Families NW London Magazine October 2015

Issue 103: October 2015 www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

FREE North West London Including North Middlesex and South Hertfordshire (Queens Park, Wembley, Edgware, Stanmore, Harrow, Northolt, Northwood, Watford and all the areas in between)

Education and Schools What is a Free School?

The AuPair Experience Local Halloween & Fireworks events!

PLUS

Open Days, What’s On and much more inside!

Welcome to the October issue!

CONTACT US: Families North West London Magazine Editors: Heather Waddington and Janine Mergler P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

@FamiliesNW Circulation 30,000+ copies every issue.

Published seven times a year. For families from birth to twelve.

12 What is a Free School?

15 What’s On

22 What’s New and

Competitions

November/December 2015: Seasonal Celebrations. Deadline: 9th October.

January/February 2015: Nurseries and Childcare. Deadline: 25th Nov 2015.

Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

▲▲ Homework ▲▲ Fireworks and Halloween Events

▲▲ Family Travel – Winter Sun!

www.activetime.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

6 The AuPair Experience 8 School Open Days

UPCOMING ISSUES:

▲▲ Eight of the BEST education Apps for Primary School

2

10 National Poetry Day

Competition

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon

Trending articles on the FNWL website:

IN THIS ISSUE:

Cover image: Depositphotos.com

Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

Scan our QR code to take you straight to the most current local information! www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

NEWS

Volunteers needed in Ealing Facet Therapy are looking for a suitable person who can offer their spare time to promote and deliver Time 2 Play classes for children within the London Borough of Ealing and surrounding areas.

The ideal person must have some experience of working within an early years or primary school setting - someone who is confident to turn challenges into creative learning experiences, and who is willing to have lots of fun shaping a child’s overall development through age-appropriate games.

They devise programmes to help with effective communication and relationships between children, young people and families.

With your help, they can build better relationships within our diverse community!

No time to volunteer? Maybe you or your business would consider sponsoring our projects? For more information on how to sponsor us and provide more opportunities for children and young people, contact Marcia t: 07930304495; e: mrowe@facettherapy.co.uk w: www.facettherapy.co.uk

Bigger, Bolder, Hattier!

Date announced for Wear A Hat Day 2016 – get your thinking caps on!

The UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event will be back on Thursday 24th March 2016.

Wear A Hat Day 2015 was the biggest and hattiest by far and we are greatly indebted to the hundreds of schools and families across the UK who took part this year. Together we are funding the fight.

For many, Brain Tumour Research is a cause close to your hearts and we continue to be humbled by your commitment to helping find a cure for this devastating disease. Indeed, your collective participation in Wear A Hat Day is a wonderful contribution to the overall success of the annual campaign and an inspiration to all of us!

It would be #hattastic to have you join us again in 2016!

Register now at www.wearahatday.org and we’ll get your feztastic fundraising packs out to you by February.

Croxley entrepreneur wins major national award with her community café idea A South Hertfordshire woman, who turned a celebration cake bakery into a drop-in centre for the whole community, has won The Customer Focus Award at the Baking Industry Awards 2015 – the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. Linda Anderson, owner and Director of The Kitchen Croxley in Watford Road, Rickmansworth, beat off stiff competition from the upper crust of the British baking industry to capture the award. Linda decided the original business needed to change after she carried out research among her customers and discovered there was a burning need for a community meeting place. So she enlarged the premises and created somewhere for groups of young mums, the elderly and bereaved, pregnancy clubs, business people, book clubs and baking/cake decorating classes to get together. Linda’s achievements were recognised ght in front of more than 800 industry guests at a gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton, as she was presented with the award by television presenter and star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Claudia Winkleman, and John Lindsay, Vice President of EU Modern Trade of the award’s sponsor, CSM.

www.thekitchencroxley.com

A new school for Harrow!

In September 2016, a brand new primary school will open its doors in Harrow. It will be the first school in the UK to offer flexible school holidays, and is also offering a thematic curriculum enriched with music, languages, outdoor education and a focus on communication alongside the core skills of literacy and numeracy. As a two form entry, it will also be one of the smallest primary schools in Harrow. Ros Jenkins, founder and Chair of Governors said, “being a small school allows us to focus on every child as an individual, and create a great, supportive community atmosphere”.

Back in Spring 2014, a group of parents, faced with the alarming shortage of school places in Harrow, asked local parents and teachers, ‘what would you like to see in your dream school’. From this, they crafted a vision for the school, linked with a partner – Broadfields Primary School in Edgware – and successfully applied to the Government for the funds to start the school.

Mariposa Primary School, which means ‘butterfly’ in Spanish - the language taught from reception, is non-faith, non-selective and there are no fees to pay.

Applications to join the school for Reception or Year 1 are open now – find out more on their website, www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk or on Facebook or Twitter.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

3

NEWS Calling all volunteers in Harrow! A new library-based

NOVASOL celebrating 40+ years serving families!

puzzle club needs your support to help combat loneliness The independent, familyowned British games and puzzles company since 1919, Gibsons, is teaming up with Gayton Library to create its very own ‘puzzle club’ as part of its Piecing Together the Community social initiative. The puzzle club, which is designed to combat loneliness in the area, is due to launch at the end of September in a bid to bring more local people together, through their love of traditional puzzles and games.Maria Garcia Iglesias (Adult Services Development Manager) from Cultural Community Solutions (CCS) comments, “Gayton Library is delighted to be involved in such a heart-warming, community spirited initiative.

Part of our libraries focus is to capture the heart of the community and we are always looking to offer different activities and clubs to encourage people to come together. With tight budgets, these are only possible with the support of forward-thinking brands like Gibsons.”

Volunteers for Gayton Library can register their interest by emailing gibsons@sensecommunications. co.uk or by calling 0203 551 3954

With over 40 years’ experience NOVASOL, part of Wyndham Worldwide, has more than 40,000 holiday homes in 29 European countries in Northern, Central and Southern Europe across destinations like Croatia, France, Spain, Italy and Denmark. Subscribe to their newsletter to receive their 2016 brochure or visit www.novasol.co.uk to find out more about their cottages, farmhouses, apartments and villas with pools all over Europe.

www.novasol.co.uk; Facebook: NOVASOL UK; novasol@novasol.co.uk; 0845 680 5856

Local School Investing in Pupils!

A new and exciting academic year begins at Buckingham Preparatory School. Already well renowned for their warm family atmosphere which breeds academic excellence, they are currently enjoying major investment in their school site to provide a brighter and more contemporary feel. A new ICT suite and renovated classrooms boast state of the art resources, including interactive whiteboards and laptops. Their library has been refurbished, Sarah Hollis has been appointed as the new Head Teacher and new appointments to her staff include the addition of an Academic Deputy Head. Further investments in initiatives are planned.

Please call 0208 866 2737 to organise an individual tour and see the wonderful new facilities for yourself!

Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford call: 0208 123 9346 email: jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet call: 0208 201 1084 email: jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: niro@littlekickers.co.uk

4

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

NEWS Is the 11+ exam getting harder?

Lorrae Jaderberg, of Jaderberg Krais Tutoring suggests “The exams are evolving year-onyear in an effort to provide schools with the tool to help them with their pupil selection process. There are more children than ever applying to sit the 11+ exams, which makes the competition even tougher. There is also a belief that the actual exams are being ‘tutor-proofed’ which can create difficulties with preparation.

Children are being asked to jump through even greater hoops and they certainly need to be in the top five percent for ability and potential to stand a sporting chance of a place. In our opinion, parents really need to carefully consider if this is the right direction for their child. “

But - how would you know? “Schools may mention to parents that their child is bright enough to sit the 11+ exams, but the best way to check if your child is suitable is to have your child specifically assessed. Once armed with feedback and suggestions for schools to sit for, then you know it’s worth all of the effort, expense and emotional energy to go ahead.“ Whether grammar school, independent school, or local specialist college is the ambition for your child, success in the 11+ can create real opportunities for children who have the necessary skills and experience.

For further information about 11+ exams visit the independent school website of your choice, or try www.swhertsschools. org.uk. To see if your child is suitable to sit for the 11+ exams, contact a reputable tutor or assessment centre, such as Jaderberg Krais on 020 3488 0754 or at www.jaderbergkrais. co.uk/assessments/

New School for Watford!

September 2016 will see the opening of another new educational opportunity for parents. St John’s CofE Primary School, a new school in the heart of Watford will open its door, welcoming their first 60 founding children into Reception.

St John’s is committed to opening an excellent Church of England School in the heart of the community, for the whole community; welcoming all children whether

they are of the Christian Faith, other faiths or none. It will be rooted in the Christian heritage of educating young people and supporting families. The community will play a central role in the school’s work. Pupils will be encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas and question the world around them while respecting the opinions of others.

The school will teach the National Curriculum in exciting and creative ways, always underpinned with an ethos of knowledge and truth, honesty and selflessness allowin children to flourish as lifelong learners and good citizens in an ever growing and evolving world.

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-18 • Outstanding Royal Academy of Dance examinations results • Established 14 years in Stanmore •

• •

Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet, London Senior/Junior Ballet, London Studio Centre, Ballet West Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Contemporary/Jazz classes

Classes are held in the Stanmore and and Bushey Area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher)

T: 020 8950 2457 www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

SportsKids - Multi-Sports Academy

Sports Activities for 4 to 16 year olds

Tel: 01923 255099 E: SportsKids@outlook.com Sportscoach are celebrating 10 years by expanding and rebranding to

SportsKids Academy

American Football - Dodgeball - Handball - Basketball Tag Rugby - Softball - Gaelic Football - Rounders - Athletics Kwik Cricket - Gymnastics - Tennis - Climbing Wall - Fencing Lacrosse - Netball - Volleyball - Archery - Martial Arts - Kin Ball Football - Badminton - Tri Golf - Uni-Hoc We are located in Harrow and Rickmansworth

www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

5

Childcare

The Au Pair Experience them, maybe there have been two or three Skype conversation.

T

welve months ago we took the plunge and invited a young lady, Caroline, into our home to help keep order, maintain cleanliness, and above all, spend quality time with our children when we couldn’t.

When I spoke to friends about our decision, a lot of mum’s say to me ‘I couldn’t handle having another person in the house’… and I have to say, I wasn’t sure I could either, but let me tell you, when that person starts doing laundry (and puts it away!) that you struggle to get to, cooks quality meals when you would have only had time for ‘heat and eat’, tidies, cleans and puts away at the end of the day, you very quickly forget there is another person there, and start thanking your lucky stars for the extra pair of kind, well-meaning hands that have come to stay!

Without a doubt, we had a fantastic year with Caroline! We learned about another culture, learned a lot about ourselves, and most of all, the children gained fabulous memories and a lifelong personal connection.

Before she left, I asked Caroline to write an article for me about her experience as an Au Pair which I think has valuable insight for both Au Pairs and prospective families.

