings with flowers, fruit, figurative to abstraction and cubism, Plan… You are one of the game pieces ballads and shanties before setting your bugs and butterflies. Then create your inspired by Picasso Portraits. 11am-4pm. on a mission to find her hiding some - own story ship adrift on Old Father own gigantic butterfly painting to take 27 Oct VISUALISING PORTRAITS: where in the Museum. Take the chal - Thames. 11am-3.45pm, all ages. home. For ages 7-9, 10.30am and 2pm. LUC TUYMANS: GLASSES Discover this lenge, solve the mystery, and visit some Book ahead. Belgian artist’s portraits of people wearing of the Museum’s fascinating objects for 28 Oct DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: FULHAM PALACE glasses. Free. clues. 10.15am, 1.15 and 3.15pm for M INIA TURE TREASURE BOXES Some SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org ages 5+ of th e most beautiful pieces of French every Mon and Tues THE PALACE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS 24-30 Oct BOARD GAME FU N furniture are covered with brass and EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and W1J 0BD www.royalacademy.org.uk/ A week of board game fun, celebrating turtleshell, commonly known as ‘Boulle’ toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. events/category/family-event the opening of the new exhibition Game marquetry. Drop-in throughout the day £3 per child, which includes a drink and 16 Oct FAMILY STUDIO: MAKE: Plan: Board Games Rediscovered. to learn more about this famous technique healthy snack. SHIFT: DRAW Experimental drawing 11am-4pm. Drop-in, All ages. and then make your own miniature 6, 20, 23 Oct PALACE STORIES extravaganza, part of the Big Draw 24-28 Oct COLLAGE BOARD GAME treasure box inspired by what you have History of the palace brought to life in Festival. Free, drop-in 11am-3pm, for all WORKSHOP A surrealist-inspired fun seen. 10.30am for age 5+ Free, no need these tales of the characters who lived ages. 3D collage workshop, use unexpected to book. there. 2.30pm. Free, no booking 25, 27 Oct GALLERY WORKS: materials like clay, ping pong balls or golf 6 Nov THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in necessary. HALF TERM WORKSHOP Inspired by tees to create your own game pieces. drawing workshop for all ages and abili - 2 Oct MUSEUM DROP-IN A Roman the Abstract Expressionism exhibition, this 10.30am, 12 and 2.15pm, for age 7+ ties with artist Millie Nice. 1:30 - 4:30pm, themed day where you can try on period is a chance for families to explore the 24, 25, 28, 29 Oct DRAW AND all ages. costume, handle artefacts and learn about galleries and to create a collaborative art - DESIGN GAMES WORKSHOP Fun the history of Fulham Palace.2-3.30pm, work in response. 10.15am-1pm. workshops inspired by colourful board free. Booking essential, for age 5+ games designs. 10.15, 11.45am and 25 Oct BONES, BATS AND BUMPS 6 Nov FAMILY STUDIO: ABSTRACT 1.45, 3.15pm for age 5+ IN THE NIGHT WORKSHOP Uncover IN PRINT Hands-on print workshop. Free, 26, 27, 30 Oct STEPS AND LIZARDS DAYS OUT the secret nocturnal world of owls and drop-in, all ages. 11am-3pm. WORKSHOP Re-design one of the oldest bats during this session led by Brenna board games. 10.15 and 11.45am. For CUTTY SARK Boyle from Wild Capital. Examine bones, VICTORIA AND ALBERT ages 5+ SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk 26, 27, 30 Oct GAME PIECES Every weekend: CUTTY SARK WHAT’S ON LISTINGS Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES UPCYCLING WORKSHOP Browse CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear CONTINUE ON PAGE 18 Storytelling, interactive plays and dance. through a selection of beautiful game Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to

