YOUR ULTIMATE GUI DE TO PARE NTING IN STYLE
SLEEP FOR SUCCESS
london
WHY YOUNG MINDS NEED PLENTY OF REST
MONEY MATTERS
HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SAVE
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 • £3.99
Emily
Blunt
TAMARA ECCLESTONE ON WHY DAUGHTER SOPHIA COMES FIRST
S umm e r
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
The British-born mother of two on films and family
W IN A FI V E - S FAMILTAR HOLID Y AY
LOVI N G
THE BEST DAYS OUT IN THE CAPITAL HOW TO THROW A COOL POOL PARTY THE ULTIMATE BEACH WARDROBE
30 Bruton Street W1 91-95 Fulham Rd SW3 Shop Kids at stellamccartney.com
“
”
The World’s Finest Luxury Designer Brands for Newborn to 16 Years
+ MANY MORE IN-STORE & ONLINE
W W W. C H O C O L A T E C L O T H I N G . C O . U K 50 DRURY ARCADE, SOLIHULL, B91 3BH
AT HOME WITH FIONA JOLLY AND FAMILY ON P.64
WELCOME Hello and welcome to Little London’s high summer issue – a celebration of all things fun-filled, action-packed and most importantly, outdoors! Now we’re in the midst of the holidays, I’m planning all kinds of fun adventures to enjoy with Jago and Georgia, and brilliant camps and activities to keep them busy while I work. We are so lucky that London has so much to offer our children. Georgina Blaskey took her two, Bella and Noah, to road-test some of the coolest days out in the city, trying everything from skiing to parkour with the kids (p.58). Tamara Ecclestone lets us in on all the places she loves to hang out with her three-year-old daughter Sophia (p.28), and we’ve cherry-picked a jam-packed selection of days out for all the family to enjoy in Agenda (p.89). Becky Dickinson offers a comprehensive guide to how and when to grow your own superfoods at home (a surprisingly brilliant way of encouraging youngsters to try new fruit and veg – p.76), and Leonora Bamford offers plenty of inspiration for summer activities in her Get Crafty column (p.72). Meanwhile, Morag Turner reveals the clever ways to teach your children about the value of money and the gratification that comes from saving to buy yourself something special (p.87). Finally, we meet Fiona Jolly, a children’s furniture designer managing a new business while also mum to seven-year-old twin girls (p.64), and the brilliant British actress Emily Blunt – a mother to two girls herself – about life Stateside, her work and how she’s never happier than when she’s with her family (p.46). I think we would all agree with her on that one, so wherever you are, and whatever your plans, enjoy these precious summers of childhood.
K ATE F R E U D, E D ITO R
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
A n d a fe w of my favour ite th ing s at the mom e nt…
MOLO BACKPACK £45 SELFRIDGES.COM
COTTON CARDIGAN £46 LAQCOQUETA.COM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PERSONALISED NECKLACE £145 RACHELJACKSONLONDON.COM
5
LACOSTE TRAINERS £45 SCHUH.CO.UK
A6 LEATHER NOTEBOOK £10 KIKKI-K.COM
SUPERHERO SLEEP BUDDY £40 SCAMPANDDUDE.COM
UK’s NO.1
FOREST
ADVENTURE
10
PER PERSON*
at our London locations*
k u . o c . e p a o g t a Book 7 G A M L L te o u q 9 0 1 3 9 1 5 5 4 8 or call 0 †
*Offer valid until 30th November 2017, excludes Saturday, bank holidays and purchase of gift vouchers. Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, Black Park Country Park and Trent Park. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.
C O N Taug E uN T S st september 2 017 FE ATU R ES
EDUCATION
28 MY LITTLE LONDON
83 EDUCATION NEWS
Tamara Ecclestone talks new work and life
Keeping you in the know of what’s going
in the capital with daughter Sophia
on in and out of the classroom
32 SOMETHING TO PUZZLE OVER The best activity books for inquisitive minds
87 IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY… How and when should we give our children pocket money?
35 LITTLE LONDON AWARDS 2017 They’re back for a third year – vote now, and you could win a family holiday!
T R AVEL 79 TRAVEL NEWS
46 SPEAKING BLUNTLY
Our round-up for globetrotting families
Why proud Brit Emily Blunt is using the sentiments she has learned as a mother as a force for good
80 POSTCARD FROM SKIATHOS Kate Freud reports back from her trip to the Greek islands
58 FAMILY FUN IN THE CAPITAL Georgina Blaskey discovers London’s coolest attractions with her little ones
R EGUL A R S 13 LITTLE NEWS
64 REASONS TO BE JOLLY
The latest on all things big in kid world
At home with children’s furniture designer
30 DIARY
Fiona Jolly
Goings-on around the capital over the
71 MAKING THE GRADE
next two months
Dad blogger Jamie Day talks first-day fears as the kids get ready to go back to school
76 GROW YOUR OWN The five superfoods you can harvest at
68 PARTY TIME WITH CAROLE MIDDLETON How to throw the best summer-inspired pool party ever
home with the children
72 GET CRAFTY 84 SLEEP FOR SUCCESS Why young minds need plenty of rest
SHO PPING
New family activities to enjoy this holiday from Leonora Bamford and Nanny Anita
75 FOOD NEWS The latest dining delights for little ones
21 LITTLE LOVES These trainers are all sorts of footwear goals
89 AGENDA What’s going on in London throughout
23 SCHOOL MATES
August and September
Get them in the mood for class with these student-approved picks
Local activities to get involved in
ST YLE
96 BOUTIQUES & STOCKISTS
38 SWEPT AWAY
Seen something you like? Here’s where
Hit the highs of summer in style with bold PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD BURNS MODEL: ELLA COTTON DRESS, £45, AND STRAW HAT, £28, BOTH SUNUVA
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
95 GROUPS & CLASSES
to buy it
brights and cool cover-ups
98 THE BUSINESS 50 THE GREEN LIGHT Give these new-season looks the go-ahead
7
We go behind the scenes with designer Keely Deininger of Angel’s Face
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS EMMA O’DONOVAN
MORAG TURNER
Journalist and bookworm
Writer
Where do you live?
Where do you live?
I live in Dorking, in Surrey, with my husband, my five-yearold son and two very mischievous cats!
I live in Surrey with my husband, three boys, who are nine, six and two, and our spaniel puppy.
What’s your favourite thing to do as a family?
Free bookshop events are great; our new favourite is Ottie and the Bea in Blackheath, followed by an afternoon spent in nearby Greenwich.
What about when it’s just you and your husband?
A leisurely browse at Gosh! Comics in Soho, followed by an Aperol Spritz.
Emma talks activity books on p.32
What is your favourite thing to do with the kids?
Kew Gardens is always a great day out in the summer. In the winter, I love taking my boys to the theatre. And without them?
I love trying out new restaurants. Casa Cruz in Notting Hill and Frenchie in Covent Garden are our current favourites. Morag reveals how to teach our children about money on p.87
little london EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KATE FREUD MANAGING EDITOR REBECCA MOORE FEATURES EDITOR DANIELLE WILKINS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ANNIE QUINTON
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LEONORA BAMFORD, MARISSA HERMER, CAROLE MIDDLETON, EMMA FREUD
DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR CHLOË COLLYER DESIGNER NATALIE DOURADO
PUBLISHING PUBLISHER CAROLINE SCOTT BRAND MANAGERS CHATTY DOBSON, GINNY MACLEAN MARKETING EXECUTIVE CATRINA LINZ FINANCE DIRECTOR VICKI GAVIN DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER JAMES DOBSON CIRCULATION MANAGER DANIEL WEBB
ADVERTISING HEAD OF MARKET FREDDY HALLIDAY SALES EXECUTIVE HARRIET COTTRELL DIGITAL AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS MANAGER BEN LEEK SPECIAL PROJECTS TRISTAN COATES
JOIN US ONLINE Dip in and get your daily digital fix
#LLloves
MANAGING DIRECTOR PAUL DOBSON DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE ROSS LITTLE LONDON IS PUBLISHED BY THE CHELSEA MAGAZINE COMPANY LTD, JUBILEE HOUSE, 2 JUBILEE PLACE, LONDON SW3 3TQ WEB: LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK EMAIL: EDITOR@LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK TEL: 020 7349 3700 FAX: 020 7349 3701
facebook.com/LittleLondonMagazine twitter.com/_Little_London
LITTLE LONDON PRINT ISSN 2055-3366 ONLINE ISSN 2059-9803 DISTRIBUTED BY SEYMOUR DISTRIBUTION LTD. 2 EAST POULTRY AVENUE, LONDON EC1A 9PT TEL: 020 7429 4000 | FAX: 020 7429 4001 PRODUCTION ALL POINTS MEDIA PRINTED IN ENGLAND BY WILLIAM GIBBONS ©THE CHELSEA MAGAZINE COMPANY LTD 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
instagram.com/littlelondonmagazine uk.pinterest.com/LittleLondonMag littlelondonmagazine.co.uk
subscribe Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive six issues of Little London straight to your door for just £18, plus free iPad access. Subscribe today and receive a ‘Kaito The Killer Whale’ PaddlePak backpack, worth £24.99, from Trunki. Simply quote CLLOPP87. 01442 820580 webscribe.co.uk/magazine/littlelondon Back Issues chelseamagazines.com/shop
Keep up to date with the latest news, events and products online 8
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
With over 30 configurations and an integrated ride-on-board, the new British designed and engineered iCandy Orange is packed with innovation. Featuring our trademark elevator adaptors, unique 'cinema' double seating mode and a 64 litre basket, the Orange leads the field whilst still being compact enough to fit through a standard door. Brilliantly flexible, beautifully crafted and absolutely futureproof.
T H E WOOD E N T O P S K I N D E RGA RT E N 2–5 YRS
PA RT O F T H E W H I T E H O U S E S C H O O L FA M I LY
THE WOODENTOPS KINDERGARTEN EST.1985 8.30am – 4pm, Term-time only 24 Thornton road, SW12 0LF
THE WHITE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 24 Thornton Road, SW12 0LF Telephone: 020 8674 9514
whitehouseschool.com
office@whitehouseschool.com
london
COCO
PHOTOGRAPHED BY HELENE SANDBERG
Three-year-old Coco Sandberg Jacobsen lives with her parents, Louise and Jacob, and her one-year-old brother Hector in West London. She loves performing, horse riding and running under water sprinklers. LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
11
molo.com
NEWS
little NEWS Updating you on all things big in kid world
PARTY GIRL
Caramel’s limited-edition party collection fuses pretty detailing (think ruffle trims and pintucking) with delicate materials for a vintage feel. Tops, dresses and skirts are available in sizes three to 12 years, with a few styles exclusive to Harrods. From £115, caramel-shop.co.uk
Discover the places worth visiting in Family London by Jimi Famurewa. Filled with more than 100 attractions, from under-the-radar gems to world-class outdoor spaces, there’s something for everyone. £9.99, Frances Lincoln LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
13
NEWS
ALL TH E TR I M M I N G S
Let your little girl express her unique sense of style with the playful debut collection from Mimi & Lula. The children’s accessories brand offers up hairbands, bags, jewellery and dress-up pieces in cool prints, glitter, pom-poms and more. Getting ready in the morning has never been so much fun! mimiandlula.com
A pretty pair
You won’t be able to resist ‘twinning’ with Primark’s new mini-me range. The collection features pretty summer pieces for mum and daughter in a seasonal white and blue colour palette, from straw sun hats and shoulder bags, to denim dresses and strappy sandals. primark.com
NATU R E AT P L AY
New to online kids’ boutique Soren’s House is a carefully curated selection of pieces from sustainable label PlanToys. The range includes a mini kitchen, piggybank and ride-on bike, all crafted from eco-friendly rubberwood. There is even a small furniture range, too, featuring a super-stylish desk and chair set, and a high chair. From £11, sorenshouse.co.uk
FEARSOME FUN
Games night is about to get spooky with new release Scary Bingo. Illustrator Rob Hodgson has created 49 crazy creatures, from multi-eyed monsters to menacing mummies, turning the classic game into something quite different. Mark off your monsters with googly-eye counters to win. Suitable for 3-7 players, available from 7 August. £14.99, Laurence King
14
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Picnic’s no fun, forgotten the games. But Goodies Fruit Gummies and hide & seek to the rescue!
#SmallWins
Great Taste. No Junk.
CENTRAL LONDON GOLF CENTRE
JUNIOR GOLF SUMMER CAMPS MONDAY 10 JULY – TUESDAY 5 SEPT
BOOK NOW 9am-3pm - £45
9am - 12 noon - £30 per child per session
9
HOLE
S
OUR FUN PUTTING COURSE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! BURNTWOOD LANE, WANDSWORTH, LONDON SW17 0AT
CALL 020 8871 2468 OR VISIT WWW.CLGC.CO.UK
NEWS
Names to know
This autumn, Scandi Mini welcomes 11 new brands to its cool line-up of independent labels. They’re all worthy of a mention, but ones to watch include Spanish label Fish & Kids, French brand Louis Louise, and Brooklyn’s Soor Ploom – already a hit on Instagram for its traditional designs. scandimini.co.uk Parisian label Louis Louise offers up a smarter take on everyday kidswear
THE FALL
La Coqueta’s gorgeous collection for the new season has got us longing for autumn. Shirts, smock dresses and cosy knits feature in rustic colours, including mustard and forest green, with a side helping of tartan and gingham. In sizes newborn to 10 years. lacoquetakids.com
TE C H I E TOT S
There’s an exciting new section at Harrods’ Toy Kingdom. Mini Tech will bring together the most innovative and engaging toys, with a particular focus on toys that kids can build themselves, such as Cubetto the coding robot and kits from SAM Labs. harrods.com
Fish & Kids features a whole range of unisex garments exclusive to Scandi Mini
Brooklyn-based brand Soor Ploom oozes oldfashioned charm
BEST LAID PLANS
Planning a special birthday celebration? The new Disney Party site has everything you’ll need; from themed merchandise including Marvel and Star Wars characters, to customisable invites and ideas for décor and games. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will even give your little one a surprise birthday phone call! disneystore.co.uk/disney-party
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
17
NEWS
It’s in the bag
A new school year calls for a new school bag, and the retro kids’ designs from Goodordering are perfect for securing onto bikes, buggies and scooters. The six unisex bags come in a range of muted colours, each with a ton of functional zipped pouches and pockets for optimal organisation. From £18, goodordering.com
E ASY R I D E R
If your little adventurer is due an upgrade, Kiddimoto’s new BMX and mountain bike designs are just the ticket. The balance bikes have adjustable 360˚ handlebars and smooth pneumatic tyres, making them a perfect introduction to life on two wheels. Suitable from three years and over. £199.99, kiddimoto.co.uk
PRINT WORKS
Following the recent relaunch of its childrenswear department, Liberty has unveiled a new clothing range for little ones. The collection includes dresses, shirts and bibs from newborn to six years, and features two new animal prints; ‘Queue for the Zoo’ and ‘Bird of Paradise’. From £15, liberty.co.uk
A P I E C E O F PAR I S
Givenchy launches its very first childrenswear collection this autumn. The 125-piece range features streetwearinspired designs and lashings of denim, as well as the fashion house’s classic pieces like the baseball jackets and slogan sweaters, for kids up to 12 years. Available in-store at Harrods and online at childrensalon.com
The World Bedwetting Day Steering Committee has launched new guidelines to help healthcare professionals understand how best to treat bedwetting. The condition is twice as likely to affect boys than girls. worldbedwettingday.com 18
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
10% off with code LITTLE10 offer ends 30.09.2017
Handcrafted from the ďŹ nest materials and contemporary in design, a Memory Book is a refreshing approach to a photograph album to be enjoyed for generations to come.
www.minimoe.net
Spend ÂŁ30 and get
FREE SHIPPING* use code: london17 * VALID until 10/10/17 for uk addresses only. must enter coupon code at checkout.
SHOPPING
little loves… High tops? Check. Metallics? Check. Glitter? Check. What more could a girl want?
