Families North West London Magazine Issue 91 Jan/Feb 2014

Issue 91: Jan/Feb 2014 www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

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Nurseries & Childcare Family

Travel

Advice for

returning to work

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Competitions, What’s On and much more inside!

In this issue:

Welcome to the January/February 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

6 7 Steps to a Smarter Child 10 Education Open Days

14 Nurseries and Childcare Feature

www.facebook.com/ FamiliesNWLondon

20 What’s New @FamiliesNW Circulation 29,000+ copies every issue.

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

21 Family Travel

23 Family Health; Meningitis

Upcoming IssueS: March/April 2014: Party Time Deadline: Fri 31st Jan 5pm Send in your news, stories and advertising bookings to the details left.

Front cover image:

Ildiko Eldardiry

Trending articles on the FNWL website: ▲▲ How to Choose a Nursery ▲▲ What’s The Right Age to Start School ▲▲ Meningitis

– would you know what to do

▲▲ What’s On

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

News & Views from around North West London Sing and Sign comes to Hillingdon!

Britain’s best loved baby signing classes are starting in Ruislip, Ickenham and Uxbridge in the new year. Sing and sign teacher and ex GP Cathy Seddigh has always believed in baby signing with her own little ones, (Scarlett age 5 and Jamie age 2),so much so that she has swapped signing prescriptions for baby

signing whilst her family is young.

“Sing and sign brings together exactly what you want as a parent, it feeds your appetite for their development, whilst offering them a feast of play, puppets, music and rhyme.

If you are not convinced then just look at their faces and listen to their laughter! Sing and Sign is something a little bit special, it’s a winning combination, and definitely has a touch of magic!”

Call Cathy now to book your FREE session and reserve a place for your baby/toddler, or visit their website www.singandsign.com 07712047621 cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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News & Views from around North West London Magic carpet comes to Watersmeet during February Half term Join Sharpe Academy as they present Disney’s Aladdin Jr. This reduced version musical is ideal half term entertainment for all the family.

Based on the Disney film, it includes all your favourite characters including Aladdin, Jasmine, Jafar and of course the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences’ spirits will soar with excitement. The Academy-Awardwinning score includes songs such as A Whole New World, One Jump Ahead and Friend Like Me. Sharpe Academy have built a solid reputation in North West London for their impressive shows featuring a cast of students aiming for a career in the Arts.

Shows take place at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth from 21st-23rd February at 2pm each day, with a later show at 5.30pm on Saturday 22nd. Tickets are £8-£12 and can be purchased through the Watersmeet Box Office on 01923 711063.

Bollywood Masterclass Dancers Perform in Opening Ceremony Local dance students from Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (KBM) were selected and performed in the large opening ceremony for London Designer Outlet in Wembley.

The new lifestyle destination emerging around Wembley Stadium, now brings in new shopping, leisure facilities, homes and public spaces to create a dynamic destination. The choreographed 2 mile parade and finale performance outside Wembley Stadium took place on Saturday 2 November 2013 and was a great platform to encourage more of the younger generation to be involved in performance and dance activities around the borough. A big well done to the students from Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass.

0208 423 9543 info@karanlive.com www.kspark.co.uk

Winners of Kindle from Leaders Are Readers Writing Competition Leaders are Readers gave away two Kindle Fire HD prizes to winners of the writing competition published in September’s issue of Families magazine.

Competition entrants between ages 5-11 were given opening lines in two age categories and had to write a story according to their age group. Ben is 8 and won the older child category (of 8-10 years old). Tanvi is 6 and won in the 5-7 age group. Ben’s story took a simple, everyday experience and brought it to life in a fresh and delightful way. Tanvi’s story was grounded and magical at the same time. Their language was full of energy and emotion. These children are very inspiring. It’s great to see children taking a chance and expressing themselves. We also appreciate and congratulate ALL the other entrants who took part. The important thing is to keep having a go and not be put off that you didn’t get a prize – the taking part is equally valuable. You are all winners for having a go.

To read the winning entries go to the Leaders are Readers website: www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

The Van Niekerk Academy of Dance • Ballet classes for boys & girls aged 3-16 • Royal Academy of Dance examinations Results – Distinction - Merit • Established 12 years

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

• Successful places at Royal Ballet School, Tring Park, Central School of Ballet & London Junior Ballet • Numerous cups/medallists – British Federation of Festivals Classes are held in the Stanmore and Harrow Weald area Suzanne Van Niekerk (RAD Qualified Teacher)

Tel: 020 8950 2457

www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk “Develop poise, technique and expression through dance”

Harrow (HA3), North Wembley and Bushey call: 0208 422 0676 email: niro@littlekickers.co.uk

Experience all sports in one place

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

News and Views New Courses for Susan Daughtrey in Bushey Susan Daughtrey Education are now delivering these successful 11+ courses in Bushey. The Bushey courses, which comprise an 11+ Foundation Course (for students in Year 4) and 11+ Preparation Courses (for students in Year 5) have been specifically tailored to meet the needs of students preparing for 11+ Maths and Verbal Reasoning tests (including, in particular, the SW Herts 11+ Maths and Verbal Reasoning exams). For Year 5 students, there is a choice of courses, either running weekly during term time (with some extra classes during the school summer holidays) or courses which are more intensive and take place mainly during the school holidays. In addition to the full 11+ courses, SDE also offer Maths and Verbal Reasoning 11+ Familiarisation, Exam Technique and Mock Exam sessions which can be booked online, independently of the 11+ courses. www.sdeuk.org 0203 691 4824 pbloom@sdeuk.org

Event launches to help parents get back to work For the first time ever The Work & Family Show is set to be staged next year at London ExCel on 21st and 22nd February. Taking place besides the hugely popular Baby Show, the event will give working parents and career break women access to practical advice, inspiration and ideas to help create a happy and healthy work/life balance. This is a unique expert-led event perfect for parents who are working, returning to work, looking for a new challenge or going it alone. The event will be packed with inspirational experts and employers on the lookout for motivated staff. Parents considering starting up their own business venture can also chat through ideas with industry experts and gain valuable career advice.

Tickets are available from www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk from just ÂŁ12.

Happy 1st Birthday to north London’s most popular postnatal group!

New mums have it tough! They are literally left holding the baby and often have no clue where to begin; breast or bottle, routine or baby-led, the list goes on! This new role can be overwhelming, particularly without a local network to depend on. Nurturing Mums brings new mummies together, to get them out and about and give them a weekly diary date. Practical, sociable support is the name of the game. Nurturing Mums postnatal groups are held in informal, friendly venues where mums can chat, learn and relax. Guest speakers share their expert advice and answer questions on key topics including sleep, weaning, relationships and baby development. The course provides mums with an easy and engaging way of learning new parenting skills. In addition, a professional photographer takes precious mum-and-baby photos to treasure and an indulgent pamper morning gives the new mums a long-awaited beauty treatment! There are goody bags for each mum and competitions to win useful and popular baby-related prizes. www.nurturingmumsuk.com facebook.com/nurturingmums

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Education

7 Steps to a Smarter Child School is about to get tougher, but there are many ways you can help boost your child’s brain power.

E

ducation Secretary Michael Gove’s plans for a more rigorous school curriculum introduces fractions for fiveyear-olds, a complete sweep of British history and a comprehensive survey of Shakespeare. But don’t despair - there is plenty you can do to help your children meet these tougher standards.

ingest up to 1,000 times more fluoride than any other heavy metal through fluoridated water, food and dental products. Choose toothpastes free of fluoride and if you’re worried about your child’s teeth, get an electric toothbrush and teach them how to floss properly.

1. Give them a good breakfast

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in fish oils can dramatically accelerate learning, as well as protecting the brains of your children from the worst effects of junk food.

A high-protein diet can feed those little grey cells, increasing the size of the brain’s caudate nucleus, associated with higher intelligence. Add nuts to cereal to boost protein content of their cereals. If your child refuses to eat much, make a high-protein smoothie with yoghurt or tofu.

2. Make sure they eat their greens (and yellows, reds and oranges) Children who eat a diet high in fruit and veg have higher IQs than those who subsist on processed and sugary foods. Start early if you want maximum benefits, although it’s never too late to turn a bad diet around.

3. Ditch dental fluorides Fluoride is a neurotoxin accumulating in brain tissue and affecting brain development. Yet on average we

4. Feed them the good fats

Don’t shy away from fish. Although concerns have been raised about mercury levels and other pollutants, the goodness in fish outweighs any dangers.

- Don’t overlook saturated fats Although received wisdom has it that saturated fats are bad for children and contribute to ADHD, they actually assist in the conversion of EFAs into the long-chain forms the body needs.

Always choose butter over margarine and full-fat milk over skimmed.

5. Chuck them outside Children stay indoors so much these days that many of them are low in vitamin D, which can lead to high

blood pressure, rickets and unhealthy bones. Vitamin D is also crucial for the development of the nervous system, including the brain.

Make sure children are outside for at least 15 minutes a day, and unless they burn easily, don’t put sunscreen on them until they’ve been out in the sun for at least 10 minutes.

6. Keep metal out of their mouths (and everywhere else) Don’t allow your children to have ‘silver’ fillings - ever. Research has found a direct link between levels of mercury in the mother’s hair at the time of birth and the likelihood of the child developing ADHD. Like fluoride,

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

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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

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Education

5 Kiddy Brain Killers 1 Junk food A diet heavy on fish fingers and fast-food burgers prevents the brain from generating new nerve cells. Aside from lowering your child’s IQ, fast food increases the risk of severe asthma by a whopping 39 per cent in teens and 27 per cent in younger children. Researchers have found a clear association between eating fast food and immune-related diseases like asthma and eczema.

2 Fizzy drinks Keep soft drinks out of the kitchen. A can of drink contains 10 teaspoons full of sugar!

3 Wheat Wheat (as well as soy, barley and rye) has high levels of glutamic and aspartic acids, which can affect the brain’s neurons, causing overactivation of nerve-cell receptors. The antioxidant agents in wheat called ‘phytates’ interfere with vital minerals that are essential for the growing brain.

4 Chinese takeaways and kiddy sweeteners Image: MNStudio - Fotolia .com

the aluminium sulphate present in our water supply has also been found to cause brain damage.

Besides aluminium, children with developmental and behavioural problems may have high blood concentrations of lead. Never cook with aluminium utensils and opt for an under-sink filtration system that removes all heavy metals like lead from the water supply. If your house is old, check what your pipes are made of.

7. Encourage them to meditate Meditation appears to permanently enhance brain receptivity. Besides increasing mental ability, meditation also seems to integrate emotional and cognitive processes, so aiding intuitive learning.

The flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the artificial sweetener aspartame are both lethal to children’s brains and can disrupt certain brain pathways, causing memory loss. They can also cause hyperactivity, low intelligence, poor school performance and irritability.

Watch out for sweetened items like kiddy vitamins, gum or juice drinks.

And whenever you order a Chinese, ask them to hold the MSG.

5 Mobile phones Some 200 studies confirm the damage to the growing brain caused by mobile phones. In addition to facing a greater risk of brain tumours children who grow up using mobile phones can suffer from learning difficulties, attention deficits and sleep problems.

Try to limit the use of phones and never let your child keep one next to them when they are sleeping. Inform yourselves: read our Special section on the topic www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation It’s well worth reading the full-length version of this article. It can be found on www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk This story was first published in the magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You, available in selected retailers like WHSmith or by subscription. It is a real eye opener!

See www.wddty.com

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Education

A New Year's wish for a child with speech difficulties

By Usha Patel Learning Difficulties Therapist/BAVX practitioner Eight year old Sophie had poor co-ordination skills and a severe speech impediment. Not surprisingly, she hated talking and at school, came across as stubborn and un-cooperative.

A traumatic birth may have contributed to Sophie's developmental delay. Otherwise, at the start of her school life, neither medical nor educational specialists had a specific diagnosis. Sophie was labelled as having 'global developmental delay.'

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Yet Sophie was not delayed in all things. Curiously, her reading skills were only slightly lower than that of her peers. This was most surprising and unusual in light of her difficulties.

I put this down to her being a child of ‘ability’ trapped by her physical constraints. Her frustration and antagonism made sense.

Sophie’s first “Bal-A-Vis-X” session with me in Sept 2013 was spent with her clinging onto her mum and crying.

Slowly, I prised her away. We could not start with the regular first exercise

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

which involved standing on a balance board whilst throwing/catching.

Sophie’s balance skills meant she had to sit on a balance board and passed the small bean bag to her exercise partner.

Sophie slowly gained the ability to watch for the bag as I passed it to her in the rhythmic patterns common to all Bal-a-vis-x exercises. This observation translated to better eye tracking and then looking at people when talking.

Education Such was her new found determination, that after four sessions, she was able to stand up on the balance board without any blocks to stop the tilt. By this time she was also able to toss the sand bag, a distance of just under a metre, to her partner's hand. This exercise, “one bag rectangle” would her regular starting point for all future sessions. The set up being: Two people stand at armslength and the student gently tosses the bag from their right hand, to the left hand of the partner. The partner then transfers the bag from their left to their right hand and tosses it back to the student’s left hand. The student transfers to their right hand and pattern starts again. The bag is moved in a rectangular pattern when doing this exercise, hence the name.

At the start of these exercises, Sophie was only able to deliver the bag with a clumsy throw and was unable to catch it, due to her weak hand muscles. Nevertheless, the technique was in place. The rhythmic patterns of moving the bag back and forth in time helped her develop strength in her muscles. With each practise, Sophie improved hand eye coordination and the ability to sequence the actions with good pattern and flow.

