CITY KIDS MAGAZINE NO.19 WINTER 2018

FREE

THE DEFINITIVE FAMILY GUIDE FOR WEST LONDON

®

SCHOOL

FOOD

AWARDS Meet our judges and find out how to enter!

SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 5 FREE WINTER 2018/19 Nº 19

WINTER TRAVEL Trips at home and away

SHOPPING

Gifts galore this Winter WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N EDUCATION DUCATION FASHION ASHION BOOKS OOKS ACTIVITIES CTIVITIES

WELCOME

A

s I write this intro to our Winter issue, the sound of Paul Hardcastle’s 80s hit, N-n-nn-nineteen is ringing in my ears. For, ladies and gentlemen, this is our 19th issue! 2019 will usher in our 5th year of publishing and what better way to celebrate how far we’ve

come, than with our School Food Awards. We are on the mission to find the best school lunches in London and the surrounding area, plus we want to uncover your School Dinner Hero. Who’s the dinner lady/lad/team who goes the extra mile, who’s improved the lunch menu beyond recognition, or who always has time for the children? Turn to p26 to find out more and to meet our fabulous judges. Entry is easy online or email us for an entry form.

We also usher in the new year with a great selection of Winter shows and events in our What’s On calendars; and keeping our ear to the ground, we have the latest intel on what’s new for parents and kids in The Knowledge (p38).

And if 2019 is the year you’ll be looking at returning to work, turn to p50 to find out how two entrepreneurial women are inventing a new way of working for parents.

Remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for updates between issues and COVER IMAGE www.bonton.fr

sign-up to our re-vamped newsletter for offers, giveaways and REALLY USEFUL info www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk.

6

12 INDEX CONTACT editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk citykidsmagazine.co.uk 07770 370 353 citykidsmagazine @citykidswest citykidsmagazine

04 WE LOVE 06 WHAT’S ON 12 GIFTS 14 FASHION 19 BEVERLEY TURNER 21 FOOD 21 SCHOOL FOOD AWARDS 28 EDUCATION 34 BOOK REVIEW 35 TRIPS 38 THE KNOWLEDGE 40 DIRECTORIES 50 WHO ARE..? CHARLIE ROSIER &

To receive our newsletters, please sign up via our website at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk For all advertising enquiries email Allie Gill, allie@allulla.co.uk Editor-in-Chief Victoria Evans Designer Caroline Haye Contributors Beverley Turner Jo Pratt Shirley Khan

38 14

FABIENNE O’NEILL

This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions of those expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or CITY KIDS LTD. © 2018 CITY KIDS LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. T 07770 370 353

WE LOVE

MODXRJL

Passion for portraits Commission a discreet, nude drawing of yourself as a reminder that you’re not just a mum, or order portrait drawings of your children.

Pamella Lloyd-Jones has fulfilled hundreds of commissions nationwide, often drawing each child in the family as they reach the same age, or a ‘group of grandchildren’ gift for an important birthday. £475

www.pamelalloydjones.com

Fantastic Flashcards

Exciting, contemporary designer, Rachel Jackson, has teamed up with Instagram powerhouse and author, Clemmie Hooper, a.k.a.

Mother of Daughters.

The collaboration is a collection of personalised, collectable jewellery celebrating f e m a l e empowerment, family and friends.

Ready-to-wear or bespoke, create an heirloom for the special people in your life.

www.racheljacksonlondon.com No more A is for apple. These forward-thinking flashcards are an A to Z of Wonder Women, the result of an inspired collaboration between Lobella Loves and Three Penny. A percentage of every sale on the Lobella Loves website goes to maternal mental health charities. Extraordinary women like Frida Khalo and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson feature. £10.95

www.lobellaloves.com & www.three-penny.co.uk 04 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WE LOVE Banjo Robinson is a globe-trotting cat who sends personalised letters twice-monthly to 4-7 year olds from exciting destinations around the world. Subscribe online and your child will receive personalised stickers, writing stationery, a sketchbook page for colouring in and a poster to keep track of Banjo’s travels.

From £5.15 a month

www.banjorobinson.com

PEN PAL PET

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Created by two teachers and Forest School practitioners these kits not only appeal to a childhood sense of adventure, they also encourage outdoor and creative play. Children can develop their problem solving, critical thinking and ingenuity without interference from helicopter

£40 www.thedenkitco.com

parents!

Anyone who’s skied with children knows that getting their

Slo

pe

gear on is a struggle. Dinoski has sorted that by creating snow proof clothing that kids will actually want to put on! Taped

style

seams and waterproof fabric alongside dino spikes, lion manes and bunny ears help to keep your kids visible on the slopes. Genius.

www.dinoskiwear.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 05

WHAT’S ON

1 / 7 /8 & 9 Dec

THE SNOWMAN

MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS

The Peacock www.sadlerswells.com

Bocketts Farm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

THE PRINCESS AND THE PANTOMIME Windsor Castle www.rct.uk ©Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

From 22 Nov

Photo Tristram Kenton

From 22 Nov

Take a journey through the State Apartments, ending with a performance of Aladdin in the Waterloo Chamber where the Queen performed as a princess.

From 8 Dec

From 8 Dec

From 13 Dec

SNOW WHITE

HEART OF WINTER

ENO NUTCRACKER

London Palladium www.snowwhitepalladium.com

Watermans www.watermans.org.uk

Dawn French and Julian Clary join the star-studded cast of London’s must-see panto, packed with laughter, music and theatrical magic.

A magical show which celebrates family, friendshipand the good fortune of finding the winter we really need and want. Until 30 Dec.

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring to life the popular Tchaikovsky score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

From 19 Dec

Until 30 Dec

Until 6 Jan

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL

RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER CHRISTMAS

DISNEY ON ICE DREAM BIG

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith www.eventimapollo.com

London Coliseum www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker

The 02 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula www.disneyonice.co.uk

Photography by Tom Gladstone

Lyric Hammersmith www.lyric.co.uk

©ROH, 2015. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

Hop on board the Santa Express and meet Father Christmas, baby lambs, and experience a white Christmas in the giant snow globe.

In its 21st year, The Snowman returns, transporting children into the wintery wonderland of a boy and his snowy companion. Until 6 Jan.

Join father and daughter Danny and Dani Dyer, Jo Brand and West End star Simon Lipkin as he reprises his role as ‘Mr Poppy’.

06 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Join Santa as he awakes on the busiest day of the year - Christmas Eve - in Raymond Briggs’ hit show.

It’s Moana’s first appearance on the ice in Dream Big, promising loads of high-flying jumps and breathtaking skating.

December 8

CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO

THE GINGERBREAD CITY

ZSL London Zoo www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo

Museum of Architecture www.thegingerbreadcity.com

Experience where fairy tale meets fantasy as an illuminated pathway winds its way through the Zoo in a magical after-dark experience. 22 Nov to 1 Jan

From

17

Annual exhibition where architects, designers and engineers create an entire city made of gingerbread. Children under 12 go free.

25

9

FAMILY STUDIO: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYAL ACADEMY The Royal Academy, Piccadilly www.royalacademy.org.uk

Photo Roy Matthews

From

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

©ZSL

Now

WHAT’S ON

Celebrate the Royal Academy’s 250th birthday by taking part in a free drop-in family workshop to create giant playing cards.

27 to 30

THE LUNA WINTER CINEMA

PETER PAN CUP

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Kensington Palace www.thelunacinema.com

The Serpentine, Hyde Park www.royalparks.org.uk

Wembley SSE Arena www.dinosaurlive.com

Watch iconic family films, like It’s A Wonderful Life and Elf, in an indoor, heated cinema. See website for listings.

Head to Hyde Park to watch some very brave souls strip off for the annual outdoor Christmas Day swimming race.

Be amazed as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes in this arena experience.

From

27

Until

30

31

WINTER WALKS

BRAT KIDS CARNIVAL

KIDS’ COUNTDOWN

Hever Castle & Gardens www.hevercastle.co.uk

The Spiegeltent, Leicester Square www.christmasinleicestersquare.com

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

The Winter Garden is in full bloom, the restaurant is open and the views of the castle are grand.

A fantastically noisy, fun, silly afternoon which promises to get youngsters excited about the circus and get them on stage.

If your kids won’t make it until midnight, start the New Year celebration early at the Southbank’s Kids’ Countdown.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07

January

WHAT’S ON

1

Until

Until

6

RUMPELSTILTSKIN

Central London, Green Park to Westminster www.lnydp.com

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

QEC, Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Until

6

Circus 1903 visits Southbank Centre for its European premiere. The show includes life-sized elephants created by War Horse puppeteers.

Until

6

Shane ReidCarnival Studio

CIRCUS 1903

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE

Welcome in 2019 on this annual parade down Piccadilly and towards Parliament. Expect to see cheerleaders, clowns, acrobats and more.

Starring Australian cabaret star Paul Capsis, this anarchic show is filled with theatrical spectacles, energetic music and vibrant sets (for ages 8+).

Until

6

TALES AND TRAILS

PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE

Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk

Kew Gardens www.kew.org

Theatre Royal Haymarket www.peppapiglive.com

With an exciting programme of special activities and walks, there’s plenty to do and see at Kew throughout the holidays.

Peppa and her friends are back this Christmas in a new show with plenty of laughs, songs and muddy puddles.

Make your way to the iconic museum for a festive glide around the ice, then warm up in the café afterwards.

From

Photo Jeff Eden

ICE RINK

12

Until

20

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

DREAM ON

Royal Albert Hall www.cirquedusoleil.com

V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green www.vam.ac.uk/moc

If you’ve never been before, make 2019 the year you discover the magic of the world’s finest circus performers.

08 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

©Sylvain Deleu

Photo C Faruolo

5

This exhibition plays explores the idea of objects coming to life when we aren’t looking - just like our dreams.

27

HANDS ON ARCHAEOLOGY: TUDOR GRUB Fulham Palace www.fulhampalace.org

Explore life at the palace and learn what the Bishop of London ate in Tudor times as you discover archaeology.

Portraits

22nd November - 24th December 2018

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

by

recommended by lots of delighted clients countrywide.

Enjoy a fantastic festive family day out with a visit to meet Father Christmas in his magical haybarn workshop!

Just £9.50 per child

Nude portraits of

lovely mums who never know what to gift their partners

in addition to farm entry cost

ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk.

Portraits capturing your children at their angelic best.

Creating artworks as well as recording lovely moments.

Pamela Lloyd-Jones www.pamelalloydjones.com 07941938466 Studio in West London

ULTIMATE Trampoline Park

Book early to avoid disappointment!

PLUS: Heated indoor play barn, newborn lambs, giant snow globe, Christmas trail and festive craft corner!

Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey.

5 minutes from J9 M25.

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

D AR AW WI NN ING !

CK

SAT 8 – S U N 30 D EC 2018

THE

“Expect theatre magic from Lyngo and you won’t be disappointed.”

British Theatre Guide

entry includes

LASER MAZE! NINJA COURSE!

'Fantastic endorphin-raising fun' London Time Out AAAAA 'Fab facilities for children and adults alike!'

Mumsnet AAAAA follow us on brentcross@flipout.co.uk | flipout.co.uk/brent-cross Staples Corner Retail Park, Geron Way, NW2 6LW | 020 8050 2391

HEART OF

WINTER

A brand new magical production

by Lyngo Theatre for ages 3–8yrs

Tickets from £10

Image © Anna Forlati

C H R I ST MAS SH OW 201 8

Box Office: 020 8232 1010 watermans.org.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 09

February

WHAT’S ON

From

2

7&8

IT’S HOT, IT’S NOT

STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE TOUR

Unicorn Theatre www.unicorntheatre.com

10 / 16 / 17 & 24 AURORA ORCHESTRA FAR FAR AWAY Kings Place, Kings Cross www.kingsplace.co.uk

An immersive storytelling concert for under-fives and families. Audiences are invited to listen, sing, dance, and enter a magical world of play.

16 to 24

KNIGHT SCHOOL DEFEND THE TOWER!

©English Heritage

Tower of London www.hrp.org.uk

This half term become a knight and defend the Tower of London as you learn the components of a Knight’s arsenal.

10 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Colin Hutton © Hartswood Films

This surreal and funny performance explores all kinds of weather and takes delight in discovering the world wherever we are.

SSE Arena, Wembley www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

9

ASTRONIGHT SLEEPOVER Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Bring on the bling, the sequins and the spray tan for this much-anticipated live tour of everyone’s favourite dance show.

Explore the museum and its wonders after dark.

With workshops, science shows and activities, it will be an unforgettable night.

14 to 24

14 to 23

Southbank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Rose Theatre, Kingston www.rosetheatrekingston.org

Children take over Southbank Centre, as the unique Imagine Children’s Festival returns with a range of theatre, music, dance, and more.

The Rose invites you to the world premiere of Zog, based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved book.

IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Until

17

ZOG

18

IN THE WINTER WOOD

FAME

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon www.polkatheatre.com

New Wimbledon Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Little ones will love this tale of bravery and friendship, as Pig and Goat decide to run away together.

The Kids from Fame still wanna live forever and they’re back to prove it in south-west London this February

St James Nursery School Opening 2019 Our new nursery school opens next year.

For details call 020 7348 1793

Peace of mind.

The world can be a noisy place.

That’s why children at St James practise ‘stillness’ and pause before and after every lesson. We see them calm down, refocus and head off to their next class buzzing with renewed energy.

For parents, peace of mind comes from knowing your child will thrive academically and creatively in a warm, happy environment. Our pupils get great results. They just don’t get stressed about it.

Please get in touch today to find out more about us or to arrange a visit.

stjamesprep.org.uk Earsby Street London W14 8SH 020 7348 1793

1

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1 Roommate Giraffe Height Chart £59.45 akatomo.de 2 Cloud Mobile £42 liewood.com 3 Cashmere Jumper with Frill £60-£65 boden.co.uk 4 Lion Purse £15 merimeri.com 5 Bloomingville wooden breakfast set £19 amara.com 6 Olli Ella Wooden Holdie House £60 daisiesanddinosaurs.co.uk 7 Oeuf NYC Unicorn hat £54 libertylondon.com 8 Garden tools £14.95 annabeljames.co.uk 9 Organic Cotton Paw Print Baby Playsuit £33.45 thebonniemob.com 10 Wooden Robot £25 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

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5

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9 7

10

8

1

2

5

3

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1 Rainbow Travel Pillow £22 bando.com 2 Smartphone Printer £40 debenhams.com 3 Printed Notebooks £7.50 oliverbonas.com 4 Pineapple Rug £129 to £259 amara.com 5 Portable Record Player £69.95 cuckooland.com

BIG KIDS

PRE-SCHOOLERS

GIFTS

Compiled by ELEONORE CROMPTON www.themumdaytimes.com | @eleonore_crompton 12 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

1

2

GIFTS

3

LITTLE KIDS

6 1 RS2 Indoor Football Table £3,250 conranshop.co.uk 2 Tiger Cardigan £15-£19 next.co.uk 3 Bloom & Blossom Matilda Bath Book & Bedtime Gift Set £29 boots.com 4 Moomin Book Five by Tove Jansson £12.99 waterstones.com 5 Tutu du Monde X Little Treasures Doll £125 tutudumonde.com 6 Circus Set £116.25 maileg.co.uk 7 Once upon a time snowglobe £22 bobbyrabbit.co.uk 8 Mathilde de Comptoir Chocolate slab with hammer £21 conranshop.co.uk 9 Dinosaur Fingerlings £14.99 very.co.uk 10 Swifty IXI scooter £349 swiftyscooters.com

4

5

9

7

10

8

8

6 7

9

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6 Discovery Channel Telescope 24.99 very.co.uk 7 Up to No Good Tote £9.50 oliverbonas.com 8 Snakes and Ladders and Ludo Game £49 made.com 9 Marvel Avengers Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man AR Experience £46.99 very.co.uk 10 Lie Detector Kit £12.95 rexlondon.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 13

Small Stories

Emily Wright Photography

BÉBÉBÉBÉ

Emily Wright Photography

BÉBÉBÉBÉ

Recognising the impact of London Fashion Week over the past decades, Amanda Rabor, creator of Isossy Children launched Mini Mode, a kids’ version of the event.