As if metallic leather, glittery trainers weren’t statement enough, Mini Miss KG has only gone and transformed these into cute-as-a-button fluffy woodland owls, complete with gloriously shiny wings. They come with zips, too, but we doubt these are ever coming off… TRAINERS £80 KURTGEIGER.COM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
21
ur o y Bookit this vis umn aut
Nursery and Pre-Preparatory Schools, NW3 19 September 3, 10 & 31 October 14 November 5 December
North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form Schools
Preparatory School, NW1 5 & 20 October 10 November
Senior School Hampstead, NW3 26 September 4 & 31 October 8 November 9 December
Senior & Sixth Form Canonbury, N1 21 & 28 September 14 October 1 & 16 November
Full event details on the website
Book onto an Autumn Term open event today northbridgehouse.com/open admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
020 7428 1520
KUTIKAI WOODEN PLAYHOUSE DESK £530 MINIOBJECTSOFDESIRE.COM
FROM A SELECTION KINGDOMOFORIGIN.CO.UK
IL GUFO FLANNEL DRESS £158 CHILDRENSALON.COM
SUPERHERO PENCILS WITH CAPE ERASERS £2.95 EACH LITTLEANDFIERCE.CO.UK
School mates Get them in the mood for heading back to class with these stylish, student-approved picks
MOLO GRAFFITI-PRINT JACKET £90 CHILDRENSALON.COM
I AM SO BRAVE! BY STEPHEN KRENSKY £4.99 ANNUALSTORE.COM
CANVAS TRAINERS £46 BOBUX.CO.UK
DESIGN LETTERS PIN BOARD £21.50 SCANDIMINI.CO.UK
SOMEDAY SOON HOODED SWEATER £55 PIXIECHILDRENSWEAR.COM
HEDGEHOG-PRINT BACKPACK £25 ANORAKONLINE.CO.UK
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
23
SHOPPING
AEROSPACE ENGINEER COTTON DOLL £55 MAMMACOUTURE.COM
LEATHER SATCHEL £95 HONEYANDTOAST.CO.UK
COTTON-BLEND SWEATER £14 JOHNLEWIS.COM
HIGH-TOP TRAINERS £38 BODEN.CO.UK
RACHEL RILEY COTTON DRESS £75 CHILDRENSALON.COM
HAPPY JACKSON CANVAS PENCIL CASE £6.50 CUCKOOLAND.COM
WOOL-BLEND BOMBER JACKET £162 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM
BANWOOD BALANCE BIKE £149 STUDIOMINISHOP.COM
CATIMINI REVERSIBLE SKIRT £60 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
COTTON STRETCH-FIT JEANS £45 PEPEJEANS.COM
LAPIN HOUSE COTTON SHIRT £73 FARFETCH.COM
MOLO HAIR PINS SET £4 ALEXANDALEXA.COM
STELLA MCCARTNEY COTTON SWEATER £51.60 EN.SMALLABLE.COM
CRAYONS WALL PRINT £16.99 SHOWLERANDSHOWLER.COM
CORDUROY CAP £87 BONPOINT.COM
24
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
hannahandtiff.com
All the baby ls ia t n e s s e g in m swim o g o t d e e n l l ’ u yo l o o h c s im w s o t back rene bywarma neop Ba g in n in w rd y and swim From our awa -all AquaNapp its -f e iz -s e n o r u wetsuits to o d NeoNappy school approve
AWARDS 2011/12
GOLD
Range of colour co-ordinating designs to choose from
1/12 AWARDS 201
www.konfidence.co.
uk
sales@konfidence.com 01566 777 887
Europe’s leading designer of premium protective swimwear for babies, infants and children
SHOPPING
ORGANIC COTTON SWEATER £25 THEFMLYSTORE.COM FROM A SELECTION CATHKIDSTON.CO.UK
GUCCI NEOPRENE TOP £150 CHILDSPLAYCLOTHING.CO.UK
COTTON OVERALL £20 HEDGEHOGSHOP.CO.UK
PERIODIC TABLE WOODEN BLOCKS £59.99 TOTALLY-FUNKY.CO.UK
ME: A COMPENDIUM BOARD BOOKS SET £10.99 EENYMEENYKIDS.CO.UK
READY-TO-WEAR FRAMES £95 TDTOMDAVIES.COM
CASHMERE SWEATER £195 MARIECHANTAL.CO.UK
DENIM BOW HEADBAND £6.95 MOLO.COM
COTTON TWILL SHORTS £49 WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
PERSONALISED DUFFLE BAG £32 TINYME.CO.UK
VEJA LEATHER TRAINERS £51.60 EN.SMALLABLE.COM
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
27
INTERVIEW The family like to escape to their chalet in Gstaad
DENIM TOP £10.99 ZARA.COM
Tamara already has extensive knowledge of the industry as the founder of Show Beauty
Hyde Park
Tamara married her husband, Jay Rutland, in 2013
he i riends range includes sha poo and ath products
28
The model launched her parenting platform to inform other mothers
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
My Little London
TA M A R A E C C L E S TO N E THE MODEL, BUSINESSWOMAN AND MOTHER TO THREE-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA (FIFI), SHARES ALL ABOUT THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD AND LIFE IN THE CAPITAL Watch this space: Tamara is set to launch her range of children’s bodycare products this year
Saying that, when she’s at nursery I do get a lot more done!
Where do you live?
I live in Kensington. I love being near to Hyde Park – you feel like you’re in the countryside but have everything on your doorstep at the same time.
What did you hope to achieve when you launched your brand, Fifi & Friends?
What do you get up to with Sophia at the weekend?
We obviously go to Hyde Park whenever we can. There’s a great playground and we walk the dogs and feed the ducks. We also love the cinema and go to the Electric in Notting Hill quite often for its early morning showings. What else do you love to do together in the capital?
Fifi loves to go horse riding in Richmond Park and we always make sure we get out and about to some of the big live events – The Gruffalo, Peppa Pig and In The Night Garden have been her favourites.
PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/TAMARAECCLESTONEOFFICIAL, ISTOCK
Where do you shop for Sofia?
If we are online shopping then it’s Childrensalon, and we go to Bonpoint and Petit Bateau in Notting Hill. If you want high street, you can’t beat the comfort and design of Gap or Zara Kids. What’s the best thing about being a mother, and what has it taught you?
Every single part of being a mother has been the best experience. Watching this little human grow and thrive is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It’s enhanced my life no end. I don’t actually think I’ve ever felt as fulfilled, content and happy. It’s the most rewarding experience and that feeling of such unconditional love is the best. It has taught LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
me to trust my instincts and follow my gut, far more than I ever used to. Where do you go to escape the city?
If we need some peace and quiet then we head to Gstaad, in the Swiss Alps. It’s so different from London and amazing for feeling cosy with the snow-covered mountains outside. Our chalet feels like our second home. You fly a lot with Sophia, any tips for travelling with little ones?
I’ve been very lucky with Fifi – she’s always travelled exceptionally well and behaves herself. I guess you can’t have enough snacks, toys or books though. When do you plan to stop breastfeeding, or will you rely on Sophia to let you know when the time is right?
I’ve got no plans to stop right now. Fifi will let me know when the time is right for her. How do you juggle your work with motherhood?
I actually manage to stay on top of things on email throughout the day, and when Fifi is sleeping, that’s when I tend to sit down and catch up. I have actually brought her to many a business meeting and she’s pretty chilled. 29
I guess the plan was to create an online space where mums and expectant mums could feel a sense of community – for all those questions that remain unanswered as you prepare to become a mother. What have you got coming up in 2017?
It’s going to be a big year for me. I’m launching a new line of baby products as part of Fifi & Friends, and so I’ve been busy getting that new arm of my business together over the past few months. There’s a whole line, inspired by Fifi – sunscreen, shampoos, conditioners, nappy creams – and all without any rubbish ingredients in them. We just hope others love them as much as Fifi and I do! Was there a baby product you swore by when you had Sophia?
I swore by Water Wipes as they are so gentle on baby’s skin, and also coconut oil. You can use it for everything! I guess it’s a little more expensive but it’s a brilliant product. You chose not to have a full-time nanny – why did you do that?
I felt that I was able to bring up my child without the help of a nanny, to be honest. I’m lucky to be in a fortunate position. I have lived every minute with Fifi and feel privileged not to have missed any of it. L Fifi & Friends products will be available exclusively at fifiandfriends.com
Fancy Dress collection today. The whimsical range includes five fabulous new items, including tiger, unicorn, dinosaur and lion costumes. From £16.
Minimalist Swedish label Arket launches in the UK in early autumn
welovefrugi.com
14
COTTON SWEATER £19 ARKET.COM
DIARY
What to do and where to go in the capital over the next two months
Don’t miss your chance to win a family holiday by voting in our Little London Awards
August
join Mowgli on his journey as you watch the film under the stars, in partnership with The Luna Cinema. Doors open at 7:15pm. Adults, £15; children, £10. horniman.ac.uk
1
Today is the start of Kids Week 2017 a month-long project encouraging young families to get involved in the wondeful world of theatre. Children aged 16 and under can go free to any participating show across the capital when accompanied by a paying adult – there are also plenty of tours and workshops to get involved with, too! kidsweek.co.uk
MAKE AND MOVE MEGA: DINOSAURS £12.99 LAURENCEKING.COM
3
Getting dirty is the order of the day at Battersea Park Zoo today, at its special Wiggly Worm Day. Creepy crawly enthusiasts will also get to enjoy an earthworm dig, compost making and seed planting. Drop-in sessions from 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
14
Does your little one know their Apatosaurus from their Pteranodon? Make and Move Mega: Dinosaurs has five cool dinosaur puppets to press out, slot together and play with! The 3D models comes with easy instructions – no scissors or glue required! Out today.
Today is the last day to have your say in our Little London Awards. Now in its third year, don’t miss your chance to vote for your favourite brands, and you could win a holiday to the luxury Kurumba family resort in the Maldives. Yes please! littlelondonmagazine.
co.uk/awards
17
With more than 700 buildings, walks, talks and tours going on, this weekend explores some of London’s most impressive architecture with Open House London. Best of all, it’s free.
openhouselondon.org.uk
29
Looking to inject some tranquility into the family home? Today, The Mindfulness Project launches an eight-week Mindful Parenting Course. londonmindful.com
September
batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
6
5
This year is the 50th anniversary of classic Disney animation The Jungle Book. In the special setting of the Horniman Museum & Gardens,
Step aside, naff novelty costumes! Organic children’s clothing brand Frugi has teamed up with designer Kirsty Hartley to launch her Wild Things
Wild Things Fancy Dress
LONDON’S BEST ENERGY BURNERS LEE VALLEY
BMX LONDON
Waltham Cross’s Lee Valley has just launched its own Beach & Play Park. Kids can burn off all that excess energy and then some with the mammoth slide, disco dome or the colossal castle. just remember to take five on the beach to chill! gowhitewater.co.uk
Prepare to work those little legs as riders as young as two hop on a BMX at one of the capital’s 12 tracks. londonbmx.co.uk
in Wandsworth. For little members, check into the Mini Flippers classes. flipout.co.uk Go Ape
FLIP OUT Kids from four years can bounce into action at Flip Out’s trampoline sessions
30
GO APE Now with four venues in London, and both Aexandra Palace and Battersea Park home to Tree Top Juniors, let your little monkeys reach new heights at Go Ape. Explore the forest canopy and negotiate ladders, tree-top walkways, bridges and
tunnels, followed by an awesome 43m zip-wire finale. goape.co.uk
FAMILY PARKOUR These two-hour classes will put the whole family’s phsyical abilities to the test with this unique and challenging experience. parkourgenerations.com
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
ADVERTORIAL
IZZY GIZMO
Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvellous, magnificent… and often malfunction. When Izzy rescues an injured crow, her imagination is tested to its limit. Can she invent some new wings? Or is her new friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly? This fabulously feisty read comes from Pip Jones, the author of the Squishy McFluff series, and Sara Ogilvie, illustrator of The Detective Dog.
READ ALL ABOUT IT Pet giraffes, naughty bunnies, magical flowers and a feisty female inventor – there’s a picture book for every child this summer
THE BAD BUNNIES’ MAGIC SHOW
When the great magician, Hypno, goes missing just before a show, his rabbits Abra and Cadabra step in to save the day. But are these little bunnies all that they seem, or is there more to their sleight of paw than meets the eye? An exciting new novelty book from the award-winning and highly popular Mini Grey, creator of The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon.
HAVE YOU SEEN MY GIRAFFE?
Did you know, they don’t give away goldfish at the fairground anymore? You can win a giraffe instead! Although, you might come across a few problems when you bring your new pet home. Giraffes tend to be big and clumsy, so here is a handy guide to all the best places to hide them... A hilarious story by author Michelle Robinson, with illustrations from one-to-watch Claire Powell.
POPPY AND THE BLOOMS Mini Grey’s latest book will have you and your little one laughing out loud
When the last park in the city is to be closed, Poppy and her flower friends, the Blooms, have to do something. Scattering magic as they go, the Blooms speed away on their mission. Will they save the park? This inspirational story comes from new talent Fiona Woodcock, showing how even something small can make the biggest of differences.
WIN YOUR VERY OWN BOOK BUNDLE! Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is giving you the chance to win a copy of all four books, plus a limited-edition signed Izzy Gizmo print, alongside picture book goodies, with five sets to give away. Visit littlelondonmagazine.com/competitions
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
31
BOOKS
2-4 YEARS
5-7 YEARS
8-10 YEARS
Where’s the Baby? A Spotting Book
Where’s Wally? The Totally Essential Travel Collection
BY ROBERT HANSEN
Cool Coding
BY BRITTA TECKENTRUP
BY MARTIN HANDFORD
On each beautifully designed spread there’s a baby animal to find, from sleepy sloths to stripy zebras.
As Wally continues to blend into the crowd like a human chameleon, join the search with this travel-sized set.
A fun introduction to the world of computer coding, this book helps kids discover how to create games and apps, and control robots and vehicles.
£10.99 • Big Picture Press
£9.99 • Walker Books
£9.99 • Pavilion Books
Mr Tweed and the Band in Need
Animazes BY KATIE HAWORTH AND MELISSA CASTRILLIÓN
Hang Man Puzzles for Clever Kids
Embark on a trip around the zoo with Mr Tweed, helping him find his missing bandmates along the way.
Stunning illustrations encourage little readers to follow the migration patterns of animals from around the world through a series of beautiful mazes.
With ingenious scratch panels, this book brings a whole new level of enjoyment to the game. Ideal for day trips!
£12.99 • Flying Eye Books
£12.99 • Templar Publishing
£5.99 • Stirling
BY JIM STOTEN
BY JACK KETCH
Fingerprint Activities: Garden
Treasure Hunt
BY FIONA WATT AND CANDICE WHATMORE
BY ALICE MELVIN
This Book Thinks You’re a Maths Genius
Encourage learning with this fabulous finger-painting kit. This book will promote a love of nature, all the while providing hours of fun for all ages.
Create a keepsake book of memories, solving clues along the way. Only when all the pages are complete will the location of the treasure be revealed.
Making maths fun in the most engaging way, this fill-in book will help children to think like a mathematician.