The Au Pair Perspective Being an Au Pair means a lot of change. It´s not like simply moving to another city. You’re moving to a whole different country and culture. It means to meet a family who is hopefully going to be a part of your life. You don´t know much about

You arrive with a little impression of knowing what’s going to happen next. For a lot of girls it’s frightening not to have any idea about the following months. But still we´ve chose to do this. And this feeling gives an adrenalin kick, let´s you feel more grown up and independent. Something that´ll last.

We really enjoy to spend time with your children - look after them, play and laugh with them. But these are not the only reasons why we are here. We want to move out, experience something new, learn a foreign language, travel, have a fun year and make friends.

Living in another family means to assimilate. If you build a good relationship (particularly with the parents) it shouldn´t be a problem at all.

You´re not the only one in a new situation (if you´re the first Au Pair). The children will be very curious. Maybe they’re even as frightened as you. For them, you´re a complete stranger and the only thing they know is that they’ve to spend a lot of time with you. After the first weeks full of excitement and not one day as the previous, everything will settle down. You know the routine, what food the children like (If they won´t make up their mind every other day), which toys they prefer and what the little ones already can do without help.

You´ll see week by week how fast they grow and learn.

Soon you´ll be their best friends (alias the best Au Pair ever ;-) ) and you´re going to recognize how much they trust and rely on you. They don´t want to do only homework and taking a bath with you. They want to spend time together in your spare time, even if you´re not up for that. It might happen that they stand next to your bed at 8 am (after a night out) and show you their stunning skills on the violin.

I´m not going to “forget” that not everything is perfect. There`ll

Elisa’s Tutorial School Edgware from 21/2 years to 16 years of age.

Give your child the best start.

26 years experience. Ex St. Michaels’ Grammar School teacher. BA. PGCE Expert tuition in English, Maths and reasoning for 4 plus, 7 plus, 11 plus, 13 plus and also GCSE. Pre-school reading, maths and writing classes taught through music, art, toys and stories, computer lessons also.

020 8958 1192 07956 868119 Online tutoring available at

www.childrensstories.net

6

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

Parenting

“We learned about another culture, learned a lot about ourselves, and most of all, the children gained fabulous memories and a lifelong personal connection.” be moments when you just want to quit. When you just want to go home and see your family, where you don´t have to argue with little children about homework or their dinner. You´ll come up to a point where you´ll ask yourself if this was the right choice. (Yes it is!)

In these stages it´s good to have someone you can just giving a big cuddle or hug. It won´t take the worries away, but it´s a way to cheer up.

Stand through it. There’re better times to come!

This year is a great chance for everyone. There’s more to learn than only English. You´ll learn a lot about children but then probably even more about you.

There will be struggles and you will figure out how to deal with them. You´ll be the same person when you´re going home, but more self-confident and with some funny stories to tell.

This August, Martina has joined us from Italy and we are looking forward to another exciting year of new experience and memories.

Caroline returned to Germany to attend university this autumn to pursue a degree in Business studies and Human Resources.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

7

Independent School Open Days Please check school websites to confirm in advance of visiting advertised open days. Listings are subject to change.

8

Aldenham School Elstree WD6 Boys and Girls 3-18 yrs (Boarding/ Day) enquiries@aldenham.com

Open Day: Sat 10 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. Prep School 01923 851664. Senior School 01923 858122

Avanti House School Stanmore HA7. Boys and Girls 11-18 yrs. www.avanti.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8249 6830

Buxlow Preparatory School Wembley HA9 7QJ Boys and Girls 4 - 11yrs (Day) www.buxlowschool.org.uk

Open Morning: By appointment. 020 89043615

Buckingham College Preparatory School Pinner HA5 Boys School 4-11 years www.buckprep.org

Open Day: Tues 6 Oct and Web 7 Oct 9:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-3pm. 020 8866 2737.

Charlotte House Preparatory School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3.

Girls 3+-11yrs. www.charlottehouseprepschool.co.uk

Open Day: Thu 8 Oct, Sat 10 Oct, Thu 10 Mar, Sat 12 Mar, all 9.30-11.30am. 01923 772101

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Elstree WD6 Boys 5-18 yrs. www.habsboys.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 3 Oct, 1-4pm. 020 8266 1700

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School Elstree WD6 Girls 4-18 yrs. www.habsgirls.org.uk

Open Day: Jun School - Sat 3 Oct, 10am-12.30pm. Tue 10 Nov, 9.15-11am. Sen Sch - Thu 1 Oct, 6-8pm. Sat 3 Oct, 2-5pm. Wed 11 Nov, 9.30-11am. 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org. uk

High Elms Manor School Watford WD25, Boys and Girls 6 months – 11 years. www.highelmsmanorschool.com

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 681103

The John Lyon School Harrow on the Hill HA2. Boys 11-18 yrs. www.johnlyon.org

Open Day: Sat 10 Oct, 10am-1pm. 020 8515 9400

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs. www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8381 3344

Mariposa Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Harrow HA8 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.mariposaprimaryschool.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment admissions@newschoolforharrow. org.uk

Merchant Taylor’s Prep Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. Northwood HA6 Boys 11-18yrs www.northwoodprep.co.uk www.mtsn.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 9 Oct 2015 (Rickmansworth Campus) 01923 825648 (Rickmansworth) 01923 845514 (Northwood)

North London Collegiate School Edgeware HA8 Girls 4-18yrs. www.nlcs.org.uk

Open Day: Taster Morning (11+) Fri 2 Oct 9.30am-12.30pm.

Jun Sch 020 8952 1276, Sen Sch 020 8951 6481/6468.

Northwood College Northwood HA6. Girls 3-18 yrs. www.northwoodcollege.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am-1pm, Wed 18 Nov 9.30am.

Bluebelle House Nursery Fri 6 Nov 9.30-11am. 01923 825446.

Orley Farm Harrow-on-the-Hill HA1 Boys and Girls 4-13yr www.orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk

Open Day: Sat 3 Oct, 10am. 020 8869 7634/7600

Quainton Hall School Harrow, HA1. Boys 2.5-13yrs, Girls 2.5-11 yrs. www.quaintonhall.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. admin@quaintonhall.org.uk 020 8861 8861

Reddiford School Pinner HA5 Boys and Girls 2yrs 9months – 11 yrs. www.reddiford.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8866 0660

Roxeth Mead School HA2 Boys & Girls 3-7yrs. www.roxethmead.com

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8422 2092

The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3 – Ruspini House Pre School (boys and girls aged 2-4) Cadogan House Pre-Prep and Prep Department (girls aged 4-11), Senior School (girls aged 11-18)

Open Day: Sun 11 Oct, 2-5pm.Open Mornings Mon 12 & Tue 13 Oct. 01923 725354

Saint Jérôme CofE Bilingual School Harrow HA1 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjeromebilingual.org

Open Day: Wed 14 Oct, 7pm; Sat 7 Nov, 1.30 & 3pm.

020 7932 1178

Stanborough School Watford WD25 Boys and Girls 4-18yrs.

Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268

St Christopher’s School, Wembley HA9 8HE Boys & Girls 4 – 11 years (day) admin@stchristophersschool.org.uk

Open Morning: Fri 16 Oct and Mon 2 Nov 10am-12pm.

020 8902 5069

St John’s CofE Primary School (opening Sept 2016) Watford WD17 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs www.stjohnswatford.co.uk

Open Day: By appointment 01923 255 017

St Helen’s School Northwood HA6. Girls, 3-18 yrs. www.sthn.co.uk

Open Day: Wed 4 & Thu 5 Nov, 9.30am-12pm. 01923 843230

St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls Bushey WD23 3-11yrs. www.sthildasbushey.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 10 Oct, 9.30am-12pm. 0208 950 1751

St John’s School Northwood HA6 Boys aged 3-13. www.st-johns.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 10th Oct; Tues 20th Oct; Sat 21st Nov 10am12pm. 020 8866 0067

St. Margaret’s School Bushey WD23 Girls 4-18 yrs (boarding/day) www.stmargaretsbushey.org.uk

Open Day: Thu 5 Nov, 9.30am-12.30pm. 020 8901 0872

St. Martin’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 3-13 yrs www.stmartins.org.uk

Open Day: Fri 2 & Sat 3 Oct, 10am-12pm. 01923 825 740

St Nicholas Prep School and Nursery, Kingsbury NW9 8PN 3mths – 11 yrs. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk; www.stnicholasnursery.org.uk

Open Day: By appointment. 020 8205 7153

York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-13 yrs www.york-house.com

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 772 395

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

Education Co-Ed Preparatory School and Nursery Boys 2½ - 13 & Girls 2½ - 11

“Excellent personal development contributes to the good standard of achievement” ISI Inspection

Individual School Tours and Visits Welcome, by appointment.

For further Information: Quainton Hall School, Hindes Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1RX Email: admin@quaintonhall.org.uk Telephone: 020 8861 8861 www.quaintonhall.org.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

9

Education

The Poetry Challenge:

Why it’s Important to Win

C

hildren enjoy poetry from a very early age; they are comforted when we sing lullabies and nursery rhymes to them. Nursery rhymes help children develop pre-reading skills and phonemic awareness, the ability to recognize the sounds that make up words and rhymes help children to learn new vocabulary that develops a love of language. Poetry is essential for children because it is “the best words in the best order.” Poet J Patrick Lewis sums it up, ‘nowhere else are you going to find words taken to such beautiful and sometimes absurd extremes as in poetry’.

All children enjoy funny rhymes. But sometimes, when they get older, these ‘baby-rhymes’ become something boring and annoying for our children, something to be embarrassed about. As our children get older, poetry and song is separated in their minds: poetry falls into the category of hard-work and difficult while song lyrics are given a ‘cool’ elevated status. Writing poetry then also becomes a struggle in young minds – with more rules to learn and ideas about what makes for good or bad poetry. So poetry can become exiled to the realms of high culture along with classical music and ballet. Children can quickly become alienated from reading and writing poetry.

In a study commissioned by the Poetry Foundation, the University of Chicago conducted a large-scale national research study about Americans’ attitudes toward and experiences with poetry. Of those adult readers surveyed that loved poetry, 80 percent first encounter poetry as children, at home or in school; 77 percent of all adult poetry readers were read nursery rhymes as children; 45 percent of current adult poetry readers also had other forms of poetry read to them as children. The benefits of poetry are enormous and the research figures above scream out a call to action for ALL parents: to encourage and develop your child’s interest in poetry, give them lots of fun and diverse opportunities to engage with it!

National Poetry Day, the annual mass celebration of poetry and all things poetical, marks its 21st birthday in the UK, on Thursday 8th October 2015. It’s the nation’s biggest celebration of poetry… breaking down some of the barriers and challenging everyone to share poetry: whether song lyrics, nursery rhymes, limericks, haikus or jingles. Many join in the celebrations by releasing poetry into streets, squares, supermarkets, parks, train stations and airwaves.