It’s an opportunity for creatives, designers, influencers, brands and sponsors to showcase their talent during LFW. A celebration of British and global design, the community comes together in September and February each year with an industry show and one for consumers. The shows support the Osteopathic Centre for Children which provides specialist paediatric osteopathy for perinatal women, babies, children and teens on a donate-what-youcan basis. The shows also celebrate diversity.

The next catwalk show will take place on Sat 16th February.

For more information on how to get involved and to buy tickets see: www.mini-mode.co.uk

Emily Wright Photography

Celebrating Kids + Fashion with Mini Mode

Daisy Demetre Kidette Emily Wright Photography

Emily Wright Photography

Iscream

Isossy Children

Emily Wright Photography

Photography Santoshi Padhiar

FASHION

Liberated Folk

Junona Isossy Children

Kimba Kids

Photography Santoshi Padhiar

Photography Santoshi Padhiar

Emily Wright Photography

Deena London

Emily Wright Photography

Daisy Demetre Kidette Photography Santoshi Padhiar

Emily Wright Photography

Liberated Folk Small Stories

Hunter + Boo

Isossy Children

Emily Wright Photography

Emily Wright Photography

Emily Wright Photography

Behind the Scenes

Emily Wright Photography

DJ Maisie

SHOOTING STAR BAG £14 marksandspencer.com

STYLE RAINBOW STAR IRON ON BADGE SET £7.95 thebonniemob.com

Blast

RAINBOW ROCKET T-SHIRT £4-£5 next.co.uk WHITE ROCKET PANDA PRINT LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT £13 Mayoral at alexandalexa.com

ROCKET KNIT £15-£16 next.co.uk

PARTY JUMPSUIT £40-£46 boden.co.uk

MOON A EMBROID ND STA ERED £48 toots RS JUMPER - SPACE ORGANIC COTTO a.com ODYSSE Y £ 47 m N SWEATSHIRT inirodini. com

ROCKET T-SHIRT £16 cathkidston.com

BEA JAC RS IN KET S £26 PACE B cath O kids MBER ton. com

Moons, stars, planets, rockets... Here’s our pick of this season’s best intergalactic buys

LILAC ROCKET ACCROSS-BODY BAG £13 next.co.uk

STAR MOON BOOT £67 melijoe.com/uk

ND STAR Modéers S ROMPER £33 ka alexanda Huset at lexa.com

GLOW IN THE DARK SPACE BAG £124 Jeune Premier at melijoe.com/uk

MOON A

SPACE O D £202 Mo YSSEY DRESS nalisa at melijoe.c om/uk

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EMBROIDERED PLANET JACKET £56 boden.co.uk

STAR PRINT TROUSERS £25 Agatha Ruiz de la Prada at alexandalexa.com

SPACE GLOVES £12 uk.monsoon.co.uk ROCKET AND STAR SHOES £7.50 -£8.50 next.co.uk

ELEONORE CROMPTON is a freelance fashion editor, artist and blogger at www.themumdaytimes.com

ROCKET BACKPACK £30 joules.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 17

Learning the FUNdamentals of Football Football fun for boys & girls aged 18 months to 7 years chiswick@littlekickers.co.uk 07513 235 500 /LittleKickersChiswick Little Kicks - 1½ years - 2½ years Junior Kickers - 2½ years - 3½ years Mighty Kickers - 3½ years to 5 years Mega Kickers - 5 years to 7th birthday

www.LittleKickers.co.uk

BEVERLEY TURNER

IS THERE MORE TO GODPARENTING THAN PROVIDING GREAT GIFTS?

Y

ou can judge a man by the quality of his gift-giving, and my son’s godfather produced a classy present at his ‘christening’ back in 2004: a boxed bottle of port with the inscription: “Share the first glass with me on your 18th birthday”. I ignored the dubious wisdom of introducing an 18-year-old to highly alcoholic, fortified wine and focused on the sentiment: male knowledge being passed down the generations across an old oak table on an autumnal evening.

It remains to be seen whether, in just three years’ time, my son will be able to leave Fortnite long enough to honour his godfather’s invitation, but, if so, our choice of ‘moral guardian’ will have been successful.

I say ‘godfather’ but, in fact, Luka was officially a ‘mentor’, the godless version that suits heathens like us who, rather than have a church ceremony, organised a giant piss-up on a Hobbs boat in Henley, culminating in a secular ‘naming ceremony’ on Temple Island, replete with a banner denoting: “Croyde Cracknell’s Christening Cruise”.

But, despite the irreverence, we took the job of picking the mentors seriously.

Officially, godparents are in charge of your child’s religious education or morality; they are the ones who stand beside you and take some responsibility for their godchild’s well-being. Of course, this is largely bollocks for modern-day families.

Godparents are often chosen precisely because they aren’t moral gatekeepers, but instead a really good laugh on holiday after three jugs of sangria, and the people you’d happily spend Christmas day with.

It can, however, be fraught with upset, and the risk of fracturing friendships. You may love your university pal, who has an in-depth knowledge of feminist literature and a throaty laugh that can clear a room, but your partner finds her an irritating bore. He may dote on his schoolmate with a Ferrari and extensive knowledge of

1980s movies, but you’d rather sit at home and bleach your butthole than spend an evening in his boorish company.

According to the Christian church, you can have as many godparents as you wish, but they instruct that every child should have ‘at least three: two of the same sex, and at least one of the opposite sex to the child’. In the event of an impasse, ask yourselves: who will remember their birthdays and be good at online shopping?

Personally, I am a useless godparent to my two godsons (apologies if I’m also godparent to any girls that I’ve forgotten).

I can’t tell you their birthdays, and it’s been so long, I’m embarrassed to ask their mothers (one of them is over 18). There is no excuse for this shoddy dereliction of duty, except that I genuinely struggle to remember my own kids’ birthdays. I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise in public and say that I’m here if they ever need me (in fact, the 18-year-old would make an ace babysitter so he can come and stay anytime).

I did make the right choice with child 2 – a dear friend who I picked up at my antenatal classes when pregnant with child 1, and another friend-for-life who I wish I saw more of. The second is busy but always remembers birthdays and Christmases, and I know she would drop everything if I needed her. The first (also busy!) remembers every single birthday and

doesn’t just produce a thoughtful, quality gift, but time with my daughter. She takes her for days out and gets to know her. This fills me with both admiration and shame at my own incompetence in the field of godparenting.

Child 3 is always a bit sulky about these outings as her own godparents are more from my ambivalent side of the fence and she gets a card if she’s lucky.

Her godfathers are, however, reliable in the Christmas present department, despite living hundreds of miles away (and I suspect it’s their wives giving them a reminding nudge), but she still feels shortchanged and even takes the snub seriously.

So, although godparents may not seem terribly important to us at the time of choosing, their aptitude and keenness for the role will be important to your child.

See it as yet another parenting decision at which you can fail – or give it some thought and choose wisely. Failing that, flick a coin and hope the ‘winner’ is a whizz on Amazon – or an account holder at Majestic Wine.

Godparents are often chosen precisely because they aren’t moral gatekeepers, but instead a really good laugh on holiday after three jugs of sangria...

BEVERLEY TURNER is author of The Happy Birth Book and hosts a show on LBC at 8pm on Saturdays. She also runs The Happy Birth Club in Chiswick.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 19

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BIRTHDAY

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W “

hen time is short (that’s most of the time then!) and I want a home cooked, nutritious meal for all the family, this is often my go-to recipe.

It uses accessible ingredients, is really quick to prep and involves minimal washing up. Furthermore, you can cook them immediately or leave them in your fridge to cook later which means you can cook them to suit the various comings and goings in your house.

I’ve given you the Moroccan inspired recipe here but there are numerous f lavour combinations to suit your family’s tastes or ingredient availability (see PS at the end of the recipe). Now my children are a bit bigger, I’ll make four parcels from this recipe, but you might find you can get six parcels if you have smaller tummies to fill. Cook them all and put any leftovers in the freezer for heating up another day.

The parcels work very well as a complete meal in one – so there’s no need to make extra side dishes. That said, some couscous, pasta, rice or crusty bread are always a welcome addition.

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4 4 skinless chicken breasts 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp grated root ginger 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 1 x 400g tin drained tinned chickpeas or cannellini beans 100g dried raisins, sultanas or chopped apricots 200g green beans, halved 1-2 tsp harissa paste 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper large handful pitted black or green olives (optional) small handful of shelled pistachio nuts, roughly chopped (optional) few sprigs of fresh coriander (optional)

FEATURE FOOD

BY JO PRATT

MOROCCAN BAKED CHICKEN PARCELS • Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7 and put a large baking tray in the oven to heat.

• Take four large pieces of greaseproof paper or kitchen foil and fold each one in half to make it double thickness. Tightly fold together two of the edges to seal, creating a pouch, making sure there are no gaps for the food to escape when cooking. Secure the folds using a stapler if using greaseproof paper. Alternatively, buy baking/roasting bags from supermarkets that are ready to use and a real time saver.

• Slice each chicken breast into 3-4 pieces and set aside.

• In a large bowl, mix together all of the remaining ingredients, apart from the pistachios and coriander. Season with a

little salt and pepper. Divide between the four parcels and put a sliced chicken breast into each one, pushing down into the sauce to cover. Seal the parcels by folding over the open top, or using an oven-proof tie or string, leaving some air in them for steam to circulate when cooking. The parcels are now ready to cook straight away or store in the fridge until required.

• Put the parcels directly on top of the baking tray you’ve been heating in the oven, slightly spaced apart, and cook for 30 minutes. By now the chicken will be tender and juicy and the sauce thickened. When cooked, split open the parcels onto bowls/ plates and serve scattered with pistachios and coriander

PS... Be creative and switch the flavours around: GREEK CHICKEN PARCELS swap the harissa for 2 tsp olive tapenade and switch the ground coriander for dried oregano. Serve scattered with some feta cheese and serve with bulgur wheat.

INDIAN CHICKEN PARCELS swap the harissa for 1 tbsp curry paste and omit the olives and pistachios. Scatter the top with flaked almonds and serve with some mango chutney and naan bread or rice.

ITALIAN CHICKEN PARCELS Omit the ginger, harissa, raisins, coriander and cinnamon and use 2 tbsp pesto, 2 chopped anchovies (optional), 1 tsp balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar instead. Serve with parmesan cheese and garlic bread or pasta.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 21

3 AFTERNOON TEAS

FOOD NEWS

Your Bulletin Board of foodie finds for you and your family

UNDER WRAPS Sick of cling film, foil and general waste?

You must try beeswax wraps. Here at City Kids HQ, we were cynical that they would stick and do the required job, but they do!

These from The Beeswax Wrap Co. use GOTS certified cotton, pine resin, organic jojoba oil and UK Beeswax. They keep food fresh, they’re reusable and biodegradable. People and planet friendly!

www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk

CAFÉ ROUGE A traditional English pastime with a French twist, children aged six to 12 can now enjoy beignets with chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries or strawberries; croquet monsieur; and mini Toulouse sausages with celery, carrot, cucumber and passata pots. Veggie options include harissa hummus and Portobello mushroom croquet monsieur. www.caferouge.com

B BAKERY BUS TOUR There’s nothing much more London than a guided tour on a Routemaster bus, coupled with afternoon tea. Whilst taking in London’s famous landmarks you and yours can enjoy pastries, cakes and sandwiches from Brigit’s Bakery. www.b-bakery.com

THE SAVOY This tea destination with a capital D has teamed up with Harper Collins, the publishers of The Tiger Who Came to Tea as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Judith Kerr’s classic. Aimed at five to 12 year olds, the menu offers tiger striped scones and pastries as well as a selection of Sophie’s Sandwiches, Treats with the Tiger and bespoke chinaware inspired by the story.

www.fairmont.com

22 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FOOD NEWS

TABLE TECHNIQUE

SNACK TIME Pulsin have introduced a new Choc and Raisin bar to their Kids’ Fruity Oat Bar range. They’re made with real fruit, and contain a third less sugar than other leading brands of kids’ snacks.

And because they’re high in fibre it reduces those blood sugar highs and lows.

www.pulsin.co.uk

Using cutlery doesn’t come naturally to all kids, and even mini versions of adult sized cutlery are very difficult for kids to use. Nana’s Manners tore onto the scene a couple of years ago with their simple, yet effectively designed children’s cutlery. This Winter, a limited edition matt silver version is available, making the perfect gift.

The handles have a beautiful silver finish, whilst the shape supports independent learning and builds kids’ confidence around the dinner table. www.nanasmanners.com

DO YOU LOVE A BARGAIN? Aldi and Lidl may be working their way into the middle-class mindset, but there’s a new kid on the block. StarBargains.co.uk offers a variety of food, drinks and home basics from big name brands at prices lower than the supermarkets. Head to their Posh Nosh pages to find Dorset Cereals, Kallo, Urban Fruit and other premium brands at a fraction of the price you’d normally pay.

BRILLIANT BISCUITS From a bobble hat and scarf to ski poles and even a chalet, this biscuit tin has après ski down to a fine art. To make your pressie even more special, the mug biscuit can be personalised by adding a message. www.biscuiteers.com

DISNEY DINNERS A perfect gift, Simplissime’s latest book in the series is Disney: The Simple Family Cookbook by by Jean-François Mallet. Inside you’ll find over 1000 recipes inspired by Disney characters – whether you want to make spaghetti with Lady and the Tramp, sweet snowballs with Olaf and Queen Elsa or enjoy a Hawaiian pizza with Lilo and Stitch, the choice is all yours. Each recipe uses only between 2 and 5 ingredients and all have simple instructions, so you can whip up your favourite dish with ease. www.octopusbooks.co.uk

MAGICAL BREAKFAST Forget egg and soldiers - it’s time for an upgrade!

Unicorns aren’t going away, so embrace them and add some magic to your eggy breakfast, lunch or supper with this Unicorn Egg Cup and Toast Cutter Set. £9.99 www.very.co.uk

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 23

EDUCATION

APPEALING YOUR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE Victoria Evans outlines the basics of the appeals process and what you should (and shouldn’t) do.

Y

ou’ve visited schools, you’ve weighed up your options, and you’ve evaluated the local tittletattle. Your school application is in, and now you wait, with everything crossed until National Offer Day on 1st March 2019.

But what if you don’t get the news you were hoping for?

From National Offer Day, you have 14 days to accept or not accept the school offer. 29th March 2019 is the closing date for the return of appeal registration forms to ensure that your appeal is heard by the end of the summer term. All boroughs have appeal packs available on their websites which help you through the process, but here are some tips to help you calm down.

1

Make sure you are on the waiting list of your preferred school. Do not assume that you will have been placed on this list so call the school and talk to the admissions team yourself. It can be comforting to find out where you are on the waiting list, but only if you’re near the top. Remember that your child can move up or down the list depending on children joining who have a greater priority. Try not to be neurotic – the admissions team will be having a tough time too!

2

It’s also possible to be on the waiting list for more than one school, even schools you haven’t applied for. Contact your Admissions Department to ask about vacancies in other schools.

3

Accept the place you have been given. This may sound contradictory, but your child does need a school to go to in September. It is better to have a place than no place at all, and you can always reject it if you manage to get a place at another school that you prefer.

