CITY KIDS MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE 2020 by CITYKIDS

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR LONDON FAMILIES

FREE

THE

GREEN ISSUE

EDUCATION SPECIAL

SPRING 2020 Nº 24

ETHICAL CHOICES

How to be a green family

The schools striving for sustainability

BACK TO NATURE Books for mini activists

WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N EDUCATION DUCATION FASHION ASHION BOOKS OOKS ACTIVITIES CTIVITIES

Spring into Easter

4TH TO 19TH APRIL - SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Spring into Easter and strut & cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World! With Egg Hunts, Special Shows, Lambing & the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play!

T 01628 520 188 Open Daily 10.00am – 5.30pm Nr Beaconsﬁeld HP10 0LX (M40, J2)

oddsfarm.co.uk

WELCOME

can safely say this has been one of the most fun, and inspirational issues to put together. Apart from a handful of climate change deniers and Donald Trump, most of us realise we have to do something to save the planet. So, we’ve dedicated this issue to bring you all things green, ethical, environmentally sound and eco-friendly. Sophie Clowes takes a leaf out of Greta’s book and tells us about the small changes we can make at home to make a big difference to the environment (p10). We’ve ethical fashion (p12), food with a conscience (p18) and in Trips (p29) we take a look at holiday companies who take sustainability seriously. And being Spring, we focus on education and applaud the schools supporting their pupils who are driving the climate change agenda (p21). We start with a round-up of some of the things We Love which are also kind to the planet.

COVER IMAGE yporque.com

CONTACT

INDEX

editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353 citykidsmagazine @citykidswest citykidsmagazine To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk Editor & Owner Victoria Evans editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Digital Editor Morag Turner morag@citykidsmagazine.co.uk Designer Caroline Haye info@navalisdesign.com Contributors Beverley Turner Jo Pratt Eleonore Crompton Lianne Kolirin Nicola Wilson Erica Loi

GOING

GREEN 50

04 06 10

WE LOVE WHAT’S ON

FEATURE GOING GREEN

LITTLE COTTON CLOTHES

12 FASHION 16 BEVERLEY TURNER 27 INTERIORS 18 FOOD 21 EDUCATION 27 BOOKS 29 TRIPS 32 THE KNOWLEDGE 34 DIRECTORIES 50 WHO ARE..?

14 This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions of those expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or CITY KIDS LTD. © 2020 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. T 07770 370 353

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 03

WE LOVE

AMAZING ALPACA Did you know alpaca is one of the most sustainable fibres out there? So wrap up with one of these beautiful blankets, with that extra warm and cosy feeling.

tuwi.co.uk

W UNDERF UL

Sewn exclusively with reclaimed fabrics, these silk treasures are a must for any special occasion or just for that super item in your kids wardrobe to stand out from the crowd.

wunderlang.com

B O I L ER SUIT G O -TO Never would we have imagined that boiler-suits could be this mega (and the customisable badges!) We love the way House of Minimus also offers a repair service should you need it. Reduce, reuse and recycle is their motto after all.

houseofminimus.com

This eco special page has been lovingly curated by Erica Loi, small brand supporter at @thestarwhisperer 04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WE LOVE

FOREVER FORIVOR Your child will most certainly have sweet dreams under this organic bedding featuring handdrawn illustrations on each side. Every piece tells a different story, all inspired by nature.

forivor.com

KEEPSAKES Memories are unbeatable and with one of these handcrafted wooden boxes, you can treasure your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most desired possessions, forever.

fredandrobin.com

TOYS FOR RENT Fed up of the continuous toy shop haul? Us too. But with this great new rental subscription service, the whole household stays happy. Rent the toys, enjoy them, send them back.

toystou.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

March

WHAT’S ON

MATT HAIG: DARING TO BE YOURSELF

Bestselling author Matt Haig, author of Reasons To Stay Alive, talks about his latest children’s book, Evie and the Animals.

STORY TIME Kensington Palace hrp.org.uk

Bring your under-sevens to explore palace stories and get involved in the action with songs, rhymes and more.

From

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS Unicorn Theatre unicorntheatre.com

Using cameras, projector and props, Gulliver’s adventures with Yahoos, Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians and Houyhnhnms are vividly brought to life. 06 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

British Library bl.uk

RAVER TOTS

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Indigo at the O2 ravertots.co.uk

SSE Arena ssearena.co.uk

Throw shapes not toys as you and the family roll back the years at this indoor family rave festival.

You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this famous show packed with trick shots, comedy and audience interaction.

14 & 22

HOW TO BE A PHARAOH SLEEPOVER

ROMAN LONDON FAMILY WALK

British Museum britishmuseum.org

Museum of London museumoflondon.org.uk

Live like a pharaoh for the night, sleeping in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries surrounded by ancient kings and gods.

MOTHER’S WEEKEND FAMILY RAVE Fire & Lightbox bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk

Join the 2-4 hour party people for a family rave in honour of mums everywhere. Expect tunes, balloons and much more.

Go back 2,000 years and walk the streets of Roman Londinium on this interactive tour for families

27 to 29

LONDON BIKE SHOW ExCel thelondonbikeshow.co.uk

Back for 2020, this annual event promises a kids’ test track and balance bike cup competition, among many other attractions.

April From

WHAT’S ON

4 to 19

GRUFFALO ADVENTURES

EASTER DUCK QUEST

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London wbstudiotour.co.uk

Kew Gardens kew.org

WWT London Wetland Centre wwt.org.uk

Gruffalo Adventures plots a journey through Kew Gardens’ Arboretum where visitors encounter Fox, Owl and Snake on this interactive trail.

Get outdoors this Easter with the family and have fun finding giant yellow ducks hidden amongst their real life cousins.

7 to 11

7 to 8

Discover the secrets behind the costumes and props belonging to the most sinister of Hogwarts houses in this new event.

4 to 19

BILLY BROWN OF LONDON TOWN

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

A CELEBRATION OF SLYTHERIN

CHLOE AND COLOUR CATCHER

KIDZ BOP

Lyric Hammersmith lyric.co.uk

London Palladium kidzbop.co.uk

Billy Brown had a very important transport job 70 years ago… Seek him out on a fun-filled trail.

A magical show about bravery, self-expression and fighting for what your heart knows to be true for kids aged 4-7.

KIDZ BOP records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest hits sung by kids, for kids. Now see the US sensation live.

19 & 20

London Transport Museum ltmuseum.co.uk

SPRINGTIME AT FULHAM PALACE

FAMILY WEEKEND SADLER’S WELLS

Chelsea Physic Garden chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Fulham Palace fulhampalace.org

Sadler’s Wells sadlerswells.com

Bring your kids along to find out about the wonderful world of plants, then take something home to plant and nurture.

Bring spring to the palace this Easter by joining a seasonal family trail and loads of spring-themed activities.

Photo by Luke Waddington

A PASSION FOR PLANTS: BEGINNER’S GARDENING

London’s home of dance hosts a weekend packed with dance, screen printing, mask-making, puppets, origami and more. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

May 3

Until

MAY FAYRE

101 DALMATIANS

Saatchi Gallery tutankhamun-london.com

St Paul’s Church Garden alternativearts.com

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre openairtheatre.com

Punch and Judy ‘professors’ from around the world descend on Covent Garden for this annual get-together. Admission free.

Based on Dodie Smith’s iconic story set in Regent’s Park, this new musical featuring puppetry promises to be a gem.

23 to 25

Natural History Museum nhm.ac.uk

FOODIES FESTIVAL

FAMILY SUNDAY

Syon Park foodiesfestival.com

Royal Opera House roh.org.uk

This spectacular new exhibition will showcase creatures from the natural and mythical worlds, plus J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Returning for another bank holiday weekend, Foodies Festival will this year feature a kids cookery theatre and a slime challenge.

26 to 31

27 to 31

ZOG

Rose Theatre zoglive.com

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the smash-hit adaptation of Zog is back on tour. 08 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA Richmond Theatre ballet.org.uk

Everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story adapted for children aged three upwards. This narrated shortened version is a perfect introduction to ballet.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the wonder of the boy king before his priceless objects return to Egypt forever.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: WONDER OF NATURE

Credit Jeff Spicer @ Getty

From

TUTANKHAMUN

From

Photo Helen Maybanks

Colin © Hartswood Films © NedHutton Dyke-Coomes

Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh presented by Viking Cruises

WHAT’S ON

Discover more about opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House in fun-packed Sundays, ideal for all the family.

19 & 20 TITANIC LIVE

Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

Watch James Cameron’s classic on the big screen as James Horner’s timeless score is played live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents” The Daily Express (on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty)

The Peacock, London 9 – 18 April Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 25 – 26 April Churchill Theatre, Bromley 9 – 10 May Richmond Theatre 27 – 31 May

ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet Illustration: Mark Ruffle

FAMILY THEATRE

Every Sunday for ages 2–12 years in our riverside arts centre in Brentford.

Pigs & Bears Don‘t Come In Pairs

THE BEST IN

MORE INFORMATION & BOOK AT

watermans.org.uk

(60 miles from M25/M40 junction) CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 09

GOING

GREEN

We hear daily how small changes we make to our lifestyles can make a big difference to climate change. SOPHIE CLOWES investigates how we can all become more Greta.

ids are so wise these days. Climate change has been a ‘thing’ for decades but it took a teenager to call it a crisis and get the world to listen. When 15-year-old Greta Thunberg staged a school strike over climate change, she taught the world many things, not least that the accumulation of small acts can make a big difference. “Everything needs to change. And it has to start today.” This was the closing line of Greta’s impassioned TED talk on climate change in 2018. And at the World Economic Forum in Davos last year, in her famous “our house is on fire” speech, she opined, ‘The main solution is so simple that even a small child can understand it. We have to stop the emissions of greenhouse gases.” There is much to be done if we are to put planet before profit. While the outlook is depressing,

10 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

our efforts to redress the balance don’t need to be. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), we are under 10 years away from not being able to undo our mistakes. We must act now! Where and how do we start? By taking our children’s lead and implementing small changes in everything from food to fashion, toiletries to transport. As Greta said, “The science is clear and all we children are doing is acting on that united science.” Every company should use the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) as their basis for greater sustainability and equality. The 17 SDGs address global challenges relating to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. If everyone works together, we can begin to make a real and positive difference.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

CHOOSE to walk, run or cycle. Or use public transport. Or, if you must, car share

REDUCE air travel USE reusable bags, water bottles and coffee cups TAKE plastic bags to supermarket recycling points – used

responsibly, plastic bags can be recycled and reused many times over

TURN OFF unnecessary lights SWITCH to energy-efficient light bulbs CHANGE to a green energy supplier COLLECT rainwater for the garden USE your local library SET washing machines to the lowest temperature BUY washing powder in boxes LINE DRY laundry BUY bamboo loo roll. Try Don’t Give A Crap BUY your soap, shampoo and conditioner in bar form USE a glass bottle for washing-up liquid bought in bulk PREVENT draughts GROW your own herbs RETURN take-away plastic containers or take your own

dishes

RE-PURPOSE old cans and candles as vases, tealight holders or pen pots

FILL your house with plants to purify the air and increase happiness

FASHION

If threads are your thing, you are in luck: sustainability is the height of fashion and it’s a trend that is here to stay. The obvious suggestion is to refrain from buying new but, if you must, there is choice, from Gabriella Hearst’s ‘honest luxury’, to the admirable efforts being made by the likes of H&M and & Other Stories. We have to consider all the links in the chain, from eco materials to ethical factory practices, from compostable components to sustainable packaging and transport. Miranda Dunn, whose eponymous label makes vegan fur coats and sustainable dresses, suggests you should wear any item at least 30 times. Stylist Kat Farmer, @doesmybumlook40, reckons you should be able to think of at least three occasions and three

FEATURE different outfits to go with it to justify a purchase. While author Daisy Buchanan, @thedaisybee, celebrates, “rented splendour, vintage treasures, charity shop rummaging and finding new ways to shop the old”. Head to The Frugality site for stylist Alexandra Stedman’s words of wisdom. Or, Emma Watson, who has partnered with @thredUP to launch their new Fashion Footprint Calculator, which will tell you the carbon impact of your wardrobe. Check out eco-age.com, from the woman who threw down the challenge of turning the red carpet green, Livia Firth. If you are interested in renting clothes, try mywardrobehq, and for secondhand purchases head online to the likes of ebay or on foot to a charity shop.

Greta Thunberg - Photo by Anders Hellberg

Food

Photos by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Eco eating means consuming more plantbased foods, eschewing all plastic packaging, eating locally and seasonally and preventing waste. There are lots of box schemes, such as OddBox or Abel & Cole, that support farmers and small producers, as well as food-sharing apps such as Olio, Karma and Farmdrop, which ensure no food goes to waste.

KIDS

We have finally woken up to the horror of tides of plastic washing through our homes. Happily, many sustainable children’s initiatives are welcome money-savers. Here’s what we have learnt: • Washable nappies are initially expensive but many councils run schemes that help with the outlay • If you swap just one disposable for a washable every day, that’s 365 nappies not going to landfill in a year • The most eco solution is to potty-train your baby. Sit them over the loo or on

a potty after every feed. If a child is out of nappies day and night by two, that’s thousands of nappies saved from landfill and a saving of, at least, £800 per child • Use bamboo plates and bowls • Trade toys and clothes with friends • Research suggests we should be talking to our children about periods from the age of eight. Period pants are an expensive initial outlay but each pair lasts about two years and produces zero waste. Try Wuka or Flux.

Other tips include: • Milk delivered in glass bottles by Milk&More • Taking your own receptacles and shopping in bulk stores • Re-purposing water purifying charcoal tablets by keeping them in the fridge to stop them going mouldy • Ensuring your online grocery orders are delivered in paper bags. Try Ocado Zoom Let’s fill our houses with more love, more laughter and less stuff. And quickly. “Adults keep saying we owe it to young people to give them hope. But I don’t want your hope. I want you to act as if you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if the house was on fire, because it is.” Thank you, Greta, for raising the alarm. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11

FASHION

Oii

12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Swedish childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion brand, AlexandAlexa, has launched its own sustainable brand, Oii.

FASHION

It takes inspiration from GĂśteborgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different characteristics, its industrial heritage and fishing tradition.

AlexandAlexa.com

Oii makes its way into our Spring issue for its commitment to sustainability. The majority of the collection is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton and the brand is promoting a circular approach to consumption by encouraging its customers to take good care of the items and pass them on once outgrown. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

RIBB CAR ED ORG D I GA A N CH NIC CO from ARCOA TTON imps €19.99 L GREY -elfs .co.u k STEL LOG LA MCC O-S TRA ARTNEY P DU R NGA AINBOW £7 REE DRE harr 9.95 SS ods.c om

TAO & FRIENDS ORGANIC COTTON GREEN OWL SWEATSHIRT £37 alexandalexa.com

BOBO CHOSES AZURE BLUE ALL OVER ORANGES BLOOMERS £24 alexandalexa.com

HOITY TOITY MONTACUTE MINI CRINI HERITAGE PRINT SKIRT£135 hoity-toity.co.uk

GREY DAWA JUMPER from £44 tootsa.com

ETH I CAL!

DUNSTER DOTTILY DOTTY DOBBY DOT BLOUSE£85 hoity-toity.co.uk

LET’S GET

STYLE

It’s time to think before we shop and to opt for ethically and sustainably produced clothing and accessories that can be handed down. Here are some of our favourite brands putting kindness to the planet first…

FISH PRINT PADDED QUILTED JACKET £40.00 TRAVELLERS IN smallstories.co.uk CINAMMON £42 junioredition.com V-10 TRAINERS £71 smallable.com FISH PRINT JOGGERS £16 smallstories.co.uk FUB ORGANIC COTTON ROMPER £41 smallable.com STELLA MCCARTNEY FLORAL NECKLACE T-SHIRT £44.95 harrods.com

BLAH PRINT T-SHIRT ORGANIC COTTON £24.95 alexandalexa.com

ORGANIC RAINBOW APPLIQUE LS T-SHIRT £17.99 tobytiger.co.uk

SMALLS X OEUF NYC BEST LONG SLEEVE £59.99 smallsmerino.co.uk

HEVEA NATURE DUMMY £9 smallable.com

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance fashion editor, artist and blogger at themumdaytimes.com 14 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PALOMA DE LA O, BABY GIRL OVERALLS £16 kidswearcollective.com

WED 8 - SUN 19 APR

020 8174 0090 | rosetheatrekingston.org

2296-Easter-Ad-City-Kids-93x118-AW2.indd 1 DATES

Weekends & School Holidays LOCATIONS

Imperial College, Hampstead, Dulwich, Richmond & The City

BUILD+ _CODE CREATE_

COURSES

24/01/2020 10:37

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— Artificial Intelligence (NEW!) — Start Up A Tech Startup — Hollywood Special Effects (NEW!) — Creative Digital Design — Video Game Design — Python Coding & MORE!

