LL Schools Guide Autumn 2017

T AU UM N 20

schools HANDBOOK

N U R SERY • PR E-PR EP • PR EP

• PRINCE GEORGE: WELCOME TO BIG SCHOOL • MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM NURSERY EASY • RIDING THE WAVE OF SCHOOL FRIENDSHIPS • WHY SLEEP IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS • SCREEN TIME FOR CHILDREN: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

17

YOUR PARENTING

“EXCEPTIONAL” 2014 School Inspection

“THE FEEL OF AN

“A TRULY ROUNDED,

OXBRIDGE COLLEGE”

HIGH-OCTANE EDUCATION”

Good Schools Guide

Good Schools Guide

“BOTH COUNTRY & URBAN: A DAY SCHOOL WITH THE AIR OF A BOARDING SCHOOL” Tatler

Open Morning 23rd September 2017 10.00 – 12.30 Tel. +44 (0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge, Email. admissions@mtsn.org.uk Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561

Moor Park (Baker Street 35 minutes) Coaches: Ealing, Highgate, Hampstead & St John’s Wood

www.mtsn.org.uk

For boys 3 - 18

EDITORS LETTER Hello, and welcome to the autumn 2017 edition of the Little London Schools Guide!

September is a time of a great anticipation, marking the start of a new academic year for many, or for those venturing to new schools, the start of a new chapter altogether.

It can be a nerve-wracking time for both children and their wobbly-lipped parents, especially for those moving from nursery to reception. Becky Dickinson advises on how to make it a smooth process (p.19) and we take a look at what life will be like for the young Prince George, who will be starting at Thomas’s in Battersea (p.26).

Choosing the right school for your child can be a minefield, especially when we know that their happiness and academic success depends on it. William Brooks, head of Brambletye School in East Sussex, gives a comprehensive guide to finding the right fit for your child (p.43). St Lawrence College in Ramsgate extols the virtues of schools where your child can study from Reception through to A-Levels (p.58), and both St Benedict’s and Winchester House School help you decide whether your child should attend a day school or board (p.23).

Trying to get your baby or toddler into a good sleep routine can feel overwhelming at the time, but Georgina Blaskey explains why making sure your older children are also getting enough zzzs is crucial to their education and wellbeing (p.55). We also look at ways to teach your children to avoid playground politics and ride the wave of friendships (p.29), and last but not least, I call in the pros from Debrett’s to try and teach my five-year-old son Jago some social graces (p.39)!

KATE FREUD, EDITOR

Emile et Ida bag £59.34, en.smallable.com

Bow hair clip £7, mimiandlula.com

Pencil case £10, johnlewis.com

Young Soles leather shoes £65, childrensalon.com

Is your child a Lego fan? These fun storage boxes are the perfect solution for that ever-growing pile of toys From a selection nubie.co.uk

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 3

“If you are keen on a trajectory through one of London’s best schools, this is where you start.”

The Good Schools Guide

Applications open for UCS Pre-Prep for September 2018.

Find out more at www.ucs.org.uk UCS Pre-Prep, 36 College Crescent, NW3 5LF (4 - 7 Years) @UCSHampstead

RUNNING HEAD

CONTENTS 7

Editor Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton

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Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado

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Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean

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Head of Market Freddy Halliday Advertisement Manager James Waldron Sales Executive Oliver Blalock, Harriet Cottrell

19

Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross

PHOTOGRAPHY: EDDIE JUDD

Little London Guides are published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: littlelondonmagazine.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: editor@littlelondonmagazine.co.uk

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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.

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33 COVER IMAGE: PRESS ASSOCIATION/ CHRIS JACKSON

NEWS Keeping you in the know WE LOVE The must-have set for mini chess fans BACK IN STYLE Classroom-ready essentials to start the new term IS YOUR CHILD PLUGGED IN? The importance of limiting screen time for little ones FIRST-DAY NERVES Ensure the leap from nursery to school is a smooth one HOME OR AWAY? The benefits of choosing a day or boarding school PRINCE GEORGE GOES TO SCHOOL How life will change for the young royal this September THE ESSENCE OF FRIENDSHIP Riding the highs and lows of playground politics LITTLE LINGUISTS How to foster a love for language early on

35 ASK THE EXPERTS Four headteachers answer your burning questions 39 MIND YOUR MANNERS Kate Freud puts Debrett’s’ new etiquette classes for children to the test 40 ON THE MONEY How and when should we give our kids pocket money?

43 HOW TO CHOOSE A PREP SCHOOL Top tips from Brambletye head, William Brooks 46 ALL ABOARD! New-season fashion for autumn antics 55 SLEEP FOR SUCCESS Why young minds need plenty of rest 58 FROM ABC TO A-LEVELS Extolling the benefits of all-through schools 61 UNDER PRESSURE How to help them cope with exam stress 62 MY SCHOOL LIFE Santa Montefiore looks back on her classroom days

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 5

City reach, Village location, Country life.

'An exceptionally friendly school where everyone is quickly made to feel part of the community.’ The Good Schools Guide, June 2016 ‘Excellent’ in all areas of teaching and learning. Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015 ‘The Facebook snapshots and fixtures app are fantastic. As a mum working full-time in London this is amazing! I feel so in touch with the school.’ Parent ‘When education looks this good and learning is this inspiring, how can you not choose it for your children?’ Parent Pupils go on to a broad range of leading independent senior school destinations across the South East and also to Kent grammar schools.

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtothecountryside A high quality education with a truly individual focus

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555

NEWS

school

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST LE AR NING TOOL S AN D U PDATE S

VETS FOR THE DAY

There’s a new activity available at KidZania that’s perfect for young animal lovers. Teaming up with pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen and vet charity PDSA, the London activity hub wants to educate the next generation of pet owners about the importance of animal welfare. Role play situations include examining real-life animal x-rays and ‘performing surgery’ on poorly pets. kidzania.co.uk

RHYTHM TIME HAS RELEASED A COLLECTION OF CDS BASED ON ITS POPULAR MUSIC GROUPS, SO LITTLE ONES CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE FUN OF ITS CLASSES AT HOME. THERE ARE FIVE ALBUMS FEATURING TRACKS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE HAND-CLAPPING AND DRUM-BANGING. LAUNCHED 20 YEARS AGO, THE MUSICAL SESSIONS HELP TO DEVELOP BABY’S KEY SKILLS WITH ACTIVITIES AND INSTRUMENTS. FROM £5, RHYTHMTIME.NET

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 7

NEWS

THE GENUINE MODEL Lottie Dolls – the age-appropriate doll brand empowering young girls to be themselves – has teamed up with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to launch its very first Brownie model. Dressed in the authentic uniform, complete with neckerchief, the doll will be joined later this year by further accessories and playsets based on popular activities at the girl group. £18.99, uk.lottie.com

RESEARCH COMPILED BY ONLINE MARKETPLACE ONBUY.COM HAS REVEALED 29% OF PARENTS READ MORE TO THEIR DAUGHTERS THAN THEIR SONS. 39% OF DADS ALSO ADMITTED TO NEVER OR RARELY READING TO THEIR KIDS, COMPARED TO 4% OF MOTHERS. THE STUDY WAS LAUNCHED TO ASSESS THE GENDER GAP IN LITERACY.

IT’S IN THE BAG

STUCK IN THE PAST Introduce kids to the wonders of history with illustrator Caroline Selmes’ new sticker book, Sticky History of the World.

Each panel of the foldout carousel tells the story of a different era in time – from the Big Bang and age of the dinosaurs right up to the present day and into the future. There’s a fact booklet, too, for discovering more about the characters and artifacts in each period. Out 28 August. £12.99, Laurence King

8 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

Combining active play with technology, the new YUUgo backpack really is the first of its kind. As well as containing a fold-out desk and pockets stuffed with activities, the bag also features a GPS tracker that’s linked to an app, allowing kids to log their journeys and work towards educational challenges, as well as letting mum and dad keep track.

Currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo, you can pre-order yours now. £95, yuuworld.com

The YUUgo is quite possibly the smartest backpack yet, with a built-in GPS tracker

The bu sine ss was set up by two mot hers, Gill an d Kellie

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.

INSPIRING EDUCATION FOR LIFE HMC Independent Day, Weekly and Full Boarding School for boys & girls age 3 to 18 years.

One of the top co-educational schools in England with a unique, award-winning approach to Learning & Teaching, where all pupils can be successful in an environment which is caring, optimistic and encouraging.

Great results, large, leafy grounds, good facilities, polite, charming and well-informed pupils. It’s on the up and pulling ahead of the pack now.

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

Academically , Caterham is up there with the big guns...all achieved without any undue stress.

Parents praise the committed, passionate teachers as ‘great role models’.

TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2017

Caterham School is easily accessed from Surrey, Kent, Sussex and London and our extensive coach network includes mainline train connections and evening late bus services.

01883 335058 | enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk |

caterhamschool.co.uk

SHOPPING

WE LOVE A move in the right direction: Chess is said to help kids improve concentration nd confidence

AHEAD OF THE GAME Keep the kids in check over the holidays with this fun and eye-catching chess set If your child is a chess fan, this cool design features iconic London landmarks for pieces, including terraced houses for pawns, the Shard as Queen and Canary Wharf as King. The quirky set is guaranteed to look great in any room of the house, and comes in a stylish presentation box. Now you just need to work out who’s playing who – no arguing now, let’s keep this all above board. Game on!

Chess set, £80, skyline-chess.co.uk

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 11

BACK IN STYLE

Make the start of term as fun as possible with these bright, bold and effortlessly cool essentials

Wool coat £534, bonpoint.com

TechSixtyFour Gator watch £99.85, johnlewis.com

Embroidered cap £20, herschelsupplyco.co.uk

Printed backpack £113, stellamccartney.com

Vinyl poncho £65, hunterboots.com

Billybandit embroidered jacket £75, alexandalexa.com

Djeco double-ended colouring pencils £8.99, crafts4kids.co.uk

Patent leather brogues £52, startriteshoes.com

Bow headband £9, lacoquetakids.com

Hard-top pencil case £15.50, smiggle.co.uk

Children’s headphones £9.99, amazon.co.uk

Monkey Puzzle notepad £8, paperchase.co.uk

Patent leather shoes £55, kickers.co.uk

Burberry wool coat £385, childrensalon.com

Wipe-clean satchel backpack £35, cathkidston.com

Padded jacket From £20, next.co.uk

YKRA canvas pencil case £21.50, en.smallable.com

Vosene Kids Conditioning Spray £3, tesco.com

Rocket-print notebook £1, uk.flyingtiger.com

Little Horrors leather bag £60, zatchels.com

12 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

Eaton Square School ‘Every child, every single child has the capacity to excel.’