24 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

4

Remain positive about the place you have accepted, particularly in front of your child as they may have to attend there if your appeal is unsuccessful.

5

Complete your appeals form and outline your main grounds for appeal. There must be a very good basis for appeal. Simply preferring the kids or parents at one school over another will not wash. It is better to argue for things that would benefit your child more that are not available in the allocated school. Things to consider include: • Would your child develop better in a single-sex school?

• Is there a specialist team which can help with SEN? • Is it a specialist school for music or science where your child shows great potential?

• Do they have friends at the school which would help kids who have previously been bullied?

• What are the reasons why your child should not attend the school they have been offered – do not be disparaging or negative about the school at this stage. Eg: Your child would like to do two languages at GCSE and this school only allows for one.

Include supporting documents which may help such as a letter from your GP or child psychologist which support your appeal.

6

Check that the council has received your appeal – you should get a notification of when your appeals panel hearing will take place in due course, roughly within 30 days.

7

Prepare for your hearing where you will be allowed to bring supporters such as a lawyer, friend or child psychologist. If you are unable to attend

you will not be offered another date – the appeal will be decided on the written information you have offered already.

8

If your reasons for your child to be admitted outweigh the school’s reasons for not offering places to any more children at all, your appeal will be upheld. This is also the case if the school did not follow the proper criteria and comply with the school admissions code.

9

You will be sent the decision within five school days. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you do still have the chance to appeal the panel’s decision if you feel that the procedure was flawed or that laws were broken. You make a complaint to the local government ombudsman, the Secretary of State for Education (not generally recommended!), or ask for a judicial review. This final option is expensive but is probably the speediest way to get a decision.

10

Don’t give up. If you are determined that your child should go to a different school to the one you have accepted, make sure you remain on waiting lists. Occasionally, in-year places do come up and you may eventually get a place at your first-choice school. You will then have to decide if it is beneficial to move your child or not.

The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) is a brilliant resource for appeals at secondary and primary school level.

Their resources include letter templates to download as well as a full appeals guide.

www.ace-ed.org.uk

For legal advice: www.schoolappeals.com

Where outstanding performing arts meets academic excellence

Apply now to audition for our Day School!

www.artsed.co.uk

Application deadline is Friday 30 November 2018

Harvington Prep School for Girls 20 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DS • Telephone 020 8997 1583 • admin@harvingtonschool.com

Pre Prep and Prep School for girls aged 5 to 11 years

The Early Years – Nursery and Transition For girls and boys from the age of 2 years and 9 months up to age 5 years.

Children learn through play and experiences in a happy and stimulating environment.

Preparing girls for entry into the most prestigious schools in London with EXCELLENT results and scholarships.

Outstanding Drama Department ‘The quality of the pupils learning and achievement is EXCELLENT’ ISI Report Dec 2014

A well established local school with outstanding pastoral care Follow us on Facebook

Harvingtonprepschool and on Twitter

@harvingtonprep CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 25

FOOD

®

SCHOOL FOOD

AWARDS

Last issue we launched the School Food Awards, the opportunity for schools to celebrate the work of their amazing catering teams and a chance for us to continue the dialogue about healthy eating and healthy attitudes towards food. We’ve had a great response from schools so now it’s time to meet our judges.

Meet The Judges JO PRATT Our Food Editor well known writer, cook, food stylist and presenter “The provision of good quality, nutritious and interesting school lunches is such an important aspect of school life. If children can look forward to their lunch every day and enjoy a variety of dishes that, in many cases might not have the chance to eat at home, then that’s a huge achievement on the school’s part which should be recognised and celebrated.”

BEVERLEY TURNER City Kids Columnist, LBC presenter, Founder of The Happy Birth Club and mum of three “Our kids are at school for at least seven hours a day. What they eat and drink in that time is crucial to optimising their learning ability. I love the idea of rewarding schools who take this responsibility seriously. Head Teachers need to work with us parents to help kids to thrive and become well-informed about healthy choices.”

26 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

LIZZIE KING Author, nutritional health coach and mum of three.

“About a third of children’s food is eaten at school, and with it having so much impact on their mood and learning it’s something I care hugely about. By highlighting those getting it right in often pretty thankless situations we can encourage others and get people talking about what our schools can do.”

KATHRYN BOULDREY-CHOURIO Founder of Nana’s Manners, former teacher and a mum of three!

“Since the introduction of free school meals for all Infant children in the UK, many more eat the lunch provided at their school.

Research has shown it has a significant impact on their learning so it’s an incredibly important element of the school day and something I believe really matters. By highlighting those getting it right in often pretty thankless situations we can encourage others and get people talking about what our schools can do. Often small changes can have huge impacts.”

FOOD

The School Food Awards are open to all primary and secondary state and independent schools in London and the surrounding areas.

The three categories being judged are: ®

SCHOOL FOOD

AWARDS

SCHOOL DINNER HERO

®

This is a person from the catering team who goes the extra mile to create imaginative, attractive, nutritious and fun mealtimes for all the children. It could be the head of the team, an unsung hero behind the scenes in the kitchen, or someone who has made a big impact on school lunches since joining.

BEST SCHOOL MENU

SCHOOL FOOD

AWARDS 2019

shortlisted

®

SCHOOL FOOD

This speaks for itself. The winner will be the school that provides the most varied and interesting menu for its kids.

AWARDS 2019

VOTE FOR US

BEST VEGETARIAN MENU The winning school will be able to show that its vegetarian options are carefully considered, offer balance and are more than just side order of vegetables.

Full details on how schools can enter are available on the website at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk. If you have any questions, please email editor@citykidsmagazine.co.uk. Deadline for entry is 21st December 2018.

Winners will be announced in May 2019.

®

SCHOOL FOOD

AWARDS 2019

RUNNER-UP

®

SCHOOL FOOD

AWARDS 2019

winner

St Benedict’S School a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

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

NEW EARLY YEARS BUILDING OPENED SEPTEMBER 2017

Edgeborough

Nursery | Prep | Boarding

Prep School in Frensham, Surrey for girls and boys aged 2-13, with day and weekly boarding.

“A school with happiness and nurturing at its core” Muddy Stilettos, Surrey

www.edgeborough.co.uk

01252 792495

View our website for details of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 27

EDUCATION NEWS NEW NURSERY FOR ST JAMES

CHANGES AT CLIFTON LODGE

St James Junior School is extending its early years provision by opening a nursery in September 2019. Works are almost complete at the former Youth Centre in Marcus Garvey Park, creating a bright open-plan space with a double height ceiling, exposed rafters and free flow to the adventure playground. The Nursery will also share the school’s use of its Forest School in the park, in addition to specialist performing arts, music and language teaching.

Commenting on the opening, Mrs Catherine Thomlinson, Headmistress at St James Junior School said, “The space is absolutely stunning and its location, right outside our school gates and within the park, could not be more convenient for families with children already at St James. Equally, local families will also benefit from the brand new state-of-the art facilities, alongside our experience in delivering an outstanding early years education.”

The Head of Nursery, Minisha Bist, arrives with over 12 years’ experience, most recently as Nursery Manager, Early Years Lead and Reception Teacher at St Christopher’s School.

As part of this development at St James, the junior school will be renamed St James Preparatory School, which will include the nursery as part of its pre-prep provision. This follows the recent refurbishment of the Reception classrooms and the introduction of a new 11+ programme.

To arrange a tour of St James Preparatory School or St James Nursery School please contact: admissions@stjamesjunior.org or call 020 7348 1793.

From September 2020, Clifton Lodge School in Ealing will be an 11+ prep school, with one exit point in Year 6. This will enable the school to focus on their Nursery provision through to 11+ preparation for senior school entry. The changes are being made so that the school can serve the trend of traditionally 13+ senior schools offering an entry point at 11+, or only at 11+.

NOTTING HILL & EALING GIRLS FLY AROUND HALF THE WORLD IN HALF TERM! China, Russia and Rome. Three amazing school trips taking in cultural sites, putting language learning to the test, bringing the classroom to life. Fortyone girls from Years 10, 11 and 12 travelled to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai with five of their teachers in a cultural extravaganza designed to put their enthusiastically learned Mandarin to good use. Twentythree girls from Years 11-13 were taken on a 6 day history trip to Moscow and St Petersburg where they saw life through the eyes of Tsars and even participated in some Russian folk dancing! And celebrating their love for Latin, thirty-one girls from Years 9 and 10 did a whistle-stop tour of classical Italy taking in Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum in just four days!

Next stops, Austria, Spain and France.

28 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NEW NURSERY IN CHISWICK North Star Nursery Pre-school will open in the new year. Children from two to five will be able to attend on Monday to Friday mornings during term time.

For more information contact

info@northstarpreschool.com NEW YEAR, NEW HIRE AT ARTSED Julie Spencer, the new Director for The School of Acting at ArtsEd will start her new role in January. Julie joins from St Mary’s University where she was Head of Drama.

Her experience spans 30 years as an actor, director and practitioner, spending two decades teaching and directing Higher Education and Conservatoire actor training courses. She has worked with the likes of the RSC, NT, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Michael Attenborough and Nick Hynter.

THE PRICE OF EDUCATION As if you didn’t know, living near a school rated outstanding by Ofsted costs you more. But how much more? A recent survey by Barratt London shows that for every 10% increase in the number of outstanding schools, property prices increase by an average of £87,000.

Kensington and Chelsea is the borough with the highest rated schools with not one school deemed to ‘require improvement’ or ‘inadequate’. The average cost of a home? £1.3m.

EDUCATION NEWS ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS LAUNCHES GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARDS The hunt is on once more to find the region’s aspiring young global citizens as ACS International Schools launches their Global Citizens Award for the second consecutive year.

Reflecting ACS International Schools’ ethos and inclusive values, the Awards, which carry two top prizes of £1000 each, are designed to recognise, encourage and reward young people who are making a difference to their local or international communities.

Open to school children across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the Awards operate across two age categories: 9 – 11 (school years 5 and 6) and ages 12 – 14 (school years 7 to 9). The top prize of £1,000 in each category will be split equally between the winning students and their respective schools.

To enter, students are asked to describe in no more than 500 words how they are supporting the cause, challenge or charity they are championing. Entries can be submitted until midnight on February 22 2019 via the schools’ website acs-schools.com/award and winners will be selected by a panel of judges including the Heads at ACS International Schools’ three UK campuses: ACS Cobham, ACS Hillingdon and ACS Egham.

As well as the Global Citizen Awards, applications are also open for the schools’ bursary programme, which offers financial awards, ranging from ten to 100 per cent of fees, for children aged 11+, 13+ and 16+. Deadline for applications to start in 2019/2020 closes on 13th December 2018.

BENNIES’ OLD BOYS MAKES WALES SQUAD Jonah Holmes, who left St Benedict’s Ealing in 2010, was one of two uncapped players to be named in Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

St Benedict’s Rugby Coach, Mr Jimmy Joyce, who coached Jonah in his final two years at the school, said “He was one of the nicest kids I’ve ever known - a real team player who cared about his friends both on and off the pitch. Since leaving St Benedict’s he hasn’t hesitated to help out with coaching when invited. He deserves his international call-up due to his hard work and commitment.”

Mr Myles Stringer, Head of Strength and Conditioning at St Benedict’s, said: “Jonah is one of the hardest working players I have met off the pitch and one of the fastest in the Premiership. We were at school together and I have occasionally helped him with his S&C - mainly speed training - in the off season and seasonal breaks.”

LABRADOR LOVE AT BICKLEY PARK SCHOOL Selkie, the four-year-old pet of head teacher Patrick Wenham, has developed a role for himself at the Bickley Park School. He has been helping children with cynophobia (fear of dogs) as well as acting as a talking therapy provider for kids going through difficult times.

Charlie’s mother died last year but Selkie has helped him through the grieving process. In the week after she died, Charlie arrived early at school and the first ‘person’ he would meet was Selkie. He found her very calming and enjoyed how she treated him like a special friend.

When Charlie feels down Selkie’s always waiting in the office for him.

Talking about his dog, Mr Wenham said: “Selkie has always been heavily involved in the school community, and having her present is proving invaluable for those who have a fear to overcome or those that just need to trust someone who won’t pass judgement.

“Research has shown that stroking animals has a positive effect on mood, and can help relax and soothe people. Selkie is a very calm, good-natured dog who is happy to take the role of pupil therapist.

She is looking forward to helping more children in any way she can.”

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 29

EDUCATION

STEAM

A recent study by the Air Line Pilots Association International trade union found that only 5.18% of commercial pilots globally are women. Amongst the barriers that pilots face that you’d probably expect, like academic demands and cost of training, was the low numbers of girls taking up STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects.

Furthermore, a survey last year found that 67% of teachers in the UK felt that they could not teach coding effectively to school children between the ages of eight and 15 due to a lack of skills and teaching tools. There’s a lot of noise from the government about advances in the school curriculum to cater for computing and STEM subjects.

We quizzed some of London’s leading STEAM (STEM with the arts) clubs to find out why STEM learning is so important to girls and boys alike, and how parents can encourage it.

RICHER EDUCATION What’s the best S.T.E.A.M. activity to do at home?

We recommend designing, building and implementing a theme park. Resources and materials for this activity can readily be found in the home such as popsicle sticks, foil and insulation tubing.

The ‘Design a Theme Park’ activity is projectbased learning that integrates elements of imagination, planning, fun, problem-solving and the combination of the five STEAM disciplines. For example, children can explore the physics behind roller coasters and learn about momentum, gravitational and centripetal forces, acceleration and velocity.

Children will also learn about the radius, diameter and circumference of a Ferris wheel among many other mathematical concepts.

Designing a theme park as a home-based project would also enable children to develop other fundamental skills for life such as learning how to elaborate and put forward a speech on how to advertise and promote their theme parks. Children can also look at designing their own marketing strategies to attract different audiences. In all, the home learning project is full of inspiration, learning and fun.

Can you recommend a great S.T.E.A.M. gift?

Nowadays, many worldwide employers in small and large renowned companies expect potential employees to have, at least, an intermediate level of expertise in coding languages. The most popular languages being C++, Python and Java.

We highly recommend Arduino as an allyear-round gift. Arduino is a programmable microcontroller that interacts with the world 30 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Richer Education

How To Approach Stem Subjects With Your Children

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE using different sensors. It makes use of both software and hardware components. Children will gain an understanding of electronics, coding, mechanical engineering and robotics through integrated and hands-on projects.

Arduino can also be used to programme a robot, a model car and even a 3D printer.

Arduino also helps children to develop their problem-solving skills, teamwork and resilience.

What scientific breakthroughs should we expect in 2019?

The world of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning continues to advance and make an impact, not just in the field of technology. Potential breakthroughs include AI doctors that can diagnose, monitor the conditions of their patients and keep up-todate with advances in medicine. Furthermore, AI is currently being piloted in the US military to monitor the condition of their equipment.

Beyond AI, quantum computers are expected to have an even larger breakthrough in 2019.

Quantum computers have phenomenal potential and computational power that far exceed conventional computers. Quantum computers can solve problems that would otherwise take conventional computers thousands of years, if not more, to solve. www.richereducation.co.uk

“All children are natural-born scientists, conducting their own experiments to make sense of the world. Since we are all born as scientists, why do so few continue down this path in their adult lives? There is evidence to suggest that the school environment does not do enough to fulfil children’s curiosity and development.

Science education has become an arduous task of learning a large, complex body of facts. It is no wonder children are struggling to perform.

Children require the chance to experiment for themselves and work and play together to allow their curiosity to flourish.