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£50 OFF* Promo Code CITYKIDS

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EASTER WEEKEND TH TH

10 -13 APRIL

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE

FOR TICKETS

visit: dayoutwiththomas.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 15

BEVERLEY TURNER

TH E

EXPERIMENT

hey are the bane of every parent: screens. We love them and we hate them. I blame myself and the endless Christmas holidays, but my kids completely overdosed on iPads, TV and PCs during December. Busy preparing for Christmas, busy managing Christmas and busy recovering from Christmas, I was way too relaxed about recruiting the technology nanny to give myself breathing space. It can be no coincidence that once my three children were back at school in January their behaviour at home had deteriorated. The backchat was coming thick and fast; the inability to respond to an instruction first time had disappeared (it wasn’t great to start with...) and their attention span had reduced to that of a fleeting tic tock video. Enough was enough. They - and me - were going cold turkey. I knew that this was as much a punishment for me as it was for them. No more uninterrupted phone calls whilst they watched endless YouTube clips. Taking away their screens would mean much greater demands on my time, attention and patience but the screens had become a toxic, irritating and malevolent presence in our family life. Naturally, the news was met with mistrust and suspicion, “yeah right mum” uttered child two as she rolled her eyes, “you can’t do that.” Obviously, this was more of a challenge than a rebuttal, “Just watch me” I said as I scooped up iPads and iPods; hid remote controls and disconnected the family computer from the internet. This is the dieter’s equivalent of throwing the post-Christmas chocolate in the bin. However, a word of warning, make a note of where you have hidden everything as, like me, you run the risk of losing hundreds of pounds worth of equipment that you might spend the next six months looking for. Having learnt that valuable lesson on previous occasions, I secreted the precious

loot in memorable locations (on top of the kitchen units is a favourite) and waited for chaos to ensue. Which of course it did. “We’re boooreed! There’s nothing to do in this house! Everyone else’s house is fun! We hate you mummy! You’re so mean!” and other assorted ‘feedback’ was thrown my way for the next two hours and then something strange happened: the girls started to play - with each other - using their imaginations and, unexpectedly, very much enjoying themselves. They weren’t angelically doing jigsaws or drawing pie charts, but they were making up stories, writing scripts and performing dance routines. Every now and then, one would appear sloping their shoulders and dragging their feet to announce that they were booooorrrrreeeeed but I’d reply “Good, life is boring, go and find something to do.” And they did... On previous occasions I had allowed a little screen time, but this just ended up in endless negotiations and clock watching as they counted down the hours to getting the device back. Simply banning everything was, ironically, easier for me. And, I think, them. They are so enamoured by tech and the serotonin buzz of apps and games, that I imagine it must be rather like that wine craving we get at six o’clock (earlier in the summer). Knowing there’s a chilled bottle with your name on it in the fridge can make it hard to concentrate on

‘‘

... the screens

had become a toxic, irritating and malevolent presence in our family life.

16 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

anything else ( just me?) but, those who do dry January (I’m not one of them) report that it’s easier to switch off under a blanket ban. The kids might have hated me, but I knew I was doing them a favour. This was a weekend so the real test would come during the long, cold, dark evenings once homework was done and clubs were finished. I steeled myself for hours of whinging and pestering. But yet again, they surprised me, and I had to decide that the laundry, washing up and evening emails would have to wait. With pyjamas on earlier than usual, we dug out board games. Yes at times I found myself looking at my watch as my own concentration span and boredom threshold was tested but, there are too few parenting moments when your children seem to enjoy your company and it seems that sitting and playing Labyrinth in front of the fire is one of them. We laughed at how competitive child two is and the fact that child three would regularly upend the board as she reached for a glass of water, but blazing rows were avoided and although they did inevitably plead for later bedtimes there was less of a struggle than if I was tearing them away from some awful American children’s sitcom. The mornings were also calmer. Without the allure of YouTube downstairs, there was less of an incentive to leap out of bed at six thirty and after a week (yes, it took a whole week) their behaviour was incomparably better. When child two opened her mouth to answer back and the youngest interjected with “Don’t Kiki! We want our screens back.” I knew my experiment had worked. I reintroduced the screens with firmer restrictions which they accepted as a little screen time was better than none. And most importantly, they know I’m serious when I threaten to remove their digital-crack again.

BEVERLEY TURNER is the founder of The Happy Birth Club, ante-natal and post-natal classes in Chiswick.

INTERIORS

Ferm Living Leaf Cushion, £49 smallable.com

Le Toy Van Animal and Trees Puzzle, £24.96 amazon.co.uk

MADO x Soft Gallery Fly High Poster, £25 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

FLORA & FAUNA Let the outside in with gorgeous nature inspired prints and silhouettes to encourage a love of wildlife from an early age

by Eleonore Crompton

Limited Edition Green Eames Small Elephant Stool, £76 smallable.com

Giant Medusa Origami Lamp, £199 redcandy.co.uk

Nofred Leaf play mat, £79.95 scandiborn.co.uk

Papermint Leaf Wallpaper, £53 smallable.com

Done by Deer Tiny Tropics Cozy Nest, £79.95 scandiborn.co.uk

Garbo&Friends 150 x 210cm White Mimosa Adult SE Bed Set, £100 alexandalexa.com

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance fashion and interiors editor, artist and blogger at themumdaytimes.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 17

FOOD NEWS

Bites

STAY UP TO DATE

with the latest foodie news each issue.

GREEN PUB GRUB

The last thing you expect when it comes to pub grub, is plant-based bites. The Spread Eagle is London’s first vegan pub - all the way from fixtures to food. Flavour is not sacrificed for ethical eats; Club Mexicana serve up a smashing spread the whole family will love from nachos and cheeseburger quesadillas and pulled jackfruit tacos with epic ice cream sandwiches from Happy Endings. Head with the brood for a weekend bite bursting with colour and flavour. Homerton Hight Street, E9 6AS thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk

ETHICAL EATS

Hitting the shelves this Spring, Snackzilla not only have 40% less sugar than most biscuits but these chewy oat cookies are packaged in 100% virgin fibre paper so fully recyclable and compostable. Ideal for lunchboxes or teatime treats, Snackzilla’s handmade vanilla, raspberry and chocolate oat cookies are most definitely snacks with benefits! snackzilla.co.uk

BIODEGRADABLE PACKED LUNCHES Devised only last year, Little Eco

Eats offers biodegradable, compostable and fully recyclable lunch boxes for parties and school trips that can be delivered to you anywhere in London. Founders Lottie and Louise ensure there is zero waste and your little’uns parties can be plastic-free thanks to ideas like veggie sticks served in keep cups as well as yoghurt and juice jars. Oh and did we mention they offer epic grazing boards for parents filled cheese, charcuterie, pastries…and prosecco! littleecoeats.co.uk

Need to Know

EAT GOOD, DO GOOD

Mercato Metropolitano is London’s first sustainable community food market focused on revitalising neighbourhoods and protecting the environment. From pizza and pasta, gelato to gyros, families can feast on ‘Glocal’ dishes (global reach with a local focus) at their Elephant & Castle and Mayfair marketplaces. Notably, Mercato Metropolitano works with local schools to provide cookery classes for children to engage and educate young ones about

healthy eating and how food can be used to break down barriers. St Mark’s, North Audley Street 42 Newington Causeway mercatometropolitano.com

NICOLA WILSON is founder of Tiny Table - a fresh and exciting online guide dedicated to family-friendly dining in London and across the UK. She is also the driving force behind The Together Table, an initiative designed to change the conversation around loneliness and motherhood. tinytable.co.uk | IG @tinytableofficial | FB @tinytableofficial | TW @mytinytable 18 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Kit

SNACKTIME SAVIOURS

Hands up, how many of you have plastic containers of snacks rattling around in your bag for when hanger strikes? Save space and keep snacks fresh with Keep Leaf’s eco snack bags. Made from 100% cotton exterior with waterproof liner, these bright, fun bags are super for litter-less lunches and we also love that they’re washing machine friendly for when munch-time gets messy. Available at Plastic Freedom plasticfreedom.co.uk

FOOD BY JO PRATT

ince our last issue Jo has been awarded The Gourmand World Cookbook Award for The Flexible Pescatarian. She’s now busily finalising recipes for her next book out later this year focussed on family food. Here’s a little something she’s been testing.

“

ou can buy an amazing variety of granolas, but they tend to be pretty pricey and can be loaded with sugar. Making your own will not only be better for you but you can switch around what goes into it depending on your families likes and desires. Homemade granola may sound like it’s going to be hard work but believe me this really isn’t. You just need to stock up on a few basics next time you shop, and you’ll end up with a nice big jar full of healthy goodness, that you can dig straight into when you all get up. Drown it in chilled milk or yoghurt (dairy or plant based, anything goes), with fresh fruit, or why not even pack up a bagful for an on-the-go breakfast to nibble on. A word of warning – if you want to save this just for breakfast then do keep it out of reach of wandering hands, as it’s very tempting to pick at any time of the day. Enjoy!

COCOA GRANOLA

TIME TAKEN 1 hour 15 minutes including cooking MAKES 8-10 portions (vegan/gluten-free/dairy-free) 4 tbsp coconut oil, melted 4 tbsp maple syrup 2 ripe bananas, peeled

50g / 1 ¾ oz dates, stoned (ideally the plump sticky Medjool dates) 4 tbsp cocoa powder, sieved 2 tsp cinnamon pinch salt 250g/9oz porridge oats (gluten-free if required) 100g / 3 ½ oz pecan nuts, roughly chopped 75g/2 ½ oz dried cherries, raisins, sultanas or cranberries 50g / 1 ¾ oz coconut flakes 50g / 1 ¾ oz sunflower seeds 2 tbsp linseed/flaxseed

...that’s good for you!

• Pre-heat the oven to 140C/120C fan/275F/gas 1. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment. • Put the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas and dates, into a food processor and blend to a smooth puree. Transfer to a large bowl. • Add the remaining ingredients and mix well, making everything is coated in the banana puree mixture. • Tip onto the baking tray and loosely spread into a single layer. Place into the oven and cook for 1 hour, mixing the granola around every 15 minutes, breaking up any particularly large chunks. • After 1 hour the granola will still remain soft but will have a delicious toasted aroma and appear more golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. As it cools,

it will become crisp and crunchy. • Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to four weeks – though it’s highly unlikely you won’t have any left by then anyway!

FLEXIBLE...

NUT-FREE simply omit the pecan nuts and replace with some additional dried fruit such as banana chips, chopped figs, apricots or mango. EXTRA CHOCOLATEY stir 100g/3 ½ oz dark chocolate chips or chunks into the granola when it comes out of the oven. @cookwithjopratt jo-pratt.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

‘ I wanted my daughter to be somewhere where she could continue her academic successes, but in a warm and happy environment that’s fun and supportive, and ArtsEd was the answer.’ Parent

Igniting your child’s passion for performance

Co-Educational Day School & Sixth Form London, W4 1LY Find out more: artsed.co.uk @ArtsEdLondon

Ensure your child flourishes creatively and academically. Apply now for entry in Year 7 and Year 12.

Excellent

Our

y r e s Nur

Forest School | Montessori Trained Teachers | Highly Creative For more information and to arrange a tour of the nursery or the prep school, please contact admissions@stjamesprep.org.uk 0207 348 1793

20 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDUCATION

ST BENEDICT’S ECO CLUB DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Valentina Elner-Kupcha and Evan Hobson Head Girl and Head Boy (Year 13)

t Benedict’s is at the heart of Ealing, Queen of the Suburbs, where green space has always been valued by the community, and this mindset has helped us to propel our school into a future of sustainability and care for our local and global ecosystems. St Benedict’s has always promoted care for the environment, but last year students, teachers and the leadership team came together after acknowledging that major initiatives need to be put in place, and everyone needs to work together in order to have any hope of solving the climate crisis. Thus, a new environmental group made up of both students and teachers was formed, and regular meetings were set up with the headmaster, teachers and students in order to come up with ways in which we can actively contribute solutions from our school. It was made clear across the board that plastic waste is a big issue, with over one million marine animals dying every year due to poisoning or suffocation from plastic waste. Therefore, the school made some major changes, encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, with water fountains suited to filling bottles, with the hope of getting rid of all single use plastic bottles by Easter. Sixth formers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable coffee cups, with a new punch card system put in place in the cafe. We are encouraging everyone to live a sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle, with routines worked into school life, such as Walk To School Wednesdays and Vegan Tuesdays, which give both students and teachers the opportunity to try out vegan food. Pupils have also given well-researched presentations to the Headmaster, Bursar and senior team, proposing solar panels, becoming a paper-free school and planting more trees.

Combatting the harsh impacts of pollution, especially in an urban hub like London, through trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the biggest issues we’ve highlighted which depends on the actions of every individual. These have provided students with real experiences on how to live their lives in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Getting the message out is also really important, which is why we’ve used our strong relationship with our MP, Rupa Huq, to get our goals all the way to the top. So many students and teachers are very passionate about getting involved and

adding to this movement, and in terms of the school’s contribution, we have only just begun. Beginning to shift to 100% renewable energy sources over the next 12 months, adding motion sensor lights to every room, purchasing electric mini buses and completely eliminating all single-use plastic are just some of the ambitious goals which we are excited about working towards. The school has created an atmosphere of care and compassion towards our planet, and it is exciting to be a part of addressing, and hopefully solving, the climate crisis.

Committee meeting

Eco presentation Walk to school day

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info

Falcons Pre-Preparatory School Preparing for the 7+ and beyond

OPEN MORNING

Tuesday 28th April 9:00am-10:30am

Now taking registrations for Pre-Reception 2021

COURAGE | CURIOSITY | CARE 22 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 12428-APG-Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys-City Kids Half Page Ad.indd 2

Please contact admissions@falconsboys.co.uk 2 Burnaby Gardens, Chiswick, W4 3DT 020 8747 8393 | www.falconsboys.co.uk

17/02/2020 11:46

EDUCATION NEWS FRENSHAM HEIGHTS SCHOOL SENDS PETITION TO ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY DEMANDING URGENT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

THE MULBERRY HOUSE SCHOOL AWARDED GOLD

Students and staff at Frensham Heights School have sent a wide-ranging petition to the Environment Secretary demanding that he urge the Government to take specific actions on climate change. Luke and William post climate change letter In their letter they ask for Mr Eustace to consider 30 separate points ranging from making all delivery vans electric and reducing the cost of train travel to more tree-planting and funding drinking fountains to reduce plastic bottle use. The letter is signed by around 350 students and teachers at the school. The move follows talks by staff from different departments about the facts behind climate change – and exploring some of the solutions. Some students have now formed an environmental group called Eco Heights and aim to take a lead on making school life more sustainable. One of the first initiatives set in place by Frensham Heights is a commitment to offsetting international flights taken as part of school trips.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development of pupils at The Mulberry House School has been awarded the Gold SMSC Quality Mark by Young Citizens. Academic research has proven that SMSC Development contributes to raising academic standards and improving pupils’ life chances – ultimately creating stronger, more open-minded citizens that are deeply connected to their local communities and fully prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils at The Mulberry House School are encouraged to participate in Philosophy and Debating, join the Kindness Council, and attend regular yoga and mindfulness sessions.

ST JAMES GOES FOR GREEN FLAG STATUS

WOLDINGHAM SCHOOL’S ECO COMMITTEE DIGS DEEP Just before the Christmas break, members of Woldingham School’s Eco Committee – Alice, Claudia, Jing Qiao, Estelle, Mrs Clayton and Mr Ceska – planted four new trees on ‘Top Pitches’, Woldingham’s cricket and athletics ground. Ably assisted by Mr Sessions and Mr Woods from the grounds team, one tree was planted for each of Woldingham’s four Houses: a fagus sylvatica purpurea (copper/purple beech); a fagus sylvatica (green beech); a liquidambar styraciflua; and a sorbus aria lutescens. The tree planters were undaunted by the chilly day and the rain, in the spirit of Claudia’s comment: “It’s always a pleasure to do something which benefits our planet!” Woldingham’s Eco Club meets weekly and its door is always open to non-members who would like to share their ideas.