Eaton Square School now offers families in central London an all-through school experience.

Join us at two years old in one of our three nurseries, at four stay for Pre-Prep and Prep in Belgravia and move on to our new Upper School on Piccadilly at 11 years old.

The Eaton Square journey is full of learning, laughter and unique life experiences where every child is supported and encouraged to fulfil their potential.

Contact us to book a visit and find out more.

79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP

T: 020 7931 9469

E: registrar@eatonsquareschool.com

www.eatonsquareschool.com

Hyde Park School offers your child a unique, well-rounded education in a friendly and caring environment, with all the benefits of central London right on our doorstep. We are a co-educational school for ages 2 - 11 and offer an inspiring and creative education in two beautiful central locations.

Please join us, along with your child for our upcoming

Taster Morning Wednesday 4th October 9.30am - Hyde Park School, Marble Arch W2 11am - Hyde Park School, Queen’s Gate SW7 Register online today!

www.hydeparkschool.co.uk A part of the Eaton Square Schools Group

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

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

OPEN MORNINGS Nursery & Junior School - Tuesday 26th September Whole School - Saturday 14th October

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

TECHNOLOGY

Is your child

plugged in?

WE’R E USED TO SEEING H E ADLIN E S R EMIN DING US H OW MUCH SCR EEN TIM E (IF ANY) OU R KIDS SH OU LD HAVE. BUT HOW DAMAGING IS IT, ASKS Georgina Blaskey long with whether breast is best, how many fruit and vegetables we should feed our children and the right age to start toilet training, screen time is up there as yet another issue to make parents feel like they’re failing. Look around an aeroplane of holidaymakers and most children will be plugged in to a device, usually swiping away on an app with all sorts of rewards toting up. Each reward they accrue is another dopamine hit that tells them, ‘yes you’re doing it right, you can move up a level; look, you’re doing so well, let’s play some more!’ What this ultimately means is the game is never over, so turning off the device usually involves a battle so fierce, you wish you’d never let them have it in the first place.

Very young children do not have the self-control to know when enough is enough; it’s up to us to teach them, and this means moderating our own behaviour when it comes to tech. If you’re in the playground having a quick scroll through Instagram while they whoosh down a slide, what’s to say they shouldn’t just sit on a swing and watch In The Night Garden? If you’re checking an email while they eat their lunch, why shouldn’t they play Toca Boo in between mouthfuls? It’s all the same to kids.

New York University professor Adam Alter, in his book Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked, describes how Steve Jobs, inventor of the iPad, didn’t allow his kids to have an iPad. “In 2010, Jobs described it as a wonderful device that brought you educational tools. It allowed you to surf the web, it allowed

A

Once a child is over two, restricted screen time can help develop coordination and langauge skills

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 15

TECHNOLOGY

SET YOUR LIMITS Even from a young age, it’s important your toddler knows their limits with screen time, here’s how…

Set clear boundaries and stick to them. When your child sits down to use a screen make sure they know at the start how long they can play for.

Consider using a ‘third party’ to indicate the end of the screen time, such as an alarm clock, cooker buzzer or egg timer.

Set a clear next activity. Think of something for them to do after the finish de ll somethin th t involves some one-to-one time with you, or something active to balance out the solo, inactive screen time.

Set a penalty if they do not stop willingly or a reward if they do.

There may be some tantrums at the start but children quickly fall in line when they know you aren’t going to change your mind. you to watch videos, it allowed you to interact with other people. And he basically said it’s the best way to do all those things. Two years later when Jobs was asked, ‘Your kids must love the iPad?’ He said, ‘Actually we don’t allow the iPad in the home. We think it’s too dangerous for them in effect.’ Evan Williams, a founder of Blogger, Twitter and Medium, bought hundreds of books for his two young sons, but refused to give them an iPad. Chris Anderson, the former editor of WIRED, enforced strict time limits on every device in his home, ‘because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand.’” If the dons of Silicon Valley understand the addictive nature of technology, but don’t filter it down, we don’t stand a chance!

And with young children the problem can be even more acute. Angela Spencer, author of Babyopathy, is keen to point out the difference between stimulating a toddler and overstimulation. “Although a baby’s nervous system is one of the first

things to develop at two to three weeks after conception, it is one of the last to reach maturity. A newborn therefore reacts quickly to sensory stimulation and can easily become over stimulated. This response to stimulation continues to develop throughout the crucial first year of brain development and so it is vital that babies are not over stimulated. Even babies can be over stimulated by screens and miss the sleep they need to grow.”

touches creates an immediate response; after all, do it on a screen and it does. He is used to the dopamine hit of creating a reaction through simply touching, which releases a feeling of pleasure. If a child gets used to that feeling, he will always prefer to interact with a screen over the real world, which requires more patience.

On the other hand, once a child is over the age of two, the right kind of screen time can help develop coordination, develop quick reactions, and improve language skills, and research also shows that active screen time can encourage light to moderate exercise.

With so many factors to consider, ask yourself: does my child have a balanced diet? Does my child get enough sleep? Does my child interact well with people? Do we spend time outside?

Then restricted time spent on screens is not going to do any lasting damage.

The TV has always been a parent’s free babysitter, so there are times when common sense is allowed to prevail. L

16 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

According to The Times, research from the Sleep School has found that the number of children admitted to hospital for issues relating to lack of sleep has trebled in the past decade – it’s worth noting that the iPhone was launched approximately 10 years ago.

Sometimes when young children swipe a touch screen, it’s almost endearing for observing adults, but the reality is it’s because he believes that anything he

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

YOUNG CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE THE SELF-CONTROL TO KNOW WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

TO P

10 54

IN LONDON

TH

N AT I O N A L LY

THE WHITE HOUSE P R E PA R AT O RY S C H O O L & T H E WO O D E N T O P S NURSERIES Open Day: Saturday, 18 November 9:30–11:30am

THE WOODENTOPS NURSERIES Babies from 6 months SW4 | SW12

THE WHITE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2.5 – 11 years Co-Educational SW12

www.woodentopsnurseries.com

www.whitehouseschool.com

Forest School London’s only diamond structure school with single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18.

We are a city school with 50 acres of grounds where north east London meets Epping Forest.

The Open Day will be held on Saturday 23 September 2017 from 8.30am-1.30pm.

The Sixth Form Open Evening will take place on Monday 25 September 2017 from 5.00pm-8.00pm.

www.forest.org.uk admissions@forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744 E17 3PY

FAMILY

First-day nerves STARTING ‘ BIG SCHOOL’ CAN BE DIFFICU LT FOR CHILDR EN AN D PAR ENTS ALIKE. H ER E, Becky Dickinson E XPL AIN S HOW IT CAN PROVE AN E XCITING N EW CHAP TER FOR BOTH

hen the email arrived to say my daughter had been allocated a school place for September 2017, I couldn’t help shedding a tear. With those few impersonal lines came the final realisation that my little girl would soon be a schoolgirl. And my nest would finally be empty – at least between the hours of 9am and 3pm.

Although I’d been through first-day nerves with her older brother and sister, it felt different this time. When my eldest two started school, I still had another child at home. But as Anya is my last, it’s just going to be me and the dog.

Like many parents, part of me is

W

looking forward to finally having a bit more time. Instead of trying to cram my working week into 15 hours of childcare and a marathon of late nights, I’ll be able to get more done during the day. I may even take up Pilates, or make that photo book I’ve been meaning to do for years.

But there is also sadness in knowing that a significant phase of her childhood will soon be over – and with it perhaps a little part of my own life, too. With the ring of a bell, those delightful, exhausting preschool years will be gone.

Psychiatrist Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg, associate medical director of The Priory Group, says September can affect

parents in different ways.

“If a parent has spent the last five years totally focused on their child’s happiness they can feel quite a loss of their own identity and a big void in how to fill their time. However, there is a proportion of parents who feel some relief when their child walks through the school gates as they can focus on their other interests during the day without guilt.”

For children, starting school is likely to be the biggest transition of their lives so far. But if you’re feeling anxious on their behalf, it’s important not to show it. Instead, focus on the positives: the new friends they’ll make, the fun they’ll

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 19

FAMILY

BEAT THE NERVES

Feeling anxious? Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg shares her tips Remind yourself that these feelings are normal. Discussing them openly with friends can help.

The quality of the time you spend with your child is more important than the quantity. Engage them in conversation, relax with them and have fun.

Get to know the staff. There is ample evidence to show that children do better in school if there is good communication between parents and teachers.

Try not to be visibly upset when term starts. You and your child mirror each other’s emotions.

Develop your own sense of identity in other ways. Parents who have other roles often find it easier to balance their emotions in a healthy manner.

20 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

STARTING SCHOOL IS LIKELY TO BE THE BIGGEST TRANSITION OF THEIR LIVES SO FAR too – it’s natural to feel unsettled at such a significant milestone. Yet Dr van Zwanenberg adds that most parents quickly adapt to the routine of school.

“Many do start to enjoy their time apart from their child and to optimise their time with their child after school,” she says. “For the vast majority the sad feelings diminish as they see their child flourish and remain happy and healthily attached to their family.”

However, Dr van Zwanenberg points out that if the negative feelings don’t subside, it’s important to seek help.

“There is a small proportion of parents who find their anxieties remain, and their mood and enjoyment of life does not return as expected. They may continue to feel a sense of guilt or hopelessness about their life or the future. I would

suggest they visit their GP, as they may be suffering from, or developing an anxiety or mood disorder, both of which are very treatable.”

It’s also a good idea to get things in place before the start of term so you’re not suddenly faced with a school-sized hole come September. Make career plans, join an exercise class, look into volunteering or start that novel. I’m already starting to fill the calendar. So while there may be tears – both Anya’s and mine – I know there is so much more to look forward to, in both our lives.

As much as I will miss those unstructured hours together, I can’t wait to see her develop into an independent person with dreams and ambitions of her own. And that, of course, is the irony of parenting. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

have, even the school lunches! Most schools offer settling-in sessions before the start of term and these provide a fantastic opportunity for you and your little one to get to know the classroom and the teacher in a relaxed atmosphere.

You can also help prepare your child by reading books about starting school and talking about what they’re looking forward to. Don’t overdo it though, it’s important to maintain a sense of normality despite the change ahead.

It’s also a good idea to buy the uniform in advance. Not only does this avoid the last-minute stress of trying to get hold of sizes that have sold out, but it helps your child become familiar with it. Let them try it on, and even do some role play.

Of course, many children do get upset on those first few mornings, or even weeks. Reassure them that you’ll be back before they know it, and remember, any distress is usually short-lived. Once they’ve got over the initial separation, most children quickly become absorbed in an activity.