Through joining science clubs, where they are free to learn in a way that is more befitting their inquisitive minds, children can continue their studies in the sciences in a way that sharpens their enthusiasm. At Little House of Science, we see every day the positive impact of teaching science with the focus of discovery and experimentation. Best results are achieved when children have a home environment that nurtures scientific inquiry with books, discussions, hands-on experiments. Our advice would be to expose your kids early to a variety of sciences like physics, astronomy, engineering. My First Book of Quantum Physics

by Sheddad Kaid-Salah Ferron, for instance, is a perfect tool to interest your little one in quantum physics.

A knowledge of science and technology is critical for any person today. Children with strong problem-solving skills and a broad knowledge of the sciences, from astrophysics to computer coding, have bright futures ahead of them!” www.littlehouseofscience.com info@littlehouseofscience.com

EDUCATION YOUNG ENGINEERS

OTHER STEAM CLUBS

“Today we live in a world where knowledge and information is readily available. Children need to gather the correct tools to process the pieces to analyse and execute to reach the final concept. Critical thinking and the ability to analyse are skills that will create the innovators of the future. It is difficult to predict what the world will look like in twenty years so we need to equip our kids with future-proof skills. Learning while playing is a great way to achieve this, especially at an age when it is still easier to lay foundations at an intuitive level.

Often when STEM or STEAM is mentioned people think computers and screens but as the “screen” begins to dominate our children’s time parents will need to seek ways to inject new ideas and concepts using a hands-on approach. One of the most effective ways to engage children and assist them to develop their learning skills and knowledge is by making learning fun and exciting. This can only be achieved through a well-planned “hands-on” system which combines education and entertainment.” www.westlondon.young-engineers.co.uk info.westlondon@young-engineers.co.uk

blue{shift} Creative Coding www.blueshiftcoding.com Code Club www.codeclub.org.uk

Mini-Engineers www.mini-engineers.com

Code Today www.codetoday.co.uk

Mother Nature Science www.mnature.co.uk

Cypher www.cyphercoders.com Fire Tech Cap www.firetechcamp.com Geeky Kids www.geekykids.co.uk

London School of Mathematics & Programming www.londonsmp.co.uk

Okido www.okido.com Thrill Education www.thrilleducation.com WhooshPop www.whooshpop.com

ENGINEERING FUN WITH STEM AND LEGO®

For regular STEM/STEAM and education news head to our website:

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

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CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 31

EDUCATION

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS

ACS HILLINGDON 4-18 yrs co-ed www.acs-schools.com ALL SCHOOL OPEN DAY 29 NOV / 7 FEB 2019 / 16 MARCH ARTSED 11yrs+ co-ed www.artsed.co.uk Admissions 020 8987 6600 - For tours: Rosalies Jones pupils@artsed.co.uk AVENUE HOUSE 4-11yrs co-ed www.avenuehouse.org To book an appointment 020 8998 9981 BASSETT HOUSE SCHOOL 3-11yrs co-ed www.bassetths.org.uk 1 MARCH 2019 For registration or a tour: 020 8969 0313 - registrar@bassetths.org.uk

FULHAM SCHOOL 4-18yrs co-ed www.fulham.school GODOLPHIN AND LATYMER 11-18yrs girls www.godolphinandlatymer.com AUTUMN TERM HAMPTON COURT HOUSE 3-18yrs co-ed www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Registrar: 020 8614 0857 - admissions@hchnet.co.uk HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP 3-7yrs co-ed / 7-11yrs boys www. hamptonprep.org.uk 7 DEC admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk - 020 8979 1844

BUTE HOUSE GIRLS 4-11yrs www.butehouse.co.uk By invitation only - admissions@butehouse.co.uk

HAMPTON SCHOOL 11yrs+ boys www.hamptonschool.org.uk 20 & 29 NOV 020 8979 9273 - admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

CHISWICK AND BEDFORD PARK 3-11yrs co-ed (girls only after 7yrs) www.cbppschool.co.uk By appointment only

HARVINGTON PREP SCHOOL 3-11yrs girls www.harvingtonschool.com By appointment only 020 8997 1583

CLIFTON LODGE 3-13yrs co-ed www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk 16 MARCH 2019 / 18 MAY For a tour tel 020 8579 3662 - admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk

HEATHFIELD HOUSE SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.heathfieldhouse.co.uk Call for appointment 020 8994 3385

DURSTON HOUSE 4-13yrs boys www.durstonhouse.org Registrar: 020 8991 6532 - info@durstonhouse.org L’ECOLE INTERNATIONALE FRANCO-ANGLAISE 18months-18yrs www.ecole-ifa.com EMANUEL SCHOOL 11yrs+ co-ed www.emanuel.org.uk WEDNESDAY MORNING TOURS. SPRING/SUMMER OPEN DAYS TBC. FALCONS PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS 3-7yrs boys www.falconsboys.co.uk 16 MARCH 2019 020 8747 8393 - admin@falconsboys.co.uk FALCONS PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS 7-13yrs boys www.falconsprep.co.uk 8 MARCH 2019 / 9 MAY Tours every Tuesday morning - admin@falconsprep.co.uk FALCONS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3-11yrs girls www.falconsgirls.co.uk SCHOOL IN ACTION 28 NOV Registrar: 020 8992 5189 - Harriet.Stokes@falconsgirls.co.uk FRANCIS HOLLAND, REGENT’S PARK 4-18yrs girls www.fhs-nw1.org.uk 22 NOV Registrar: 020 7723 0176 - registrar@fhs-nw1.org.uk FRANCIS HOLLAND, SLOANE SQUARE 4-18yrs girls www.fhs-sw1.org.uk 4+ ENTRY 4 FEB / 18 MARCH 2019 11+ & 13+ 20 MARCH 2019 Registrar: 020 7824 5005 (or via the School Office on 020 7730 2971) - registrar@fhs-sw1.org.uk

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IBSTOCK PLACE SCHOOL 4-18yrs co-ed www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk 8 MAY 2019 registrar@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk - 020 8392 5803 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LONDON 3-18yrs co-ed www.islschools.org/london Please call admissions team to book a tour of the school 020 8992 5823 - mail@isllondon.org KEW GREEN PREP SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.kgps.co.uk 16 JAN / 6 FEB / 6 MARCH / 15 MAY / 12 JUNE 2019 admissions@kgps.co.uk KEW HOUSE SCHOOL 11yrs+ co-ed www.kewhouseschool.com 16, 22 & 26 NOV / 17 JAN 2019 admissions@kewhouseschool.com 020 8742 2038 KING’S COLLEGE WIMBLEDON 7-18yrs boys / 16-18yrs co-ed www.kcs.org.uk 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+ 21 JUNE 11+ JUNE 2019 13+ book a Monday afternoon visit KINGS HOUSE SCHOOL 3-13yrs boys (co-ed nursery) www.kingshouseschool.org For admissions: 020 8940 1878

EDUCATION

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS LADY ELEANOR HOLLES 7-18yrs girls www.lehs.org.uk SENIOR SCOOL 11+ 26 NOV To visit: registrar@lehs.org.uk

ST BENEDICT’S 3-18yrs co-ed www.stbenedicts.org.uk NURSERY & JUNIOR SCHOOL 21 MAY 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL 9 MAY 2019

LATYMER PREP SCHOOL 7-11yrs co-ed www.latymerprep.org 16 & 21 NOV / 15 JUNE 2019 registrar@latymerprep.org

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL TWICKENHAM 4-18yrs girls www.stcatherineschool.co.uk 020 3261 0142 - cgoldburn@stcatherineschool.co.uk

LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL 11-18yrs co-ed www.latymer-upper.org BOOKING OPENS IN APRIL 2019 Admissions: 020 7993 0063 - admissions@latymer-upper.org NOTTING HILL AND EALING HIGH SCHOOL 4-18yrs girls www.nhehs.gdst.net SENIOR SCHOOL 23 NOV Contact the Registrar on 020 8991 2165 ORCHARD HOUSE 3-11yrs co-ed www.orchardhs.org.uk MARCH 2019 Arrange visit on 020 8742 8544 - info@orchardhs.org.uk ORLEY FARM SCHOOL 4-13yrs co-ed www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk 11 MAY 2019 ‘Wednesdays at Work’ tours with headmaster available. Book with the Registrar on 020 8869 7634 - registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.

PARSONS GREEN PREP SCHOOL 4–11yrs co-ed www. parsonsgreenprep.co.uk WEEKLY TOURS For tours and admissions: 020 7610 8085 admissions@parsonsgreenprep.co.uk PROSPECT HOUSE 3-11yrs girls www.prospecths.org.uk SPRING 2019 registrar@prospecths.org.uk - 020 8246 4897 PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL 4-18yrs girls www.putneyhigh.gdst.net OPEN WEEK EVERY OCTOBER Junior: 020 8788 6523 / Senior: 020 8788 4886 putneyhigh@put.gdst.net QUEEN’S COLLEGE 11-18yrs girls www.qcl.org.uk 20 NOV / 24 JAN 2019 RADNOR HOUSE 11-18yrs co-ed www.radnorhouse.org TUES & FRIDAY MORNING TOURS 9, 27 & 30 NOV WHOLE SCHOOL 16 & 23 NOV 11 MAY 2019

ST JAMES SCHOOLS 4-11yrs co-ed / 11-18yrs girls / 11-18yrs boys www.stjamesschools.co.uk PREP SCHOOL 22 NOV ST PAUL’S SCHOOL 7-18yrs boys www.stpaulsschool.org.uk 7+ & 8+ 3 SMALL GROUP TOURS spjschoolsec@stpaulsschool.org.uk 11+ SPRING 2019 13+ 28 FEB / 21 MARCH 2019 admissions@stpaulsschool.org.uk ST PAUL’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL 11-18yrs girls www.spgs.org TOURS AVAILABLE FROM MID-MARCH. BOOKING REQUIRED email admissions@spgs.org from early March THE HARRODIAN 4-18yrs co-ed www.harrodian.com For 11+ 2019 OPEN MORNING Booking enquiries, please call the Admissions Office on 020 8762 6321 UNICORN SCHOOL 3-11yrs co-ed www.unicornschool.org.uk Small group visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. registrar@unicornschool.org.uk

OUT OF TOWN EDGEBOROUGH SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.edgeborough.co.uk 30 NOV LVS ASCOT 4-18yrs co-ed day & boarding school www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk JUNIOR, SENIOR, 6TH FORM 17 NOV / 6 FEB 2019 / 16 MARCH / 8 MAY ST CATHERINE’S BRAMLEY 4-18yrs girls www.stcatherines.info PREP SCHOOL 1 FEB / 5 MARCH / 1 MAY / 7 JUNE 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL 30 JAN / 7 MARCH / 30 APRIL / 29 JUNE 2019

RAVENSCOURT PARK PREP SCHOOL 4-11yrs co-ed www.rpps.co.uk 17 JAN / 5 FEB / 7 MARCH / 9 MAY / 11 JUNE 2019 ST AUGUSTINE’S PRIORY 4-18yrs girls www.sapriory.com 9 MARCH 2019 020 8997 2022

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BOOK REVIEW

For any special occasion, a beautifully designed book or a classic story is a great gift and keepsake.

Victoria Evans has a selection for kids big and small.

PRE-SCHOOLERS

LITTLE KIDS

THE STORY ORCHESTRA: SLEEPING BEAUTY

NOW MAKE THIS (Phaidon)

illustrated by Jessica Courtney Tickle (Lincoln Children’s Books)

For the young makers in the family is Now Make This, a beautifully designed handbook offering unique and exciting DIY projects for kids. This unusual and engaging book of activities grants children access to worldclass design in their very own homes, and may even inspire a few to become designers themselves!

The follow-up to the bestselling The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker. With beautiful, fullpage illustrations from Jessica Courtney Tickle. It tells the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, brought to life with music from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty ballet. Hear 10 famous pieces of music from the ballet and be transported into this wonderful fairy tale.

STORY BOX: CREATE YOUR OWN ANIMAL ADVENTURES

A TREASURE TROVE OF MYTHICAL WONDERS

(Laurence King)

chosen by Michael Morpurgo (Oxford Children’s Books)

Let imaginations soar with these animal themed storytelling puzzle pieces which can be matched in all sorts of ways, for multiple storytelling combinations. Great for the classroom, or as an alternative to traditional bedtime stories.

From brave heroes and battling beasts to mighty gods and magic spells, these are timeless tales to treasure forever. An enchanting selection of classic myths and legends, chosen by the UK’s best-loved storyteller. This is a great choice for shared reading, and for more confident readers to readalone.

BIG KIDS THE INK HOUSE

POETRY FOR A CHANGE

by Rory Dobner (Laurence King)

by Kimberlie Birks (Otter-Barry Books)

An acclaimed artist, Rory Dobner has created a cast of lovable and magical animal characters, inspired by the objects he collects around his home and on his travels. His ink illustrations have been commissioned by MTV, Disney and Nike, and his distinctive homewares range is available in stores including Liberty and Fortnum & Mason.

This anthology features new poems by National Poetry Day Ambassadors such as Deborah Alma, Joseph Coelho, Sally Crabtree, Jan Dean, and also a poem chosen by an ambassador to share. Look out for classics

by Chistina Rossetti, WB Yeats, Shakespeare and Keats, among others.

34 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TRIPS BOCKETTS FARM SANTA From 22nd November to 24th December, children will love to hop on board the Santa Express at Bocketts Farm and head to Father Christmas’s traditional hay barn workshop.

Once inside, each child will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. Children can also meet the baby lambs, complete the fun Christmas trail and get creative in the festive craft corner. Plus, experience a ‘white Christmas’ in the giant snow globe and enjoy endless amounts of indoor play. Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk for times and availability and to buy your tickets in advance.

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

TRIPS

days out, long weekends, holidays & travel must-haves

BEACH BREAKS IN BOURNEMOUTH

Escape everyday life and stay in one of the beautiful open plan Bournemouth Beach Lodges, located only a few steps away from the soft, beautiful sandy beach. The accommodation suits groups of up to four adults and two children, and each lodge features an extensively equipped kitchen, shower room, WIFI and modern, light furniture - a perfect mix of home comforts and holiday essentials , topped off with you own uninterrupted sea views.

Dogs are welcome in a number of the Lodges and your four-legged friend will help you enjoy those lovely long walks at any time of year. There is also plenty of secure storage for bicycles, surf boards and of course buckets and spades.

The Lodges are perfectly positioned for you to explore the vibrant town of Bournemouth.

Discover the award-winning Grade II Victorian Gardens, an interesting variety of shops and restaurants or the buzzing nightlife. Alternatively, make your way to the nearby countryside and areas of outstanding beauty like Hengistbury Head, the New Forest or The Purbecks.

The offer will increase from 15 to 24 stylish overnight stay units from Spring 2019.

To book and for more information go to

www.bournemouthbeachlodges.co.uk

CELEBRATIONS FOR GIC THE VILLA COLLECTION In 2019, GIC The Villa Collection will celebrate 50 years of offering authentic villa holidays in the Greek Islands. To mark the milestone, there are a number of early booking offers running, as well as a free child seat promotion with £399 (valid until 31 Dec 18). For families, properties such as Barbati Beach House on Corfu are perfect for those with older children as they are on the beach and walking distance from a good choice of tavernas and bars, without being too overcommercialised. And if you want to take more than immediate family, The Old Bakery and Sea View Villa are ideal for multi-generational family holidays. GIC can also offer adjacent properties for families/ friends who want to be close-by but have their own space.

All GIC packages include return flights, 20kg baggage, UK airport representatives, an experienced local representative, car hire or transfers and a welcome pack. Plus, the security of travelling with a company who takes full responsibility for its packages and who operate a 24-hour emergency phone line.

www.gicthevillacollection.com CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 35

TRIPS SKI EN FAMILLE THIS WINTER Newly built Chalet Aigle and Chalet Faucon sit right on the slopes in the Three Valleys resort of Les Menuires. Built to Ski Famille’s own design, they offer family suites, dedicated playrooms, hot tubs and private cinema rooms. Chalet Aigle also has a sauna.