The Eco-committee at St James Prep has teamed up with St James Senior Girls School to educate the children, teacher and parents on environmental issues and to help the school achieve Green Flag Status. Green Flag is a seven-step process to becoming an Eco-School. Last term the school completed the second step which was to conduct an environmental review and this term the committee decided on three action points: 1. 2. 3.

Tree Planting - Eco Committee Members and Grounds Team

Reduction of plastic use and encouraging recycling Reduce waste Energy efficiency and conservation

The next step for the school is to create links between the school’s environmental activity and the curriculum. The objective is for the school to achieve Green Flag status by July 2020. Environmental education has always been an important part of life at St James – Nursery, Reception and Year 1 have regular trips to the forest for outdoor learning and the older children spend a weekend at an environmental centre in Hampshire. Closer to home, the children and parents plant trees in the local park and litter pick. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

EDUCATION NEWS FRANKIE THE FALCON TAKES FLIGHT The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys in Chiswick have a school mascot, Frankie the Falcon, whose mission is to take action to help the environment. Spurred on by Frankie, as well as supporting the Marine Conservation Society as their key charity, the boys have been exploring other ways that they can help to save the world around us. This term, Year 2 have been thinking about how the school is linked to the rainforest and what they can do to help protect this valuable resource. The rainforests seem far away and therefore it was a hard concept to think about in terms of what can be done at school to help preserve it. After learning about logging and what the wood is used for, the boys realised that the school had lots of wooden furniture and was also using a large amount of paper. The boys did a paper survey around the school to check whether there were any recycling bins and whether the classroom keeps old paper to use for scrap or drawing and whether there is any wasted paper in the room. The room with the worst results was the Photocopier Room and therefore that their TEACHERS were the worst for wasting paper! Thanks to an informative assembly given by the Year 2 boys, awareness has been raised within the school about this over usage of paper and as a result more consideration is being given to how paper is being used and if it can be recycled. Following the assembly, Liz McLaughlin, Head, commented that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the boys have really made us aware about how much paper we use, and

Durston House

A LeADInG LonDon PreP sCHooL

CHARACTER | CURIOSITY | CAPABILITY

Durston House, in Ealing, is a leading London prep school, for boys aged 4-13 years, which has a fine record of preparing boys for future success. Founded in 1886, Durston House continues to enjoy a strong reputation for academic, sporting and cultural excellence. Find out more by visiting our website, attending an Open Day or touring the school.

Call 020 8991 6530 Email info@durstonhouse.org

www.durstonhouse.org

24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

we have all started to think more about each piece of paper that we want to use and whether it is really necessary. By making these small adjustments we can all help to play our part in prolonging the life of our rainforests and the habitat of many endangered animals.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; For further information about the school or to book a private tour, please contact the school on 020 8747 8393 or admissions@falconsboys. co.uk. Their next Open Morning on Thursday 28th April from 9.00am to 10.30am.

St Benedictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S School a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

OPEN MORNINGS

SENIOR SCHOOL - TUESDAY 5TH MAY NURSERY & JUNIOR SCHOOL - THURSDAY 21ST MAY

View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk stbenedictsschool

stbenedicts

stbenedictsschool

EDUCATION

A GREENER ARTSED

major building project underway at ArtsEd is creating brand new dance studios, acting studios, classrooms and rehearsal spaces. These wonderful new facilities will be available for the use of the local community during the evenings and weekends, a great addition to Chiswick’s excellent cultural credentials. The new building has been designed with a low environmental impact in mind. Solar panels will be installed to take advantage of the flat roof, which will also feature an outdoor terrace, surrounded by bee and butterfly friendly planting. In addition to being a lovely place to admire the view, the roof is eco intelligent. A special lining absorbs rainwater and uses it to provide additional thermal insulation for the building. Effective insulation throughout the building, efficient heat pumps and a hybrid natural ventilation system will minimise energy usage and ensure an

excellent BREEAM rating (a sustainability assessment measure) for the new building. At the beginning of the project and to make room for construction, ArtsEd’s car park was taken over by four classroom portacabins. These are temporary but the disappearance of the car park isn’t! ArtsEd plans to turn this area, along the school’s Bath Road façade, into a welcoming green space to share with the local community. The environmental benefits will include an improvement in air quality from increasing the greenery on a busy road, plus a reduction in traffic pollution brought about by students and staff being encouraged to use greener ways of travelling. ArtsEd Sixth Form campaigner, Noga Levy-Rapoport is fully supported by ArtsEd in her work towards a greener future:

“ArtsEd has been immensely supportive of my environmental campaigning and of my work in organising the youth climate strikes, recognising the importance of youth self-enfranchisement and of political empowerment through fighting for a better, sustainable future.” Day-to-day efforts to be greener at ArtsEd include recycling points right across the school and a major reduction in plastic usage in the canteen and bar, with the aim to become completely plastic-free by the end of 2020. artsed.co.uk

PRINCES GARDENS PREP OPENS IN SEPTEMBER

rince’s Gardens is re-imagining what it means to go to school in the heart of London: delivering academic excellence in an enlightened and progressive learning environment, with a focus on wellbeing an essential foundation. Four Grade II listed townhouses on Princes Gardens are being transformed with a £10m+ investment, preserving many of their historic features while being turned into an outstanding space for modern education. But more than the facilities, this school is designed to nurture children with a global mindset and to have the resilience, creativity and curiosity to ensure happiness and success in our fast-changing world. Outdoor learning takes on a new significance here. Princes Gardens is on the doorstep of some of the world’s greatest museums and institutions including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and Royal Albert Hall. Nothing like the interminable school trips of old, from door to 26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

dinosaurs in five minutes and outer space in three via a safe traffic free route, Princes Gardens Prep teachers will be able to pop over the road to get inspiration from the world’s greatest minds, who will also be welcomed back into the classroom to continue the learning. The school puts as much emphasis on wellbeing as it does academic success which in practice means regular interaction through partnerships with the institutions around it. The school also offers more outside space than any of its central London neighbours, boasting a huge two-acre private garden at the rear. Not to mention additional access to Hyde Park only five minutes away and Cuffley Woods in Hertfordshire for

residential trips, bush craft and the like. In addition to the multi sports spaces on site, Imperial College, just next door, will provide further state of the art sports facilities. For more information: princesgardensprep.co.uk

In keeping with our special green issue, here’s my pick of books about nature, the environment and conservation.

BOOK REVIEW

by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Thomas Elliott (Caterpillar books) £5.99 Think your baby is too young for STEM? Think again. The Baby 101 series of board books has an educational angle that will leave you with a wry smile, but also lets curious fingers touch-and-trace the pages. Brightly coloured designs will keep young minds engaged and there’s a lift-the-flap feature on the final page.

LITTLE KIDS

PLANT AND GROW

GRETA AND THE GIANTS by Zoe Tucker and Zoe Persico (Frances Lincoln) £6.99

PLASTIC SUCKS! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Dougie Poynter (Macmillan) £9.99 Dougie Poynter (yes, from McFly) explains in a humorous way the history of plastic and the pros and cons of this controversial material. There’s also plenty of advice on how you can do you part to help save the planet and as Poynter has been leading a campaign on the reduction of single-use plastics, he’s well versed in the problems and solutions around plastic waste. Written in easily digested chunks with accessible tips, your child will become an eco-warrior by the end of the book.

HIDDEN PLANET by Ben Rothery (Ladybird)

It’s never too early to introduce young children to the idea of climate change, and this beautifully illustrated picture book based on how Greta Thunberg kicked off a global campaign is a good place to start. With the ‘giants’ cutting down the forests to make houses, and then making even bigger homes until there is no forest left, the poor animals turn to Greta to help save their habitat. In keeping with the ethical theme, this book is printed on recycled paper and a percentage goes to Greenpeace UK.

GUARDIANS OF THE PLANET by Clive Gifford and Jonathon Woodward (Buster Books) £12.99 This brilliant book (with an introduction by Brian Eno) is packed full of fascinating statistics top tips to make the planet ‘greener, safer and more sustainable.’ From turning down the thermostat by two degrees to growing your own veg, encouraging bees in your garden, to having a shorter shower (that’s got to be a bonus for most teenagers, no?) it’s all here in bite size information. All royalties go to ClientEarth.

If you have an animal lover in the family then this book is definitely one to treasure. Featuring the jaw-dropping illustrations by Ben Rothery, (who is one of Britain’s natural history artists) he has put together a beautiful collection of animals detailing their special abilities whilst highlighting some endangered animals and how they are affected by the loss of their homes due to man’s actions.

BIG KIDS

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

by SHARON JONES

WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD by Nicola Penfold (Stripes) £6.99 This futuristic and fast-paced story incorporates the themes of conservation and climate change. Juniper Greene lives in a city were nature has been banned. With just her and her younger brother Bear having survived a deadly disease, life inside is sterile with strict rules and corrupt officials. They long to escape, so when their lives are put at risk, they have no choice but to find break free and to find their home, however it’s not without peril. A page-turning and timely adventure which highlights the importance of nature.

ABOUT SHARON JONES: Wearer of clashing clothes and rainbow hair, but don't let that put you off. I eat, sleep and breathe children's books. CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

Illustrations © Alice McKinley 2020

‘Brimming with charm’ Benji Davies CREATOR OF

28 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK Billy and the MM_City Kids Half Pg.indd 1

27/01/2020 16:07:36

TRIPS

CONSCIOUS COASTAL GETAWAY

Explore some of the UK’s most beautiful and fascinating coastline with an ‘Awesome Earth Weekend’ at the Lulworth Estate in Dorset where the entire family can discover the history of this World Heritage Site and how it was formed 150 million years ago. The three-day break staying in one of the Estate’s picturesque self-catering cottages includes a guided earth history daytime walk to some of the Lulworth’s most famous geographical spots such as the breath-taking Durdle Door. lulworth.com

SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE To give your children an insight into the natural world that they will never forget, opt for a safari with leading conservation brand, Singita. Next to the Sweni River in South Africa, this private stunning game reserve is spread over 33,000-acres and offers an array of activities for youngsters of all ages: from walking safaris, game-drives, mountain biking, archery and even visits to the Singita Community Culinary School, which trains local members of the community in hospitality. On the Singita Mini Rangers’ course kids can work towards collecting badges earned for skills in tracking, fishing, birding, astronomy, botany and survival in the bush. This really is the ultimate family safari and a dream come true for young conservationists.

singita.com

SEE THE WORLD RESPONSIBLY

The ultimate eco-friendly family holidays by MORAG TURNER

Game Drive � Singita Grumeti Reserve � Ross Couper

ECO-LUXE responsibletravel.com If you are looking for a truly eco-friendly break, but don’t know where to start, then Responsible Travel are a great first port of call. Since 2001 they have been pioneers in authentic and sustainable holidays so have a vast amount of experience in creating amazing trips that literally ‘don’t cost the earth’. One of the company’s most impressive credentials is there commitment to helping others. At no extra cost they enable everyone who books with them to send a disadvantaged child or young person on an inspiring day

trip as 1% of Responsible Travel’s sales are given to their ‘Trip for a Trip’ scheme which has made a positive difference to over 3,500 children’s lives. With destinations all over the world, there are thousands of holidays to choose from, so whether you want to take the kids to a yurt in Spain, a cycling holiday in Norway, or a beach break in the Caribbean, Responsible Travel’s expert advisers will be able to plan every element of the trip – and ensure it is as environmentally friendly as possible.

For those eco-conscious travellers who also want a bit of luxury, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels may have just the thing. They have eight five-star hotels on the beautiful island of Mauritius, and all are an Earth Check Silver certified - the world’s leading scientific benchmark for travel & tourism. The company’s environmental and social policy statement contains 52 commitments to achieving the best sustainability practices and ensuring they behave responsibly. These include recycling, sourcing local, seasonal produce and food waste being recycled on local farms. Proving that five-star can also be sustainable.

beachcomber-hotels.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

CHARMED BY

COURMAYEUR

View from Skyway Monte Bianco

You’ve probably heard or been to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Cervinia and Sestriere, but what do you know about Courmayeur? VICTORIA EVANS visits one of the Alps’ best kept secrets

ituated on the sunnier side of Mont Blanc, at the northern end of the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is a traditional, small resort which has been welcoming mountain lovers since the 1800s. Despite ski lifts being commissioned from early in the twentieth century, it wasn’t until the completion of the Mont Blanc tunnel in 1965 that Courmayeur became a tourist destination. It’s also perhaps why it’s known as the Alps’ best kept secret. With over 100km of skiing both on and off piste and a multitude of on-slope dining options during the day and at night, Courmayeur ticks a lot of boxes, especially for families. At the heart of the town is Via Roma, completely pedestrianised and the perfect destination for a passagiata, apperitivo or gelato for the kids. It feels chic and you’ll see internationally recognised brands line the way, but if you wander off the main drag, you’ll also find local delis and boutiques.

HOTELS If you’re a family that loves a catered chalet, then Courmayeur won’t be for you. The option just doesn’t exist. However, there are hotels and self-catering chalets and apartments to suit every budget, and being Italy, children are most definitely welcome to make themselves at home wherever you stay. 30 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Just a short walk from Via Roma is the five star Le Massif where we were based. Complete with spa, outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, it also has a kids’ club for those times you may want a dinner date or they’re too young to ski. A room towards the top of the hotel will give you spectacular sunrise and sunset views. And if you really want to push the boat out, the penthouse suite is something to behold: mountain range views, lounge, freestanding bath with a view, plus a Dyson hairdryer. What more could you ask for?

FOOD Courmayeur is gaining a reputation for being the best ski resort in the world for foodies. Heston Blumenthal is known to holiday here, and as Italian food has been forever popular with kids, so mealtimes are immediately less stressful. Pizzas from wood-fired ovens with just the right amount of topping and crunchy base, fresh pasta with homemade sauces and grilled meats. If you like cheese you won’t be disappointed: Fontina is ever present. Try it as a fondue, as part of an antipasti plate or on a cheese board. For the ultimate holiday memory, head up the main cable car in the evening, grab a glass of prosecco as you step off, and then hop aboard a skidoo for an exhilarating ride to your restaurant. There are

EXPERIENCES On the edge of town, you’ll find the much-celebrated Skyway Monte Bianco, a cable car on steroids which takes you to 3466m, presenting a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the range which it surveys. After the 20-minute ride – each glass cable car rotates 360 degrees as it rises – you reach the halfway point. At The Pavillion you can stop for wine tasting at La Cave Mont Blanc, buy a souvenir or dine at the Alpino Buffet restaurant while admiring the view of Mont Blanc and Val Veny. But if you really want to climb to the top of the world, take the final car to the Punta Helbronner station and admire the 360-degree view from the circular terrace. If you’re carrying an injury, or simply fed up with hooligans on the piste, you can hire a guide who will take you snow shoeing in the back country, sharing an encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora, fauna and local history. There’s also cross-country skiing at Val Ferret for those looking for a challenge. Anyone who’s tried it will testify that it’s harder than it looks, especially on the thighs. For adrenaline junkies you’ll find the Fun Park at Dolonne plus snow biking and if you’re looking to pamper aching limbs head to the nearby thermal waters of Pré Saint Didier.

SKIING Courmayeur doesn’t provide a massive pisted area but there is variety. Beginners can be based at the Ski School at Plan Chécrouit as well as Pre de Pascal at the top of the Entrèves cable car. The Dolonne beginners’ area has moving carpets as well as a children’s play area, snow tubing and tobogganing. For intermediates, the red runs on the Runs on the Val Veny side

will be more challenging. Seek out the descent from Cresta Youla to Dolonne for 1400m of vertical. A ski guide is a great way for intermediates and experts to get the most out of the area. I can recommend Claude who not only gave me tips (god knows I need them) but also told us about the valley and the history of the area. There are also numerous heliskiing options across the Aosta Valley, and thanks to the Skyway Monte Bianco, you can reach the Vallée Blanche from Punta Helbronner. This opens up to 20km of high mountain off-piste with views of Chamonix thrown in. With two well-respected ski schools and the Società delle Guide Alpine di Courmayeur available for more experience guiding, there’s plenty to do. From the ski hire to the guides and instructors, all spoke very good English. At the end of a long lunch, or a hard day’s ski, the party will just be getting started at SuperG at Plan Chécrouit. And with the main lift running until midnight, no one’s in a hurry to get home. And nor was I. Spectacular scenery, wonderful food and fun skiing, Courmayeur charmed me and I’m hoping the rest of the family will feel the same when we return.