This year the theme is ‘light’, and to celebrate this special day, Leaders are Readers is inviting young budding writers in two age groups, to create a poem about light.

Pam Ahluwalia is a manager at Leaders are Readers who run award-winning reading programmes and English, maths, 7+ and 11+ programmes for children from 3-13 years old www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Leaders are Readers Poetry Competition Selected writers will have their work published and also be in with a chance of winning one golden ticket (for a family of 2 adults and 2 children) to the wonderful Discover Children’s Story Centre. Two golden tickets are available.

How to Enter: For children from 4 years up to age 7: write a poem about fireworks; candle light; firelight; sparklers; a light bulb; lighthouse; using a torch or anything on the subject of light.

The poem does not have to rhyme and must be between 4 and 8 lines.

For children from 8 years up to age 11: write a poem about ‘Light’. Suggested ideas include: a light bulb moment; a lighthearted moment; light and shadow; or absolutely anything about light. The poem can be a Haiku, song lyrics, rap, limerick or any poetic form.

Parents, send your child’s entry, with their name and age, by email to: pam@leadersarereaders.co.uk The closing date for entries is 29th October 2015

10

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

Education

First Class Learning Are you looking for dynamic and effective tuition?

National Programme supported by Professional Educationalists and the Dyspraxia Foundation

Helping Children Succeed in Maths and English 4 Courses based on National Curriculum 4 Improves confidence and encourages enjoyment in learning 4 Suitable for all ages & abilities

4 Helps with school assessment & exams 4 Tailored to suit individual needs

Colindale Eastcote Harrow Kenton Harrow South Harrow Town Kingsbury Northwood Pinner Sudbury Watford

020 8205 9831 078111 944 99 020 8537 9470 074012 080 40 020 8933 7019 020 8205 9831 07802 433 994 078111 944 99 01895 673 114 07554 287 067

www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

11

Education

WHAT IS A FREE SCHOOL?

P

“The demand for primary school places now will obviously lead to an increase in demand for secondary school places in future years”

rime Minister David Cameron has pledged to open 500 new free schools over the next 5 years – this will create 270,000 additional school places across the country, giving parents more choice. But this is not just about creating choice, in some areas; it is about creating enough school places for the increasing population.

The demand for primary school places now will obviously lead to an increase in demand for secondary school places in future years. Where St John’s is based in Watford, the demand figures are rising every time the predictions are run at County Hall, so St John’s will not only be alleviating the pressure with the creation of an additional 60 primary school places, it will also be the first

St Nicholas

Preparatory School – founded 1937 NW London (Kingsbury/Wembley)

BUXLOW

Preparatory School Established in Wembley in 1927

School Visits By Appointment

An independent day school for boys and girls from 3-11. www.stnicholasschool.org.uk • Newly refurbished (Summer 2014) • Small classes and bright, airy classrooms • Great results in 11+ examinations • A caring, nurturing environment with a family atmosphere • After-school care and clubs • Active PTA

We provide private education at a competitive price.

• Small classes taught in a caring, family environment.

• An excellent record of 11+ Senior School progression & scholarships • Outstanding success in music, drama & sport • An active and supportive PTA

School Visits By Appointment

Address: 22 Salmon Street, Kingsbury, NW9 8PN E: admin@stnicholasschool.org.uk

12

Tel: 020 8205 7153

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

For further information call 020 89043615 or email admin@buxlowschool.org.uk

www.buxlowschool.org.uk

Education activity every third Friday for the whole school, embracing the local community by learning about the different faiths and cultures and having members of the community come into school to talk about their jobs, their music, their arts and so on. The two new free schools for Harrow also offer different approaches, with St Jerome’s being a bilingual school (English/French), and the Mariposa Primary School using thematic teaching as opposed to traditional subjects i.e. a lesson will be on the subject of space which would include elements of maths, science etc.

“Free schools are new independent state schools set up by parents, teachers, charities, academy sponsors and existing schools in response to demand from the local community...”

This means that Free schools are often offering something that little bit different from the “norm”, and they are achieving results. Free schools are twice as likely to be judged as ‘Outstanding’ in a like for like comparison with other state schools.

Church of England Primary School in Watford Town.

Some examples of those freedoms in action are:

But what is a free school?

• Extending the school day by an hour with optional extra-curricular activities. Some schools extend their after school provision to support working parents.

Free schools are new independent state schools set up by parents, teachers, charities, academy sponsors and existing schools in response to demand from the local community, either where there is a shortage of places or where the parents are not happy with the places on offer.

Free Schools have a number of freedoms which allows them to control what they teach, when they teach, who teaches (and what pay and conditions they should receive) and they have complete control over their budget and are free from Local Authority oversight to provide them with the tools they need to deliver the education that is desired. Although independent, they are still accountable to their governors and inspected by Ofsted.

• Offering a longer school year – including holiday programmes, and some even allow parents to apply for holiday leave within the school year.

Vix Moore is part of the team at St John’s Church of England Primary School opening in central Watford in September 2016.

You can find out more about St John’s at www.stjohnswatford.co.uk

• Varying teachers pay and conditions so that they can recruit and retain the best teachers • Varying the curriculum. Free Schools don’t have to teach the National Curriculum, or if they chose to follow the National Curriculum, they can enhance it in different ways.

St John’s in Watford are planning their Fun Fifteen Fridays – a themed

St. Christopher’s School Wembley Park

OPEN MORNINGS Friday 16th October and Monday 2nd Nov - 10am-12pm No appointment necessary.

• Boys and girls 4 – 11 years • High academic achievement • Caring environment • Strong musical emphasis • Numerous educational outings • 4 scholarships in 11+entry exams 2014 St Christopher’s School 71 Wembley Park Drive, Middlesex HA9 8HE Tel: 0208 902 5069

Visit our website http://stchristophersschool.org.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

13

Family Travel

by Shabana Salemohamed, TravelPal London

DON’T BE GLUM THERE’S WINTER SUN FOR EVERYONE

W

hilst Christmas ‘is the season to be jolly’ for some of us the long, cold and dark winter days just make us plain miserable! And undoubtedly, we British residents can never quite have enough sun because the summer days just always seem so few and far between!

world really is your oyster! From Miami and Orlando, to the pure white sands of Mauritius! The Middle East and ever dazzling Dubai to Thailand (which is also and an amazing place to visit and well worth the spend - whilst Phuket used to be very much a honeymoon destination, its now host to many family resorts with self contained water parks and multiple activities).

But fear not - at Travelpal, Christmas is a month of sun for us as we often see record numbers of travellers taking off for their dose of well deserved vitamin D! So what can you get for your money?

Here are a few suggestions of destinations where your GBP can be well spent and both body and mind come back with a real glow!

Please bear in mind all the prices mentioned are based on advance bookings of up to 6 months which is crucial with any Christmas booking for a family of four.

U £2000 - £4000 Egypt or the Cape Verde Islands, for the short haul flight that they are, are still good options with not more than 4-7 days of rainfall through the entire month of December. Temps can reach up to

U £6000+ 25 degrees in and around the Red Sea maybe not beach bikini weather, but most resorts up their pool temperatures which makes the holiday well worth it. Cape Verde reaches highs of 27 degrees, and an oasis of plush beaches and beautiful mountains awaits holiday makers to this part of West Africa. With no anti malarials needed, nor a time difference to contend with!

U £4000 - £6000 Well, now we are talking the luxury and terrific tropics! With a budget like that and up to 8 months advance booking the

Families NW London Magazine is distributed to over 30,000 families.

To advertise YOUR BUSINESS with us, call: 01923 237 004 email: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

14

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

This is the dream budget on a winter sun holiday for any travel agent! From the shores of Goa and Sri Lanka, the craters of the Serengati, the exclusive islands of the Maldives and Seychelles you can pretty much guarantee the holiday of a life time – and we can make it happen for you! At Travelpal we offer in depth meet and plan sessions for tailor made holidays to any of the above luxury destinations to ensure your every need is met and you’re getting the best value for your money!

So get organised this year! Book early (for next Christmas) and look forward to that special treat that even Santa can’t be counted on to deliver – some wonderful winter sun!

What’s On

listings for all the family!

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (November/December 2015) send your entry by 10th October 2015 Email Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk/RegularEvents for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

October Fri 2 Oct – Michael Sobell Hospice Talent Show (WD3) This very popular fundraising event at Watersmeet Theatre promises to be an evening of fun, dance and song. All proceeds go to Michael Sobell Hospice. www.watersmeet.co.uk Sat 3 Oct – The Big Draw in the Butterfly House (LU6) Join in the fluorescent Big Draw in the ZSL London Zoo aquarium at Whipsnade Zoo, and create a mural based on the new butterfly house. Open to everyone and free with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo entry. www.thebigdraw.org Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct – Fun Palaces @ ArtsDepot (N12) Head along for a day of free activities for all ages, covering arts and science and everything in between. There will be workshops, craft activities, performances and lots more. This event is part of Fun Palaces, a free nationwide celebration of arts, sciences and culture. www.artsdepot.co.uk

Sat 3 Oct & Sat 7 Nov - Northwood Craft Market (HA6) Hands-on crafts for children and beautiful handmade crafts for Mums & Dads to browse & buy. Open 10am-2pm. Free admission, at Northwood Methodist Church Hall. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk Sun 4 Oct – Celebrate Black History Month (WD17) This October everyone is welcome to celebrate Black History Month at Watford Palace Theatre. Head along for an evening of diverse and vibrant stage performances from community and professional artists, reflecting the richness of Black culture. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Sun 4 Oct – Winnie the Pooh Day (WD6) The day begins at 10.30am at Aldenham Park, with activities including crafts, a Treasure Hunt around the 100 Aker Woods, and an opportunity to meet Winnie the Pooh himself!

Book online. www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Sun 4 Oct - Chickenshed Family Fun Day (N14) The annual autumn fundraiser is now bigger and better as they encourage the whole family to go and get involved. Go and enjoy an exciting range of activities, including a popular Fun Run, a Toddler Charge, interactive games, a fancy-dress competition, Tales from the Shed characters and musical performances from their talented members. 11am – 4pm, entry is free. www.chickenshed.org.uk Sun 4 Oct - WestRun London Family Fun Run (various) Open to anyone over the age of 4, let’s celebrate family time by running 1 mile on the closed road streets of beautiful West London. The Family Fun Run starts at 9.15am once the 10k runners have begun their race. Everyone will receive an amazing, high quality WestRun Family Fun Run Medal, souvenir t-shirt and the memories of running on traffic free streets with your loved ones to the loud cheers of the adoring crowds! Places are extremely limited and will sell out fast – Sign your family up today. www.westrunlondon.com

Mon 5 – Fri 9 Oct - Humphrey’s Pyjama Week! (various) Don your pyjamas to help raise money for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. For a voluntary donation of £2, youngsters, staff and parents can wear their favourite PJs for a day and organise themed events.

