Families London SE July August 2015 issue 170

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ISSUE NO. 170

FR

JULY / AUGUST 2015

THE CHILDREN are kicking their schoolshoes under the bed for the hols (they won’t fit, come September, I’ll bet), and are ready for some sand between their toes.

The long school holidays - don’t you just love ‘em? A straw poll brings a resounding ‘YESSS’ from the Small People Who Look Like Us, and a mixed bag from the grown ups - ranging from calm confidence from those who have summer all mapped out, to wide-eyed panic from others.

July and August is the time to dance, act or touch type, play tennis or the keyboard, read a stack of books or learn all about coding. It makes you want to be young again, doesn’t it?

We’ll be back in September - enjoy the rest - and fingers crossed for good weather, eh?

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE 2-3

Local News and Views Crafts, drama, music and a book festival for children; pub lunches and a brilliant bike hire scheme

4-7

8-10 Education News Local schools’ news; and avoiding the ‘summer learning slide’

The Bookseller Crow Justine Crow’s slice of summer life through the pages of new books

12

Avoiding the Word ‘No!’ That would be good, wouldn’t it? It can be done, says ‘The Three Day Nanny’ parenting expert Kathryn Mewes

13

What’s New New, sunny, summer products

14-19 What’s On Wonderful family events, shows and creative workshops to ward off “there’s nothing to dooo...” this summer

Front cover: Surfing dog print shorts from £10, blue sunglasses £6, floral and butterfly print swimsuit from £10, butterfly sunglasses £6, giraffe swimsuit from £10, pink sunglasses £6, Super Cool Dude tshirt from £4, pineapple print shorts from £10, all from M&Co. 0800 092 4686, www.mandco.com

Next issue out 4 September, deadline 14 August

Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240, www.familiesse.co.uk, editor@familiesse.co.uk Families South East is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

Wednesday workshops in Greenwich Market Crafty kids really do enjoy the children’s workshops in Greenwich Market.

Pop by any Wednesday during the summer holidays and work with clever designer makers to make something special. Step back in time and make retro pompoms, whilst nimble fingers love Beadoir’s jewellery making workshops. Lots more besides including storytelling, face painting, hula-hooping and kiddie dancing.

For details, check the market website.

Visit Greenwich Market and meet the best arts, craft and designer makers.

Enjoy temptingly delicious street food straight from the makers. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm, with many shops open seven days a week. Read more at www.greenwichmarketlondon.com

Summer Holiday Activities Keep you little ones entertained, amused and occupied with our pick of southeast London’s best holiday schemes

11

LocalNews

families south east - july / august 2015

Take to the stage with SLYT South London Youth Theatre have a busy summer ahead of them, with productions of Les Miserables; The Lion King and an original musical called Orphan Song, all performed by over 100 talented students made up of children aged 7-19 years, who either attend weekly classes with SLYT, or who are attending summer workshops.

By September it will be business as usual with a timetable of classes every weekday evening, when term commences in September.

2015 marks South London Youth Theatre’s fifth year of working with youngsters with a passion for the performing arts, and any new students wishing to join in September will be doing so in time to appear in the Christmas production, which promises to continue the tradition and standard set by SLYT shows, which always includes a live orchestra, lavish costumes and scenery, and of course outstanding performances from the students! For more information, visit www.slyt.co.uk or call 020 8850 0516.

Electronic keyboard classes Funky Monkey’s electronic keyboard classes are expanding to new centres for September 2015 and have started taking bookings.

The new classes are coming to Forest Hill, Clapham and Wimbledon, and there’s a completely free trial for new children.

If you can’t wait, there’ll be brilliant and fun ‘taster’ one and five-day courses for 4-8 year beginners between 27 July and 14 August - see page 4 for details.

To register your place for summer or termtime from September, call 0800 107 7949, or catch up at www.funkymonkey.info.

If you go up to the woods today...

Nestling next to the woods on Sydenham Hill, The Woodhouse pub recently completed a major renovation and now has a big and gorgeous, family-friendly garden for sunny summer lunches; a stunning new restaurant space; and an events programme including afternoon tea on Friday afternoons, ‘Yummy Mummies’ coffee mornings on Tuesdays (with free pastries), butchery masterclasses in conjunction with William Rose butchers, and a weekly pub quiz.

All this and Young’s ales - something for everyone, then. See more at www.thewoodhousedulwich.co.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

Anne-Marie is a winner Local dance teachers, Anne-Marie Martin and Rebecca Duschl were thrilled to win two national awards in this year’s prestigious NatWest EWIF Awards.

The Encouraging Women into Franchising Awards recognise and celebrate the work of women in the UK franchising industry, and at the awards ceremony in May, diddi dance founder Anne-Marie won the coveted Woman Franchisor of the Year award. Scooping two awards, the national dance school also saw franchise director, Rebecca, win the competitive Woman Franchise Employee of the Year.

Anne-Marie founded diddi dance in 2003 to get under 5s active and on their feet in a fun, creative and unique way. A professional dancer and teacher with over 20 years’ experience, Anne-Marie designed diddi dance to cater for all little ones with a new dance style covered every half term using her own original choreography and music. In 2010, diddi dance was officially launched as a franchising company, growing to 37 franchises (and counting) now offering classes, birthday parties and CDs across the country.

Bookings are taken in half term blocks and toddlers can have a free trial class before signing up. Find one at www.diddidance.com.

Horrid Henry v Dennis the Menace at STREAM2015 - a free event!

Following the success of last year’s STREAM South London Festival for children, Streatham & Clapham High School will be holding STREAM2015 on Saturday 7 November.

On a day packed full of exciting sessions with authors, activities and events, workshops, panels and competitions, there is something for every reader from nursery-age through to young adults. The new line-up includes top writers including Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon; Steven Butler with his latest Diary of Dennis the Menace; performance poet and story writer Laura Dockrill; the multi-talented Natalie Haynes; and author James Dawson.

The first STREAM South London Book Festival took place in 2014 with a stellar line-up of over 40 authors and events including multi-million selling authors Lauren Child and Chris Riddell, the hugely popular Wimpy Kid Show and World-Book Day illustrator Alex T Smith. The Festival was opened by Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, who is now patron of STREAM. Tales on Moon Lane is again the partner bookshop for 2015 and fantastic food will be supplied by stalls from Norwood Feast.

STREAM2015 is free and open to all - however, it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. Further information and booking can be found on www.STREAM2015.co.uk.

Borrow a bike A new bike hire scheme has been launched for people who live, work or study in the borough of Lewisham.

For just £10 a month, you can borrow a quality bike, which comes with a helmet, bike lock and high visibility jacket. At the end of the month there are great discounts to buy the bike, and there are even free cycle lessons for beginners.

To find out more or register, call 020 8314 2254 or email roadsafetyeducation@lewisham.gov.uk.

Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge is back! Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards including a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge.

This year the Reading Agency has teamed up with Guinness World Records to bring together fact and fiction, challenging young readers to explore astonishing real-life achievements and world records. Collecting stickers as they go, young readers will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure!

Parents and carers love the challenge, not only is it free but they can see a difference in their children’s reading. Teachers too can often tell which children have taken part; research shows that those who take part in the Challenge return to school after the summer break as more fluent, confident and happy readers.

The Challenge launches in July. Sign up for free at your local library, and read more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

familiesse.co.uk

Register today for your 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL! Join the Reading and Maths Challenge and keep the learning going for your child this summer with a 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL of the multi-award winning Reading Eggs and Mathseeds!

Designed for ages 3-6, the comprehensive online learning programmes feature hundreds of structured lessons and thousands of guided activities to help children learn essential early reading and maths skills.

Developed by experienced primary educators and trusted in over 16,000 schools worldwide, lessons are matched to your child’s ability and progress at a steady pace.

Children enjoy learning with fun characters, great songs and exciting rewards to help them stay motivated. Plus, you can track your child’s progress with detailed assessment reports.

Register today to start your 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL of Reading Eggs and Mathseeds.

Registration is fast and easy!

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july / august 2015 - families south east

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STAGECOAC H DULWICH

Summertime...

Tiny Tots age 2.5-3

Little Aces Junior Champs Grand Slammers age 3-4

age 5-7

age 8-11

fun filled tennis games and activities

the living is easy

and with clubs, workshops and daycamps...

indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets FREEDOM ACADEMY ARTS SUMMER WORKSHOPS

FREE introductory session Summer holiday courses now booking phone

07877 391005

www.tennis-4-kids.com email: gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

27 July - 21 August, various SE LONDON venues, 020 3793 6843, www.freedomacademy.co.uk Fun-packed, week long workshops full of acting, song, dance and games for all ages from 3 to teens.

TIDDLER THE STORY TELLING FISH, 27-31 July in Forest Hill and 10-14 August in East Dulwich. Ages 3-6, morning or afternoon sessions available.

THE CAT IN THE HAT, 3-7 August in Sydenham and 17-21 August in Dulwich. Ages 3-6, morning or afternoon sessions available.

POP ACADEMY, 3-7 August in Forest Hill. Write and record your own songs, and film your own pop video in a professional recording studio! Ages 7-16, 9am-3.30pm.

FILM SCHOOL, 17-21 August in Dulwich. Write, direct and star in a short film, complete with a premier for family and friends. Ages 7-16, 9am-3.30pm.

TENNIS-4-KIDS 27-30 July, 10-13 and 17-20 August in EAST DULWICH, 3-6 August in FOREST HILL, 07877 391005, www.tennis-4-kids.com Rally round for a smashing time learning to play tennis with other children. Tennis-4-Kids run mini sessions giving children lots of fun learning basic to advanced skills. The friendly coaches run small groups for 3-11 year-olds, with all equipment provided. Term times sessions available too.

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD WORKSHOPS 27 July - 14 August, HERNE HILL, BATTERSEA and STREATHAM, 0800 107 7949, www.funkymonkey.info Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are holding both one day and five day workshops for beginners. They have a different theme depending on the season and are a perfect opportunity to try out the keyboard and make music the fun way! In small groups, children learn how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. It’s a wonderful, relaxed introduction to practical and theoretical music, and with the use of keyboard games, quizzes and art activities all based around music, you’ll be amazed how much they learn! See the website for full details, costs and dates.

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD THIS SUMMER

STAGECOACH SUMMER WORKSHOP

-

music workshops

activities & games

SLYT MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: LES MISERABLES 10 - 22 August in EAST DULWICH, 020 8850 0516, www.slyt.co.uk South London Youth Theatre is thrilled to be producing the musical phenomenon ‘Les Miserables’ with a cast of 40 teenagers aged 12-19 years. Now in its 5th year, SLYT attracts students with a serious passion for theatre and acting, and many students have gone onto secure places at top London drama schools following their Summer courses and weekly classes.