THE LOW DOWN FLY TO: Geneva or Turin HOTELS: Le Massif, Hotel Gran Baita FOOD: Buffet Alpino at Skyway Monte Bianco, La Chaumière, Chateau Branlant, Mont Frety, Maison Vieiile Refuge APRÈS: SuperG, ClubHaus 80’s, The Club, Caffe della Posta, La Bouche, Le Privé

Courmayeurmontblanc.it/en scuolascimontebianco.com scuolascicourmayeur.com guidecourmayeur.com

around seven restaurants open on the slopes in the evening, and this is an experience not to be missed. Food is also very reasonably priced meaning you don’t feel robbed at the end of a meal. Another big tick in Courmayeur’s favour.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

THE KNOWLEDGE

MY FIRST BALLET

Everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story is adapted for children aged three upwards thanks to performances by students of English National Ballet School. With a live narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet, and THE a fantastic family day KNOWLEDGE out. Since its creation in 2012, over 320,000 people have enjoyed our My First Ballet series. ballet.org.uk

All the inside info for you and your kids

POLKA THEATRE UPDATE

A SPOONFUL OF MEDICINE

Fans of children’s theatre will be thrilled to hear that the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is due to re-open its doors in November. Families can expect extra capacity for Early Years audiences, a newly expanded café, a centralised Clore Learning space with new expanded programme, a new multisensory garden and improved outdoor play area as well as their first onsite rehearsal studio. Polka Theatre first opened in 1979 as the first UK theatre dedicated exclusively to children since when they have entertained over 3.5 million visitors. Polkatheatre.com

YOUNGPLANET

Recently launched this new app helps parents keep kids’ stuff out of landfills, declutter their homes and curb the high cost of raising little ones. More than 75% of parents admit to throwing away toys and kids’ stuff that is in perfect working order, and the same percentage have a desire to be more sustainable. Parents can get and give all sorts on the platform, ranging from books and clothes to toys and childcare equipment such as bikes, play walls and play mats. YoungPlanet is free to download and start using right away. It’s currently available to families across London and will be expanding nationwide. Simply download it from Apple or IOS App Stores today. Youngplanet.com 32 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

MFB Cinderella Stepsisters STAR © Photography by ASH

Joining the festival scene this summer is Medicine held at Wasing in Berkshire. Hailed as a gathering for people and planet, Medicine is inviting friends to celebrate life, make new connections and ultimately help to fund the preservation of indigenous people across the planet. All profits will be given back to groups under threat to help them protect their land, traditions and wisdom. For families, expect navigation and treasure hunt workshops, music and performance as well as opportunities to meet and listen to incredible indigenous elders from across the world. Medicinefestival.com

SPRING INTO EASTER AT ODDS FARM PARK Daily from 4th to 19th April, Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park and prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World too – new for 2020! The egg-citing Egg Hunt and Trail will have you searching high and low to earn your sweet treat! Enjoy Special Shows with the Oddsocks Family, get creative with Spring-themed Arts, Crafts and Games and of course don’t forget to bring your wellies for the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play. Also new for 2020, hop aboard Marmalade’s Mini Rovers to take on the exciting new course! There will be plenty of new baby animals to meet too, with fluffy lambs, cute chicks,

THE KNOWLEDGE

cheeky kid goats and more. It’s a fantastic, full day of fun for the whole family! Discover the Giant Indoor Playbarn, award-winning Marmalade’s Tearoom, acres of Outdoor Adventure Play and a full programme of Animal Activities and Demonstrations, there’s simply so much to see and do. Odds Farm Park is located just minutes from Junction 2 of the M40, near Beaconsfield. For more information, including opening times and prices visitors should call 01628 520188 or visit oddsfarm.co.uk

COTSWOLD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

ECO-FRIENDLY PARTY INVITATIONS

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, near Burford in Oxfordshire will be hitting the half century mark this Easter. The Park was the brainchild of one man, John Heyworth, who wanted to rescue the decaying Manor House he grew up in. With the help of gardeners and keepers he turned a bramble-strewn wilderness into a beautiful zoological collection. Over the past five decades millions of visitors have enjoyed the beauty of nature at the Park. John’s son Reggie now runs the Park and continues his father’s work with over 260 different animal species situated in 120 acres of picturesque parkland. cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY CAMPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: CHELSEA, SW3 & SW10 • KENSINGTON, W8 IMPERIAL COLLEGE, SW7 • NOTTING HILL, W11 11 ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8 e

IS A PLACE TO LEARN, EXPERIMENT, EXPLORE & PLAY FROM 8-12 YEARS

s t es ub a eri Cl lso urs a n n ru s & ol ho

Inspired by David Attenborough’s One Planet, Seven Worlds, students on Cypher fun creativity & coding camps will learn to code and explore how technology can help endangered species. Kids will try to see like a bee, hear like a whale, fly like an eagle, swing like an orangutan… 30 March - 17 April 2020. cyphercoders.com

BIG SCIENCE ACADEMY

CYPHER CREATIVITY & CODING CAMPS

Let’s face it, we’re always looking for timesaving ideas, and this one comes with the feel-good factor too. Fundzzle is a free, online platform which enables party hosts to create and send a personalised invitation. The host can then choose a group gift or charity option which Fundzzle collates. It’s the brainchild of co-founder and CEO Catherine White: “I was inspired by my children, who wanted to help those in need and protect the environment. The idea is for people to be able to contribute towards one great gift, a charity or both. This then avoids unwanted presents and their wrapping ending up in landfill.” fundzzle.com

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 33

LONDON ALL BABIES & PRESCHOOLERS

jIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS

GYMBOREE

jigsaw-arts.co.uk

gymboreeclasses.co.uk

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

HARTBEEPS

LANGUAGES

SPORT

BILINGUAL BEATS

FOOTBALL

bilingualbeats.com

KIDDIKICKS

hartbeeps.co.uk

kiddikicks.co.uk

LATINO BAMBINO

CHINESE LEARNING CENTRE

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB

latinobambino.co.uk

chineselearningcentre.co.uk

thelittlefoxesclub.com

THE LITTLE GYM

CLUB PETIT PIERROT

SWIMMING

thelittlegym.eu/uk

clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

SWIMMING NATURE

MINI MOZART

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

minimozart.com

linkchineseacademy.co.uk

MONKEY MUSIC

TINY MULTILINGUISTS MONTESSORI

WATERBABIES

tinymultilinguistsmontessori.com

waterbabies.co.uk

LANGUAGES

S.T.E.A.M.

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB

BILINGUAL BEATS

CODE CLUB

bilingualbeats.com

codeclub.org.uk

CLUB PETIT PIERROT

MAMA CODES

clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

mama.codes

KIDSLINGO

MOTHER NATURE SCIENCE

kidslingo.co.uk

mnature.co.uk

ARTS ACADEMY

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

OKIDO

thelittlegym.eu/uk

JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS

arts-academy.co.uk

linkchineseacademy.co.uk

okido.com

SOUNDSTEPS MUSIC SCHOOL

OLÉ KIDS

SPORT

SWIMMING

jigsaw-arts.co.uk

olekids.com

FOOTBALL

swimmingnature.com

CHELSEA FC SOCCOER SCHOOLS

SWIMWAY

chelseasoccerschools.co.uk

TENNIS

KIDDIKICKS

WILL TO WIN

kiddikicks.co.uk

willtowin.co.uk

ART & CREATIVE

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB amandasactionclub.co.uk

BACH TO BABY THE CREATION STATION

bachtobaby.com

thecreationstation.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA

BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

DIDDI DANCE

CATERPILLAR MUSIC

diddidance.com

caterpillarmusic.com

FUNKY MOVES

DEBUTOTS

funkymoves.com

debutots.co.uk

swimmingnature.com

SWIMWAY swimway.co.uk

monkeymusic.co.uk

MUNCHKIN MUSIC munchkinmusic.co.uk

LITTLE & BIG KIDS DANCE & DRAMA

SPARKS sparks-ignite.com

STAGECOACH stagecoach.co.uk

THEATRETRAIN DRAMATIC DREAMS CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY

thelittlefoxesclub.com

wemakefootballers.com

theatretrain.co.uk

MUSIC

perform.org.uk

GYMNASTICS THE LITTLE GYM

soundstepsmusic.o.uk

COOKERY

PYJAMA DRAMA pyjadadrama.com

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk

dramaticdreams.com

PERFORM

WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS

NUMERACY KUMON

KIDDY COOK

kumon.co.uk

kiddycook.co.uk

MATHNASIUM

SWIMMING NATURE

swimway.co.uk

mathnasium.co.uk

CLUBS & HUBS CUCKOO HIBOU cuckoohibou.com Concept store and classes timetable SW6 4SW

CHILDREN’S WELLNESS CENTRE childrenswellnesscentre.co.uk Yoga, speech and language therapy, holiday workshops, after-school clubs W4 1RX 34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CUPCAKE MUM

MAGGIE & ROSE

PURPLE DRAGON

THE PARENTHOOD

cupcakefamilyclub.com Private members’ club with adult fitness classes with Slice Urban Fitness. Creche, soft-play and classes SW6 4TJ

maggieandrose.com Private members’ club with camps and classes for preschoolers. Chiswick club has a day nursery and soft play. W4 5UJ & W8 6NX

purpledragonplay.com Private members’ club providing childcare, workshops, soft play and activities. Café and food for kids and adults. Chelsea club has a pool. SW1W 8DP & SW15 2TR

theparenthood.co.uk Coffee shop with play area and classes for kids and parties. W4 2EF

EALING 135 GROUP

ORANGE LION CLUB

ealing135.org.uk Members club, family network & play groups

orangelionclub.co.uk Private members’ club from newborn-12yrs with quiet area, artisanal café, library, climbing frame and soft play SW18 1GG

W7 & W13

TAMESIS CLUB tamesisclub.co.uk Family social events TW11 9QY

THREE HOUSE FAMILY CLUB 3houseclub.com Club and classes for pregnant and new mums and kids 0-8 years. NW8 7AL

WEST

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS ART & CREATIVE

HOOLLABALOO

kitestudios.org W12 9RY THU FRI

hullabaloopuppetmusictheatre.co.uk Plough Inn W5 4XB TUE WED THU FRI The Duke of Kent W13 8DL MON

TIPPITOES

INNOVATION DANCE

tippitoes-ealing.co.uk Lammas Park Play Ctr W13 9QD TUE WED THU FRI SAT

innovationdancestudios.co.uk W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU SAT

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA)

KITE STUDIOS

thebuilditworkshop.com Chiswick Town Hall W4 4JN MON

CINEMA

pssa.co.uk Westside Community School W6 0LT SAT

BABES IN ARMS

SA DANCE

olympiccinema.co.uk SW13 9HL TUE

sa-dance.co.uk University of West London W5 5RF SAT

PARENTS & BABIES SCREENINGS watermans.org.uk Watermans TW8 0DS WED

DANCE & PERFORMANCE ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk Ruskin Hall W3 8PP TUE FRI

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk HA5 2LX

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Bayswater W2 • Brook Green W14 • Hammersmith W14 • Notting Hill W11 • Portobello Rd W11 • Westbourne Grove W11

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE

THE LITTLE DANCE ACADEMY

balletclasseslondon.co.uk W6 0SP WED SAT Victoria Hall W12 9HB THU

thelittledanceacademy.com The Corner House W6 7PD MON TUE Princess Victoria W8 6EB THU St Andrew’s Church W14 9SA FRI

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL  annadavydova.co.uk St. Andrews Church Ctr W5 2RS TUE

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk Ealing Green Church W5 5QT THU FRI

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com The Parent Hood W4 2EF WED All Saints Church Hall W5 3JH SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk The Hayloft W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

yourstagedrama.com St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JL SAT

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk Du Boisson Studios W12 8AR MON St Peters W11 3DB MON TUE

LANGUAGE ET PATATI PATATA etpatatipatata.com Thomas’s Academy SW6 4LY SAT

LE FRENCH PROGRAMME lefrenchprogramme.com Parsons Green Prep SW6 4LJ SAT

LITTLE HANDS BABY SIGN littlehandsbabysign.co.uk Ealing Quaker Meeting House W5 2SE WED Hanwell Methodist Church W7 1DJ THU Ealing Road Baptist Church TW8 0LS FRI

SPANISH FOR UNDER 5s lbhf.gov.uk Hammersmith Library W6 7AT WED

TODDLER STORY TIME SESSIONS  ccslibraries.com • Perivale Library UB6 7NT • Southall Library UB2 4BQ • Greenford Library UB6 9LG • Pitshanger Library W5 1RH THU • Northolt Library UB5 5AS • Jubilee Gardens Library UB1 2TJ FRI

MUSIC

West Ealing Library W13 9BT WED Ealing Central Library W5 5JY WED FRI Southall Library UB2 4BQ WED Greenford Library UB6 9LG WED • Hanwell Library W7 3HL • Perivale Library UB6 7NT • Jubilee Gardens Library UB1 2TJ • Northfields Library W5 4UA THU Northolt Library UB5 5AS FRI Wood End Library UB6 0EE FRI

SING & SIGN

BRIGHT STARS

soundgeneration.org.uk St Paul’s Church W13 9XW THU

brightstarsuk.com St Saviours W12 9LN FRI

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk Twyford Church of England School W3 9PP SAT

singandsign.com St Mary’s Ealing W5 5RH MON

STORY & RHYME TIME lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library W12 7BF MON TUE WED SAT Hammersmith Library W6 7AT TUE THU FRI Askew Rd Library W12 9AS TUE THU FRI Chiswick Library W4 2AB FRI

SOUND GENERATION EDUCATION

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.com W12 7LJ WED FRI

SCIENCE

KITE STUDIOS

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

kitestudios.org W12 9RY THU

littlehouseofscience.com Westbourne Grove Church W11 2RW MON

LUCY SPARKLES & FRIENDS BABY MUSIC

MAMA.CODES CHISWICK

lucysparkles.com Cupcake Family Club SW6 4TJ MON St Mary’s Church SW15 1SN WED

mama.codes The Children’s Wellness Centre W4 1RX FRI

PLAYGROUPS

MONKEY MUSIC

BUMPS & BABIES

monkeymusic.co.uk The Catholic Centre W4 2AE MON Holy Innocents Church W6 0UB WED Parkside Church SW14 8DU FRI

St Mary’s Church Hall W5 5RH TUE

GREAT AND SMALL STAY & PLAY St Paul’s Church W13 9XW WED

ACTION, SONGS & RHYMES St Paul’s Church W13 MON The Church of the Ascension, Hanger Hill THU

BABY BOUNCE & RHYME ccslibraries.com Northolt Leisure Centre Library UB5 4AB TUE

PANDEMONIUM

HANWELL PLAYGROUP

watermans.org.uk Watermans TW8 0DS WED

hanwellmethodist.info Methodist Church W7 1DJ WED

QUESTORS YOUNG MUSICIANS CLUB

LITTLE ANGELS

qymc.org Little Ealing Primary School W5 SAT

smaaa.org.uk W4 1TX WED

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35

WEST

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

NOAH’S ARK PLAYGROUP

ST NICHOLAS PLAYGROUP

stmaryshanwell.org.uk St Mary’s Church Hall W7 3QP MON

stnicholaschiswick.org W4 2PH MON

NORTHFIELDS PLAYGROUP

WEST LONDON TWINS CLUB

St Paul’s Church Hall W13 FRI

westlondontwonsclub.org St Stephen’s Church W13 8HB THU

PLAY CAFÉ stsimons.co.uk St Simon’s Church W14 0DA THU

QUACKERS PLAYGROUP stjohnandstjames.org.uk St James Church W13 9D MON

SNIPS PLAYGROUP stjohnandstjames.org.uk St John’s Church Cryp W13 9LA TUE THU

ST ANDREWS MOTHER & TODDLER GROUP St Andrew’s Church W5 2RS MON WED FRI

YOGA & MASSAGE BABY MASSAGE westlondonbabies.com Private venue, Chiswick MON TUE THU FRI