Sophie was soon ready to build upon this progress and moved onto exercises which further encouraged her co-ordination skills as well as her listening skills - the 'oneball rectangle,’ which encourages the student to bounce a ball in a rhythmic pattern to a partner. Sophie, now used to throwing the sandbag, would at first only throw the ball instead of bouncing it, but with practise, we soon overcame this problem and along with her improving physical skills came better listening skills as she waited to hear the bounce to keep the rhythmic pattern.

Sophie’s progress has been outstanding todate. Her father called me up just before Christmas, brimming with pride and emotion to say that she was, for the first time ever, having conversations with him. Her mood had changed from someone who easily gave-up, to a more determined, 'giving things a try.' He also reported news from the school that Sophie was shedding her stubborn streak and was co-operating more in the classroom. Her treatment continues.

Bal-A-Vis-X is a schools based programme suitable for parents with SEN children.

The unique rhythmic exercises are challenging for children requiring full body coordination. It is suited for peer teaching where capable children helping 'partner' and teach less capable children in the classroom/therapy setting. The flagship exercise 'the three ball bounce' is an achievable goal for children like Sophie.

OPEN DAY: Wed 29 January 2014 – 4-8pm

Bal-A-Vis-X - Next Workshop London 4th to 6th April 2014 – Three full days of intensive training.

For Teachers/Health Professionals and Parents. Early booking discounts available before 31st January.

For more on Bal-A-Vis-X go to www.integratedbrain. co.uk email: usha.patel@integratedbrain.co.uk Usha Patel founder of Integrated Brain, is a BAVX practitioner since 2012.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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

ACS Hillingdon International School Middlesex, UB10 Boys and Girls 4-18 www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon

Open Day: By appointment 01895 259771

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

Open Day: Sat 14 Jun - Prep School 01923 851664.

Senior School By Appointment - 01923 858122,

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8249 6830

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

Open Day: Wed 29 Jan, 4-8pm. 020 8866 2737

Charlotte House Preparatory School for Girls Rickmansworth WD3.

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

Open Day: Thu 6 Mar, Sat 8 Mar, 9.30-11.30am. 01923 772101

Edge Grove School Aldenham WD25 Boys and Girls 3-13yrs (Boarding/Day) www.edgegrove.com

Open Day: By appointment. 01923 855 724 ( x254)

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8266 1700.

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

Open Day: By appintment 020 8266 2302 email ldevine@habsgirls.org.uk

Harrow School Harrow HA1 Boys 12-18yrs (Boarding) www.harrowschool.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 26 Apr, Sat 10 May, Sat 17 May, Sat 14 Jun. 0208 872 8003

Heathfield School (GDST) Pinner HA5. Girls 3-18 yrs. www.heathfield.gdst.net

Open Day: By appointment 020 8307 5503

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

Open Day: Wed 29 Jan, 9.30-11.30am. 01923 681103

Krishna Avanti Primary School Edgware HA8. Boys and Girls 3-11 yrs.

Open Day: By appointment 020 8381 3344 www.avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow

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Maple Walk School (New Model School) NW10 Boys and Girls 4-11 yrs. www.maplewalkschool.co.uk

Open Day: Tue 21 Jan, Tue 25 Feb, Tue 25 Mar. 020 8965 7374

Merchant Taylor’s School Northwood HA6. Boys 11-18yrs www.mtsn.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 10 May 10am-12.30pm. To make an appointment for a school tour at an alternative time call 01923 845514

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

Open Day: By appointment Sr Sch 020 8951 6481/6468 Jr Sch 020 8952 1276

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

Open Day: Mon 3 Mar, Wed 7 May, Mon 30 Jun. Bluebelle House (Nursery & Reception) Tue 11 Feb, Fri 16 May, Tue 10 Jun. 01923 825446.

Northwood Preparatory School Rickmansworth WD3 Boys 4-13. www.northwoodprep.co.uk

Open Morning: Thu 13 Feb, 9.30-11am. 01923 825648.

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

Open Day: Sat 10 May 10am-12pm or by appointment 020 8869 7634/7600

Purcell School of Music Bushey WD23 Boys and Girls 9-18yrs. www.purcell-school.org

Open Day: Sun 2 Feb 10am-12.30pm 01923 331107

Quainton Hall School Harrow HA1. Boys and Girls nursery 2-4yrs.

Boys 4-13yr; Girls 4-11yr. www.quaintonhall.org.uk

Open Day: Sat 10 May 10am-12.30pm 020 8427 1304

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8866 0660

Regent College Harrow HA Boys and Girls 11-18yrs www.regentcollege.uk.com

Open Day: By appointment 020 8966 9900

Regent Nursery Pinner HA Boys and Girls 2-5yrs www.regentnursery.com

Open Day: By appointment 020 8933 5410

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8422 2092

Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley WD4. Boys and Girls 0-18. www.rsskl.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 262 505

The Royal Masonic School for Girls - Ruspini House Pre-School.

Cadogan House Prep and Pre-Prep Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and girls aged 2-11. www.royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk

Open Day: By appointment 01923 725354

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

Boarding/Day. www.spsch.org

Open Day: By appointment 01923 673268

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

Open Day: Wed 18 June 9.30am-12pm 01923 843230

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

Open Day: By appointment 0208 950 1751

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

Open Day: By appointment 020 8866 0067

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

Open Day: Wed 26 Feb, 9.30am-12pm. 020 8901 0872

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

Open Day: Fri 28 Feb, Fri 9 May, Sat 10 May. 01923 825 740

York House Rickmansworth WD3. Boys and Girls 3-16 yrs www.york-house.com

Open Day: Thu 13 Mar, Sat 15 Mar, Thu 15 May, Sat 17 May, 9.30am-12pm. 01923 772 395

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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

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N U RSE R Y N E W S A ‘Good’ Nursery review for Hugs and Giggles Recently graded good by Ofsted, Hugs and Giggles Nursery is set in the heart of beautiful Headstone Manor Park.

The nursery provides children with a stimulating and safe environment in which to learn and grow. The staff provide a personalised approach to each individual child and family. They aim to work in partnership with families in order to provide children the best outcomes. They are one of few nurseries in Harrow in receipt of the 2 and 3 year old funding. For further information or to book a viewing please contact the nursery.

hugsandgigglesnursery@gmail.com

Parent Nursery Association at Boys & Girls Nursery Last month Boys and Girls Nursery launched their Nursery 'Parent Nursery Association' or 'PNA' as it is affectionately known.

The PNA was devised with two goals in mind - to create a parent/ nursery feedback group and to bring parents together socially for get-togethers. The Nursery found that they have lots of parents who are new to the area who may not know many other families and this will help them settle in quicker and get to know a few familiar faces. They have recruited two 'Parents Representatives' from each nursery who work alongside representatives from the nursery planning events, sharing feedback from parents and discussing new proposals. Nursery spokesperson Katie O’Grady said ‘We are very excited to be working closely with our parents on this new project and are looking forward to developing lots of new events and ideas.’

A Trip to the Park for Little Academy At The Little Academy day Nursery & PreSchool we have lots of fun teaching the children about their environment and getting the children involved in outdoor activities.

Recently they took the children on an adventure to the local park to look at the changing colours of the leaves and focused on the seasons. The children did bark printing and created a display of their masterpieces.

They are open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.30pm and provide excellent standards of education and childcare.

For information and to book an appointment please call: 0208 421 2128 and/or visit www.thelittleacademy.co.uk or call 0208 421 2128

www.boysandgirlsnursery.com

Cannon Lane Methodist Church, Cannon Lane, Pinner HA5 1JD

We have places available for children from 2½ years 2 and 3 year old funding available where applicable For more details please contact our Admissions Secretary

07519 778 431

f find us on facebook or register at

cannonlanepreschool.co.uk 12

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Nurseries News

Aldenham Nursery Raising Money for the Philippine’s Children from Aldenham Nursery took part in an Aldenham Foundation 24 Hour Music Play-in to raise money for the Philippine disaster fund.

The children were thrilled to perform some of their Christmas songs to the older children and members of staff. To date over £13,000 has been raised. Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham Prep School, said ‘All the children were delighted to have been a part of this very special event and we are all very proud of the tremendous amount that has been raised’. Aldenham School educates boys and girls from the term of their third birthday to eighteen. Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AJ

www.aldenham.com

Little Stars Pre-School - Free Limited Places Calling all parents of two year and three year olds! As an approved provider there are some limited FREE PLACES available for your child if you satisfy the criteria for two year old and three year old funding.

A two year old can now take advantage of up to 15 hours per week free providing parents meet the criteria – where the child is two years between 1 September and 31 December and the family is in receipt of Income Support or other benefits.

A three year old born between 1 September and 31 December is also eligible for free funded place automatically offering up to fifteen hours per week from January 2014 but the child

must be registered first and attending Pre-School by 3rd week in Jan 2014.

Little Stars Pre-School based in North Harrow at the Headstone Lawn Tennis Club, (Hillfield close, off Woodberry Avenue, North Harrow HA2 6BA) are open from 9am to 3:30pm pm term time with children attending from age two upwards. The Pre-School is open at various times during the day providing all parents the flexibility of choosing morning or afternoon sessions as well as full day cost effectively.

Further details are posted online at www.littlestarspreschool.co.uk

More Rooms and Space at Acorn Montessori Nursery in Pinner Acorn Montessori are expanding and opening a new baby unit in January 2014. A dedicated baby room and a toddler room equipped with Montessori equipment and community playthings furniture offering high quality care.

St George’s Church Hall, 98 Pinner View Harrow HA1 4RJ.

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We are busy parents working together to help busy parents find the ideal work/life balance. ◆◆ Would an £200 to £300 per month make a difference to the family budget? ◆◆ Do you need an extra income in order to give your kids more activities and treats? ◆◆ Is finding flexible work proving difficult whilst juggling parenthood?

• Call Darshna on 07958 952 388 (if living in postcodes; HA0, HA1, HA2, HA7 & HA8) • Call Sital Patel on 07708 719 587 (If living in postcodes; NW4, NW7, NW9, NW11 and HA8)

www.motherbynature.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Nurseries and Childcare

What’s the right age to start school?

A fierce battle has broken out between the Department of Education and a group of campaigners who say British children are being disadvantaged by going to school aged four Joanna Moorhead investigates.

What is it that children start much too early at four, that stems their creativity and reduces their chance of good exam results further down the line?

According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is... school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon – and that, according to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly what’s happening to thousands of British four-year-olds each year.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early.

The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school.

… young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early.

Image: AlikeYou - Fotolia.com

 Misconceptions There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means settling down to learn more quickly, and achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries.

“Children who enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September. “The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’ issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.”

Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for ■■ the early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right ■■ protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally ■■ an end to baseline testing ■■ a new emphasis on the importance of play

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Nurseries and Childcare  Link with mental health For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the now-implemented Year One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the end of Year 2.

They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age. Mental health disorders among children and young people are also on the rise – again, the question the campaigners ask is whether that could be linked with early pressure at school.

The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were a “powerful and badly misguided lobby who are responsible for the devaluation of exams and the culture of low expectations in state schools,” according to a DoE spokesman. “We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.”

“The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education could be addressed by fundamentally rethinking our early years policies.”

The ‘Too Much Too Soon’ campaign (www.

TooMuchTooSoon.org) is part of the Save Childhood Movement (www.SaveChildhood.net)

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Nurseries and Childcare

How to choose

your child’s nursery

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know?

Joanna Moorhead shares some tips Image: Boys and Girls Nursery

There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies. There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas

about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too

Where learning begins…

Established in April 2005, the Budding Learners Montessori Nursery is a reputable full day school located in Kingsbury.

• • • • • •

Education and day care for children aged 6 months to 6 years Open 8 am to 6 pm , 48 weeks per year Freshly cooked, healthy, vegetarian meals and snacks Well qualified Montessori teachers Extra Curricular activities including dance and French classes Consistently rated Good / Outstanding by OFSTED

For more information please call 020 8238 9517 or 07939151003 For our sister school ‘Great Learners Montessori’ in Golders Green please call 020 84558511 or email greatlearners@gmail.com Budding Learners Montessori Nursery Kingsbury Free Church, Slough Lane, Kingsbury NW9 8QG buddinglearners@gmail.com

www.buddinglearnersmontessori.com 16

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital- there is always time to ask questions later, or even another day. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you?

Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your child there, cross it off your list at once.

Nurseries and Childcare

Your Nursery checklist

What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery?

Here are some things you may want to think about: Food: how important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model –which some nurseries practice? Is the food prepared fresh onsite by dedicated staff?

Image: Boys and Girls Nursery

Outdoor play space: this varies hugely from nursery to nursery. Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it.

What are the qualifications of the staff? Does management promote professional development?

Are there any special classes/experiences offered and on which days (and do they cost extra)? E.g. French, music, dance Do the children ever leave the premises for outings? How is this managed and what is the adult-to-child ratio?

How do staff communicate with you on a daily basis about your child’s day, and longer term about their development?

What are their policies for behaviour management?

For more advice on choosing a nursery see

www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk Image: Boys and Girls Nursery

Established since 1997

Our term time nursery offers a safe, secure, stimulating and nurturing environment in which children thrive and develop.

Our highly experienced and qualified Montessori teachers provide a full Montessori and EYFS curriculum as well as extracurricular lessons in French, Gymnastics, Dancing and music and movement.