It can be a daunting time for parents

Maria MariaMontessori MontessoriSchool School

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I N D EPEN D EN T DAY S CHO OL FOR G I RL S AG ED 4 TO 18 — Queen’s Gate School offers girls a warm, supportive environment where individuality is nurtured, academic standards are high and a broad-based curriculum ensures a well-rounded education.

A range of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to assist girls to join us and parents are welcome to visit us throughout the year.

Details of Open Events for entry to the Junior and Senior Schools are available on our website.

For a prospectus or to arrange a visit, please contact the Registrar, Miss Isabel Carey: — registrar@queensgate.org.uk · 020 7594 4982 queensgate.org.uk/admissions

Queen’s Gate School, 131–133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE

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Fulham Prep School

200 Greyhound Road, London W14 9SD T: 020 7386 2448 E: prepadmin@fulhamprep.co.uk W: www.fulhamprep.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr Neil Brooks Admissions: Carolyn Parrish Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 4-14 years Total pupils: 704, boys 443, girls 261 Type: Day Fees: Pre-Prep – Day from £5,445. Prep – Day from £6,047. Senior – Day from £6,400 per term Entrance procedure: non-selective Reception; Year 2 – Year 9: assessment and interview

School Philosophy: 3Cs – Courtesy, Consideration and Commitment Open Days: Please contact the Registrar at the Pre-Prep to book a slot at our next open day 020 7471 4217.

Please contact the Registrar at the Prep/Senior Schools to book a slot on a showaround – 020 7386 2448

To learn is to grow To learn is to grow

To learn is to grow Education is about developing the curiosity, confidence and security to learn and try. Fulham Prep is a Education is about developing the school curiosity, confidence co-educational pre-prep and prep providing and securityeducation to learn and Fulham Prep isthe a ages continuous for try. children between co-educational pre-prep and prep school providing of 4+ and 13. continuous education for children between the ages of 4+out andhow 13. your child can reach their full potential Find by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or Find out how your child3can reach potential 020 7386 2444 (years to 8).

For their year 9full enquiries by calling please call020 0207371 73869911 2444.(reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8). For year 9 enquiries please call 020 7386 2444.

Education is about developing the curiosity, confidence and security to learn and try. Fulham Prep is a co-educational pre-prep and prep school providing continuous education for children between the ages of 4+ and 13.

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FindSout how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8). For year 9 enquiries please call 020 7386 2444.

www.fulhamprep.co.uk www.fulhamprep.co.uk

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Education is about developing the curiosity, confidence

www.fulhamprep.co.uk

Co-educational, years ininSouth England Co-educational,day day&&boarding boardingschool schoolfor for3-18 3-18 yearsto South England and security learn and East try.East Fulham Prep is a

co-educational pre-prep and prep school providing continuous education for children between the ages of 4+ and 13.

Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8). For year 9 enquiries please callSt 020 Lawrence 7386 2444.

With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, College provides outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts.

Junior School Open Day: Fri 6 October 2017 Senior School Open Day: Sat 7 October 2017 T: 01843 572931

S E: admissions@slcuk.com

www.slcuk.comwww.fulhamprep.co.uk

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

PREP

HOME OR AWAY?

IT’S A H UGE DECISION TO BE FACED WITH . H ER E, T WO SCHOOL H E ADS R EVE AL TH E BEN EFITS OF BOTH DAY EDUCATION AN D BOAR DING DAY SCHOOLS aving been the headmaster of a boarding school for 10 years, I know that boarding can offer an incredibly rich, immersive educational experience. For some children, boarding is the best option. For others, however, it simply isn’t.

The most obvious advantage of day schools is that they allow children to stay closely connected with family life. Some children need to return to their home at the end of a busy day in order to reflect on the day’s experiences and to have the space they require to be themselves.

Day schools help children to learn how to be organised and independent, and to manage their home-school life. Day schools move at a pace, and carpe diem is in their DNA. There is an energy and focus in the school day as every minute is used intelligently, beginning for some at 7.45am, and ending any time between 4pm and 6pm.

Another considerable advantage for certainly any London day school is that museums, galleries and many other wonderful places are on the doorstep, and bring children’s learning to life.

Inspirational speakers are easier to attract to a London school, too, as many are based in the capital (six children’s authors recently attended our Book Week). City day schools benefit from a high degree of connectivity. What we may lack in rolling acres of green space, we make up for in enriching visitors and opportunities.

But what about safety in an urban setting? The challenge for city schools is to teach children to engage safely with the real world. Schools have to protect children, while giving them the freedom to flourish and be happy, giving straightforward advice about the negative influences young people are exposed

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SOME KIDS NEED TO RETURN HOME AFTER A BUSY DAY TO REFLECT AND BE THEMSELVES to. We educate them to make good life choices, which will serve them well in the future, both at university and beyond.

Good schools are like micro-societies: orderly, yet exciting communities in which children thrive and feel they belong. London day schools reflect the hugely rich and diverse demographic of the city, rather than being hermeticallysealed, rarefied or remote. Our pupils, of 33 different nationalities, are not termly visitors from overseas; they live here, in

the same society. London’s cosmopolitan and multicultural environment is a positive feature of school life.

In the end, a good education is all about relationships: between teacher and pupil; parent and child; school and family. If your choice of school starts with your child’s individual personality and needs, you stand the best chanceof getting it right.

Andrew Johnson, head of St Benedict’s School, Ealing.

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BOARDING recently spoke at an event where London parents came to hear about how to get into the school of their choice. The feeling of anxiety was palpable as parents questioned the merit of interviewing pre-school children and tutoring seven year olds. I was asked to talk about an alternative education – the country boarding prep school.

I have to say, I firmly believe it’s a great alternative to London day schools, and an option that still delivers academic excellence but also gives children the freedom to enjoy childhood. Boarding schools give children time. Time to enjoy activities such as golf, riding and STEM activities in our Tinker Shed. Time to complete homework. Time to spend with friends. Our children often cite the late evening (or early morning) swims in the summer term, or roasting marshmallows as their favourite memories.

A sense of community is key to a happy boarding school. This is best captured at breakfast time when all the boarding community enjoy a cooked breakfast together. Once a year we enjoy a special ‘Boarding Breakfast’ where parents and their young families are also invited to come and experience it.

Boarding has changed dramatically over the last few years. We recently invited 500 alumni back to our school

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and they were quick to compare the colourful, welcoming dorms full of posters and photos to their experiences of lumpy beds and drafty rooms.

Boarding also allows the children in the top years to help look after the younger ones, giving them experience and teaching them the valuable lessons of empathy and leadership. If you have never been to a prep boarding school or haven’t been to one since you were a child, then I would recommend a visit.

Boarding schools also help with the often bumpy path of early puberty, as the children live with adults who have experience in working with young adults, and in an environment where they feel comfortable to ask for advice. As friends

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become a significant aspect of a child’s support network, it is important to have people around you who you know well, and the friendships formed at boarding schools are strong.

Most prep boarding schools are also strict regarding the use of technology, with very few allowing mobiles. This takes away the social pressures and reliance upon online social interaction within the school day. Young people need help in managing their online behaviour and this can be done effectively in the supportive environment of their boarding school.

And so we find, when they leave to go to senior school at 13, they are wellrounded, happy and confident children, ready for the challenges of life ahead.

By boarding, they have learnt key skills, including problem-solving, resilience and communication skills. We are increasingly aware that the most important aspect of a child’s development is their emotional wellbeing. Now, there is finally new research which highlights the emotional resilience that boarding provides – a welcome relief after the stereotypes of boarding in years gone by.

Emma Goldsmith, head of Winchester House School, Brackley

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Sparkling Farleigh School is a leading Catholic co-educational prep school near Andover for boarders and day pupils aged 3-13

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PROFILE

Prince George IT’S ALL CHANGE FOR TH E LIT TLE PRIN CE THIS AUTUM N , AS H E MOVE S TO TH E CAPITAL AN D STARTS AT THOMAS’S SCH OOL IN BAT TER SE A .

ROYAL BIOGR APH ER Marcia Moody REVEALS ALL or as long as he can remember, the Norfolk countryside has been home for Prince George, and for the past 18 months he has been happy at the Westacre Montessori School, but it’s all change now September is here! Exchanging wellies and walkies with Lupo the dog for pavement pounding and park life, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two, have recently relocated to their official residence of Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.

Although it’s not like the palace has a postage-stamp sized garden, it’s most definitely an urban property. The nearest green space is Kensington Gardens, which doesn’t afford the privacy of the grounds at Anmer Hall, or the surrounding Norfolk countryside. There, George has been able to race around outside with Lupo, help look after the chickens, visit the local farm shop with his mother, and go to the beach with granny Carole Middleton. Inevitably George’s education environment will be different, too, as he makes the transition between a small village nursery to a big school in the city.

Thomas’s in Battersea seemed at first like a left field choice from William and Kate. After all, William and Harry’s old school, Wetherby, is closer, and Thomas’s itself has a school in Kensington. It’s likely though, that William and Kate wanted a mixed-gender environment for George so that Charlotte can join him later on,

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which meant all-boys Wetherby was out.

And while Thomas’s Kensington goes up to the age of 11, its establishment in Battersea goes up to the age of 13, which suggests that instead of George going away to board at the age of eight, as William and Harry did, he may well stay at Thomas’s until he’s old enough for the likes of Eton, where his father was a pupil.

The £6,000-a-term Thomas’s is a Christian school, but open to children of all faiths. It’s said that pupils are discouraged from having best friends as it could leave other children feeling ostracised, and there is a counsellor on staff, while ‘human ecology’ is used to track pupils’ progress. A letter that went out to parents in March, stated, ‘The

place over the summer. Kate has already indicated that she will be driving her son to school at least some of the time, but William, and possibly nanny Maria Borello, will be in the mix too, and George will always be accompanied by protection officers. Routines can be difficult for the royal family because doing the same things all the time can become a security risk, so it’s possible there may be different routes to school and no pattern as to which particular one is taken on any given day.

George will certainly be enjoying a more modernised set-up to that experienced by his grandfather Prince Charles. Sixty years ago, Charles was home-educated until he went to Hill House in West London from the age of eight, so George’s experience will have more in common with his father’s 30 years ago, as William was the first future monarch to be in the public education system from the beginning. William attended Mrs Mynors nursery near Kensington Palace from the ages of three to five, and then nearby Wetherby School for the following three years. Something that George will have in common with both his father and grandfather is that he’s likely to spend frequent weekends in the country.

Charles lived in Buckingham Palace but would go with his parents to Windsor Castle at weekends, while William was based at Kensington Palace during the week with his parents and Prince Harry, but come Friday they would head to

KATE HAS ALREADY INDICATED THAT SHE WILL BE DRIVING HER SON TO SCHOOL

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Duke and Duchess have made it clear that they do not wish Prince George’s attendance at Thomas’s to change its aims, values or ethos in any way. They would like, as far as is possible, for him to enjoy the same education that all of our pupils receive and for them to join the school community as all of our new parents do’.