Register now to get a fundraising pack! www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/humphrey Tue 6 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – The Big Birdhouse Tour at Intu Watford (WD17) In partnership with the RSPB, ‘The Big Birdhouse Tour’ works to fuse art with life and nature via a 16-month national exhibition. 15 British celebrities will each artfully design a sizeable birdhouse; which will be exhibited in centres in a bid to raise money for the UK’s largest nature conservation charity - the RSPB. www.intu.co.uk/birdhouse

continued on page 16 v

continued on page 26 v

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

15

What’s On continued from page 15

Wed 7 Oct - Parenting with Positive Discipline Workshop (HA1) This two hour workshop for parents of children aged between 3-11 years at Hope Harrow will look at discipline with respect, making sure it’s consistent, firm but fair, and ensuring you create a long lasting positive relationship. Topics include: Understanding and acknowledging the needs behind behaviour; Negotiating and setting limits; Finding different ways to communicate effectively; Choices and consequences.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk Sat 10 Oct - Autumn Craft & Gift Fair (WD4) This event is being held to raise funds for the Peace Hospice in Watford. There will be a vast array of goods on sale and weather permitting there will also be stalls outside. From 11am - 3pm at Chipperfield Clarendon Cricket Club.

Free entry and ample free parking. malcolmleach@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/ events/1622550004689387/ Sun 11 Oct - Baby and Children’s Market (NW6) De-clutter your nearly new high quality baby and children’s items, sell it in their markets and get 100% profit on market day.

There will be no less than 15 stalls selling 0-4 years old items and 15 stalls selling 4-8 years old items.

The event is indoors at Salusbury Primary School.

Pushchairs welcome. 10.30am-1.30pm. £1 adults, children free. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 07905658065 Wed 14 Oct - Anger Management Workshops for Parents (HA1) Does your child become angry easily? Could Anger Management Strategies help you at home? In this two hour workshop at Hope Harrow for parents of children aged 3-11 years you will look at: Improving understanding of anger and sharing tips and strategies on how to manage difficult, often

destructive behaviours and emotions, and helping to create a happy, cohesive home environment.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www. hopeharrow.org.uk Thu 15 Oct – Coppélia (UB3) A lively production at the Beck theatre in Hayes, infused with old world charm, Coppélia appeals to audiences of all ages with its captivating story of an eccentric toymaker and his beloved doll. The colourful costumes, lively characters and beautiful music from Delibes all combine to create a magical and comical classic that warms and entertains from start to finish. Coppélia is guaranteed to lift the hearts of all the family.

The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes. 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

L

Sat 17 Oct – Mon 2 Nov – Brick or Treat & Ninjago Fireworks (SL4) The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s hugely popular ‘Brick or Treat’ event sees Frankie the Friendly Monster and his not so evil side kick Lord Vampyre return for lots of awesome LEGO themed fun and games. On weekends throughout Brick or Treat guests can also enjoy the spectacular LEGO® Ninjago end of season fireworks where the skies will light up in a dramatic pyrotechnic performance perfectly choreographed to a ninja inspired soundtrack, on 17/18, 24/25 and 30/31 October. www.legoland.co.uk Sat 17 Oct - Our Local Craft & Gift Fair (HA3) Held only around the corner from Santa coming to town, you’ll have the perfect chance to sort out a beautiful, unique, heartfelt gift for a loved one this year. This is also a chance to go and see what the best of local talent looks like with stalls including handmade jewellery, an exhibited artist, pampering gifts. And taste it too with the fine array of refreshments available. 10am-5pm at Belmont Community Hall. www.facebook.com/ourlocalcraftandgiftfair

Willows Farm Village

16

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

Sat 17 Oct - Family Concert (SW1X) Have you ever wondered what happens when an orchestra tries to play without a conductor? In this family concert at Cadogan Hall, Southbank Sinfonia will be doing exactly that as the musicians themselves take control. Find out as every flick of the head, raising of an eyebrow and split-second of eye contact changes the direction the music takes. www.cadoganhall.com Wed 21 Oct - Motivating Our Children to Learn Workshop (HA1) In this two hour workshop at Hope Harrow for parents of children aged 3-11 years, you will discuss how to support your children to sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. Topics include: Taking an interest; Positive communication; Encouraging selfdiscipline; SMART expectations; Natural rewards and consequences.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www. hopeharrow.org.uk Thu 22 Oct - NCT Hillingdon: Wills & Guardianship Information Session (UB8) Go along for a free informational evening on writing a will and naming guardians for your children. There will be an industry expert on hand to give you advice on what to do and where to start in this sometime daunting process. This event is Free, but there are a limited number of spaces available - so book early to avoid disappointment. Begins at 7pm at Costa Coffee, the Pavillions, Uxbridge.

Membership.hillingdon@nct.org.uk www.nct.org. uk/branches/hillingdon Sat 24 Oct – Alice & The White Rabbit (HA6) Northwood Community Arts is getting ready to take a spinning and spiralling journey into the 150 year old children’s classic adventure. A family audience is invited to step through the door and into Alice’s dream world for 50 minutes. The Cheshire cat, The March Hare, The Queen of Hearts and a two-legged dragon will be seen and heard in this original interpretation of

the story at St John’s Church in Northwood. This performance is perfect for families with children aged 4 upwards, to enjoy because it brings humour, a great story and an outstanding and creative performance. www.northwoodcommunityarts.co.uk Sat 24 Oct - Pumpkin Festival at Willows Farm Village (AL4) There’s a FREE pumpkin for every child from Willows Pumpkin Patch with a pumpkin-tastic time for all the family. There are daily pumpkin carving competitions with prizes, a Pumpkin Hunt, Match the Scarecrow and Children’s Shows. Plus a full day’s programme of fun including plenty of under cover play in Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn, Toddler Town and Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge.

Daily from 10am to 5.30pm.

0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Sun 25 Oct – Diwali at the Palace Accompanying the exciting outdoor Diwali celebrations in the Town Centre, Watford Palace Theatre are delighted to present The Bhavan Centre’s production of Divine Dancing, a display of divinity through major classical dance forms of India. Head along for a spectacular evening of festivity and fun, to celebrate the upcoming Hindu festival of lights. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Sun 25 Oct – Creepy Crawly Bugliness (WD17) Ahead of performances of Tree Fu Tom, join in for a creepy crawly Halloween craft session in the Deco Bar at Watford Colosseum.

Make costumes with the Creative Learning Manager so you can become a bug. With a sprinkling of imagination, you can grow a pair of wings and then creep or crawl into the show or fly home! This free event is open to all - even if you haven’t purchased a ticket for the show, which has inspired this creepy crawly event, you can still visit the venue and take part. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

What’s On Sun 25 Oct – Halloween at Roxbourne Railway (HA5) Go and join in the spooky fun at Roxbourne Railway - have a ride on a miniature train which could be driven by a werewolf or a skeleton or maybe you’ll get to ride behind a train disguised as the Halloween Express. The railway will be decorated in a fun and friendly Halloween manner and all visitors are invited to dress up and join in the atmosphere.

From 1pm – 4pm at Roxbourne Park. There is free parking on site and train rides are £1 per person. www.hwsme.org

Half Term Events Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov - Dazzle Camouflage (SE1) How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships and take part in an animation workshop and create your own camouflage. From 11am–12.30pm & 2–4pm.

020 7940 6300 www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

ZSL London Zoo

Sat 24 Oct - Sun 2 Nov Where the Wild Things Are (NW1) ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Boo at the Zoo’ returns for another wicked week this Halloween half term, enchanting little monsters with a cauldron of animal activities and talks. Guests of all ages will be amazed by arachnids in the ‘In with the Spiders’ exhibit, and can join a web of activity, arachnidthemed creations and spider talks in The Widow’s Lair. The arts and crafts continue in the Bat Cave with bat mask making, and cre-ative critters will create eerie enrichment by preparing fruit for the bearded pigs to bob for. There will be spooky spell story times and talks in the Owl Emporium which will demonstrate owls’ seemingly supernatural powers including silent soaring and impressive head swivel-ling. www.zsl.org

Sun 25 Oct - The Big Draw 2015 (N12) Artsdepot’s mega day of drawing fun is back! Once again, artsdepot celebrates all things drawing as part of The Big Draw 2015. For one day only there are lots of great drawing activities for all ages based around the theme ‘Every Drawing Tells a Story’. Big Draw Family Day runs from 11am – 4pm. £3 entry, some activities may have additional charges. www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 25 – Sat 31 Oct - Half Term Activities (SW7) A week of half term fun at the Science Museum. A high-flying adventure through the clouds in a fun, interactive storytelling event; Explore the wondrous wintry world of Iceland in a fun, interactive storytelling session with erupting volcanoes, giant glaciers and a little bit of imagination; A dynamic workshop exploring the wonder and potential of computer programming through a series of practical experiments with mechanical kit. www.sciencemuseum.com Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct - The Big Draw – Join the fleet! (EC2R) Go aboard the life-size boat moored in the Bank of England Museum and take the helm of the interactive boat game to discover what the Bank does to keep the economy on a steady course. You can then design your own boat and enter the competition with prizes to be won. The winning designs will be displayed on the Bank’s web-site. www.bankofengland.co.uk Mon 26 – Wed 28 Oct – Perform Holiday Course – Alice In Wonderland (various) This October halfterm children will be tumbling down the rabbit hole into the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland with Perform for three fun-packed days of drama, dance and singing. Together with a team of experienced theatre professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance, quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a show-stopping performance on the final day.

Courses are exclusively for 4-7 year olds, please see website for local venues.

020 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk Mon 26 – Thu 29 Oct - Every Cargo Tells a Story & Damru Drums (SE10) Be inspired by different cargo carried aboard Cutty Sark to help create a collaborative artwork as part of The Big Draw. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm on Mon 26th, Tue 27th & Wed 28th.

Then on Wed 28th & Thu 29th, make and decorate a traditional drum inspired by the ship’s voyages to India and the cargoes she collected there, 11.30am -1.30pm & 2-4pm. www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

Mon 26 – Thu 30 Oct – Autumn Shed (N14) Participants at this brilliant week-long event at Chickenshed will explore and develop a wide range of performance skills through workshops that involve drama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in on the final afternoon to see a performance.

Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. The week has limited places so book early to avoid disappointment. www.chickenshed.org.uk/ Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct - Here Be Dragons & Frightening Faces (SE10) The sea is a strange and scary place. Learn about the world’s oceans and create incredible monsters from myth and legend in this special workshop at the National Maritime Museum. Whilst there you can also use the museum’s weird and wonderful watery objects to inspire you to create amazing masks to petrify your friends!