The 10 day Musical Theatre course (Mon-Fri then Tues - Sat) culminates in the performance of ‘Les Miserables’ at the Prissian Theatre with full costumes, lighting, scenery, and a live orchestra! The course runs from 10-6pm daily, and rehearses at St Faiths Centre on Red Post Hill. £325 per student for the 10 day course. Some places and leading roles still available for enthusiastic boys!

learn an instrument

Award-winning, ofsted-registered music activity playscheme for children age 4-11.

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950 4

3-7 August, ALLEYNS SCHOOL, Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8949 4116, www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich Join Stagecoach for five fun-filled days of drama, singing and dance with a free presentation on the last day for family and friends. No auditions are required - just a willingness to give it a go! Ages 4-7 years 9.30am -12.30pm £125 with performance at 6pm on the final day. Ages 8-16 years 10am-4pm £160 with performance at 7pm on the final day.

families south east - july / august 2015

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HIVE DAYCAMPS

ILDREN’S NUTTY’S CH HOP S K R O W familiesse.co.uk

Summer Camp BOOKING NOW

THE STRING S CLUB

EXCHANGE THEATRE

The Hive brings together nature exploration, gameplay and iPod technology to offer amazing outdoor days for children 5 -11!

SPARK4KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOPS

www.thehive-kids.com

August 2015 at Belair House, DULWICH, 020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com Spark4Kids summer holiday workshops are designed to engage children in robotics, coding, electronics, games development, touch-typing as well as Minecraft in a fun and exploratory environment. Ages 8+, all levels from beginner onwards welcome. Term-time sessions are also available - see website for details.

hello@thehive-kids.com | 020 3291 3791 Quote ‘FAMILIES’ when booking for 10% off our standard prices

NIMBLE ARTS SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB 22 July - 14 August, GOOSE GREEN SCHOOL, East Dulwich SE22, www.nimblearts.co.uk 18 days of creative summer holiday fun for 4-11 year olds! No two days will ever be the same and every day there’ll be up to four exciting creative workshops run by actors, film-makers, magicians, musicians and more. You can sign up your child for the full summer or just pick the days that most interest you. Ages 4-11 years, 10am-4pm each day with free wraparound care available from 8.30am-5pm. From £29 for a half day, with discounts for more than five days, and for siblings. The workshops are Ofsted registered and parents can pay with childcare vouchers.

SUPER CAMPS 20 July - 21 August, Various venues including Blackheath High School in BLACKHEATH and St Dunstan’s School in CATFORD, 01235 467300, www.supercamps.co.uk Super Camps run multi-activity, Ofsted-registered daycamps designed to offer holiday childcare to parents while appealing to children of all types and ages. Each child explores and experiences a daily schedule of different a ctivities with others their own age, under the guidance of superbly-trained staff. The venues offer sports, outdoor and indoor games, arts and crafts activities. Ages 4-14 years, 8am-6pm, bookings available by day at £45 or £144 for four days.

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THE ICE QUEEN WITH PERFORM 27-31 July in DULWICH, 10-14 August in EAST DULWICH, 3-7 August 2015 in GREENWICH, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk/icequeen Perform is back this Summer with enchanting five-day holiday courses for 4-7 year old children. Based on the popular Ice Queen story, the children will go on an amazing adventure guaranteed to fire their imaginations. Whether they’re creating a dazzling ice palace, whooshing downhill on a reindeer sleigh or enjoying singing with a snowman, the energetic team of actors, musicians and dancers will be with them every step of the way to inspire and encourage.

With colourful costumes, original songs and live music, children will enjoy a fun-packed course putting together a fantastic show that will delight family and friends. With the emphasis on having fun and developing confidence skills, a Perform course will be the talk of the holidays. Two hours per day, £153 per child for five days; sibling discounts available.

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CREATE A SHOW WITH NUTTY’S CHILDREN’S PARTIES 20-22 July 2015, SOUTH LONDON SCOUT CENTRE, Grange Lane, Dulwich SE21, 0788 405 0954, www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk, email danny@nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk Local actor, dad and children’s party entertainer Danny Nutt is running his first ever summer holiday workshop.

He promises lots of indoor and outdoor fun including drama-inspired games, music and singing, running around, rehearsals and a performance on the last day. Ages 5-8 years, 9am-3.30pm each day, £100 per child for all three days with a discount for siblings.

READER OFFER: Quote “Families Nutty’s Offer” when you book and you can claim a free Nutty’s Children’s parties - the Official Album on CD.

with our fun packed, group keyboard tuition!

Small group classes, perfect for 4-11 year old beginners Read, write & play music to first grade

THE HIVE DAYCAMPS 13 July - 21 August, ELTHAM COLLEGE, Grove Park Road, London SE9 4QF, 020 3291 3791, www.thehive-kids.com Book a week of outdoor fun on a team-building adventure which will introduce children to new and different skills every day. Mixing nature exploration, story telling and mobile technology, The Hive Daycamps introduce children to such skills as foraging, geocaching, fire making, wildlife tracking, wild cooking, wood carving, whittling, bee keeping, gardening, nature film-making, and even potion making. Ages 5-11 years, 9.30am-4.30pm each day, with extended care available.

READER OFFER: Quote ‘Families’ when booking for 10% off all standard prices.

Term classes & holiday courses Herne Hill, East Dulwich, Forest Hill (new!), Brixton To find out more, check for new centres & book a trial:

0800 107 7949

www.funkymonkey.info

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and termtime classes in SYDENHAM, 020 7515 1707, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.

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july / august 2015 - families south east

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SLYT JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP 24-29 August 2015 in EAST DULWICH, 020 8850 0516, www.slyt.co.uk South London Youth Theatre is excited to be running their second junior Musical Theatre workshop this summer.

Students can expect to learn all aspects of performance, specialising in Acting, Singing, and Dancing at this action-packed experience, led by professionals from the West End and designed to expose talented children to the thrill of live theatre! The six day course (Mon-Sat) culminates in the performance of a full-scale musical at the Prissian Theatre in front of 200 guests of family and friends, with fabulous lighting, costumes and scenery that will give any budding thespian a taste of professional theatre! Ages 7-11 years, 9.30am- 4.30pm daily, £225 per child for the whole course. Early booking is advised to ensure places and roles for each child.

FIT FOR SPORT

SOUTH LONDON YOUTH THEATRE

29 June - 4 September, Various venues including DULWICH, BERMONDSEY, DOWNHAM and GIPSY HILL, 0845 456 3233, www.fitforsport.co.uk Fit for Sport’s Ofsted-registered holiday childcare activity camps are designed to engage and educate children through activity, with swimming, ballgames, active challenges and arts and crafts based on seasonal themes.

Standard day 9.30am-4.30pm with extended hours available. Ages 3-12 years, bookable by half or full day, or weekly blocks - see the website for full details.

THE STRINGS CLUB HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 13 July - 24 August in HILLY FIELDS SE4, 13-17 July in BALHAM SW12, 0121 369 1950, www.thestringsclub.org The Strings Club’s award-winning playscheme brings together the very best of music provision and school holiday activity days. Each day is different and includes learn together, play together sessions filled with instruments and workshops for budding or first time string players. Ages 4-12, bookable by half or full day, or week. Childcare vouchers accepted and sibling discounts available.

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St MICHAEL’S CHURCH, Champion Crescent, Sydenham SE26 4HH, 0870 986 3082, www.minichampions.co.uk Mini Champions offer day long holiday activities including bowling, mini Olympics at a local athletics track, trips out, a garden party and plenty of onsite fun including games, a cinema afternoon and a whole lot more. All staff are DBS checked and a First Aider will always be available. Parents/ carers can book individual days or whole weeks.

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20 July - 27 August, SYDENHAM LAWN TENNIS CLUB, Lawrie Park Road SE26 6ET, www.southeastlondontennis.com, email email chris@southeastlondontennis.com Four day group activities with professional coaches in weekly blocks running from Mondays to Thursdays. Each session includes tennis coaching, games and other team events, with a mini tournament at the end of each week.

Facilities are available for wet-weather activities if necessary. Beginners and improvers welcome. 9am-12noon for 7-10 year-olds, 1-4pm for 11-15 year-olds, £52 for all four days, one day £15. Book and pay online; or call Chris on 0773 993 6999 or Michael on 07956 995820.

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FRENCH AND DRAMA SUMMER CLUB

2010 - 2015 2010 - 2015

Celebrating 5 years of youth theatre, Celebrating 5 yearsworking of youthprofessionals. theatre, taught by experienced, taught by experienced, working professionals.

ACTING. SINGING. DANCING. CLASSES FOR FOR ALL AGES. ACTING. SINGING. DANCING. CLASSES ALL AGES. WEB: WWW.SLYT.CO.UK TEL: 0208 850 0516

WEB: WWW.SLYT.CO.UK TEL: 0208 850 0516

Friday - Kingsdale School, SE21

20-24 July and 3-7 August, EXCHANGE THEATRE, Magdalen Street, London Bridge SE1, 020 7403 8560, www.echangetheatre.com Your child wants to act? And you want them to learn French? Why not mix it all together? Book them in an immersion week with Exchange Theatre and they’ll practise and/ or learn the language in a very friendly and relax environment.

There are acting classes in the morning; cultural and drama related fun (including theatre trips) in the afternoon; and a showcase in front of parents and friends at the end of the camp. The workshop leaders are French native actors who are very experienced in working with children and used to teaching French in an unconventional way. Exchange Theatre welcomes children of all levels and will adapt the activities accordingly. Ages 7-11 July dates, ages 12-15 in August, 9.30am-4pm daily.

CAMP BEAUMONT DAYCAMPS 6 July - 28 August 2015, COLFE’S SCHOOL, Upwood Road, Lee, SE12 8AW, 01263 823000, www.campbeaumont.co.uk Up to 40 different activities ranging from arts and crafts, swimming, soccer, tag rugby, tennis, motorsports, dance and drama, basketball, and many more. Ages 4-16 years, 8.30am-5.30pm, from £135 per week.

Saturday

-

Goodrich School, SE22

BOOK A FREE TRIAL CLASS TODAY! South East London Ages 3 yrs - 19 yrs 2015 SUMMER WORKSHOPS Now Booking!

020 3793 6843 www.freedomacademy.co.uk info@freedomacademy.co.uk

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families south east - july / august 2015

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july / august 2015 - families south east

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education news Streatham & Clapham Prep School This year Streatham & Clapham High (SCHS) welcomed Mr Thomas Mylne as new head of the Junior School. In September, the Junior School will become Streatham & Clapham Prep.

Mr Mylne outlined his vision for SCHS Prep: “To deliver lessons of the highest calibre, with the opportunity for exceptional personal development accompanied by an array of choices beyond the classroom. There will be a greater emphasis on expertise in science and languages, a greater promotion of creative opportunities in music and art, and in physical endeavour through sport. Above all, there will be a sharper focus on personalising our provision to ensure we provide the opportunities for every girl to have a platform and to be heard and seen as often as possible.” For more information visit www.schs.gdst.net.