£9.99 • Usborne
£11.99 • Tate Publishing
£8.95 • Thames and Hudson
32
BY DR MIKE GOLDSMITH AND HARRIET RUSSELL
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
APPS
TotemUp BY MINILAB STUDIOS
With over 200,000 combinations to explore, this cool puzzle block game is both mesmerising and entertaining. £1.49 • App Store and Google Play
Artie’s World BY MINILAB STUDIOS
Use maps to navigate your way around the world with artistic hero Artie and his magic pencil. Connect the dots and bring your creations to life. ILLUSTRATION: WHERE’S WALLY? THE TOTALLY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COLLECTION BY MARTIN HANDFORD
Free to download • App Store and Google Play
Toca Blocks BY TOCA BOCA
Construct and explore worlds while filling them with adventure, including obstacle courses, racetracks and islands. This is one for all the family. £2.49 • App Store and Google Play
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
E L Z Z PU R E V O
GETHER O T S E C IE P OKS ONOVAN EM MA O’D ZLE AND ACTIVIT Y BO Z THE BEST PU QUISITIVE MINDS FOR IN
Celebrating the best in children’s brands, the
2017
PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM CHURCHILL
ARE BACK! Turn over to discover all the brilliant nominees…
Vote now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
35
LITTLE LONDON AWARDS
I
Last year’s judges get ready to make their choices for the four special categories
t’s that time of year again, when the great and good of the pregnancy, baby and children’s industry come together to applaud all they have achieved over the last year, and you – our loyal readers – get to choose who you’d like to see win at our Little London Awards 2017. Whether you are pregnant, a first-time mother or already have little ones approaching their tweens, we all have those can’t-live-without products that make parenting life that little bit easier. It might be the pregnancy pillow that’s helping you sleep at night, the handbag-friendly baby wipes that have saved you from many a food explosion, or the fail-safe buggy that makes navigating tubes and buses a breeze – whatever you’re thankful for, you can show your favourite brands just how much you love them by voting for them in this year’s awards. Plus, when you do, we’ll automatically enter you into our draw to win a luxury family holiday to the Maldives. With 22 categories, four of the winners of these will be chosen by our expert judging panel, and all the winners will be announced in a special ceremony later this year. Happy voting!
THE NOMINEES BEST CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND • Alice à Paris • Blade & Rose • Emile et Rose • Kingdom of Origin • Magnet Mouse London • Molo • My Little Shop • Noé & Zoë Berlin • Peacheyboo • Scamp & Dude • Someday Soon • Sophia Schneider-Esleben • The Bonnie Mob • Wild & Gorgeous
BEST BOUTIQUE
BEST TRAVEL ESSENTIAL
• Cuckoo Hibou • Eat Sleep Love • Lucy and Belle • Molly Brown London • Peacheyboo • The Little Square Gallery
• A Little Bit Brilliant Space Cot • Avery Row Go Everywhere Mat • Bundle Beds • Hauck Swift Buggy • Penny Scallan 4-Wheel Spinner • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod • Splash About Go Splash Swim Vest • Splash About The New Improved Happy Nappy • Storksak Cabin Carry-On
BEST ONLINE RETAILER • Alex and Alexa • All By Mama • Childrensalon • Me & Buddy • Mori • My 1st Years • Stuck On You
BEST CHILDREN’S SHOE BRAND
BEST APP
• Bobux • Clarks • Moccstars • Salt-Water Sandals • Start-rite
• Ebookadabra • Hopster • MyMedela
BEST CHILDREN’S FOOD BRAND • Annabel Karmel • Little Dish • Piccolo • Kiddyum
BEST FAMILY DAY OUT • Kidzania London • Lapland UK • ZSL London Zoo
BEST KIDS’ CLUB, GROUP OR CLASS
BEST TRAVEL COMPANY • Abercrombie & Kent • Bushbaby Travel • Powder Byrne • Scott Dunn • Ski Famille • Tots To Travel
• Club Petit Pierrot • Gymboree Play & Music • iCoolKid Ltd • Kids en Cuisine • Little House of Science: Little Discovery • Nurturing Mums Postnatal Courses • Purple Dragon
Vote now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards 36
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
êêêê ê
FIVE STAR R E S OR T
Vote today for your chance to WIN a luxury family holiday to the Maldives! BEST BABY ESSENTIAL
BEST CHILDREN’S TOY
BEST NURSERY NECESSITY
• BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One • Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser • Green People Organic Children Sticky Hand Sanitiser • Huggies Little Swimmers • Huggies Pull-Ups • Kit & Kin Biodegradable Nappies • Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil • Little’Un Baby Box • Matchstick Monkey Teething Toy • Medela Swing Essentials breastfeeding pack • Mori Clever Sleeping Bag • Motorola MBP36XL video monitor • Motorola MBP855 Connect monitor • Mustela UK baby skincare range • Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules • OptiBac Probiotics For Babies & Children supplement • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod • Snugbags Merino Sleeping Bags • Smalls Merino Swaddle • Sophie la girafe Cosmetics SOS Cream • Splash About The New Improved Happy Nappy • Stokke Tripp Trapp • The Little Green Sheep Organic Mattress Protector
• Gymboree Play & Music Bubble Ooodles • Lego Juniors construction toys • Ooh Noo Toy Pram • Ooh No Toy Chest on Wheels • Scamp & Dude Sleep Buddy
• Belo + Me Wardrobe Dividers • Ethaca Sofa Bed / Merry-Go-Round • Katie Bourne Children’s Wallpaper • Matchstick Monkey Teething Toy • Naturalmat Coco Mat • Noé & Zoë Berlin homeware • Ooh Noo Alphabet Blocks • Ooh Noo Rocking Horse • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod
BEST PUSHCHAIR • Britax Affinity 2 • Bugaboo Cameleon 3 • Uppababy Vista • YippieYo Crossbuggy
BEST PREGNANCY ESSENTIAL • Bump & Baby Club London • Elderflower & Delilah Feed 3-in-1 maternity top • Weleda Perineum Massage Oil
BEST MATERNITY FASHION BRAND • Envie de Fraise • Isabella Oliver • Nine in the Mirror
BEST CHANGING BAG • Jem + Bea ‘Jemima’ • PacaPod ‘Madison’ • Storksak ‘Charlotte’
BEST BLOG • Dress Like a Mum • Mama Still Got It • The Dad Network • The EVB Edit
Plus, the top scorers from the categories above go through to our judges categories:
BEST NEW BRAND BEST NEW PRODUCT BEST PRODUCT BRAND OF THE YEAR
Vote now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
37
THIS PAGE: POPPY WEARS DRESS, £55, WILD & GORGEOUS. RIGHT PAGE: POPPY AND ELLA WEAR SWIMSUITS, £38 EACH, ANGEL’S FACE. CARDIGANS, FROM £30 EACH, JACADI. SWIM CAPS, £12.99 EACH, AMAZON. TYLER WEARS SHIRT, £45, WILD & GORGEOUS. SWIM SHORTS, £55, BUNKS. GARLAND, £3.99, AMAZON.
SWEPT AWAY
PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD BURNS STYLING: BECKY JOHN HAIR & MAKE-UP: SALLY KVALHEIM
THIS PAGE: ELLA AND POPPY WEAR HOODED COVER-UPS, £35 EACH, ANGEL’S FACE. LEFT PAGE: ELLA WEARS DRESS, £49, WILD & GORGEOUS. CARDIGAN, £36, JACADI.
THIS PAGE: TYLER WEARS SHIRT, £47, AND SHORTS, £30, BOTH JACADI. T-SHIRT (JUST SEEN), £25, WILD & GORGEOUS. ELLA WEARS DRESS, FROM £100, CARAMEL. RIGHT PAGE: ISIS WEARS DRESS , £199, BONPOINT.
With thanks to: Models: Ella, Isis, Poppy, Tyler. Model agencies: Grace & Galor, Mini Models.
Sho p the
SHOOT
Hit the highs of summer in style, in eye-popping brights and playful patterns CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COTTON SHIRT, £10 BOOHOO.COM. COTTON DRESS, £25.99 MANGO.COM. COTTON KAFTAN, £9 MATALAN.CO.UK. BIKINI BOTTOMS, £16 ROXY-UK.CO.UK. RUBBER FLIP-FLOPS, £9.99 ZARA.COM. COTTON BOXERS, £12.50 JCREW.COM. LASER-CUT SWIMSUIT, £8 BOOHOO.COM. COTTON-BLEND CARDIGAN, £10 NEXT.CO.UK. COTTON T-SHIRTS (SET OF FOUR), £11 VERY.CO.UK. COTTON SHORTS, £14.99 ZARA.COM. FAT FACE STRAW HAT, £12.50 JOHNLEWIS.COM. POLARN O.PYRET COTTON SHIRT, £20 JOHNLEWIS.COM. CANVAS TRAINERS, £38 JCREW.COM. COTTON DRESS, £22.99 MANGO.COM. COTTON T-SHIRT, £5 MATALAN.CO.UK. STRAW HAT, £16.95 GAP.CO.UK. COTTON SHORTS, £34.99 CHATEAUDESABLE.CO.UK.
COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER
ISIS WEARS KAFTAN, £45, MINI MAHARAJAS. TYLER WEARS SHIRT, £45, WILD & GORGEOUS. SWIM SHORTS, £38, SUNUVA.
Handcrafted Natural Dolls www.ciaobimba.com /ciaobimbadolls
@ciaobimba.dolls
/CiaoBimbaDolls
INTERVIEW
Speaking
bluntly
FROM FASHION FLICKS TO CARTEL CRIME-THRILLERS, PROUD BRIT EMILY BLUNT HAS MADE HER HOME – AND NAME – IN HOLLYWOOD. NOW SHE’S HOPING TO USE HER UPCOMING ROLE AS ONE OF DISNEY’S STRONGEST WOMEN TO START MAKING CHANGES IN THE MALE-DOMINATED WORLD OF THE SILVER SCREEN 46
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
Emily works the red carpet with husband John Krasinski at this year’s Golden Globes
The actress is set to star in the new Mary Poppins film
As Queen Freya in fantasy drama The Huntsman: Winter’s War
Emily and John manage to successfully balance work and parenthood
G
iven that Emily Blunt first sashayed onto our screens as the haughty Emily Charlton in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada, you could be forgiven for having trouble reconciling the same star with her recent roles in all-action thrillers and murder mysteries. Though there was little hint of it at the time – behind her character’s clipped tones and passion for fashion lay an actress who was made of much sterner stuff. From 2015’s drug drama Sicario to last year’s emotionally charged Girl on the Train, Blunt has cemented her cinematic credentials with a host of critically acclaimed performances. This recent resurgence as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies is made all the more impressive when you consider that, behind the scenes, the Wandsworth-born star was also dealing with the birth of her first child by US Office star John Krasinski. “At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Sicario because my daughter Hazel was still very young and I felt very emotional and vulnerable,” the 33-year-old explains. “I wasn’t in the kind of mood to play an FBI agent who has a lot of issues in her life!” But what Blunt quickly realised was that the new skills and sensibilities she had found as a mother could be effectively translated into her artistic career. “What I’ve observed is that having children makes you more emotionally aware and intense,” she says. “You feel that you see things more closely and with greater awareness and intensity, and that enlightens you both in person and as a performer.” It wasn’t just the necessary “strength and determination” to take on more nuanced roles that Blunt found in becoming a mother for the first time. Having Hazel, now three, and Violet, born last year, has allowed the actress to reconsider what kinds of films she wants to take up her precious time. 47
“I know I don’t want to be away from my family for long periods unless I’m very committed to a particular project, so I want to make sure that every film I make is one that is worth my time away and the kind of beautiful time I have being at home,” she remarks. “The most important thing for me is my life with my family and friends. “It’s a beautiful feeling to be able to look after your children and always have them so present in your life. I love acting and my time working with people on a film set, but I also love my life at home with my husband and daughters. It’s the best of both worlds.” Her upcoming work, however, suggests that Blunt is looking to combine her career and responsibilities at home. As well as lending her vocal talents to two animated comedies – Animal Crackers, which will also feature Krasinski, and My Little Pony: The Movie, a welcome family-oriented break from the action-packed adventures that
INTERVIEW The actress starred as Rachel in the cinematic version of Paula Hawkins’ novel, Girl on the Train
Having children makes you more emotionally aware – you see things with greater intensity
have defined her recent career – Blunt is set to star as the iconic lead in Disney’s sequel to 1964’s Mary Poppins, set for release in 2018. And Blunt’s newfound parental confidence will greatly influence her upcoming turn as everybody’s favourite magical nanny. “As a mother, you become a teacher from the moment your child is born,” she says. “Having a child changes every cell in your body and it’s a great responsibility. You want your children to be confident and respectful and caring of others. It’s also important to teach your children to be bold and adventurous in life.” Regardless of this incredible opportunity to step into the legendary Julie Andrews’ shoes, Blunt is secure in the knowledge that in Krasinski, she has a husband who understands the rigours of balancing home life with Hollywood just as well as she. “We’ve been very organised ever since Hazel was born, and John was the best at washing the bottles and making sure we always had milk ready in the fridge for the next day!” Blunt smiles. “He’s truly the most caring man and father.”
This desire to keep work and home separate also influenced the couple’s move from the bustle of LA to nearby Ojai, a small and relatively pastoral town located in the picturesque Topatopa Mountains. “I’m more concerned about leaving enough
Turning heads at the Met Gala in 2016 shortly before having her daughter, Violet
48
time in between projects so I can enjoy being with my husband and daughters and not feel that our family life is being disrupted constantly,” Blunt explains. “I never want to allow my happiness to be determined by how well my career is doing. If you allow that to happen then you’re lost. That’s why we live outside of LA, because it can be so suffocating to always be talking about work and the business.” What’s certain is that the qualities of motherhood have transformed Blunt from a talented actress into a superwoman tour-deforce in the relatively shallow surroundings of the industry. “In the past, I was worried all the time about my work and many other things in life, but being a mum has changed all that,” she nods. “I’ve been avoiding films where the women are simply there to support the male character and don’t really move the story forward. I think we need more stories that present women as serious, complicated characters who can both be determined and vulnerable.” And given her career so far, we can’t wait to see more. L LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WORDS: JAKE TAYLOR. PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESS ASSOCIATION, REX FEATURES, GETTY IMAGES
Emily says she hopes to use the sentiments she’s learnt from motherhood to help make changes in the l industr
ADVERTORIAL
Chill out and refuel at Flo’s V8 Café!
START YOUR ENGINES LEGO ® DUPLO HAS LAUNCHED THREE FUN-FILLED DISNEY • PIXAR CARS 3 SETS
L
ightning McQueen is back and ready to prove to a new generation of racers that he can still compete with the best racers in the world! Now, pre-school fans of Disney .Pixar’s Cars 3 can recreate all the fun of the new movie with three exciting and colourful sets from LEGO® DUPLO® featuring all their favourite Radiator Springs residents, as well as some new faces. Suitable for children aged two to five years, the sets are designed to help them master early construction skills while developing fine motor skills. The buildable cars, decorated bricks and accessories offer endless opportunities for role play, encouraging them to create their own stories to bring the world of Cars 3 to life. lego.com
FLO’S CAFÉ Hang out with Lightning McQueen, Mack and Cruz Ramirez! Fans can chill out in Radiator Springs with their favourite Cars 3 friends at Flo’s V8 Café featuring façade and gas pump, before refuelling for endless racing role-play fun. Open up Mack’s trailer and drive Lightning McQueen up the ramp to head off in to the sunset for his next big race! RRP £44.99
MATER’S SHED
Join in Mater’s video chat with Lightning McQueen! Children can build and hang out with Mater the tow truck in his shed. Drive him around the cones and tinker away using the wrench and oil can. Then log on to Mater’s computer to play at making video calls to Lightning McQueen, who’s off racing miles away from home! RRP £16.99
PISTON CUP RACE
©DISNEY ©2017 THE LEGO GROUP
Race Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm for the Piston Cup! Pre-schoolers can line up Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm for the Piston Cup, and help Luigi to start the race with his green flag. Who will be first across the finish line? The set includes bricks decorated as a race timer, Piston Cup sign and checkered flags. RRP £29.99 LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
49
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: VICTORIA WEARS CARDIGAN, £59.34, OEUF NYC AT SMALLABLE. T-SHIRT, £2.99, H&M. LEGGINGS, £70, WADDLER. SHOES, £38, EASY PEASY AT CHILDRENSALON. LILLY WEARS DRESS, £120, BLEU COMME GRIS. LEGGINGS, £20, MILK & BISCUITS. KIERAN WEARS T-SHIRT, £32, LOUD APPAREL. TROUSERS, £35, TIMBERLAND AT FLANNELS. LUKAS WEARS SWEATER, £65, LITTLE MARC JACOBS AT ALEX AND ALEXA. TROUSERS, £50.74, EMILE ET IDA AT SMALLABLE.