TODDLER YOGA WITH MEGAN Dorset Wharf W6 9HN THU

YOGA-MELA KIDS yoga-mela.com Children’s Wellness Centre W4 1RX MON

SPORTY

OXYGEN FREEJUMPING

WATERBABIES

ALBERT & FRIENDS CIRCUS SKILLS

oxygenfreejumping.co.uk Vision Ind Park W3 0AF DAILY

albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk St Alban’s Hall W6 8HJ SAT

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION

waterbabies.co.uk St Ann’s Schoo W7 3JP MON Castlebar School W13 0DH WED SAT

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk The Dukes Meadows Community Centre, W4 2RX FRI

FF4K MINI KICKERS footyfun4kidslondon.com Blondin Park SAT

LITTLE RUGBY littlerugby.co.uk  Hogarth Youth Ctr W4 2JR SUN

LONDON BABY SWIM londonbabyswim.co.uk Osterley Centre TW7 5EH MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

richmondgymnastics.co.uk TW9 4EL MON TUE WED THU FRI

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk Novotel London Brentford TW8 0GP MON TUE WED THU FRI

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/chiswick • W4 3AN • Westfield London W12 7GE DAILY

TWISTERS twisters.org.uk St John’s Church W13 9LA MON TUE WED FRI

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Chiswick House Grounds W4 2RP TUE THU SAT Will to Win Hyde Park W2 2UH MON TUE WED THU Lammas Park W13 9NJ MON TUE WED THU SAT Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ MON TUE WED THU SAT

YMCA ymcawestlondon.org Bouncy castle, Massage, Mini Movers, Baby Explorers, Baby Sensory, Gym Kids, Tinies Tumble and more W5 5RE MON TUE WED THU FRI

Outstanding Childcare For children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Fun is an essential ingredient at Devonshire Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

We would be delighted to show you around “Staff establish excellent relationships with children and their parents. Their warm, genuine care and nurturing approach help children settle quickly into the daily routines.” Ofsted inspection 2019, www.ofsted.gov.uk

Please call 020 8995 9538 or email devonshire.nursery@childbase.com Devonshire Day Nursery and Pre School, Bennett Street, Chiswick, London W4 2AH

Open 7.30am to 6.30pm www.childbasepartnership.com

36 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Orbital Arts in Acton

WEST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ADVENTURE

CLUBS, SCOUTS, BROWNIES

ARMY CADETS armycadets.com • 207 Hammersmith Det ACF (Royal Signals), W6 7DJ • 206 Chiswick Det ACF (Royal Signals, W6 0YD • 202 Acton Det ACF (Royal Engineers), W3 9EZ • Academy Det ACF (Grenadier Guards) • 203 Brentford Det ACF (RLC), W5 4BT • 204 White City DET ACF (Parachute Regiment) TA Centre, W12 7RW

1ST CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only

6TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church W4 4HH

7TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall W4 5LG

ART

11TH CHISWICK BROWNIES

BROOK GREEN ART CLASSES

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Michael’s Church W4 3DY

brookgreenart.com 8yrs+ term-time portfolio & scholarship preparation W6 7DT

6TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only

CRAFT CLUB

7TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS

lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library, W12 7BF

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall W4 5LG

ASKEW ROAD LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk 5yrs+ Arts & Crafts • 5-12yrs Chatterbooks termtime only • 5-10yrs Lego club • 5yrs+ Games Club once a month

HAMMERSMITH LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk • Homework Club • Poetry Club • Chatterbooks - once a month • Arts & Crafts Club • Art Club every two weeks • Code Club • Reading Support 5-10yrs • 5-11yrs French Club

SHEPHERDS BUSH lbhf.gov.uk • Homework Club term-time only • Craft Club term-time only • Storytime • Code Club • 5yrs+ French Club • Chatterbooks - monthly

MUSIC

IMAGINE ART CLUB imagineartclub.co.uk Art classes for 5-12yrs, guided museum visits for children Hanwell Community Centre W7 1PD

6TH CHISWICK GUIDES

KITE STUDIOS

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP

kitestudios.org 5yrs+ Wide range of art disciplines including GCSE & A-Level portfolios W12 9RY

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church W4 4HH

20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk Term-time only Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers The Ranch, W4 2QN

START STUDIOS

BROWNIES

startstudios.co.uk 6-13yrs in 2 groups. Basic principles of drawing Haven Green Baptist Church W5

stmellitushanwell.com 7-10yrs St Mellitus Church W7 3BA

CRAFT

LANGUAGES

CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk All ages, individual and group music lessons. Chiswick School W4 3UN

THE BAND PROJECT 07771 456 955 8-11yrs & 11yrs+ live performance and band-based course Arch 196 W6 0XT

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk 3yrs+ Term-time classes Twyford C of E High School, W3 9PP

CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB CERAMICS CAFÉ ceramicscafe.com W13 8AB

07708 227877 W6 0TH

ET PATATI PATATA FUN WITH FIMO CLAY clare.format.com Workshops on specific dates

etpatatipatata.com • Flora Gardens Primary School W6 • SW7 3DQ

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH lyric.co.uk • 9-13yrs Sonic Pi Coding • 7-12yrs ECCO First Steps • 14-25yrs Studio Sessions • 7-11yrs Keyboard Centre • 5-12yrs Little Singers W6 0QL

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.com Piano, guitar, violin, ukelele & percussion W12

MZ SINGING WORKSHOPS tabernaclew11.com The Tabernacle W11

PELICAN MUSIC pelican-music.co.uk Choir, instrumental tuition and performance. 8yrs+ St Stephen’s CE Primary W12

QUESTORS YOUNG MUSICIANS CLUB qymc.org Instrumental tuition and concerts Little Ealing Primary School W5

DANCE GALLERY dancegallery.co.uk Tap, street, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre St Stephen’s Church W13 8HB

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk 4yrs+ (2yrs ballet) RAD syllabus ballet and tap • Ealing Green Church W5 5QT • St Barnabus Millennium Hall

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk 4yrs+ Ballet, Tap & Modern; Gymnastics The Hayloft W4 1QZ

EALING STREET DANCE ACADEMY

NUMERACY

ealingstreetdance.com St Benedict’s School W5 2ES

NUMBERWORKSNWORDS

FUNKY MOVES DANCE

numberworksnwords.co.uk • W4 1SY • W13 0NP

funkymovesdance.com Street dance St John’s Church W11 2NN

PERFORMANCE

INNOVATION DANCE EALING

DANCE ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk After-school RAD Ballet • St Dunstan’s Hall W3 7AW • St Saviours Hall W12

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk 3-9yrs Ballet St. Andrews Church Centre W5 2RS

BARBARA SPEAK STAGE SCHOOL barbaraspeake.com • Ballet • Gymnastics & Singing • Streetdance, tap, drama singing W3 7EG

innovationdancestudios.co.uk 4yrs+ RAD syllabus ballet, tap, jazz, modern and street dance Innovation Dance Studio W5 1QX

LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH lyric.co.uk • 8-21yrs ZAD West Beginners Advanced • 11-21yrs Move it Mondays • 7- 21yrs (split age groups) Contemporary dance class • 5-10yrs Children’s ballet • 11-16yrs Dance West Youth Company

NEW ENGLISH BALLET THEATRE nebt.co.uk 5-10yrs Ballet for beginners taught by NEBT’s ballet mistress during term-time King St W6 0QL

BERRYMEDE DANCE SCHOOL 07771 905226 W3 8SN

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 37

WEST NEW DANCE VENTURES newdanceventures.com 8yrs+ contemporary dance Chiswick School W4 3UN

ORBITAL ARTS orbitalarts.co.uk Ruskin Hall W3 8PP

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET pleasingdance.com 2.5yrs+ RAD ballet Westside School W6

SA DANCE sa-dance.co.uk Ballet, modern, tap, jazz, contemporary and pilates. Classes for children & adults. • St Matthew’s Hall • Blossom & Bee W5 2EX • University of West London W5 5RF

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Bayswater W2 • Brook Green W14 • Hammersmith W14 • Notting Hill W11 • Portobello Rd W11 • Westbourne Grove W11

THE ELLIS BALLET veriteellis.wixsite.com/ the-ellis-ballet • St Mary’s Church Hall W7 3QP • North Hanwell Baptist Church Hall W7 1BW

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk 4yrs+ Ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics Wiltshire Lane HA5 2LX

THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET londonschoolofballet.co.uk 5yrs+ RAD and Cecchetti • Ealing Quaker Meeting House W5 2SE • St Martin’s Church Hall W3 9SQ

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Performance classes. IDTA accredited 38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LITTLE & BIG KIDS • The Parent Hood W4 2EF • All Saints Church Hall W5 3JH

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk 2½ yrs+ Ballet, tap, jazz, singing • Village Hall W12 8AP • Du Boisson Studios W12 8AR • St Peters W11 3DB • Portobello Court W11 2DL

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 4-6yrs Little Stage Academy 7-16yrs PSSA Stage Academy Westside Community School W6 0LT

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP QUESTORS questors.org.uk 5-18yrs Questors Youth Theatre W5 5BQ

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcawestlondon.org 4yrs+ Dance and ballet. Termtime 25 St. Mary’s Road W5 5RE

THEATRE ARTS ED artsed.co.uk 4-16yrs Weekly Skills Academy - fun and exciting musical theatre, drama and dance classes for students of all abilities. W4 1LY

ALLSORTS DRAMA allsortsdrama.com 4yrs+ Notting Hill Preparatory School W11 1QQ

BARBARA SPEAKE STAGE SCHOOL barbaraspeake.com 6yrs+ Drama and singing East Acton Lane W3 7EG

SCHOOL OF COMEDY schoolofcomedy.com 4-18yrs+ Stand-up, improvisation

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk 8+yrs Song writing • Arts Ed W4 1LY • Holy Trinity Church W6 7BL • The Tabernacle W11 2AY • St Dionis Church SW6 4UH

THEATRE STUDIO WEST

barnesmusicaltheatreclub.com 4-7yrs • St Osmunds Church Hall SW13 9RT 8-14yrs • Kitson Hall SW13 9HJ

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com Term-time musical theatre, ballet, modern, tap, street dance

HAYA thehuntacademy.co.uk 8-12yrs Youth Theatre with voice & speech training, audition technique, stage combat Brentford Free Church TW8 8DW

thebuilditworkshop.com After-school drop-off club Chiswick Town Hall W4 4JN

SPORT

ATHLETICS ST MARY’S RICHMOND AC smrac.org.uk 8yrs+ term-time St Mary’s University Running Track TW1 4SX

FOOTBALL CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL chelseafc.com/soccer-schools Barnes

EXCEL SPORTS SOCCER SCHOOL excelsports.info 4yrs+ • Kings House Sports Ground • University of Westminster Sports Ground W3 3UH

FOOTY FUN 4 KIDS footyfun4kidslondon.com 4-12yrs Saturday Morning Club Drop in • Kingsdown Methodist Church, W13 9PR • Blondin Park, Northfields • Walpole Park, Ealing

THAMES VALLEY HARRIERS thamesvalleyharriers.com 8yrs+ Linford Christie Centre W1

CLIMBING

FULHAM FC soccerschools.fulhamfc.com Boys & girls 3-14yrs SW6

marinamellor.co.uk 4yrs+ Priory Community Centre W3 8NY

CLIP N CLIMB

KEW PARK RANGERS

clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk SW6 2ER

YOURSTAGE DRAMA

WESTWAY CLIMBING

yourstagedrama.com 6-16yrs Dance & drama St Augustine’s Priory W5 2JL

everyoneactive.com 5yrs+ after-school sessions; 12yrs+ Westway Sport Centre W10 6RP

kewparkrangers.co.uk U4½-U8yrs • North Sheen Recreation Ground U9-U10yrs+ All girls’ teams • Christ’s School TW10 6HW U11–U15yrs • University of Westminster • North Sheen Recreation Ground, TW9 4HA

READING / STORYTELLING

CRICKET CHISWICK CC

WATERSTONES CHISWICK BARNES MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB

• 7-12yrs Robotics • 7-12yrs Mechatronics • 5-9yrs Maths • 8-14yrs Engineering • 7-14yrs Coding (Python) The Baden-Powell Hse SW7 5JS

waterstones.com/bookshops/ chiswick 5yrs+ storytelling

chiswickcc.org 6yrs+ W4 2SP

QPR SOCCER SCHOOL

CHISWICK & WHITTON CC

qprcommunitytrust.co.uk • Botwell Leisure Centre UB3 2HQ • PlayFootball W12 7RW

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

chiswickandwhitton.org 11yrs+ Whitton Park & Chiswick House

RAVENSCOURT PARK RANGERS

littlehouseofscience.com 4yrs+ Notting Hill & Kensington

COACHING CRICKET EXCELLENCE

SCIENCE / STEM

MINI ENGINEERS mini-engineers.com 5-11yrs Lego construction & coding • Marlborough Primary School SW3 3AP • St. Stephen’s Church W2 5QT

coachingcricketexcellence.co.uk 6yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre

k4academies.com 4yrs+ • Ravenscourt Park W6 0UL • Latymer Sports Ground W12 0HJ

EALING CRICKET CLUB

ROCKS LANE MULTI-SPORT CENTRE

ealingcc.co.uk 7yrs+ Girls and boys W5 2HS

rockslane.co.uk 4yrs+ Team training and matches W4

RICHER EDUCATION

INDIAN GYMKHANA

SHOOTING STARZ

richereducation.co.uk • 7-14yrs STEM • 4-11yrs Science

indiangymkhanaclub.co.uk Colts and girls 8yrs+ TW7 4NQ

shootingstarz.co.uk Football, netball, multi-skills clubs Club des Sports W3 7HB

WEST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS wemakefootballers.com 4yrs+ Chiswick School W4 3UN

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE sports.westway.org 4yrs+ classes and goalkeeper training W10

WILL TO WIN FOOTBALL willtowin.co.uk/junior-football 3-14 years. Drop-in sessions, camps & term-time courses • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

GYMASTICS & YOGA

Oxygen Freejumping W3 0AF

LET’S PLAY NETBALL THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/Chiswick 6yrs+ Beginners to advanced, aerials, gymnastics, dance, karate and tumbling • W4 3AN • Westfield London W12 7GE

twisters.org.uk Chiswick & Acton 4yrs+ Ballet & Gymnastics Acton Baptist Church Hall W3 8PP

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcastpaulsgroup.org 4yrs+ Gymnastics. Term-time St. James’ Church W13 9DL

MARTIAL ARTS CARLSON GRACIE

aerialand.com 5yrs+ Term-time aerial circus skills W6 0LT

carlsongracieteam.org.uk 7yrs+ Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kick-boxing W6 7HJ

ENNIS GYMNASTICS ACADEMY

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk 6yrs+ • St Michael’s Church, W4 3DZ • Dukes Meadows Community Hall W4 2RX • St Luke’s House TW9 3NP

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4yrs+ TW4 6DH

LUMI KIDS lumipoweryoga.com/little-lumis 5-11yrs W6 9JG

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com 4yrs+ Trampoline training • Reynolds Sports Centre • Osterley Sports and Athletics Centre

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk 4yrs+ Term-time TW9 4EL

OXYGEN SCHOOL OF TRAMPOLINING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk 6-11yrs; 12yrs+ Beginners & intermediates

letsplaynetball.co.uk 6yrs+ • Chiswick School W4 3UN • Westway Sports Centre

JANET ADEGOKE SWIMMING POOL better.org.uk Phoenix Fitness Centre W12

KENSINGTON LEISURE CENTRE

rockslane.co.uk Term-time junior netball league W4

grasshoppersrfc.com 4yrs+ training and matches TW7 5PN

better.org.uk W10

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM RFC

LAURA SEVENUS

WILL TO WIN NETBALL willtowin.co.uk/junior-netball Term-time courses & tournaments (School Years 3,4,5,6,7) • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