153a Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 4EA Tel: 020 8420 2333 Email: papillon.montessori@ googlemail.com Devi Vithlani - Proprietor, head and Montessori teacher

Harrow St Marys Sports Club, Headstone Lane, Harrow, Middx, HA2 6NF Tel: 0208 428 2281 Email: helen.papillon@hotmail.co.uk

www.papillonmontessori.co.uk

Opening a baby unit at 98 Pinner View offering a nurturing and stimulating Montessori environment with baby yoga and baby massage classes along side our existing excellent all inclusive services.

“Children are not only prepared for school but for life” Address: St George’s Church Hall, 98 Pinner View, Harrow, HA1 4RJ Email: info@acorn-nursery.com Telephone: 0208 930 8183 NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Nurseries and Childcare

Aiming to work flexibly?

Think carefully before you ask your employer

By Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk

T

his year the right to request flexible working, which has previously only applied to parents and carers, will extend to all employees. Employers can turn down a request on any of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a request. Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you need.

1. Check out what your company’s policy is on flexible working.

All companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more innovative in their policy on flexible working and may already have trialled different forms of flexible working from the usual ones of working different shift patterns or cutting your hours. For instance, they might offer term-time only working or working from home or annualised hours.

2. Be clear about the hours you want to work and how you want to work them, for instance, could you do some of your work at home in order to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time? Or does working fulltime and paying full-time childcare work out to be uneconomical?

Can your partner also go part time so you can split the childcare or picking up times?

3. Once you know the hours you want to work and how, make a business plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from both your and your employer's perspective and prepare a compromise solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you go on maternity leave rather than a week before you return, even if your situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth.

_ Open term time _ For children aged 2 – 5 _ Morning, afternoon and full time sessions available _ Grant funding for 3 – 4 year olds Free spaces available _ Fully qualified staffing team _ Ofsted rating - ‘Good’ _ We also have Gym, Tennis, French and IT!

Honey Bears Montessori

Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2QU

Tel: 020 8426 1855 info@honeybearsmontessori.co.uk

www.honeybearsmontessori.co.uk 18

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

4. Talk to other people in your company and elsewhere who have negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and tips.

5. Put your request in writing to your line manager and sign and date the letter.

6. Your employer then has 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations. Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat (this is actually proof that they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you down).

Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the legislation. Try to pre-empt any concerns they have and suggest ways that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing within 14 days of the meeting.

7. If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures properly or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out.

8. If this appeal is not successful, you could lodge a claim with an employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if the decision forces you to leave your job.

Mandy Garner is editor of Workingmums.co.uk, Jobsite and community for workingmums. Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find advice on flexible working or starting your own business.

Nurseries and Childcare

Parents of two-year-olds urged to sign up for

Hillingdon’s free childcare scheme Hillingdon families with young children can now benefit from free early years childcare for their two-year-olds through a Hillingdon Council scheme. Eligible local children can receive 570 hours of care in a year through the offer, which is available to parents on a low income and receiving one of a number of benefits.

Some parents will wish to send their children to a day nursery or playgroup, while others will think their children will gain more from being placed in a home environment. Parents are free to choose – as long as the provider is approved by the council. By signing up for a local nursery, playgroup or childminder, children get the chance to mix with others from a range of age groups and backgrounds. They can take part in a huge variety of activities and experiences – anything from pond dipping, to pat-a-pet sessions and caring for animals.

Other activities may include baking, painting, arts and crafts, music time, play dough fun and outings to a farm, as well as exploring open spaces and the natural world. The activities can help them to develop self esteem and confidence. One mum, whose child is deaf, said the scheme had: “helped my child develop social skills and an understanding of her world.”

Another parent was delighted their child had the chance to bond with someone who “has his best interests at heart”. The choice of provider gives parents the chance to choose childcare most suited to their own needs. Childminders are often able to offer flexible hours and a collection and drop-off service – particularly from local schools. They can also offer advice on issues such

as nutrition, toilet training and behaviour or put the parents in touch with other professionals for further support. Nurseries and playgroups can provide a group setting where children can meet with lots of other children and develop their social skills.

Nurseries can offer childcare for a whole day, while playgroups are a good option for parents in need of part time care.

Early years childcare is very important for children’s behavioural, social, language and learning development. Parents too can also gain confidence from having time and space to meet friends and take care of themselves. Hillingdon Council is delighted to be able to make a difference by offering these places to young families. In the words of one parent: “The whole family has benefited, not just the child being cared for”.

For more information on how to qualify and to apply for this funding, call the Families' Information Service on 0800 073 4800 with your National Insurance number, date of birth and address details, quoting ref FME1113.

The funding is available to families in Hillingdon who earn less than £16,190 or receive: • child tax credit • income support • income-based job-seeker's allowance • income-related Employment and Support Allowance • support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • or the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.

External Competition KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES (TABLES)?

Book your FREE online tuition assessment today on 0845 286 7770 or visit us at mathsdoctor.co.uk/families

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Award-winning Maths Doctor is the UK's largest live online maths tuition company, with over 500 professional Macmillantrained tutors available at the click of a mouse to help your child reach their full potential.

Our private, online tutorials for students aged 7-18 are delivered live over the Internet at your convenience, connecting you with a personal tutor in the comfort of your own home, or wherever else suits you, any time you choose.

Send an email to competition@mathsdoctor.co.uk with the answer to the following question including your name, phone number and age of your child, for a chance to win.

 QUESTION: 7 – 10 + 3 x 4 = ? (a) -15 (b) 9 (c) 0 Prize Draw closes at midnight BST Fri 28 Feb 2014. Four winners will be selected at random by midnight BST Mon 10 March 2014. Only one entry per person. See www.mathsdoctor.co.uk/prizedrawterms for full terms and conditions.

For more fabulous prizes got to www.familiesonline.co.uk

St. Andrew’s Pre-School “First For Fun and Friends” Places available for 3 year olds from January 2014 Malvern Avenue, Harrow

Tel: 07708097009

E-mail: st.andrewspreschool@hotmail.com NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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What’s New Milkysnugz, the multi award winning brand, unveils its new and improved Universal Collection. The unique, cosy and cuddly bottle comforters are now compatible with 98% of baby bottles and work with Sipper Spouts and sports cap bottles too so toddlers don’t have to give up their cuddly friend! A transparent window makes it easy to see how much is left. The genius collection not only provides comfort and takes away coldness from bottles; they also become a wonderful buddy to snuggle up with.

RRP: £21.99 (inc p&p) www.milkysnugz.co.uk

Tried and tested!

Your Sports ID.com is the only website that allows you to personalise a selection of Premiership footballs. An ideal gift for football fans, young and old. The website allows you to choose your football (either Premiership or non-club) and use the 3D tool to rotate it and add a name, shirt number, birth date or personal message, designing the perfect individual gift for all football fans.

Footballs start from £12.00. www.yoursportsid.com

Families Rating: ★★★★

Families Rating: ★★★★

LEGO® Star Wars™ Brickmaster: Battle for the Stolen Crystals Play and read at the same time as you embark on a new LEGO® Star Wars adventure and find the stolen lightsaber crystals. Create fantastic models with the help of an exciting storybook, filled with stepby-step instructions. Includes two minifigures and all the LEGO bricks you need. Build weapons and vehicles like the Vespula Fighter, Desert Speeder and Separatist Cannon to make sure your quest is a success! LEGO® Star Wars™ Brickmaster: Battle for the Stolen Crystals also contains fascinating facts and 'Did You Know?' sections throughout RRP: £19.99 Available from all good bookstores

One Born Every Minute: Expecting a Baby? is written by expert consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology Dr Penelope Law. Designed to guide prospective parents through pregnancy, childbirth and the first 6 weeks of their baby’s life; every aspect is covered in depth: conception; antenatal care; a week-by-week guide to the three trimesters; diet and exercise; preparing for birth; birth and pain relief. Dr Law also tackles high profile issues such as home births, obesity and diabetes, 35+ mothers and pre- and post-natal depression. It also features real-life stories from mums and midwives.

The companion book Expecting Twins? is by Professor Mark Kilby, consultant at the Fetal Medicine Centre at Birmingham Women's Hospital and Jane Denton, director of the Multiple Birth Foundation.

This takes the same approach as the core book but contains information about caring for twins during their first year and recognises all the challenges particular to looking after twins. It is unique in being the only comprehensive, illustrated guide to twin pregnancy, birth and first year of their lives on the market. RRP: £25 Both books published by Quadrille 2013

Families Rating: ★★★ The first Spring collection from Polarn O. Pyret sparkles with colour and design inspired by the digital world. Key collection colours are strong and the ever-popular Polarn prints are alive and intense. Their Motif characters are created with different silly expressions that children love with inspiration from computer games, colour blocking, 60’s monochrome and water colour neon shades. For girls, the heart is a recurring theme just in time for Valentine’s Day. Outstanding quality. Great Value.

RRP: from £5 polarnopyret.co.uk

Families Rating: ★★★★ LEGO® Star Wars™: The Yoda Chronicles This brand-new format features themed spreads based on the legendary Yoda’s adventures. Photography features minifigures and vehicles in action, with loads of storylines and facts that young readers will love. Included in the book is a DK-exclusive Special Forces Clone Trooper LEGO minifigure. RRP: £13.99 Available from all good bookstores

Families Rating: ★★★★ With the aid of the Forensics Fingerprint Lab you can collect fingerprints by dusting them with black powder and lifting them with clear stickers. Design your own fingerprint card and collect prints from your friends and family to see if you can play detective and match them with prints from around your home.

RRP: £15 www. sciencemuseumshop. co.uk

Families Rating:

★★★★★

Families Rating:

★★★★★

NEW Family Friendly places to eat in Watford and Wembley!

Eds Easy Diner – Upper Mall; intu Watford

www.edseasydiner.com

Wagamamas Wembley –

London Designer Outlet HA9

www.wagamamas.com With seasonal updates on their already varied menu, it’s hard to go wrong with a family meal at Wagamamas. This new location, as part of the amazing London Designer Outlet is everything we have come to expect from this Family Friendly brand.

Great kids menu and highchairs available.

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For special occasions, or a change from the usual, Eds offers everything you would expect from a 1950’s American dining experience including table-top Jukeboxes, the proceeds from which go to charity.

A basic Kids menu and highchairs available.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Giraffe

– Tesco Watford

www.giraffe.net With an interesting and diverse menu for the kids (we recommend the ‘Pizza style Omelette’) and adults alike, Giraffe is a welcome addition to the family friendly restaurant offerings in Watford. In their own words ‘Freshly cooked food for everyone served to the sound of great music — guaranteed to make you feel good!’ –We agree!

Highchairs available and books for the little ones to ready near the door if you have a wait for your table!

Travel

8 Top Tips

Is the Mouse in the House?

By Amanda Mitchell

Make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World Florida

My family and I have a secret love. It is, and I say without hesitation or fear of retribution, that we LOVE going to Walt Disney World in Florida. We are lucky to have been several times and return again and again for the precious and special memories that are created when the four of us run around with big smiles on our faces and ‘Goofy’ around!

Now all this said, you have to approach your WDW holiday with a plan. There are valuable tips that turn a frazzled, tantrumed holiday into a magical Disney holiday, and I would like share my top 8!

1 Rope Drop: Make the most of your jetlag by getting to the theme parks as soon as they open (Rope Drop). You can easily do a number of rides before the park gets busy and the temperature gets too hot.

2 Advanced Dining Reservations: Book a couple of restaurant reservations before you go. This way you guarantee your tiny piece of heaven without crowds, with air conditioning before your angels have a melt-down!

3 Mid-day break: We have always found

Clifton Suspension Bridge

our day more manageable if we leave after lunch. By this time the parks are heaving and normally very hot. Before it gets to much pop home and have a swim/nap/ time out! You can always return in the evening by getting your hand stamped as you leave the park (or have a Park Hopper).

4 Autograph Book and Large Pen: The beauty of WDW is that there are surprises hiding around every corner! You never know when you are going to meet your favourite character so invest in an autograph book (they sell them all over the parks)! Remember to buy a large pen as some characters find it difficult to use the small pens with their paws!

5 Rain: I know we have enough of the wet stuff over here but Florida is well known for its downpours. About once a day, normally around 3pm, the sky will go black and the rain will just pour down! But don’t worry - as soon as it arrives it goes! Buy a poncho (you’ll be amazed how quickly they bring them out at the parks) and keep it with you every day. They are also handy if you go on any of the wet rides!

6 Cast Members: Point out the amazingly trained staff at WDW to your kids. They are easily recognisable by the costumes and the name tags they wear. If they get lost or separated from you during your visit these are the people your kids should approach to find you. The Cast Members are trained to help reunite lost kids with their parents and do a fantastic job!

7 Spending money: Disney are experts at getting you to separate from your money!

We now have an agreement with our kids - they are allowed $5 per day (discussed and agreed in advance). They can use it once a day on something small or save it up for something big at the end of the holiday. (If you have found a themed toy from a specific park - you may not find it anywhere else) 8 Stop and Smell the Roses: There is so much to do in WDW, let alone Florida, that you are never going to see or do it all, so take your time to take a slow walk through the park and look for the little bits of magic that are hidden along the way - sometimes they are the things that you remember the most.

Snapshot of a local break!