Avoid the summer learning slide Research has revealed that two thirds of children fall behind in their studies over the long summer holidays, meaning that when they finally go back to school in September, many children are lacking in confidence and unable to recall things they learnt in the previous school year.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “It seems such a waste of all the time and effort they have put in over the previous year, when just a couple of hours a week to keep you topped up can make the world of difference when September comes around.”

July is the most popular time of the year for families to join Explore Learning, as parents across the country look for an engaging way to keep their children’s brains active over the summer break. Also, families joining in July will save £50 off the registration fee at participating centres, so now is a great time to join if you haven’t already.

Explore Learning has maths and English tuition centres across the UK, offering a free trial for new students, as well as the summer registration offer.

For full details and bookings, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk or call your local centre: Sydenham 020 8659 6026, New Cross Gate 020 7871 7110, Brixton 020 3713 9722.

‘First choice’ Deptford Green School

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Deptford Green School in New Cross has confirmed that more families put it as their first choice school than ever before, and are inviting interested parents to read what they describe as “heartwarming feedback” on their website.

It should come as no surprise that places at the school are increasingly sought after. Already in a national award winning building, it also rates as one of the top schools in the UK for students’ progress.

“We look forward to even greater success at GCSE this autumn. However, as well as studying hard, I am always impressed by our students’ commitment to the school and their wider community,” said Bob Ellis, who became executive headteacher of the comprehensive in February 2013. “A great example of this is Liam Islam in Year 10 who became Young Mayor of Lewisham this year.”

Deptford Green is a fully comprehensive Lewisham borough school where students make significantly better than expected levels of progress. Read more at www.deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk.

Maths & English tuition centres For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

Ofsted registered - we accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today!

New Cross Gate

020 7871 7110

Sydenham

020 8659 6026

Brixton

020 3713 9722

www.explorelearning.co.uk 8

families south east - july / august 2015

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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familiesse.co.uk

New schools: new beginnings

Mr Baker helps artisan bread maker

Pressure on school places means that many parents are competing for places at good local schools that are substantially oversubscribed.

Unfortunately, the reality is that a lot of parents will not be able to send their child to their first choice, and in some cases will have to settle for their third or even fourth. Last year, an average of 1-in-5 primary pupils in England were not offered their first choice of school, and too often parents have to settle for a school that is not quite right for their child. This is slowly changing though.

Sarah Pearson is interim director of national education charity, New Schools Network. She told Families: "Since 2011, more than 400 new free schools have opened or been approved to open across the country and, with nearly a quarter of those that have been inspected so far being judged Outstanding, it's unsurprising that more and more parents see these schools as their preferred option. The fact is that free schools have to put parents at their heart. The groups that set up free schools are led by parents, teachers, community groups, charities and existing schools but, whoever they are, they must have educational expertise and must show that they are both wanted and needed by local parents. The application process to set up a new school is incredibly rigorous - as it should be. Groups have to demonstrate a high level of educational expertise and have to prove that parents would want to send their children to the school, making parents the driving force behind every school. Whilst schools have the freedom to be innovative with the subjects they teach and their teaching methods, they must teach a broad and balanced curriculum and upload British values.

"I would say to any parent: consider taking that leap of faith and find out more about your local free school. With the government committing to 500 new free schools, this is an exciting time and we are beginning to hear from new groups who are passionate about improving education in their communities."

Further information can be found at www.newschoolsnetwork.org.

Artisan baker Graham Penn got the slice of luck he kneaded when he met a man called Baker at a neighbourhood event.

“I ran my micro-bakery at home in Shooters Hill but was quickly running out of space,” said Graham; “but Tim Baker, headteacher at Charlton Manor primary school, offered me the school kitchen to use at night and I haven’t looked back.”

Graham bakes for his business - The Honest Loaf - from 8pm to 3am every weekday at the school famed for its healthy food ethos in Indus Road, Charlton.

“I was born into a baking family,” said Graham, 58. “My grandfather and father were bakers and I worked for the bakery when I was at school, during the summer holidays. I went on to work in newspapers but three years ago I got fed up reading stories about all the additives that go into bread, so I decided to make it from three very simple ingredients - organic wheat flour, salt and water. All the materials we use are organic. We use no additives at all and keep our salt levels down to less than one per cent, so it’s totally organic, good-foryou bread.”

Charlton Manor is one of only two schools in London with a gold award for healthy eating. “The Honest Loaf fits in perfectly with our healthy lifestyle, so we were delighted to help Graham,” said Mr Baker. “We sell the bread in our tuckshop and get a little rent, so it’s good for everyone.”

The school held a one day practical food training conference on June 12 which attracted guests from schools, colleges and various organisations from all over the country. The day featured practical demonstrations, workshops and presentations from guest speakers including Levi Roots and chef Raymond Blanc. Alongside tasting food and refreshments, the guests took a tour of the school, secret garden and teaching kitchen. To find out more, www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk.

YES, I can touch-type

Touch-typing taught in just 10 hours

er S u m ma y Holid es Cour s

Developing independent thinkers and learners Prep School Open Day Saturday 3 October 10 am – 12 noon Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net

Streatham & Clapham Preparatory School Nursery and Prep School (girls 3-11) Wavertree Road, SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 prep@schs.gdst.net

familiesse.co.uk

Junior School to Sixth Form – touch-typing is a great skill to have

With proper tuition young people can learn to touch-type surprisingly quickly and, what’s more, enjoy the whole experience.

■ Improved speed and effectiveness in study.

■ Well presented work increases self-esteem.

■ There are particular benefits for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

‘Great teaching, wonderful encouragement, a warm, friendly atmosphere: the results in ten hours were amazing.’ mother of 13 year old To find out more call: 020 7515 1707 email: info@yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk or call Norman on 07961 427640 Visit our website: www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk

july / august 2015 - families south east

9

education news Rugby champ coaches talented girls

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Not many girls have the opportunity to join a rugby team at school, let alone have an experienced player as their coach, but Sydenham High can boast both.

Physics technician and Bromley RFC player Chris Copper has been successfully coaching an U14 girls’ rugby team at the school for the last few years. Having spent many an hour cheering on this talented bunch in their matches, the girls got the chance to return the favour at Twickenham in May, when Copper and Bromley RFC contested the national final of the RFU Senior Vase and lifted the trophy in a thrilling 20-10 win over West Leeds.

“We’re very lucky to have such a committed coach as Chris who also plays regularly for a local team,” said the school’s acting head of PE Georgina Calvert.

“Whilst we have a strong tradition in sports like netball and cross country, we’ve successfully offered sports like rugby, which are more usually played by boys, to our girls for quite a few years and they are really keen on them. We even have an Oxford Rugby Blue amongst our recent alumnae so their interest continues well beyond school.”

For more school news and forthcoming Open Day dates, go to www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net.

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‘Tough new measures’

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On 3 June, education secretary Nicky Morgan announced tough new measures to turn around failing schools, promising to ‘sweep away bureaucratic and legal loopholes’ that previously prevented schools from being improved.

The Education and Adoption Bill will force councils and governing bodies to actively progress the conversion of failing schools into academies, making clear that in the future every single school rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted will be turned into an academy.

Leading headteachers and education experts from across England have expressed support for the tougher measures.

The bill also includes plans to tackle coasting schools by putting them on a notice to improve. These schools will be given support from a team of expert headteachers, with those schools that continue to be unable to demonstrate a clear plan for improvement given new leadership.

Since 2010 the government has been able to intervene in around half of local-authority-maintained schools rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted. The new measures will in future allow the government to tackle 100% of these schools.

The exact number of schools the new measures will benefit will depend on future Ofsted findings - but it is expected that as many as 1,000 local-authoritymaintained schools could be transformed.

A crash course in employability

Empowering girls to pursue ideals and knowledge unafraid Senior School Open Day Saturday 26 September 10 am – 1 pm Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 8 October 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Register for Open Days www.schs.gdst.net Senior School (11-18) 42 Abbotswood Road, SW16 1AW 020 8677 8400 senior@schs.gdst.net

10

families south east - july / august 2015

Ahead of their work experience fortnight, a group of year 10 Sydenham School students experienced a day dedicated to thinking about life beyond school and how to present themselves to appear as employable as possible.

The day began with an interactive TiE (Theatre in Education) performance put on by the Rah-Rah Theatre Company. Over five rounds, the game-show format gave the entire 230-strong year group a hilarious, yet instructive introduction to everything from appropriate behaviour, customer care and appearance.

Later it was down to business, when 35 visiting representatives of national and local businesses and services interviewed every year 10 girl. Head teacher Carolyn Unsted asked that interviewers be as honest as possible in their immediate feedback to the girls about their demeanour and dress, noting that the comments carry extra weight when coming from people outside school. In addition to giving the girls advice, each interviewer was asked to decide which one girl among their contingent they would notionally want to hire. ‘Hired’ students received recognition in a celebration assembly later in the term, and all students were given a certificate and detailed feedback.

“Our most recent Ofsted report praised the success we have in extending students’ learning and widening their horizons and raising their aspirations,” added Carolyn Unsted. “The Employability Day is just one of the means by which we prepare students for the world beyond school and help them hone their interview skills.” For more school news, go to www.sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk Rah Rah Theatre Company was set up by Jude Spooner and Gemma Beagley in 2001, and was formed primarily to bring theatre into the community.

So far the company has taken twenty productions on tour around London and the Home Counties; find out more at www.rahrahtheatre.com.

familiesse.co.uk

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

Finalement, to France! ’Tis that time of year when we adults get to run amok outside al fresco while the children sulk inside watching Freesat channels and moaning about not having Wifi. The truth is, we borrow next door’s network. They don’t mind but it does mean if you want to check your email and aren’t inclined to go and knock on their door, exchange air kisses and accept a string of aperitifs that improve your French immeasurably but make you completely forget the reason why you went round there in the first place, you have to wave your phone about like a butterfly collector to catch your messages. The children’s father insists he gets the best signal standing naked in the shower with his laptop in the furthest bathroom in the house. Don’t try this at home folks.

HOW TO BE FRENCH by Alex Quick & Cyn Bataille - Murdoch Books rrp £7.99. Obviously I don’t need this book because I slip so seamlessly into the Gallic character that I even remember to take my own bags into le supermarché.

Something I consistently forget to do in Sainsbury’s. And say what you like about being in the European Union, there is a distinct lack of torn orange placcy bags hanging from trees across the French countryside. If, however, you are one of those whose attempts at assimilation are invariably rebuffed by the exquisitely baffled countenance of, say, the impeccably made-up female in white coat and stilettos at la pharmacie for whom you have just mimed the description of your child’s holiday constipation, this title is for you. You may emerge with a suppository you didn’t think you needed but you’ll feel a whole lot better about meeting her eye when you pay for it.