16 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 17 WHAT’S ON CONTINUED LYRIC HAMMERSMITH ALICE IN WONDERLAND skeletons and remains, take part in a From 5 Oct TINY EXPLORERS Discover ODDS FARM PARK quiz and test your knowledge of bat the stories of Kensington Palace in multi- HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk echolocation. 10am-3pm. sensory sessions for under 5’s on selected A fabulous day out at the farm! 30 Oct HALLOWE’EN CRAFTS AND Wednesdays and Saturdays. Meet the farmers and get close to the PUMPKIN PARADE Enjoy Hallowe’en A magical world of stories through music, animals in the hands-on area and in the FAMILY THEATRE themed crafts and face painting in movement, messy play and more. large undercover animal barns. There is a ARTS THEATRE Bishop's Park. Bring a pre-carved pumpkin 29 Oct MAKE HISTORY Get hands on massive adventure play area with a four WC2H 7JB and any musical instruments or noisy and make a different aspect of palace lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk objects to scare away the ghouls on a history each month, from gardening to area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, 22-30 Oct THE GIANT’S LOO ROLL pumpkin parade. 2-4pm. painting and chocolate making. For ages 7 swinging ropes and much more. Also a Look out for the biggest loo roll ever on – 11 at 11am, 12.30 and 2.30pm. special Toddler and Under 5’s areas. Plus, HAMPTON COURT PALACE stage in this giant of a children’s musical! win a Medal at Sheep Racing, board KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk KEW GARDENS The villagers living in the town below the Tractor and Trailer Rides, explore the sand selected Thurs and Sats in Mar: TW9 3AF www.kew.org Giant’s house had better watch out, that and water play area. TINY EXPLORERS Discover the Until 30 Oct THE HIVE Inspired by loo roll has gone bouncing down the hill 21-31 Oct HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL fascinating stories of Hampton Court scientific research into the health of bees, and straight towards them. Luckily, the AT ODDS FARM PARK Enjoy super-fun Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which this 17 metre installation is made from townsfolk find lots of uses for runaway loo puppet Shows, listen to creepy story time includes music, movement and messy play thousands of pieces of aluminium and paper. But what about the Giant himself - and make your very own spooky arts and for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. provides a unique experience which doesn’t he need any loo paper? crafts. Also, enter the twice-daily Fancy 31 Oct FAMILY GHOST TOURS changes constantly as orchestral sounds The townspeople have an answer for that, Dress Competition, meet the Halloween An evening walking tour hearing stories and LED lights respond to activity within too! entertainers and carve a pumpkin to take of ghostly apparitions and paranormal a real beehive. With a wildflower meadow home. activity at Hampton Court Palace. 6.30- leading the way to The Hive, it will be a BECK THEATRE 8pm for age 8+ truly immersive, multi-sensory experience THE LONDON WETLANDS UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk and will take visitors on a journey, CENTRE 23 Oct THE LION, THE WITCH AND KENSINGTON PALACE exploring the vital role of bees and other SW13 9WT http://wwt.org.uk THE WARDROBE Open the wardrobe doors, push through the fur coats and W8 4PX pollinators in feeding the planet. until 16 Oct (Sat and Sun) enter the wondrous land of Narnia. Meet www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Enjoy a pond dipping session to see what mini-beasts the adorable Mr Tumnus and his whimsi - are about and get creative with nature cal friends, as they team up with majestic crafts. lion Aslan to defeat the White Witch and 29, 30 Oct DINOSAUR DAYS save the land from her forces of evil. Discover more about these prehistoric wet - 25 Oct STEVE BACKSHALL’S WILD land superstars. See real dinosaur bones, WORLD Wildlife TV Presenter, adventurer, discover the link between birds, wetlands naturalist and children’s author, and dinosaurs, find fossils, check out the Steve Backshall, on tour of the real life dinosaur art and sculptures and lots more! expeditions that have inspired his books. The Dinosaur Society will also be holding This talk is suitable for wildlife enthusiasts walks and talks during the weekend. of all ages from eight to eighty. There will 10am - 5pm be extended Q and A’s. Please check before you head out to make sure that your CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Days Out event has not changed WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com after publication of your Booking until Dec 16 MATILDA Families West magazine... THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extra- ordinary powers.