11.30am-1.30pm and 2-4pm www.rmg.co.uk Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct - Out of this World Activity Mornings (SE10) Celebrate the success of the NASA spacecraft New Horizons in its high-speed flyby of the double dwarf planet Pluto and Charon. Using the images from space missions to the outer solar system, explore dwarf planets and giant moons.

10am-12.30pm at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. www.rmg.co.uk Tue 27 Oct - FREE Workshops With Explore Learning (various) Parents looking for ways to entertain the kids in the half term are invited along to Explore Learning centres across the UK where there will be FREE, fun and interactive workshops for children aged five to 14. The English and maths tuition provider will be holding maths, arithmetic, problem solving and personalised sessions from 12pm until 4pm in a centre near you! For a full list of centres and their opening times visit the website. www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Tue 27 – Wed 28 Oct - Apple Pressing and Juice Tasting & Apple Feeders (HP23) On Tuesday have a go at making freshly squeezed apple juice the traditional way. Press apples from local orchards and learn about Hertfordshire’s Orchard Initiative as part of the annual Tring Apple Fayre. Free drop-in demonstrations from 10.30–3.30. On Tuesday and Wednesday treat your garden birds to a delicious apple feeder during this chilly season at 30-minute workshops (10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 2.30pm & 3pm). www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring/

Families NW London Magazine is distributed to over 30,000 families.

To advertise YOUR BUSINESS with us, call: 01923 237 004 email: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Wed 28 – Thu 29 Oct – Spooks and Surprises (WD3) Two special scary afternoons for children with a specially adapted tour of Chenies Manor House.

Visit the two mazes. Go along dressed as spooks if you wish! Free Face Painting, home made teas and a shop. www.cheniesmanorhouse.co.uk Wed 28 – Thu 29 Oct Discovery Day- Halloween (W2) Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm to the Isis Education Centre in Hyde Park to uncover and discover the magic of nature. From exploring the nature trail to getting into the Halloween spirit and taking part in a host of spectacularly spooky activities, there is something for everyone. www.supporttheroyalparks.org Wed 28 – Fri 30 Oct Pumpkin Trail & Treats & Pumpkin Disco (SG3) Spooky fun & games for children at Knebworth House. There will be a fancy dress competition, and take along a decorated pumpkin prizes for best ones. Suitable for ages 2+.

01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Thu 29 & Fri 30 Oct Pumpkin Carving & Museum by Torchlight (HP23) On Thursday head along to the Natural History Museum Tring and carve a spooky pumpkin to light your way through Tring Park with the Woodland Trust’s lantern walk. Then on Friday take along your torch and set off on the trail for nocturnal creatures around the Museum.

Fancy dress welcome. Both events suitable for ages 5+, advance booking required. www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring Thu 29 Oct – Minions (U) (WD3) The Friends of Watersmeet Film Society present Minions, a half term family film. Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

Showing begins at 2pm. www.watersmeet.co.uk Thu 29 Oct - The Big Draw 2015 (AL1) Budding artists, young and old, are invited to explore St Albans Cathedral and create their very own masterpieces. Equipment supplied. All children must be with an adult. Drop in from 10.30am-3pm. www.stalbanscathedral.org continued on page 18 v

Paediatric First Aid Courses Sat 17 Oct; Sun 8 Nov; Sat 5 Dec Pinner/Harrow Area

Accepted for Voluntary OFSTED Registration.

Training can be extended for Full Registration at no further charge.

Certificate valid for 3 years Cost = £85

Contact Margaret at mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk or on 07814 191 395 for bookings Other dates available

continued on page 26 v

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

17

What’s On continued from page 17

Fri 30 Oct – Halloween Spooky Quest (WD18) Do you dare meet the ghosts of Cassiobury Park and complete the challenges to have a chance of winning a secret prize? Teams of 4 people recommended, at least one person per team must be over 18, go in your spookiest costumes. It’s not advised to take children under 6 due to the spooky nature of the event. Booking is essential. Meet at Grove Mill Lane car park.

01923 278972 deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk; www.cassioburypark.info Fri 30 Oct - Peace Hospice Care Halloween Quiz (WD4) You are invited to a brilliant night of Halloween fun at Hunton Park! It will be a nail-biting night of quizzing with a special spooky twist and lots of fun for all. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged but will be optional! Book early to avoid disappointment.

01923 330340 fundraising@peacehospicecare.org.uk www.peacehospice.co.uk/

investigate tales of death and destruction, take part in candlelit tours of the exhibits and watch the curators on the gang plank. From 7-9.45pm. www.rmg.co.uk Sat 31 Oct - Ghost Tours at The Royal Artillery Museum (SE18) An evening of (not too scary), ghost stories and a tour of Firepower for families. At the end of the tour warm the chills away with bangers and mash and juice or a hot cup of tea or coffee, all included in the price of the tour, in a building inhabited by four of museum ghosts. 6pm start. www.firepower.org.uk Sat 31 Oct – Sun 1 Nov – The Amazing Halloween Experience (N1) Take a spooky boat trip through Islington Tunnel and take part in a variety of seasonal activities at the Canal Museum. www.canalmuseum.org.uk

Sat 31 Oct – Drawing Workshop (HA6) A FREE drop-in drawing workshop, for all the family. Create your own drawn characters inspired by the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. From 10am-4pm at St Johns Church in Northwood.

Children must be accompanied. All levels of drawing ability welcome! www.northwoodcommunityarts.co.uk Sat 31 Oct - Ghost Ship & Voyage of the Dammed (SE10) AHOY! has been taken over by ghosts, ghouls and sea monsters at the National Maritime Museum! Go in your best fancy dress between 11am & 4pm and join in a day of family fun and frights. Win prizes, take part in spooky activities and listen to scary maritime stories. Then later on, as part of the annual Museums at Night celebration, go and

L Sun 25 Oct - Diwali on the

Parade (WD17) The Festival of Lights will be lighting up The Parade this autumn, with different performances and workshops also taking place. www.watfordbigevents.co.uk

L Sun 1 Nov - Bushey

Metropolitan Police Sports and Social Club Fireworks Display (WD23) The gates open at 4pm at Bushey Sports Centre. The event is hosted by Heart Radio and there will be a fairground and charity stalls. The display is due to start at approx. 6pm. www.busheysportsclub.co.uk

L Thu 5 Nov - Brent Fireworks

Night (NW10) Head along to Brent Council’s free fireworks show at Roundwood Park - fun for all the family and friends. plus you could win prizes. There will be two displays on the night – the children’s display at 7pm, followed by the main display at 8pm. Also available on the day will be a funfair, hot food stalls inside the park and hot drinks and snacks to buy. www.brent.gov.uk

L Fri 6 Nov – Abbots Langley

Firework Display (WD5) Abbots Langley Fireworks Display will take place at the Manor House Playing Fields, with the grounds opening at 6.30pm. There will be music and rides for the children, food will be available from crepes and burger stalls and the Manor House bar will be open for the sale of drinks. There is no entrance fee but a collection is taken to help pay for the firework display with any profits going to the Lions Club nominated charities. The fireworks will start at 7:30 pm and the display will last approximately 15 minutes. www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk

LEGOLAND® Windsor

Willows Farm Village

Butterfly World

18

Firework Events

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

L Sat 7 Nov - Harrow Fireworks Display & Family Fun Day (HA3) The Harrow fireworks festival at Byron Park will be the largest event to date and will be themed around Disney to provide wholesome family fun and frolics. The event will feature a full size fun fair, a world food arena, a family zone, an event stage, DJs, a huge marquee and a Disney parade with characters, as well as a 20 minute fireworks display in time with Disney themed music. The event is free from 12-3pm, and entrance charges will apply afterwards. www.harrowfireworks.co.uk/

L Sat 7 Nov – Fireworks – Light

up Watford (WD18) Free Firework display at Cassiobury Park. The event starts at 6pm with live music and entertainment. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the main firework display at 7.30pm.

A collection will be taking place on the night, which will go towards supporting local charities. www.watford.gov.uk/

L Sat 7 Nov - Verulamium

Firework Spectacular (AL3) A 25 minute firework display at Verulamium Park.

Begins at 7.30pm. www.alban-arena.co.uk

L Sat 7 Nov – Grand Fireworks Event (N14) Gates open at 5pm at the Walker Cricket Ground, and the firework display will begin at 8pm. There will be a full bar, food and drink, rides and stalls. Tickets available to buy online. www.thewalkerground.co.uk/

L Sun 8 Nov - Butterfly World

Spectacular Fireworks Display (AL2) Go to Butterfly World and enjoy the fantastic firework display. Free parking, food and drink stalls, fireworks and music synchronised for a perfect evening’s entertainment. Gates open at 4.30pm, display starts at 6.15pm. Please noteparking on the A405 is absolutely forbidden. Please use onsite parking. www.butterflyworldproject.com/

What’s On L Sat 14 Nov – Lord Mayor’s

Day (various) There are events all day and many other family activities and special exhibitions will be laid on in the area. The day will include a procession, followed by free guided tours of the City’s more strange and wonderful corners. Then in the evening the Lord Mayor’s Fireworks will light up the sky over the river. For the best view head down to the riverside between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank. www.lordmayorsshow.london

November Sun 1 Nov – Strange Magic (WD17) Head along to Watford Palace Theatre for a Family Screening of the film Strange Magic. A fairy tale musical inspired by Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, it tells the story of a colourful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion containing primrose petals. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Thu 5 Nov - Internet Safety Workshop (HA1) A two hour workshop at Hope Harrow for parents of children aged 6-11 years. Understanding what children do online and the risks they face will help you keep your child safe. Though it may feel daunting, you don’t need to be an expert on the internet. Topics include: Keeping children safe on the internet; Negotiating and setting limits for use; The law and social media.

020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www. hopeharrow.org.uk 9 Nov – 14 Dec - Anger Management for Parents & Teens Together (HA1) This 6 week course run at Hope Harrow will look at improving both Parents’ and Teen’s understanding of anger and share tips and strategies on how to enhance relationships.