THE THREE DAY NANNY by Kathryn Mewes - Vermilion rrp £12.99. For your information, French children DON’T eat everything, ARE rude to grown-ups and definitely DO throw tantrums. I actually witnessed this last time I was there when an angelic looking boy clad head-to-toe in Petit Bateau abandoned his galette and lay on the floor of a café terrasse yelling: Non! Non! Non! at his mother. Zut alors. She stubbed her cigarette out and somewhat ironically commented: Emile, ce n’est pas sage…. But British telly’s latest toddler whisperer would agree that the best response is a calm one. Be positive, be consistent and employ The Back. Fortunately, this is one of the list of skills you already own and it costs nothing. Others include the Magic Coat Flip, for inserting stubborn children into warm clothing, and the Ear Switch, for when the whining is driving you nuts.

NAPPY FREE BABY by Amber Hatch - Vermilion rrp £9.99. I cannot be the only one that sniggered at this author’s name...

Oh, right. I am. Well, the laughter stops here because she is VERY serious about her subject. The truth is all kids learn how and where to deposit their business eventually, but if you are one of those for whom an obsession with your baby’s bowel movements is more a complete belief system than a mere discussion point over cake in the park caff, then this eye-watering guide will save you a fortune on Pampers. A word of warning though, dedication is the watchword. That and wet-wipes. And if all else fails, try the old Irish childminder method: do a wee, get a sweetie, do a poo, get two. There doesn’t seem to be a chapter on that though.

CALM PARENTS, HAPPY SIBLINGS by Dr Laura Markham, rrp £12.99, is another from the Ebury imprint, Vermilion and the universal affliction of sibling rivalry is addressed forehead to forehead. Speaking as one whose son had his first visit to A & E at 6 weeks when his two year-old sister bounced him like a beach-ball on concrete, and who subsequently spent the first year of his life inside a lobster pot playpen with a cat net over the top to stop her lobbing plates in, I have form. Some of it is obvious: think about spacing your pregnancies (granted, not always at the top of one’s thoughts when that second bottle of wine and your first born sleeping through conspires with an international break and therefore no Match of the Day) as well as not shouting (apart from “someone call an ambulance” natch’). Other stuff, like the genuine psychology of hate between your beloved progeny, takes some facing up to.

GRUMBUG by Adam Stower - Templar rrp £6.99. There is

sibling trouble of a different variety here. Where as my lot would happily have shoved each other through the flap of the nearest mixed recycling bank if I so much as looked away to see if the bus was coming, Oliver is a whole lot more concerned for his sister’s safety, so when she disappears up Munch Mountain, he doesn’t think twice about going to her rescue. Though he may well have done had he known what was at the top.

IT MUST HAVE BEEN YOU by Zanib Mian & Fatima Mian Sweet Apple rrp £5.99. This is a tale of mindless boredom.

We’ve all been there. Long ago aged four, I persuaded my toddler sister to help me tip every single bottle of shampoo and bubble-bath we could find down the toilet. And then I flushed it.

Who knows why. My mum only ever smacked me once during my entire childhood, and that was when finally she located me in the tumbling foam. Restraint is the order of the day in this family, despite the mess created on a whim. Wisely here the protagonist tidies up after herself and all is forgiven.

GO TO SLEEP MONTY! by Kim Geyer - Andersen rrp £11.99.

Monty has his own ideas of what constitutes acceptable behaviour as puppy dogs are wont to do. Meanwhile owner Max is seriously sleep deprived and discovers that the best spot to kip is the one place his mischievous pooch isn’t interested in - the dog basket. By the way, those PJs are going straight in the machine.

FISH IS FISH by Leo Lionni - Andersen rrp £6.99. A re-issue from the ‘70s, awash with colour and that wonderfully eerie psychedelic ambience that distinguished the era, I am firmly of the belief that when reading with your child, one should ONLY look at picture books that you like. That is why you will not find Spot the Dog on these pages.

A FOREST by Marc Martin - Templar rrp £7.99. A simple book with a simple ecological message; if, to paraphrase the great Joni, you pave paradise and put up a parking lot, you’ll ruin it for everyone.

THE SECRETS OF THE WILD WOOD by Tonke Dragt Pushkin rrp £16.99. And speaking of trees, the sequel to The Letter for the King has finally hit the mat and I discover the saga of good and evil interwoven is the ideal response to that miserable adolescent complaining that he can’t get on to Twitch because he is - poor soul - on holiday. This is what the world does when they can’t get onto a video gaming platform son, they lie beneath it and read a rollicking story instead.

LORALI by Laura Dockrill - Hot Key rrp £6.99. And whatever happens, your just know your twelve plussers will be entertained if this Brit School alumna so much as wafts a pen near some paper, so when this accomplished story-teller's hero Rory finds an ex-mermaid washed up on the beach, we are guaranteed nothing pedestrian will follow.

LOTS OF THINGS TO SPOT ON HOLIDAY by Hazel Maskell - Usborne rrp £5.99. This kind of spot will you will find, however.

Sadly, my brood aren’t so easily distracted anymore but yours will enjoy identifying all the stuff they are going to enjoy when they finally get there.

CARAVAN, A GREAT BRITISH LOVE STORY by Gareth Iwan Jones - Frances Lincoln rrp £12.99. Apart from anyone in the car behind it, who doesn’t love a caravan, eh? I know that my raging desire to escape has been somewhat evident in these pages recently and that I may also be exhibiting signs of encroaching middle-age (we all have to shrug the shackles of our thirties sooner or later, afterall...) but this homage to holidays latched to a tow-bar manages to be honest and evocative.

Personally I have always been fascinated by the utterly inappropriate names the manufacturers give those lumbering vehicles - the Swift Challenger 620, the Comet, the Bailey Pegasus - that will no doubt be straining up an inside lane this summer. I am under no illusion however, as I frogmarch my miserable children to a 200 year-old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, that within those clumsy mis-monickered fibre-glass boxes on wheels, you get a much, much better internet service.

Bonnes vacances tout le monde!

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk familiesse.co.uk

july / august 2015 - families south east

11

family life

Avoiding the word ‘no’

by Kathryn Mewes Fran and Clive have two children, Florrie and Isaac.

Florrie is six years old and very well behaved. She likes to please people and is very popular with her friends at school. Isaac is three and a half years old and attends nursery school five mornings a week.

He behaves well at school but is described as being ‘headstrong’. At home he is very determined to get his own way and he hates to hear the word ‘no’ - he immediately starts to shout and throw things around in fury and frustration.

Clive works full time and usually only gets home once the children are in bed. Fran works part time three days a week and the children have a nanny on those days. The children both behave well for the nanny and Isaac gets on very well with her. The main challenge occurs in the house when Fran says ‘no’ to Isaac. Fran is very strong-minded and won’t back down and neither will Isaac and this situation usually ends in shouting from them both and then tears. Fran does stay true to her word and doesn’t back down to Isaac, but equally she wishes that they didn’t have to have these regular battles.

How the children are affected Isaac seems to either be very content or is suddenly raging at his mother. He hasn’t learnt how to accept and manage his emotions. There is frustration in him as he doesn’t like to get angry and doesn’t understand why it is happening. He is now at the stage where he thinks it is the norm for him and his mother to communicate by shouting at one another.

Florrie is a well-balanced and laid-back little girl.

She is aware that Isaac is a ‘handful’ for Mummy and she thrives on knowing she is ‘the good girl’.

Tools needed • Shout Spot • Incentive System (fill-it-up marble jar)

Skills needed • Ask, Tell, Warn, Act

Fran’s feelings

Making the change

Fran feels very frustrated because she sees Clive having fun and games with Isaac at the weekends and he never really needs to say ‘no’ to him. Fran feels as if she is the ‘bad cop’ while Clive is the ‘good cop’. Clive will often say, ‘Let him have what he wants’ to Fran, but she doesn’t agree with giving in.

Florrie can often get lost in the midst of all the shouting, but she is very happy and content in socialising with her friends and staying out of the way when the shouting starts.

Clive and Florrie have similar calm personalities while Fran and Isaac are the more fiery ones in the family. Fran doesn’t feel that she likes her son very much as he is continually battling with her, but she knows things have to change and she is willing to try anything.

Fran and Clive sit down one night and discuss how things can change. They decide on the following: • House rules are needed • Isaac should be guided to his bedroom, which is his Shout Spot (tool) when he is becoming cross.

He is to be told, ‘Go and get your shouts out in your bedroom and come down when you are quiet and calm.’

• Fran and Clive need to ensure that Isaac’s room is safe and that there is nothing precious and breakable in there • A lock is going to be put on the master-bedroom door • Clive, as well as Fran, is going to discipline Isaac.

This will be done by using Ask, Tell, Warn, Act (skill), followed by Isaac being put in his bedroom (his Shout Spot)

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families south east - july / august 2015

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• An Incentive System (tool) is going to be introduced (the fill-it-up marble jar) for following the rules • Fran is going to avoid the word ‘no’ and think of alternatives to use instead. She is going to be calmer in her approach.

At the start of the weekend the family sit together and have breakfast. The house rules and fill-it-up marble jar Incentive System are explained, ‘Every time you are able to listen and do as you are asked a marble goes in the jar. We are going to do this all week and next weekend, if the jar is full, we will have a family reward.’

Fran then explains to Isaac how she is going to stop shouting, ‘I am going to try very hard. Now, if anyone starts to shout or scream they will have to spend time in their bedroom on their own until they feel calm. You then come downstairs when you are ready and we won’t talk about it any more.’ PAUSE. ‘Does everyone understand this?’ Fran hopes for a reply at this point, but there is a deathly silence. She carries on anyway, ‘Okay, let’s start now. Please can you help clear the table, Florrie and Isaac?’ As soon as they do as they are asked they both get a marble to go in the fill-it-up jar. Florrie responds first and Isaac follows, motivated by the need to get a marble if Florrie is having one!

The day continues, with marbles being given out and Isaac being taken to his room twice by Clive and three times by Fran. However, they both notice how his rages calm down quicker each time.

At one stage in the day Fran takes herself off to her room and makes everyone aware that she doesn’t want to shout (so she needs to disappear for a few moments). She is working very hard to fight her instinct to shout at Isaac. He does push the boundaries, but in general if Fran is focused and patient he does do as he is asked. Fran just has to find her calm and patient place.

At the end of the day, Clive and Fran feel far more united as a couple. Fran loves the fact that Clive has stepped up and is disciplining Isaac and Clive likes the fact that Fran is doing so well at being patient with Isaac and not shouting.

One step at a time, but after a good first day the parents are willing to continue with this new approach. It beats all the shouting!

Read more For more advice on solving parenting problems, The Three Day Nanny: Your Toddler Problems Solved by Kathryn Mewes is out now, published by Vermilion rrp £12.99; or go to her website to find out about her bespoke service; www.bespokenanny.com.

familiesse.co.uk

What’sNew Compact car safety seat A team of top designers, engineers and industry experts have together revolutionised the way that traditional booster seats work.