The
GREEN light
PHOTOGRAPHY: HANNAH COATES STYLING: ALICE TIMMS
HAIR & MAKE-UP: CLAIRE PORTMAN
THIS PAGE: LILLY WEARS DRESS, £99, KARL LAGERFELD KIDS AT CHILDRENSALON. JACKET, £45, ROKIT LONDON. LEFT PAGE: FAITH WEARS DUNGAREES, £145, KINGDOM OF ORIGIN. TOP, £30, ZEBRA I CAN SEE. SANDALS, £53, YOUNG SOLES.
THIS PAGE: FAITH WEARS JACKET, £45, AND SKIRT, £40, BOTH ISOSSY. TOP, £50.74, SUNCHILD AT SMALLABLE. SOCKS, £15, BRAVELING. KIERAN WEARS SHIRT, £62, AND SHORTS, £58, BOTH STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS AT ALEX AND ALEXA. T-SHIRT, £40, DIESEL. SOCKS, £8, SOMEDAY SOON AT SELFRIDGES. RIGHT PAGE: VICTORIA WEARS HAT, £50.74, OEUF NYC AT SMALLABLE. SWEATER, £38, PIUPIA. SKIRT, £14.99, THE BONNIE MOB. TIGHTS, £15.99, BRAVELING. MOBILE, £25.50, LITTLE BIG ROOM BY DJECO AT BIRD KIDS.
With thanks to: Models: Evie, Faith, Keiran, Lilly, Lukas, Victoria. Model agencies: Bonnie & Betty, Grace & Galor, Kids London, Mini Models, Tiny Angels. Location: Clapton Tram Depot, E5. Photographic assistant: Josh Showell
Sho p the
SHOOT
It’s time to give this eclectic selection of new-season pieces the go ahead
COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER
KIERAN WEARS JACKET, £45, ROKIT LONDON. T-SHIRT (JUST SEEN), £29, AND SHORTS, £62, BOTH NO ADDED SUGAR.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COTTON T-SHIRT, £7 VERY.CO.UK. DENIM SHIRT, £12 BOOHOO.COM. COTTON-BLEND LEGGINGS, £7.99 LINDEX.COM. COTTON-BLEND SWEATER, £15.99 MANGO.COM. HIGH-TOP TRAINERS, £19.99 ZARA.COM. BIRD-PRINT SKIRT, FROM £16 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM. COTTON SHIRT, FROM £14 MARKSANDSPENCER.COM. DENIM-STYLE JACKET, £12 MATALAN.CO.UK. COTTON JERSEY LEGGINGS, £10 RIVERISLAND.COM. COTTON T-SHIRT, £9.99 MANGO.COM. VELOUR HOODED ZIP-UP JACKET, £12.90 UNIQLO.COM. LEATHER BOOTS, £34 WILLABEANS.COM. VELOUR SKIRT, £7.99 HM.COM. COTTON SHIRT WITH FAUX-FUR PATCHES, £21.99 ZARA.COM. COTTON-BLEND JOGGERS, £15.99 MANGO.COM. GEORGE BACKPACK, £10 DIRECT.ASDA.COM. GEORGE DENIM DUNGAREES, £10 DIRECT.ASDA.COM. COTTON SWEATER, £14.99 ZARA.COM.
RUNNING HEAD
SUBSCRIBE TO LITTLE LONDON
JUST £18 FOR 1 YEAR Save 43%
includes free iPad access
Plus get a FREE GIFT! The ‘Kaito The Killer Whale’ PaddlePak from Trunki is the splash-proof backpack perfect for little explorers!
S U B S C R I B E T O D AY !
Call 01442 820580, or visit webscribe.co.uk/magazine/littlelondon and quote CLLOPP87
In the next issue of
little london October • November
American actress Amy Adams on combining her work and family • Old-school charm: classic fashion for autumn • A family guide to the tropical paradise of Barbados • Fat fears: what to do if your child is overweight • Are you keeping them safe? How to police social media in your own home • Raising independent children: how much freedom should we give them in the capital? • The best events and activities for the whole family
On sale
worth 2
15
September LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
57
WHAT’S ON
Family fun IN THE CAPITAL LONDON AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA IS BURSTING WITH EXCITING THINGS TO DO TO KEEP ACTIVE KIDS OCCUPIED OVER THE SUMMER. GEORGINA BLASKEY AND HER CHILDREN VISIT SOME OF THE BEST CHELSKI WHAT: Summer in the city must mean skiing, right? At ChelSki you just need leggings or a tracksuit and you’re ready to be clipped in to ski boots and skis. Begin by holding a bar to help you get used to the sensation, and the rolling carpet (like a running machine but huge and white) gently speeds up according to your ability. It’s a very different feeling to skiing but a great way to introduce the idea to beginners. WHERE: Sotheron Place, Chelsea. AGE: Five years and over for regular ski sessions. PRICE: From £34.95 each. chel-ski.uk
58
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WHAT’S ON
GO APE WHAT: Harness up and clip in to the treetop-climbing adventure that awaits. After a safety briefing, little monkeys will navigate wobbly bridges, kneeknocking crossings, rope walkways and some high-flying zip wires. You can either join them or watch from below as they unleash their inner Tarzan. Go Ape experts are dotted around to gently encourage them along the way. WHERE: Alexandra Palace, Trent Park, Black Park, Battersea Park. AGE: All ages, but there is a minimum height requirement of 1m. PRICE: From £18 each.
CLIP ’N CLIMB
goape.co.uk
Flying Fantastic Young Flyers summer school is now open to children aged seven to 15 years
WHAT: Indoor climbing walls come in all colours, shapes and sizes at this well-designed venue. Once little ones have been harnessed up and told some basic rules, it’s off for a 55-minute, jampacked session of scaling walls, beating the timer and abseiling off ledges. There are extras you can purchase, too, namely the Vertical Drop, Leap of Faith and Stairway to Heaven. There’s even a viewing balcony complete with café if you don’t want to take part. WHERE: Michael Road, Chelsea. AGE: From four years and over. PRICE: From £17.50 each. clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk
IFLY WHAT: Indoor skydiving is gaining momentum, and we went to iFly to try its vertical wind tunnel. After a detailed safety video and quick change into special flying suits, we stepped into the chamber where our instructor was waiting. Using the position we’d learnt, we experienced the feeling of free fall for two 60-second flights (which is, in fact, 15 seconds longer than the average sky dive). It’s a sensation that takes time to adjust to – but it is a thrill! WHERE: Basingstoke Leisure Park. AGE: From three years and up. PRICE: £49.99 each.
FLYING FANTASTIC WHAT: Does your child want to run off to join the circus? They might after this class, where they learn skills on aerial silks, hoop, sling and trapeze. Great for kids who love gymnastics but want something a bit different, this class builds cardio and muscular strength, improves flexibility and develops coordination. Plus the instructors are amazing to watch and great fun. Holiday courses are two days and a longer summer camp is in the planning. WHERE: Battersea, Wimbledon and Southwark. AGE: Four years and over. PRICE: From £12 per session.
iflyworld.co.uk
flyingfantastic.co.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
59
WHAT’S ON
PUTT IN THE PARK WHAT: Putt In The Park has three mini golf courses and clubhouse cafés set in beautiful surroundings. We tried the Wandsworth Park course and loved it. With the Thames as our backdrop, we tapped our way around the (at times, challenging!) course and finished with tea and cake in the on-site café. The courses are designed to suit all abilities, so it could be a great way to pass the time with visiting grandparents. WHERE: Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park and Acton Park. AGE: Suitable for all ages if they can swing a putter! PRICE: From £6 each. puttinthepark.com
Above par? 10-year-old Bella and oah, eight, show off their skills at Putt in the Park
PARKOUR GENERATIONS WHAT: All kids love to run, jump and climb, and Parkour Generations helps your child discover how to explore their potential in a safe environment. Run by experienced coaches, each session starts with a warm up followed by time on different stations to help children improve the physical qualities they need (jumping between boxes, planking while rolling a ball, for example), plus there’s a short course to practise. WHERE: Victoria, Westminster and East London. AGE: Seven years and over. PRICE: From £5 each.
CLUEQUEST WHAT: Escape rooms are great fun for a rainy day. ClueQuest offers three missions, and Agent Bella and Agent Noah tackled Plan52 with their friends. Teams have 60 minutes to escape using common sense logic to gather clues and solve puzzles. Against a ticking clock (and with a bit of help via screen clues and a walkie talkie), we had to search Mr Q’s apartment to find the double agent and escape before time ran out. WHERE: Caledonian Road, King’s Cross. AGE: Best suited to those aged nine years and over. PRICE: From £27 each. cluequest.co.uk
LONDON RECUMBENTS BIKE HIRE
parkourgenerations.com
SHERLOCK HOLMES TEA WHAT: If you’ve worked up an appetite, you'll enjoy high tea with a twist at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, where the new Sherlock Holmes tea complements the existing Alice in Wonderland offering. Showcasing a mystifying selection of culinary rarities, indulge in treats such as Moriarty’s Bomb (mini cheesecake), the Sherlock Holmes Smoky Cigar (smoked caramel mousse) and Watson’s Moustache (a stout cupcake), plus plenty of props to keep you all amused. WHERE: 51 Buckingham Gate, Victoria AGE: All ages welcome. PRICE: £35 per person.
WHAT: Explore London’s parklands using the power of pedals through London Recumbents. From bananas to tandems, the aim is to provide a cycle experience not normally found at your local bike shop, while having lots of fun and a burst of exercise to boot. All ages and levels of fitness can enjoy this activity, and there are special needs options available, too. WHERE: Dulwich Park, Battersea Park. AGE: All ages. VERDICT: From £10 per bike. londonrecumbents.com
taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
60
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
COMPETITION
WIN Six months’ supply of the new
Little Dish Classics range, plus a family break with Forest Holidays
*SIX MONTHS’ SUPPLY IS 48 CLASSIC MEALS OR 48 COOKING SAUCES. THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE VOUCHERS TO CHOOSE WHAT THEY WANT TO REDEEM. **FOUR CLASSIC MEALS AND TWO COOKING SAUCES
WORTH £ 850
Enjoy a dreamy, eco family escape in stunning surroundings with Forest Holidays WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH LITTLE DISH AND FOREST HOLIDAYS TO GIVE you the chance to win a weekend-long family break in a log cabin, as well as six months’ supply* of Little Dish’s brand new range of healthy childhood classics and cooking sauces. Little Dish’s new range is perfect for weekends away and those summer holiday camping adventures. Little ones can choose from four yummy classics – Baked Beans, Spaghetti Hoops, Macaroni Cheese and Tomato Soup – plus two nutritious cooking sauces: Classic Tomato and Mild Korma. These all-time family favourites are low in salt, with no added sugar or sweeteners,
ensuring they are nutritionally balanced for toddlers. What’s more, they’re packed with veggies for added goodness, including cauliflower, butternut squash and carrot, and have been approved by dietitian Lucy Jones and a team of Tiny Tasters. Available in handy toddler-sized portions, they can be stored in the cupboard and prepared in minutes. You’ll find Little Dish Classics (RRP £1.25) and Sauces (RRP £1) in the baby and children’s food aisle of most major supermarkets. As part of the prize, Forest Holidays – the leading name in eco-friendly forest breaks – is throwing in a magical three-night stay in one of its Silver Birch log cabins. The luxury
two-bedroom cabin features dramatic forest views and a private hot tub from which to take in your surroundings. The winner can choose from one of nine idyllic locations. Five runners up will receive the nutritious new Little Dish range**, plus an apron, family cookbook and colour-in tablecloth. L Visit littledish.co.uk/classics and forestholidays.co.uk
To enter, visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
61
STRUT&
STROLL
WWW.CYBEX-ONLINE.COM
THE PERFECT FAMILY
Since its inception, the CYBEX brand has been enriching the lives of modern parents with innovative, safe and stylish car seats, pushchairs and baby carriers, which compliment even the busiest of lifestyles.
Your tastes, your style, and the way you live your daily life is so important – these are the things that truly set you apart. But these factors shouldn’t be compromised when it comes to parenthood. Designed for even the most style-conscious, CYBEX’s platinum range allows eclectic individuals to express themselves, to find a product that matches their lifestyle, and one that offers a true reflection of themselves.
CYBEX has cleverly developed an award-winning range of products that can adapt to any journey and lifestyle without compromising on safety or style.
ADVERTISEMENT
SAFETY MEETS
DES IGN
FUNCTIONAL
LUXURY Whether it’s teamed with the matching carry cot, or Cloud Q infant car seat later as a luxurious pushchair, all three PRIAM configurations offer ultimate comfort
The CLOUD Q -
The PRIAM -
Award-winning lie-flat car seat
an ideal companion that is diverse and versatile as life itself.
Redefining the modern day car seat with true decadence, the Cloud Q is the ultimate car seat for safety both in and out of the car that is suitable for group 0+.
A convenient 3-in-1 travel system for those that demand maximum flexibility with a one-hand fold mechanism for effortless travel and storage. To make life even easier on the go, the PRIAM can also be folded to two wheels whilst your child is still in the Lux seat.
For the parents who travel on long car journeys, the transforming car seat means trips can be almost endless with a near-flat lying angle that keeps your baby both safe and comfortable in the car. The intelligent functionality doesn’t end there. If you’re out and about, you can transform the car seat from safely cocooning your newborn in the car to a true lie-flat seat outside the car. Thanks to the lie-flat position your child can be safely kept in their car seat for longer whilst remaining comfortable. The award-winning Cloud Q is versatility redefined, providing phenomenal safety protection.
From relaxing in cosy cafés to being out and about, there’s no compromise with the PRIAM featuring a highchair function, the seat perfectly fits the average table height – an ideal feature to enjoy dining out in style. For exploring, the PRIAM has all wheel suspension with a choice of wheel options for any terrain. From newborn up to 17kg, the PRIAM is the perfect companion for those whose lifestyles don’t slow down with a little one in tow.
COMPACT
CRUSADER A compact pushchair perfect for those parents who want to explore without boundaries. The epitome of urban chic, the MIOS 3-in-1 travel system can be used with a carry cot, the Cloud Q car seat, and the seat unit so no matter where you are, the MIOS is perfectly in tune with the needs of your life. From uncovering boutiques and hidden gems in the city, your child will benefit from ultimate comfort and safety with both forward and rearward facing 2-in-1 seat positioning.
STYLE MEETS Interior sling fabric made from 100% cotton Width adjustable seating area
The ergonomic YEMA is a genuine fashion accessory designed with useful functions that enhance the comfort and special connection between both parent and child. There’s no need to worry about daily challenges, the YEMA allows you to take on life, all whilst making a statement through the beautiful fabrics, design style and colours.
discover this small wonder from Cybex.
The MIOS is compatible with any form of transport, from train to car with a compact width of 50cm and weight of just 8.7kg – the ultimate lightweight pushchair for a lifestyle that hasn’t come to a halt with parenthood.
ERGONOMICS
Adjustable head & neck rest
The MIOS -
The YEMA - confidently stylish, embrace your individuality with the YEMA baby carrier.
The carrier has been acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute so your baby will benefit from the correct posture at all times to encourage healthy hip development. Whichever of the three carrying positions you choose, front, side or back carrying, you and your baby will always be comfortable thanks to the padded shoulder straps and soft protective side padding.