One unavoidable matter, however, is that of security. This would have been agreed with the headmaster before the statement was released, and new security measures – including the fitting of bulletproof windows – were put in

PROFILE

goes to school

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESS ASSOCIATION/CHRIS JACKSON

Prince George starts his journey into full-time formal education this September

Highgrove House in the Cotswolds.

William, Kate, George and Charlotte are sure to continue to spend a lot of time at Anmer Hall.

They will certainly have less privacy in London. In the three years they’ve lived in Norfolk there have been very few reports of the family in their daily lives.

William has been able to work as an Air Ambulance pilot, and Kate has been able to be at home with the two children as much as possible. There would occasionally be pictures of Kate taking George to the park, or the Duke and Duchess on a date night at The Crown Inn, in East Rudham, but they were very few considering how long the family had been living there. Now there’s no countryside to get lost in, no tight-lipped locals to close ranks.

They’re sure to find little favoured nooks and crannies to shop, eat out or take the children to though – after all, William has had one foot in London his whole life, Kate lived in the capital for five years post-uni, and the couple spent a year at Kensington Palace early in their marriage.

Kate and William are now both fulltime working members of the royal family and as Prince Philip retires from public life this autumn, Charles and William will be supporting the Queen even more. George himself went on his first UK engagement last year at the age of three, to the Royal International Air Tattoo, and although we won’t be seeing him navigating a royal walkabout any time soon, we will no doubt see both him and Charlotte popping up at appropriate engagements and charming the crowds, as ever, in the coming years. L

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“Full Marks for Pastoral Care” Good Schools Guide

“A First-Rate Education” ISI Report 2014

“Staggeringly Beautiful Grounds”

Open Morning

Tatler Schools Guide

Saturday 16th September | 9.00am

For more information call Mrs Caroline Lukic Tel: 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk | Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

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DEVELOPMENT

The essence of

FRIENDSHIP

HOW CAN WE, AS PAR ENTS, H ELP OU R CHILDR EN NAVIGATE TH E HIGH S AN D LOWS OF PL AYGROU N D FRIEN DSHIPS? ven as young as nursery age we see the first seeds of friendship sown by our children. Eager to make a human connection, the simplest past time, such as a love of Lego or cooking up a storm in the toy kitchen, can bind two toddlers together. But while holding hands and chatting feels natural to some kids, to others it can be

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an obstacle course of emotions. Even the most happy-go-lucky social butterfly can flounder in the face of friendship woes. As parents we have a role to play in equipping our children to understand the importance of connections, cope with disappointment and, above all, value themselves. Friendships are a journey that you can help them navigate, riding out the occasional storm together, if you know what to expect and when.

THE AGES AND STAGES OF FRIENDSHIP According to psychologist Robert Selman, there are five key stages to understanding the developmental trends in children’s friendships:

LEVEL 0 – ‘Momentary Playmates’ (age three to seven years) Children see their friends as momentary playmates, and their friendships are all about having fun. Their friends are kids who like to do the same things. Children at this stage have limited ability to see other perspectives – they assume other kids think the same way they do, so they may get very upset to find out a playmate has a different opinion. This age group likes the idea of having friends, and they definitely have preferences for some people over others, but they’re not so good at being reliable friends.

LEVEL 1 – ‘One-Way Assistance’ (age four to nine years) At this stage, children understand that friendship goes beyond whatever their current activity is, but they define friends as children who do nice things for them, such as sharing a snack or saving them a swing at playtime, but they don’t really think about what they themselves contribute to the friendship. Children at this level care a lot about friendships, and may even end up with someone just so they have a friend. They also may try to use friendship to barter, saying things like, ‘I’ll be your friend if you do this!’

LEVEL 2 – ‘Two-Way, Fair Weather Cooperation’ (age six to 12 years) These children are able to consider another’s perspective as well as their own, but not at the same time. Six to 12 year olds are very concerned about fairness, but they think about these in a rigid way. So, if they do something

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DEVELOPMENT

Four to nine year olds tend to define iends s child en ho do nice thin s o them

nice for a friend, they expect that friend to do something nice back. Children at this stage are very judgmental – of themselves and others. They evaluate themselves brutally, the way they think others do. For example, they may say, ‘No one will like me because of my horrible jeans!’ They can get jealous, and want to be the same as everyone else.

LEVEL 3 – ‘Intimate, Mutually Shared Relationships’ (age 11 to 15 years) At this stage, friends start sharing secrets and solving problems. They genuinely do kind things for each other because they care about one another’s happiness. For some, this is also the ‘Joined at the Hip’ stage. Girls, more often than boys, may expect to do everything together. They feel deeply betrayed if a best friend favours someone else.

LEVEL 4 – ‘Mature Friendship’ (approximate age 12 years and up)

WORK IN PROGRESS Occasionally, parental guidance may be about supporting them when it’s time to let a friendship go. When and how to do this is a skill many of us struggle to master in our own lives, so how to pass on the wisdom we have acquired without interfering (which is the undisputed rule of parenting: thou shalt not barge in and try to make everything OK).

Once children start primary school and independently choose their friends, all bets are off. Suddenly their nursery slide buddy is on the football team and your child has been ditched because he prefers choir. While these shifts can be challenging for a child to understand, it’s also an opportunity to find new friends, but how? Research* has shown that direct interventions can make kids friendlier and more popular. When researchers randomly assigned some primary school kids to perform three acts of kindness each week, those kids

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ENCOURAGE POSITIVE FRIENDSHIP GOALS – TEACH YOUR CHILD EMPATHY AND THE ART OF CONVERSATION became more popular than children in a control group. Equally if children learn to understand the thoughts and feelings of other people, they are more likely to be accepted by their peers; as time passes, the links between popularity and interpersonal skills – such as empathy, moral reasoning and perspective-taking – become even stronger**.

Finding peers to have fun with is the key to a balanced friendship. If your child can trust her friend and feel good about herself (thereby helping her friend feel good, too), she’ll be less likely to be exploited and more likely to benefit from the relationship, be it through intellectual stimulation or social status. To encourage positive friendship goals, teach your child empathy and concern, the art of conversation, a willingness to take turns and share, and the value of offering help.

For those who do struggle to make friends, create a non-competitive environment for a play date – avoid games that may provoke conflict and focus on a cooperative activity where the children are working towards a common goal, such as building a den.

A US study*** compared how 4th Grade boys (nine to 10 year olds) behaved during competitive and cooperative games.

During cooperative games, unpopular boys were less disruptive and behaved with greater maturity. Popular boys showed greater tolerance.

There will be bumps in the road, but educating, informing, listening and supporting your child, with an understanding of how they and their peer groups are thinking at certain ages, will hopefully lead them to develop strong, fulfilling friendships that last. L

WORDS: GEORGINA BLASKEY. PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. SOURCES: *LAYOUS ET AL 2012, ** DEKOVIC AND GERRIS 1994, *** GELB AND JACOBSON 1988

At this stage, a high value is placed on emotional closeness with friends.

They accept and even appreciate one another’s differences. They’re also not as possessive, so they’re less likely to feel threatened if their friends have other close friendships. These friendships will remain strong even through separations.

Confident.

Independent.

Thinkers.

Autumn

Open Mornings

ACS Cobham, ACS Egham and ACS Hillingdon.

Register at acs-schools.com/opendays

Co-ed | Ages 2-18 | IB Diploma Day & Boarding – flexi, weekly, full Bursaries | Extensive busing

‘Achievement is excellent’ ISI Report

Open Morning Take a look around

9.30 am – 12.30 pm Friday, 6th October 2017 Please book your place through our website www.twyfordschool.com or contact us on 01962 712269

Parkside School

The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey KT11 3PX T: 01932 862 749 E: office@parkside-school.co.uk W: www.parkside-school.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr M Beach Admissions: Mrs Alison Scott Key facts Gender / Ages: Co-ed Nursery 2-4 years, Boys 4-13 years Total pupils: 327, boys 304, girls 23. Type: Day. Fees: Nursery – Daily from 1 morning £443 – 5 full days £3,516.

Pre Prep: Termly: £3,945. Prep: Termly Year 3 - Year 8 £5,280.

Entrance procedure: The first point of contact for prospective parents is our School Registrar, Alison Scott, who can be contacted on telephone number 01932 862749. The Registrar can advise you of our forthcoming Open Mornings, arrange a personal tour of the school if you would like, and discuss the needs of your child or children. In line with other schools, and as part of a new initiative at Parkside, we are introducing an assessment day for all boys entering the school into Year 3. Once your child is registered with Parkside, your son will receive an invitation to this event. Your son will be informally assessed in Maths and English and take part in small group activities.

School Philosophy: Parkside aims to develop the whole child through

the care, guidance and support of all staff members and the building of close links in a three way partnership between school, pupil and the home. Parkside encourages pupils to explore, discover and develop their particular skills and talents to the full whether in the academic field, sport, art or music and to find the fulfilment and selfesteem necessary to enhance their lives. The school aims to develop the values of respect, tolerance and compassion whilst encouraging self-reliance and independence. Parkside prepares pupils for their future schools and life in the wider world by developing them as well-rounded individuals, comfortable with their peers, elders and themselves, able to appreciate their talents, eager to realise their potential and confident in meeting new challenges.

Academic Record: The Common Entrance results in 2017 were

excellent with all boys passing to their first choice school, and an abundance of A and B grades. Boys at Parkside go on to a variety of destination schools such as St John’s Leatherhead, Worth, Wellington College, Reed’s School, Cranleigh and Charterhouse just to name a few.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Parkside School was judged ‘Excellent’ in all ISI inspection categories in March 2016. Parkside’s whole ethos is based around valuing and developing the individual child to be the best they can be academically, socially and emotionally. As our inspection report shows we are true to our ethos and our pupils are gaining the attributes that will put them in a strong position, in the future, to take their place in a rapidly evolving society and a challenging global job market.