While most seats raise a child upwards to fit an adult seat belt, mifold’s unique patented design does the exact opposite. The seat actively lowers the adult seat belt to fit the child snugly, away from the stomach and the neck, making it comfortable, safe and easy to use for children from the age of four all the way up to 12 years. Furthermore, when packed it’s smaller than an iPad, so it’s perfect to pop in a bag to take on holidays, outings with grandparents or school friends, or for when there’s a surprise additional child who needs a ride.

The product is backed by JamJar, the London investment fund run by the Innocent Drinks co-founders. Pre-orders at £23 are being taken now through mifold’s crowdfunding campaign.

By pre-ordering, you will not only be helping the product come to fruition but you will be given a huge saving as well as some other exciting opportunities.

To find out more and to be one of the first people to own a mifold, visit www.mifold.com.

Funky sun protection Sand Dollar Swim is a hot new name in children’s sun protection.

Launched by ex-model and fashion designer Maureen Dolan, this luxury UV protective swimwear for children is sizzling hot.

The most recent launch is their wrist snap sunglasses.

Available in pink or blue, these super cool sunglasses can be worn around your wrist by snapping them against your arm, then simply straighten out the arms, unfold the frames and pop them on your face for 100% UV protection from the sun.

The sunglasses are £24. For the full collection of UV protective rash vests, shorts, one piece suits, bikini bottoms and hats, visit www.sanddollarswim.com

Court of appeal issues guidance on child cases A recent decision of the Court of Appeal has emphasised the importance of the provision of good quality, relevant evidence in cases involving children (writes Mandeep Clair).

The case concerned a council’s decision to place two children up for adoption against their mother’s wishes. In such cases, the stakes are high as the future of the child, as well as that of his or her family, is in point.

The Court also stressed that it is essential for the judge hearing the case to provide sufficient reasoning for his or her decision. This should include a comprehensive evaluation of the possible options and should take a ‘global’ evaluation of the child’s welfare.

In refusing the mother’s application to overturn the decision of the Family Court, the Court of Appeal set out detailed guidance for judges on the factors to take into account when making such decisions.

Mandeep Claire is a local solicitor dealing with all the legal aspects of family life. With offices in Greenwich and Blackheath, Grant Saw offer a first fixed fee appointment of £100+ VAT in respect of relationship breakdown and/ or issues concerning children. For advice and help with any family law matter, call Mandeep on 020 8858 6971, email mclair@grantsaw.co.uk or see www.grantsaw.com.

A leopard in the house With a snuggly warm hood and adorable ears, Cuddledry’s double-layered Snow Leopard towel will make getting your little one out of the bath or swimming pool more fun. What’s more, money from each sale will go to the World Wildlife Fund to help conserve the real animals in the wild.

Made from gorgeous organic cotton and eco friendly bamboo fibre, the towel is part of a range, £34 from Cuddledry.com.

Wear more rubber This British weather may be unpredictable but Converse provides the perfect kids’ shoe to see you through all occasions - the CTAS Rubber Chuck Taylor All Star.

100% water-resistant with a soft fleece lining for comfort and warmth and available in a range of popping colours, these are just the job for muddy fields and rainy days, rrp £34.99 from stockists including Office.

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familiesse.co.uk

july / august 2015 - families south east

13

School Shoes • Babies • Pre-walkers • Toddlers • Teens

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Dairy Dates For Grownups Summer & After School After School Childcare Childcare Mini Champions is a comfortable, safe, friendly and stimulating environment for your child to enjoy after school.

NEW School after school club holiday care opening at Malhamprovided Christian Centre in September 2015

Offering activities to enrich young minds: Games, Sports, Baking, Arts & Craft, IT access, Study support stations and lots more!

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY HOURS: 8.00am-6pm DAYS: Monday-Friday HOURS: 3.15pm-6pm DAYS: Monday-Friday ADDRESS: Road,Sydenham SydenhamSE26 SE264HH 4HH ADDRESS:StStMichaels Michaels Church, Church, Champion Champion Road,

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SOUTH LONDON DANCE STUDIOS

CRYSTAL PALACE FOOD MARKET

SYDENHAM ARTS FESTIVAL

Saturdays, Haynes Lane SE19 3AP, www.crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk Locally sourced meats, fresh fish, fruit & veg, eggs, cheese, raw milk, artisan bread, cakes and hot food, on sale in the heart of Crystal Palace.

Open 10am-3pm every Saturday, with regular events as well (check first as these are subject to change).

THE MAN FROM STORY MOUNTAIN, 4 July and 29 August. Tales to enthral, inspire, and send you away on wings, told by children’s author and professional storyteller Adrian Beckingham. 11am, 12, 1+2pm, suggested donation: £1. Http://storymountain.eu WAGGLE & HUM, 11 July. Songs and rhymes with puppets with Fiona Byers from Upper Norwood Children’s Library. 10.30-11.30am, ages 0-2 years. Free but donations for the library welcome www.uppernorwoodlibrary.org SECRET ADVENTURERS’ CLUB, 18 July. Arts and crafts activity with the Secret Adventurers Club. Suggested donations £1. Suitable for ages 5 upwards www.secretadventurersclub.com BUGS CLUB, 18 July and 15 August at Westow Park Edible Garden.

Forest School and nature activities for 3-8 year-olds with Charlotte Taylor-Page. 11am, £3 per child, £5 per family (includes a small snack and juice). www.makedoandfriend.uk.

In and around SYDENHAM SE26 ARTISTS’ TRAIL, 4-5 and 11-12 July. Over 100 artists across the area will be welcoming visitors, exhibiting their work, running workshops and offering affordable, original art for sale. Venues include artist’s houses and studios, cafes, exhibition spaces and TNG (The New Generation) youth centre in Wells Park Road. Find the trail, venues and more information at www.sydenhamartists.co.uk.

WATERLOO FOOD FESTIVAL 2015 1-31 July, in and around SE1, www.wearewaterloo.co.uk The Waterloo Food Festival is back with a packed programme of events and offers showcasing the vibrant mix of food and drink venues to be found in SE1. This year the Festival includes ‘Super Saturdays’, when Lower Marsh Market will take on a celebratory feel with a series of guest markets: START UP SATURDAY, 4 July will showcase food entrepreneurs NO BOOT CAR BOOT, 11 July. Browse for treasures at this ‘no boot’ car boot sale FAMILY FETE & CLASSIC CARS, 18 July. A quintessential, family-friendly country fete alongside Waterloo Classic Car Club display SCOOT THE THAMES & VINTAGE MARKET, 25 July. A wonderful celebration of 50s & 60s fashion, art and culture.

SPANISH LUNCHES WITH CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS Saturdays and Sundays, IBERICA Restaurant, 12 Cabot Square E14 4QQ, 020 7636 8650, www.olekids.com Enjoy authentic tapas for a relaxing weekend lunch while your children take part in a free Spanish workshop with Olé Kids, filled with traditional games, books and stories.

The Great Outdoors Dance classes for children and adults Enthusiastic and creative teachers Exceptional ISTD examination results Shows and competitions Contact us for information and to enrol for new classes starting in September 130 Herne Hill, SE24 9QL 020 7978 8624 info@southlondondancestudios.co.uk www.southlondondancestudios.co.uk

BRIXTON WINDMILL July and August weekends, BRIXTON WINDMILL, Windmill Gardens SE2 5EU, www.brixtonwindmill.org A windmill in south London - yes! Visit the ‘two mills in one’ and hear the intriguing story of the Ashby family. You will see the original wind-powered machinery and find out how it was once used to make stone ground flour. Tours take around 40 minutes and need pre-booking.

THE SUNWALK FESTIVAL 12 July, BATTERSEA PARK SW11 4NJ, www.walkthewalk.org/challenges/TheSunWalkLondon Have a grand day out at The SunWalk Festival London, a brilliant event for all the family. With a fabulous jungle theme, there will be plenty to see including live music from the All Stars Collective and retro singers the Tootsie Rollers; children’s entertainers, a funfair and great food (plus a licensed bar showing Wimbledon for the tennis addicts among you).

The event includes a fundraiser for breast cancer causes, with three different sponsored walks ranging from 5k to a half marathon. Festival admission free, SunWalk challenge entry fee £27, children free.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE HAMPTON COURT PALACE, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, 0844 482 7777, www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace A ticket to Hampton Court includes access to the palace, maze and gardens, an audio guide, costumed guided tours, children’s activity trails, entry to the Cumberland Art Gallery, a living Tudor world, the Young Henry VIII exhibition and much more! Open 10am-6pm Mondays to Sundays, admission £48.20 for families, less when booked online.

MOVIE MAKER MISSION, selected dates from June to August.

Hampton Court is turning five centuries of terrific tales into five minutes of animation. Help the team create thousands of drawings of the palace, its people and possessions. Pick up top drawing and animation tips, and take part in free themed hands-on workshops and activities: see www.moviemaker.hrp.org.uk.

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families south east - july / august 2015

SUMMER AT BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Tuesdays 21 July - 27 August, BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ, www.batterseapark.org Meet the animals, help feed them and join in with art activities. This year there will be a ssssSnake Day, Meerkat Day, Wildcat Day, Australian Animal Day, Piggy Day and more. Animal Story Time Days invite children to make a picture and a badge before meeting the real life characters!

Admission fees apply, plus a small fee for various activities.

IGHTHAM MOTE IGHTHAM MOTE, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote Described as the best example of a small medieval manor house in the country, Ightham Mote is a moated manor house dating from 1320.

The main features of the house span many centuries from a great hall through to the last owner’s library dressed from 1950s; there is an extensive and beautiful garden, children’s natural play area, and sign-posted walks on the surrounding estate. Open 11am-5pm until 31 October. Entry from £5.40 children, £10.80 adults, £27 families.

SUMMER CELEBRATION, 18 July. Traditional village summer celebrations, with a gardeners’ club summer show, nearly 30 local stall holders and fun for the little ones. 10am-5pm.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN, 25 July - 1 September. With a natural play area, quizzes and trails, there’s plenty to keep the family busy in the holidays. Look out for themed Thursdays, with 1980s revisited, 50 things challenge, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, archaeological fun and brass rubbing.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, 29 August. Illyria’s open-air family theatre with magic, laughter and lots of water. 5.30pm start, adult tickets £15, children £9, book on 0844 249 1895.

familiesse.co.uk

IGHTHAM

M MOTE

PLAY TENNIS FOR FREE

LEEDS CASTLE

BUSY BEES

HEVER CASTLE

18 July, HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE, Holland Park W8 6LU, 020 7938 8186, www.rbkc.gov.uk Discover the world of bees and their importance as pollinators as you explore the Holland Park Ecology Centre and garden. There will be bee craft activities for children. Drop-in, free, open to children and adults.

2-6pm.

HEVER CASTLE, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG, 01732 865224, www.hevercastle.co.uk Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle which was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself. Children can let off steam in the adventure playground, while visitors of all ages enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the Water Maze and the 100 year old Yew Maze. There’s a fascinating collection of Miniature Model Houses, a boating Lake and a warm welcome awaits you in the shops and restaurants. Gardens open 10.30am, castle opens 12noon. Family tickets from £37.