Destination: Bristol Stay at: DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk from £89/ night B&B Things to see and do: Bristol Aquarium www.bristolaquarium.co.uk; At-Bristol Science Centre www.at-bristol.org.uk; Brunel’s SS Great Britain www.ssgreatbritain.org; Bristol Zoo Gardens www.bristolzoo.org.uk; Clifton Suspension Bridge www.cliftonbridge.org.uk For even more ideas and information: www.visitbristol.co.uk/family

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Mummy on the Edge Angelina Melwani can't tell her app from her elbow.

F

or about a year, Mini-Me had been nagging to allow her to download a game on her tablet called Minecraft. Now, I'm not really a point blank kind of person. I tend to listen and look at things from the plaintiff's point of view and then offer reasons for my verdict, whether it's a "No" or a "Yes!" and especially when it's a "Maybe". However in this case, my answer was always point blank "No". It only recently became "Yes", after I allowed Mini-Me to explain what Minecraft is. That is: a game based on building things out of blocks in a virtual world, a bit like online Lego or something (-yawn...) I realised that I had got Minecraft confused with World of Warcraft. I remembered once reading an article about how horrendously violent World of Warcraft was.

Now, doubting myself whilst writing this column (-it happens frequently,) I have just "asked the google" (as my parents refer to this procedure) about the suitability of World of Warcraft for kids and the google said that the minimum age to play it is 13. In light of this discovery, I must admit that it is entirely possible that I got World of Warcraft in turn, mixed up with Tour of Duty which is about war and is violent. Isn't it?? Okay, I just asked the google (because I couldn't help myself) who said Tour of Duty is a TV programme and Call of Duty is a game. I cannot spend any more time asking the google about these things because it will NEVER END. When I compile an anthology of all these columns one day, it will probably be called "Six degrees of confusion" because that is what it's like in this head but you need to double it because there's actually currently12 and it increases exponentially as Mini-Me gets older.

I know little about this weird, social media world that my child is growing up in. Worse, I actually thought I was fairly aware, being that I have a Sing and Sign page on Facebook and two weeks ago even created a Sing and Sign account on Twitter (@AngeSingandSign). At risk of sounding like Bridget Jones I currently have 56 followers on that and about 15 on @appleina (come and play with me!) I'm really good with Excel and Word and Publisher and Powerpoint, so Mini-Me always thought I was some kind of omniscient genius when it came to computers and I didn't try to counter this belief because I enjoy inspiring awe in my kid (even misplaced awe - it's still awe and clearly, it won't last...)

But now, with she at nearly 12 and me at (...mumbles incomprehensibly into coffee...) we are reaching a tipping point where she is overtaking me. It was inevitable. I know I need to stay on top of what's going on and be aware and in the know. It says so on the NSPCC Online Safety page that I saw on Twitter.

However, although Mini-Me wants to sit and show me how Minecraft works, ("It's so wonderful; it really encourages my creativity! I'm mining for iron ore! I'm making wool for curtains from sheep!") I keep putting it off because it sounds r-ea-l-l-y . b-o-r-i-n-g (- sorry darling, I know you are reading this).

Now she wants instagram. Nope. Why? "Because I don't want you putting up pictures of yourself or me or the reconstituted leftovers I fixed for dinner last night." And also snapchat. Nope.

Why? "Because of a dizzying myriad of possible horrifications that could result."

Many of her friends have these apps on their gadget phones. But I don't care. I am smugly glad that she has a basic phone

and am trying to stretch its use out for another year by which time I will be fully conversant in Minecraft, instagram and snapchat and related virtual activities, having created Sing and Sign accounts on all of them.

Y'know, I am a glass-half-full typa' person and there is an up side to this growing tech-saviness. Because now, when my mum phones to tell me she has lost all her emails (you haven't!), can't find the facebook shortcut on her tablet (it's THERE!) or wants to listen to obscure French radio but nothing is working (dunno!) I can pass her over to The New Tech Guy aka Mini-Me and if she doesn't know what to do, she can perfectly well ask the google!

More from the edge at mynotesfromtheedge.blogspot.com.

Tweet @appleina.

Angelina runs Sing and Sign awardwinning baby signing classes in Harrow, Bushey and Rickmansworth. www.singandsign.com. You can also follow @AngeSingandSign on Twitter

Families NW London Magazine is distributed to over 29,000 local families To advertise your business with us call or email;

01923 237 004 Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

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NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Family Health  How do we recognise it in children?

Children, specifically those under the age of five cannot always tell you what the problem is and so can worsen rapidly without you realising. They also have a lower immune system in the first place and can’t usually fight off infections as easily as adults can.

Common signs include:

image: istock

Meningitis: Would you know what to do?

Six families a week face the devastation of losing a loved one to meningitis. That is a scary statistic isn’t it? Meningitis is frequently in the news because of how serious it is, but do you actually know what it is, and how to recognise it?

Allen from Allen Talbot Coaching explains.

 What is meningitis?

Simply put, it is the inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). This inflammation is usually caused by either a separate viral or bacterial infection, and ‘meningitis’ is usually a complication. Viral meningitis is more common, but is rarely fatal (luckily). The viral form is usually a complication of far more common illnesses including measles, mumps, and other fever related issues.

Bacterial meningitis however is far more serious, as well as being more common in children under the age of five. Vaccinations have been developed to protect children against the majority of bacteria that cause meningitis, however the bacteria that is the most common cause (Meningococcal Group B disease) does not. This means that you need to be on the look out for the tell tale signs and symptoms.

What does this actually mean though? You may not even recognise the symptoms of viral meningitis as meningitis at all, and the individual may recover without you even suspecting meningitis in the first place. This is a good thing, however you cannot usually tell them apart, so if you suspect either form then you need to get medical help immediately.

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•Fever with cold hands and feet •Refusing to feed and/or vomiting •Fretful/dislike being handled •Drowsy/floppy body •Rapid breathing or a grunting sound/unusual crying or moaning •Pale, blotchy skin •Spots/rash (see the ‘glass test’ below) •In young children a bulging soft spot (fontanelle) •Stiff neck •Dislike of bright lights (photophobic) •Convulsions/seizures Not all of the signs above will necessarily be seen, so you need to trust your instincts.

 The ‘Glass Test’: Another complication of bacterial is blood poisoning (septicaemia).

This is shown by the typical spots/rash that is so well documented in the media. Unfortunately not all cases of meningitis get blood poisoning so the rash may not appear at all. The ‘Glass Test’ however requires you rolling a clear glass/tumbler over the rash, and if the rash does not disappear then you must suspect meningitis.

 What can we do?

All we can do is keep the patient comfortable, but keep them cool, and call the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Make sure that you describe the symptoms and that you suspect meningitis.

Usually the hospital will take a sample and start treatment prior to getting the results back (this can take up to 24 hours). Meningitis is very serious so if you do suspect it then please do not hesitate to contact the EMS by called 999 and getting help. 50% of children with meningitis were sent home from their GPs on their first visit.

Please do not hesitate if you suspect meningitis – it could mean the difference between life and death.

Allen Talbot is the owner and head trainer for Allen Talbot Coaching, an organisation that specialises in mandatory training for childcare settings. Allen has a background in childcare provision as well as training meaning he is well placed to meet the needs of the individuals and organisations he works with. Courses that are available include Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene Level 2, Safeguarding Children, and Anaphylaxis Awareness. Other courses are available to you, check out their website or phone Allen for more information. www.allentalbotcoaching.co.uk

P

Desktop Sets Q from Rich to Riches

These luxury desktop sets will make ideal gifts for any special occasion.

Rich to Riches Ltd, Unit 4.1, Wembley Commercial Centre 80 East Lane, Wembley, London, HA9 7UR Tel: 020 8385 2600 Email:info@richtoriches.co.uk

www.richtoriches.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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What’s On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (March/April 2014) send your entry by Fri 31st Jan 5pm Email Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. 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 Monday!

Regular Local Events l HA Harrow NCT Breastfeeding Support Drop-in Groups (Various) At least 1 drop-in group each week day in Harrow. The groups are drop-in, just drop in for support or to meet other breastfeeding mothers. Groups are run by peer supporters mothers who have breastfed/are still breastfeeding. ( 0844 243 6155 8 www.nct.org.uk/harrow

NCT Antenatal & Early Days (Postnatal) Courses (Various) The NCT has been providing information and support that focus on the needs of parents for over 50 years. You will find a warm welcome, emotional and practical help and meet some new friends along the way. ( 0844 243 6900 8 www.nct.org.uk bookings5c@nct.org.uk

Café Plus (HA1) Anyone aged 60 and over who is interested in socialising and/ or making new friends is invited to join us at our café with a difference. We are a friendly group who meet on alternate Friday’s between 2.30pm and 4.00pm at David’s House in Harrow. Volunteer helpers are also required. ( Gordon 020 8864 2238 or 07905 362885.

8 davvolunteercoord@mha.org.uk

Friday Fun Time (HA1) St Peters Church Friday 9.30 - 11.30am Babies to Pre-schoolers, Coffee. Tea, Toast & Biscuits. With use of a great outside space. £3.00 per Family (consisting of 1 carer & 2 Children) ( Kelly 07932 010724

Cancer support group (HA1)

ACTIVATE Kids & Parents (HA2)

Are You a Female Survivor of Cancer? Help is at hand in the form of a support group!! every last Saturday in the month at The Harrow Women’s Centre 10 am -12 noon ( Claire 07954 403 718 or Sharon 07956 961 460

Weekly group - Baptist Hall on South Harrow high street. Sat 10-12am Lively games, creativity, & socialising for children (2-6yrs) & parents.

8 www.facebook.com/harrowwoodchips ( 07886 854 925 or Text “activate” to 07886 854 925.

Open Door (HA1) Wednesday’s 10-11.15am. Drop in for free refreshments and an opportunity to chat in a friendly informal setting. All ages welcome. Belmont Hall, 37-39, Pinner Road HA1 1ES 8 www.belmonthall.org.uk

Harrow Sling Meet and Library (HA1) A group of local mums providing peer support to parents and/ or carers who wish to use sling and carriers. Meeting at The Castle Pub, Harrow on the Hill. 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 10am-1pm. ( Sam - 07855 327350 8 www.harrowslinglibrary.com

Under 1s Club Trinity Church (HA1) Hindes Road, Tuesdays in term time: 10.30am-12.30pm

( Korinna Vosper 07811320214

H.O.P.E (Harrow) Super Nanny (HA1) Trained Parent Mentors can visit you confidentially in your home, listening to your concerns about your child(ren) aged 5-16 and help you to find strategies for coping with common issues. Free (Harrow residents only) can be delivered in 15 languages. ( 020 8863 7319 8 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk

ACTIVATE Kids & Teens! (HA1)

Weekly on Sunday’s 3-4pm for ages 3-16.Treasure Hunters on Thursday’s (term time) 6.30-7.30pm. ( John/Suzanne 020 8863 7792 8 www.belmonthall.org.uk

A weekly programme of lively games, creativity, and socialising. With an emphasis on making friends, and getting out into the fresh air as much as possible. Tues 6.30 – 8pm (6-9yrs : 9-13yrs : 13-16yrs) ( John 020 8428 2409

Over 50 Women’s Group (HA1)

Sing And Sign (HA1)

Sunday School (HA1)

Every Friday 10am-12noon at the Harrow Women’s Centre Friendly group, for talks, discussions, the odd outing or whatever? Chance to make use of the Centre facilities. Just turn up to see what it’s all about! ( 020 8422 1100 8 thehwcentre@hotmail.com

Beavers: 6-8yrs Thurs 5.30-6.45pm; Cubs: 8-10 1/2 yrs, Thurs 7-8.30pm; Scouts: 10 1/2-14 yrs, Mon 7-9pm. ( Frank 020 8248 5314 8 www.scouts.org.uk

Spanish Mother & Toddler Group (HA2) We are a friendly group of Spanish speaking mums, dads and carers with pre-school children who meet up two Thursdays per month during term time from 10:00 to 12:00.

We encourage the use of Spanish by means of games, crafts, songs, dance, stories, etc. Come and join us for fun and games. ( Natalia 020 8861 2425 or Idoia 01923 449067

Parent & Toddler Group, HarrowWeald (HA3) Tuesdays and Wednesdays during school term from 10-11.30 am at Blackwell Hall, All Saints Church. Friendly Group with big variety of toys (lego, trains, great collection of trikes etc) ( Gillian 07957 310 849 (Tues), Catalina 07738 388 413 (Weds)

The Ruislip Lido Railway (HA4) Open daily. A 12-inch narrow gauge railway operated entirely by volunteers. All their trains are wheelchair, pushchair and buggy friendly with a railway shop and a cafe. ( 01895 622595 8 www.ruisliplidorailway.org.

KC TOTS (HA5) A new parent and toddler group open Friday mornings 9.3011.30 each week. Plenty of toys in a big bright airy room as well as free parking. A different structured activity each week as well as singing and story time. The morning is ended with Chollah and snacks. Very warmly welcome any new families at 434 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner Middx.

8 KCTots@kolchai.org

Classes run on a Friday and Saturday, HA3 Classes on Wednesday. Learn baby signing the fun way! Full of music, singing, puppets, shakers, bells and laughter, it will help you to communicate with your baby and avoid unnecessary frustration. ( Angelina Melwani 020 8950 0888 or 0795 6948 776 8 angelina@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk

Babble & Chat Children’s Group (HA5)

MHA Stroke Club (HA2)

1st Kingsbury Scout Group (HA5)

A new club run for the benefit of those who have suffered a stroke and would like to rebuild their confidence through a varied programme offering games, quizzes, exercises, speakers, outings, etc. There is also a light lunch and afternoon tea when there is plenty of time to interact with other stroke sufferers and a lively team of helpers.