OPEN MORNINGS Junior School (9.15-11.00am) Friday 15 September 2017 Monday 25 September 2017 Tuesday 3 October 2017 Friday 2 March 2018 Friday 27 April 2018 Tuesday 12 June 2018 REGISTER FOR AN OPEN DAY call 01483 796040 or email registrar@tormeadschool.org.uk

Independent Day School for Girls 4-18 years www.tormeadschool.org.uk @TormeadSchool Tormead School, Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD Bursaries and Scholarships are available at 11+ and 16+

Open Days: Friday, 29th September 2017 & Friday, 2nd February 2018

Registered Charity No: 312057

RUNNING HEAD

Little linguists Naomi Bar tholomew OF ST CATH ERIN E’S PR EP, BR AM LEY, ON HOW TO FOSTER A LOVE FOR L ANGUAGE AT AN E AR LY AGE hildren are natural linguists – they are able to mimic sounds and reproduce even the most unfamiliar with apparent ease. This is an essential part of cognitive development up until the age of about eight years, hence, it is important to maximise opportunities in pre-school and the early years to enable children to explore this area of their learning. Just as children are able to sing back the lyrics of Frozen or retell a complicated nursery rhyme, so too are they able to speak with apparent ease in a second language, and are much more likely to be able to hear and repeat back phrases in more authentic accents.

At St Catherine’s, we ensure the girls have fun listening to French and Spanish stories, songs, rhymes and phrases. This can be done in short bursts of 10 to 15 minute sessions, and there are an array of online resources to help. We also

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try to link language learning to other areas of study. Our Year 1 pupils enjoy their French café and Year 2 learn some Spanish alongside their study of Mexico.

Studies show that language learning at this age benefits memory, flexibility of thought, critical and creative thinking.

There are also the wider benefits of cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of others. By eight years old the ability to reproduce new sounds is much reduced and pupils can then seemingly display more reticence and become more self-conscious. So it’s very beneficial to have explored language in the Pre-Prep years.

Wherever possible, it is also essential to celebrate the languages of those within each class – exchanging greetings or learning to sing Happy Birthday to each other are good examples of this.

For those children who are fortunate to

be bi- or even trilingual, it is important for their languages to be acknowledged and for there to be chances for them to share their languages with others.

Research suggests that for those pupils who switch language at the school gate, there needs to be recognition by their teacher that this is the case. Simply exchanging a morning greeting and farewell in their home language can be a very powerful tool and help the child to feel acknowledged and valued. Once pupils start to write more there can be the occasional syntax which does not translate, but this can easily be explained as each child becomes more fluent in their written work. If unsure which is your child’s dominant language it can be helpful to ask them which language they dream in as this can be an indicator.

Language brings an enrichment to early years learning which is to be embraced. L

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Cottesmore School

Pease Pottage, West Sussex, RH11 9AU T: 01293 520648 E: office@cottesmoreschool.com W: www.cottesmoreschool.com Head Teacher: Tom Rogerson Admissions: Lottie Rogerson COTTESMORE SCHOOL 12X2_TATLER_0816.indd 1 E: rogersonc@cottesmoreschool.com Key facts

Cheam School

16/6/16 11:09:41

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 4-13 years Total pupils: 150, boys 100, girls 50 Type: Day, Boarding Fees: Pre Prep: Day from £3,381 to £4,163, Prep: Day from £5,845, Full Boarding from £8,873.

Entrance procedure: Interview, previous school reports and maths and English assessment

School Philosophy: Cottesmore is a country boarding prep school for boys and girls in West Sussex, less than an hour from London.

We provide a train service to London Victoria Station, which is popular with London ‘S.W.’ families. Cottesmore has been preparing children for major public schools since 1894 and continues to provide excellent preparation for senior boarding schools who share Cottesmore’s belief in nurturing a rounded, dynamic individual.

Academic Record: 100% success rate at Common Entrance 2016 to

schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington. “Quisque pro ingenio” is Cottesmore’s unofficial motto: “Everyone has a talent”.

Cottesmore will find and nurture each child’s talent and help the individual grow strong in the light of his or her own success.

Cottesmore is a school where children are taught to have faith in their own ability in a caring, confidence-inspiring environment.

Cottesmore pupils are typically bright-eyed, confident without being arrogant, and academically driven. ‘They are happy, confident children,’ says the head of a famous senior school.

Extra-Curricular: Cottesmore excels at ‘modern’ boarding. Its huge range of sports (33 at last count), hobbies and activities supplement a diverse academic curriculum. The drama, music and arts programmes are equally purposeful and vibrant.

Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD T: 01635 268242 E: office@cheamschool.co.uk W: www.cheamschool.com Head Teacher: Mr Martin Harris Admissions: Mrs Amanda Arkwright E: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 400, boys 223, girls 177 Type: Day, Flexi, Weekly, Full Boarding Fees: Nursery – Day from £1,700.

Pre Prep: Day from £3,845, Prep: Day from £6,340, Full Boarding from £8,905 per term.

Entrance procedure: All pupils entering the Prep School need to attend a familiarization day prior to being offered a place.

Main exit schools: The main exit schools for the last academic year include Eton, Harrow, Radley, Winchester, Downe House, St. Mary’s Ascot and Calne, Marlborough, Wellington, St. Edward’s, Sherborne and Sherborne Girls’, Canford and other top schools.

School Philosophy: Cheam strives for all-round excellence in all its activities, something that the HM is particularly proud of. “There is something for everyone here, so every child can succeed in something thus increasing their self-esteem”. Cheam’s extracurricular list is exhaustive and ensures that every child can pursue their particular talents and interests to the full.

A wide variety of sports are taught including football, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, athletics and cross-country running. The school has a strong drama and music tradition having recently performed ‘School of Rock’ with a cast of over 100 pupils.

Academic Record: 171 scholarships in the last ten years Extra-Curricular: Tennis, Fencing, Riding, Golf, Music instrument lessons, judo, outward bound activities, debating and public speaking society.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

and HRH Prince Charles.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: 100% success rate at Common Entrance 2016 to schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington.

Unbeaten 1st football season 2015.

Unbeaten Colts A football and cricket season 2015/16.

Unbeaten U11 netball season 2015/16.

Open Morning: 30 September 10am to 12pm

Individual tours and Meeting with the Headmaster for prospective parents

ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS Educating our children poses all sorts of questions.

Here, we put some of yours to the professionals

I’M LOOKING FOR AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL FOR MY THREE YEAR OLD. WHAT IS THE GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT MY DAUGHTER’S EDUCATION? Choosing a school for your daughter is such an important decision. The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the largest network of independent girls’ schools in the country. It gives us a scope no other school can match – in how we teach, how we manage ourselves and make plans, how much we can invest in our schools and their facilities and in how we collaborate in the classroom and on the sports field.

We have a ‘girls first’ approach to education. We put the teaching and wellbeing of our pupils before every other consideration. We have a ‘girls only’ ethos, too. Experience has shown that girls develop naturally and thrive in a single-sex environment and our combined strengths mean we can help girls perform confidently on a national level as well as within their schools.

We are among the nation’s leaders in terms of the GCSE and A-Level results we achieve, in terms of the number of girls studying STEM subjects and foreign languages, in terms of sporting success and in terms of desired university destinations achieved.

GDST schools offer outstanding support to past pupils, too, no other school or group of schools has an alumnae network anything like the size and breadth of ours. The unique qualities of our schools and of the network of which they are part enable us to equip our girls with the skills, qualifications and the confidence they need for adult life.

Katharine Crouch, headteacher of Sutton High School

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL DAY AT INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOLS? There are many reasons for choosing an independent education, but the length (and content) of the school day have to be right up there. An independent school is not governed by anyone else’s idea of a typical school day. This means we are able to tailor our curriculum and timetable to best suit the needs of our pupils; it allows us to offer extracurricular activities that complement our

education and it enables us to create a school day which challenges our pupils physically and academically.

The average prep school pupil finishes school at around 4pm. Many prep schools now acknowledge the burden of homework, however, and are extending their school day to include a teacher-led prep session. Many children will choose to do an after-school club at this point, which may well end at 6pm. As a parent, I want my child’s day to be as fulfilling as mine. I believe only an independent school can support me in that.

Susan Hayes, associate head at Eaton Square School

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ADVICE

Children thrive on routine, it helps them to build confidence and understand boundaries

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A MIXED AGE GROUP IN A MONTESSORI CLASSROOM?

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT NURSERY TO BEST SUIT MY CHILD? There are many nurseries to choose from out there and it is very hard to know what is best for you and your child.

Most of the good nurseries become fully booked a year in advance, so make sure you are early to book. Invest time in viewing nurseries that have good reputations. The best nurseries will be the ones you received personal recommendations about from parents.

After you have compiled a shortlist of reputable nurseries, arrange to visit them.

The most important points to look at when viewing a nursery are: Are the children happy? Do they look interested, engaged and busy?

‘Free play’ and ‘child-led activities’ are not a valid excuse when children appear passive, disinterested and bored.

Are staff kind, engaging, attentive and

MEET THE EXPERTS

Katharine Crouch Head of Sutton High School

Georgina Hood Founder of Paint Pots Montessori Schools

36 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

Keren Ben-Ezra Founder of Keren’s Nursery

Susan Hayes Associate Head at Eaton Square School

passionate about childcare?

The nursery facilities are of little importance if the staff looking after your child appear remote and disinterested.

Is the nursery clean and organised?

Good nurseries usually appear very busy to the eye, with filled display boards and tables laden with activities, but that is not to be confused with being unclean.

Is there a daily routine?

Children thrive on routine. Knowing what comes next is vital for their wellbeing and confidence. Often nurseries lacking proper routine experience high levels of noise and chaos from bored and often unsettled children.

Above all, follow your instincts.

Following a visit to the nursery, do you trust it to look after your child? If your gut tells you no, continue on your search.

On top of all the above, it is always good to make sure the nursery is registered with Ofsted, and to read their last report, as Ofsted will have made sure the legal requirements have been met.

The National Day Nursery Association has a quality assurance scheme which is a very high benchmark – look to see if the nursery has this accreditation as it will be an indicator of excellent practice.

Keren Ben-Ezra, founder of Keren’s Nursery

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

One of the main features of a Montessori environment is the mixed age groups, with children from three to six years in the same classroom. Dr. Montessori believed that it was like creating a family, similar to the way siblings learn from each other.

In this natural setting, the children benefit academically by gaining new skills and also practising skills previously learnt.

From a social point of view, the younger children become more aware of social norms and build a bond with the older children. They subconsciously realise that they, too, will reach that stage and learn by example, looking up to the older child for guidance.

The older children have the opportunity to practise their skills by working alongside the younger children and imparting their knowledge, before they move on to the next stage of development. They also gain confidence by having the time to reinforce these skills. Through educating children within a mixed age group they all gain respect, patience and compassion for each other.

Georgina Hood, founder of Paint Pots Montessori Schools & Creative Classes

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“Brambletye “Brambletye magic magic is alive is alive and working and working wonders” wonders” ƵƌƌĞŶƚ WĂƌĞŶƚ ƵƌƌĞŶƚ WĂƌĞŶƚ NEXT OPEN NEXT DAY OPEN DAY

13th &13th 14th&OCT 14th OCT For more informa For more oninforma on please contact please contact registrar@brambletye.com registrar@brambletye.com

Escorted Escorted weekend weekend train service train service to London to London

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Early Years | Pre-Preparatory | Preparatory

Based in the heart of Chelsea, a school with a long and proud history of academia, the arts, sports and music.

Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.

“Pupils success is the result of the excellent quality of teaching” Latest ISI Report

www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk 020 7352 7077 GEMS 9200 - Little London School Guide AW.indd 1

08/12/2016 16:13

Caldicott

01753 649301 www.caldicott.com registrar@caldicott.com @CaldicottSchool

Day and boarding prep school for boys aged 7 - 13

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

Individual tours during term time can be booked throughout the year.

Contact the Registrar, Mrs Jan Kemp, 01753 649301 or registrar@caldicott.com

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

• Rural Buckinghamshire location

• 30 minutes from West London

• Excellent academic record, art, music and drama

• Daily return bus services: Chiswick, Notting Hill, Brook Green and local

• Impressive sports fields and results

• Just 15 miles from Heathrow Airport

17.06.29_Little_London_Advert_Caldicott.indd 1

26/06/2017 15:06:41

JOIN US +44 (0) 20 8992 5823 www.isllondon.org mail@isllondon.org

A school that understands your child’s future Student well-being at the heart of school life

*

Learning through play and enquiry

*

Mother tongue instruction integrated in the school day

DEVELOPMENT

MIND YOUR MANNERS AS DEBR E T T’S L AU NCH E S ITS FIR ST E TIQU E T TE CL ASSE S FOR CHILDR EN , Kate Freud PUTS IT TO TH E TE ST WITH H ER FIVE-YE AR- OLD SON , JAGO

hough the joys of parenthood far outweigh the tricky bits, there’s no doubt raising kids is a minefield. Once you’re safely through the nappy years, it’s on to the daily tussle of getting them dressed and out the house, doing their homework and going to bed on time, all the while trying to shape them into well-rounded human beings.

I spend a staggering amount of my life trying to teach my children not to use potty humour, pick their noses or forget their manners. I often hear myself and inwardly cringe with the incessant, ‘what do you say?’ or ‘What’s the magic word?’

So when I learn that Debrett’s – the inimitable authority on social skills since it was founded in 1769 – had launched a Cygnet school to help children ‘develop confidence and ensure social ease, charm and grace’, I book straight in.

A lady called Catherine arrives on a Tuesday afternoon from the Cygnet school to work her magic on Jago and his friend Monty. Apparently children respond better when there’s another child in the session, but after a long day cooped up in the classroom, the boys seem more excitable than usual and I’m nervous for poor Catherine.

She explains the classes are “fun, play-lead sessions to help them gain a social awareness, improve empathy and build self confidence.” She begins by getting the boys to walk into the room in different ways – as monsters, superheroes and princes. She then explains about posture and body language, and how this can actually speak louder than the words you say.

It’s fascinating to watch these two little boys, both shy and awkward at first, transform before my eyes, with their little chests puffed up and heads held high, especially when channeling their inner superheroes.

Catherine then goes on to teach them the importance of a strong handshake

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

T

and eye contact, and how all these things can help you make new friends. Though the boys are playing, you can see they are taking it all in (and trying to make their handshakes as manly as possible).

The class evolves into how to manage your nerves, and then how to talk amongst adults – what are appropriate topics to cover and how it’s important not to forget to listen. The boys do the sweetest role play while practicing a new breathing technique they have learnt to handle their nerves. Topics cover the inoffensive Lego, school and football, with no mention of potty humour at all.

The boys also practice sitting down for dinner – to this day I’m berated every

time my elbow gets anywhere near the table. The session ends with Jago saying an emotional goodbye to Monty, which includes curtseys and kissing each other’s hands, something I’m not sure they learnt in class but they seem to be taking quite seriously nonetheless.

Three months on and considering a year ago Jago was shy with strangers to the point of rudeness, I’m impressed with the change I see in him. He now hugs people when he is pleased to see them (we’re not really a handshake kind of family), looks them in the eye and answers questions politely. The pleases and thank-yous trip off the tongue, and despite the occasional poop joke and a little light nose-picking, he’s become really quite charming.

The cost of £780 for a one-to-one two-hour class may seem a steep price for encouraging your child to be more gregarious and gracious, but perhaps see it as an investment for when they ace that first job interview… L 0203 786 7420, debretts.com

A once shy and awkward Jago is now far more outward looking

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 39

On the money…

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 effective ways of getting to grips with your children’s finances, imparting important lessons along the way.

“Teaching your children how to budget doesn’t need to be difficult,” explains Sally Francis of Money Saving Expert.

“Of course, there will always be a place for piggy banks, and it’s important for them to count out coins in their hands sometimes, but as kids become more tech-savvy they also 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.

Children can view their balance from their own computer and watch their savings grow.

Not only does this keep track of how much pocket money has been accumulated, it also helps kids to 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.

If you feel your child is ready for more responsibility and would rather make

H

40 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

MANAGING THEIR CASH Talk about money and why it’s an essential part of life.

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 – setting the table at dinner, for example – and decide how much they will receive if they stick to this.

Create a pocket money agreement. This could be a hand-drawn chart on the fridge or online via an app, but a clear agreement makes it easy for children to know what is expected and 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 they feel once they have run out of cash will teach a valuable lesson about budgeting.

transfers to an account, the Go Henry app is great as it offers a prepaid debit card.

Parents create an account and card for each child. Pocket money can be deposited regularly along with one-off top-ups. 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, and the card can be used for online purchases, but mum and dad retain complete control.

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 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.”

Sally Francis agrees. “When you’re 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 in a piggy bank.” And hopefully start building a sensible relationship with money that will last a lifetime. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

H OW AN D WH EN SHOU LD WE START TE ACHING OU R KIDS TH E VALU E OF MON EY ? Morag Turner E XPL AIN S

Winchester House School

44 High Street, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7AZ T: 01280 702 483 E: office@winchester-house.org W: www.winchester-house.org Head Teacher: Mrs Emma Goldsmith Admissions: Mrs Jessica Baker, Registrar E: jessica.baker@winchester-house.org Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 307, boys 178, girls 129 Type: Day, Flexi, Weekly, Full Boarding Fees: Nursery – Day from £560, Weekly from £2,870.

Pre Prep: Day from £3,600, Prep: Day from £5,145, Weekly from £8,030, Flexi Boarding from £5,640 per term.

Entrance procedure: Winchester House is a non-selective school but children joining in Year 3 and above may be asked to complete some brief assessments within school, to help gauge their abilities and make the right preparations for them prior to their arrival.

School Philosophy: The aim of Winchester House is to develop life-long learners with a spirit of resourcefulness and self-reliance within a warm and purposeful community. We strive to give each child a thirst for learning through a stimulating and innovative curriculum which pursues excellence. We offer the perfect blend of the traditional and the innovative, the formal and the relaxed.

We believe that building a child’s self-esteem is key to happiness and their ability to learn and we nurture every child’s self-esteem to ensure that they are resilient, enabling them to tackle and overcome any obstacles they face.

Academic Record: We have a well-deserved reputation for

academic, sporting, musical and dramatic success. This year our leavers have gained 17 scholarships to some of the top public schools in the country in all the disciplines including academic, sport, music, drama, art and computing and a 100% success at Common Entrance.

Extra-Curricular: We encourage our children to take up opportunities and embrace challenge with tenacity. We have a thriving After School Club Programme at part of the school day that offers a diverse and stimulating range of activities including riding, skiing, Tinker Shed (STEM) and Art Portfolio.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: We have recently

welcomed back 500 Alumni to celebrate the 80th birthday of a former Headmaster. We have a large range of alumni who have enjoyed international sporting and musical success and include business leaders and senior figures within the political arena. Famous Alumni include Ben Duckett (England Cricket Player), Lauren Kay (GB Rower), Storm Sunderland (GB Under 21 Hockey) and Major Nics Wetherill (Part of the all-woman group walking across Antarctica, the ‘Ex Ice Maindens’).

Open Days: Whole School Open Morning, Saturday 7th October 10.30am – 1.00pm

Walhampton School

Walhampton, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 5ZG T: 01590 613300 E: info@school.co.uk W: www.walhampton.com Head Teacher: Titus Mills Admissions: Suzanne Wright E: registrar@walhampton.com Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 2-13 years Total pupils: 380, boys 190, girls 190 Type: Day, Flexi, Full Boarding Fees: Early years – from £26 per session. Pre Prep: Day from £2,925.

Prep: Day from £4,250 per term. Flexi Boarding from £38.75 per night, Full Boarding from £2,100 per term (in addition the day fee) Entrance procedure: Assessment and report from their current school

School Philosophy: Set within one hundred acres in the idyllic New Forest, Walhampton is an independent day, flexi and full-time boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-13 where academic excellence sits comfortably alongside a distinctive ‘Swallows and Amazons’ spirit. Overlooking the Solent, the school has one of the ultimate prep school settings with opportunities to sail on the school’s lakes and ride in the on-site equestrian centre.

The Walhampton Express train service brings this remarkable country school closer to London. Boarding parents collect the children from Waterloo on Sunday evening and, after a busy week at school, they escort them back to Waterloo on Friday for about 6pm, ready for a full weekend of family time.

Walhampton provides an excellent preparation for the UK’s leading senior schools.

Academic Record: 100% Common Entrance success to over

40 leading senior schools, including Winchester, Radley, Eton, Marlborough, Sherborne and others. Approximately 50% of Year 8 pupils gain scholarships ranging from academic and sport, to music, art and drama.

Extra-Curricular: Over 60 activities available on site. 90% of which are included in the fees and offered to children 4 days a week (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat).

Notable Achievements and Alumni: An impressive 66% of grades, at Common Entrance, were ‘A’ or ‘B’ grades. The school also had very strong results in the National Junior Maths Challenge with a total of 27 pupils awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. LAMDA results are also strong, in 2017 pupils achieved 17 distinctions and 5 merits.

Open Days: Friday 6 October 2017 and Friday 2 February 2018

For A unique performing arts and academic education For young people with outstanding talent in Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Commercial Music Co-educational boarding & day school from ages 8 – 19 Outstanding academic education offering 23 A Level options

OPEN DAYS 6, 12 & 13 OCTOBER 2017 Apply online at www.tringpark.com/opendays

www.tringpark.com info@tringpark.com or tel. 01442 824255 Registered charity no. 1040330 Photo: Brian O'Carroll

PREP

How to choose a prep school DOE S FIN DING TH E RIGHT SCH OOL SEEM LIKE TH E IM POSSIBLE DR E AM? YOU JUST HAVE TO KN OW WHAT TO LOOK FOR , SAYS William Brooks, H E AD OF BR AM BLE T YE

inding the right prep school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, and there are numerous factors to consider, including your child’s disposition and interests, and the type of education you want them to experience.