JOUSTING TOURNAMENTS, 18+19 July; 8+9, 15+16, 22+23 and 28 August. The Knights of Royal England return to battle it out at the annual Jousting Tournament. Spectators are treated to a thrilling display of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. MEDIEVAL WEEKEND, 25+26 July. Try on a suit of armour or dress up as a knight or princess at the castle’s Medieval Weekend. Then support your chosen knights in the spectacular Jousting Tournaments taking place over the weekend.

PAWS AT THE CASTLE, 1+2 August. A weekend of displays, entertainment and a fun dog show for visitors and their pets. Dogs welcome on leads.

TUDOR LIVING, 29+31 August. See a Tudor encampment, re-enactments and stalls, with thrills and spills as brave knights compete in a Jousting Tournament.

PLAY TENNIS FOR FREE 1+2 August, COUNTRYWIDE, www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/OpenDays The Great British Tennis Weekend is back. Thousands of free events across the country will offer the chance for the whole family to experience Highland Spring Mini Tennis, Cardio Tennis, coaching and relaxed free play.

Rackets and balls are provided and absolutely anyone can get involved, whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or are a seasoned regular. Find a venue and book your session on the event website.

LEEDS CASTLE LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, 01622 767866, www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Grounds open 10am daily, admission to castle and grounds free for under 4s, children £13.50, adults £21, valid for a whole year.

FALCONRY DISPLAYS, daily until 30 September. Free flying demonstrations take place at 2pm in the falconry area in front of the maze. Lasting around 30-40 minutes, visitors can marvel at a range of birds including hawks, vulture, falcon and owls.

ROBIN HOOD: OPEN AIR THEATRE, 7 August.

Have a joyful, fun-filled family picnic, while you watch a hilarious musical show aimed at children aged 3 to 12. Boys and girls are invited to dress in their best Sherwood fashion on the day. Under 3s free, tickets £12 children, £14 adults, book first 01622 880008.

UP AT THE 02 The 02, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, 020 8463 2000, www.theo2.co.uk Climb over the 02’s iconic roof and complete a rewarding personal challenge. An explorer in your climb suit, boots and harness; clip onto the walkway, go on up and admire the view. Your climb guide will be with you every step of the way to tell you about the sights. Tickets from £26, book first.

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14-16 August, next to the ELECTRIC THEATRE, Onslow Street, Guildford GU1 4SZ, Surrey, www.experienceguildford.com Enjoy all the fun of the seaside this August as the banks of the River Wey are transformed into Guildford-on-Sea, a pleasure beach for all the family slap bang in the centre of town.

Located next to The Electric Theatre, Guildford’s urban beach will come complete with bucketfuls of sand, deck chairs, balloons, beach huts and seaside shows to entertain the whole family. Guildford-on-Sea promises to make waves throughout the town, with a great selection of summertime entertainment, fun beach inspired characters parading up and down the high street and hot promotions and offers from the town centre’s shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses.

10am-4pm, free.

Events and Attractions THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London.

PLANTASTIC, Until 1 November. Explore the wonderful world of plants on a massive scale. From giant seeds and exploding cucumbers to sun-seeking flowers and a huge crawl-through root system, Plantastic’s interactive exhibits and games bring visitors up close to all kinds of fantastic plant life revealing how plants are essential for life on Earth. Special discovery and craft events run alongside the exhibition during school holidays. £3.85 per child, £7.15 adult, £18.15 family.

PLANTASTIC GARDENS, until 1 November. Three themed gardens - Anatomy of a Flower, Sunseekers and Planting for Pollinators have ‘popped up’ at the Horniman Museum and Gardens.

GAMBADO PLAYCENTRE NATWEST SPORTS GROUND, Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1NZ, 020 8662 6910, www.gambado.com/clubs/beckenham Gambado Beckenham boasts one of the largest indoor play frames in greater London, plus special dodgems and a carousel. Children can play, learn, explore and party in a healthy, fun and safe environment while parents can kick back in the cafe bar. Open 9.30am6.30pm daily, admission from £6.60 children, £2.95 adults plus a registration fee of £5.50 on your first visit.

Ofsted-registered holiday activity camps are run by fully qualified managers who run themed activities, with lunch, snacks and drinks included. Open 8am - 6pm, book first.

familiesse.co.uk

july / august 2015 - families south east

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HEVER CASTLE

THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

SHREK’S ADVENTURE

SCIENCE MUSEUM

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

THE POWER OF POISON Until 6 September, OLD TRUMAN BREWERY, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury Street E1 6QR, 020 3773 8995, www.powerofpoison.co.uk For as long as people have created myths, they’ve told stories about the mysterious powers of poison. What evolved in animals and plants as a defence against predators or a means of preying has been used by humans throughout history for magic, murder, villainy and, more recently, to create ground-breaking medical breakthroughs.

The Power of Poison explores the role of poison in nature, myth and human health. Visitors will encounter some of history’s most puzzling poisoning cases, step into the pages of fairy tales, use clues to solve poisoning mysteries, and take part in a live theatre presentation to help unravel a real-world case of poisoning as this fascinating exhibition examines how toxins shape our lives. This family-friendly exhibition creates an engaging and immersive environment through the use of interactive components, models, multimedia and live animals. Open daily, tickets from £8 children, £13 adults, £37 families.

SHREK’S ADVENTURE 1 July until December, Riverside Building, COUNTY HALL, South Bank SE1 9PB, www.shreksadventure.com Step into the action and star in a hilarious and unforgettable all-new Shrek adventure. Your journey will take you - via a spectacular 4D bus ride - to famous Far Far Away locations including Shrek’s Swampy home complete with Ogre-sized toilet, The Poison Apple Pub and The Muffin Man’s House. Along the way you’ll meet some of its most famous residents brought to life through a mix of actors and animation - Princess Fiona, Gingy the Gingerbread Man, Pinocchio and Puss in Boots to name just a few. At the end of the adventure there’s more fun to be had with a colourful line-up of other DreamWorks characters in themed sets from the worlds of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. Open 10am-6pm daily, timed tickets from £18.72 children, £23.40 adults.

LONDON SEALIFE AQUARIUM SEA LIFE London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road SE1 7PB, 0871 663 1678, www.visitsealife.com/london See thousands of sea creatures in over two million litres of water, living in over 65 displays over three floors. Brave the Shark Reef Encounter, join in with public feeding sessions and watch the diving displays. There are real penguins too! Open from 10am daily, admission from £19.98 adults, £14.41 children.

100 STEPS. New for summer 2015, visitors can walk the length of the Thames in just 100 steps by entering a secret portal into the Thames Walk area, discovering the history of the river from the ‘Great Stink’ of Victorian times to today’s impressive cityscape. The zone also reveals the hidden world of hundreds of creatures and freshwater plants, swimming just feet away in the Thames.

LEGO DEEP SEA EXPLORERS, until 30 August. Get ‘hands on’ in a LEGO build zone and learn about the beautiful creatures around you while building models of sea creatures. All creations will be displayed in the aquarium ‘Wall of Fame’ until the end of the summer holidays, and all guests who complete a model will receive a goody bag.

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, 39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6433, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they are transported back in time at the historical and interactive London Transport Museum. Filled with buses, trains, and taxis they can take the wheel, try their hand as a tube conductor or bump around with the other passengers in the back, as they explore the vehicles of London’s past and present. Museum open 10am-6pm Mondays to Thursdays and weekends, from 11am Fridays. Admission free for under 17s, £16 adults. Tickets are valid for 12 months’ unlimited admission.

ALL ABOARD. In the museum’s exciting new playzone, children can get into the driver’s seat of a real bus, repair a mini Tube train and play in the ‘Lost Property’ office. They can also enjoy ‘sailing’ the Thames Nipper, serve passengers in the Nipper Cafe, fly the Emirates Air Line cable car, make driver announcements and help customers at the mini information desk using a magnetic message board, maps and clocks.

Ages 0-7 years.

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families south east - july / august 2015

THE FAMILY STATION. Visit the Family Station, pick up a coin bag and choose some activities to do as you explore the museum. Whether you fold your own bus and drive it between the vehicles, design your own poster-postcards or take photos through flickr frames, there is something here for families with children of all ages. Open weekends and school holidays, suitable for families with 3-12 year-olds.

LONDON PLACES & SPACES, until 6 September. 100 illustrations capture a variety of aspects of London’s unique character and qualities.

Together they show a multi-layered metropolis and reflect the city’s distinct personality and communities; from grand scale architecture and famous landmarks to London’s secret spaces and places - used for commerce and work, leisure and living. All the artworks are entries for the prestigious Prize for Illustration.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

MASKERADE, 23 July - 28 August. Explore the bank’s flora and fauna by following a trail, and then become the animal of your choice by colouring a mask to take home.Take your pick from a variety of creatures including mighty lions, wise owls, and the popular characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’, whose author Kenneth Grahame worked at the Bank for 30 years.10am-4.30pm.

THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery, The Foundling Museum reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. It houses significant collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors, social history and music. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 16s, £8.25 adults.

INTRODUCTORY GALLERY. Showcasing a decade’s research into the Hospital’s archive, the introductory gallery takes visitors on an emotional journey through the history of London’s first home for children who would otherwise have been abandoned. New displays of favourite objects offer visitors greater access and depth of information, while previously unseen items shed new light on the Foundling Hospital story.

LINES OF BEAUTY, until 6 September. The Foundling Museum is filled with decorative plasterwork throughout, from beautifully modelled relief panels, to an exuberant Rococo ceiling and stand-along artworks by modern modern master craftsman Geoffrey Preston. There will be two family workshops accompanying the exhibition on 28 July and 4 August.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

LONDON SEALIFE AQUARIUM

SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.

Ages 8-14, free.

ENGINEER YOUR FUTURE. Put your problem-solving skills to the test and explore engineering through large-scale, high quality interactive games and digital experiences. Discover some of the fascinating stories of women and men who work in engineering today, with striking objects and an accompanying film illustrating cutting-edge engineering. Suitable for ages 11+ CRAVINGS: CAN YOUR FOOD CONTROL YOU? From the flavours you learned to love in the womb to the very next bite you take, your appetite has been shaped by food. Through personal stories, fascinating objects and cutting-edge science and technology, Cravings explores the power food has over our bodies, brains and behaviour. This new exhibition will reveal how the brain, gut brain and gut bacteria work together to control our desire for food. Visitors will be able to discover how not one but two brains affect our cravings and take part in real experiments to uncover how our senses trick our brains into wanting more.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD, 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Dinosaurs, volcanoes, precious gems and creepy crawlies - discover the diversity of the natural world through the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. Fascinating exhibitions display up to 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals, with a hands-on education centre where you can meet real scientists at work. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, admission free.

CORAL REEFS: SECRET CITIES OF THE SEA. Until 13 September.