INTERVIEW
Fiona’s girls, Harryo and Poppy, and her godson, Sebastian
REASONS TO BE
J O L LY
CHILDREN’S FURNITURE DESIGNER FIONA JOLLY TELLS KATE FREUD ABOUT JUGGLING HER TWIN GIRLS, POPPY AND HARRYO, WITH HER THRIVNG NEW BUSINESS
“
W
hen I was newly pregnant with the twins, I was put on bed rest for seven weeks,” says furniture designer Fiona Jolly, recalling the memory with a smile. “I thought it would be dreamy, relaxing in my cottage in Wiltshire, but I went stir crazy!” Looking at her today – the twins, Poppy and Harryo, now seven, safely tucked up either side of her on the sofa – it’s easy to see why a woman with so much energy and enthusiasm might find such incarceration tortuous. We’re sitting in the sun-bathed sitting room of her London home – on a pretty mews just off Notting Hill’s Ledbury Road – drinking tea and eyeing a splendid array of Peggy Porschen cakes on the coffee table. The twins seem particularly keen on a jaw-dropping unicorn cake and hover over it impatiently, before their mother finally relents and allows them a slice. Though the girls look identical, and are great friends, their personalities couldn’t be more different. “Harryo is a total tomboy, she’s wild and energetic, and super sporty. She can’t sit still! Poppy on the other hand is a seriously girly girl; she’s organised and thoughtful and loves dolls and teddies,” says Fiona. And apparently they both love cake. The girls were, of course, the inspiration behind her
furniture brand, Reasons to be Jolly, a practical collection of wooden furniture painted in delicious pastel hues from duckegg blue and mint to peach and pale pink. When their first birthday loomed, Fiona had a romantic notion of the children and their young friends sitting outdoors around a communal table, but soon realised there was nothing in the kids’ furniture market that offered what she was looking for. “I had this idea that it would be like a mini dinner party, but couldn’t find anything where the children’s feet could touch the ground. And all the children’s furniture I did find was either plastic and hideous or MDF and self-assembly. And so the idea for Reasons to be Jolly was born.” As the children perch on benches either side of a beautifully made, low wooden table, on the family’s roof terrace, her vision has been realised. The girls and Fiona’s godson Sebastian, five, can draw, eat and play around the table and it very much feels like their own space. This design comes in two lengths – 5ft and 7ft – and you can squeeze almost 30 under-10s on the seven-footer. And there’s science behind the beautiful aesthetic, too. Having spoken to a paediatrician about children’s development, Fiona explains, “it’s great for children to have their feet on the ground while eating, playing and 64
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
65
The designer left school at 15 to pursue a career as a make-up artist
INTERVIEW
It was a relief to find out I was pregnant with the twins – it meant I got the help I needed
66
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
INTERVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG. PEGGY PORSCHEN UNICORN & RAINBOW CAKE, FROM £79.95, PEGGYPORSCHEN.COM
Fiona’s designs now sit pretty in her own back garden
doing homework. It helps with feeling independent, too.” The range extended into square play tables and eventually wooden stools which are dotted around the house, perfect for little ones wanting to reach bathroom sinks, and high cupboards in the kitchen or bedroom for the grown-ups. Fiona and her husband of 10 years, Jamie, a screenwriter, find themselves using them as much as the girls. The couple divide their time between their London home and the countryside, where their eight-bedroom house, six miles north of Salisbury, is home to a menagerie of dogs, cats and the girls’ ponies that are very much a part of the family. Fiona’s furniture is a permanent fixture in the garden, and with its hardwood and waterproof, non-toxic paint it’s survived the British elements to stand the test of time. All the tables are made in Wiltshire from local sustainable wood, and Fiona has designed them down to the smallest detail. They can be folded flat for storage, and have stainless steel clips that hold the legs in place, meaning no assembly is necessary. Fiona and Jamie met through a mutual friend. They hit it off immediately during their first date at Fiona’s favourite Italian restaurant, Assaggi. And the fact that his writing work could take him anywhere sealed the deal, as it meant they really could do the town and country thing properly, splitting their time between the two. These days their house in Wiltshire is full of friends at the weekends, many of whom live nearby and some taking refuge from London. This was always Fiona’s dream. In fact, she knew she would end up owning the couple’s country house from the moment she saw it 10 years before it was theirs. And she’s clearly a girl who always had a vision. Like the way at age 12 she decided LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
67
school was not for her and after leaving at 15 (she was later diagnosed with dyslexia) she set about becoming a make-up artist. “I loathed school” she says, “and was constantly made to feel very stupid. But I always saw things in picture and colour form, so make-up proved the perfect medium for expression.” Her passion caught the eye of the brilliant make-up artist Charlie Green, who took 17-year-old Fiona under her wing and spent two years teaching her everything she knows. Her work took her all over the world, doing make-up for everyone from Kylie Minogue to Goldie Hawn, but it was full on, and transient, and when she met Jamie she wanted to settle. After several miscarriages, they were thrilled to fall pregnant naturally with twins, and after a C-section at 37 weeks, their family was complete. “In a way, it was a relief to find out I was pregnant with twins,” Fiona says. “It meant I got the help I needed from Jamie, family and a nanny. I was also so terrified of giving birth – when I was told I would have to have a caesarean I was delighted.” Though Fiona makes sure to be around for her girls, it’s important to her that they see her work too, and muck in themselves sometimes. “I try to get the girls involved where I can, they love helping out,” Fiona says. Which is not a bad thing, given that Fiona’s business is growing and she’s full of ideas for where to take it next. “We’ve already expanded into animal-print cushions and wall art, and at the moment I’m designing crockery and cutlery too, but next I plan on designing bedspreads, rugs and bookshelves. There’s so much I want to do!” And with her boundless enthusiasm and keen eye for design, we’re going to watch this space. L reasonstobejolly.com
2
PARTIES
1
3 4
5 Decorate your own ice lollies A summer celebration is the perfect time for iced treats, and kids will go mad for this fun dipping bonanza. Simply make the lollies the night before by whizzing up fresh fruit such as strawberries, pineapple and raspberries in a blender with water and a little sugar. Divide into lolly moulds, insert lolly sticks and place in the freezer, ready to de-mould the following day. DIPPING INGREDIENTS • White chocolate (broken into pieces) • Milk chocolate (broken into pieces) • Dark chocolate (broken into pieces) • Coconut oil • Chopped nuts • Desiccated coconut • Chopped dried fruit • Mini marshmallows • Crushed honeycomb • Sprinkles
6
7 8
P a r t y w a rd r o b e
1. COTTON DRESS £35 WELLGROUNDEDCO.COM 2. HOODED SWEATER £39 SUNUVA.COM 3. QUICK-DRY BEACH TOWEL £14.99 DOCKANDBAY.CO.UK 4. MONKEY MONKEY SUNGLASSES £18 JDWILLIAMS.CO.UK 5. COTTON T-SHIRT £60 VILEBREQUIN.COM 6. SWIM SHORTS £34.95 TOMANDTEDDY.CO.UK 7. SWIMSUIT £18 MONSOON.CO.UK 8. INFLATABLE SWIM RING £5 ELC.CO.UK
Firstly, prepare the dipping bowls. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in separate bowls. For the milk and dark chocolate, mix with 1tsp of coconut oil. Be sure to stir after 20 seconds as the chocolate can easily burn. Fill the bowls with the toppings and arrange on a table with the chocolate bowls. De-mould the lollies, hand them out to the children and let the dipping commence! SUN PIÑATA £12.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
PAPER HONEYCOMB DECORATIONS (PACK OF THREE) £5.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
LA ROCHE-POSAY DERMO-KIDS SUN CREAM AEROSOL SPF50+ £12.75 BOOTS.COM
68
Be sure to have plenty of spare hats and suncream for your little guests
SUN HAT £15 SUNUVA.COM
PARTIES
PA R T Y T I M E W I T H
Safety first
The SwimFin is worn on your child’s back, allowing total freedom around the arms and better movement in the water. £22.99, swimfin.co.uk
FUN & GAMES
Carole Middleton
POOL PARTY Make a splash over the holidays and hit the water for your summer celebration
OCTOPUS WATERPARTY This large octopus connects to your hosepipe and, when switched on, water spurts out of the 45cm-long tentacles. £19.99, argos.co.uk
WATER BALLOONS These are great fun for a summer celebration. Simply fill with water and throw at your target! 49p, partypieces.co.uk
PAPER NAPKINS (PACK OF 20) £1.49 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
BEACH BALL £2.99 THERANGE.CO.UK
PAPER PLATES (PACK OF EIGHT) £1.29 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
WHETHER YOU HAVE A SUMMER BIRTHDAY TO CELEBRATE OR YOU just want to make the most of these soaring temperatures, a pool party in the garden is really exciting for children. Of course, the pool (paddling or otherwise) is the centrepiece to the whole event, so you’ll want to fill it with brightly coloured balloons, beach balls and novelty inflatables, but don’t forget about what’s going on around the pool, too, to give them a break from the water. Kick the excitement up a notch with party games – themed piñatas, beach ball ‘bowling’ (empty water bottles will work perfectly as pins) and mermaid-themed treasure hunts are all great ways to keep them entertained. You could even invest in a waterslide with inflatable boogie boards and let them race, or set up a ‘decorate your own flip-flops’ station, with glitter pens and strips of fabric.
PADDLING POOL £16.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK
FOAM NOODLE FLOAT £1.99 DECATHLON.CO.UK
When it comes to setting the scene, bright and beautiful décor is the way to go. From your beach towels to bunting, pick colourful stripes and eye-popping prints for your partyware. Mini beach-bucket favours filled with sweets or chopped fresh fruit will go down a treat with children and adults alike, while coloured paper lanterns and fans (hung at different heights to create contrast) and large buckets filled with deliciously ice-cold drinks will all add charm. When it comes to feeding your hungry swimmers, keep it cool with fruit skewers, ice cream sandwiches and fresh fruit ice lollies. Keep the savoury snacks light – try whipping up an easy guacamole with tortilla chips, crostini with mozzarella and fresh basil, and corn on the cob. And of course, if Dad is willing to get the barbecue out, by all means, go for mini hotdogs all round! L BIRTHDAY CAKE £110 THECAKESTORE.CO.UK
FUNBOY RAINBOW INFLATABLE £30.12 REVOLVE.COM
Bright children
Exceptional opportunities All the fun of the fair: recent excitements for
our littler children this year have included a Mad Science workshop, a visit from a menagerie of farm animals, trips to local London landmarks like the Museum of London and several visiting top authors.
Wet play? Not a problem. With three indoor sports halls and a huge 70m x 40m all-weather pitch, Newton Prep has plenty of space inside and out!
Our annual Open Day is Saturday 7th October, 9.30am-12.30pm, but we also run more personal
“Newton
combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.” Current parent
Headmistress’s Tours most Fridays during term-time: sign up via our website now!
We can offer 100% Bursaries from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.
A co-ed London prep school for children 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk
FAMILY
School uniform shopping. Next stop, mortgage application
MAKING THE GRADE We all know how terrifying going back to school can be, but it’s time to put those first-day fears aside – for the sake of the kids, says JAMIE DAY
SO THAT’S THAT THEN; IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, THE END OF THE HOLIDAYS ARE drawing ever closer. I’m pretty sure that a couple of months ago, as I filled our diary with day trips to the seaside, to theme parks and the car’s MOT, it looked like summer would last forever, but here we are, with the earlier evenings looming and ‘back to school’ signs adorning every shop window this side of Calais. And while thousands of little ones will be heading back to start a new year, let’s not forget the four-year-olds up and down the capital with neatlypressed pleated dresses or knee-length shorts taking pride of place in their crayon-marked wardrobes, who will be heading to school for the very first time, including our little girl, Edie. After four years of watching Edie coo and poo, walk and talk, and more recently blitz her way through nursery like a steam train from Sodor, it’s finally time for her to go off into the big wide world, nylon book-bag in hand. And while I’m obviously happy for her, selfishly I’m also left with a slight tinge of sadness. There’s a ‘there goes my little girl’ feeling loitering in the pit of my stomach that I can’t quite shake. My baby – a tiny bundle of squidgy pink perfection only a few years ago – is now an intelligent, strong-willed young girl off to create potato-print masterpieces, balance eggs on spoons and basically do her own thing from 8.30am to 3.20pm every day. She doesn’t need me anymore! The truth is though, all of my melodramatic meltdowns are easily outweighed by my enthusiasm to see her learn. I can’t wait to hear her daily reports LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
in the years to come on Romans, football club and algebra (shudder), and I look forward to watching what makes her tick. At the moment, the four-yearold Edie wants to be an artist, a chef, a bead-maker and a traffic warden all at once. So what fascinates me is not really knowing what’s ahead for her. In other words, no one can predict what she’s going to flourish in, who her friends will be, which teachers will inspire her and what else might help shape her. To me, watching those possibilities open up for her is nothing short of thrilling. Edie’s not really in the same boat as most children starting school for the first time – being at nursery, she already assumes she’s at school and all that’s happening in September is that she will be going up a year. Still, that’s not to say she won’t have those first-day nerves and insecurities. As ever, I’ll be there with reassuring words and endless cuddles, but I know she’ll be fine because like most children, she has such an appetite to learn, and all she really wants to do is have fun and be with her friends – at school she can do all of that and more. So, as we say farewell to the holidays and hello to a new school term, good luck to everyone who’s starting and returning. Whether you want to be an artist, a chef, a bead-maker or a traffic warden – or all four – stay in school, kids, and you can! L
@adayinthelifedad
GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS £17.99 WATERSTONES.COM
71
Class acts • From PTA barbecues to nativities, the school term is a relentless tsunami of dates for the diary. I keep on top of everything with my journal from Say Nice Things Stationery.
PEANUT BUTTER SQUEEZE PACKS (PACK OF 12) £10 PIPANDNUT.COM
• My kids go nuts for nuts, and these handy sachets from Pip & Nut are great for keeping them going (and quiet in traffic) after school and before supper. • Our favourite bedtime read at the moment is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, which tells the stories of remarkable women over the last 100 years.
CREATIVITY
get CRAFTY
LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SUMMER-INSPIRED ACTIVITIES AND DAYS OUT
W
hat a wonderful summer we’ve had so far – I can’t quite believe that I’ve actually had to put sun cream on the children before the school run in the mornings. Hallelujah! I met the delightful Joanna from Childs Farm recently, who gave me a stack of mini sun creams to stash in the kids’ school bags. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been driven ‘fidget spinner’ mad by the children over the last few months? Well, being the genius that she is, Nanny Anita has decided to help the children make their own this summer. We’ve also been having fun making ‘busy bags’ – small zip-lock bags filled with activities for your kids to do when you need to kill time. I love how much time we get to cook with the children over the holidays, and one of my favourite things to do at the moment is have a big fruit-chopping session with them in the kitchen for our make-ahead ‘fruituccinos’ – check out the recipe to see how you can make your own at home. Happy chopping! L
I recently came across this company called Cotton Twist. It sells ready-made crafts perfect for party bags! MAKE-YOUR-OWN UNICORN WAND £2.45 COTTONTWIST.CO.UK
72
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
CREATIVITY
FIDGET SPINNER You will need: • thin cardboard • scissors • pin • glue • pennies • pencil • toothpick Method • To make our templates, we drew around fidget spinners that we already own. If you don’t have one to hand, draw a rough one on a piece of paper first. • On the cardboard, cut out two of your fidget spinners. Then cut out two small circles, slightly smaller than the size of a 1p piece. • Use the pin to make a small hole in the centre of both your fidget spinners and the circles. • Next, use the toothpick to make the hole slightly bigger, and finally, use the sharp end of the scissors to make the hole in the fidget spinners even bigger (but not the circles). Make sure the holes are big enough by putting them onto the toothpick and twirling them. If they move freely, then they are perfect. • Decorate your spinners and glue them together. • Glue a penny onto each end of your spinner. You can use PVA glue
THE BIG FEASTIVAL for this, but we used a hot glue gun. • Cut off the sharp ends of the toothpick, and push it through first circle piece to the end. Cover the circle (and the top of the toothpick) in glue and let it dry. Push the fidget spinner onto the toothpick and finally add the last circle. Make sure you don’t push it all together or it wont spin. You need gaps between the circles and the spinner. • When you have it in the perfect position, glue around the toothpick where it touches the top of the circle. When that has dried, cut the remainder of the toothpick off. • Note that they don’t spin quite as long as the ball bearing ones, but they are just as satisfying.