The majority of the course is run with Parents and Teens in separate rooms, joining the groups

at times to work together. The aim of the course is to help with managing difficult behaviours and emotions, through a better understanding of anger, helping to create a happy, cooperative, cohesive home environment. www.hopeharrow.org.uk Thurs 12 Nov - intu Watford Christmas Light Switch On (WD17) Head along to intu Watford for the Christmas light switch on and an evening of festive fun! Activities include visits from Wat-ford FC players, the cast of the Watford Palace panto Dick Whittington, and of course the big man himself, as well as performances by Watford Academy Performing Arts and Pauline Quirke Acad-emy. The main show starts at 6pm and the lights will then be switched on at 7pm along with a fireworks display to round off the night. Free parking from 4pm! www.intu.co.uk/watford Fri 13 Nov – Philharmonia At The Movies: Screen Heroes (WD17) Acclaimed composer and conductor Carl Davis leads the Philharmonia Orchestra for a night of music from the movies. The performance celebrates some of the screen’s most famous heroes including Indiana Jones, Superman, Marvel’s The Avengers and Sherlock. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Fri 13 – Sat 14 Nov - Knebworth Christmas Fair (SG3) Head out and visit the Christmas Show at Knebworth House. You can sample and buy from their wide range of arts, craft and gift stalls and food and drink stands which include wine, real-food as well as chocolates and other confectionery. You can also meet their very own Reindeer as well as visiting Father Christmas in his Grotto – child entry price includes a visit to Father Christmas & Present. Please note: advanced tickets are not available for this event. Free Parking. www.knebworthhouse.com Sat 14 – Sun 15 Nov - Cracking Codes (SE1) Can you decipher secret messages? Go and join in this family activity at

HMS Belfast; intercept messages, map hazards on a sea chart and even make up your own secret code.

11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast Sat 14 – Sun 15 Nov – The Independent Schools Show (SW11) Go along to Battersea Evolution and meet the big names of British education. As the UK’s largest school open day, the Independent Schools Show annually welcomes 200 of the leading schools to Battersea Park. Join in at this informative and dynamic event to meet key admissions teams; speak with heads; enquire about entry requirements at all stages and explore scholarships and bursaries. www.schoolsshow.co.uk Sun 15 Nov – Jazz for Toddlers/ Family Jazz All-Stars (N12) Enjoy music and moves in a jazz groove in this workshop at Artsdepot for 2-5 year olds with clarinettist Arun Ghosh, alongside Taiko drummer and percussionist Nao Masuda. Proving you are never too young to be a jazzer, with ideas to take away and try at home. Then later on join an all-star line up featuring the fabulous vocals of Juliet Kelly and some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians in a funfilled family concert, as they lead you through the songs of jazz singers past and present – plus a few jazzed up versions of your favourite pop hits.

Perfect for all ages - from toddlers to grannies take the whole clan and enjoy an energetic, music packed show like no other! www.artsdepot.co.uk Sun 22 Nov - Baby and Children’s Market (NW6) A Christmas special event featuring a selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services all under one roof! Stalls from £40. All the events are indoors at Salusbury Primary School. Pushchairs welcome.

10am – 2pm. FREE ENTRY TO ADULTS AND CHILDREN. www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk, m: 07905658065

Wed 25 Nov – Thu 24 Dec – Santa Spectacular (AL4) Visit Santa in his grotto at Willows Farm Village and receive a golden key to his toy shop to choose any gift. Join in with the nativity story, hop on the festive wood ride and make time to write a letter to Santa in the Elves House and receive a free reply. With Willows Magical Ice Rink (synthetic ice), festive funfair rides, indoor play and reindeer hunt with prize all included in the entrance prices it’s a fantastic family day out. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Sat 28 Nov – Sun 10 Jan – The Big Skate (WD17) Watford’s very own outdoor ice rink - with real ice - returns to The Parade for the Christmas season. www.watfordbigevents.co.uk Sun 29 Nov – Compass Christmas 2015 (UB10) The perfect event to get you in to the festive mood, a traditional Christmas Concert.

Featuring songs, readings and sketches with performances from many of the local musicians and singers in the Compass community. www.hillingdontheatres.uk Wed 16 Dec - Sun 10 Jan – The Nutcracker (WC2N) On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger.

As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live. This magical Christmas ballet for all the family is an unforgettable Christmas treat.

The London Coliseum St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 020 7845 9300 www.eno.o

continued on page 26 v

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

19

Local Clubs and Classes Directory CLASSES FOR GROWN-UPS Adult Art Classes in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for adults. Weekday morning studio sessions in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) Pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore.

Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk Yogabellies Aquabellies (various) Beautiful water based yoga classes for women throughout their lives. The sessions incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures) adapted for water, water relaxations and positive life building experiences for women, mothers and mothers to be. There is AquaBellies Aquanatal yoga for pregnancy, AquaMamas, post natal and AquaBelles aqua yoga classes suitable for all women..  07840 904887  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli

First Aid

MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course. Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration. Certificate valid for 3 yrs.  Margaret 07814 191 395  mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development. Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded.  020 7631 6258  www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Gujarati Masti Maja classes by Sansaar (HA5) Fun and interactive Gujarati music, song and dance classes for 3 to 6 year olds in North London, to help your child speak Gujarati confidently. Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at St Lawrence Church in Eastcote, Pinner.  www.sansaar.org Portuguese for Children (NW6) Every Saturday, from 10am to 12pm, the International Gospel Church on Belsize Road will be open for children from 4 to 12 years of Brazilian-English parents to enrol. Lessons will include how to read and write and Brazilian culture, including music. Lessons run from September and February 2016 and are free.  contact@igclondon.org.uk

Sign Language Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills. Babies 6-30 months.

Bushey, Rickmansworth, Stanmore and Harrow:  www.singandsign.com TinyTalk (Ruislip, Ickenham & Rickmansworth) Baby Signing and Toddler Talking, Newborn to 4 years old. One hour classes of signing and singing with instruments and sensory equipment which is based on a theme each week, as well as time for socialising, while babies learn to develop their social skills and play with toys. Classes term time only - Tesco Community Room in Watford on a Monday, St Giles Hall in Ickenham on Thursdays and Methodist church in Ruislip on Fridays. 07879 604967/01895 313150  www.tinytalk.co.uk/ruislip

ACTIVITY CENTRES Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of activities available from 6mths to 12yrs.  020 8954 5759  kidzzone@aspire.org.uk. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and parties.  01923 892140  www.gambado.com JAMtots (HA4) An Interactive daytime activity centre for parents with babies and toddlers. All pay as you go with a variety of sessions that include Parent & Toddler Groups, Musical Tots, Gym Tots and one off events plus special visits from Jimmy the JAMtots Bear.  01895 624755  thewindmillstudio.com Rumble Tumble Harrow (HA1) Harrow’s only indoor supervised soft play children’s play group. Why not take advantage of the Drop & Shop facility and have a stress free shop, or book a special event in the Party Room available for all occasions. You can even relax and have a snack in the restaurant while your little ones are playing.  0208 427 8847  info@rumble-tumble.com www.rumble-tumble.com The Windmill Studio Centre (HA4) An exciting activity centre that has just about everything to offer for all ages from babies to adults.  01895 624755  www.thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Beat Building (HA1&HA2) Run inspiring and creative music classes for children using African drums and funky hand held percussion from around the world - lots of great songs and games get the imagination glowing and introduce the concepts of beats and rhythmic patterns and also encourage sharing, taking turns and listening.

As well as being a great approach to learning about music and rhythm, beat Building is also brilliant for: enhancing coordination; fine and gross motor skills; focus and concentration; language and social skills; building confidence.

Beat Building is also lots of FUN and a great way to release energy in a positive way!  07721 623 171  info@beatbuilding.co.uk www.beatbuilding.co.uk

20

Little Notes (HA1) Music Teachers’ Awards for Excellence Finalist 2014. Pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians. Real music, real instruments, really fun! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years in Harrow & Northwood. Please see website for more details and to book a Free Taster Session.  020 8426 4114  sarahlittlenotes@gmail.com www.littlenotes.org Mini Maniacs (Various) Multi award nominated classes that are filled with music, dance and exploration – plus plenty of excitement.

Focusing on a range of engaging activities, the classes take you up tempo then down tempo, leaving parent and child feeling like they’ve been on a tummy tickling roller coaster!  Contact hilda@mini-maniacs.com or visit www.mini-maniacs.com Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music introduces babies and young children to music in a way they understand and enjoy - and is brilliant fun for children and adults too! The unique four-stage curriculum ensures that classes are a “good fit” for pre-schoolers. Voted as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity.”

Age guides are as follows: Rock’n’Roll from 3m, Heigh Ho from 1yr, Jiggety Jig from 2rs, Ding Dong 3- 5yrs. Classes are open 6 days a week, at venues in Hillingdon, Eastcote, Northwood and Harrow.  01895 674587  www.monkeymusic.com

SPORTS AND EXERCISE Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 yr olds in a fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Ten ball sports for the perfect introduction to sport. Physi-ball classes - Ball skills and core skills for toddlers aged 18mths to 3 yrs. Classes run in Mill HIll, Finchley, Golders Green and Muswell Hill. Call 08452 26 26 94 to book a trial session. Enjoy-a-Ball parties are for super-active 3 - 9 year olds. They are full of high energy games loved by boys and girls alike!  08452 26 26 94  www.enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Field End Flyers Saturday Morning Community Cycle Club (HA5) Every Saturday in Term Time at Field End Road for all children aged 5 – 11 years. Join the friendly team of British Cycling Coaches at 9.45am, and learn fun skills, race on the amazing fully enclosed Cycle Track, make new friends (for both children and parents) and enjoy a whole morning of fun till 12.30 - (refreshment break half way through). All you need is your own bike, helmet, gloves and water bottle and a shower proof jacket.  For further info contact Tracey at fieldendflyers@gmail.com Little Kickers (Various) Enabling children aged 18mths up to their 7th birthday to develop their coordination, balance and agility through football activity classes Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green, Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet  020 8201 1084  jlevene@littlekickers.co.uk. Ruislip, Northwood/Oxhey, Pinner, Harrow (HA2), Harrow on the Hill and Watford  0208 123 9346  jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley  0208 422 0676  niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Modern Combat Martial Arts - MCMA (HA1/HA5/UB5) Children’s Mixed Martial Arts & Self Defence from 5yrs - 14yrs old. Ladies Only Boxing & Kick Boxing from 15yrs old. Mixed Adult Classes from 16yrs.  www.fightingcombatfitness.co.uk; www.moderncombatmartialarts.com;  07818 416 671 Rugbytots - the UK’s first rugby based play programme for 2-7 year olds.

Focusing on developing your child’s motor skills and confidence with fun-filled programmes aimed at improving general ball skills, balance, agility and coordination. Currently classes in Watford, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Stanmore.  For more information contact remi@rugbytots.co.uk Salle Paul Fencing Club (NW9) Fencing for boys and girls in age appropriate groups near Brent Cross Shopping Centre. For ages 5-7, 8-12, 13-17 (and 18+).