Meeting in North Harrow from 12.30pm until 3.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, we are affiliated to the Stroke Association and work closely with the Harrow Stroke Club. ( Gordon 07905 362885 home. image: iStock

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6th Roxeth Scout Group Scout (HA2)

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Babies from 4 weeks to children of 4 years. Every Tues incl school hols (when children up to 12 yrs old are included). Very friendly welcoming group. Refreshments, Crafts, Music and movement. Clubhouse, in Saddlers Mead Park. 1pm - 2.30pm. £3 for 1 child and 50p extra for additional children and adults ( Tracey 0208 866 3970 8 aid.trace@virgin.net Are recruiting adult leaders and young people for various groups in the Kingsbury, Kenton, Edgware and Stanmore areas of London. ( 07590 558 999 8 m@thew.fslife.co.uk

Holy Trinity Toddler Club (HA6) Holy Trinity Church Hall, Gateway Close (Off Rickmansworth Road), Northwood. Friendly, busy toddler groups. Coffee, biscuits, great toys, craft activities, baby area etc. £1 per week.

Tues 9.45 -11.30am, Thurs 9.45 -11.30am (Term time only) ( 01923 822990 8 office@htnorthwood.co.uk

What’s On Regular Events Little Treasures Saturday Club (UB8) 10.00am to 12.00 each Saturday This is a very relaxed group with lots of working Mums and Dads attending who don’t normally get the chance to attend a group like this as they are working during the week. They welcome all ages of parents/ carers and nationalities. For children aged from 0-5yrs. ( Angie 07770 785512 image: iStock

Parent & Toddler Group (HA8) Open every Mon & Thurs morning 9.30 - 11.30 except Bank Holidays. Friendly group with lots of new toys. North Road Community Centre, Burnt Oak/Edgware. ( Linda Kirby 0208 200 4375

l NW Tops Turvy World (NW4) Open Daily Opening times may vary. A huge multi-level play structure for under 12s with a maze of slides; tunnels; climbs; vertical drops and ball cannons. ( 020 8359 9920 8 www.topsyturvyworld.com

Parliament Hill Lido (NW5) Open 7 days a week, Opening times may vary. Parliament Hill Lido is a 200 X 90 feet outdoor pool, 2ft 6ins to 9ft 6ins deep and set within a 2.5 acre site on the edge of Hampstead Heath. ( 0207 4853873

Art 4 Fun (NW6) Open daily 10am – 6pm. Each week is packed with creative fun, activities will include Clay Sculpting, T-shirt painting, Collage, Ceramic painting and Paper Mache. ( 020 7794 0800 8 www.Art4Fun.com

Tours of Lord’s Cricket Ground (NW8) Tours of Lord’s give visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes at MCC’s historic ground, where they can see many of the most famous sights in world cricket. ( 020 7616 8595 8 www.lords.org

Smartie Tots Mother and Toddler Group (UB8) Uxbridge Community Centre Every Thursday at 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm. (term time only) £2 per child and £1 per sibling. Sessions are open to all and it’s first come, first served basis. ( O7914786244 8 sandra.weeks@yahoo.co.uk

Harefield Children’s Centre Toy Lending Library (UB9) St Mary’s Church Hall, Wednesday Mornings 9:30-11:15am Hundreds of toys for 0-5 year olds including Baby toys and equipment; imaginative and role play toys; musical toys; games and puzzles; educational toys. ( 01895 671982 www.hillingdon.schooljotter.com/ harefieldinfant

Ickenham Miniature Railway (UB10) Open 12.00 - 5.30pm on the First Saturday of the month.

Entrance behind the Pump (Coach & Horses Pub) 8 www.idsme.co.uk

l WD Rickmansworth Children’s Centre (WD3) A friendly and welcoming environment offering a wide variety of activities and groups for parents and/or children aged 0-5.

Including Breastfeeding Support, Pregnancy Club, Positive Play, Baby Massage, Baby Clinic, Story & Rhyme Time, Dinky Dancers, Talks on Weaning/Behaviour/Routine/Sleep. ( 01923 772094 8 support.rickmansworth@ hertschildrenscentres.org.uk www.hertschildrenscentres.org. uk/rickmansworth

Craft Tub Pottery Workshop (WD5)

Open Daily 10 - 6pm. Over a hundred aircraft, artefacts, aviation memorabilia, fine art and photographs covering the history of aviation from early balloon flights to the latest jet fighters. Ideal for the wet/cold. Interactive area for kids.

8 www.rafmuseum.org

Join Craft Tub in their workshop with a twist. Children and Adults can paint pottery on their super large crafting tables, while enjoying Messy Time parties with their friends and families or simply breeze through a large shop area full of modern retail crafting equipment which offers the latest in trendy crafting kits and pick and mix crafting never seen before. Offering retail, drop in parties and group bookings of 4, 6, 10 and 16. ( 019223 270546 8 www.crafttub.co.uk

l UB

Littlebury Children’s Centre (WD17)

Royal Air Force Museum (NW9)

NCT Antenatal & Early Days (Postnatal) Courses (Various)

The NCT has been providing information and support that focus on the needs of parents for over 50 years. A warm welcome, emotional and practical help and meet new friends. ( 0844 243 6900 8 www.nct.org.uk bookings5c@nct.org.uk

Bumps & Babes – Hillingdon NCT (UB8) Meet with pregnant and new mums for support and company.

Lovely soft play area for babies up to 1 year. 1 – 3 pm Upper Room St Margaret’s Church, Uxbridge ( 0870 421 4730 or just drop in.

NCT, Relax, Stretch and Breathe sessions (UB8) Gentle yoga-based exercise for pregnancy & birth. Birthrelated discussion each week. Mondays 7.30 - 9.15pm - drop-in group. Salvation Army Hall, Uxbridge. Mats supplied + refreshments. ( Sarah 01895 238231 8 rsb@ncthillingdon.org.uk

A variety of activities including Stay and Play, Health Clinics, Rhyme and Story Times, Nutrition, massage courses and much more. ( 01923 243564

The Sound Cube (WD17) Grab a microphone and unleash your inner popstar! Go solo, or party with your friends and sing your favourite songs just like your pop idols. Sing, Dance, Record and make a full- colour personalised CD and DVD of your performance! Sessions are suitable for 7 years +. ( 01923 222654 8 www.thesoundcube.co.uk

NEW Stay & Play Group (WD17) The Barn, 1, Watford House Lane, Watford, WD17 1BJ. Wednesday’s, from 1.30pm—2.30pm. Cost: £1.00 per family.

(Term time only)

Stay & Play Family Session (WD18) 1.00pm – 2.30pm at Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Watford. £1.00 Per Family. ( 01923 243564

Sing and Sign (WD23) Please refer to HA Listings for details ( Angelina Melwani 020 8950 0888 0795 6948 776 8 angelina@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk

Bushey Heath Children’s Centre Baby Cafe Local (WD23) Reddings Children Centre, Harcourt Rd, Bushey, Thurs 1–2.30pm ( Elaine 01923 470 143 8 childrenscentres@hertsmereleisure.co.uk

Babycafe (WD23) Come along for support with breastfeeding,weaning, bra measuring... and to meet other mums and babes. Reddings Children Centre. Thursdays 1pm-2.30pm ( 01923 470143

Rainbow Parent Support Group (WD23) For parents/carers of disabled/SEN children to share experiences and receive support. At Bournehall Primary School, Bourehall Ave, Bushey. Children do not have to attend Bournehall School. Thursday 18th April, Thursday 16th May, Thursday 20th June, Thurdsay 18th July, 9.30 - 11.30am. ( For details contact Angela Blessington 07901 006 225

Drop-in Breastfeeding Support (WD24/25) 1.30 - 3.30pm every Wednesday at Berrygrove Children’s Centre. Come along to meet other mums and share experiences. Midwife and peer support available for information and advice. ( 01923 484312

Drop-in Breastfeeding Cafe (WD25) 2-3pm every Thursday, no booking required. A supportive environment for Breastfeeding, this weekly group will help mums get advice from those who have been there, done it or who are still doing it! Groups are led by the Centre’s Healthy Lifestyle Worker and a qualified Health Visitor. For mothers who are breastfeeding, or expectant ladies who wish to breastfeed. Leavesden Children’s Centre (Family Room) ( 01923 484360

Gambado (WD25) One of the largest play frames in North London along with our very special dodgems, climbing wall and carousel. ( 01923 892140 8 www.gambado.co.uk

Koala Toddler Stay & Play Group (WD25) Thursday 9.30am - 11.00am. Fun and friendly new stay & play group for toddlers & parent/carers.

Leavesden Children’s Centre.

8 www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/leavesden

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

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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What’s On January Thu 26 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Craneberry Fest@The London Wetland Centre (SW13) What do cranes and cranberries have in common? Find out at Craneberry Fest this winter. Make craneberry crafts (extra charge), follow the craneberry trail and enjoy treats in their restaurants.

8 www.wwt.org.uk Jan – Apr – Wild West Classes with Perform (Various) From January to April 2014, Perform children will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll be braving The Wild West. The Wild West guarantees a world of fun and adventure, with many interesting characters along the way. As well as promising ‘the best fun of the week’, Perform specializes in helping children develop the 4 C’s. Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. Any interested 4-8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session. ( 020 7255 9134 8 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Sat 4 Jan - A Soldier's Life in...

Workshops (SW3) Drop in to these one-hour Saturday workshops at the National Army Museum and learn about the life of a soldier. Workshops begin at 2pm and 3.30pm.

8 www.nam.ac.uk/ Sun 5 Jan - Amanartis Contemporary Craft & Design Fair (WD18) Amanartis design fairs will host a selection of artists, designers and crafters in a beautiful grade II listed building, The Old Free School in George Street, Watford. Situated in the heart of Watford town centre, its the perfect destination to find unique products in a beautiful environment. The Craft & Design Fair will showcase some local and talented artists, designers and crafters in: Ceramics, Jewellery, Glass, Art, Leather and Textiles. This is an exciting event for hand made lovers in Hertfordshire. Open from 11am – 5pm.

8 www.facebook.com/Amanartis.studios

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Fri 10 Jan - New Perform Venue Opening (HA1) Perform are delighted to announce that they have a new venue opening in January 2014 for 7-12 year olds. Harrow Perform Plus will be taking place on Fridays from 4.15pm - 5..45pm at St Peter's Hall. They would love to give every Reader a £30 discount off a block of 10 sessions in January 2014. Please quote Families offer. ( 07984 808622 8 Lucybonnar@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk Fri 10 – Sun 12 Jan – London Ice Sculpting Festival (E14) London Ice Sculpting Festival, one of the capital's favourite free art events, is set to make a glistening return to Wood Wharf from 10 -12 January. Catch all the action at this magnificent annual festival as teams from around the world wield chisels and chainsaws competing to create mesmerising works of art from blocks of crystal clear ice. The London Ice Sculpting Festival provides fun and excitement for the whole family and, year on year, captivates and astounds spectators. Make sure you don't miss out this winter!

8 www.canarywharf.com Sat 11 – Sat 18 Jan - Humpty Dumpty (HA6) Arrow Players, renowned local Pantomimers, this year present Humpty Dumpty.

Humpty Dumpty is set in the fantasy world of Forbodia, a land that lives under the constant threat of disaster if Humpty Dumpty’s egg should ever fall from its wall. Eventually the egg does fall, releasing the childlike Humpty Dumpty into a confusing world where the evil witch does battle with the good fairy, the King is ruled by the Queen and all the King’s men are completely clueless. “Humpty Dumpty” is a thoroughly traditional family pantomime, with plenty of singing and dancing, fun and laughter, audience participation, and of course, a proper Pantomime Dame. The show is crammed with great music and spectacle - a perfect feast of postChristmas entertainment. At St Edmund’s Church in Northwood Hills at 7.45pm. ( 020 8428 1349 8 boxoffice@arrowplayers.org. uk www.arrowplayers.org.uk

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Wed 15 Jan – Wed 26 Feb - Free Pathways to Enterprise Programme (HA5) This is a six week business start up awareness course which will guide learners through business idea generation, marketing, organisational structures, finance and creative networking. Each participant will have 6 free mentoring sessions to produce a business action plan. Funded by Harrow Council. Runs each Wednesday from 10.00am 1.00pm. ( 07403 381512 8 neomarienterprise@yahoo.com www.neomaritraining.co.uk Thu 16 Jan – Thu 13 Mar - Living with a Teenager (HA1) A weekly course run by Hope Harrow for parents of teenagers and adolescents 10 years+. Are you struggling with the shifting roles within your family? During the sessions you will share experiences at look at understanding and acknowledging the needs of pre teens and teenagers, practicing ways of negotiating and setting limits, and finding different ways to communicate effectively. Discounted fee available for Harrow residents. ( 0208 863 7319 8 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk Thu 16 – Sun 19 Jan - The Snow Queen (HA4) Panto Fun in January! This year The Argosy Players have a truly magical show. With a host of traditional pantomime characters, beautiful costumes, dazzling scenery and spectacular effects, this most magical of fairy tales is brought to life in a kaleidoscope of comedy, music and fun. An enchanting family treat for audiences of all ages and a magical experience not to be missed. At the Winston Churchill Hall.