PARKOUR & FREERUNNING FOUCAN FREERUNNING ACADEMY foucan.com/ffa Beginners, intermediates, advanced 7yrs+ West London Free School W6 0LB

fulhamrugby.co.uk 5yrs+ training & matches Hurlingham Park SW6 3QR

LITTLE RUGBY littlerugby.co.uk 5-7yrs Mega rugby Hogarth Youth Centre W4 2JR

LONDON SCOTTISH londonscottish.com 5yrs+ training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground TW9

parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ & youth Freerunning, in & outdoor

RIDING EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.net 5yrs+ group & private lessons and pony days W5 3XD

KENSHUKAI KARATE

STAG LODGE RIDING

kenshukai.net • St Martin’s Church Hall W3 9SQ • The Church of the Ascension W5 3EB

ridinginlondon.com Group and private lessons and weekend pony club Richmond Park

RUGBY

PEEWEE KARATE

BARNES RFC

fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs • Scout Hall TW9 3QA • St Michael’s Community Centre SW13 0NX

barnesrfc.org term-time SW13

CHISWICK RFC JUNIORS chiswickrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ boys and girls Dukes Meadows W4 2SH

sevenus.com W4

NAUTILUS SWIMMING nautilusswimming.com • Latymer Upper School W6 9LR • Holland Park School W8 7AF

NEW CHISWICK POOL fusion-lifestyle.com W4

POOLS ON THE PARK springhealth.net/Richmond Old Deer Park TW9

LONDON WELSH londonwelshfc.com 5yrs+ minis, tag, touch Old Deer Park TW9 2AZ

PARKOUR GENERATIONS

Ilyeotaekwondo.com 5yrs+ Beginners welcome Russian Orthodox Church, W4 4ED

wlstkd.com 4yrs+ Fielding Primary School W13 9TE

ealingrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ all standards training and matches Trailfinders Sports Club W13 0DD

GRASSHOPPERS RFC

ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB

WLS TAEKWONDO

EALING RUGBY CLUB

ROCKS LANE HIGH 5

TWISTERS

AERIALAND

ennis-gymnastics.com 5-8yrs Rhythmic gymnastics Perivale Community Centre UB6 7NP

NETBALL

WASPS FC londonwelshfc.com 4yrs+ boys & girls coaching and matches Twyford Ave Sports Ground W3 9QA

SKATEBOARDING

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk • Richmond – Private Pool TW10 6EG • Petersham - Private Pool TW10 7AD • Chiswick – Roko Health Club Chiswick W4 3UH • Wimbledon Village – Private Pool SW19 5ES • Kingston – Private Pool KT2 5BD

BAYSIXTY6 baysixty6.com 7yrs+ beginners/intermediates W10

MYLITTLEBOARDERS mylittleboarders.co.uk 6yrs+ Beginner & Intermediate • Royal Oak Skate Park W2 5EJ • Westminster Academy W2 5EJ

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Novotel London Brentford TW8 0GP

SWIMFARM

SWIMMING

4strokeswimming.co.uk 4yrs+ term-time classes Westway Sports Centre W10 6RP

AQUATOTS BABY SWIMMING

TENNIS

aquatots.com Up to 6yrs term-time Chiswick

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE fusion-lifestyle.com 4yrs+ term-time group & individual classes TW8

CHRISTIAN GALLAN’S LOVE TENNIS love-tennis.co.uk • Chiswick Tennis Club W4 3EU • Hartswood Tennis Club W12 9NE • Westminster Sports Grounds W4 3UH

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

WEST

LITTLE & BIG KIDS

DUKES MEADOWS dukesmeadows.com 5yrs+ Term-time group, individual, beginner to elite. Indoor & outdoor

ONTHEBALL TENNIS WITH MAHMUDA ontheballtennis.co.uk 4yrs+ group, individual and camps Ravenscourt Park Tennis Courts W6 0UA

ROCKS LANE rockslane.co.uk 4yrs+ junior coaching

TEDDY TENNIS teddytennis.com 5yrs+ classes using music and pictures Chiswick, Hammersmith, Richmond

WATER SPORTS CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE rbkc.gov.uk 9yrs+ Kayaking, canoeing, raft building W10 5AY

CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT 12yrs+ Sailing & adventure training The Pier House W4 2UG

LONDON CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB lcsc.org.uk RYA accredited courses for beginners upwards Linden House W6 9TA

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

01372 378 901 Sailing courses for beginners Riverside Drive TW10 7RX

westway.org 4yrs+ mini tennis & pay and play

OTHER

WILL TO WIN TENNIS

QUEENS ICE SKATING & BOWLING CLUB

willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis Mini Red (5-8), Mini Orange (8-9), Mini Green (9-10), Yellow Ball (10+). Drop-in sessions, term-time courses, holiday camps, free tennis for juniors, individual coaching. • Chiswick House Gardens W4 2RP • Lammas Park W13 9NJ • Pitshanger Park W13 8DJ • Hyde Park W2 2UH

queensiceandbowl.co.uk 5yrs+ Group and individual lessons W2

SAXON FENCING CLUB saxonfencing.co.uk 14yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre W3 9PP

W4 LACROSSE CLUB info@w4lacrosse.com 11yrs+ Term-time only W4 2UH

Will to Win

40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CHISWICK HOUSE REGENT’S PARK HYDE PARK

EALING Lammas Park & Pitshanger Park

SOUTH

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS ART & CREATIVE THE BRIGHT EMPORIUM thebrightemporium.com 3-6yrs Drama, Storytime, Arts & Crafts, LEGO SW11 1SY SAT SUN

THE NATURE CENTRE naturescope.co.uk 2-4yrs Nature crafts and story time Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT FRI MONTHLY

CINEMA OLYMPIC CINEMA olympiccinema.co.uk SW13 9HL TUE WED

WATERMANS watermans.org.uk TW8 0DS SAT

CERAMICS HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS happypotterceramics.co.uk TW11 8RF

BUTTERFLY BALLET

REGAL BALLET

butterflyballet.co.uk 2½yrs+ Barnes TUE WED FRI SAT Clapham MON FRI Putney WED

regalballet.com 3 ½-4 ½yrs Sacred Heart School SW15 5NX TUE

Wimbledon MON

CLIFFORD STUDIOS cliffordstudios.co.uk 2½yrs+ Movement, Street Dance, Foundation for Ballet, Tap and Modern SW13 9HR MON TUE WED SAT

DAKOTA DANCE ACADEMY dakotadanceacademy.com 4yrs+ Ursuline Preparatory School SW20 8HR SAT

DANCE GROOVES dancegrooves.dance 2-6yrs Eddie Catz SW18 3NZ WED

SAMMY DUDER

4-8yrs The Half Moon Putney SW15 1EU WED

sammyduder.com Paint-your-own pottery SW11 6SD

ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY

MINI POTTERS minipotters.co.uk SW18 4HN

elizabethjamesdanceacademy.com 18mths-8yrs+ Richmond, Kew, St. Margarets

FANCY FOOTWORK POTTERY CAFÉ pottery-cafe.com SW11 6QB

DANCE BABY BALLET babyballet.com 6mths-4yrs Various venues in Twickenham, Wimbledon, Clapham, Balham DAILY

fancyfootwork.co.uk 18mths-7yrs+ St Luke’s Community Hall SW12 8RQ MON TUE WED 18mths-6yrs Fresh Ground London SW11 1EQ THU SAT

FUNKY MOVES

RICHMOND ACADEMY OF DANCE richmond.academy 2½yrs+ Ballet, tap, contemporary Oddfellows Hall TW9 2RT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WEST WIMBLEDON DANCE ACADEMY wwdance.co.uk 2 ½ yrs+ • St Matthew’s Church Hall SW20 0QN • St John’s Church Hall SW19 4NZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

LANGUAGE

CLAPHAM LIBRARY lambeth.gov.uk Mary Seacole Centre SW4 7DB Story Time TUE Sunday Sausages SUN

KEW LIBRARY richmond.gov.uk Tiny teddies songs and rhymes TW9 4HJ THU

BATTERSEA SPANISH SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BALLET southwestballet.co.uk 2½yrs+ RAD ballet Putney Leisure Centre SAT Putney Methodist Church MON THU The Garage Studio SAT

batterseaspanish.com 1-2-1 and 3-9yrs SW11 5QL SAT

KINGSTON LIBRARY

ECOLE CADET ROUSSELLE

Family Chatterbooks FIRST SAT

ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk 2yrs+ SE24 0BS TUE WED THU FRI

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com St Anne’s Church Hall SW18 2LR TUE WED FRI St Micheal & all Angels Church SW13 0NX WED St Matthews Church SW6 2TZ TUE

THE LONDON BALLET COMPANY SCHOOL thelondonballetcompany.com 3-5yrs Ballet Tots SW19 4UW SAT

THE LONDON DANCE ACADEMY thelondondanceacademy.com 2½yrs+ RAD ballet • Wilberforce Centre SW4 0QZ • St Thomas’s Church

THE SOUTH LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET thesouthlondonschoolofballet. com 2½yrs Herne Hill

funkymoves.com 4-6yrs YMCA SW19 1JN SAT

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

GOOD TOES SCHOOL OF BALLET

westminsterperformingarts.co.uk 3yrs+ W1P 2DG

FRENCH & SPANISH À LA CARTE frenchandspanishalacarte.co.uk 4yrs+ SW18

kingston.gov.uk KT1 2PS Baby and toddler Rhyme times MON

PUTNEY LIBRARY Baby Rhyme Time SW15 2DR MON

RICHMOND LIBRARY

4yrs+ SW3

richmond.gov.uk TW9 1QL Story time THU Tiny Teddies SECOND THU

LE CLUB TRICOLORE

SURBITON LIBRARY

leclubtricolore.co.uk 2 ½ yrs+ Broomwood Methodist Church Hall SW11 6BD WED

kingston.gov.uk Rhyme time KT6 6AG TUE EVERY THIRD SAT

HAPPY CHINESE LEARNING

TWICKENHAM LIBRARY LE PETIT CONSERVATOIRE

LIBRARIES

richmond.gov.uk TW1 3JT Tiny Teddies 2nd & 4rth FRI Story Time TUE

BATTERSEA LIBRARY

WIMBLEDON LIBRARY

better.org.uk SW11 1JB Baby Rhyme Time MON TUE Story Time MON Chess Club FRI

libraries.merton.gov.uk Rhyme time & Storytime SW19 7NB MON WED FORTNIGHTLY FRI

lepetitconservatoire.co.uk 3-10yrs Our Lady’s Hall Fulham

goodtoesballet.co.uk 2½yrs SW11 1EQ CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

SOUTH MUSIC BEE’S KNEES AT BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE bac.org.uk Indoor play, Monkey Music and Hartbeeps SW11 5 TN DAILY

BEA’S BABY MUSIC SCHOOL babymusic.co.uk Putney Leisure Centre SW15 1BL WED

FRUITY TUNES fruitytunes.net Balham Baptist Church SW12 8QX MON TUE St. Vincent de Paul SW11 1JJ THU FRI St Barnabas Southfields SW18 WED

Trinity Road Chapel SW17 7HW FRI SW19 4AA THU

MUSICAL EXPRESS musicalexpress.co.uk 9mths+ Southfields, Colliers Wood, Wimbledon, Earlsfield

THE LITTLE LONDON MUSIC SCHOOL thelittlelondonmusicschool.com 6mths+ St George’s Church TUE THU FRI St Columba’s Church MON WED THU Cuckoo Hibou, Fulham TUE WED

TIN PAN ANNIE MUSIC

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS KARATE

TENNIS

PEEWEE KARATE

ALLSTAR TENNIS

fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs St Barnabas’ Church SW4 3QA THU

allstartennis.co.uk 3-12yrs+ • King Georges Park SW18 2GJ • Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT

Scout Hall TW9 3QA MON St Michael’s Community SW13 0NX MON

SWIMMING ANGEL SWIM LONDON angelswim.london 4wks • Park Walk Primary School SW10 0AY • Alderbrook Primary School SW12 8PP

BABY SWIMMING COMPANY

greenwichmusicschool.org.uk 0-3yrs Charlton House MON

tinpanannie.co.uk Musical interaction and dancing MON TUE WED THU FRI St Luke’s Community Hall SW12 8RQ MON St Barnabas’ Church SW12 8RQ TUE WED THU FRI

Mycenae House THU

WHIPPERSNAPPERS

DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL

whippersnappers.org 0–5yrs • Brockwell Lido • Dulwich Park MON TUE WED THU FRI

dolphinswimschools.co.uk 3mths+ Wimbledon College SW19 4NS

GREENWICH EARLY YEARS MUSIC

JOJINGLES jojingles.com KT1 2NJ WED Teddington Baptist Church TW11 8PF THU Holy Trinity Church TW2 5TS MON The Scout Hut KT6 5NT MON Surbiton Library Halls KT6 6AG WED Tolworth United Reform Church KT5 9JR FRI

MINI CROTCHETS minicrotchets.co.uk Traditional nursery rhymes, puppets, instruments SW12 0JB

MINI MOZART minimozart.com Classical music classes Fresh Ground SW11 1EQ MON

42 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SPORT

FOOTBALL KEW PARK RANGERS kewparkrangers.co.uk 18mths-4yrs North Sheen Recreational Ground TW9 4LB

GYMNASTICS RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION richmondgymnastics.co.uk TW9 4EL MON TUE WED THU FRI

TJ’S GYMNASTIC CLUB tjsgymclub.co.uk 6–12mths+ SW19 8LD

thebabyswimmingcompany.co.uk 8wks–18mths • SM4 4AW • SW17 7RE

CHELSEA SWIM SPA chelseaswimspa.co.uk SW10 0NW

LITTLE DIPPERS littledippers.co.uk • Royal Hospital Chelsea SW3 4SR • Darwin Court Healthy Living Centre SE17

SWIM EXPERT swimexpert.co.uk 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Kew, Richmond, Brentford, Twickenham

TRAMPOLINE FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH flipout.co.uk Toddlers classes, trampolines and U5’s dedicated area with jungle gym Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

THEATRE POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk Swaffield Primary School SW18 2SA SAT

STEP ON STAGE steponstageacadmy.co.uk Performing arts, LAMDA VarIous venues in Twickenham

YOGA & MASSAGE BUSY LIZZY busylizzywimbledon.co.uk Mum and baby postnatal fitness classes SW19 4HE WED FRI SW19 4AA MON TUE South Park Gardens SW19 8QW

THE PUTNEY CLINIC OF PHYSICAL THERAPY putneyclinic.co.uk Mummy and Baby Yoga, Baby Massage SW15 6TQ MON

YOGA MAMA WELLNESS yogamamawellness.com Mummy & Me Yoga, Baby Massage SW15 6TQ MON

SOUTH

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ADVENTURE

SAMMY DUDER

KEW LIBRARY

STRINGNOTE ACADEMY

FUNKY MOVES

richmond.gov.uk

ARMY CADETS

sammyduder.com Paint-your-own pottery SW11 6SD

stringnote.com Individual piano lessons with singing from age 4 SW15

armycadets.com • ACF Centre SW18 4JG • SW11 3HN • Army Recruiting Centre SW18 5JX • ACF Centre SW15 2EZ

ART & CREATIVE ARTY PARTY artyparty.co.uk Fun fine art in creative workshops, after school clubs • The Kalos Centre SW12 8JL • St. Paul’s Church Hall SW4 0DX • The Romany Scout Hut SW18 3LG • The Lecture Hall SW19 4QD

CHELSEA FINE ARTS chelseafinearts.co.uk Art studio, creative space, 8-18yrs SW10 0QJ

minipotters.co.uk SW18 4HN

kingston.gov.uk Family Chatterbooks KT1 2PS

SWS SCHOOL OF MUSIC swsmusic.co.uk

funkymoves.com 7-12yrs • YMCA, SW19 1JN • St Michaels Church SW13 0NX • Balham Leisure Centre SW17 8AN

PLAY WITH CLAY

PUTNEY LIBRARY

play-with-clay.com 6yrs+ Streatham & Clapham High School SW16 1AW

better.org.uk

Instruments, song writing, composition, drama SW18 4QB

KAREN HARDY DANCE STUDIOS

TW9 4HJ

KINGSTON LIBRARY MINI POTTERS

POTTERY CAFÉ pottery-cafe.com SW11 6QB

SHIRLEY STEWART’S POTTERY COURSES shirleystewart.co.uk 5yrs+ Art House SE14 6PD

CODING

SW15 2DR

RICHMOND LIBRARY

GEEKY KIDS

dove-studios.com 5yrs+ SW3 6JZ

geekykids.co.uk 6-16yrs • Lantern Arts Centre, SW20 8RA • ETNA Centre TW1 2AR

LAVENDER LEONARDOS lavenderleonardos.art 5-15yrs Children’s art school Battersea Business Centre, SW11 5QL