Both chalets offer in-house childcare and have their own chef supported by two chalet hosts. With generous rooms, stunning views of the ski area and superb facilities, Aigle and Faucon sleep up to 17 guests each. Prices from £1,149 per adult, with free child places on many January and March weeks and child discounts of up to 75 per cent at other times.

www.skifamille.co.uk

MOUNTAIN BEDS There’s no getting away from it, skiing with the family is an expensive business and trying to find the best deals can be hard. That’s where sisters Melissa and Camilla Brownlow, from Mountain Beds come in. Over the last 25 years they’ve built up an impressive portfolio of accommodation from five star hotels and luxury catered chalets, to cheaper self-catered apartments.

Operating out of the Alps they work on commission so cost to you is the same as going direct. As an example, two quality catered chalets in Meribel for 10+ have just dropped their prices for the week commencing 31st March 2019, with the option to use the crèche and/or have private nannies in the chalet.

www.mountainbeds.com or contact Camilla or Melissa at info@mountainbeds.com or 01502 471980

family skiing at its best

• EXCLUSIVE À La Carte Childcare 0 -12 years all in your own beautiful chalet! • FREE child places

skifamille.co.uk | 01252 757867 5141 ABTOT protected

KIDS 190X118 2018.indd 1 36 CITY CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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10/11/2018 05:57

GREEK MAINLAND • IONIAN ISLANDS • AEGEAN ISLANDS • SPORADES ISLANDS • CRETE • CYPRUS

Find your piece of paradise with GIC The Villa Collection

Special Offer:

One free child flight seat, worth £399, valid on holidays departing between 15Jul-26Aug19*

B OOK YOUR PE RFECT FAMILY SE ASIDE RE TRE AT

Call 020 8232 9780 or visit www.gicthevillacollection.com

Villa holidays for all the family *Only one free seat per booking (2-11yrs) and confirmed before 31Dec18. Cannot be combined with other others. Subject to availability

The Lodges offer a stylish open plan combination of home comforts and spectacular views and can accommodate up to four adults and two children. Dogs are also welcome!

A minute from the beach, you can all fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the waves, dreaming of the golden sands of Bournemouth Beach.

Open all year round, each Lodge features an extensively equipped kitchen, shower room, Wifi, television, heating, private decking, clever storage solutions, modular furniture, high-chairs, cots, a stair-gate and other toddler friendly accessories.

Book your self-catering holiday for three, four or seven nights and relax and unwind on a British seaside break with a very modern twist.

For more holiday ideas at the beach or in the mountains, or for weekend breaks or day trips, take a look at our website

www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk

Prices are per Lodge and vary with the season, ranging from £295 - £675* (*Except during Bournemouth Air Festival)

For more information and to book, visit bournemouthbeachlodges.co.uk or call 01202 451781

For extra treats on arrival, quote code “City Kids” when booking

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THE KNOWLEDGE

POP UP PARTY There’s only one brand to really call on if you’re throwing a party. And they’ve only gone and opened a pop up at Harrods! Meri Meri has a special space dedicated to the world of childhood fantasy and play where you can dress up and party the day away. And get inspiration to dress the best party anyone has ever seen!

THE KNOWLEDGE

www.merimeri.co.uk

All the inside info for you and your kids

ST PAUL’S NEW CLASSES A host of new classes are available for parents and kids at the Isis Room at St Paul’s Church in Grove Park. There’s Mother and Toddler Yoga, Art with Little Pics, Anny Pilates and Mindful Activities.

For more information contact Alice at

isisroomsw4@gmail.com

HAVE YOURSELF A SHARKY & GEORGE CHRISTMAS From 1st December a new Father Christmas is in town! Party organisers extraordinaires, Sharky & George have launched a grotto experience which is bound to be epic. Head to Market Hall in Fulham for signature Christmas games, crafts and an unforgettable visit from Father Christmas. Kids will receive an exciting gift and have the chance to talk to the big man himself.

For younger children, there’s a ‘My First Grotto’ session for those who might find the whole experience rather daunting. This will be a gentler sensory experience which will hopefully mean smiley photos for all.

For any booking queries, call or email Sharky & George HQ

0207 9244 381 | grotto@sharkyandgeorge.co.uk 38 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE KNOWLEDGE

SHHH! Watch this space for a new family drop-in club on the High Road. News will drop soon on our social channels.

PERSONALISED VIDEO INVITATIONS Want to make party invitations easy, trackable, kinder to the environment and EPIC?! Send a personalised video by Mini-Epic.com which has a fantastic range of animated invitations for children’s parties which you can personalise in a few minutes, download to share via WhatsApp or send via email with RSVP tracking.

Create your video invitation for £9.99 at

www.mini-epic.com

TOOTHBRUSHING ACADEMY

LESSON THREE: oral hygiene and nutrition to get childrenused to the idea of a visit to the hygienist as they get older. At this stage if they’re happy in the charir, the team will gently polish their teeth. They’ll also receive advice about diet and nutrition, preventing tooth decay, and ideas for healthy drinks and snacks.

Happy Kids Dental in Marylebone have come up with a great way to encourage little ones to brush their teeth. Aimed at children three years and under, Toothbrushing Academy is the creation of the specialist paediatric dental team to help give children happy and healthy smiles for life. There are three steps to graduation: LESSON TWO: exploring the jungle-themed surgery where TVs are on the ceiling above the dental chairs, helping children relax while dentists chat to their parents.

LESSON ONE: the Brushing Station where children use oversized tooth brushes on their animal friends before learning how to clean their own teeth with their parent.

The specially-trained staff will recommend the best evidence-based products for your child to use at home.

They’ll give advice on starting a great brushing routine at home – and how to stick to it. They also take “tooth selfies” with their high-tech intraoral cameras – radiation-free devices that are great for helping kids and parents understand what’s going on inside their mouths.

GRADUATION! On graduation day, the mini-alumni receive a special certificate and have their photo taken in a graduation cap and gown.

www.happykidsdental.co.uk | 020 7078 0822

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 39

babies & pre-schoolers ART & CREATIVE THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP thebuilditworkshop.com Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN MON

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org 2b Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY THU FRI

CINEMA BABES IN ARMS olympiccinema.co.uk 117-123 Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HL TUE

PARENTS & BABIES SCREENINGS watermans.org.uk Watermans, 40 High St, TW8 0DS WED

DANCE & PERFORMANCE DIDDI DANCE diddidance.com The Corner House, W6 7PD TUE THU Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing, Stevenage Rd, SW6 6PF FRI

DYNAMIC DANCE GROOVES mimisminis.co.uk Grove Neighbourhood Centre, W6 0DT MON

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE

ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH SHEPHERDS BUSH

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

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk | 020 8743 3856 Du Boisson Studios, 25 Bulwer St, W12 8AR MON St Peters, 59A Portobello Rd, W11 3DB MON TUE

LANGUAGE BILINGUAL BEATS bilingualbeats.com Rivercourt Methodist Church, W6 9JT MON St Luke’s Church, SW10 9HF THU

CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB 07708 227877 Ravenscourt Park, W6 0TH MON TUE THU FRI

Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB WED St Mary and the Virgin, Mortlake WED Parkside Church, East Sheen, SW14 8DU FRI

SCIENCE

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

musichouseforchildren.com 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ WED FRI

MINI MOZART minimozart.com Drink Me, Eat Me, 250 King St, W6 0SP WED

CADENZA cadenzaclasses.com Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB TUE Christ Church, Town Hall Ave, W4 5DT WED Drink Me, Eat Me, 250 King St, W6 0SP FRI

HARTBEEPS

etpatatipatata.com Thomas’s Academy, SW6 4LY SAT

hartbeeps.com The Barn Church, Kew, TW9 4HF TUE Chiswick Theatre Arts, W4 5BQ WED Hampshire Hog, W6 9JT St Stephen’s Hall, W12 0PG THU The Aeronaut, W3 9BH FRI

LE FRENCH PROGRAMME

KITE STUDIOS

CLUB PETIT PIERROT clubpetitpierrot.co.uk The Greek Cathedral of St Sophia, W2 4LQ WED THU

ET PATATI PATATA

franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk The Hayloft, 3 Bond Street, W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

lefrenchprogramme.com Parsons Green Prep, SW6 4LJ SAT

kitestudios.org 2b Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY THU

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

LUCY SPARKLES & FRIENDS BABY MUSIC

westlondondanceacademy.com St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX WED

ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Rd, W3 8PP TUE FRI

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk 250-252 King St, W6 0SP WED SAT Victoria Hall, Victoria House, Becklow Rd, W12 9HB THU

LITTLE STAGE ACADEMY (PSSA) pssa.co.uk Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT SAT 40 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

linkchinese.co.uk Bute House School, W6 7EA SAT

HANNA & JOICE MANDARIN CLUB hannajoice.mandarinclub@gmail.com Term-time SW18 TUE W6 FRI

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org 2b Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY WED

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

MUSIC MONKEY MUSIC monkeymusic.co.uk The Catholic Centre, 2 Dukes Ave, W4 2AE TUE

lucysparkles.com Cupcake Family Club, SW6 4TJ MON Cuckoo Hibou, SW6 4SW THU

PANDEMONIUM watermans.org.uk Watermans, 40 High St, TW8 0DS WED

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

MAMA.CODES CHISWICK mama.codes The Children’s Wellness Centre, 27a Fishers Lane W4 1RX FRI

littlehouseofscience.com Westbourne Grove Church, W11 2RW MON

PLAYGROUPS BRIGHT STARS brightstarsuk.com St Saviours, Wendell Park Church Hall, Cobbold Rd, W12 9LN FRI

LITTLE ANGELS smaaa.org.uk Priory Ave, W4 1TX WED

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

ST NICHOLAS PLAYGROUP stnicholaschiswick.org Church Street, W4 2PH MON

WEST LONDON TWINS CLUB westlondontwonsclub.org St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Rd, W13 8HB THU

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

TODDLER YOGA WITH MEGAN Dorset Wharf, W6 9HN THU

SPORTY THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/chiswick Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN DAILY

LITTLE KICKERS littlekickers.co.uk Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN SAT St Stephen’s Social Club, 5 Gayford Rd, W12 9BY MON TUE Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR MON TUE WED FRI SAT The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Queen’s Drive, W3 0HW SAT

babies & pre-schoolers OXYGEN FREEJUMPING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk Vision Ind Park, Kendal Ave, W3 0AF DAILY

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Chiswick House Grounds (A4 Entrance), W4 2RP SAT

ALBERT & FRIENDS CIRCUS SKILLS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk St Alban’s Hall, Margravine Rd, W6 8HJ SAT

AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB amandasactionclub.co.uk Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN FRI

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION richmondgymnastics.co.uk 1 Townmead Road, Kew, TW9 4EL MON TUE WED THU FRI

CLUBS & HUBS THE CORNER HOUSE thecornerhousebrookgreen.com Cafe, event space and classes hub including The Ballet School, Caterpillar Music and Crafty Little Foxes 102-104 Shepherd’s Bush Rd, W6 7PD

CUPCAKE MUM cupcakefamilyclub.com Private members’ club with adult fitness classes with Slice Urban fitness. Creche, soft-play and classes.

11 Heathmans Rd, Parsons Green, SW6 4TJ

CHILDREN’S WELLNESS CENTRE childrenswellnesscentre.co.uk Yoga, speech and language therapy, holiday workshops, after-school clubs.

27a Fishers Lane, W4 1RX DAILY

EALING 135 GROUP

littlerugby.co.uk Hogarth Youth Ctr, Duke Rd, W4 2JR SUN

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

St Paul’s Church, Ridley Avenue FRI Hanwell Methodist Church WED

LITTLE FOXES CLUB

MAGGIE & ROSE

LITTLE RUGBY

thelittlefoxesclub.com Acton Park TUE SAT Turnham Green THU SAT Ravenscourt Park WED SAT Latymer Upper School, W6 9LR SAT

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

GYMBOREE

maggieandrose.com Private members’ club with camps and classes for pre-schoolers. Chiswick club has a day nursery and soft play.

1 Essex Place Square, Chiswick, W4 5UJ 58 Pembroke Rd, Kensington, W8 6NX

PURPLE DRAGON purpledragonplay.com Private members’ club providing childcare, workshops, soft play and activities all included in membership. Cafe and food for kids and adults. Chelsea club has a pool.

Ground Floor, Bramah House, Grosvenor Waterside, 30 Gatliff Rd, SW1W 8DP

gymboree-uk.com Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN DAILY

Little Brother Putney, Tileman House, 131 Upper Richmond Rd, SW15 2TR DAILY

TWISTERS

THREE HOUSE FAMILY CLUB

twisters.org.uk Acton Baptist Church, Church Rd, W3 8PP MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

3houseclub.com Club and classes for pregnant and new mums and kids 0-8 years.

Bridgeman St, NW8 7AL

KIDDIKICKS kiddikicks.co.uk April-October Kings House Sports Ground, W4 2RZ November-March Brentford Fountain Leisure Ctr, TW8 0HJ SAT

We do our best to update this directory every edition but sometimes classes do change. It is always best to call or check websites or social media for any changes to timetables.

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 41

babies & pre-schoolers EALING ART & CREATIVE TIPPITOES

Northolt Library, Church Rd, UB5 5AS Jubilee Gardens Library, UB1 2TJ FRI

SIGN & SIGN

LONDON BABY SWIM

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

londonbabyswim.co.uk Osterley Centre, 178 Wood Lane ,TW7 5EH MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

PLAYGROUPS

WATERBABIES

tippitoes-ealing.co.uk Lammas Park Play Centre, Elers Rd, W13 9QD TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MUSIC

DANCE & PERFORMANCE

hartbeeps.com Tribeca Studios, Ealing,W5 2PJ MON The Foresters Pub, 2 Leighton Rd, W13 9EP TUE

QUACKERS PLAYGROUP

SOUND GENERATION EDUCATION

SNIPS PLAYGROUP

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

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

INNOVATION DANCE innovationdancestudios.co.uk Innovation Dance Studio, 96 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA yourstagedrama.com St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL SAT

SA DANCE sa-dance.co.uk University of West London, St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RF SAT

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, HA5 2LX

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk St. Andrews Church Centre, Mount Park Rd, W5 2RS TUE

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com All Saints Church Hall, Elm Grove Rd W5 3JH

LANGUAGE TODDLER STORY TIME SESSIONS ccslibraries.com Perivale Library, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NT Southall Library, 112 The Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 4BQ Greenford Library, Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG Pitshanger Library, 143-145 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1RH THU

42 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HARTBEEPS

stjohnandstjames.org.uk St James Church, 32 St James Avenue, W13 9D MON

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

stjohnandstjames.org.uk St John’s Church Crypt, Mattock Lane, W13 9LA TUE THU

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL

NOAH’S ARK PLAYGROUP

ejms.org.uk Twyford Church of England School, Twyford Crescent, W3 9PP SAT

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

BABY BOUNCE & RHYME ccslibraries.com Northolt Leisure Centre Library, Eastcote Lane North, Northolt, UB5 4AB TUE West Ealing Library, Melbourne Ave, W13 9BT WED Ealing Central Library, 103 Broadway Centre, W5 5JY WED FRI Southall Library, 1e Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 4BQ WED Greenford Library, Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG WED Hanwell Library, Cherington Rd, W7 3HL Perivale Library, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NT Jubilee Gardens Library, Jubilee Gardens, UB1 2TJ Northfields Library, North Elds Ave, W5 4UA THU Northolt Library, Church Rd, UB5 5AS FRI Wood End Library, Whitton Ave West, Greenford, UB6 0EE FRI

QUESTORS YOUNG MUSICIANS CLUB qymc.org Little Ealing Primary School, W5 SAT

waterbabies.co.uk St Ann’s School, Springfield Rd, Hanwell, W7 3JP MON Castlebar School, Hathaway Gardens, W13 0DH WED SAT

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

FF4K MINI KICKERS

stmaryshanwell.org.uk St Mary’s Church Hall, 62 Greenford Ave, W7 3QP MON

footyfun4kidslondon.com Blondin Park, Northfields SAT

HANWELL PLAYGROUP

LITTLE KICKERS

hanwellmethodist.info Methodist Church, Church Rd, W7 1DJ WED

littlekickers.co.uk Drayton Manor High School, W7 1EU SAT SUN Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Queen’s Drive, W3 0HW SAT

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

NORTHFIELDS PLAYGROUP St Paul’s Church Hall, Ridley Ave, W13 FRI

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com Pitshanger Park, Ealing MON TUE SAT

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

BUMPS & BABIES St Mary’s Church Hall, W5 5RH TUE

SPORTY WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Pitshanger Park, W13 8DJ SAT Lammas Park, W13 9NJ SAT

For more things to do with the kids head to www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk for hundreds of ideas.