Find out why reefs are so important and how their future is being secured. The exhibition includes a live reef in the aquarium, a virtual dive and more than 200 strange and beautiful specimens including the gigantic Turbinaria coral, the venomous blue-ringed octopus, coral collected by Charles Darwin and spectacular underwater photography.

Plunge into spectacular seascapes, and explore the richness of life beneath the waves in these bustling cities of the sea. Admission £5 children, £11 adults.

SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES, until 13 September. Step through the humid greenery of a tropical butterfly house, and find chomping caterpillars, jewel-like chrysalises and beautiful butterflies. Follow the trail and interactive displays, while hundreds of striking butterflies and moths flutter above your head. Now in its seventh year, the exhibition is a firm favourite for families, as well as adults escaping the bustle of the city. Admission £6.50, families £22.

DINO SNORES, 18 July and 18 September. Discover what really happens at the museum when the staff and visitors have gone home.

Children aged 7-11 years, from 7pm to 9.50am the following day.

Tickets £60.

A NIGHT IN THE JUNGLE, 17 August. Sleepless nights are an occupational hazard when your job is collecting moths. Armed with light traps, insect repellent and sharp eyes, scientists go all over the world to study moths. Find out how they collect these creatures of the night and hear about some of the adventures they've had on their travels.

12.30-1pm and 2-3pm.

BAT FESTIVAL, 29+30 August. One out of every four British mammal species is a bat but most people know very little about them and few have ever seen one. A rare opportunity to learn more about bats, get involved in some batty activities, talks and workshops as well as getting to meet some bats up close. 10am to 5pm.

HMS BELFAST On the THAMES at The Queen’s Walk by Morgans Lane, Tooley Street SE1 2JH, www.iwm.org.uk Discover the exciting stories of those who served HMS Belfast; exploring the nine decks where sailors once hurried up and down its ladders, or take a look at the mess desk where her 950-strong crew ate and slept.

Open 10am-5pm, admission £16 adults, children £8, family tickets from £28.

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THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE. Immerse yourself in the Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

Overlooking the front of the ship, or Fo’c’sle, is the forward most of HMS Belfast’s Triple Gun Turrets.

Lights, audio, videos and projections will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. Entry included in general admission price.

THE TOURISTS, until 7 September. In 1962, at the height of the Cold War, HMS Belfast was making her last international voyage. The ship called at Trinidad exactly three months after Carnival. Artist Hew Locke imagines an alternative history with the ship arriving in time for these celebrations. By altering the ship’s normal displays he shows us the crew preparing to take part, as a fantasy narrative featuring dramatically costumed mannequins.

GOLDEN HINDE 1 Pickfords Wharf SE1 9DG, 020 7403 0123, www.goldenhinde.com Board the replica ship on Saturdays for a familyfriendly guided tour to find out about life at sea and Sir Francis Drake’s voyage around the world. Regular fun days with costumed staff feature Tudor life at sea, filled with gruesome stories, treasure hunts, battles and hands-on activities. Open 10am-6pm, £4.50 children, £6 adults, £10 families.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, South Bank, London SE1, 020 7620 0347, www.florence-nightingale.co.uk Uncover the lady behind the legend through a vivid retelling of her story and a look at how modern nursing began. The museum collection features highlights such as Florence’s pet little owl Athena as well as her lamp and medicine chest from the Crimean War, and visitors even use stethoscopes to hear the audio tour. Admission free for under 5s, £3.80 child, £7.50 adults, family tickets available.

All the summer activities listed below run as drop-ins from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, and are included with museum entry tickets.

SUN CATCHERS, 30 July. Make a gorgeous sun catcher to decorate your windows at home.

VICTORIAN POSTCARDS, 6 August. Use archive images of the Victorian seaside and design your own postcard to send to family and friends.

SUNGLASSES, 13 August. Be cool this summer and make your own sunglasses.

SUN HATS, 20 August. Be sun smart this summer and make a hat to keep you cool this summer.

SUNDIAL, 21 August. Sundials use the position of the sun to tell time. Now the sun is shining, make your own paper plate sundial.

SUN SAFE, 27 August. Visit the museum and learn how to be sun smart this summer. Be creative and make your own sunglasses and hat.

BEACH DAY: VICTORIAN SEASIDE, 28 August.

Enjoy a day at the Victorian seaside with a variety of drop-in workshops and activities. Create your own finger puppets for the museum’s Punch and Judy theatre, design your own postcard and take a photo in a seaside photo peep board.

MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, West India Quay E14, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands, and MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. Regular programmes of weekend and holiday events and workshops help visitors find out more about London’s history, covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life.

On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 020 7416 5000, www.iwm.org.uk IWM London has been transformed with ground-breaking First World War Galleries alongside a central atrium space with large object displays, shops and cafes. Family-friendly creative and object discovery sessions take place on Sundays.

Admission free.

FIRST WORLD WAR GALLERIES. Discover the story of the war - how it started, why it continued and its global impact, through the lives of those who experienced it at the time on both the front line and the home front across Britain and its empire.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - SPIES. Uncover the deadly world of spies in interactive exhibition aimed at families. Horrible Histories: Spiesbrings to life the horrible history of Second World War spies and their secret schemes, based on Terry Deary’s book. Adults £6.20, children £3.30.

A FAMILY IN WARTIME. Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. A Family in Wartime is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, recorded interviews with the family, archive film footage, paintings, personal documents and an intricate model of the Allpress family home.

FASHION ON THE RATION, until 31 August.

Explore the ways in which fashion adapted and even flourished during the Second World War, with items on display including a woman’s siren suit, the original ‘onesie’, and underwear made from RAF silk maps.

Adults £10, children £5.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HT, 020 7881 6606, www.nam.ac.uk The history of British land forces from 1485 to the present day, with costumes, paintings, artefacts and special displays telling the stories of men and women who served in British armies across the globe. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free.

ACTION ZONES. Learn about life as a Victorian soldier or World War evacuee through quizzes, games and hands-on activities.

KIDS’ ZONE. Under 8s can enjoy an exciting soft play area.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation. Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

BACK-PACKS, Saturdays. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games. 10.30am-5pm.

HMS BELFAST

SUMMER FESTIVAL, 26 July. An action packed afternoon of live music, dance, walkabout acts, delicious food, designer stalls, henna, face-painting, games and lots of crafty make and do, 11.30am4.30pm.

MONTESSORI FOR FAMILIES, 23 August.

Montessori educators will lead a practical workshop teaching fun, creative and useful techniques you can use at home to help your child’s learning. Free, drop-in, all ages, 11am-4pm.

AT HOME IN A DOLLS’ HOUSE, until 6 September.

This exhibition reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the UK’s best-loved dolls’ houses, taking you on a journey through the history of the home, everyday lives and changing family relationships.

The small stories of 12 dolls’ houses from the past 300 years will be brought to life by the characters that live or work there. Meet the residents and discover tales of marriages and parties, politics and crime.

IT’S MY PARTY. Take a look at children’s birthday parties from the perspective of both children and parents. The exhibition centrepiece is a life-sized installation telling the story of a party thrown for Wilfred, a shy resident of the museum.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee.

AGAINST CAPTAIN’S ORDERS, until 31 August.

A new family adventure run in conjunction with Punchdrunk Entertainment. With so much history secured in one museum: so many objects, so many stories, so many doorways to other times and other worlds, who knows who or what will turn up on this exciting journey. Exhilarating, enlightening and perhaps just a tiny bit dangerous, this is a theatrical expedition through the museum, the likes of which have never been seen before. Ages 6-12 plus parents, tickets £19.75.

THE GREAT MAP. Borrow a tablet and ‘set sail’ to explore distant lands, discovering stories of female pirates, Scott’s Antarctic expedition and more.

AHOY! Visit the museum’s new gallery where younger visitors can board a pirate ship, stoke the fire of a steamship, navigate an ice-breaker, and more, all under one roof. Under 7s, free.

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V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children. The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

THE ALICE LOOK, July and August. Get a whole new view of Lewis Carroll’s heroine in this display marking the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

familiesse.co.uk

CUTTY SARK CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays.

Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays, admission £7 children, £13.50 adults, from £24 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions.

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july / august 2015 - families south east

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NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

HMS BELFAST

MUSEUM OF LONDON

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITI

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

BRITISH MUSEUM BRITISH MUSEUM, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG, 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum was founded in 1753, the first national public museum in the world. Each year nearly 6 million visitors pour through the doors to see the museum’s collection of ancient and historical artefacts including the ever-popular Egyptian mummies, or to take in the latest block-buster exhibition. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charge for some exhibitions.

INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA, until 2 August. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' culture has continued for thousands of years in diverse environments ranging from lush rainforests to arid landscapes and today's urban areas. Discover their remarkable story and see objects drawn from the museum's unparalleled collection. Tickets free for under 16s, adults £10.

PRAMTASIA AND ‘CALL THE MIDWIFE’ TOUR 11 July, THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE, 01634 823852, www.thedockyard.co.uk and www.pramtasia2015.com Visit the Historic Dockyard for the chance to admire beautiful pre 1990s Silver Cross prams and have a guided tour of ‘Call the Midwife’ film locations. The day will include a pram and costume fashion show, a grand pram parade, stands with vintage products for sale, and cream teas. 10am-6pm, admission £19 adults, £11.50 children valid for 12 months; book first.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

HOMES OF THE HOMELESS, until 12 July. Huge numbers of Victorian Londoners made their homes in lodgings and lodging houses, renting a room or a bed in a building shared with strangers. Countless others could not afford to rent and were forced to turn to the workhouse and to shelters or slept rough in whatever shelter they could find. This exhibition explores the places the poor inhabited and brings them to life through paintings, photographs, and objects, as well as through personal stories and reports.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

SOUTHBANK

FIREPOWER - THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM ROYAL ARSENAL, Woolwich SE18 6ST, 020 8855 7755, www.firepower.org.uk Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich tells the powerful and dramatic story of artillery, scientific discoveries made through warfare and human stories of courage and endeavour. The ‘ground shaking’ Field of Fire audio-visual show puts you in the midst of battle as shells whizz overhead and guns roar. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Admission £2.50 children, £5.30 adults, £12.50 families.

HOLIDAY WEEKS, 28 July - 21 August. The museum will be running a series of family activities and workshops with different themes each week including rockets, WW1, Romans and heroes. Admission plus £4.50 to join in.

TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION TOWER BRIDGE, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP, 020 7403 3761, www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the small luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room. Enjoy stunning London views from over the Thames and continue to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the most famous bridge in the World. Tower Bridge still lifts to enable large ships to pass through - check the website before your visit to add to the excitement. There’s a free app, where you can play games and learn more about the iconic landmark before your visit. Open 10am-6pm April September, 9.30am-5.30pm October - March. Admission £3.40 children, £8 adults, family tickets from £12.50.