Here are the five best ways to help you make that all-important decision:

F

BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR Prep schools’ offerings vary enormously and it’s important to establish what will suit your child and your family. Will your child always be a day pupil or do you think they might wish to board, as they grow older? Are

you a London parent who is looking for a weekly boarding option? Is the school located close enough for you to easily attend matches, concerts, plays, sports days and other important occasions? By answering these questions, you should be able create a shortlist of schools to visit. Visiting too many schools can be disorientating and unproductive – a shortlist of around three to five would be just about right.

BE PREPARED TO CHANGE YOUR MIND Having taken the advice to know what you’re looking for, you now have a clear idea about your ideal prep school.

But then you fall in love with a school, only to discover there’s Saturday school – when you can imagine nothing worse.

It’s always worth airing your concerns with the school and listening to their reasons, and do ask to speak to other

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 43

QUESTION TIME • What are the school’s strengths?

• Which senior schools do children go on to?

• What qualities does a child leaving this school possess?

• Will the size of the school change?

• What are the plans and challenges for the school over the next five years?

parents for their views. Often the thing that you thought insurmountable becomes less important once you become part of the school. While you thought weekends were sacred family time, you discover how rewarding it is watching your child playing in a team and interacting with their friends. Firm family friendships are often cultivated at prep school through the social events planned for parents. With frequent exeats too, you may discover you have the best of both worlds.

BE INQUISITIVE The registrar, the headmaster, staff, children and parents are all great sources of information and are usually very happy to talk expansively about their school. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions on your visit. When you are touring the school, look at the displays in the classroom, see how staff and children interact with each other and how they react to the headmaster or headmistress. Does the head know something about every child, not just

44 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

their name? How does the head interact with other staff members? A happy and united team means a better education will be delivered to your child, and the whole school will beam with a positive spirit. Try to establish what the academic, sporting and pastoral ethos of the school is. Discover where the school’s centres of excellence are. Make sure your questions are fully answered and that the answer truly reflects your query. If, for example, you ask how many boarders there are, check that answer refers to the type of boarding which you are interested in and that you are given the number of boarders in the same year group as your child. When you are told about scholarships, find out the type of scholarship and to which senior schools.

BE HAPPY WITH PASTORAL PROVISION In an age when there are so many concerns about the mental health of children, there is nothing more important than ensuring that children are happy.

Check there’s a healthy balance of

classroom time and downtime. Do the children play sport every day and are there opportunities to flourish in areas that are non-academic? How does the school deal with unkindness and how does it reward good behaviour, effort and success? If possible, try to visit the school during breaktime so you can see the children at play. Are they carefree and happy, polite and engaged? Can you see the potential for special memories to be created for your child at the school?

BE GUIDED BY YOUR INSTINCTS You’ve asked all the questions you can, you’ve heard other parents’ views and you now have to make a decision. It can be incredibly tough to choose when you have ticks and crosses for and against each school you’ve seen. Think back to your visits and there is a good chance that when you walked into one school it just felt right. It might be hard to put a finger on why, but don’t ignore that gut feeling. It’s likely you’ve almost certainly found the right school for you. L

OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday 13th September Thursday 12th October

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info littlelondon01 July 2017.indd 1

07/07/2017 14:42:00

Considering boarding schools near London?

Boys (11-18) and girls (16-18) Inspirational rural site in Oxfordshire close to M4 and M40 West London weekly bus route

Sixth Form Open Morning

Saturday 30 September, 9.30am

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 14 October, 9.30am

Flexi, weekly and full boarding to suit your needs For details and to book to attend: www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays

THIS PAGE Lilly wears jacket, £108, Stella McCartney Kids at Childrensalon. Skirt, £45, Soft Gallery at Smallable. Tights, model’s own.

Shoes, £22.95, Gap. Bag, £29, Wild & Gorgeous.

RIGHT PAGE Faith wears headband, £55, David Charles at Alex and Alexa. Blouse, £49, Le Mu. Jacket, £149, Indee at Smallable.

ALL ABOAR D! Modern prints and supercharged accessories meet nostalgic details for the coolest back-to-school season ever PHOTOGR APHY: EDDIE JU DD ST YLING: MICH ELLE PIER R E- CAR R HAIR ST YLING: KIM SHOE SMITH

(From left) Lilly wears coat, £270, Monnalisa at Childrensalon. Scarf, £39, Wild & Gorgeous. Trousers, £189, Bonpoint. Shoes, from £66, Step2wo. Taya wears coat, £190, Little Marc Jacobs at Childrensalon. Dress, £110; tights, £13; and headband, £30, all No Added Sugar. Shoes, from £66, Step2wo. Faith wears cape, from £154, Bandits Girl at Alex and Alexa. Skirt, £45, Angel’s Face. Tights, model’s own. Shoes, £140, Step2wo. Backpack, £45, Wild & Gorgeous. Kellan wears coat, £625, Dolce & Gabbana at Childrensalon. Trousers, £100, Bonpoint. Shoes, from £86, Step2wo. Hat, £35, Mini Rodini at Alex and Alexa. Backpack, £18, Marks & Spencer. Laird wears coat, £480, Gucci at Childrensalon. Scarf (just seen), £43, Karl Lagerfeld Kids at House of Fraser. Trousers, £18, Marks & Spencer. Shoes, £22.95, Gap. Backpack, £55.90, Bakker Made With Love at Smallable.

(From top) Taya wears top, £128, Bonpoint.

Skirt,£69, and tights, £13, both No Added Sugar. Shoes, £22.95, Gap. Lilly wears jacket, from £32, John Lewis. Cardigan (just seen), from £42, Angel’s Face. Jeans, £94, Chloé at Harrods. Shoes, from £66, Step2wo. Faith wears jacket, £60, Angel’s Face. Culottes, £29, Mainio Clothing. Tights, model’s own. Shoes, £22.95, Gap. Bag, £29, Wild & Gorgeous.

Kellan wears coat, from £40; sweater, £18; and trousers, from £15, all John Lewis. Shoes, from £86, Step2wo.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: FAITH, KELLAN, LAIRD, LILLY, TAYA. MODEL AGENCY: MINI MODELS. HAIR STYLING: CLAY HAIR SALON, OXSHOTT

Cotton-blend shirt £6, primark.com

Lunch bag £9.99, ltmuseumshop.co.uk

Spot-print skirt £18, monsoon.co.uk

Cotton shirt £16.99, zara.com

Leather shoes £36, clarks.co.uk

Cable-knit tights £6.99, lindex.com

(Clockwise from left) Lilly wears cape, £130, Le Mu. Dress, £97, Chloé at Harrods. Tights and shoes, model’s own. Headband, £12, Patachou.

Kellan wears jacket, £46, Billybandit at House of Fraser. Sweater, £8, Marks & Spencer. Jeans, £19.95, Gap. Shoes, from £86, Step2wo. Taya wears jacket, £169, Molo at Childrensalon. Skirt and top set, £18, Marks & Spencer. Tights, model’s own. Shoes, £22.95, Gap. Bag, £29, Wild & Gorgeous. Backpack, £18, Marks & Spencer.

Bow hair clip £6, monsoon.co.uk

Slip-on shoes £18, next.co.uk

GET THE LOOK

Coats and backpacks at the ready, it’s time to start the term in style with these cool and comfortable picks

Cotton trousers £20, johnlewis.com

Wool coat £120, pepaandcompany.com

Water-resistant coat £26, marksandspencer.com

Cotton coat £29, next.co.uk

Backpack £60, herschelsupplyco.co.uk

Cotton tights £10, pepaandcompany.com

52 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

Cotton top £14, johnlewis.com

George trainers £12, direct.asda.com

Le Toy Van wooden bus set £25, cottage-toys.co.uk

P R I D E

O F

P L A C E

LYONSDOWN SCHOOL Independent day school for boys 3-7 years and girls 3 - 11 years

OPEN AFTERNOON

Tuesday 3rd October 2017 at 1.30pm

To be included on our guest list, please telephone

020 8449 0225

3 Richmond Road, New Barnet,Hertfordshire. EN5 1SA Email: enquiries@lyonsdownschool.co.uk Web: www.lyonsdownschool.co.uk

‘Give your child the best start’ For more information please contact the Registrar.

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OurOur branches: Our branches: branches: Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead Garden Garden Garden Suburb Suburb Suburb Our Hampstead Garden Suburb Our branches: branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb • Belsize • Belsize •Park Belsize Park • Holland Park • Holland • Holland ParkParkPark •• Belsize Park •• Holland Belsize Park Holland Park Contact Contact Contact us today us today usPark today Contact Contact us us today today hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com 8 St8James’s St 8James’s St James’s Gardens Gardens Gardens W11W11 4RB W11 4RB 4RB 8 8 St St James’s James’s Gardens Gardens W11 W11 4RB 4RB

www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com 020 020 7602 020 7602 7602 7981 7981 Ofsted Outstandi ng 7981 020 7602 7981

Developing Self-Esteem & Independence Stimulating Curriculum Healthy Meals Freshly Prepared Daily Bi-lingual Nursery

Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb •Belsize Park • Holland Park Contact us today hollandpark@kerensnursery.com 8 St James’s Gardens W11 4RB

www.kerensnursery.com

RUNNING HEAD

Sleep for success IT’S E ASY TO LE T YOU R KIDS STAY U P L ATE, BUT IS IT WORTH IT FOR TH E BAD HABITS TO COM E? Georgina Blaskey FINDS OUT

BEST BEDTIMES

hile we love the longer days, lack of structure during the summer holidays 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.

But if late nights become too regular, the knock-on effect can be hugely detrimental, particularly as the start of a new school year looms.

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 over the same

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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 linked to mental health issues. It can also be responsible for lack of emotional control and poor performance at school. So 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 before they go back to school. This will enable your child to relax, fall asleep

It goes without saying that different children need different amounts of sleep, but if you’d like tighter guidelines, here are some you may find useful for a child waking about 7am each day. If they wake up earlier or later than 7am, you will need to adjust their bedtime accordingly, for example, an eight-year-old waking at 6.15am should go to bed at 7.30pm to ensure they have enough sleep.