8 www.argosyplayers.org.uk Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jan – London Model Engineering Exhibition (N22) The London Model Engineering Exhibition (LMEE) celebrates its 18th birthday this year at Alexandra Palace. Regarded as one of the most prestigious and largest modelling exhibitions in the UK, blending the full spectrum of modelling from traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to the more modern gadgets and boys toys including trucks, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters.

Visitors can travel between the show’s different zones, trying the hands-on activities and watching fascinating technical demonstrations.

8 www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jan – History in Your Hands @ HMS Belfast (SE1) Discover hidden stories about HMS Belfast and explore the fascinating lives of the men who lived and worked on board. Ordinance Officer John Harrison was busy working when an Arctic wave overwhelmed the ship.

Learn about his incredible story of survival, and hear other stories as you examine authentic naval objects from IWM’s collections, and find out more about they are conserved. From 11am–12.30pm & 2-4pm.

8 www.iwm.org.uk Mon 20 – Sat 25 Jan - Shred-aThon Week in Aid of The Peace Hospice Care (WD18) Take your unwanted confidential waste paper to Humphreys Data Management Ltd on Sydney Road and have it shredded for a donation to the Peace Hospice Care.

This event is open to the public and small businesses, larger loads by arrangement. There is no need to remove staples or paper clips, the shredders will even cope with lever arch files! Recommended donation of £5 per bag. For one week only, commencing on Monday 20th January 2014. Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm, Saturday - 10.00am 2.00pm 8 www.datamanagement.co.uk Thu 23 Jan - Come and Sing Broadway! (WD17) Love the glitz and glamour of Broadway? Fancy an evening of razzamatazz? Now you can with the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Singers at Watford Colosseum.

'Come and Sing' gives you the chance to explore songs from the Broadway musicals, learn from the professionals and enjoy a fun evening of singing in a relaxed environment. This is a free Participation event for those aged 8 and over (under 16's must be accompanied by an adult). Places are limited and booking is essential. 7.00 - 10.00pm 8 www.bbc.co.uk/concertorchestra Fri 24 Jan - Barn Dance (WD25) Support Team Diligence, a group of students from Parmiter's School who have organised a Barn Dance

to raise funds for Peace Hospice Care. So why not join in at the school for a fun evening of: Dancing with a caller, Refreshments, Rodeo Bull rides, Western photo booth pictures, Raffle prizes and a whole lot more.

Western Fancy Dress is optional, ticket price includes one free drink on arrival. 7.30 - 11.30pm.

8 www.peacehospice.co.uk Sat 25 – Sun 26 Jan – RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (Various) The world's largest wildlife survey is fun, helps garden wildlife and couldn't be easier! Starting life as something for their youth membership to do in winter, Big Garden Birdwatch has grown into fun for all the family. All you need to do is count the birds in your garden or a local park for one hour over the weekend of 25-26 January 2014 then tell the RSPB what you see. See, couldn't be easier!

8 www.rspb.org.uk Sat 25 – Sun 26 Jan – Introduction to the Holocaust @ Imperial War Museum (SE1) A starting point for families with children aged 11 and above to reflect on key themes of the Holocaust, including identity, loss and remembrance, through replica objects, discusssion and the use of archive photographs. For further information on the content of the sessions please contact Grant Rogers on grogers@iwm.org.uk or 020 7416 5329.

8 www.iwm.org.uk Sun 26 Jan - Lincolnsfields 1940s Experience Public Opening (WD23) Experience what it was like to live through the 1940s, get a feel for the differences between then and now try out real period items, see items in settings as they would have been, and talk to the people who lived through it. Try out 1940s toys and games, try on 1940s clothes and uniforms.see what life was like in a civilian home, walk through the dig for victory garden, prepare for the nightly air raids, hear the warning enter the in door morrision shelter, the garden Anderson shelter or live through a raid in the public shelter with talk on the personal experiences of living with raids from a person who was there.

See the military collection then visit the evacuee church school and home guard unit before a visit to the NAAFI café. 10.30am - 4.00pm ( 01923 233841 8 info@lincolnsfields.co.uk www. lincolnsfield.co.uk Sun 26 Jan – Drop In & Design (SE1) What are Sunday afternoons for if not to get creative? Budding designers age 5 to 11 are invited to take part in the Design Museum’s range of designer led family activities on the last Sunday of every month.

8 www.designmuseum.org Fri 31 Jan – Chinese New Year Celebrations (various) London's Chinese New Year celebrations are the largest outside Asia.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to wish each other "Kung Hei Fat Choi" (or Happy New Year). Chinese New Year festivities in London usually include a spectacular visual parade through the West End featuring Chinese dragon costumes, a lion dance, food and craft stalls, live performances and a fireworks display.

8 www.visitlondon.com

February Sat 1 Feb – Trinity Orchestra Family Concert (HA1) Trinity Orchestra’s ever-popular Family Concert returns with an entertaining programme of classical music to be enjoyed by all ages. This time they’re getting up to some animal antics with music celebrating creatures great and small. For the afternoon’s centerpiece they will present Prokofiev’s ever-popular fairytale Peter and the Wolf – an enduring hit with adults and children alike due to its enchanting musical depictions of the story’s colourful animal and human characters.

Instrumentalists aged 6+ can also take part in a preconcert workshop at 2pm. Take along an instrument (not electric) and join in with fun animal-themed musical activities led by acclaimed workshop leader Neil Valentine, culminating in a performance with Trinity Orchestra in the concert itself.

8 www.trinityorchestra.org.uk Sun 2 Feb - Duck Pond Farmer's Market (HA4) This great market held at The Manor Farm Site incorporates true farmers market selling produce grown, reared of made by local producers. Alongside the wonderful produce

available to buy is plenty of family friendly entertainment including face-painting, a petting zoo and music from local buskers. There is also an exciting and unique farmers market cafe selling breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks made from produce available to buy at the market.

The perfect opportunity to support your local producers. 10am - 2.pm 8 www.duckpondmarket.com Sun 2 Feb - Watford Half Marathon (WD18) This year's Watford Half Marathon and Watford Junior Challenge take place at Cassiobury Park, beginning at 10.30am. The race is being supported

by Asics, and this year the supported charity is Watford Peace Hospice.

10.30am 8 www.watfordharriers.org.uk Thu 6 – Sun 9 Feb – Works On Paper Fair (SW7) The Works on Paper Fair takes place at the Science Museum and displays a wide range of original art on paper including watercolours, drawings and prints, photographs and posters. Visitors to the Fair can see and buy from a range of Early, Modern and Contemporary art dealers and see a range of Museum quality art, all presented in interconnected galleries on the first floor of the museum.

8 www.worksonpaperfair.com Sat 8 Feb - Kidzstuf Nearly New Children's Sale (WD3) A fantastic nearly new sale selling pre loved children's clothes,toys and equipment from ages 0-12 years. 10.00 - 11.30am at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Rickmansworth. ( 07733 264967 8 kidzstufsale@gmail.com www.wherecanwego. com/event/743995-kidzstuf-nearly-new-childrens-sale/events.aspx#.

Uo33licpmSo Sun 9 Feb - Baby and Childrens Market London (NW6) 10.30am to 1.30pm. De-clutter your nearly new high quality baby and children's items, sell it in our markets and get 100% profit on market day. Lots of stalls selling excellent quality kid's items from birth to 6 yrs. plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children's industry showcasing and selling their products & services all under one roof! All the events are indoors at Salusbury Primary school, Salusbury Road NW6 6RG Adult Entry fee:£2 first hour, £1 after, kids are free, pushchairs welcome. 50% of the first hour donated to Friends of Salusbury School charity.

8 To book a stall contact: ingrid@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk, ( 07905658065, Like us on FB and keep up to date with our events 8 www.facebook.com/babyandchildrensmarketlondon, www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Mon 10 – Sun 23 Feb – Imagine Children’s Festival (SE1) This year’s Imagine Children's Festival is all about the kids taking over! Southbank Centre is being transformed BY children FOR children, as well as hosting the top names in children’s literature, dance, theatre and art. Enjoy free activities throughout the festival or just take in the atmosphere as children run the show!

8 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Sat 15 Feb – London Children’s Bookswap (N12) Are you done with your old books? Is it time for a new tale? Take a book you've enjoyed to Arts Depot and take away someone else's recommended read. In previous years, over 2000 children’s books have been swapped at venues across London in an action-packed day of free activities and events. Free drop-in workshops run throughout the day: craft a colourful bookmark or create your very own tiny matchbox book.

8 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Tues 18 Feb - Classical Music Concert for Children with Disabilities and their Families (HA6) This interactive live music concert is an

Sun 23 Feb – Hugglets Teddy Bear Festival (W8) Hugglets Teddy Bear Festivals are held twice a year at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, England. There are over 170 stands with thousands of bears on sale. Free entry tickets for each event can be found at the back of the UK Teddy Bear Guide or can be purchased at the door (£4 adult / £2 child). Entry times are 10.30am to 4.00pm.

Mon 17 – Fri 21 Feb – Feb Shed @ Chickenshed (N14) Participants at this week-long event 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. For 5 - 12 year olds (from School Year 1).

8 www.chickenshed.org.uk

www.hugglets.co.uk

Mon 17 – Fri 21 Feb - Half Term Fun: Special Effects (HA5) Over half term week at Harrow Arts Centre, learn all about special effects, and use them to create an exciting new play!

You’ll have a lot of fun learning how to record your own sound and lighting effects, using stage makeup, smoke effects and more. Plus you’ll perform your play at the end of the week! You will achieve an Arts Award Discover certificate too! For ages 7-11 years. 1.00 - 4.00pm / £50 for the week.

8 www.harrowarts.com

Half Term

Sat 15 – Sat 22 Feb – Cracking Codes @ HMS Belfast (SE1) Can you decipher secret messages? Go and join in the family activity; intercept messages, map hazards on the sea chart and even make up your own secret code. You'll learn about some of the skills intelligence officers and spies have used in the past. Along the way you'll find out about the dangers that have surrounded HMS Belfast at sea during her long history in the Royal Navy. This activity is in association with Maths on Toast who make community events where maths is fun.

8 www.iwm.org.uk Sat 15 – Sat 22 Feb – Papers Please! (SE1) Shhh…don’t tell anyone but you are wanted for a secret mission at the Imperial War Museum. Create your very own identity papers ready to present should anyone try to discover your true identity as a spy. In this craft activity, children can create a spy character and learn about work carried out by forgers during wartime. Includes items on display from IWM’s collections.

8 www.iwm.org.uk Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb – February Frolics Lambing Event (AL4) Go and see newborn lambs every day of this special lambing event at Willows Farm Village with a fun-packed programme for half-term, including: farmyard animals, adventure play, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, under cover JCB Young Drivers Zone and Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn.Plus the Mad Scientists from Mad Science will be presenting their Farming Show daily and you can win a prize by helping Bo Peep find her lost sheep.

8 www.willowsfarmvillage.com Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb – Migration Vs Hibernation @ London Wetlands Centre (SW13) To migrate or hibernate, that is the question. Animals have different ways of surving the winter. Squirrels store food away to eat in the lean times, and some sleep through the coldest months. And some birds leave the country during winter to survive. Join in the sand martin challenge to find out what obstacles these tiny birds face on their return journey from Africa.

Will you arrive safely at your destination like our sand martins at London Wetland Centre?

8 www.wwt.org.uk Sat 15 – Sun 16 Feb – Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Craft Workshops (N12) Taking inspiration from the half term show at the Arts Depot ‘Dogs Don't Do Ballet’, these fun workshops are a great accompaniment full of crafty excitement. Suitable for ages 2-6 years.

8 www.artsdepot.co.uk Mon 17 – Wed 19 Feb – Perform Half Term Fun: Narnia (WD7) Give your child a treat to remember with a Perform February Experience - their magical drama, dance and singing holiday courses.They'll make new friends, stretch their imaginations and enjoy plenty of fun and laughter as they whoosh over snow-swept fields to join Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy for the adventure of a lifetime. The three day Experience concludes with a thrilling performance for family and friends to enjoy. It's the perfect way to add some sparkle to the February half-term. Sessions run at Christ Church Village Hall in Radlett from 2-4pm. ( 0845 400 4000 8 www.perform.org.uk

Tue 18 Feb - Half Term Fun: Merida's Tapestry (HA5) A fun and friendly craft workshop introducing weaving, create your own magical tapestry just like Merida! Plus help to create a larger tapestry to display at HAC. 10.00 - 10.45am / £5 or £3 with film ticket.

8 www.harrowarts.com Tue 18 Feb - Half Term Fun: Brave (HA5) Join the flame-haired Princess Merida who needs to rely on her bravery and archery skills to reverse a beastly curse, and defy an age-old custom sacred to the lords of the land. Will she be able to lift the curse before it’s too late? 11.00am - 12.30pm / £3 8 www.harrowarts.com Tue 18 – Fri 21 Feb – Amazing Animals at the Geffrye Museum (E2) A week of creative and fun craft activities inspired by animals at the Geffrye Museum. Be inspired by animal patterns on objects, pets in paintings or creatures that lived in the building. Create pet ornaments from clay and make animal puppets, paint portraits and more.

8 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Wed 19 Feb - Half Term Fun: Stitch a Stitch (HA5) At the end of this craft workshop for all the family, each child will leave with their own Stitch-style hoodlet to wear during a showing of Lilo And Stitch which follows. 10.00 - 10.45am / £5 or £3 with a film ticket.