MIRA’S ART CLASSES mira.artclasses@gmail.com 5-18yrs SW6

worldheartbeat.org SW18 4PP

KEW ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

NUMERACY

kewacademydance.co.uk 2½yrs+ Dance, LAMDA United Church TW19 2 DX

SURBITON LIBRARY

BRAIN BUILDERS

kingston.gov.uk • 5-18yrs, SWAP cardgaming • 8-11yrs, Word Wizards Creative Writing KT6 6AG

brainbuilders.co.uk Math tutors and clubs SW London

SEW PRETTY sewpretty.me.uk SW19 6PE

thecrafthouseuk.com 7yrs+ Art, craft, sewing clubs and workshops SW14 8QR

CERAMICS CLAPHAM POTTERY claphampottery.co.uk 6yrs+ SW4 0DZ

BATTERSEA SPANISH

MUSIC

batterseaspanish.com 1-2-1 and 3-9yrs, GCSE Tuition SW11 5QL

CHERRY PIE MUSIC

bilingualbeats.com Spanish St Luke’s Church SW10 9HF

ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk 4yrs+ SE24 0B

LIBRARIES

happypotterceramics.co.uk TW11 8RF

cherrypiemusic.co.uk Music and vocal tuition SW19 1LT

GOLDBERG MUSIC goldberg-music.co.uk Guitar lessons • TW1 2AR • TW9 1AF

KINGSTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC kingstonmusicschool.com KT6 5PN

BATTERSEA LIBRARY better.org.uk

LAMBETH MUSIC SERVICE

Chess Club, beginners welcome SW11 1JB

lambethmusic.co.uk Instrument and vocal Clapham Park Centre SW2 4JW

CLAPHAM LIBRARY lambeth.gov.uk

HAPPY POTTER CERAMICS

WIMBLEDON LIBRARY

LANGUAGE

ECOLE CADET ROUSSELLE THE CRAFT HOUSE

richmond.gov.uk Chatterbooks TW1 3JT

libraries.merton.gov.uk 7-11yrs, One-to-one reading SW19 7NB

BILINGUAL BEATS

Homework help, 7-11yrs Code Club Mary Seacole Centre SW4 7DB

karenhardystudios.com Imperial Wharf SW6 2UB

richmond.gov.uk • 7-17yrs, CoderDojo • 8-10yrs, Chatterbooks TW9 1QL

TWICKENHAM LIBRARY DOVE STUDIOS

WORLD HEART BEAT MUSIC ACADEMY

PERFORMANCE

DANCE

THE BALLET SCHOOL theballetschoollondon.com • Barnes SW13 • Fulham SW6 • Wandsworth SW18

ARCH 197 DANCE STUDIO

THE LONDON BALLET COMPANY SCHOOL

arch197.com 4-11yrs+ Ballet, Break Dance and Street Dance Isleworth Public Hall, TW7 7BG

thelondonballetcompany.com 6yrs+ Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Stretch SW19 4UW

BUTTERFLY BALLET

THE LONDON DANCE ACADEMY

butterflyballet.co.uk 6-10yrs+ Barnes, Clapham, Putney, Wimbledon

thelondondanceacademy.com RAD ballet • Wilberforce Centre SW4 0QZ • St Thomas’s Church

DAKOTA DANCE ACADEMY dakotadanceacademy.com 6-13yrs Ursuline Preparatory School, SW20 8HR

REGAL BALLET regalballet.com St Marks Church SW19 7ND

DANCE GROOVES

RICHMOND ACADEMY OF DANCE

dancegrooves.dance 6-17yrs St Mary’s Church, SW15 1SN

richmond.academy 6yrs+ Ballet, tap, contemporary Oddfellows Hall TW9 2RT

ELIZABETH JAMES DANCE ACADEMY

WEST WIMBLEDON DANCE ACADEMY

elizabethjamesdanceacademy.com 18mths-8yrs+ Richmond, Kew, St. Margarets

wwdance.co.uk 6-16yrs • St. Matthew’s Church Hall SW20 0QN • St. John’s Church Hall SW19 4NZ

FANCY FOOTWORK fancyfootwork.co.uk Ballet Rad 3-Advanced • Oak Lodge SW12 8NA • Fresh Ground London SW11 1EQ

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

SOUTH DRAMA BARNES MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB barnesmucialtheatreclub.com • 4-7yrs Junior Club St Osmunds Church Hall SW13 9RT • 8-14yrs Senior Club Kitson Hall SW13 9HJ

OMNIBUS THEATRE omnibus-clapham.org 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs, 11-16yrs Performance skills and theatre techniques SW4 0QW

LITTLE & BIG KIDS SURREY CRICKET

THE RIDING CLUB

vauxwest.co.uk All ages SW8 1SR

prideoflions.co.uk U8–U12yrs Various S London venues

RidingLondon.com SW19 7QA

CLAPHAM COMMON SKATEPARK & STOCKWELL SKATEPARK

WHITE SPIDER CLIMBING

TWICKENHAM CC

WIMBLEDON VILLAGE STABLES

londonskateparks.co.uk King George’s Park SW18 4NY

spiderclimbing.com KT6 7LD

twickenhamcc.net 5yrs+ The Green Twickenham CC, TW2 5TU

WVStables.com SW19 5DX

RUGBY

WIMBLEDON PARK SPORTS CENTRE merton.gov.uk Climbing, orienteering SW19 7HX

CRICKET

FOOTBALL CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL chelseafc.com/soccer-schools Barnes

ALL STARS CRICKET POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 7-16yrs Acting, singing, dancing performance Swaffield Primary School SW18 2SA

ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars 5-8yrs, boys and girls Various venues

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY youngfilmacademy.co.uk Young filmmakers club Putney

SCIENCE MINI ENGINEERS mini-engineers.com 5-8yrs Mansel Centre Trinity Church SW19 4AA

SPORT

ATHLETICS ST MARY’S RICHMOND AC smrac.org.uk 8yrs+ term-time St Mary’s University Running Track TW1 4SX

SOUTH LONDON HARRIERS southlondonharriers.org 8yrs+

CLIMBING THE CLIMBING HANGAR theclimbinghangar.com 5yrs+ Parson Green Depot SW6 4HH

44 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

KEW PARK RANGERS

barnescc.co.uk 6-15yrs, girls and boys Barnes Sports Club SW13 9QL

kewparkrangers.co.uk Mixed U4-U7 • U8-U13 Girls North Sheen Recreational Ground, TW9 4LB • U8-U18 Boys Various venues, check website

CRICKET DYNAMICS

GYMNASTICS

BARNES CC

STEP ON STAGE ACADEMY steponstageacadmy.co.uk 7-18yrs performing arts, LAMDA Varying venues in Twickenham

SKATEBOARDING

VAUXWEST

cricketdynamics.co.uk 4yrs+ • Aspire Centre Wandsworth • Rutlish Sports Hall, Wimbledon • St Cecilias School, Wandsworth

DULWICH CRICKET CLUB dulwichcc.com 5yrs+ SE24 9HB

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4yrs+ TW4

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com 4yrs+ Osterly Sports and Athletics Centre TW7 5FG

MARTIAL ARTS CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk 6yrs+ TW9 3NP

EMOKWAN-RYU HAPKIDO ACADEMY semokwan-hapkido.co.uk 5yrs+ • Broomwood Methodist Church SW11 6JX • SW4 9RU

BARNES RFC barnesrfc.org 4-17yrs, boys and girls Queen Elizabeth Walk SW13

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES ironsidesrugby.com/minis 4yrs+ Openview SW17 0AW

GRASSHOPPERS RFC grasshoppersrfc.com 4yrs+ Training and matches TW7 5PN

MAZUKI TAEKWON-DO

LONDON SCOTTISH

mazuki.com • Livity School SW16 2PW • Julian’s Primary School SW16 2RB

londonscottish.com 5yrs+Training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground TW9

LONDON WELSH PEEWEE KARATE fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs • St Barnabas’ Church SW4 3QA • Scout Hall TW9 3QA • St Michael’s Community SW13 0NX

NETBALL

londonwelshrfc.com 5-18yrs tag, touch Old Deer Park TW9 2AZ

RICHMOND FC richmondfc.co.uk 5yrs+ Richmond FC, The Athletic Ground TW9 2SF

ROCKS LANE KEW CC COLTS kewcc.com 5yrs+ Kew Green TW9 3AH

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs TW9 4EL

INDIAN GYMKHANA indiangymkhana.co.uk 8yrs+ Colts and girls TW7 4NQ

SINJUNGRAMMARIANS CC wandsworthcricket.co.uk Reception and older SW17 7HW

STREATHAM & MARLBOROUGH CRICKET CLUB streathammarlboroughcc.co.uk 7yrs+ Dulwich Common SE21 7EX

rockslane.co.uk/barnes Term-time junior netball league Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centre SW13 0BY

SISTERS N SPORT THE LITTLE GYM • Wandsworth & Fulham wandsworthfulham. thelittlegym.eu • Hampton & Teddington hamptonteddington. thelittlegym.eu

sistersnsport.com 6-14yrs • Kingston-Upon-Thames • Wandsworth

FREE RUNNING & PARKOUR

ROSSLYN PARK FC rosslynpark.co.uk • 4yrs+ SW15 5JH • 6yrs+ Richmond Park Polo Fields TW10 5HS

SWIMMING ANGEL SWIM LONDON angelswim.london 4 wks+ Park Walk Primary School SW10 0AY

FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH

CHELSEA SWIM SPA chelseaswimspa.co.uk SW10 0NW

KingstonRidingCentre.com KT2 7RG

flipout.co.uk 7yrs+ Free running, jumping, landing, vaulting, flipping Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

STAG LODGE STABLES

PARKOUR GENERATIONS

RidingInLondon.com SW20 0AA

parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ In & outdoor freerunning Various locations, check website

RIDING KINGSTON RIDING CENTRE

CLAPHAM LEISURE CENTRE better.org.uk SW4 6DB

SOUTH

LITTLE & BIG KIDS DOLPHIN SWIM SCHOOL

SWIM EXPERT

BODYSWOT TENNIS

SHEEN PARKS TENNIS

TAMESIS CLUB

swimexpert.co.uk

bodyswottennis.co.uk

clubspark.lta.org.uk

tamesisclub.co.uk

dolphinswimschools.co.uk

2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes

3yrs+

2-12yrs

8–16yrs

3mths

Kew, Richmond, Brentford,

• Holy Apostles’ Catholic

East Sheen, Richmond

Cadets sailing club TW11 9QY

Wimbledon College SW19 4NS

Twickenham

POOLS ON THE PARK

SPORTS GENERATION

• Ranelagh Gardens SW3 4NE

TRAMPOLINE

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS

springhealth.net

sportsgeneration.co.uk

• SW3 4SR

FLIP OUT WANDSWORTH

surreyoutdoorlearning.uk

Richmond Old Deer Park TW9

• TW10 7AD

flipout.co.uk

Sailing courses for beginners

Bendon Valley SW18 4LZ

TW10 7RX

Church Hall SW1V 4LY • The Hut SW3 5SZ

TEDDY TENNIS SOUTH WEST SWIMMING SCHOOL

WIMBLEDON LEISURE CENTRE AND SPA

teddytennis.com

swswimschool.co.uk

better.org.uk

and kinaesthetic learning

• Burntwood School SW17 0AQ

SW19 1EW

Richmond, Twickenham,

• Ernest Bevin SW17 7DF

5yrs+ classes using visual, audio

Twickenham

WATER SPORTS

Teddington, Wandsworth &

WIMBLEDON PARK WATERSPORTS & OUTDOOR CENTRE

Battersea, Wimbledon

merton.gov.uk

• Emanuel School SW11 1HS

TENNIS

• Henry Cavendish SW12 0JA

ALLSTAR TENNIS

• Harris Academy

allstartennis.co.uk

TENNIS 4 KIDS

Wimbledon Park Sports Centre

• SW11 5AP

3-12yrs+

tennis-4-kids.com

SW19 7HX

• King Georges Park, SW18 2GJ

2 ½yrs+

• SW18 3RT

• St Clements Church Hall

Sailing, kayaking

SE22 0HW • Goodrich Primary School

Search our online classes directory citykidsmagazine.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

NORTH & EAST DANCE BLUEBIRDS BALLET bluebirdsballetschool.com Kensal Rise TUE Hampstead THU

BABIES & PRE-SCHOOLERS

PRIMROSE HILL BALLET SCHOOLS

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS ARTS

primrosehillballet.co.uk 3yrs+ & baby ballet Swiss Cottage Community Centre NW3 4NR WED THU NW3 6NS F RI

nationalcircus.org.uk 2yrs+ Parent & child N1 6HD SAT SUN

CREATIVE MOVEMENTS

DRAMA

FROGPRINCE BABY MUSIC babymusicclass.co.uk 0mths–4yrs Hackney City Farm WED Surrey Docks Farm WED Stepney City Farm FRI

DRAMA QUEENS REGAL BALLET

creativemovements.co.uk St Mary’s Church NW3 3DJ TUE

regalballet.com 18mths-14yrs Various locations MON WED THU FRI

DRAMARAMA  dramarama.co.uk NW3 3NR MON Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ SAT

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL highgateballetschool.com URC N6 6BA WED N6 5AA WED SAT

INNOVATION DANCE STUDIOS innovationdancestudios.co.uk N12 8JR MON TUE SAT

ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY islingtonartsfactory.org N7 0SF FRI

dramaqueens.org 3-16yrs Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ MON Malorees Infants NW6 7PB SAT

colourfulnotes.co.uk 2-5yrs Regular workshops

CREATIVE WIZKIDS creativewizkids.com 3yrs+ NW3 7DY WED

CREATIVITY CRAZY

makebelievegroup.co.uk 3yrs+ HA8 8DE SAT

RICH MIX

POTTERY

richmix.org.uk 2yrs+ E1 6LA

ZEBRA CERAMICS

SARAH TONER SCHOOL OF BALLET

NEW LONDON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

RUGGIERI DANCE ACADEMY

sarahtoner.co.uk 2-4 yrs Baby ballet St Joan of Arc Community Centre N5

nlpac.oc.uk 3yrs+ N10 3RD MON

RONA HART SCHOOL OF DANCE ronahart.co.uk Ballet, tap, street dance, jazz Rosslyn Hill Chapel Hall NW3 1NG WED THU FRI

TIPPY TOES BALLET tippytoesballet.co.uk From 2yrs NW1 8AR TUE NW3 3NR THU

CIRCUS

islingtonballetschool.com Unity Church Hall N1 2TZ FRI

CIRCUS GLORY TRAPEZE SCHOOL

MAKE BELIEVE

MUSIC & MOVEMENT BAMBINO BALLET bambinoballet.com 18mths+ St Anne Line Church and Church Hall E18 2JR SAT

CRAZEE KIDS

circusglory.com 2.5yrs+ NW1 8TN MON WED FRI

thelittledanceacademy.com The Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ MON TUE THU

COLOURFUL NOTES

bongalong.co.uk 12mths–5yrs St Gabriel’s Church & Family Centre E17 3JF SAT

ISLINGTON BALLET SCHOOL

THE LITTLE DANCE ACADEMY

MUSIC & MOVEMENT BONGALONG

ART

crazeekids.co.uk N6 5AA TUE SAT

ruggieriacademy.com 1yr+ E1W 3HW FRI SAT

SING AND SIGN sasel.co.uk 6-13mths Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Eltham & Woolwich MON TUE WED THU

TICK TOCK ticktockmusic.co.uk Crouch End FRI Islington MON TUE THU FRI

creativitycrazy.co.uk Messy play N12 0AP DAILY

zebraceramics.co.uk Toddler sessions

N10 2AE MON WED

SPORTY

FOOTBALL DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL dgsoccer.co.uk 3yrs+ Haverstock School NW3 2BQ SAT

GYMNASTICS EAST LONDON GYMNASTICS CENTRE eastlondongym.co.uk 3yrs+ E6 5LW MON TUE WED THU

TINY TALENT DO-RE MEEBIES do-re-meebies.co.uk 6mths+ The Methodist Church, Highams Park MON THU

facebook.com/TinyTalent 0mths-5yrs Redbridge Drama Centre E18 2RB SAT

We do our very best to update these directories as often as possible. We advise you to call or check websites for up to date information just in case classes are cancelled or locations change.