LACING ANIMALS BUSY BAGS You will need: • cardboard • hole punch • ribbons, old shoe lace or wool • stanley knife or scissors • paint
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG, ISTOCK
Method • You can either free-draw your animals or print templates from the internet to trace around onto the cardboard. Then, using a sharp knife or scissors, cut them out. • Punch holes around the outside edges of the shapes. A single hole puncher would be more ideal if
you have one. • Decorate your shapes however you like; this is something kids can do. • Ribbons, old shoe laces or some wool all make excellent materials to lace with. If using ribbons or wool, try painting the ends of them in nail polish to stop them fraying. When everything is ready, place it into a zip bag and pop it into your bag or car for when you need it to keep little fingers busy for a while.
The children and I are very excited about the line up for The Big Feastival this August, which takes place just down the road from our Cotswolds home. There’s always so much for the whole family to do and see – and I’ve been dreaming about its street food vendors since last year! Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August, Churchill Heath Farm, Kingham, Oxfordshire. Adult tickets, from £69; children, from £42.25. uk.thebigfeastival.com
MAKE -AHEAD FRUITUCCINOS You will need: • seasonal fruits/berries • spinach • freezer bags Method • Chop all your fruits and vegetables and divide into bowls. Let the children select their own ingredients and store in individual freezer bags. When you come to making the smoothie, pour the bag contents into a blender with milk (my favourite is coconut milk) or water and blitz to taste.
For whoever they want to be... The Wellkid® vitamin range for children provides great all-round, carefully balanced formulas for kids aged 4-12 years. If you’re looking for a comprehensive formula with more than vitamins A, C and D, or the ideal Omega-3 or calcium supplement for kids, the Vitabiotics’ range of children’s vitamins has it covered. See the full range at wellkid.com. Wellkid® supports The Diana Award, which inspires and recognises social action in young people.
GREAT TASTING VITAMINS FOR KIDS
Multi-Vitamin Liquid
Multi-Vitamin Chewable
Immune Chewable
Soft Jelly
15 nutrients including iodine which contributes to normal growth of children
21 nutrients including iron which contributes to children’s normal cognitive development
24 nutrients, with zinc which contributes to normal immune system function
10 vitamins plus flaxseed oil in delicious strawberry or wildberry flavour
Britain’s No.1 Vitamin Company* *Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 27 March 2017. From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & wellkid.com © 2015 Vitabiotics Ltd © 2015 KidZania, S.A de C.V. All Reserved.
Working with
LUNCH LESSONS World-famous cookery school Le Cordon Bleu has partnered with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts for its Adopt A School programme. Students at St Alban’s Primary & Nursery School in Camden will be the first to attend a series of workshops explaining where food comes from and how to cook it, with plans to roll it out in other schools across the capital. cordonbleu.edu/london
BEST NEW BOOKS The coolest reads for budding young chefs
PIZZA! Learn how to make pizza, step by step, with interactive tabs, flaps and wheels to help develop an early love of cooking. £9.95, Phaidon
food
NEWS
The latest and greatest foodie finds for your mini diners
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Food writer Amanda Grant’s latest title features more than 50 easy recipes divided to suit your child’s age and ability. £14.99, Ryland Peters & Small
The animal heads can be removed too, for fun and games that last when snack time is over
MY LITTLE SOUS-CHEF Get your little ones helping out with this innovative e-book, designed to be used in conjunction with its twin adult version. £5.99, Amazon
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
FARMYARD FRIENDS Liven up mealtimes with Sip ‘n’ Sound’s amusing straws. The animals come to life as the children drink, with characters including a cow, pig and horse making realistic noises as the kids slurp through the straw. £5.99 each, toysrus.co.uk
75
FOOD
Grow your own BECKY DICKINSON REVEALS THE FIVE SUPERFOODS YOU CAN HARVEST IN YOUR OWN GARDEN WITH THE CHILDREN
76
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
FOOD
S
KALE
ummer is a perfect time to reconnect with nature and introduce your children to the joys of gardening. And what could be better than growing plants that are packed with nutrients? Many so-called superfoods, revered for their superior health benefits, are surprisingly easy to grow at home. Children are natural gardeners. Not only does it combine their love of messy play, it also feeds their innate curiosity about the world. What’s more, fussy eaters are far more likely to try a food if they’ve helped to nurture and pick it themselves. There is something magical about sharing a child’s sense of wonder as they witness a seed grow into something tasty to eat. You don’t need a large garden, or a degree in horticulture to get started; just a patch of soil or a few containers, and some seeds. But if you don’t know your pea seeds from your parsnips, knowing where to start can be a challenge. So here are five foods which are simple to grow, and (almost!) guaranteed to ensure your child devours the fruits of your labour come harvest time.
This once humble member of the brassica family has enjoyed a surge in popularity of late, since being made the patron saint of vegetables. Fortunately, it’s also incredibly easy to grow and tolerant of bad weather. Sow seeds directly outdoors between March and August. Once the seedlings emerge, it’s a good idea to cover them with nets to keep birds and butterflies away. Then simply pick the leaves when they are young and tender. And for a snack that even vegetable-phobic children are likely to enjoy, try making kale crisps. Tear the kale into small pieces, then toss in a little oil and salt, or another seasoning like paprika if you prefer. Then roast in the oven at 200°C for five minutes. The results are delicious!
BLUEBERRIES
Pumpkin
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Most children will polish off a bowl of blueberries faster than you can pick them. A powerhouse of antioxidants, these super fruits also make attractive patio plants. Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, so are grown in containers filled with ericaceous (acidic) compost. It’s worth buying a couple of different varieties as this will encourage cross-pollination and heavier crops. Keep the soil moist using rainwater if possible to maintain the pH balance, and prune in late February once the plant is a couple of years old, to remove the old wood. Your only challenge is likely to be persuading your little helper to save some fruit for you.
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Beetroot Beetroot is a good source of iron, naturally occurring folic acid and antioxidants. It’s also exceptionally easy to grow and doesn’t even require much watering. Sow the seeds outdoors from February onwards, in the ground or in containers. Once the roots are the size of golf balls, simply pull them up and boil or roast whole with their skins on. Or grate the flesh into brownies or chocolate cake.
Earthy beetroot works a treat in both savoury and sweet dishes
This Halloween favourite is a great source of vitamin A (essential for eye health) and beta-carotene. The large seeds are easy for little fingers to handle and can be planted indoors in pots of compost in April, then transplanted outside in June. If space is an issue, try one of the cute miniature varieties, like Baby Bear or Jack Be Little. Water regularly until the fruits are ready to harvest in October and when you’ve finished carving, the nutritious flesh is great in soups, curries and cakes. And don’t forget the seeds, which are full of protein, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
77
TOMATOES Tomatoes are packed with the potent antioxidant, lycopene, which gives them their distinctive red colour and helps mop up free radicals that can harm our cells. Homegrown tomatoes taste so much better than shop-bought ones. For pots or hanging baskets, try bush or tumbling varieties such as Tumbling Tom, Garden Pearl or Tumbler. To grow from seed, simply scatter a few seeds into pots of compost in March or April, then place on a sunny windowsill. Wait until June before planting outside in a warm, sheltered spot, or in growbags or containers. Water little and often, and enjoy fresh from the vine and warm from the sun – perfect! L
COLT SHOES Children’s School Shoes www.colt-shoes.com
COLT SHOES
Luxury children’s wallpaper for bedrooms, playgroups and nurseries Beautifully illustrated in sumptuous heritage colour combinations
Little London Sept 1_4 page Hedgehog.qxp_Layout 1 05/07/2017 11:55 Page 1
Designed and printed in England www.katiebourneinteriors.com
traditional toys, crafts, games and partyware from around the world
Effortlessly stylish desert boots with a splash of colour www.willabeans.com clare@willabeans.com
www.hedgehogshop.co.uk
@willabeans_shoes
78
willabeans
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PARADISE CALLS
t ravel
NEWS
Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know
Reopening this autumn after eight months of renovations, Robinson Club Khao Lak in Thailand caters for the whole family. Set directly on the beach, the hotel boasts 320 rooms and villas, a family pool with water slide, dedicated kids’ club and a huge range of sporting activities. From £2,686 for a seven-night family break, robinson.com
GAMES TO GO Orchard Toys has added six new games to its ‘mini’ range. Based on traditional family favourites, such as snap and snakes and ladders, each one has been scaled down in size to make for easy playing when you’re on the go. Suitable from age three.
ADVENTURE AWAITS For the first time in 35 years, Kingswood Camps is giving parents the chance to join their kids for an adrenaline-fuelled break. Visit one of its five UK locations to take part in zip wiring, archery, abseiling and more. Stay the night in a yurt or log cabin for an authentic experience. From £45 per
£4.99, orchardtoys.com
person, kingswood.co.uk
WILD ONES
TRAVEL BUDDY
Ditch the iPads and get the children closer to nature at Longueville Manor in Jersey. The five-star hotel has teamed up with Wild Adventures Jersey to launch Bushcraft for Kids – an immersive experience where little ones can learn how to build dens, make fires, forage and navigate. £50 per hour, longuevillemanor.com
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
79
Keep youngsters occupied on long journeys with Keep Em Quiet’s genius travel kits. Packed into a backpack, each set is crammed with toys, books, crafts and healthy snacks, tailored to your child. From £9.99, keepemquiet.com
Enjoying lunch al fresco at beach side restaurant, Avato
POS TCAR D from
SKIATHOS The boys in their matching Vilebrequin shorts
K ATE FREUD, her husband Jack, and children Jago and Georgia enjoy a glorious break in the Greek islands options, and for other meals we head to the swish, upbeat PR Ammos restaurant by the beach. Our meals tend to be fresh fish and salads, and our new, deadly-for-the-waistline favourite – deep fried, filo pastry covered feta drizzled with honey. After a few days, we decide to venture further afield, hiring a car and exploring the local beaches, with particular favourites including Vasilias and Koukounaries. During the evenings we head for Skiathos Port where the children look at the big boats and chase every cat in sight for a well-meaning stroke. My husband and I soon realise that if we find them a stray to cuddle, it buys us half an hour at cocktail o’clock. Our favourite place is Cafe Bourtzi, set on a rocky outcrop in the old town with stunning sea views. For dinner, the Windmill, at the highest point of the town, is worth the climb, and for a traditional Greek meal, Taverna Alexandra is a must. The locals couldn’t be kinder (and more patient) with the children and the island has such a warm feel, I’m already planning our next visit. L
Kate cuddles a snoozing Georgia in the sunshine
The beautiful Princess Resort
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
THE LAST TIME I VISITED SKIATHOS, I WAS A SINGLE 18 YEAR OLD enjoying a post-A-Level holiday with my girlfriends from school. Though we had huge, cocktail-fuelled fun, this sleepy Greek island proved a little sedate for our first taste of freedom. Fast forward 16 years, and I'm back, this time expecting a rather different experience with my husband Jack and our two children, Jago, five, and Georgia, two, in tow. We fly direct to the island with Thomson Airways, and after a fairly painless threeand-a-half hour flight, it’s a relief to find a time difference of just two hours. Our hotel, the Skiathos Princess Resort, is a short drive away, and though it has rained all day before our arrival the resort is beautiful. Our garden room has adjoining bedrooms with Jago and Georgia (sharing for the first time, sleeping very little!) safely ensconsed next to us. We have a small lawn out front which opens onto vast green spaces and just beyond, the beach. Set on a prime stretch of coastline, there’s so much to offer that we don’t need to leave the resort at all. Breakfasts are spent in the Leto restaurant with full Greek and continental
From £3,553 for four, including flights and transfers.skiathosprincess.com
80
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
knit-planet.com modern knitwear for stylish little
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
81
Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future Fi ndt her i ghtt ut orf oryou
Localexper tt ut or si nover650Subj ect s
Mat hs
Co-ed 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years
Engl i sh
Sci ence
Musi c& mor e!
£10offyourfi r stl esson Enter the code attt the checkout Li t t l ea Ent e rt he codeLittle1 h ec heckout Th i sof f er i sval i dun t i l31 stJul y201 7,and can onl y bebe use df or as nsingle gl et r an sact i on. This offer is valid until 30th September 2017, and can only used for ai transaction. For new customers only. Minimum F orn ewc ust omer so nl y .Mi ni mum spend spend£10 £10required r equi r ed.
Next Open Morning, Friday, 29th September 2017 Headmaster’s Welcome at 9.30am To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk www.parkside-school.co.uk
twitter.com/parksideprep
www. t ut or f ai r . com | 02033224748
facebook.com/ parksideprep
• Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years
• • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities
• Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8)
Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel:Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD
82
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
NEWS
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP
Researching schools
KNIGHT SCHOOL Take the kids on a day trip to Hever Castle in Kent this summer, for a taste of what it was like to grow up in medieval times. The Knights & Princesses School runs sessions during the day, and there’s even the opportunity to take part in a bit of jousting. Dress-up is encouraged! hevercastle.co.uk
education If you want to know more about schooling and want to plan for the future, check out our sister title, The Guide to Independent Schools. Published twice a year, this is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector.
The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.
NEWS
Everything you need to know about what’s going on in and out of the classroom LONGING TO LEARN The Portland Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic have come together to launch the UK’s first private hospital school, in partnership with Chelsea Community Hospital School. The bespoke service supports long-term inpatients aged four to 18 years who can’t attend mainstream education.
SCREEN TIME FEARS According to a survey, more than 80% of kids spend more time on their tech devices than doing homework or reading. The research, conducted by onbuy.com, also revealed that more than 50% of parents think such excessive use has left their children with lower concentration levels.
Order the latest issue now!