8 www.harrowarts.com Wed 19 Feb - Half Term Fun: Lilo & Stitch (HA5) When Lilo adopts an unusual pet and gives him the name Stitch, little does she know that he is a notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive on the run from the law on another planet. Can Lilo teach him the importance of family? 11.00am - 12.30pm / £3 8 www.harrowarts.com Thu 20 Feb – Space Day: Outer Space Song and Dance Workshop (UB10) Go along and learn a fun space themed song and dance routine in the Outer Space Song and Dance Workshop as part of Compass Theatre's week of half term activities.

Workshop runs for 2 hours from 10am or 1pm. Take a packed lunch and a drink if you're going to workshops in the morning and afternoon.

Participants will be supervised between 12pm and 1pm. For children aged 5 to 11.

8 www.compasstheatre.co.uk Thu 20 Feb – Space Day: Interplanetary Craft Workshop (UB10) Go along and make something fun in the Interplanetary Craft workshop as part of Compass Theatre's week of half term activities. Workshop runs for 2 hours from 10am or 1pm. Bring a packed lunch and a drink if you're coming to workshops in the morning and afternoon. Participants will be supervised between 12pm and 1pm.

For children aged 5 to 11.

8 www.compasstheatre.co.uk

event where you can listen to and enjoy music performed by the Flute and Harp, the Aurora Duo. Come and see and hear the beautiful harp and flute play well known music as well as sensory, creative, relaxing and therapeutic music for your child with a disability.

From 10am at RNIB Sunshine House School: 33 Dene Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2DD. Contact Dawn Durrant, Music Therapist (Tinkerbell's Music Therapy Group & The Eden Academy) ( 01895 676401 to find out more information or book your place.

Sat 22 Feb - Spring Nearly New Sale (WD25) A table top sale of nearly new children's and baby items including: Cots, Prams, Bedding, Feeding equipment, Bathing equipment, Clothes and shoes, Toys and books, Maternity clothes and equipment, Toileteries and much more! 10.00am - 2.00pm ( 07770 823168 8 jennifer_eglinton@hotmail.com www.allsaintschurchleavesden.com Sun 23 Feb – Hillingdon’s Hidden Talent (UB10) Whether you are a singer, a street dance superstar or have a secret gift for sketch comedy, then Hillingdon's Hidden Talent is the competition for you. Previous winners have gone on to perform on The X Factor, The Voice and at top UK venues including the O2 Arena. It's free to compete and only £3.50 for a ticket to watch, so a great value afternoon all round!

8 www.compasstheatre.co.uk NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Local Clubs and Classes Directory ADULT CLASSES 1st Steps Linedance (Various) Linedancing classes in Pinner, Eastcote and Ruislip. Have fun while you keep fit! Beginner classes every weekday and regular improver/intermediate classes. ( 07958 643307 8 www.1ststepslinedance.com Bokwa Classes (HA7) Join in the fun with the new dance revolution sweeping the nation! Easy to follow steps, great music, all fitness levels and ages. Bernays Hall in Stanmore Tue and Thur at 11.45am. (07779 593253 8 steffab@hotmail.co.uk Cooking Goddess (HA) Provide cooking lessons in their fully equipped kitchen in Stanmore, or in the convenience of your own home. Lessons can be step by step 1:1 or in small groups. Available for all ages any time of the day. ( 07932 775336 8 christina@ ameris.co.uk Focused Mind Meditation (WD24) A weekly, hour long class which guides you through a visualization to help you relax your mind and body. A different meditation each week, learn how to switch off the constant stream of thought and focus your mind in a way which will enable you to feel more relaxed in every area of your life. ( 07944 744493 8 www.focusedmind.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 8 eva@crescendo-art.co.uk www. crescendo-art.co.uk Lemy School Language Classes (HA1) Languages classes for adults, including Spanish and French.

8 www.lemyschool.com My Unique Home (HA5) Do you collect Interior Design Magazines and wonder how you can make your home that beautiful? Are you passionate about colours, but lack the knowledge or confidence to use it? Do you wish you could be clever about how you use the space you live in? For more info; 8 www.myuniquehome. co.uk email to info@myuniquehome.co.uk.

NCT – Yoga for Pregnancy (Various) Classes focus on gentle postures, breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxations. Designed so you can attend throughout your pregnancy and can be adapted to individual needs. 8 www.nct.org.uk Watford School of Drawing and Painting (WD25/HA5) A school for adults who wish to learn how to draw or want to improve their existing level of drawing skills.

They are open 2 days a week all year round, with classes at Meriden Community Centre in Watford and Harrow Arts Centre. No previous experience necessary, classes are pay as you go. 8 www.martinsart.net Zumba Fitness® (Various) An exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy & health. 8 zumbawithsj-zumba@yahoo.co.uk www.zumba.com/profiles/46045/sylvia-johnstone

LANGUAGE AND BABY 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 8 www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Baby Sensory (Harrow, Watford & Hemel Hempstead) The sessions are specifically aimed at babies from birth to 13 months and each week is different. All activities are accompanied by developmental information so you understand the value to your baby’s learning experience. It also helps you develop fun ideas for home use and much more. Classes held weekly in North-West London areas. ( Lina (Harrow): 07809549103 8 northharrow@babysensory.co.uk ( Clare (Watford, HH): 07779 234228 8 hemel@ babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com Greek Language School in Kingsbury (NW9) For ages 4 to adult. Friendly and fun with traditional dancing lessons. Every Saturday 10am-1pm. ( 07956 493155 8 www.kingsburygreekschool.org.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. Run on a Saturday morning at 9am and 10am at Nower Hill School, Pinner. 8 www. sansaar.org La Jolie Ronde (HA5) Fun Spanish classes at Cannon Lane Methodist Church. Tues 4:15pm 8 consueloroso@gmail.com ( 07949894212.

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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: ( Angelina Melwani 07956 948776, 020 8950 0888. 8 www.singandsign.com

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 8 mcstraining@hotmail.co.uk

ACTIVITY CENTRES Aspire National Training Centre, Kidz Zone activities (HA7) Wide range of activities available from 6mths to 12yrs. ( Call 020 8954 5759 8 customerservices@ aspire.org.uk. Wood Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4AP Gambado Watford (WD25) Giant play-frame, dodgems, climbing wall, and parties. ( 01923 892140 8 www.gambado.com Parents Paradise (WD23) Soft play centre for all ages up to 11 with a large play frame, separate baby and toddler area, go-kart track, shooting gallery, party rooms and café. Offers different party themes; Paradise Play, Go Kart King, Forever My Bear Party and Arty Pottery Party. Parents Paradise aims to take away all the stress from a kid’s party.( 01923 248 747 8 www.parentsparadise.eu Partyman World of Play - Wembley (HA0) A magical place of multi-level play structures, air cannons, comfy seating for mums and dads to relax. Indoor playcentre and fabadousa party venue. ( 0208 904 9044 8 www.partymanworld.co.uk

The Windmill Studio (HA4) is a refreshing and exciting "Centre" based in Ruislip Manor with activities available for all ages that includes: JAMtots an interactive daytime activitiy centre for parents with babies and toddlers, JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency, Children's Birthday Parties, Holiday Workshops & Holiday Parties, Pole Dancing Parties, Pop Video Experience, Adult Classes & Courses in Fitness, Dance & Meditation, healthcareandpamper.com that has an array of treatments, therapies or similar available that looks after you, Treatment/Consultancy Rooms & Studios to Hire, Jimmy the JAMtots Bear who makes special guest appearances for outside events as well as special occasions here at the centre PLUS the Coffee Mill, which is child friendly and a place you can relax whether visiting the centre or just passing by that serves the best coffee, finest tea and the tastiest hot chocolate plus light snacks, cakes and delicious desserts. ( 01895 624755 8 thewindmillstudio@gmail. com www.thewindmillstudio.com

MUSIC Active in Music (HA5) Active in Music is a music school for children aged 5+, combining individual and group learning to give a fully rounded approach to learning an instrument. Piano, violin and guitar are available to learn. Please see website for further details and call to arrange a time to see the classes and the school. ( 020 3504 1000 8 www.activeinmusic.com Hartbeeps (Various) Delivers original, exciting and educational classes for young children and babies suitable from birth to 4 years. They combine their own specialised music technology with a highly interactive approach, which following years of research and development they feel best offers each child and their grown-up a very personal and unique experience.

Classes are held in Watford, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Bushey, Northwood, Stanmore, Pinner and Harrow. 8 www.hartbeeps.com Jo Jingles (Various) Interactive music and movement classes for children from 3 months to 5 years. Watford, Croxley Green, Abbots Langley, Bushey, Bricket Wood and Radlett. jojingleswatford@gmail.com ( 01923 445221 8 www.jojingles.co.uk/watfordarea Little Notes (HA1) Multi-award winning pre-school music classes run exclusively by professional musicians.

Real music, real instruments, really fun! Classes for children from 0 to 5 years. Free Taster Session.

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Thursdays at St. Peter’s Church, West Harrow. Additional venues planned for September. ( 020 8426 4114 8 www.littlenotes.org Mini Maniacs (Various) Interactive stay and play drop-in session for Parent with babies (6m+) and preschool toddlers. Different activities each week. Free tea, biscuits & juice! ( 01923 840 690 8 info@minimaniacs.com www.mini-maniacs.com

Monkey Music

(Various) Founded in 1993, Monkey Music is widely recognised as the UK’s premium provider of music classes for babies and children aged 3 months – rising 5 years. Their unique four-stage teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they easily understand and enjoy. Parents across the UK have voted Monkey Music as “Best National Toddler Development Activity” and “Best National Pre-school Development Activity.” ( 01895 674587 (Uxbridge, Harrow, Eastcote) 01727 831867 (Watford, Radlett, Bushey, Borehamwood) 8www.monkeymusic.com Music Gym (WD25) Fun, friendly music lessons in guitar, singing and keyboard. Making music fun, cool and exciting, teaching rock and pop with accredited grades.

Adult lessons too! Free taster lessons for 5-12yr olds. ( 01923 523027 8 www.musicgym.co.uk The Sound Cube (WD17) Grab a mic and unleash your inner popstar! Go solo, or party with your friends, and sing your favourite songs just like your pop idols.

Sing, Dance, Record and receive a FREE full-colour personalised *DVD of your performance! (*Party sessions only) Suitable for 7 years +. ( 01923 222654 8 www.thesoundcube.co.uk The West London School of Tabla (HA2) Learn rhythm and improvisation with classical Indian Percussion.

Syllabus aimed at 4-11 years with assessments and examinations. ( 020 8864 6364 8 www.wlstabla. co.uk

SPORTS AND EXERCISE Amanda’s Action Club (NW3) Dynamic fun, fitness and music classes for pre-schoolers in Huggle Swiss Cottage. Wed 9.20-10.05, 10.15-11.00 and 11.10-11.55am.

Pay as you go 4m– 4yrs. Parties for ages 1-12. ( 01895 623999 8 info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www. amandasactionclub.co.uk Enjoy-a-Ball classes (Various) Sports coaching for 3-9 year 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 18months to 3 years. Perfect for active little ones who love playing with balls and more! 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 8 www. enjoy-a-ball.com northlondon@enjoy-a-ball.com Fit For Sport (Various) ‘The UK’s leading healthy lifestyle activities provider’ 3-12 yrs. ( 0845 456 3233 8 www.fitforsport.co.uk Kiddikicks (NW6) the Early Years Sports Specialists.

Classes cater for 18 months up to age 7 years for full timetable and to book see 8 www.kiddikicks.co.uk ( 020 7937 7965 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 8 jodiesloan@littlekickers.co.uk or Harrow (HA3) Bushey and North Wembley ( 0208 422 0676 8 niro@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Sportscoach (WD3 & HA3) Multi-sport sessions, team games, individual sports and team building activities for 4-6 years (Early Sporties) for an hour and a half and 6-16 years (3 hours sessions) Both at JFS The Mall Kenton and Rickmansworth Masonic school. ( 01923 255099 8 www.sportscoach.co.uk/harrow and www. sportscoach.co.uk/rickmansworth

White Crane Karate School (HA8) For children aged 4-11.

Classes introduce children to the discipline of karate in a fun and friendly way. Karate teaches children selfdiscipline and develops confidence. Classes currently held in Edgware Friday evenings, East Finchley Saturday morning and in Stanmore from September. ( Sheena 0787 550 1674 8 whitecraneedgware34@hotmail. co.uk www.karatewhitecrane.co.uk See Facebook: Children’s Karate Classes–Edgware & Finchley.

Yoga Paradise classes for kids, teens and adults. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on breathing, flexibility and strength to promote physical and mental well being. For further information on Yoga Workshops during February Half term8 contact Priya priya@ yogaparadise.co.uk www.yogaparadise.co.uk or ( 07961 593621

Swimmimg Aqua Style (WD23/HA6) teachers Children, babies and Adults to swim without aids in small groups, or One to One.(Why pay for a teacher, when you can to take your child swimming with arm bands?) They run Intensive ‘Fast Track’ Courses during School Holidays and weekly ‘Term Time’ courses. Details 8 www.aquaswim.org ( 07925954144.

Aqua Vie (WD23, WD5) Small classes based on the Alexander Technique. Babies from 6 weeks. ( 07525 657 9878 8 office@aqua-vie.com www.aqua-vie.com

Little Fishes ((WD23) Swimming lessons in Bushey from 4 months9yrs. Using a hydrotherapy pool – perfect for babies and young children learning to swim. Family orientated swim school teaching through play and having fun. We are a very successful school running classes all over North London & Hertfordshire.”