GYMBOREE gymboree-uk.com Putney Exchange Shopping Centre SW15 1TW MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

YMCA ymcawestlondon.org Bouncy castle, Massage, Mini Movers, Baby Explorers, Baby Sensory, Gym Kids, Tinies Tumble and more 25 St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RE MON TUE WED THU FRI

Little Kickers

RICHMOND EALING ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH

SHEPHERDS BUSH

ADVENTURE

FUN WITH FIMO CLAY

ARMY CADETS

clare.format.com | 020 8992 3767

St Luke’s Church, SW10 9HF THU

Acton Workshops on specific dates

CHISWICK FRENCH CLUB

armycadets.com 207 Hammersmith Det ACF (Royal Signals) Princess Louise House, W6 7DJ WED FRI 206 Chiswick Det ACF (Royal Signals) Stamford Brook Avenue, W6 0YD 202 Acton Det ACF (Royal Engineers) Creswick Rd, W3 9EZ 209 Burlington Danes Academy Det ACF (Grenadier Guards) 203 Brentford Det ACF (RLC), Ealing, W5 4BT TUE THU 204 White City DET ACF (Parachute Regiment) TA Centre, W12 7RW MON WED

ART BROOK GREEN ART CLASSES brookgreenart.com | 07951 845 180 8yrs+ term-time portfolio & scholarship preparation THU FRI SAT

CRAFT CLUB lbhf.gov.uk Shepherds Bush Library, W12 7BF TUE

IMAGINE ART CLUB imagineartclub.co.uk | 07534 240 509 Art classes for 5-12yrs, guided museum visits for children St Gregory’s School, W5 MON Montpelier School, W5 TUE

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org | 020 8576 6278 5yrs+ Wide range of art disciplines including GCSE & A-Level portfolios 2B Bassein Park Rd, W12 9RY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MAKERS AND SHAKERS makersandshakers.co.uk | 07773 795 654 5-8yrs Arts & Crafts Our Lady & St John’s Church, Boston Park Rd, Brentford, TW8 9JF TUE

CUBS, SCOUTS, BROWNIES 1ST CHISWICK BROWNIES

6TH CHISWICK BROWNIES

LINK CHINESE ACADEMY

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

11TH CHISWICK BROWNIES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Michael’s Church, Elmwood, W4 3DY FRI

6TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Oxford Rd North (Scout Hut) WED

7TH CHISWICK RAINBOWS girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only St Albans Hall, South Parade, W4 5LG MON

6TH CHISWICK GUIDES girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church, Sutton Court Rd, W4 4HH TUE

20TH CHISWICK SCOUT GROUP

Mount Carmel School, Little Ealing Lane, W5 4EA FRI

START STUDIOS

BROWNIES

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

CRAFT CERAMICS CAFÉ ceramicscafe.com | 020 8810 4422 6 Argyle Rd, W13 8AB

ET PATATI PATATA etpatatipatata.com Flora Gardens Primary School, W6 THU Suite 239, 2 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3DQ SAT

20th-chiswick-scouts.blogspot.co.uk Term-time only Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers The Ranch, Chiswick House Car Park, Ellesmere Rd, W4 2QN MON WED THU

St Gregory’s School, Ealing, W5 THU

07708 227877 Ravenscourt Park, W6 0TH MON WED SAT

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Oxford Rd North (Scout Hut) THU

girlguiding.org.uk Term-time only Chiswick Methodist Church, Sutton Court Rd, W4 4HH TUE

stmellitushanwell.com | 020 3067 0035 7-10yrs St Mellitus Church, 1 Church Rd, W7 3BA WED

LANGUAGES BILINGUAL BEATS bilingualbeats.com Spanish Drink Me Eat Me, W6 0SP MON

little & big kids

linkchinese.co.uk | 020 3665 3942 SAT

LIBRARIES ASKEW ROAD LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3863 5yrs+ Arts & Crafts WED 5-12yrs Chatterbooks term-time only FRI 5-10yrs Lego club THU SAT 5yrs+ Games Club once a month SAT

HAMMERSMITH LIBRARY lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3820 Poetry Club TUE Chatterbooks - once a month TUE Homework Club MON THU Art Club every two weeks THU 5-11yrs French Club SAT

SHEPHERDS BUSH lbhf.gov.uk | 020 8753 3842 Homework Club term-time only MON WED SAT Craft Club term-time only TUE Storytime WED Code Club THU 5yrs+ French Club FRI SUN Chatterbooks - fortnightly SAT

DAVE DJEMBE DRUMMING 07539 323 590 African drumming 4yrs+ CTA Chiswick, Belmont Rd Hogarth Youth Centre WED FRI

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

EALING JUNIOR MUSIC SCHOOL ejms.org.uk | 020 8930 0579 3yrs+ Term-time classes Twyford C of E High School SAT

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH lyric.co.uk 9-13yrs Sonic Pi Coding TUE 7-12yrs ECCO First Steps SAT 14-25yrs Studio Sessions WED 7-11yrs Keyboard Centre THU 5-12yrs Little Singers THU

THE MUSIC HOUSE FOR CHILDREN musichouseforchildren.co.uk |020 8932 2652 Drop-in and instrumental tuition 0-14yrs 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12

MZ SINGING WORKSHOPS tabernaclew11.com The Tabernacle, W11 MON

PELICAN MUSIC pelican-music.co.uk | 07540 494 929 Choir, instrumental tuition and performance. 8yrs+ St Stephen’s CE Primary W12

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

Coding @ Richer Education

MUSIC CHISWICK SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE chiswicksaturdaymusic.org.uk All ages, individual and group music lessons.

Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN SAT

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 43

little & big kids NUMERACY KUMON kumon.co.uk Acton Central, St Mary’s Church Hall, 1 The Mount, W3 9NW 020 8998 3379 MON WED Acton West, West Acton Youth & Community Ctr, Churchill Grdns, W3 0JN TUE SAT Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN MON THU Ealing South, Polygon Centre, St Mary’s Road, W5 5RH TUE FRI SAT Ealing West, Pitshanger Methodist Church, W5 1QP THU FRI SAT St Stephen’s Church Hall, Coverdale Rd, W12 8JJ 020 3002 0735 WED FRI Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR 020 3397 8581 WED FRI Northfields, Northfields Community Centre, W13 9SS MON THU SAT Holy Trinity Church Hall, Richmond, TW9 1UP MON THU St Jude’s Community Hall, W10 4QL MON WED

NUMBERWORKSNWORDS numberworksnwords.co.uk 86A Chiswick High Rd, W4 1SY 020 8994 9168 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 19 Alexandria Road, W13 0NP 020 8840 8404 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

PERFORMANCE DANCE ACTON BALLET SCHOOL actonballetschool.co.uk | 07939 930229 Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Rd, W3 8PP MON TUE WED THU FRI

ANGELA GRANT SCHOOL OF DANCE balletclasseslondon.co.uk | 07813 296 221 After-school RAD Ballet St Dunstan’s Hall, Friar’s Place Lane, W3 7AW WED Victoria Hall, Becklow Rd, W12 9HB THU

ACTON YOUTH BALLET SCHOOL actonyouthballet.com | 07771 905226 8- 17yrs ballet, jazz, contemporary and choreography SAT

ANNA DAVYDOVA DANCE SCHOOL annadavydova.co.uk | 07769 680 056 3-9yrs Ballet St. Andrews Church Centre, Mount Park Rd, Ealing, W5 2RS MON TUE THU FRI SAT

44 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

RICHMOND EALING ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH SHEPHERDS BUSH

BARBARA SPEAK STAGE SCHOOL barbaraspeake.com Ballet, street dance, tap, drama East Acton Lane, W3 7EG WED SAT

DANCE GALLERY dancegallery.co.uk Tap, street, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Rd, Ealing W13 8HB MON TUE WED THU

EALING SCHOOL OF DANCE ealingschoolofdance.co.uk | 07885 417 542 4yrs+ (2yrs ballet) RAD syllabus ballet and tap Ealing Green Church, W5 5QT THU FRI

FRANCES LUNDY SCHOOL OF DANCE franceslundyschoolofdance.co.uk | 07956 312 662 4yrs+ Ballet, Tap & Modern; Gymnastics The Hayloft, 3 Bond St, W4 1QZ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

EAST STREET DANCE ACADEMY ealingstreetdance.com Benedict’s School, W5 2ES SAT

FUNKY MOVES DANCE funkymovesdance.com | 07810 431 101 Street dance St John’s Church, Landsdowne Crescent W11 2NN SAT

INNOVATION DANCE EALING innovationdancestudios.co.uk | 020 8998 2283 4yrs+ RAD syllabus ballet, tap, jazz, modern and street dance Innovation Dance Studio, 96 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QX MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

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

NEW ENGLISH BALLET THEATRE lyric.co.uk 5-10yrs Ballet for beginners taught by NEBT’s ballet mistress during term-time.

King St, W6 0QL SAT

MICHAEL FLATLEY DANCE ACADEMY michaelflatleydance.com 4yrs+ Chelsea MON

Kew WED Hammersmith FRI

NEW DANCE VENTURES newdanceventures.com | 07766 816 308 8yrs+ contemporary dance The Dance Studio, Chiswick School, W4 3UN TUE WED

PASSION DANCE ACADEMY passiondanceacademy.com | 07882 413428 4yrs+ Acro gymnastics, performing arts & dance Alec Reed Academy, Northolt, UB5 5LQ TUE THU SAT

PLEASING DANCE SCHOOL OF BALLET pleasingdance.co.uk | 020 7794 0905 2.5yrs+ RAD ballet Westside School, Galena Rd, W6 TUE WED

SA DANCE sa-dance.co.uk | 07863 555 817 Ballet, modern, tap, jazz, contemporary and pilates. Classes for children & adults.

Blossom & Bee, Rear of Welsby Court, Eaton Rise, W5 2EX WED University of West London, St Mary’s Rd, W5 5RF SAT

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

THE ITALIA CONTI RUISLIP italiacontiruislip.co.uk | 020 8839 8747 4yrs+ Ballet, modern, tap, gymnastics Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, HA5 2LX SAT

THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BALLET londonschoolofballet.co.uk | 07794 943 034 5yrs+ RAD and Cecchetti Ealing Quaker Meeting House, W5 2SE MON St Martin’s Church Hall, W3 9SQ TUE

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcawestlondon.org 4yrs+ Dance and ballet. Term-time 25 St. Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 5RE TUE WED

WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY westlondondanceacademy.com | 07795 578781 Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz & Performance classes. IDTA accredited St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX MON WED THU FRI

WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk 2½ yrs+ Ballet, tap, jazz, singing Village Hall, 58 Bulwer Street, W12 8AP MON TUE WED THU FRI Du Boisson Studios, 25 Bulwer St, W12 8AR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT St Peters, 59A Portobello Rd, W11 3DB MON TUE THU Portobello Court, W11 2DL WED FRI

THEATRE ARTS ED artsed.co.uk | 020 8987 6692 4-16yrs Weekly Skills Academy - fun and exciting musical theatre, drama and dance classes for students of all abilities.

Inspiring confidence, nurturing talent and delivering great results 14 Bath Road, W4 1LY SAT

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

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

BARNES MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB barnesmusicaltheatreclub.com 4-7yrs St Osmunds Church Hall, SW13 9RT 8-14yrs Kitson Hall, SW13 9HJ MON

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com | 020 8742 2861 Term-time musical theatre, ballet, modern, tap, street dance MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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

PERFORM perform.org.uk | 020 7255 9120 4-12yrs+ Drama and dance Westway Sports And Fitness, 1 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL THU Brook Green, Masbro Children’s Centre, 87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR SAT St Andrew’s Church Hall, W14 9SX THU St Mary’s West Kensington, W14 9BA FRI

RICHMOND EALING ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH St Peter’s Hall, 59A Portobello Rd, W11 3DB WED FRI Askew Road Church, W12 9RN TUE Arch 197, 75 Prebend Gardens, W6 0XT THU Holy Innocents Church, W6 0UB THU St Albans Fulham, W6 8HJ TUE Arts Educational Schools, 14 Bath Rd, W4 1LY SUN Chiswick Town Hall, W4 4JN TUE Ark Priory Primary Academy, Acton Lane, W3 8NR MON Acton Park Children’s Centre, W3 7LJ SAT Everyone Active Acton Centre, W3 6NE MON All Saints Church, Elm Grove Rd, W5 3JH THU Kew Community Centre, St Luke’s in the Avenue, TW9 2AJ THU Brentford Methodist Church, Clifden Rd, TW8 0PB MON St Barnabas Millennium Hall, Pitshangar Lane, W5 1QG MON TUE WED SAT Barnes Methodist Church Hall, SW13 0NH MON FRI St Mary Magdalen RC Church, SW14 8PR SAT St Paul’s Church Hall, W13 9XW TUE

POP SCHOOL & STAGE ACADEMY pssa.co.uk | 07943 656 092 7-16yrs PSSA Stage Academy & 11-16yrs Commercial street jazz Westside Community School, 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT SAT

QUESTORS questors.org.uk 5-18yrs Questors Youth Theatre 12 Mattock Lane, W5 5BQ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

SCHOOL OF COMEDY schoolofcomedy.com | 07912 222 670 4-18yrs+ Stand-up, improvisation Chiswick WED FRI

SONG ACADEMY songacademy.co.uk | 07710 023 743 8+yrs Song writing Arts Ed, 14 Bath Rd, W4 1LY MON Holy Trinity Church, Brook Green, W6 7BL THU The Tabernacle, Notting Hill, W11 2AY THU St Dionis Church, Fulham, SW6 4UH THU

SHEPHERDS BUSH

little & big kids

STAGECOACH

LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE

COACHING CRICKET EXCELLENCE

stagecoach.co.uk 4yrs+ Drama, Dance and Singing Chiswick Strand on the Green School, Thames Rd, W4 3NX FRI William Hogarth School, Duke Rd, W4 2JR SAT Addison Primary School, Blythe Rd, W14 0DT FRI St Barnabas & St Philips School, 58 Earls Court Rd, W8 6EJ SAT Kensington United Reformed Church, Allen Str, W8 6BL SAT Broomfield House, Kew Gardens SAT St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, Pierrepoint Rd SAT Kings House School, Richmond SAT Lady Margaret School SAT Brandlehow Primary School, Putney SAT St Stephen’s Church, Putney FRI Kensington United Reformed Church SAT North Ealing School, Ealing THU Hobbayne Primary School, Ealing SAT

littlehouseofscience.com 4yrs+ Notting Hill & Kensington MON TUE WED THU SAT

coachingcricketexcellence.co.uk | 07958 981 919 6yrs+ Twyford Sports Centre SUN (AND OTHERS)

THEATRE STUDIO WEST marinamellor.co.uk | 020 8994 8751 4yrs+ The Studios, Priory Community Centre, W3 8NY SAT

YOURSTAGE DRAMA yourstagedrama.com | 07580 474638 6-16yrs Dance & drama St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Rd, W5 2JL SAT

READING / STORYTELLING WATERSTONES CHISWICK waterstones.com/bookshops/chiswick 5yrs+ storytelling WED

SCIENCE / STEM BLUE SHIFT CODING blueshiftcoding.com Beginner The Corner House, W6 7PD TUE

CYPHER CODERS cyphercoders.com 5-12yrs Chiswick & Notting Hill MON SAT

MINI ENGINEERS mini-engineers.com 5-11yrs Lego construction & coding Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ SAT

RICHER EDUCATION

EALING CRICKET CLUB ealingcc.co.uk 7yrs+ Girls and boys Corfton Rd, W5 2HS SUN

richereducation.co.uk 7-14yrs STEM 4-11yrs Science, 7-12yrs Robotics, 7-12yrs Mechatronics, 5-9yrs Maths, 8-14yrs Engineering, 7-14yrs Coding (Python) Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ SAT SUN

INDIAN GYMKHANA

THE BUILD IT WORKSHOP

CHELSEA FC SOCCER SCHOOL

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

chelseafc.com/soccer-schools Barnes SAT

SPORT

excelsports.info | 07956 151 559 4yrs+ Kings House Sports Ground TUE WED

ATHLETICS ST MARY’S RICHMOND AC

indiangymkhanaclub.co.uk Colts and girls 8yrs+ Thornbury Avenue, TW7 4NQ TUE THU SUN

FOOTBALL

EXCEL SPORTS SOCCER SCHOOL

smrac.org.uk 8yrs+ term-time St Mary’s University Running Track,TW1 4SX TUE

University of Westminster Sports Ground, Hartington Rd, W3 3UH SAT

THAMES VALLEY HARRIERS

CLIP N CLIMB

footyfun4kidslondon.com | 0795 7360 742 4-12yrs Saturday Morning Club Drop in.