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Visit chelseamagazines.com/ independent-school-parent or call 020 7349 3700
The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Too much? 31% of children feel the need to check their smartphone every few minutes
Research by kiwi.com has revealed 65% of parents disagree with penalties for term-time holidays. Four in five believe costs are too high during the summer, with families able to save an average of £686 if the trip is taken at other times of year. 83
RUNNING HEAD
Sleep for success IT’S EASY TO LET YOUR KIDS STAY UP LATE IN THE SUMMER, BUT IS IT WORTH IT FOR THE BAD HABITS TO COME? GEORGINA BLASKEY FINDS OUT
W
hile we love the long days this time of year, it can play havoc with children’s body clocks. When they’re babies, we’re obsessed with their sleep times and how much shut-eye they’re getting. But as they grow up this can change for all kinds of reasons – it’s such a joy to see them running around in the garden in their pyjamas until dusk, or staying up late to see a working parent, not to mention sleepovers with friends or overnight visits with grandparents. But if those late nights become too regular, the knock-on effect can be hugely detrimental. Hospital attendances in England for children under 14 with sleep disorders have tripled in 10 years, according to NHS data. Ten times more prescriptions of common sleep medication melatonin have also been written for children and adults under 55 over the same period. According to a BBC report,
poor sleep in children has been linked to a greater risk of obesity – it is thought to upset the balance of the hormones that tell our brains we are full or hungry, making it harder to control appetite; on top of that, when we’re tired, we are more likely to crave foods high in sugar and fat. Sleep deprivation can also lower immunity and is even linked to mental health issues. It can also be responsible for lack of
A GOOD BEDTIME ROUTINE 1. Have a light snack 2. Take a bath 3. Put on pyjamas 4. Brush teeth 5. Read a story 6. Make sure the room is quiet and at a comfortable temperature
84
emotional control and poor performance at school. So how much is enough? And how can we promote healthy sleeping habits? “Children need sleep to rest and repair, to aid growth, and to form and consolidate memory,” says Jackie Cox, counsellor and psychologist. “The best way to guarantee good sleeping habits is to introduce a steady bedtime routine. This will enable your child to relax, fall asleep on their own and sleep through the night.” It will also equip them to go back to sleep unaided if they wake in the night – saving you from a broken night, too. Jackie suggests children avoid any kind of screen – TV or device – at least an hour before bed; instead encourage a calm activity, such as reading or listening to an audio book. Tablets, DVDs and TVs all emit blue light, which fools the brain into thinking it is still daylight, so the sleep hormone melatonin is not released. Households where both parents LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
RUNNING HEAD
Encourage peaceful slumber with a calming and soothing scent BABY SLEEP PILLOW SPRAY £15 BLOOMAND BLOSSOM.COM
THE BEST BEDTIME It goes without saying that different children will need different amounts of sleep, but if you’d like tighter guidelines, here are some you may find useful for a child waking at about 7am each day. If they wake up earlier or later than 7am, you will need to adjust their bedtime accordingly to ensure they are getting enough sleep.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. SOURCE: JACKIE COX
Years 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
work can be busier in the evenings, pushing bedtimes later, and diet can also be to blame – drinks high in sugar and caffeine can make it harder for children to switch off at night. Some of the common sleep problems children experience include nightmares, sleep terrors and sleep walking, snoring and sleep apnoea. According to Jackie, “Nightmares can occur at times of transition, stress or change. They usually happen later in the night and are remembered the next day.” Jackie advises that rather than talking about the nightmare that night, it’s better to have a drink, pop to the toilet and settle back down to bed. Discussing the nightmare is best done the next day. “Sleep terrors and sleep walking usually occur in the early part of the night. The child is both asleep and awake at the same time and often has no memory of the event the next day. Waking the child is not helpful as it prolongs the event,” says Jackie. “Be sure to keep your LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
child’s room and your house safe.” Snoring, while usually seen as an adult affliction, may be caused by nasal congestion or enlarged adenoids or tonsils. It can also be a sign of sleep apnoea, which is a serious condition when children stop breathing during sleep. “Children with sleep apnoea may snore loudly, experience restless sleep and be sleepy during the day. It is vital to visit your GP about this.” The Children’s Sleep Charity has highlighted how sleep deprivation can affect children in different ways. CEO Vicki Dawson says: “One of the most surprising symptoms can be hyperactivity, which often leads parents to think their child isn’t tired. You may notice physical signs of sleep deprivation, such as yawning or looking tired; children can become pale and have dark circles under their eyes.” Over time their immune systems can be lowered as a result of sleep deprivation, which means they may 85
Bedtime 6.30pm - 7pm 7pm 7pm 7.30pm 8.00pm 8.15pm 8.30pm 8.45pm 9.00pm 9.15pm 9.15pm
be more susceptible to picking up colds and bugs. Interestingly, daytime behaviour can be affected too, Vicki notes. “In school, children may find it more difficult to concentrate, becoming easily distracted. Memory can be affected and behaviour can also decline – they may be more irritable and tearful than usual.” If your child isn’t managing to sleep well at night, you can let them have a short nap in the day to catch up, and do let them sleep in later at weekends if they can. But for any family with sleep issues, look first at your bedtime routine, how stimulated the children are before bed and how things can be calmed down. In our house, we used a mindfulness CD which is now available online (shambhala.com/sittingstilllikeafrog). The only problem was when I woke up an hour later on the bedroom floor! L
For more, visit thechildrenssleepcharity. org.uk and jackiecox-training.com
Open Morning dates: OPEN MORNING DATES: Wednesday 8 February th
FOREST SCHOOL
th Wednesday 18th 24 October May2017 Wednesday (Doors open 9.30) 2017 Tuesday 31st October
London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a coeducational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18. We are a city school with 50 acres of grounds, located next to Epping Forest. Our Open Day takes place on Saturday 23 September, 8.30am - 1.30pm.
(Doors open 9.30)
LYNDHURST HOUSE
Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School
www.forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744
Little London Aug and Sept 2017.indd 1
24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk
29/06/2017 10:41:05
A leading independent day school offering outstanding education for girls (3–11) and boys (3–7)
Open Afternoon Friday 10th November 2017, 1.30pm Please contact us to book your place
“The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent” – ISI report 2017
01962 835750
www.stswithuns.com
86
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
RUNNING HEAD
It’s all about the money… HOW AND WHEN SHOULD WE GIVE OUR CHILDREN POCKET MONEY? MORAG TURNER EXPLAINS
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
H
owever much pocket money you give your children, handing over cash is always a risk. Somehow those coins seem to disappear into toys boxes, school bags and, of course, down the back of the sofa, never to be seen again. But there are some very effective ways of getting to grips with your children’s finances, imparting important lessons along the way. “Teaching your children how to budget and save doesn’t need to be difficult,” explains Sally Francis of financial advice service Money Saving Expert. “Of course, there will always be a place for the traditional piggy bank and it’s important for them to actually count out coins in their hands sometimes, but as kids become more tech-savvy they respond well to using online tools.” Rooster Money is one such app that allows parents to keep a record of their child’s finances by setting up an online account and awarding a weekly allowance. Once added to the account, children can view their balance from their own computer and watch their savings grow. Parents can make a ‘boost’ as an additional reward, remove money if they need to and also encourage kids to save by putting money in the ‘safe’. Not only does this keep a track of how much pocket money has been accumulated, it also helps kids to really consider how they are going to spend and save it to reach a target purchase. But Rooster does not provide any actual payment; no real money is ever deposited. It stores a record of what is owed and ‘the bank of mum and dad’ hand it over when their child is ready to use it, deducting the amount from the account. But if you feel your child is ready for more LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
MANAGING THEIR CASH Talk about why money is essential. Children need to understand that the coins in their piggy bank have a value. Teach them that pocket money must be earned – it’s not a right. Decide what is expected of them and how much cash they will receive each week if they stick to this. Create a pocket money agreement. This could be a hand-drawn chart on the fridge or created via an app, but a clear agreement makes it easy for children to work towards saving goals. Allow kids to make the odd mistake with their money. If they want to spend it all on one toy then let them. The regret that they feel once they have run out of cash for other things will teach a valuable lesson about budgeting and saving.
87
responsibility and would rather make transfers to an account, then the Go Henry app is a great option as it offers a prepaid debit card. Parents link each of their children separately, creating an account and card for each. Pocket money can be deposited regularly, along with oneoff top-ups whenever you like. Relatives can link in, to pay birthday money for example, and funds can also be transferred back to the parent account. The card is used like a normal debit card – cash withdrawals can be made at ATMs as well as online purchases, but mum and dad retain complete control and can set spending limits. There is no overdraft or credit facility, so no risk of expensive mistakes. Working with Visa, the app is completely secure and safe to use. Most banks start giving children this type of facility once they are 11, but, like Rooster, Go Henry enables children as young as eight to manage their money. “The money habits formed as kids can be the foundation for how your children relate to money when they’re older,” says Robin Taub, author of A Parent’s Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids. “The opportunities to have conversations with your kids about money will present themselves in your everyday life. The trick is to recognise those moments and take advantage of them,” he says. Sally Francis agrees: “When you are at a till paying for shopping, explain what you are doing and how much things cost,” she suggests. “And once your child can understand the concept, start giving them pocket money. Children as young as four can grasp the basics of counting money and saving it.” And hopefully start building a sensible relationship that will last a lifetime. L
en Op
this
R
ME
SUM
ENJOY FREE RANGE FAMILY FUN ON THE FARM
THIS SUMMER!
Friendly farm animals
Indoor play
Animal handling
Tractor rides
Panning for gold
Outdoor adventure
PLUS
A full programme of fun farm activities including pony rides, goat milking, pig racing and much more!
www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
D AR AW
WI NN ING !
Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25.
CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY AT BOCKETTS Fantastic party package includes farm entry, private party room, party food, private animal handling and free entry for adults. Call 01372 363764 to discuss availability and prices! LL
88
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WHAT’S ON
AG E N DA
DANIELLE WILKINS reveals what’s going on in the capital
CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September, 10.15am to 4pm. This summer, pop along to the National Army Museum to have a go at its Construction Challenge, using special wooden boards to create a structure that wont topple over. This workshop is suitable for children aged eight years and over, but there are plenty of other activities for younger members to enjoy, too.
FAMILY BAT WALK
QUEEN’S PARK DAY
HOW TO… DANCE
Wednesday 30 August, 7.45pm to 8.45pm. Enjoy a guided night tour through Hyde Park to search for bat species, and kids can have fun using detectors to make the bats’ calls audible to the human ear. Bats are not the only animals you’ll spot that night either – look out for owls and foxes, too!
Sunday 17 September, 12pm to 5.30pm. This village fete will host everything from donkey rides and tug-of-war tournaments to GBBO-worthy cake and jam competitions, as well as an array of street food stalls. Families can get tips on everything from martial arts to how to keep bees.
Wednesday 9 August, 11am to 12.30pm. Get hands-on at the Jewish Museum London’s How To… workshops, this time focusing on the wonderful world of dance, culminating in a collaborative piece at the end. Suitable for ages six to 16 years, booking required.
Admission: Free.
Jewish Museum London,
Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HT
Lido Restaurant, Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Queen’s Park, NW6
129-131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB
020 7730 0717, nam.ac.uk
020 7036 8040, royalparks.org
qpark.org.uk
jewishmuseum.org.uk
Admission: Free.
National Army Museum, Royal
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Admission: £5 each.
89
Admission: £5 per child.
WHAT’S ON
KEW SCIENCE FESTIVAL Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August. Don your lab coat and visit Kew Gardens for exciting activities and tours to inspire the kids. In a marquee in front of Kew Palace, get to grips with handson experiments, from extracting vegetable DNA to dissecting plants, and discover amazing ‘microscopic gardens’ by looking at close-up views of plants and their structures. You can also take home your very own memento at the plant-pressing workshop, or try your hand at botanical art. Admission: Standard admission
applies. Adults, from £14; children, from £2.50; under-fours go free. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew,
Kew Science Festival
BUT TERFLIES Friday 22 and Saturday 23 September, times vary. This is an uplifting tale for little ones aged three to seven years, about courage, friendship and how to dance in the rain, told through innovative staging, live music and touching humour. Three friends embark on an adventure to chase their butterflies away – the only trouble is, they’re worried about it! Join them on their voyage…
Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655, kew.org
DISNEY CHANNEL BIG TICKET CONCERT
MAKE ‘N’ MEND SATURDAYS
Sunday 3 September, 7pm. The Big Ticket Concert comes to the capital this year, bringing together some of children’s TV’s biggest stars, including those from the Disney Channel’s number-one series, The Lodge, as they perform songs and dances from the smash-hit show for the first time. The show is suitable for ages six years and over.
Every Saturday, from 10am. Every Saturday, Spitalfields City Farm hosts volunteering activities for the whole family. Little ones of all ages are invited to take part in traditional crafts, building and mending things on the farmyard, as well as help to maintain the gardens. Admission: Free.
Admission: From £41 each.
Spitalfields City Farm,
Admission: £7 each.
Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline
Buxton Street, E1 5AR
Half Moon Young People’s Theatre,
Street, Hammersmith, W6 9QH
spitalfieldscityfarm.org
43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND
0844 249 4300, eventim.co.uk
020 7709 8900, halfmoon.org.uk
LONDINIUM
THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHER FURRY TALES Sunday 17 September, 11am and 2pm. The Artsdepot storyteller is on the run from those three-headed monsters, as he brings you tales from the Magic Land of Three using puppets and props. It features a soundtrack so catchy, you won’t be able to stop singing long after the show has ended.
Friday 28 July to Friday 29 October, event times vary. London will be taken over by the Romans this summer, in a threemonth celebration of the capital’s Roman heritage. Exciting family events will include drawing workshops and object handling at the Museum of London, art and archaeology at the Guildhall Art Gallery, and storytelling at Shoe Lane Library. The programme is being run by the City of London.
1 Warehouse, West India Quay,
Artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho
prices may vary.
E14 4AL
Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA
Venues across London
museumoflondon.org.uk
020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk
visitlondon.com/romans
FASCINATING FOOTWEAR Tuesday 8 August, 12pm to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm. Did you know, archaeologists are able to tell how people used to live from the shoes they find? This workshop for kids aged five and over asks them to design footwear to be discovered. What will their shoes say about them? Admission: Free.
Museum of London Docklands,
Admission: £7 each.
TOTALLY THAMES Friday 1 to Saturday 30 September, event times vary. This month-long festival of arts and culture features a host of regattas, river races and environmental activities on the 42-mile stretch of the Thames. Admission: Many events are free; prices may vary. Venues across London totallythames.org
THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK Friday 28 July to Sunday 3 September, times vary. Enter the imaginative world of Lewis Carroll in this new adaptation of his classic poem. With life-like puppets and lashings of humour, the story follows a riotous gang of bold adventurers as they set off on a quest to catch the Snark. Admission: From £12.50 each.
Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, WC2R 0NH snarkthemusical.com
CHICKEN LIT TLE AND DINO STORY Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 August, 1pm daily. As part of the From Page to Stage festival, these two musicals are presented as stage readings. Firstly, join Chicken Little on her quest to save her fellow farmyard animals, while Dino Story tells the tale of Rose – a triceratops – who wants nothing more than everyone to live together peacefully. Admission: £7.50 each.
The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, Victoria, SW1E 5JA theotherpalace.co.uk The Hunting of the Snark
Admission: Many events are free;
90
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WHAT’S ON
SUMMERTIME STORY WEAVING
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Friday 4, 11, 18 and 25 August, and Friday 1 September, 11am to 4pm. Inspired by the V&A Museum of Childhood’s Michael Morpurgo exhibition, enjoy a series of fun family days celebrating children’s literature. The events will be lead by artists, writers and musicians, and includes everything from folk storytelling (4 August) to wildlife-themed activities (18 August), where you’ll be joined by real animals visiting from Spitalfields City Farm.
Wednesday 2 August to Saturday 2 September, times vary. The New Vic Theatre’s production of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days comes to Cadogan Hall this summer, having won a wealth of awards, including ‘Best Show For Children & Families’. The fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days – join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent in a race against the clock.
Admission: Free.
V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200, vam.ac.uk
DUCK POND MARKET Sunday 10 September, 11am to 5pm. The famous market is back in the capital at the gorgeous Lauderdale House in Highgate. It boasts the very best in local artists, crafters and food producers, with artisan gifts, vintage fashion and homewares to buy. The London Craft Club is also there, hosting workshops for both adults and children. Admission: Free.
Admission: From £17.50 each.
Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Chelsea SW1X 9DQ
TIME TUNNELLERS Every Wednesday to Saturday in August, 12pm and 2pm. Get your hard hats on and your trowels ready as the Museum of London Docklands takes you on a journey to become an archaeologist. This interactive family show will help mini explorers piece together the capital’s history. Be sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out. Admission: Free.
Museum of London Docklands, 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL museumoflondon.org.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK DOUET, ANDREW BILLINGTON, ROBERT WORKMAN
DUST Y’S WILDLIFE RANGERS Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September . Head to the WWT London Wetland Centre during the holidays and the kids can learn to become wildlife rangers, as they spend the day pond dipping, learn how to use binoculars and join the warden to discover more about the wildlife there.
020 7730 4500, 80dayslive.com
SUMMER SEASIDE ADVENTURE Until Sunday 3 September. To celebrate the history of Britain’s seaside heritage, London’s Museum of Brands is hosting a variety of free family activities. Enjoy the museum’s specially designed Time Tunnel trail, which takes you on a journey from Victorian railway adventures to the beginning of gleaming 1930s family holidays at Butlin’s, with drawing activities and fun facts to find. Later, everyone can cool down in the garden with a seasonal treat of their own from the café.
WHAT THE L ADYBIRD HEARD Until Sunday 10 September, performance times vary. Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ award-winning tale makes its musical West End debut at the Lyric Theatre this September. The story follows two crafty robbers as they plan to steal the farmer’s prize cow, but the tiniest, quietest creature of them all has a plan! Admission: From £14.50 each.
Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park,
Lyric Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue,
Highgate Hill, N65HG
Soho, W1D 7ES
duckpondmarket.com
whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk
STORY STARTERS !
HOUSE OF COMMON
Sunday 20 August, 11.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm. Suitable for children aged five to 11, this workshop is inspired by the books on display in The British Library’s Treasures Gallery and explores storytelling through illustration. Artist Sion Ap Tomos will help little ones fire up their imaginations with images and characters.