AGE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

BEDTIME 6.30pm - 7pm 7pm 7pm 7.30pm 8.00pm 8.15pm 8.30pm 8.45pm 9.00pm 9.15pm 9.15pm

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 55

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

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CHILDREN MAY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO CONCENTRATE – MEMORY CAN ALSO BE AFFECTED eight years, usually 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 child’s room and your house safe.” Snoring, while usually seen as an adult affliction, can feature in children and may be caused by nasal congestion or enlarged adenoids or tonsils. It can also be a sign of sleep apnoea – a serious condition where children stop breathing during sleep. “Children with sleep apnoea may snore loudly, experience restless sleep and be sleepy during the day. It is vital it is treated, so visit your GP.” 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 actually looking tired; children can become pale and have dark circles under their eyes.” Over time their immune systems can be lowered, which means they may be more susceptible to picking up colds and bugs. Interestingly, daytime behaviour can be affected by sleep deprivation, too, Vicki notes.

“In school, children may find it more difficult to concentrate, becoming easily distracted. Memory can be affected and they may generally be unable to meet their full potential. Behaviour can also decline, they may be more irritable and tearful than usual if they are overly tired.”

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 let them sleep 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. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK.

on their own and sleep through the night more easily.” It will also equip them to go back to sleep unaided if they wake in the night. Jackie suggests children avoid any kind of screen 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 melatonin is not released. Households where both parents work can be busier in the evenings, pushing bedtimes later, and diet can also be to blame – drinks high in sugar can make it harder to switch off.

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 stress or change in a child’s routine. 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 them back down to bed. Discussing the nightmare and ‘reframing’ it by creating a different ending, for example, is best done the next day. “Sleep terrors and sleep walking occur between four and

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ADVICE

All-through schools like St Lawrence College enable older pupils to act as mentors for younger children

From ABC to A-LEVELS STAYING AT TH E SAM E SCHOOL FROM R ECEP TION TH ROUGH TO SIX TH FOR M CAN BE H UGELY BEN EFICIAL, SAYS Melissa Gabbot t OF ST L AWR ENCE COLLEGE

n 2009, at the end of their time in the Junior School, Year 6 pupils at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate were asked what they wanted to be when they were older. Aged 10, the pupils’ answers were as ambitious as one would hope. One pupil, Rudy, answered, “Either work for NASA or Nintendo.” Another, Alan, replied: “Be a business man like Alan Sugar!” Both pupils stayed at St Lawrence throughout their education, from the age of nativity plays to the daunting A-level years.

What is remarkable is being able to trace Rudy, Alan and many of their classmates’ responses to the question posed in 2009, and match them to their career paths now they have finished school. Rudy is at Bristol University pursuing a degree in Computer Science; Alan is reading Economics. It is gratifying to see both of them taking steps to become the people their younger selves had aspired to.

Half of that Year 6 class continued into the Senior School at St Lawrence, and some spent their entire school life at the school. Five of the group had gone on to be Sixth Form prefects and between all of them, from sports to music, drama to

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academia, their achievements were many.

They all exuded a natural confidence beyond their years – perhaps this is one of the advantages of feeling happy and secure in your school environment.

Between the different stages of their education, children usually change schools at least once or twice, but it is possible to attend the same school from the age of three to 18. Like many independent schools, St Lawrence College has been offering continuity of education for generations of families.

Established in 1879 as a boys-only Senior School, the Junior School on the same site opened a few years later. The school prides itself on being able to offer families an all-through education, or the choice to opt into Nursery, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form education. However, many more families are choosing to buy-in from the start of their offspring’s education, secure in the knowledge that their child will be able to continue through the school without the stress of missing out on a place at a later stage.

There are many advantages to such continuity of education, not just for the child, but for the whole family. For many

parents at St Lawrence College who have more than one child, the fact that all their children are in one place makes life much easier – not just for the ease of the drop-offs and pick-ups. It is reassuring for siblings to know they are close to each other, even if it’s just a wave across the dining hall at lunchtime. This is particularly pertinent for a school such as St Lawrence which, alongside local day pupils, also has boarding pupils from age seven to 18, thus enabling siblings to board alongside each other. It also means that strong friendships with similar likeminded families are built up over many years of shared experiences, not just at the school gate, but also from attending school social events. Many parents continue to stay in touch with the school long after their child has left, taking an active interest and attending events with the friends they have made while their child has been growing up.

Far from being afraid of the older pupils, younger children become familiar with seeing the seniors and look up to them. The senior pupils are encouraged to act as role models to the younger years and, in some cases, act as mentors.

ADVICE

Senior pupils also carry out valuable work experience in the Junior School, perhaps in the Library, listening to younger children read, assisting in the Nursery, or helping to coach on the sports field.

Consistency is another benefit of an all-through education – a shared school ethos with teachers working together across different year groups, smoothing a pupil’s transition at each stage as they move up. A pupil’s progress can be tracked throughout their school life. It is heartwarming to see a Sixth Former’s achievements shared by Junior School teachers and support staff who may have known that pupil from his or her first day.

Younger pupils have the advantage of being able to share many of the

senior school’s facilities, too.

At St Lawrence, junior pupils are able to have lessons in the fullyequipped design technology centre, perform in the purpose-built theatre and play hockey on the new Olympicstandard hockey pitch, as well as having access to the school’s sports coaches.

They have meals in the shared dining hall and celebrate events in the chapel.

Transition from Nursery to Junior School, or from Junior to Senior School, is a big step in a child’s life. What can often be a frightening and stressful time

is transformed into an exciting adventure when the child feels comfortable with his or her surroundings.

Summing up the benefits beautifully, former St Lawrence College pupil, Howard, commented, “What I think is great about being in the Junior School and then moving up into Senior School is the friendships that have been strengthened by all the experiences we have shared growing up together. I’m sure that these great friendships I have made at school over the last 12 years will remain strong for life.” L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017 | 59

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EXAMS

Under pressure TH ER E’S NOTHING WOR SE THAN WATCHING YOU R CHILDR EN STRUGGLE DU RING E X AM TIM E. H ER E, TH R EE E XPERTS SHAR E TH EIR ADVICE ON MANAGING TH E STR E SS ressure is a funny thing. For some children, a little pressure makes them try harder and perform better. For others, it brings about late-night tears and early morning tummy aches, but there are a few simple steps you can take with your children to help them cope during their exams, according to Edward Watson and Bradley Busch, authors of Release Your Inner Drive: Everything You Need To Know About How to Get Good at Stuff (£9.99, Crown House Publishing): “Firstly encourage them to slow down – most children underestimate how much time they have in exams, leading to sloppy mistakes. By pausing for a moment, they allow themselves to think and come up with a plan.

“Secondly, tell them to read the question without holding their pen. One of the most frequent mistakes made is misreading the question. Encourage your child to put down their pen when they read. This will counteract the urge to rush and write down an answer immediately.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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“Be sure to drink water. One of the side effects of stress is having a dry mouth. If this happens, it creates a vicious cycle; being aware of their dry mouth makes them realise how stressed they are. Sipping water helps alleviate this physiological sign of nerves as well as helping to increase concentration.

“Lastly, encourage them not to put too much pressure on themselves. One sign that they are putting themselves under too much stress is thinking in extremes: ‘I have to get full marks’ and ‘I must write at least four pages’. This all-or-nothing thinking isn’t helpful. Help your children be kind to themselves by using words and phrases such as ‘I could’ or ‘I might’.

For example, ‘I might write four pages in answer to this question, but if I’m struggling, it’s better to move on’.

Likewise, staying positive throughout the exam period is one of the most effective things we can do to support our children. “Try to use a positive/ negative ratio of about 8:1 – it may seem a lot, but telling your child when

they’re doing things well is one of the most effective things parents can do,” says Andy Cope, happiness guru and author of The Little Book of Emotional Intelligence: How to Flourish in a Crazy World (£12.99, John Murray Learning).

“It’s also important to praise for effort rather than talent; the advice from positive pyschology is that if your child accomplishes something, you are better off saying something like, ‘amazing! That’s what practice and hard work gets you!’

“Try the four-minute rule: instead of asking ‘how was school?’, try, ‘what was the best thing about school today?’ or ‘what was the most amazing thing you learned?’ And then – the hardest part – give your child your undivided attention for four full minutes. Suddenly you’ve changed them by being a better version of yourself. The basic rule of parenting is that your children won’t do what you say – but they will do what you do. So, you will massively improve the odds of creating a happy child by being happy yourself first.” L

REVISION TIPS What works: ‘Little and often’ is better than a lot all at once.

One hour a day for eight days beats eight hours in one day!

What doesn’t: Despite its popularity, highlighting tends to be done on auto-pilot so doesn’t really help memory.

The three things your children should do before an exam: • Eat breakfast • Get some fresh air • Get a good night’s sleep

INTERVIEW

MY SCHOOL LIFE Santa Montefiore TH E AUTHOR AN D MUM OF T WO SHAR E S FON D M EMORIE S OF H ER TIM E AT SCHOOL, AN D R EVE AL S HOW IT SHAPED H ER CAR EER What was school life like for you?

I absolutely adored my time at Hanford School in Dorset, which was my boarding school from the age of eight to 12. It was an enchanted wonderland for children, based around a creaky old Jacobean mansion that could have been straight out of Harry Potter. I learnt the art of storytelling there.

an all-girl environment at school. I went to Sherborne School for Girls after Hanford, which had the boys’ school next door.

What subject did you enjoy the most?

I loved English. I had an eccentric teacher called Mr Pole who encouraged and inspired me. Outside the classroom, I was also very good at climbing trees.

There was a giant cedar tree in the garden which we were allowed to play on.

Last year, you and your husband Simon launched The Royal Rabbits of London. Were your own children the inspiration for writing your first kids’ book?

Absolutely, I don’t think my husband and I could have written the book otherwise.

Our son Sasha inspired the idea, and both he and his older sister Lily read the early drafts and gave us very constructive feedback.

What’s your earliest school memory?

Being in a dormitory with 10 other girls! It was so much fun. We never stopped talking, dancing, playing and mucking about...

Did you always want to be an author?

I always wanted to write, and as a child I wrote stories non-stop. But never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be published and have my books displayed in shop windows.

How did you feel about going to an all-girls school?

I had an older brother who used to bring his friends home on weekends, and I had lots of male friends at home, so I enjoyed

62 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2017

Santa loved the ou tdoors as much as she did the classr oom

What does the rest of the year have in store for you?

We have been writing the third book in The Royal Rabbits of London series this summer – the second book, Escape From The Tower, is out in September.

The first book is being made into a film by 20th Century Fox, and is progressing nicely, which is very exciting for us. L The Royal Rabbits of London: Escape From The Tower by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag (£10.99, Simon & Schuster) is available from 21 September The Rabbits are back and ready to hop into action…

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG. ILLUSTRATION: 2016 KATE HINDLEY, THE ROYAL RABBITS OF LONDON

What was the best thing about boarding?

I learnt independence and I made great friends. When you live with a group of people 24-7 and share both difficult and good times, you forge strong relationships.

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