Kingsdown Methodist Church, Northfield’s Ave, W13 9PR TUE Blondin Park, Northfields SAT Walpole Park, Ealing SUN

clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk 19 Michael Road, SW6 2ER

FULHAM FC

thamesvalleyharriers.coom | 07951 927 724 8yrs+ Linford Christie Centre, W12 SAT

CLIMBING

WESTWAY CLIMBING westwaysportcentre.org.uk | 020 8969 0992 5yrs+ after-school sessions; 12yrs+ Westway Sport Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 6RP

CRICKET CHISWICK CC chiswickcc.co.uk 6yrs+ Riverside Drive, W4 2SP TUE SAT SUN

CHISWICK & WHITTON CC chiswickandwhitton.org 11yrs+ Whitton Park & Chiswick House

FOOTY FUN 4 KIDS

soccerschools.fulhamfc.com | 0870 442 5432 Boys & girls 3-14yrs Bishops Park, SW6 MON SAT

KEW PARK RANGERS kewparkrangers.co.uk | 020 8940 9882 U4½-U8yrs North Sheen Recreation Ground SAT U9-U10yrs+ All girls’ teams Christ’s School, Queen’s Rd, TW10 6HW SAT U11–U15yrs University of Westminster MON TUE THU SAT (check which day applies) North Sheen Recreation Ground, TW9 4HA

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 45

little & big kids

RICHMOND EALING ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH SHEPHERDS BUSH

KIDDIKICKS LIGASOCCER

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

kiddikicks.co.uk 8-11yrs Christ’s School, Queen’s Rd, TW10 6HW (Until March 25) King’s House Sports Ground, W4 2RZ (from April) Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, TW8 0HJ (November to March)

sports.westway.org | 020 8969 0992 4yrs+ classes and goalkeeper training Crowthorne Rd, W10 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

LITTLE KICKERS littlekickers.co.uk | 07557 123 124 5yrs+ Chiswick Hogarth Community Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR WED SAT St Stephen’s Social Club, 3-5 Gayford Rd, W12 9BY THU

QPR SOCCER SCHOOL qprcommunitytrust.co.uk | 020 8735 4900 Botwell Leisure Centre, Hayes, UB3 2HQ MON PlayFootball, 41 South Africa Rd, W12 7RW SAT Goals Ruislip, HA4 0JE WED

RAVENSCOURT PARK RANGERS k4academies.com | 020 3740 2988 4yrs+ Ravenscourt Park, W6 0UL SAT Latymer Sports Ground, W12 0HJ TUE

ROCKS LANE MULTI-SPORT CENTRE rockslane.co.uk | 020 8994 1313 4yrs+ Team training and matches Chiswick Common Rd, W4 FRI SAT

SHOOTING STARZ shootingstarz.co.uk | 07549 982 243 Football, netball, multi-skills clubs The Park Club, W3 7HB WED FRI SAT SUN

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB thelittlefoxesclub.com | 020 7376 0006 5yrs+ Tennis, football, Foxes FC, gym & netball Brook Green Tennis Courts WED Turnham Green Church (on the green) THU SAT Ravenscourt Park SAT Pitshanger Park, Ealing TUE SAT Latymer Upper School, W6 9LR SAT Holland Park School, W8 7AF SUN

WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS wemakefootballers.com | 020 7148 1602 4yrs+ Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN MON THU SAT

46 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WILL TO WIN FOOTBALL willtowin.co.uk 3-14 years. Drop-in sessions, camps & term-time courses.

Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ MON TUE WED THU SAT Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ SAT (To be held at Lammas Park)

GYMASTICS & YOGA AERIALAND aerialand.com | 07737 624 296 5yrs+ Term-time aerial circus skills 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 MON THU

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk | 02082371170 Youth / Familly Circus Skills, Aerial classes The Hub, St Alban’s Church, 2 Margravine Rd, W6 8HJ Melcombe Primary School, Fulham Palace Rd, W6 9ER

ENNIS GYMNASTICS ACADEMY ennis-gymnastics.com | 07731 393422 5-8yrs Rhythmic gymnastics Perivale Community Centre, Horsenden Lane South, UB6 7NP TUE THU FRI SUN

HEATHROW GYMNASTICS heathrowgymnastics.org.uk | 020 8569 5069 4yrs+ Green Lane, TW4 DAILY

LUMI KIDS lumipoweryoga.com/little-lumis | 020 8846 8504 5-12yrs 121 King St, W6 9JG TUE

LONDON TRAMPOLINE ACADEMY londontrampoline.com | 07950 267655 4yrs+ Trampoline training Reynolds Sports Centre, Acton MON TUE THU SAT Osterley Sports and Athletics Centre, Isleworth WED FRI

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS richmondgymnastics.co.uk 4yrs+ Term-time Townmead Rd, TW9 (and other locations) DAILY

OXYGEN SCHOOL OF TRAMPOLINING oxygenfreejumping.co.uk 6-11yrs; 12yrs+ Beginners & intermediates Oxygen Freejumping, Unit 15, Vision Industrial Park, Kendal Ave, W3 0AF MON

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish Centre, Greenford Rd, UB6 9AN WED St John’s Fisher School, Sarsfield Rd, UB6 7AF TUE THU Oaklands Primary School, Oaklands Rd, W7 2DP MON

THE LITTLE GYM thelittlegym.eu/Chiswick | 020 8994 3279 6yrs+ Beginners to advanced, aerials, gymnastics, dance, karate and tumbling Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

TWISTERS twisters.org.uk | 020 8933 9997 Chiswick & Acton 4yrs+ Ballet & Gymnastics Acton Baptist Church Hall, Church Rd, W3 8PP TUE WED THU

YMCA WEST LONDON ymcawestlondon.org | 020 8832 1576 4yrs+ Gymnastics. Term-time St. James’ Church, St James Ave, W13 9DL TUE

MARTIAL ARTS CARLSON GRACIE carlsongracieteam.org.uk | 020 8748 8855 7yrs+ Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kick-boxing 89 Richford St, W6 7HJ MON WED THU SAT

NETBALL LET’S PLAY NETBALL letsplaynetball.co.uk 6yrs+ Chiswick School, Burlington Lane, W4 3UN SUN Westway Sports Centre SAT

ROCKS LANE HIGH 5 rockslane.co.uk Term-time junior netball league Chiswick Common Rd, W4 FRI

WILL TO WIN NETBALL willtowin.co.uk High 5 and 7-a side term-time courses 7-11yrs (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6) Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP FRI Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ TUE Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ MON

CROUCHING TIGER KARATE crouchingtigerkarate.co.uk | 07734 655 057 6yrs+ St Michael’s Church, Elmwood Rd, W4 3DZ Dukes Meadows Community Hall W4 2RX St Luke’s House, Kew, TW9 3NP WED THU FRI

ILYEO TAEKWONDO CLUB Ilyeotaekwondo.com | 07872 932 223 5yrs+ Beginners welcome Russian Orthodox Church, Harvard Rd, W4 4ED MON SAT

KENSHUKAI KARATE kenshukai.net St Martin’s Church Hall, W3 9SQ SAT The Church of the Ascension, W5 3EB TUE

PEEWEE KARATE fskauk.co.uk 3-6yrs Scout Hall, TW9 3QA MON St Michael’s Community Centre, Barnes Bridge, SW13 0NX MON

WLS TAEKWONDO wlstkd.com | 07885 819 469 4yrs+ Brentside High School, Greenford Ave, W7 1JJ FRI

PARKOUR & FREERUNNING FOUCAN FREERUNNING ACADEMY foucan.com/ffa Beginners, intermediates, advanced 7yrs+ West London Free School Primary Cambridge Grove, W6 0LB MON TUE WED SAT Boston Manor Park (until mid-October) FRI

PARKOUR GENERATIONS parkourgenerations.com 7yrs+ & youth Freerunning, in & outdoor Various locations, check website WED FRI SAT

RIDING EALING RIDING SCHOOL ealingridingschool.net 5yrs+ group & private lessons and pony days 17-19 Gunnersbury Avenue, W5 3XD TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

STAG LODGE RIDING ridinginlondon.com | 020 8974 6066 Group and private lessons and weekend pony club Robin Hood Gate, Richmond Park TUE WED FRI SAT SUN

RICHMOND EALING ACTON CHISWICK HAMMERSMITH

SHEPHERDS BUSH

little & big kids

RUGBY

MYLITTLEBOARDERS

SWIMMING NATURE

WATER SPORTS

BARNES RFC

mylittleboarders.co.uk | 07801 824 688 6yrs+ intermediate & advanced Westway Sports Centre, W10 6RP SUN

swimmingnature.com 1:1 or 1:2 ratio Fitness First Hammersmith, W6 7HA TUE WED THU FRI SAT Kensington Holiday Inn, W8 5SP MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

CANALSIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE

AQUATOTS BABY SWIMMING

SWIMWAY

aquatots.com | 020 8688 6488 Up to 6yrs term-time Chiswick

swimway.co.uk | 020 8871 3972 Term-time 1:1 or small classes Gordon Ave, SW14 8DZ U9s WED THU FRI The Mall, SW14 7EN MON TUE WED Sheen Mount School, SW14 7RT Kew Gardens, TW9 4HH MON THU

12yrs+ Sailing & adventure training The Pier House, Corney Reach, W4 2UG WED SUN

barnesrfc.org 5yrs+ term-time Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 SAT

CHISWICK RFC JUNIORS chiswickrugby.co.uk 4yrs+ boys and girls Dukes Meadows, Dan Mason Drive, W4 2SH SUN

EALING RUGBY CLUB ealingrugby.co.uk | 020 8932 6936 / 07941 861293 4yrs+ all standards training and matches Trailfinders Sports Club, West Ealing, W13 0DD SUN

GRASSHOPPERS RFC grasshoppersrfc.com | 020 85680010 4yrs+ training and matches Macfarlane Lane, off Syon Lane, TW7 5PN SUN

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM RFC fulhamrugby.co.uk 5yrs+ training & matches Hurlingham Park, SW6 3RQ SUN

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

LONDON SCOTTISH londonscottish.com | 020 3397 9551 5yrs+ training and matches Richmond Athletic Ground, TW9 SUN

LONDON WELSH londonwelshminis.org | 020 89402368 5yrs+ minis, tag, touch London Welsh RFC, Old Deer Park, Kew Rd, TW9 2AZ SUN

WASPS FC pitchero.com/clubs/waspsfootballclub | 020 8993 8384 4yrs+ boys and girls coaching and matches Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, W3 9QA SUN

SKATEBOARDING BAYSIXTY6 baysixty6.com | 020 8969 4669 7yrs+ beginners/intermediates 65 Acklam Rd, W10 SAT SUN

SWIMMING

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE fusion-lifestyle.com 4yrs+ term-time group & individual classes 658 Chiswick High Rd, TW8

JANET ADEGOKE SWIMMING POOL better.org.uk | 020 8735 4900 Phoenix Fitness Centre, W12 DAILY

KENSINGTON LEISURE CENTRE better.org.uk | 020 3793 8210 Silchester Rd, W10 DAILY

LAURA SEVENUS sevenus.com | 020 8834 7442 11 Wilson Walk, W4 DAILY

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

NEW CHISWICK POOL fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Edensor Rd, W4 DAILY

POOLS ON THE PARK

Kensington W8 7QG MON TUE WED THU FRI

TENNIS

W4 3EU TUE WED THU FRI Hartswood Tennis Club, W12 9NE MON WED THU FRI SAT SUN Westminster Sports Grounds, W4 3UH TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

DUKES MEADOWS dukesmeadows.com | 020 8994 3314 5yrs+ Term-time group, individual, beginner to elite. Indoor & outdoor DAILY

ONTHEBALL TENNIS WITH MAHMUDA ontheballtennis.co.uk | 07813 163 430 4yrs+ group, individual and camps Ravenscourt Park Tennis Courts, W6 0UA MON WED TUE SAT

ROCKS LANE

SPORTS GENERATION

TEDDY TENNIS

sportsgeneration.co.uk Roko Chiswick Bridge, W4 TUE THU FRI SAT SUN Private pool, Richmond, TW10 7AD DAILY Cedars Health Club, Richmond Hill DAILY

teddytennis.com | 0845 643 1173 5yrs+ classes using music and pictures Kensington Leisure Centre (indoors) DAILY

swimexpert.co.uk | 0330 111 2929 2yrs+ 1-2-1 swimming classes Novotel London Brentford, Great West Rd, TW8 0GP

SWIMFARM 4strokeswimming.co.uk | 020 8969 6758 4yrs+ term-time classes Westway Sports Centre, W10 DAILY

CHISWICK SEA CADET UNIT

LONDON CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB lcsc.org.uk RYA accredited courses for beginners upwards Linden House, 60 Upper Mall, W6 9TA

THAMES YOUNG MARINERS 01372 378 901 Sailing courses for beginners Riverside Drive, Ham, TW10 7RX SAT SUN

CHRISTIAN GALLAN’S LOVE TENNIS OTHER love-tennis.co.uk QUEENS ICE SKATING & Chiswick Tennis Club, Burlington Lane, BOWLING CLUB

springhealth.net/Richmond Old Deer Park, TW9 DAILY

SWIM EXPERT

rbkc.gov.uk 9yrs+ Kayaking, canoeing, raft building Canal Close, W10 5AY TUE THU SAT

rockslane.co.uk| 020 8994 1313 4yrs+ junior coaching

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

ST PAUL’S FENCING CLUB stpaulsfencingclub.com | 07961 061 662 8-10yrs 17.30 Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9JT TUE

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

W4 LACROSSE CLUB info@w4lacrosse.com 11yrs+ Term-time only Astro pitches, Hartington Rd (by Roko), W4 2UH

Will to Win

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE sports.westway.org | 020 8969 0992 4yrs+ mini tennis & pay and play MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

WILL TO WIN TENNIS willtowin.co.uk 3yrs+ Mini Tots / Mini Red / Orange / Green / Yellow Drop-in, courses, camps and free court time for kids Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 47

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

DRAMATIC DREAMS CHILDRENS THEATRE COMPANY dramaticdreams.com 6-14yrs | Two, three day Greatest Showman Christmas Holiday Workshops, 17th,18th,19th December and 2nd,3rd, 4th January 10am to 4pm.