Free parking, wifi and seating area. Termly courses for children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school. Spaces available to join mid-term. First session FREE quote “Families” when booking.  sallepaul@leonpaulfencingcentre.com www.sallepaul.co.uk SportsKids Academy (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sports Activities for children. All students are taught in small groups of similar age and ability. Mini academy ages 4-6 years (an hour and a half) Main Academy 6-16 years (3 hours). (Previously known as SportsCoach.) Held at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic School Rickmansworth  01923255099  sportskids@outlook.com www.sportskidsacademy.co.uk White Crane Karate School (HA8) Karate classes for ages 4 years and above held in Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Central , Stanmore and Harrow Weald. Adult classes in Barnet.  Sheena 0787 550 1674  whitecraneedgware34@hotmail.co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk

Massage & Yoga Positiv-Life Fitness (various) Specialise in Small group Personal training Pregnancy Pilates, Mum & Baby Yoga & Postnatal Pilates & Baby Massage, for those in & near Eastcote Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood & Uxbridge. info@ positivlifefitness.com  07974 062 973  www.positivlifefitness.com www.facebook.com/positivlifefitness > Twitter @PositivLifeFit YogaBugs (various) A magical, fun and interactive story-style adventures for children where they learn yoga techniques. Yoga improves flexibility, posture and concentration and also helps in relaxation. These fun and engaging classes are designed for children from walking to 12 years of age.  Contact details: 08458997168. deepti@yogabugs.com. www.yogabugs.com YogaBellies (HA) YogaBelliesKidz are a fantastical yoga journey for babies and children up to 16 years old. COMING SOON YogaBellies Mum and Baby yoga: Monday mornings NEW: YogaBellies Little Angels pre-school yoga (18 months to 4 years): Saturday mornings, Bushey NEW: YogaBelliesKidz family yoga (children 4-12 years): Sunday mornings, Bushey NEW: YogaBelles Mum and Daughter (13-16 years): Saturday, Bushey  anjli@yogabellies.co.uk; www.yogabellies.co.uk/members/anjli

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

Directory editor: Anna Blackshaw

Swimmimg Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teaches children, babies and adults to swim without aids in small groups, or One to One. Good facilities and plenty of parking. They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and weekly ‘Term Time’ courses.  www.aquaswim.org  07925954144.

Aqua Vie (WD23, WD5) Small classes based on the Alexander Technique. Babies from 6 weeks.  07525 657 987  office@aqua-vie.com www.aqua-vie.com Aweswim (various) Aweswim offers courses for people of all ages and abilities, ranging from parent and baby groups through to adults.  www.aweswim. co.uk  01923 537070 Everyone Active (WD/HA) Spaces available for swimming lessons. Start from 4 months old with highly qualified teachers. Adult swimming lessons also available, and enjoy a discount on fitness memberships when your children are enrolled in lessons. Leisure Centres in Watford and Harrow. Watford Central 01923 296750; Woodside 01923 892710; Harrow 020 8901 5980; Hatch End 020 8428 8041; Bannister 020 8428 7931; Vale Farm 020 8908 6545; Northolt High School 020 8864 8544; Northolt Leisure Centre 020 8423 7436.  www.everyoneactive.com Push & Glide Swimming School (WD18, WD23, HA6) Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, they pride themselves on their friendly, dynamic teaching environment. They provide fully qualified instructors who are committed to maintaining and improving an excellent quality of teaching along with low ratio swimming lessons in a safe environment for children aged 3.5 years plus. All abilities are catered for, from gaining water confidence through to competition training, following the ASA progressive scheme awards..  07749554405  www.pushandglide.co.uk Splashtime Swim School (various) Swimming lessons, Holiday clubs and After school club held at Quainton Hall School. Swimming lessons also held at Merchant Taylors School and Uxendon Manor Primary School.  Splashtime Swim School  07903126486 Children’s Activities 07794078452

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS Beverley School of Performing Arts (HA8) After school & Saturday classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Street, Singing & Drama for boys and girls aged 3-18years. ISTD and LAMDA examinations to advanced level.  07974 750 224  www.beverleydance.co.uk.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Truly like no other, with classes available from 2.5 years – adults, male and female plus an incredibly busy agency that is always looking for new recruits!  01895 624755 www.jam2000.co.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) run weekend dance, drama and singing classes for children aged 3 - 18 years. Children are divided into age appropriate groups and work towards shows and presentations. Jigsaw focuses on having fun and building confidence through engaging performing arts activities. Two week trial available.  020 8447 4530  www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Perform Drama (Various) Together with a team of experienced theatre professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance and quick witted improvisation and colourful costumes into a performance at the end of the term. Perform sessions are specially designed to encourage creativity, confidence and communication skills as well as being a kaleidoscope of fun!  0845 400 1275  www.perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA4, HA7, WD3) Performance based theatre school with venues based in Harrow, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre productions.  01923 437693  www.SharpeAcademy.co.uk Stagecoach (Various) Training in three disciplines or drama, dance and singing.

Great for building confidence, making new friends and beginning to hone talent and enthusiasm for performing, or being coaxed out of their shell by having fun!  Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill & Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore & Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599  www.stagecoach.co.uk Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Communication Skills for children aged 3-18yrs.  wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge City Centre. Futunity UK offer classes for children ages 2 all the way through to adults. Hip Hop, Street Dance, Gymnastics, Free Running, Breakdancing, Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Cheerleading, Pole Fitness, and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/competitive levels. Futunity UK also have three fully equipped studios available for hire, at very competitive rates. Futunity UK also supply dance (all genres) and gymnastics teachers into schools to run after/before school extra curricular sessions, and PE and PPA cover lessons.  01895 251224  admin@futunityuk.com www.futunityuk.com Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Exciting, Energetic and popular dance classes that teach a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Kathak. Open to Toddlers, Children & Adults, you will learn from professional teachers and all dance levels welcome.  020 8423 9543/07944 457 984  www.kspark.co.uk Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students from 3-18 yrs - Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. Royal Academy of Dance Examinations are taken in Ballet from Primary to Advanced Level and ISTD exams in all other Genre to the same standard. All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote. Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert.  0208 8662105 or 01923 285380. www.lornaclarkschoolofdance.co.uk The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations  020 8950 2457  www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

Local Clubs and Classes Directory ARTS AND CRAFTS Art Classes for Kids (and Adults) in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed media art classes for children and adults. On-going, small groups Monday–Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings in Term Time for children from Year 1 up. Weekday morning studio sessions for adults in a relaxed, supportive environment.  020 8954 2897 or 07500 006 099  myartclub@yahoo.co.uk Art and Craft Club (HA5) Term time, Mon 4.30-5.30, Sat 10-11am or 11-12pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New activities introduced every term; drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sewing, fabric printing and much more! For 5-11yr olds. Materials provided. Qualified teachers.  07946 055 422  info@mysistersandme.co.uk Fused Glass Workshops (HA8) Design and create your glass piece in their Studio in Edgware (platter, wall clock, coasters, mirror, picture frame...). Open to adults and teenagers. For dates and availability,  0773 3321094  eva@crescendo-art.co.uk www.crescendo-art.co.uk Messmakers! (HA5) A gentle and fun introduction to creative arts for the very young and their families, with lots and lots of mess and none of the tidying up! Exploring different materials and textures each week. Ages under 5, come dressed for mess!  0208 416 8989  www.harrowarts.com/family Mini Picassos (NW10) Offer exciting after school art courses for children aged 4-13 years. Toddler Picassos - weekdays at 10am & Tues 2.45-3.45pm: Painting, water play, collage, play dough and songs. Ages 15 mnths–3 years. Adults evening Life drawing classes. Get creative with a Mini Picassos Arty Birthday Party for children aged 2-10 years and Summer Holiday workshops too!  07903 638 817  www.minipicassos.co.uk info@minipicassos.co.uk The Veggie Kitchen (HA7) offers pure vegetarian cookery courses in Stanmore. Specialising in Indian cuisines, as well as Thai, Chinese and many more, students will learn to cook nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals in a friendly and homely environment. Offer group and one-to-one hands on courses.  0208 204 1906  www.veggiekitchen.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB /EDUCATION SUPPORT Brownies and Guides (Various) Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Units exist across the area which provide fun activities for girls aged from 5 onwards.  www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or  Peggy Brand on 020 8205 7597 to find out more Click IT! Computer lessons for Children (HA2) Fun, exciting and educational weekly computer lessons for children aged 2-5. Classes held at nursery schools all over North West London. Have fun learning with technology: mouse and keyboard skills and devices including graphic tablets, trackpads and digital microscopes. Every lesson is designed to complement the EYFS curriculum. Free trials available.  020 8434 7111.  www.clickit-kids.co.uk. wendy@clickit-kids.co.uk.

Elisa’s Tutorial School (HA8) Experienced private tutor in Edgware. Programmes for children from 2.5-16 yrs. If your child needs a little extra help, in English maths verbal and non-verbal 4+ 7+ and 11+ preparing for entrance exams or you just want to give them every advantage, Elisa can help. 99% success rate.  020 8958 1192 07956868119  www.childrensstories.net Excel Academy Tuition Centre (HA3) Run special GCSE/ IGCSE exam preparation classes and ensure A/A* in the exams. Teaching is by well qualified, experienced and professional staff, who carry out regular assessments with one-to-one sessions.  020 3602 9407/07850 477563  info@excelacademy.org.uk www.excelacademy.org.uk Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Visit their website to find your nearest centre or call to book a free trial class!  www.explorelearning.co.uk.

First Class Learning (Various) Structured yet flexible programme, designed for children studying the UK National Curriculum. Tailored to a child’s learning needs & style. Find out more about this structured approach to learning, by contacting one of your local Centre managers.  www.firstclasslearning.co.uk First Steps Tuition (various) Preparation for 4+, 5+ & 7+ entrance to independent selective and state schools from age 3 years; Assisting with interview assessment process; Teaching by an experienced individual with a proven track record; Teaching Maths and English tailored to suit individual needs; Regular assessment and feedback; Well resourced; Small group size, and 1 to 1 tuition available.  07894 989438  info @firststepstuition.co.uk First Steps Tuition (HA8) Preparation for 4+, 5+ & 7+ entrance to independent selective and state schools from age 3 years; Assisting with interview assessment process; Teaching by an experienced individual with a proven track record; Teaching Maths and English tailored to suit individual needs; Regular assessment and feedback; Well resourced; Small group size, and 1 to 1 tuition available.  07894 989438  info@firststepstuition.co.uk Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 37 years’ experience.  020 8580 3911  www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Hatch End 11+ (various) Provide courses to fully prepare children for the 11+ and Independent School Examinations for Yr 4 and Yr 5 students. . Lessons are carefully constructed to fully meet the requirements for the exams. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Mental Arithmetic, Creative Writing, Grammar and Comprehension. Small class sizes mean the students’ progress is closely monitored and an open dialogue between teacher, parent and pupil gives each student the best chance for achieving their potential.  www.hatchend11plus.co.uk Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities limited (HA1) Pick’s up from four local school’s at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity.

They are open Monday- Friday 3pm-6pm  Nicole 07794078452  holidays@activetime.co.uk www.activetime.co.uk Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning!

(UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Small groups of 4/5 children working to develop better all-round motor integration.  Usha Patel 07766 837 616  ushapatel. raviv@gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk

List your business in this directory for only £90/yr!