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.u 1 Oct THE BOY WHO CLIMBED TO THE MOON From the book by David Almond. Some pretty odd ideas are floating around Paul’s street. There’s Mabel, whose brother hides under a brown paper bag. And Clarence the poo - dle who thinks he can fly.But Paul is the one with the oddest idea of all. He thinks that the moon is a big hole in the sky and he’s going to climb into it. For ages 5-11. 8 Oct THE UGLY DUCKLING What would you do if you hatched out of an egg only to discover you looked nothing like your family? This is the story of a little

18 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR October 2016 bird who sets off on an adventure to find PUPPET THEATRE BARGE weird and wonderful world of Nordic folk - THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE out who he is; is he just a different W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com tales. A family concert is inspired by WC2B 5J www.reallyuseful.com/ duckling, or maybe something else? 22-30 Oct THE THREE PIGS AND Sibelius. Throughout the morning free theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane For ages 4-10. THE WOLF PLUS CAPTAIN GRIMEY musical activities are taking place offering Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE 15 Oct CHICKEN LICKEN This one- The Three Pigs and The Wolf is a lively an interactive insight into the concert. CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl’s person show is a trilogy of classic tales show that breathes new life into these 25, 26, 29 Oct FAMILY GAMELAN deliciously dark tale of young Charlie from the Ladybird books - Chicken Licken, well-known characters, while Captain TASTER SESSION Bring the family to Bucket and the mysterious confectioner The Little Red Hen and The Fox and the Grimey is the dirtiest, most miserable, have a go at playing the Javanese game - Willy Wonka in a brand new musical Hen told with shadow and rod puppetry. one-legged sea captain in the world. It is lan. No previous musical experience is directed by Sam Mendes. For ages 3-8. not until the golden Dolphin befriends necessary - just a willingness to sit on the 2.30pm and 7.30pm. 22 Oct ALFIE WHITE, SPACE him, and helps him to see the error of floor, take off your shoes and have fun. EXPLORER Alfie White is crazy about his ways, that he becomes Captain Shiney For ages 6+ space - and his dad is training to be the and finds true happiness, in this first man on the moon. At least that’s humorous morality tale. For ages 3-8. what Alfie tells his schoolmates. In fact, his dad has disappeared without trace - RICHMOND THEATRE as if swallowed up by a black hole... TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/ Together with his best friend Meg, Alfie venues/richmond-theatre sets out on a daring mission to find his 14, 15 Oct STICK MAN An adaptation dad. But where on earth - or in space - is of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s he? For ages 5-9. hugely popular children’s book. Touching, 24-29 Oct ALICE IN WONDERLAND funny and utterly original, this award Carroll's Wonderland floods onto the stage winning production features a trio of top in a whirl of strange contraptions and actors and is packed full of puppetry, frantic characters. Everyone will find their songs, live music and funky moves. own moment of magic in Wonderland and For age 3+7.30pm. make it safely home again. For ages 4-11. SOUTHBANK CENTRE LYRIC THEATRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/ 3, 17, 24, 26, 28, 31 Oct DRAGON lyric-theatre www.tallstories.org.uk BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, Until 8 Jan 2017 THE GRUFFALO rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5. Everyone’s favourite furry monster roars 3 Oct GONG BABIES Join this relaxing back into the West End in celebration of music workshop aimed at new parents, his 15th anniversary on stage. Join Mouse carers and non-crawling babies. on a daring adventure through the deep An opportunity to immerse yourself and dark wood in search of a nut, meeting the baby in the meditative and mesmerising cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and chimes of the gamelan while meeting the party mad Snake on the way. Will the other new parents. story of the Gruffalo save Mouse from 7, 14, 21 Oct RUG RHYMES FOR ending up as dinner for these wily wood - THE UNDER FIVES A short session of land creatures? Armed with only a nut nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming sto - map and a little courage, Mouse must ries, and the opportunity to look at and outwit them all. After all, there's no such borrow books. Free but booking essential. thing as a Gruffalo - is there? Songs, 9 Oct FUNHARMONICS: TALES laughs and scary fun for children 3+. FROM THE NORTH Embark on a musical family adventure through the