Monday 28 August, from 12pm. The annual festival on Clapham Common is back. Following the success of last year’s kids’ area, Rave-A-Roo is returning with the ultimate Garden Party, featuring DJs, neon crafts, an inflatable village, children’s theatre and a chill-out tent. For the adults, British pop legends Madness will be headlining.
Harry M Weinrebe Centre, The British
under-10s go free.
Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
Clapham Common, SW4
01937 546546, bl.uk
houseofcommon.co.uk
Admission: Free.
Admission: Adults, from £37.50;
Admission: Adults, £9; children, £5; under-sevens go free.
Museum of Brands, 111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 1QT museumofbrands.com Around the World in 80 Days
Admission: Standard admission
applies. Adults, £11; children, £6; under-fours go free. WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT
What the Ladybird Heard
020 8409 4400, wwt.org.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
91
WHAT’S ON
Oliver Twist Created For Everyone Aged Six and Over
FAMILY FESTIVAL
OLIVER TWIST CREATED FOR EVERYONE AGED SIX AND OVER Until Saturday 5 August, performance times vary. Take the kids down to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for a spot of nostalgia, as it tells the tale of Victorian London’s most famous child. The Charles Dickens novel has been adapted by Anya Reiss. Admission: From £18 each.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU openairtheatre.com
WONDERFUL WOODL AND Thursday 17 August, 11am to 12.30pm. Head down to One Tree Hill in Southwark, one of the last remaining fragments of Great North Wood, for nature-themed fun. The drop-in event is run by the London Wildlife Trust. Admission: Free.
St Augustine’s Church,
Horrible Histories: More Best of Barmy Britain
Admission: Standard admission
applies. Adults, £19; children, £10;
prices may vary.
The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street,
Palace, SW1A 1AA
SE1 2HZ
royalcollection.org.uk
unicorntheatre.com
ON BL ACKHEATH
SUMMER GARDEN PART Y
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal
Admission: Adults, from £49.50;
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September, from 12pm. The family-friendly festival returns with a stellar line-up, including Travis, The Libertines and Jake Bugg. For the kids, there will be soft play and adventure areas, as well as storytelling from the likes of Michael Rosen and Julian Clary, and a special Village Green sports day, with egg-and-spoon races and a tug-of-war.
Admission: £13 each.
Saturday 29 July to Sunday 6 August, 12pm to 4pm daily. London Designer Outlet will be hosting its Summer Garden Party, with an array of free activities and performances. A walled garden will grace the outlet’s Retail Square, and will feature everything from flowercrown classes and face painters to a floral-themed photo booth and a strawberries and cream cart. Admission: Free.
Hospital Road, SW3 4HS
children, £10; under-fives go free.
London Designer Outlet, Wembley
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Blackheath, SE3 0UA
Park Boulevard, Wembley, HA9 0QL
onblackheath.com
londondesigneroutlet.com
HORRIBLE HISTORIES : MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN
Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross
King Street, W6 0QL
Road, WC2H 0HH
020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk
0330 333 4811, barmybritain.com
Admission: £8 each.
Admission: Many events are free;
Tuesday 15 August, 10.30am to 2.30pm. For the first half of the day, discover more about animals, as The Wiggly Wild Show comes to the Chelsea Physic Garden. Little ones will be introduced to pygmy hedgehogs, giant African land snails, corn snakes, geckos, hermit crabs and more. Then, for the rest of the day, explore the garden to discover pond creatures, insects and birds. Kids will also have the chance to practise planting seeds so they can do it at home. Suitable for children aged seven to 11 years.
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square,
LIT TLE RED ROBIN HOOD
Wednesday 30 August to Saturday 2 September, event times vary Unicorn Theatre turns 70 this summer, and to celebrate, the entertainment hub is hosting four days of fun. Book into everything from dance classes to puppet making, clay workshops to circus skills, as well as a number of drop-in arts, crafts and games.
under-fives go free.
Saturday 16 September, 11am and 1pm. Suitable for ages three to eight, this puppet show production is a merry mix up of two classic fairytales. When Robin Hood agrees to take cakes and flowers to grandma, will he stay on the path or will he discover the big bad wolf who looks suspiciously like the Sheriff of Nottingham?
07734 599286, wildlondon.org.uk
ANNIVERSARY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
GARDEN SAFARI
Friday 4 August to Saturday 2 September, times vary. This August, the Birmingham Stage Company takes over the West End’s Garrick Theatre for more Horrible Histories live on stage. More Best of Barmy Britain will include all the best bits from previous years, plus a brand new scene about Shakespeare. So if your little one loves history, pop along and find out why the Romans were revolting, whether you could survive the vicious Vikings, whether evil Elizabeth can entertain England and more!
One Tree Hill, SE23 3LE
Saturday 5 August, 10.30am to 3pm. Pop by Buckingham Palace for an activity extravaganza taking place in the Royal Mews, The Queen’s Gallery and the Palace, with arts, crafts, storytelling sessions, games and plenty of interactive talks to get the little ones involved in royal history.
Summer Garden Party
Admission: From £15 each.
92
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo... who will you see? OPEN TO PLAY
From cheeky monkeys to leaping lemurs, noisy RWWHUV WR VQXIćLQJ FRDWLV who will you come face to face with?
PLUS our fun play area for kids of all ages!
Drive your family round the bend. In a tank.
r Visit oue it s b e w
Tel: 020 7924 5826
Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate Battersea London SW11 4NJ
www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk we’re passionate about wildlife
ies s ub n in er Cl ru urs so N al ls & o ho Sc
Four floors of interactive exhibits, from a tank simulator to drumming and marching experiences.
LIttle house of science is a place to learn, experiment, explore & Play from 3-11 YEARS
Age adjusted classes
TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Free Admission
Chelsea, SW3 & SW10 • High St Kensington, W8 South Kensington, SW7 • Notting Hill, W11 • Putney, SW15 Brook Green, W6 • Swiss Cottage, NW3 • Wimbledon SW19
Royal Hospital Rd | Chelsea | SW3 4HT
Contact us for Little Maths (2-4yrs) & Little Discovery (6-24months) Classes
Sloane Square | nam.ac.uk
e: info@littlehouseofscience.com • www.littlehouseofscience.com • t: 0800 092 1062
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
93
www.honeyandtoast.co.uk
The Hair Helper is an essential time and space saving product. It is the perfect gift for the little girl in your life, helping her to keep her favourite hair accessories and brush in one easy to access place. 10% off with Backtoschoolhair code
www.thehairhelper.co.uk
customersupport@thehairhelper.co.uk
The Little London Music School The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joytoof Introducing your child themusic joy of music
Comprehensive, structured & stimulating classically based music classes tailored for children 6 months - 5 years Tel: 07530 459 468 Email: info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com Comprehensive, structured & stimulating classically based music classes tailored for children 6 months - 5 years www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
07530 459 468 Email: info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING Tel: HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • FULHAM www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • CHISWICK
Fun French Lessons
Innovative immersion programme Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out
Venues across London
Est. 1993
020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
94
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
GROUPS AND CLASSES Our favourite things to get out and do BALLET CL AS SES
SUPER SCIENCE
FO OTBALL C OAC H I N G
After-school and Saturday classes.
West London School of Dance was founded in 1986 by Anna Du Boisson. The purpose of the school is to teach different forms of dance and provide students with the opportunity to perform in professionally staged productions, with classes for boys and girls aged twoand-a-half to 16 years old. The school’s philosophy is to inspire in its pupils a love of music, movement and freedom of expression. The classes are professional, all accompanied by pianists and taught by qualified staff. Unlike other ballet schools in London, the school does not follow an exam syllabus to measure progress; instead it offers the students the challenge and thrill of performance. Studios are located in W1, W2, W11, W12 and SW7. t: 020 8743 3856 westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk
F U N & C R E AT I V E CIRCUS WEEK
In Richmond and Hammersmith.
Try stiltwalking, unicycling, ball-walking and tightrope walking, acrobalance, juggling and performing arts. • Monday 21 August to Friday 25 August: Christ’s School, Queens Road, Richmond TW10 6HW. £130 per full week/£35 per day. Early bird offer £115 per full week/£30 per day. • Tuesday 29 August to Friday 1 September: Melcombe Primary School, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith W6 9ER. £105 per four days/£35 per day. Early bird offer £90 per four days /£30 per day. t: 020 8237 1170 albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Fun and imaginative workshops.
Football fun for all the family.
t: 0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com
t: 020 7937 7965 kiddikicks.co.uk
Little Maths, Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two fantastic afterschool workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps in the world of maths and science that much easier. Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, help to build confidence with quantities and numbers ranging from one to 10. Meanwhile, tackling that other difficult-to-grasp subject, the Little Science workshop, for three to eight year olds, introduces new scientific concepts in an age-adjusted way through an exciting mix of discussions, practical demonstrations and scientific experiments.
FUN FRENCH LESSONS
The very best football coaching for toddlers and children aged from 18 months, with Nippers from 18 months, Runners from two-and-a-half years, Racers from threeand-a-half years and Ligasoccer match play from five to 10 years. The classes are unique as they involve the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Get involved and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun. Parties, private tutorials, holiday classes, nursery and after-school sessions are also available. Kiddikicks is available to franchise, too. Sign up today to receive your free mini player’s kit.
MAKING MUSIC
Classes in Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood.
Classes in Knightsbridge, Kensington and Notting Hill.
t: 020 7385 5565 clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
t: 07530 459468 thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating programmes for children from as young as eight months old. Led by a team of passionate, qualified native teachers, children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities. The contemporary songs from the club’s educational CD also add to the enjoyment. Language experts agree that learning a second language early on enhances overall cognitive skills and improves a child’s brain development.
95
The Little London Music School introduces your child to the joy of music and builds the foundations for learning an instrument. Specialising in classical music, it offers classes and tuition for children aged from six months to five years. The Little London Music School classes feature a tailor-made curriculum for each stage of your child’s development. With professional musicians, teachers and orchestral instruments, its comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster enjoyment and understanding of music. Enjoy a free trial.
EVIE WEARS DRESS, £150, MUMMY MOON. LEGGINGS, £19, NOÉ & ZOË AT MILLYMOG
STOCKIST INFORMATION ALEX AND ALEXA
ALEXANDALEXA.COM
AMAZON
AMAZON.CO.UK
ANGEL’S FACE
ANGELS-FACE.CO.UK
BIRD KIDS
BIRDKIDS.CO.UK
BLEU COMME GRIS
BLEUCOMMEGRIS.COM
BONPOINT
BONPOINT.COM
BRAVELING
BRAVELING.CO.UK
BUNKS
BUNKSTRUNKS.COM
CARAMEL
CARAMEL-SHOP.CO.UK
CHILDRENSALON
CHILDRENSALON.COM
DIESEL
SHOP.DIESEL.COM
FLANNELS
FLANNELS.COM
H&M
HM.COM
ISOSSY
ISOSSYCHILDREN.COM
JACADI
JACADI.CO.UK
KINGDOM OF ORIGIN
KINGDOMOFORIGIN.CO.UK
LOUD APPAREL
LOUD-APPAREL.COM
MILK & BISCUITS
MILKANDBISCUITS.COM
MILLYMOG
MILLYMOG.COM
MINI MAHARAJAS
MINI-MAHARAJAS.COM
MUMMY MOON
MUMMYMOON.COM
NO ADDED SUGAR
NOADDEDSUGAR.COM
PIUPIA
PIUPIA.CO.UK
SELFRIDGES
SELFRIDGES.COM
SMALLABLE
EN.SMALLABLE.COM
THE BONNIE MOB
THEBONNIEMOB.COM
WADDLER
WADDLER.CO.UK
WILD & GORGEOUS
WILDANDGORGEOUS.CO.UK
YOUNG SOLES
YOUNGSOLES.CO.UK
ZEBRA I CAN SEE
ZEBRAICANSEE.COM
YOUNG SOLES
SCANDI MINI
Designed in East London and made in Europe, luxury children’s footwear brand Young Soles creates gorgeous shoes for boys and girls of all ages. Blending retro cool with classic British styles, the shoes follow the shape of little feet with wide toes and narrow heels, and come in a variety of colours and finishes from the softest suede to metallic rose gold. We particularly love the signature T-bar Rosie design with its butterfly punch detail and contrast sole.
Scandi Mini is the perfect online shopping destination if you’re after something a bit different for your little one; from clothes and shoes to interior accessories and toys for boys and girls of all ages. Founded by Swedish-born Gabrielle Sprang, the boutique celebrates its sixth birthday this year, and keeps going from strength to strength. Stocking more than 100 design-led brands, we challenge you to browse without finding something to love.
youngsoles.co.uk
scandimini.co.uk
BONPOINT
PETIT BATEAU
Bonpoint has to be the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Its clothing features signature detailing and unrivalled quality fabrics, catering for stylish boys and girls, from newborn to teenagers.
Petit Bateau is renowned for its chic, laidback aesthetic, and uses only the finest quality cottons to create iconic, timeless staples for babies, adults and children, from soft knitwear to classic Breton-stripe tees. A Little London favourite, Petit Bateau remains the go-to destination for discerningly stylish parents in the capital who yearn for an injection of classic Gallic chic for their family’s wardrobe.
Stores across London bonpoint.com
Stores across London petit-bateau.com
96
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
PHOTOGRAPHY: HANNAH COATES
BOUTIQUES
Flying with children? You need a
TravelSnug
TM
Keep little ones cosy with this soft, fleecy carry - on cushion that fits perfectly into aircraft seats making it easier for junior passengers to get comfortable. Portable, light weight, washable, tumble dry -able, TravelSnug makes flying child’s play.
www.TravelSnug.co.uk
Made in the UK
www.bornfreeandme.com
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
97
INTERVIEW
Keely launched Angel’s Face in 2007, offering up gorgeous girlswear and, of course, those iconic tutus
THE BUSINESS Keely Deininger founder of
ANGEL’S FACE The designer talks early starts, the Angel’s Face muse and this year’s big birthday When and why did you decide to set up Angel’s Face?
The business launched in 2007. I already had a childrenswear brand called Little Linens, which was purely a summer range for boys and girls, but I decided I wanted to have a collection that could be sold all year round. What sparked your passion for children’s clothing?
I had worked in womenswear for more than 20 years, so I was definitely ready for a change! Childrenswear seemed the obvious next step given the stage I was at in my life. Describe a typical day for you.
I wake up early and the first thing I do is reply to emails then quickly get myself ready. I’ll drop the kids off at school and take the dog for a walk in the woods near my house. I get
to the office for 8.45am and then deal with any immediate issues. At 11am, some FedEx parcels will usually arrive with any new designs and samples, which I need to review before they go into production. I’ll meet with my sales and marketing team and then try to set aside as much time as I can to work on the new designs. Then it’s back to the school run! I spend the rest of the day working from my home office, where I can work on more sketches and touch base with the office to make sure they have everything they need. At 7pm I’ll make dinner and spend some time with my family. Then I might go out for a swim and pop back into my home office at around 10pm for another quick scan of my emails – there’s always something to do! What’s the best thing about your job?
I just love doing what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work. Are your children the inspiration for Angel’s Face?
Having had two boys first, William, who’s 19 now, and Charlie, who’s 16, I certainly wanted to work on something in which I could involve my daughter Trinity, 13, so she became something of a muse for Angel’s Face. 98
She still models for the brand today and is our most staunch critic and ambassador. How do you manage to juggle family life with work?
I do it by splitting my hours and always ensuring I’m there to do the school run, which is particularly important to me. In the winter when things get very busy, the family all chip in to help. It’s a very collaborative process! What’s been your proudest moment?
I guess I always think I can do more, but I am immensely proud of the brand I have created. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, which feels like a real milestone for us. In that time, we’ve sold more than 200,000 tutus worldwide. What advice would you give to those wanting to launch their own company?
Make sure you absolutely love what you do, because it consumes you. But it is rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. What can we expect from Angel’s Face in the next 12 months?
We’re creating a line of everyday essentials, which will include accessories such as umbrellas, bags and phone cases. L angels-face.co.uk
LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
book now for 2018
020 7261 5474 cvvillas.com