( Debbie 01707 276734 8 www.littlefishesswimclub.co.uk Swimming Nature (various) For babies (3months-3yrs), Swimming Nature for Children (3-15years) Weekly lessons in wonderful family orientated clubs. Classes are tailored to the child's ability and they follow the Swimming Nature progressive scheme that builds strong and competent swimmers. They don't use floats or swimming aids and they only teach the correct strokes. ( 08445 040506 8 www.swimmingnature.com Swimkidz Watford Ltd (WD4, HA1, HA9) Structured, progressive and fun swimming lessons for babies, toddlers and children. ( 07545523196 8 georgie@ swimkidz.co.uk www.swimkidz.co.uk

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 8 www.beverleydance.co.uk.

JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency (HA4) Classes available for everyone from 2.5 years – adults, male and female that include a creative explosion of styles in dance, drama and singing. ( 01895 624755 8 www. jam2000.co.uk Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools (Various) Drama, Dance and Singing for students aged 3 to 18 years.

Various locations in London, Herts and the South East.

Two week trial available. ( 020 8447 4530. 8 enquiries@jigsaw-arts.co.uk. www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk Make Believe Group (Various) a performing arts school with classes in Harrow and Edgware. Their classes include Street Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing and Audition Technique. Suitable for ages 3-18 years. ( 020 8500 8107 8 www.makebelievegroup. co.uk

Local Clubs and Classes Directory 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 8 www. perform.org.uk Perform PLUS (NW11) is a new type of children’s drama school. They use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. In Hampstead Garden Suburb will be on Saturdays Hampstead GS Free Church on Northway at 9.30 am and 11.15 am. All children are invited to a Free Trial Session. ( 0845 400 1275 8 www.perform. org.uk Harrow Perform PLUS (HA1) are delighted to announce that they have a new venue opening in Jan 2014 for 7-12 year olds. Fridays 4.15pm - 5..45pm at St Peter's hall, Sumner Road, HA14BX. They would love to give every Reader at £30 discount off a block of 10 sessions in January 2014. Please quote Families offer. 07984808622 Lucybonnar@perform.org.uk Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA1, HA7, WD3) Sharpe Academy is a performance based theatre school with venues in Harrow, Rickmansworth and Stanmore where children aged 3-21 attend weekly classes in preparation for full scale Musical Theatre productions. ( 07500 569024 8 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 8 www. stagecoach.co.uk Wordworks Studio (HA5) Individual and group classes in Speech, Drama and Communication Skills for children aged 3-18yrs. 8 wordworksstudio@ymail.com

Dance Chantraine Dance of Expression (NW6) Classes for all ages covering all aspects of dance - rhythm, technique, creativity, choreography - for the development of the whole person. Friendly, non-competitive environment.

All abilities welcomed. ( 020 7435 4247 8 www. chantrainedance.co.uk Dinky Dancers (various) offers Dance, PE, movement & music classes for rising 2 – 4 year olds. High pace, high energy themed activities including character dances, fun & funky choreography, singing, percussion instruments and PE equipment. Taster class offered.

Parties available. 8 www.dinkydancers.com ( 01923 239424/0208 207 2109 Futunity UK Academy of Sport and Dance (UB8) Purpose built facility in Uxbridge. Offer classes for ages 2 through to adults. Ballet (RAD), Tap (ISTD), Contemporary, Hip Hop, Street Dance, Break Dancing, Street Cheer, Pole Fitness, Gymnastics, Free Running and Children’s Parties. Classes range from beginners to advanced/competitive levels. ( 01895 251224 8 www.futunityuk.com.

Karan's Bollywood Masterclass (Various) Learn a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop, Kathak and more in Harrow. Classes available for Toddlers, Children & Adults; popular, fun and professional training from global dance star Karan Pangali. ( 020 8423 9543/07944 457 984 8 www.kspark.co.uk

Lorna Clark School of Dance (Various) Established for over 40 years, training students from 3-18 yrs to acquire Poise, Confidence and a love of Dance in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek and National. All classes taught by fully qualified teachers. 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. Many pupils have gone on to perform and to train as teachers. Weekly Jazz and Drama classes are held and the school participates in Festivals and produces a Bi Annual show. All classes held in South Harrow/Eastcote.

Book a free No Obligation Lesson with this advert, by phoning 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 8 www vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFTS After-School Art Classes For Kids in Stanmore (HA7) Drawing, painting and mixed-media. Mon–Thurs and Sat for Reception through GCSE. One-to-one tuition for all ages, including portfolio-building for University applicants. ( Lisa 020 8954 2897 8 myartclub@ yahoo.co.uk Craft Club (HA5) Term-time, every Monday 4:30-5:30pm at Harrow Arts Centre. New craft activities each term: hand and machine sewing; knitting; fabric printing. For 5-11 yr-olds. All materials provided. Qualified teachers. ( 07946 055 422 8 www.mysistersandme.co.uk JAMtots (HA4) Creative arts session Includes homemade cooking, sticking, making, colouring, model making, painting and more. ( 01895 624755 8 thewindmillstudio.com 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 8 www.minipicassos.co.uk info@ minipicassos.co.uk Stitch Club (HA5) Sewing club and workshops from 8yrs, teens and adults. After school, weekend and home-educated groups, holiday and adult workshops.

8 sam@stitch-london.co.uk www.stitch-London.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 8 www.veggiekitchen.co.uk

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB Camelot Progressive Education focus on the core fundamental educational skills that all pupils need to achieve their full academic potential. They provided gimmick free, traditional classroom based teaching and learning. They focus on Maths and English in line with the National Curriculum, and for those heading for the 11+ Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning. 8 www.cped. org.uk ( 020 8869 9395 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 8864 0325. 8 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 8 www.childrensstories.net Explore Learning (Various) Maths & English tuition for 5-14 yr olds of all abilities. Individualised courses tailored to your child’s needs. Vibrant, energetic centres that make children enthusiastic about learning. Courses mapped to the National Curriculum and Curriculum for Excellence. 8 www.explorelearning.org.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. 8 www.firstclasslearning.co.uk Fleet Tutors (Various) Private home tutoring for Maths and English; 33 years’ experience. ( 020 8580 3911 8 www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Help4Learning (various) A fun movement based programme to help with focus/attention, hyperactivity, verbal instruction, reading & writing. 8 www. help4learning.com 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 8 ushapatel.raviv@ gmail.com www.integratedbrain.co.uk Kip McGrath Education Centre (Various) After school and Sat tuition for 6-16 years in Pinner, Hendon, Northwood, Uxbridge & Watford. Tuition in Maths, Reading, Spelling, Writing, SATS, 11+ and GCSE 8 www.kipmcgrath.com Kumon (Various) Every child can achieve. Every child can succeed. No matter what their age or ability, Kumon will help your child to improve their concentration and study skills, unlock their true potential and become an independent learner. ( 0800 854 714 8 www.kumon.co.uk Leaders are Readers (HA8) Award winning reading programme helping children from as young as 3 years to read fluently, often to a standard three to four years above their peers reading age. ( 01992 651 300 8 www.leadersarereaders.co.uk Magikats (HA1) offer innovative programmes, written to support the National Curriculum from ages 3 – 16, every Saturday at Gayton Library in Harrow. The friendly MagiKats environment, with individual programmes and individual support for individual children, promotes confidence, skills and a love of learning. ( 02084275663 8 www.magikats.com Math’scool Award-winning Maths Tuition plus out-oflesson homework support. ( 0844 840 8400 8 www.mathscool.com Maths Doctor (various) is an award winning company, run by qualified teachers. They have over 500 tutors providing one-to-one maths and physics tuition across the whole of the UK. They always start with a free online assessment of your child’s level and learning style, which enables them to hand pick the best tutor for them. To request a tutor please register your details on 8 www.mathsdoctor.co.uk ( 020 7193 1871

The Northwood Practice Speech and Language Therapist (HA6) An independent service covering a range of children’s communication difficulties. ( 01923 824 074 8 www.northwoodpractice.co.uk Number Works ‘n’ Words (Various) 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. 8 www.numberworksnwords.co.uk Play and Learn (WD23) Play and Learn offer classes for children aged 3-16 years. They provide a formula that works to inspire and encourage learning with the added benefit of play, whilst reinforcing and supporting their school education. Each session will include a snack and drink, a 50-minute lesson and an hour’s play to encourage your child’s efforts. ( 01923 248747 8 play.learn@parentsparadise.eu www.parentsparadise.eu/play-and-learn The Play Shelter After School Club at Malorees Infant & Junior Schools (NW6) - 3.30pm to 6pm term time. Play Schemes available February 2014, Easter 2014, Summer 2014 and October 2014. ( 0207 407 6744 for more information. 8 admin@theplayshelter.co.uk www.theplayshelter.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 8 info@ravivpracticelondon.co.uk (registered therapist) Regent Learning (HA2) Harrow based learning club for 5-16 years enhancing their understanding of English, Maths, Science and ICT. ( 020 8966 9900 8 www.regentlearning.com Stanmore Tutor CRB checked. Preparation for 7+ and 11+ Grammar/Independent entrance exams. ( 020 3538 2437 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 8 www.sdeuk.org/swherts Type IT! - Touch Typing Lessons for Children (HA5) Learn to touch type! Specifically designed courses for children from age 8-18. The Type IT! course follows the National Literacy Strategy and so also helps with literacy skills including spelling and word patterns.

Highly recommended for children with dyslexia. Classes are held at Heathfield School in Pinner, HA5 1NB. Free trials available. Adult classes also available. ( 020 8864 0325. 8 www.typeitforkids.co.uk. wendy@ typeitforkids.co.uk.

U C MAS (HA2, HA3, WD18, UB4) A successful Abacus Mental Arithmetic training programme have been teaching hundreds of children in the UK since 2005, giving them a solid arithmetic foundation by applying the multiple intelligence of the human brain in learning mental arithmetic from the age of 4 with the help of the wonder tool Abacus which not only inculcates a love towards maths for children but also enhances the child’s ability to listen, focus and think in pictures in a play way method without any stress or repetition.

Enrol now to give your child a lifetime skill and discover the genius within them. ( 0208 907 8009 8 www. ucmas.uk.com Wise Owl Tutoring (HA4) for KS1 and KS2 maths and English. 11+ preparation, individually tailored study programmes, small groups and 1 to 1 in your own home. ( 07702 617 575 or 8 rraiththa@hotmail.com To promote your local club or class in the next issue of Families North West London Magazine email your details to: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk

Paediatric First Aid Courses Yoga for Children promotes • Flexibility • Focus • Confidence • Strength • Well being Termly Yoga Sessions offered at nurseries and schools. Registration open for February Half Term.

For dates, venues and prices, contact Priya on 07961 593621 or priya@yogaparadise.co.uk.

www.yogaparadise.co.uk

Sunday 26th January 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

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

29

Research

Baby Science - Improving learning and wellbeing through understanding development The Babylab at Birkbeck is always welcoming new recruits and we are now specially inviting all those babies who have an older brother or sister with ADHD and/or autism Harry is 14 months old and, like many babies of his age, he’s busy toddling around, rolling cars down a chute and smiling towards mum and dad in excitement every time the cars reach the floor. But how did he learn to recognize mum and dad, and to correctly say the word “car”? Why did it take him 12 months to attempt to say this word, while Ella took 14 months? Harry and Ella are helping to answer questions like these during their visit to the Babylab. Harry is taking part in an eye-tracking study. We can see what grabs his attention when watching short movies or cartoons, because his gaze is “tracked” continuously by sensors that capture the light reflected by his eyes.

Meanwhile, in a different room, we can see Ella’s brain activity while she is enthusiastically communicating with a researcher.

Centrally located in London, the Babylab is part of Birkbeck College and has, for the past 15 years, been busy figuring out how babies talk and walk and, more importantly, why some babies and children struggle with reaching these milestones.

Researchers at the Babylab have shown that even at 6 months of age, infants that later develop symptoms of autism have difficulties interpreting another person’s gaze direction. This may explain why they later struggle with language, as gaze direction often tells infants what it is that we are talking about. For more information on this research see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/ health-16740758 In the New Year, the Babylab is launching a new study!

STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children that are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders – autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country that have an older child with autism AND/OR ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months of age. The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their 3rd birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development

For many more local events and diary dates for the whole family, visit www.FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk 30

NORTHWEST (LONDON) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

with the team of researchers. At the end of each visit children will receive a Babylab participation diploma and a very fashionable t-shirt (like the one Harry is wearing in the photo)!

The Babylab reimburses all travel costs.

By studying these babies’ development early in life we will better understand how autism and ADHD develop, and this will help to diagnose these disorders earlier, and provide earlier and more effective interventions. Researchers at the Babylab work hard to design clever and fun studies but, ultimately, it is the babies that are of most help! If you are expecting a baby or have just given birth please do not hesitate to contact the Babylab about the STAARS Study if you have an older child with autism and/or ADHD.

Web: www.staars.org Tel: 0207 079 0761

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Upcoming Issue: March/April 2014 Party Time Deadline: Fri 31st Jan 5pm

PA R T IE S

Stanmore Tutor CRB checked

Prep for 7+ and 11+ Grammar/Ind Exams Exam workshops

New! now offered

Call 020 3538 2437

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

Contact THE NORTHWOOD PRACTICE MRCSLT, HPC

Call 01923 824074

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Families North West is designed by Lisa Bibby and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North West Magazine 2014. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families North West is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.