Classes forF Brooyms a nBda Gbiyrls taog eBda 2 l1l/e2rtion a16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

October 2016 Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR 19 OCTOBER HALF TERM WORKSHOPS

KIDS EN CUISINE PERFORM DRAMA HYDE PARK EDUCATION CENTRE Cookery workshops at your home for a 24-26 Oct For ages 4-7, the theme this 25 Oct Wild Photography-For ages 8-11, small group of children on a playdate or half term is Aladdin. With enchanted a full day of of guided outdoor games for your child's birthday party. Children get lamps and wise-cracking genies, children and activities. Children will be taking to try new flavours and textures, use a will be transported to a faraway land full photographs of the wildlife in Hyde Park wide range of cooking equipment and of colour, magic and mystery and perform and using them for discussion.10am-3pm. develop their fine motor skills in the for an audience at the end. Venues: 26, 27 Oct Discovery Day - Hair-raising process. Florence Rebattet, who runs Kids Chiswick (St. Michael’s Hall, W4 3DY), Halloween. Halloween themed activities en cuisine is passionate about cooking Kensington (URC, W8 6BL). including exploring feely boxes in the and teaching children about delicious, [email protected] witches den, a hair-raising nature trail, KIDS EN CUISINE healthy food. She has a huge repertoire of 020 7255 9120 creating potions using herbs and plants Cookery Workshops recipes, all designed to make the children www.perform.org.uk/holidays and building a bat box. 11am-3pm. who are cooking them feel confident, www.supporttheroyalparks.org/ KIDS COOKERY SCHOOL successful and happy! EXPLORE LEARNING events/events_in_hyde_park 24-28 Oct Cookery workshops. [email protected] 27 Oct Free, fun and interactive maths For ages 3-14. www.kidsencuisine.com workshops covering concepts such as HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk shape (age 4-6), telling the time (age 7-8), 24-28 Oct Outdoor and creative activities

ROLE MODELS SPEC IAL word problems (age 9-11) and a trial using the park and wooded Wildlife Area. MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN session for ages 4-14 from 12-5pm. Sessions on minibeasts, bats, fungi and 25 Oct The Very Hungry Caterpillar EDUCATIONAL NEEDS CAMP 24-27 Oct SEN Holiday Camps for 6-12 www.explorelearning.co.uk hibernating animals for ages 5-10. Instrumental Workshop for ages 2-4, year olds in Southfields, SW London. 10am-12pm and 2-4pm, booking 11.15am. Recreate the story of the Structured, fun activities for mild-moderate CHICKENSHED KENSINGTON essential. 27 Oct- A drop-in afternoon of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with a range special needs. 9.30am-3.30pm, £60/day & CHELSEA outdoor seasonal themed activities in the of fabulous instruments including piano, +VAT. Discounted to £50/day +VAT if all 25 Oct One-hour family theatre workshop Nature Play Area. 12- 4pm, booking not percussion, ukulele, singing and many 4 days are booked. Council funding for ages 5-9. Free, booking required. necessary. 22 Oct- Apple Pressing. Learn more. available. 10am at North Kensington Library W11 about the importance and diversity of this www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk [email protected] 1PZ and 2pm at Westbourne Grove special fruit. There will be apple pressing Or call: 020 7164 6397 Church W11 2RW. and apple tasting plus games and crafts FUN WITH FIMO CLAY www.rolemodels.me [email protected] for the whole family to enjoy. Drop in 26, 31 Oct, 7 Nov Creative crafts sessions Or call 0207 351 9298 11am-4pm. for age 6+ in Acton www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk

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