Theatre, Shows and Music KIDS WEEK 2015

GREENWICH THEATRE

1-31 August, WEST END THEATRES, www.kidsweek.co.uk

GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk MIRROR ME, 19 July. What if you could swap places with the person in the mirror...? Join Ani and her talking Parrot on an adventure full of mischief, music and mayhem as they find out what happens when you do. It’s a splenditickletacious world where you can do anything you want and never be told off. 2 and 4pm, tickets £6 concessions, £8.50 adults.

PINOCCHIO, 5-23 August. Pinocchio tells the story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one disastrous situation to another in search of adventure – only to discover that, in the end, all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father. Tickets £11 children, £16 adults.

The annual London theatre initiative Kids Week returns with an exciting line-up of more than 40 top London shows. For each full paying adult, a child aged 16 or under can see a production for free, and up to two extra children’s tickets can also be purchased at half price, per transaction.

Kids Week also has a fantastic range of free activities, events and workshops, offering the chance to go backstage, meet cast members, learn a dance and more. See the event website for the full line-up and book early as this is an understandably popular scheme.

STORY DAYS AT THE GLOBE Sackler Studios, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919, www.shakespearesglobe.com/education Dynamic and unforgettable retellings of Shakespeare’s stories by Globe Education story tellers, suitable for the whole family. Ages 6+. 11am and 2pm start. Tickets £15 for one adult and one child.

UNICORN THEATRE UNICORN THEATRE, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com UP CLUB, Saturdays. Join the Unicorn play club every Saturday. Take part in free activities from rocket building to portrait painting, giant Jenga tournaments, cake decorating and lots more. 12noon-1.30pm.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 5 August - 6 September, PALACE THEATRE, Cambridge Circus, Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7DY, 0844 482 9676, www.nimaxtheatres.com/palace-theatre He can huff and puff until the cows comes home, but will the Big Bad Wolf get the better of the three little superstar piglets in this brand new retelling of the classic story? Full of catchy songs, jokes and japes for little ones and parents alike, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter. For ages 3+. May not be suitable for vegetarians. Tickets from £15.

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families south east - july / august 2015

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEATRE ROYAL, Drury Lane, Covent Garden WC2B 5JF, 020 7850 8790, www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in an action packed West End musical directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.

Tickets from £16.50.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8PX, 0844 847 9944, www.southbankcentre.co.uk DRAGON BABIES, until 13 July on Mondays. Introduce your Dragon Babies to creative musical play through singing, movement and the beautiful sound of Gamelan percussion. Ages 3-5, 11am, tickets £5 for one adult and child.

MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL, until 27 September on Sundays. Why toddle when you can dance? This early childhood event lets parents and under-fives loose on the dance floor in the friendliest of discos. Under 5s and parents, tickets £8.

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS, until 19 July at Udderbelly. Cracking stand up comedy for everyone over the age of six. High-quality acts like John Robins, Stu Goldsmith and Nish Kumar perform their usual sets without the swearing or rude bits. Ages 6+, tickets from £10.

PHIL ELLIS’S FUNZ AND GAMEZ, until 21 June. Jim Elf and Bonzo the dog provide a giggle-packed hour of family fun where anything could happen. Expect prizes, laughter and plenty of Funz and Gamez to put you and the ‘kidz’ in the weekend spirit. Ages 5+, tickets £10.

OUR TEACHER’S A TROLL, until 18 July. Two terrible twins with a talent for turmoil rule their school with terror and tyranny - until the arrival of a new head teacher with green scaly skin, sharp fangs and a long spiky tail. Ages 7+, tickets £12 adults, £6 children. A British Sign Language interpreted performance takes place on Saturday 20 June.

THE KING OF TINY THINGS, 11-13 July. One magical midsummer’s night two sisters huddle together, fearful of what the darkness holds.

Suddenly, a mysterious winged creature appears and leads them on a moonlit walk. Tickets £10.

BROMANCE, until 19 July at Udderbelly. A hilarious, bittersweet and downright jaw-dropping celebration of everything blokey. Prodigal UK circus company Barely Methodical Troupe fuse their inner frats with a dazzling tour-de-force of cutting-edge circus prowess and physicaltheatre mayhem. For all ages but parental guidance recommended.

Tickets from £12.50.

BRAT KIDS CARNIVAL, 29 July - 2 August. See the finest circus artists and mischief makers from Briefs in this family-friendly show.Hula hoops at top speed, acrobatics at alarming heights and seriously cheeky clowning antics. Tickets £10.

A STING IN THE TALE 2 + 3 July, OVALHOUSE THEATRE, 52-54 Kennington Oval SE11 5SW, 020 7735 4553, www.ovalhouse.com Pupils from four Lambeth primary schools are working with Olivier Award-winning opera company English Touring Opera (ETO) for the third time to create a new opera from scratch. Sting in the Tale is based loosely on Aesopís Fables, and sees a group of children magically transported to a parallel universe as a “reward” for their demanding behaviour. Aged 8 to 10, the 30 pupils are from the Wyvern Federation, which comprises Vauxhall, Wyvil and Ashmole schools, and nearby Reay school. Public performance tickets are £6, and just £1 for under 12s.

Book first by phone or email ofice@vpscc.org.uk.

POLKA THEATRE POLKA THEATRE, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com DOT, SQUIGGLE AND REST, until 16 August What will you discover at the bottom of the garden?Join in a playful adventure as a fantastical garden becomes a miniature universe of dots, squiggles and shapes of all different shapes and sizes. Tickets £9 children, £11.50 adults.

GORILLA, 17 July - 16 August. When Hannah’s toy gorilla comes to life, dressed in her father’s coat and hat, they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure. Meet the world’s friendliest gorilla, from the classic awardwinning picture book by former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne, brought to life with puppetry, music and a giant sprinkling of Polka magic. Ages 4-7, tickets £10 concessions, £13.50.

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ION

‘CALL THE MIDWIFE’ TOUR

THE BASIL BRUSH SHOW

THE GRUFFALO

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE, Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA, 0844 248 5000, www.billyelliotthemusical.com Set against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot the Musical is the inspirational story of one boy’s struggle to realise his dream to dance against the odds. Featuring a timeless score by Elton John, sensational dance and a powerful story, Billy Elliot is an uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.

Tickets from £29.50, family tickets from £105.

THE GRUFFALO 1 July - 6 September, LYRIC THEATRE, Shaftsbury Avenue WC1, www.gruffalolive.com A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood... Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, based on the awardwinning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Expect songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.

There will be a BSL interpreted performance on 23 July, and an audio described performance on 30 July. Tickets from £14.50.

KIDS WEEK 2015

DRAGON BABIES

GORILLA

THE FAIRFIELD FAIRFIELD HALLS, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 8688 9291, www.fairfield.co.uk THE BASIL BRUSH SHOW, 22 July. Britain’s best-known fox is back on the road in a brand new stage show with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey). Packed with laughs, storytelling and song, you’ll also be able to meet Basil and Mr Stephen after the show. 11am and 2pm, tickets £13.50 children, £15.50 adults, £48 families.

PONGO’S PARTY, 1 August. Featuring Cbeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as the voices of Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the cow, this is a show full of fun, songs and laughter. Ages 3-7, 2pm, tickets £10.50 children, £12.50 adults.

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, 4+5 August. Judith Kerr’s wonderful tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along-songs and clumsy chaos.

Ages 3+, tickets £13.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

SWITCH ON NOW 6-11 July, DEPTFORD LOUNGE, 9 Giffin Street, Deptford SE8 4RJ, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk A festival of arts, mindfulness and wellbeing activities for all ages.

On offer will be NOW’s unique and playful approach to literature, performance, craft, poetry, visual arts, spoken word, music, mindfulness meditation and workshops, with family-friendly workshops on 7 and 11 July.

Art Activities DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Admission free for accompanied children, £6 adults.

Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

PIERRE-PAUL PRUD’HON: NAPOLEON’S DRAUGHTSMAN, until 15 September. Timed to coincide with London’s commemorations surrounding the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, ‘Prud’hon: Napoleon’s Draughtsman’, is the first UK exhibition devoted to Pierre-Paul Prud’hon (1758-1823), a painter and draughtsman who, through his distinctive and unconventional vision, emerged as one of the most exceptional talents working in post-Revolutionary Paris.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session.

Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

FREE FAMILY TRAIL. Ask a gallery assistant or stop by at the Gallery Friends desk for a free trail; updated frequently and available for the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

DROP IN FAMILY SUNDAYS. On the third Sunday of every month, families are invited to drop-in with children aged 3+ to take part in portrait-related events.

SOUNDSCAPES, 8 July - 6 September. ‘Soundscapes’ invites musicians and sound artists to select a painting from the collection and compose a new piece of music or sound art in response. Immersive and site-specific, the experience encourages visitors to ‘hear’ the paintings and ‘see’ the sound.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Free family workshops run on Saturdays from 2-3.30pm. Tickets available from 1pm from the information desk. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

SENSATIONAL SOUNDS, 29 August. A special sound themed, family festival day full of interactive performance and art workshops.

SUNDAY FAMILY ART CLUB THE CONSERVATOIRE, 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 020 8852 0234, www.conservatoire.org.uk Join the Conservatoire on the first Sunday in every month for a family art adventure. Each month there is a different themed activity and absolutely no experience is required as the sessions are led by a professional artist tutor. Pre book or just drop by, but places are limited. Max three children per family group. 10.30am-12noon, £15 per family.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE, 020 7306 0055, www.npg.org.uk The gallery features thousands of portraits of the most famous people in British history, from the 16th century to the present day. Open 10am-6pm daily.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance. Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him. From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

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FAMILIES AT THE TATE TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

july / august 2015 - families south east

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MASKerade 23 July–28 August 10:00am–4.30pm

Every Wednesday (15 July – 26 August) Make pompoms, your own jewellery, try decoupage or balloon modelling. Face painting fun, storytelling, hula-hooping and dancing.

Visit Greenwich Market and meet the best arts, craft and designer makers. Delicious street food.

Open Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am – 5.30pm Many shops open 7 days a week greenwichmarketlondon.com

Supporting the Royal Navy since 1694

Explore the Bank’s Flora and Fauna by following the trail, and then become the animal of your choice by colouring a mask to take home. Take your pick from a variety of creatures including mighty lions, wise owls, and the popular characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’, whose author Kenneth Grahame worked at the Bank for 30 years.

10:00am–5:00pm Share your experience @boemuseum Monday to Friday.

Closed weekends and T: 020 7601 5545 Bank Holidays. Entrance in Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Dulwich

Holiday Workshops!

Age: 4 - 7 years Date: 3rd - 7th August Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Cost: £125 per student/£100 sibling Age: 8 - 18 years Date: 3rd - 7th August Time: 10 am - 4 pm Cost: £160 per student/£120 sibling

020 8949 4116 www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich dulwich@stagecoach.co.uk

Book now to avoid disappointment

QUALITY TRAINING ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

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families south east - july / august 2015

familiesse.co.uk

Families South East Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

Wednesday Workshops for Crafty Kids

Free admission