46 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LITTLE & BIG KIDS ART & CREATIVE

5-11yrs Sternberg Centre N3 2SY

ART 4 FUN

NORTH & EAST BLUEBIRDS BALLET bluebirdsballetschool.com Hampstead, Kensal Rise, Maida Vale

SPIRIT YOUNG PERFORMERS COMPANY

DREAMAS

spiritypc.co.uk NW5

dreamas.co.uk 7-11yrs NW10

art4fun.com 5yrs+

THE VILLAGE HABERDASHERY thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk 8yrs+ Hardy Building NW6 2BR

DRAMARAMA DANCE

STRATFORD CIRCUS

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

CAMDEN ARTS CENTRE

dramarama.co.uk Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ

littleangeltheatre.com 5-17yrs N1 2DN

ZEBRA CERAMICS

GRAVITY PERFORMING ARTS

stratford-circus.com 4yrs+ Stratford Circus Arts Centre E15 1BX

camdenartscentre.org NW3 6DG

CLAY TIME claytime.london 5-11yrs N5 1HA

Zebraceramics.co.uk N10 2AE

CIRCUS

gravitydanceacademy.com 6yrs+ The Arches E7 0JL

FROGGY MANGA

AERIAL DAYS

HIGHGATE BALLET SCHOOL

froggymanga.com 8-15yrs • Hornsey Vale Community Centre N8 9LP • Yummy Yummy in my Tummy N16 7PB

aerialdays.com 7yrs+ Trapeze, silks, hoops Brookfield Primary School NW5 1HB

highgateballetschool.com Highgate United Reformed Church and Hall N6 5AA

AIRBORNE CIRCUS airbornecircus.com

GILL’S COOKERY

5-18yrs

gilljroberts.wordpress.com NW11 7AA

Finchley Youth Theatre

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL OF ART hampstead-school-of-art.org 6yrs+ NW3 7BF

ISLINGTON ARTS FACTORY Islingtonartsfactory.org 4yrs+ N7 0SF

LITTLE HANDS DESIGN littlehandsdesign.com 6-18yrs Textiles, sewing NW3 5AU

CIRCUS GLORY TRAPEZE SCHOOL circusglory.com NW1 8TN

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CIRCUS ARTS nationalcircus.org.uk N1 6HD

NEARLY THERE YET JL YOUTH CIRCUS nearlythereyet.com N6 5AA

INNOVATION DANCE STUDIOS innovationdancestudios.co.uk N12 8JR

ISLINGTON BALLET SCHOOL islingtonballetschool.com N1 2TZ

LONDON BOYS’ BALLET SCHOOL boysballetlondon.com 4-16yrs Islington

PITTA PATTA DANCE pittapattadance.co.uk 4yrs+ NW1 8TN

CREATIVE WRITING

PRIMROSE HILL BALLET SCHOOLS

MINI PICASSOS

CHELSEA YOUNG WRITERS

minipicassos.co.uk 4yrs+ incl portfolios NW10 5RT

chelseayoungwriters.co.uk 5yrs+ W11 2NN

primrosehillballet.co.uk • NW3 4NR • NW3 6NS

THE STORY ROOM

nestknitting.com Knitting & sewing N8 9PP

QUEEN’S PARK ART

storyroom.co.uk 5yrs+ • Friends House N21 1LE • Oakwood Library N14 4XA • South Friern Librar N10 1HD

artfulfly@gmail.com 5yrs+

DANCE

STELLARIA YOUNG MINDS

BAMBINO BALLET

stellaria-youngminds-ltd.com 4-10yrs

bambinoballet.com 18mths–7yrs St Anne Line Church and Church Hall E18 2JR

THE ART STABLES

tippytoesballet.co.uk

VESTRY SCHOOL OF DANCE vestryschoolofdance.co.uk St John’s E17 4LH

DRAMA 360 ARTS 360arts.co.uk • NW2 6HE • NW4 4BT

ALLSORTS allsortsdrama.com 4-14yrs themed classes South Hampstead School

regalballet.com 18mths-14yrs Various locations

makebelievegroup.co.uk 3-18yrs • Laycock Primary N1 1SW • Stoke Newington School & Sixth Form N16 9EX

NEW LONDON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE mlpac.oc.uk 3-19yrs N10 3RD

PLEASING DRAMA pleasingdrama.com 6yrs+ St Saviours Church NW3

STRATFORD CIRCUS

almeida.co.uk 5-14yrs

stratford-circus.com 4yrs+ Stratford Circus Arts Centre E15 1BX

ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL

YOUNG ACTORS THEATRE

annafiorentini.com Parliament Hill School NW5 1RL

youngactors.org.uk 4-16yrs

CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA

LANGUAGES

cssd.ac.uk 6-17yrs NW3 3HY

CHINESE LEARNING CENTRE

ALMEIDA ACADEMY

CHICKENSHED REGAL BALLET

NEST KNITTING

MAKE BELIEVE TIPPY TOES BALLET

chickenshed.org.uk 5yrs+ Southgate

chineselearningcentre.co.uk 3yrs+ E14

ECOLE DES PETITS LOUPS

ronahart.co.uk NW3 1NG

dramaqueens.org 3-16yrs • Maqam Centre NW10 3HJ • Malorees Infants NW6 7PB

ecoledespetitsloups.com 5–15yrs • N10 • Coleridge Primary School N8 8DN • Stroud Green Primary School N4 3EX

SARAH TONER SCHOOL OF BALLET

DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL

SPANISH CONNECTION LANGUAGE SCHOOL

sarahtoner.co.uk

dramarama.co.uk Holy Trinity School NW3 5SQ

spanishconnection.org.uk NW6

DRAMA QUEENS RONA HART SCHOOL OF DANCE

artstables.co.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

NORTH & EAST MUSIC

NORTH LONDON CRICKET CLUB northlondoncc.hitscricket.com

LITTLE VOICES

5yrs+ (Y1)

littlevoices.org.uk

N8 8RL

4yrs+ City Academy E9 6EA

PRIMROSE HILL CC primrosehillcc.org

LONDON GUITAR ACADEMY

7-13yrs

londonguitaracademy.com

The Regent’s Park Hub NW1 4RU

6yrs+ NW6 6RA

FENCING FIGHTINGFITFENCING

THE STRINGS CLUB

fightingfitfencing.com

thestringsclub.org

5-13yrs

4-11yrs

Mount Carmel School N19 3EU

• Holy Trinity CE School NW3 5SQ • St Andrew’s CE Primary

SCIENCE / STEM

ZFW FENCING CLUB zfw-fencing.co.uk 6yrs+ South Hampstead High School NW3 5SS

BERMOTECH

FOOTBALL

bermotech.com

ARSENAL FC

9yrs+ Coding, app development

playthearsenalway.com

NW3 5HT

6yrs+ Highgate Wood N5

CODE TODAY 7-14yrs

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL ACADEMY

BSC/Hampstead School of English

bloomsburyfa.com

NW3 7BJ

4yrs+

codetoday.co.uk

IS YOUR CHILD FUTURE READY?

Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre NW3 3NF

RIVA LEARNING rivalearning.com

DANNY GRANT SOCCER SCHOOL

8yrs+

dgsoccer.co.uk

NW6 5HE

5yrs+

> CREATIVITY & CODING CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12+

> EASTER BREAK 30TH MAR - 17TH APR

> MAY HALF-TERM 26TH - 29TH MAY

> SUMMER BREAK 6TH JUL - 28TH AUG

NW3 4NU

SOFTWARE ACADEMY softwareacademy.co.uk

GOLF

9-16yrs

METRO GOLF CENTRE

NW2 3EP

metrogolfcentre.co.uk

SPORT

NETBALL

CLIMBING

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk/junior-netball

CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE/ GECKOS

Term-time courses & tournaments

castle-climbing.co.uk

Regent’s Park NW1 4NU

5yrs+ N4 2HA

CRICKET

(School Years 3,4,5,6,7)

TENNIS WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis

MCC CRICKET ACADEMY

Drop-in sessions, term-time courses.

lords.org

free tennis for juniors, individual

3yrs+

coaching.

Lords Cricket Ground NW8 8QN

Mini Red (5-8), Mini Orange (8-9), Mini Green (9-10), Yellow Ball (10+). Regent’s Park NW1 4NU

48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NOW > BOOK N

ww.cyphercoders.com

HOLIDAY CLUBS ART & DESIGN

MINIVERSITY

UPBEAT MUSIC COURSES

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

miniversity.com 4-12yrs | Creative learning clubs Chelsea

upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 4-14yrs | sing, dance, play in a band, record CDs, write songs Parsons Green

bfi.org.uk 8-14yrs | Workshops Southbank

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY funwithfimoclay.co.uk Acton

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org Various ages | Arts and crafts Shepherds Bush

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY youngfilmacademy.co.uk 8-19yrs | 1- 4 day courses in film-making Chelsea, St John’s Wood, Wimbledon

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS architecture.com 7-18yrs | Design workshops W1

MULTIACTIVITY CAMP BEAUMONT campbeaumont.co.uk 3-16yrs | Multi-activity day camp Across London

CHISWICK COURSES chiswickcourses.co.uk 5-16yrs | Film-making, fashion, street dance, cookery, Lego & entrepreneur workshop West London

ET PATATI ET PATATA etpatatipatata.com 4-18yrs Fun French Holiday Day Camp SW6

EXPLORATION SOCIETY explorationsociety.co.uk Get a group of 6 friends together to take part | Shelter building, climbing, swimming, sailing, high ropes

LET ME PLAY letmeplay.co.uk 11-19yrs | Free activities incl. dance, drama, sport, cookery, art, fashion and music Hammersmith

LONDON ACTIVITY CAMPS londonactivitycamps.co.uk 4-14yrs | Creative, adventurous and sporting activities Hammersmith

ROLE MODELS rolemodels.me 8-12yrs | Confidence, resilience, enterprise & creativity courses plus residential at Wellington College Chelsea & Notting Hill

SUPER CAMPS supercamps.co.uk 4-12yrs Ofsted Registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted Across London

TREEHOUSE LEARNING treehouselearning.co.uk 3-10yrs+ | Forest school Ham

PERFORMING ARTS ARTS ED artsed.co.uk 4-16yrs | Drama, musical performances, impro & imaginative play Chiswick

POP & STAGE SCHOOL ACADEMY pssa.co.uk 4-18yrs | Themed week-long camps Chiswick

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk 8-12yrs | Write, produce, perform and record a song

MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.co.uk Various ages Shepherds Bush

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs | Musical theatre Chiswick

PERFORM perform.org.uk 4-12yrs | Drama, dance and singing Across London

XBAND STUDIO SCHOOL OF ROCK POP AND MORE xbandstudio.com 8-18yrs Ealing

SPORT CLUB DE SPORTS clubdessports.co.uk Football, netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, ballet, karate, boxing Acton W3 7HB

DUKES MEADOWS

STEM & CODING

dukesmeadows.com 5yrs+ | Golf & Tennis camps Chiswick

FIRE TECH

EALING CRICKET CLUB

firetechcamp.com 9-17yrs | Creative tech camps incl coding, electronics, games, robotics Chelsea, South Kensington, Hampstead

BLUE{shift} blueshiftcoding.com 5-12yrs | Everything from Robotics and Coding to Minecraft and Python Notting Hill & Hammersmith

CYPHER cyphercoders.com 4-14yrs | Creative & Coding camps Various locations

premiercricketcoaching.co.uk 4-15yrs | Premier Cricket Coaching Ealing

EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.biz 5yrs+ | Riding & stable management days Ealing

EXCEL SPORTS CAMPS excelsports.org.uk 4-12yrs Chiswick

MAD SCIENCE madscience.org.uk 4-11yrs Various locations

HARTSWOOD TENNIS CLUB

RICHER EDUCATION

hartswoodtennis.co.uk 5-15yrs | Drop-in holiday camps Chiswick

ROYAL INSTITUTION rigb.org.uk 7yrs+ | Various science-based workshops Mayfair

rockslane.co.uk 4-16yrs | Multi sports and football Chiswick

SKATEBOARDING CLUB mylittleboarders.co.uk 6yrs+ Westway, Westminster Academy, Royal Oak, Camden

SPORTS GENERATION sportsgeneration.co.uk Various ages | Swimming crash courses. Richmond

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com 18mths-12yrs | Football, Tennis & Rugby Across London

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.co.uk/chiswick 3-12yrs | 3 hour & all day themed camps Chiswick, Hampton & Teddington, Westfield & Wandsworth and Fulham

FIT FOR SPORT fitforsport.co.uk 4yrs+ Across London

richereducation.co.uk 4-14yrs | Science, engineering, mechatronics, robotics, coding, English and Debating South Kensington

ROCKS LANE

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk 4-12yrs | All abilities Hounslow

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE westwaysportscentre.org.uk 4-16yrs | Tennis, football and climbing Holland Park

TEAMSPORT team-sport.co.uk 8yrs+ | Karting Acton

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk/junior-tennis 3-16 yrs | Week long tennis, football, netball and multi-sport camps (at selected centres). Chiswick, Lammas Park, Pitshanger Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park

UNICORN THEATRE unicorntheatre.com 7-16yrs I Performance-based creative workshops Southwark

mylittleboarders

THE BAND PROJECT thebandproject.co.uk 4-7 & 8-16yrs | The complete band experience Camden & Chiswick

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

WHO ARE? LITTLE COTTON CLOTHES PEOPLE

Three words to describe yourself. Busy, chaotic and loud.

What’s it like working with a relative? It is actually great and very easy; we live far away from each other so aren’t in each other’s pockets, but chat every day over WhatsApp and email.

LEONIE AND IMOGEN ARE THE SISTERS BEHIND CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BRAND LITTLE COTTON CLOTHES, SIMPLE AND TRADITIONAL CLOTHING INSPIRED BY THEIR CHILDHOOD. VICTORIA EVANS SPOKE TO IMOGEN ABOUT THEIR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, AS WELL AS A CERTAIN PRINCESS CHARLOTTE.

Did anything about your previous careers help when setting up Little Cotton Clothes? Yes, I have been a retail buyer and product developer for 20 years and worked for many well-known retailers. The contacts and knowledge I have picked up along the way have been essential to us getting the business started. What’s the most challenging thing you’ve faced while being in business? The accounting side of things is a real headache, we are both very creative, so this has been the hardest to learn and understand. Who does what in the business? Leonie does the pattern making and fit work and packing up orders. I do most of the social media alongside the numbers, spreadsheets and working with our lovely stockists all over the world. Last book you read? Being busy mums, we rarely get the chance to read as much as we’d like but the last book I read was Completely Fine by Eleanor Oliphant. Leonie Taibi and Imogen Driver

What’s your top tip for date night in London? There aren’t so many date nights as we struggle for childcare being so far away from family but if and when we do out, we always head for a curry in Teddington. Where’s your favourite child-friendly place in London? We are super lucky to live right next to Bushy Park, it is like living in the countryside with the benefits of living close to London. So, when the sun is shining, we always head for the park and finish with a hot chocolate on our little high street before wandering home. Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. We are both charity shop and car-boot addicts. 50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

What would you take to a desert island? My MacBook – sad but true. Signature dish? Dad’s chicken pie recipe. Your proudest moment? Seeing Princess Charlotte wearing one of our dresses last Summer! What’s next on the list of things to do? We are currently working on a new brand which we plan to run alongside Little Cotton Clothes. We hope to launch in a year or so but there is lots to do to prepare in the meantime.

THE LITTLE COTTON CLOTHES range is for children from six months up to nine years. Littlecottonclothes.com - @littlecottonclothes

Hej! Welcome to Newbie A Swedish lifestyle brand for your little ones.

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THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING. GET READY. COME AND SEE CURIOSITY AT WORK. At ACS we prepare our students to be ready. Ready to ask new questions and demand better answers. Ready to innovate and create. Ready for cultures that crossover, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. We ready them for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen.

and boys aged 4 –18 Baccalaureate (IB) • Advanced Placement Programme (AP) • Bursaries and scholarships • Extensive busing • Girls

• International

Visit acs-schools.com/opendays