Contact us to find out more: Listings@ FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Jaderberg Krais Educational Consultancy and Tutoring (various) Tutoring, Assessments, Consultancy for children 5-18yrs. 7+, 11+, GCSE, A Levels, SEN, EFL.  020 3488 0754  www.jaderbergkrais.co.uk Kenton Tuition Centre offers quality tuition to prepare children for 11 Plus, GCSE & A Level Exams. Maths, English & Science Tuition where you make progress every week.  For a free no obligation assessment, contact them on 020 8909 2299 or 07511 393000.

Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation.  07985 588 085  www.knowledgeabovestandard.co.uk Kumon (Kingsbury) Give your child the best start to their school year. Contact your local Kumon Maths and English Centre to find out more about their 2 week free trial, available from 21st September to 31st October.  020 7096 6494 Leaders are Readers (HA5 & N21) Leaders are Readers offer specialist experience and accelerated learning in their award winning Saturday School, and also run popular Summer and Winter Schools during holidays.

2 hours spent per subject, including English, Maths, Learning to Read and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

All programmes are for ages 3.5 to 11 and the success rate is 90% for helping pupils prepare to sit entrance exams, including 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+. Childcare vouchers accepted.  01992 651 300  www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Little Big Leaders Ltd (HA7) Supplementary School for students aged three and a half to 11 years undertaking Reading, Maths and English.  020 8213 3100 07949 925374 Magikats (HA1) Innovative programmes, written to support the National Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, Sat at Gayton Library, Harrow. Individual programmes and support for individual children, promotes confidence, skills and a love of learning.  02084275663  www.magikats.com Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-oflesson homework support.  0844 840 8400  www.mathscool.com The Northwood Speech and Language Therapy Practice (HA6) An independent service covering a range of children’s communication difficulties.  01923 824 074  www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Number Works ‘n’ Words (Eastcote) After school Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. They set goals for your child, monitor progress and provide regular progress reports.

Cater for all levels from Reception to Year 11.  www.numberworksnwords.co.uk The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play Schemes available October 2015.  0207 407 6744 for more information.  admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.co.uk Pinner Tuition Centre (Pinner) After school and Sat tuition for Reception to Year 11 by fully qualified teachers. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE. FREE ASSESSMENT. Ofsted Registered.  www.pinnertuitioncentre.co.uk Raviv Practice London (UB5) Catch up reading course for children on the SEN register. Reading courses are flexible with home based learning (via computer) monitored daily.  Usha Patel on 07766 837 616  info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist)

School of Academic and Behavioural Interventions (ABI) (various) support children with autism and related conditions on behaviour and academic management strategies. We work with children from the age of 2-19yrs.

For more information  www.schoolofabi.com  Tawa on 07985 290 316

Stanmore Tutor

Stanmore Tutor ONE EXAM, ONE CHANCE, ONE SCHOOL PLACE Recent changes in the 11+ exams (both State & Independent schools) has meant that it is more vital than ever to ensure that YOUR child is prepared to pass competitive exams.

Stanmore Tutor prepares students thoroughly for the top selective schools ensuring that they reach their maximum potential for that all important place.

Offering key preparation in: Maths English Verbal Reasoning (both CEM and traditional) Places are limited, so call us today  020 3538 2437

Sunshine Learning UK (HA) Offer group and one-to-one tuition for 11+, SATs and GCSEs. They teach students how to develop their vision, move forward towards their goals and boost their self-confidence. Centres in Ealing Rd, Sudbury, Kenton and North Wembley.  0208 632 9033  info@sunshinelearninguk.com www. sunshinelearninguk.com/ Susan Daughtrey Education (SDE) SW Herts courses are based on more than 25 years experience preparing students for 11+ tests. All courses have been personally written by Susan Daughtrey M.Ed, author of the market leading verbal reasoning Technique and Practice series.

Every year since 1987, over 90 per cent. of the students on the courses have achieved success.  020 7683 0734  www.sdeuk.org/swherts The London Tutors (Various) Specialises in providing 11 Plus classroom based learning, to yr 4 and 5 students.

Prepare students to sit exams for Grammar and private schools.  For a call back email your name and phone number to info@thelondontutors.co.uk Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch type! Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18. Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at their office in Harrow on the Hill, HA2 0JT. Free trials available. Adult classes also available.  020 8434 7111.  www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@typeitforkids.co.uk.

Keep up to date!

Check the clubs and classes directory of the Families website www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk to see what’s near you.

From archery to zoology, you’ll find something for every child!

Push & Glide Swimming School provide extremely high standards of swimming instruction, we pride ourselves on our friendly, dynamic teaching environment.      

Children’s low-ratio group lessons Children’s private lessons 1-2-1 & 2-2-1 Adults group lessons Adults private lessons 1-2-1 & 2-2-1 P & G Shark Swimming Squad Crash Courses

t: 07749554405 e: swim@pushandglide.co.uk

www.pushandglide.co.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

21

What’s New Never miss an APPointment with the Smart Alarm Clock.

It’s digital and works with Android or Apple smart phones. Simply set your alarm on your phone and touch it against the Smart Alarm Clock to instantly sync.

Can also sync with appointments so you’ll never be late if your phone is on silent or your battery has died. Compact and perfect for on the go. It works as 12 or 24 hour format and will display the date, day and month whilst also showing forthcoming alarms. It’s the perfect pocket sized gadget at 6 x 6 x 2.5 cm.

Families Rating: µµµµ RRP £15.95 from www.giftzone.co.uk

Track lost items from your smartphone Wistiki is a device that follows you daily, localizing your items via your smartphone. Hook or stick a Wistiki onto your belongings (keys, car, wallet, teddy, etc) and use your smartphone to make the Wistiki ring. You can then find the GPS location of your misplaced item on the map in the Wistiki app – anywhere in the world. You can also make your smartphone ring by pressing on the Wistiki. Up to 10 Wistiki can be managed using the same smartphone. Also comes with a virtual leash where you can receive an alert when your item moves away from your smartphone.

Families Rating: µµµµµ RRP £19.90 www.wistiki.co.uk

Lazy Arm This gadget will help you when you really need 3 hands. This funky and functionally designed flexible Smartphone holder can be clipped onto most surfaces. Perfect for watching films, listening to music and making hands free calls or following recipes in the kitchen. Compatible with most Smartphones.

TRIED AND TESTED!

Tiggly Learning Tools Designed for children aged 4 to 8 years Tiggly Words is a set of five vowel toys (a, e, i, o, u) designed by educators to interact with Tiggly’s three new iPad apps: Tiggly Submarine, Tiggly Tales, and Tiggly Doctor. It focuses on helping preschoolers recognize phonemes, construct sounds and learn words. Tiggly Maths contains 5 sleek counting toys that physically interact with three learning apps for the iPad. Lightweight and easily grasped in small hands, Tiggly Maths helps young learners understand the relationships between numbers concretely and spatially. Tiggly’s learning products include 3 free apps that are compatible with the toys. Compatible with all generations of iPad and iPad mini (excluding iPad 1) and select Android tablets.

Families Rating: µµµµµ

RRP £24.99. Available in Apple Stores, Currys and Amazon. www.tiggly.com

Build your own Adventure books from LEGO®!

Two exciting new LEGO® books from the Build Your Own Adventure series are perfect for budding fans of LEGO® who want to get inspired to build, then play out adventures of their own using their LEGO collection. Both titles come with an exclusive set of bricks to help you build your very own adventure! LEGO® NINJAGO™ Build Your Own Adventure and LEGO® Friends Build Your Own Adventure

Families Rating: µµµµ RRP £17.99 Dorling Kindersley www.dk.com

Families Rating: µµµµµ RRP £8.95 www.geniegadgets.com

Learning Outdoors with the Meek Family Family time is just as important as school time and these 52 Edventures provide parents with a bank of educational outdoor activities that can be fitted into a weekend or home-school programs. Within each activity there is plenty to develop enquiring minds, including ideas on what to do before and while you’re there and when you’re back. They encourage different ways of learning including reading, listening, sensory and physical.

Families Rating: µµµµ RRP £13.99

Oddsockosaurus: Roarin’ New Children’s Book Stomps in Inspired by her young Sonosaurus, Zanib Mian’s ‘Oddsockosaurus’ is a creative tale, allowing kids to see their everyday quirks in a variety of silly and entertaining dinosaurs.

Packed with humour this read-aloud picture book captures the imagination of a whimsical little boy who describes some of his characteristics as if he were a dinosaur. ‘Oddsockosaurus’, from Sweet Apple Publishers releases on October 16th and is available to pre-order for £6.99 at most bookshops

Families Rating: µµµµµ

COMPETITION WIN Tickets for all the family to see English National Ballet’s Nutcracker Families North West have teamed up with English National Ballet to offer you the chance to win tickets to see their magical Christmas ballet at the London Coliseum this winter. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live. We have one set of tickets to give away for 4 people to see this perfect festive family treat. On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins. From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker in the splendour of the London Coliseum promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Nutcracker returns following hugely successful performances in 2014, when over 70,000 audience members – young and old – made it part of their holiday celebrations.

For more information about the production and to book tickets, visit www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker

ENTER TO WIN! www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk/competitions Ts&Cs: 4 x tickets valid for Mon-Thurs performances from 16 Dec 2015 – 7 Jan 2016. Subject to availability, no cash alternative and non-transferable. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the prize winner. Not for re-sale. If the winner does not claim their prize within 10 days of being notified then the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be selected.

22

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

CLASSIFIED EDUCATION AND CLASSES

Classified: Health & beauty, childcare, tuition, holidays, services for the home, e.g. cleaning, plumbing or electrical work.

To advertise your business or service in classified, please call 01923 237 004 or email Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Upcoming Issue: Nov/Dec 2015

Seasonal Celebrations Deadline: Fri 9 October 2015

PA R T IE S

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST An independent service covering a range of Children’s communication difficulties.

Contact THE NORTHWOOD PRACTICE MRCSLT, HPC

Call 01923 824074

Where is Families North West?

LIKE us on Facebook to get after-press updates on local events and activities! www.facebook.com/FamiliesNWLondon

SUBSCRIBE £10 for the next 10 issues delivered to your door!

Email your request to

Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted. 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering. 3. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 4. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries. 5. All decisions of Families Magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 7. Winners’ details will be supplied to the Promoter of the competition. 8. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition. 9. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms.

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west.

You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

Distributed to over 30,000 families!

CONTACT US AT: Families North West, Box 2378, Watford, WD18 1RF Tel: 01923 237 004 Email: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Families North West London Upcoming Issues Nov/Dec 2015

Jan/Feb 2015

Seasonal Celebrations

Nurseries and Childcare

Families North West London is designed by BibbySalt.com and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2015. Families North West is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North West London are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) OCTOBER 2015

23