Professional directors, musical directors and choreographers and a performance for parents at the end of the final day.

W4 & W6

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

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

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

THEATREBUGS CHISWICK theatrebugs.co.uk 3½-6yrs | Acting, singing, dressing up Chiswick

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

CHISWICK THEATRE ARTS chiswicktheatrearts.com 4-14yrs Chiswick

PERFORM perform.org.uk 4-12yrs | Drama, dance and singing Shepherds Bush & Chiswick

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

ART & DESIGN FUN WITH FIMO CLAY funwithfimoclay.co.uk Acton

KITE STUDIOS kitestudios.org Various ages | Arts and crafts Shepherds Bush 48 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

RICHMOND GYMNASTICS

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

richmondgymnastics.co.uk 5-16yrs Kew

YOUNG FILM ACADEMY

ROCKS LANE

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

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

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE

architecture.com 7-18yrs | Design workshops W1

SPORT FIT FOR SPORT fitforsport.co.uk 4yrs+ Chiswick, Barnes, Kew, Acton, Ealing, Notting Hill, Twickenham, Richmond

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk 3-16yrs | Week-long tennis, football & netball camps Chiswick, Ealing

THE LITTLE GYM CHISWICK thelittlegym.co.uk/chiswick 3-12yrs | 3 hour themed camps Chiswick

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

Richmond

DUKES MEADOWS

EXPLORATION SOCIETY

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

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

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

ALBERT & FRIENDS INSTANT CIRCUS albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk Circus and creative arts Hammersmith

CLUB DE SPORTS clubdessports.co.uk Football, netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, ballet, karate, boxing The Park Club, East Acton Lane, W3 7HB

thelittlefoxesclub.com | 0207 376 0006 18mths-12yrs | Football, Tennis & Rugby Acton, Chiswick, Hammersmith

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

EALING CRICKET CLUB

BLUE{shift}

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

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

excelsports.org.uk 4-12yrs Chiswick

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

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

Hounslow

SUPER CAMPS

SKATEBOARDING CLUB

THE LITTLE FOXES CLUB

EXCEL SPORTS CAMPS

firsthandexperiences.co.uk 3-14 yrs | Nature inspired day and sleep away camps . Art, craft, theatre, music and whole foods.

SW6 & GU27 supercamps.co.uk | 01235 467 300 4-12yrs Ofsted Registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted Ealing, Hammersmith, Putney & Isleworth

STEM & CODING

ontheballtennis.co.uk 5-15yrs | Daily drop-in tennis camp Ravenscourt Park

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES

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

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

ON THE BALL TENNIS

MULTI-ACTIVITY

FIRE TECH

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

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

ROYAL INSTITUTION

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

LET ME PLAY letmeplaysports2.moonfruit.com 11-19yrs | Free activities incl. dance, drama, sport, cookery, art, fashion and music Hammersmith

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

PICCOLO PLAYCENTRE piccoloplaycentre.co.uk 4-11yrs Chiswick

HIGH FLIERS high-fliers.org.uk 4-11yrs | Creative writing, ICT, scientific enquiry and sports team-building Ealing

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

ROLE MODELS rolemodels.me 8-12yrs | Confidence & Resilience and Enterprise & Creativity Courses Chelsea & Notting Hill

SHARKY & GEORGE sharkyandgeorge.com 5-8yrs | Kites and plane flying, boat racing, art attack, nerf battles, adventure races, survival skills, science madness W2

CAMP BEAUMONT campbeaumont.co.uk 6-16yrs | Multi-activity day camp Hammersmith

CHISWICK COURSES

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

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

RICHER EDUCATION

ET PATATI ET PATATA

richereducation.co.uk Various topics covered during weekly camps.

Imperial College

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

PARTIES PARTY VENUES SINGSATIONAL singsational.london | 07968 271813 Recording Studio Singing Parties Pop Star Experience Parsons Green, SW6 4TJ

SCIENCE MUSEUM sciencemuseum.org.uk Parties within the award-winning museum Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD

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

GAMBADO CHELSEA gambado.com | 020 7384 1635 Tiger Tots, Tiger, Laser Tag & Build a Bear parties Townmead Rd, SW6 2PY

BRAMLEY’S BIG ADVENTURE bramleysbig.co.uk | 020 8960 1515 Soft play, various packages 136 Bramley Rd, W10 6TJ

WESTWAY SPORTS CENTRE westwaysportscentre.org.uk | 020 8969 0992 Football, tennis, climbing parties 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 6RP

WILL TO WIN willtowin.co.uk Tennis, football, netball & sports-themed parties Chiswick House Grounds (off A4), W4 2RP 020 8994 1466 Lammas Park, Ealing, W13 9NJ 020 8840 0888 Pitshanger Park, Ealing, W13 8DJ 020 8991 9844

AERIALAND aerialand.com | 07737 624 296 Aerial circus and acrobatics skills 8-30 Galena Rd, W6 0LT

VIRGIN ACTIVE ACTON

ARUSH

MACBETH CENTRE

CHISWICK CATHOLIC CENTRE

arush.co.uk | 07773 775 445 Outdoor Laser Combat King’s House School Sports Ground, Riverside Drive, W4 2SH

hfals.co.uk (under Room Hire) Macbeth Street, W6 9JJ

020 8994 9905 2 Dukes Avenue, W4 2AE

CORINTHIAN SAILING CLUB

ALL SAINTS EALING HALL

BLOSSOM & BEE

linden-house.org | 020 8748 1841 6 Upper Mall, W6 9TA

allsaintsealing.org.uk | 07507 624 949 Elm Grove Rd, Ealing, W5 3JH

blossomandbeelondon.co.uk | 07932 954 436 Rear of Welsby Court, Eaton Rise, W5 2EX

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

EALING GREEN CHURCH HALL

PITSHANGER COMMUNITY PLAYCENTRE pitshangerplaycentre.co.uk | 020 8998 1918 Meadvale Rd, W5 1LU

ST PAUL’S CHURCH

BRENTFORD FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE

ST MARY’S CHURCH HALLS

fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Softplay & pool parties 658 Chiswick High Rd, TW8 0HJ

fusion-lifestyle.com | 0845 456 6675 Pool parties Edensor Rd, W4 2RG

ST BARNABAS CHURCH HALL barnabites.org | 020 8998 0236 Pitshanger Lane, W5 1QG

BRENTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

3RD CHISWICK SCOUTS

ealing.schoolbookings.co.uk | 0333 011 0476 Greenford Ave, Hanwell, W7 1JJ

07947 354 554 Wilson Walk, Off Prebend Gardens, Stamford Brook, W4 1PT

HANWELL METHODIST CHURCH HALL

ST MICHAEL’S CENTRE

hanwellmethodist.info | 020 8991 1913 Methodist Church, Church Rd, W7 1DJ

HEATHROW GYM heathrowgymnastics.co.uk | 020 8569 5069 Green Lane, Hounslow, TW4 6DH

SNAKES AND LADDERS

stmichaels-elmwoodroad.org Elmwood Road, W4 3DY

snakes-and-ladders.co.uk | 020 8847 0946 Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

PARTYMAN WORLD OF PLAY

smaaa.org.uk | 020 8994 1380 Priory Avenue, W4 1TX

partymanworld.co.uk | 020 8904 9044 Vale Farm, Watford Rd, Wembley, HA0 3HG

THE PIER HOUSE

HALLS FOR HIRE ASKEW ROAD CHURCH askewroadchurch.org.uk Two halls to let with kitchens – suitable for children’s parties. Other smaller rooms.

Corner of Bassein Park Rd, Shepherds Bush, W12 9RN

MASBRO CENTRE upg.org.uk | 020 7605 0800 87 Masbro Rd, W14 0LR

ST PETER’S CHURCH PARISH ROOM

NEW CHISWICK POOL

ST DUNSTAN’S EAST ACTON

standrewsealing | 020 8566 9642 Mount Park Rd, Ealing, W5 2RS

ceramicscafe.com | 020 8810 4422 6 Argyle Rd, W13 8AB

THE BLEND HOUSE

thelittlegym.co.uk | 020 8994 3729 Games, music and fun activities Hartington Rd (off A316), W4 3AN

stmaryacton.org.uk | 020 8993 0422 1 The Mount, Acton High Street, W3 9NW

ST ANDREW’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CENTRE

stdunstanschurch.org.uk | 020 8740 1383 Friars Place Lane, W3 7AW

GROVE NEIGHBOURHOOD CNTR

THE LITTLE GYM

sph.org/hiring | 020 8748 3855 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9PJ

ealinggreenchurch.org.uk | 020 8810 0136 Ealing Green, W5 5QT

CERAMICS CAFÉ

virginactive.co.uk | 020 8600 9600 Softplay & pool parties 36 Bromyard Avenue, W3 7AU

07472 889 080 114 Churchfield Road, W3 6BY

bookings@actongreen.org Bollo Bridge Rd, W3 8AX

DOMINION CHAPEL CHURCH HALL dominionchapel.org.uk | 020 8574 5979 Off Lady Margaret’s Rd, Southall, UB1 2BZ

KINGSDOWN METHODIST CHURCH HALL

chiswickpier.org.uk | 020 8742 2713 Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG

kingsdownmethodist.org.uk | 020 8567 0172 Kingsdown Ave, West Ealing, W13 9PR

PICCOLO PLAY CENTRE

SOUTH HANWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

piccoloplaycentre.co.uk | 07525 773 659 Hogarth Youth Centre, Duke Rd, W4 2JR

ST PAUL’S CHURCH stpaulsgrovepark.com | 020 8994 3074 56 Grove Park Rd, W4 3SB

CHISWICK SCHOOL chiswickschool.org | 020 8747 6699 Burlington Lane, W4 3UN

shbchurch.org.uk | 020 8840 3855 Boston Rd, Hanwell, W7 2HJ

ST JAMES CHURCH stjamesealing.org.uk | 020 8840 2586 St James Ave, West Ealing, W13 9DL

ST JOHN’S CHURCH stjohnsealing.org.uk | 020 8566 3507 Mattock Lane, West Ealing, W13 9LA

020 8741 3321 7 Bradmore Park Rd, W6 0DT

stpetersw6.org | 020 8741 4848 Black Lion Lane, W6 9BE

DORSET WHARF COMMUNITY HALL rockingscots.co.uk/ dorsetwharfcommunityhall | 07880 840 692 158 Rainville Road, W6 9HN

JORDANS NURSERY 020 8741 3230 Holy Innocents Church, Paddenswick Rd, W6 0UB

CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 49

WHO ARE? CHARLIE ROSIER & PEOPLE

FABIENNE O’NEILL

FOUNDERS OF CUCKOOZ NEST, A FLEXIBLE CO-WORKING SPACE WITH OFSTED REGISTERED NURSERY.

(l) Charlie Rosier & (r) Fabienne O’Neill How did you get the idea for Cuckooz Nest? F: We were looking at co-working spaces and then co-working with a crèche or some childcare element came up in conversation. Charlie had just found out she was pregnant so it was incredibly apt. Suddenly, the need and the reality of how difficult it is became very apparent when she had Orla the following January. We started to look a bit deeper at the facts and stats around the loss of skills around women not being able to return to work because of the cost of childcare so we knew that there was a real need for it.

C: There is a similar concept in Singapore, so that was really the inspiration for it but it went to the back of our minds as we were running our other business [Cuckooz - boutique apartments] and then obviously I had my daughter. At six weeks I went back to work because I needed to but also because I wanted to and then you really realise how expensive childcare is, and how impossible it is. You hear so much about it beforehand but it’s not really a reality for you, it’s just noise.

How does Cuckooz Nest work? C: Our flexible nature means that you can book in at any time during the day on the hour for a minimum of two hours a week. You can scale it up or down depending on whether you have project type work, or the age of your child.

So you can start by being a flexi member and then at six months if you’re more comfortable leaving your child and perhaps you’ve picked up another job, if you’re a freelance, then you can use it for longer.

What’s your plan? C: I think for the time being we’re going to be concentrating on 0-5. 0-2 50 CITYKIDSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

is the real childcare gap in the UK where you haven’t got government subsidies, you haven’t got 30 free hours and if you’re a self-employed father there’s no statutory paternity pay.

Then there’s lots of shift workers who need weekend childcare support and nights which obviously we don’t yet cater for. If we’re really working for the flexible working community, we need to be thinking about the other issues.

We’re just a small step in the right direction but by no means a comprehensive solution yet. But we plan to be!

Did you envisage this idea would become a crusade? F: We’re only seven months old still so the conversations we’re having, the potential, is really exciting and to see the impact it’s already had is really rewarding, really gratifying.

Who comes here? C: We have nonparents, we have businesses which are in the childcare space and a mixed bag of freelancers such as barristers, scientists, PR, creatives. Our target audience is basically freelancers, self-employed. We run a lot of seminars and talks here.

Three words to describe yourselves F: Patient, glass half-full, optimistic.

C: Manic, optimistic, tenacious.

How is it working with a friend? C: I can’t imagine starting a business with a nonfriend. Fab and I have very different skill sets.

F: We have never fallen out. There are always challenging moments, but that’s because things are challenging, not because your relationship is challenging. And if you manage to get through one of those bumps in the road then you’re stronger the next time.

Last book you read? F: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami C: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman Who inspires you? C: On a day-to-day basis my husband is the one that keeps me going and makes me feel like what we are striving towards is possible. Actually all our members are hugely inspiring. But big picture inspiration comes from entrepreneurs like Richard Branson.

F: Like Charlie said, our members for one.

Another recent inspiration has to be Kelly Ford, from Book of Mum. Kelly recently interviewed me for her Soho Radio show, she is just effortlessly cool, so laid back, super creative and also a stand-up comedian! How could she not inspire me?!

One thing no one knows about you?

F: Charlie Chaplin is a distant great uncle.

C: I’ve applied to be on TV three times (Ready Steady Cook, The Apprentice and MasterChef).

Parenting style? C: Mrs Doubtfire X Sound of Music!

Best bit about your job? F: Working with my closest pal and making a difference with what we do! Also the endless exciting opportunities.

C: Working alongside my best friend and daughter. Changing the way people are working and helping make life easier for working parents. www.cuckooznest.co.uk

Has your relationship changed?

F & C: Definitely!

C: We don’t do anything fun anymore! We can’t not talk about work.

Recent event at Cuckooz Nest

CODING

D E B AT I N G

ENGINEERING

M AT H E M AT I C S

M E C H AT R O N I C S

ROBOTICS

SCIENCE

A DESTINATION DENTIST FOR CHILDREN In-house specialist paediatric dentists Consultant and specialist orthodontists State-of-the-art sedation service Dedicated special needs care Year-round evening, weekend & emergency appointments

Happy Kids Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for the whole family – but with its in-house team of specialist paediatric dentists, it’s also able to meet the unique needs of your child using proven, creative techniques. From ‘Toothbrushing Academy’ to sensory educational aids, we put the focus on fun – creating happy memories of the dentist that translate into happy smiles for life.

Call 020 7078 0822 to book your child’s first appointment and discover how we do dentistry differently.

020 7078 0822 happykidsdental.co.uk

74-78 Seymour Place, Marylebone, London W1H 2EH

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